Updates

2nd August, 2014: Kentish Gazette Reports for 1771, 1773, 1775 and 1776 Added. Many previously unpublished repoers from Folkestone Chronicle and Folkestone Herald Added.

British Lion 1910s

Folkestone Daily News 5-12-1912

Local News

It is with regret that we have to record the passing away of Mr. James Pankhurst, of the British Lion, on the Bayle. He died of the malignant scourge which takes of so many at about the age of 60, viz., cancer on the liver. Whether that complaint is more prevalent in Folkestone than other places we cannot say, but it is evidently being painfully brought to our notice by the loss of so many of our old friends.

Mr. James Pankhurst was an old friend and an old inhabitant, respected and loved by all who came in contact with him. He was one of the oldest jobmasters in the town, and his father before him. Modern science and the process of evolution has brought the taxi cab and motor carriage, but the old-fashioned, well-appointed carriage and pair, or carriage and four still has charm and attraction for those who love old custom. Mr. James Pankhurst was one of the smartest drivers in the town, and could handle the ribbons with the best. Whether single, landau, or four-in-hand, our old friend was equally expert and at home.

At the British Lion he has been the most genial host and landlord, and has always taken his part as a loyal and patriotic citizen. We join with the whole town in tendering our sympathy towards those he has left behind.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 7-12-1912

Local News

The funeral of the late Mr. J. Pankhurst, of the British Lion, The Bayle, took place at the Folkestone Cemetery on Monday afternoon, amidst many signs of mourning.

Folkestone Express 18-1-1913

Local News

At the Police Court on Wednesday the following licence was transferred: The British Lion, from the late Mr. Pankhurst to Mr. J. Pankhurst
 

Folkestone Herald 18-1-1914

Local News

At a special transfer sessions of the Folkestone Borough Bench, before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Major G.E. Leggett, Mr. R.J. Linton, and Mr. G. Boyd, the licence of the British Lion, The Bayle, was transferred to Mr. H. Pankhurst. It was explained that Mr. Pankhurst had in reality been carrying on the business for some time for his father, who recently died.

Folkestone Herald 27-1-1917

Felix

Duty took me to the last meeting of the Gardeners` Society, which holds its meetings fortnightly on the large club room of the famous old-time hostelry, the British Lion, on The Bayle. For many years has this self-same room served a useful purpose. It was here that the Victoria Lodge of Druids first saw the light of day; here, too, that many an old-time free-and-easy was held long before the people were so “good” as they are nowadays. It was here, too, that many Folkestone tradesmen were wont to gather to do their best with either a jovial song or recitation. They loved a chorus then, and I hear some of the old boys now singing in strident tones “Join in the chorus, Join in the chorus, Join in the chorus, It is a chorus song”.

And the company did join in until those old rafters rang again. The British Lion has a character about it not to be associated with any other licensed house in the town. Old fashioned, curiously constructed, it has an air of old-time comfort about it that is pleasant to note. The late Mr. James Pankhurst – and a better and juster man never lived – studied the comfort of his customers. The excellent smoking room is evidence of this. The fine old prints, the grandfather`s clock, the cosy fire, and excellent seating accommodation remind one of some of those famous old inns to be met with in Yorkshire.

I hold no brief for the present proprietor, Mr. H. Pankhurst, but this I do say; If all the licensed houses in Folkestone were made as comfortable as this, and conducted on the same excellent lines, there would not be such an outcry in some quarters as there is against such places. A delightful relic of the past, a real inn in the proper acceptance of the term – that is the British Lion.

 

Rendezvous 1900 - 1904

Folkestone Herald 9-2-1901

Local News

On Wednesday afternoon the mortal remains of Mr. John Procter, the late landlord of the Rendezvous Hotel, who died on February 1^st, were laid to rest in the cemetery, Cheriton Road.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-3-1901

Wednesday, March 9^th: Before Messrs. Wightwick, Pledge, Pursey, Stainer, and Salter.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was transferred from the late Mr. Proctor to Mrs. Proctor, his widow.

Folkestone Express 21-9-1901

Friday, September 13^th: Before T.J. Vaughan and J. Stainer Esqs., and Col. W. Keilly Westropp.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was temporarily transferred to John Kohlhammer, a German.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 26-10-1901

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before Messrs. W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Mr. Kohlhammer was granted the transfer of the licence of the Rendezvous Hotel.

Folkestone Express 26-10-1901

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs., and Col. Hamilton.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was transferred to John Kohlhammer.

Folkestone Herald 26-10-1901

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before Messrs. W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swofer, and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Mr. Kohlhammer was granted the transfer of the Rendezvous Hotel 

Folkestone Express 12-4-1902

Saturday, April 5^th: Before W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer, C.J. Pursey, and W. Salter Esqs., and ColonelC.J. Hamilton.

Mr. Wm. Everest was granted a temporary transfer of the licence of the Rendezvous Hotel.

Folkestone Express 26-4-1902

Wednesday, April 23^rd: Before Alderman G. Spurgen, Colonel W.K. Westropp, and W. Wightwick, W.C. Carpenter, G. Peden and J. Stainer Esqs.

Mr. Wm. Everest was granted a transfer of the Rendezvous Hotel

Folkestone Express 31-1-1903

Wednesday, January 28^th: Before Alderman Vaughan and Liuet. Col. Westropp.

Jack Marley was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises, and Peter Kelly for attempting to procure drink for an intoxicated person. Neither of the defendants put in an appearance. This is believed to be the first case under Section 7 of the new Act.

Wiliamm Everitt, landlord of the Rendezvous Hotel, said on Saturday night about 9.15 two men came into the bar. One of them, Marley, was drunk, and Kelly, who was sober, called for two half pints of beer and put down 2d. Witness refused to serve the men, and ordered them off the premises.

P.C. Sales said about 9.25 on the night in question his attention was drawn to the Rendezvous Hotel by a crowd assembled there. He went into the bar, where he heard the last witness say “What do you want to bring that drunken man in here for? Here`s your money. You get outside”. Turning to witness he then said “Constable, I want these men outside. They have had no drink in here”. Witness obtained Marley`s name and address. In company with Inspector Lilley he searched for the defendant Kelly, and at last found him in the Granville Inn, Dover Street. Witness took his name and address and told him he would be reported for attempting to procure liquor for a drunken person, to which Kelly replied “You won`t find me for I shall be missing”.

A fine of 5s. and 9s. costs, in default seven days` hard labour, was imposed on Marley, and in the case of Kelly a fine of 10s. and 9s. costs was inflicted, in default fourteen days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 31-1-1903

Wednesday, January 28^th: Before Mr. Vaughan and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.

Jack Morley was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises, and Peter Kelley was summoned under the new Act for attempting to procure drink for a drunken person. Neither of the defendants appeared.

William Everest, landlord of the Rendezvous Hotel, said the defendants came into his bar on the previous evening. The sober one asked for two half pints of beer, and laid down 2d. Witness refused to serve him.

P.C. Sales stated that he went into the bar and heard the last witness refuse to serve defendants. He saw the two defendants, and Morley was drunk. The last witness told him to order the men out of the bar, and he did so.

Morley was fined 5s. and 9s. costs, and Kelley 10s. and 9s. costs.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 30-5-1903

Monday, May 25^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Alderman Salter, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer, and C.J. Pursey.

Charles Kosh was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on Saturday afternoon, in High Street and Rendezvous Street.

P.C. Charles Johnston said that at 6.15 on Saturday he saw prisoner in High Street “rolling drunk”. He went into the Rendezvous Hotel, where the landlord refused to serve him. On coming outside he caused a disturbance, and witness was compelled to take him into custody.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and said he had got some work to do. If the Bench would give him a chance, he could get back in time to commence at 1 p.m.

The Chief Constable casually mentioned that this was Kosh`s twelfth appearance.

Fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days`. He elected to do the seven days`.

Folkestone Express 30-5-1903

Monday, May 25^th: Before Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Alderman Salter, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Charles Kosh was charged with being drunk and incapable.

P.C. H. Johnson stated that about six p.m. on Saturday he saw prisoner in High Street, rolling drunk. He went to the Rendezvous Hotel, but was refused drink. As he made a disturbance, witness took him into custody. There were 12 previous convictions against prisoner, the last offence being on the 2^nd of the present month.

Fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs; in default seven days`.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-2-1904

Saturday, February 13^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. C.J. Pursey and Mr. W.G. Herbert.

Mr. G.A. Godfrey, manager of the Northumberland Arms Hotel, Tottenham Court Road, London, applied for the transfer to him of the licence of the Rendezvous Hotel, at present held by William Everist.

The Chief Constable said that he had made inquiries of the Metropolitan Police, and that there was no objection against the transfer of the licence to the applicant.

The transfer was accordingly granted.

 

Folkestone Express 20-2-1904

Saturday, February 13^th: Before W. Wightwick, C.J. Pursey, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was temporarily transferred from William Everest to John Godfrey.

Folkestone Herald 20-2-1904

Saturday, February 13^th: Before Mr. W. Wighwick, Mr. C.J. Pursey, and Alderman W.G. Herbert.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was temporarily transferred from William Everest to George William Godfrey.

Folkestone Chronicle 5-3-1904

Wednesday, March 2^nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonels Fynmore and Westropp, and Mr. W.G. Herbert.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was transferred from Mr. William Everest to Mr. George Albert Godfrey.

 

Folkestone Express 5-3-1904

Wednesday, March 2^nd: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Westropp, and W.G. Herbert Esq.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was transferred from William Everest to Gorge Albert Godfrey.

A temporary authority was recently granted.

Folkestone Herald 5-3-1904

Wednesday, March 2^nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Westropp, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

The licence of the Rendezvous Hotel was permanently transferred from William Everest to George Albert Godfrey

Folkestone Chronicle 19-3-1904

County Court

Tuesday, March 15^th: Before Sir William Lucius Selfe.

William Everist v Flint and Co.: In this case William Everist, licensee of the Rendezvous Hotel, brought an action against Flint and Co., the proprietors, for damages in consequence of the refusal of the defendants to allow plaintiff to sell certain fixtures on disposing of the business to Mrs. Barnes.

Mr. de Wet appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendants were represented by counsel (Mr. Hayward), instructed by Messrs. Nicholson, Graham and Graham.

Counsel for the defendants stated at the commencement of the proceedings that the articles in dispute had originally numbered twelve, but of this his clients had withdrawn their claim to ten, leaving only a copper and a kitchen dresser in dispute.

Mr. William Everist, the plaintiff, said that he had entered into possession of the Rendezvous Hotel on April 2^nd, 1902, and had left on February 11^th, 1904. On entering he had paid his predecessor, Mr. John Coalhammer (sic), for the dresser and the copper, which were included in the inventory. On Jan. 12^th, 1904, he disposed of the lease and fitting to Mrs. Barnes, who was then informed by Mr. Hayward, who acted for him upon this occasion, that some of the articles could not be sold. Mr. Hayward had advised him, however, to proceed with the transfer, and afterwards sue Messrs. Flint and Co. for damages.

Under cross-examination witness said that the copper was built into the wall. He did not claim the things, but their value.

Mr. Henry Hayward, estate agent, said that he had had 35 years` experience in the transfer of licensed premises. It was usual to take a tenant`s inventory as his title deed. No new fixtures could come into the inventory without the brewers` knowledge. He himself knew that the dresser had been included in the valuation of the incoming tenant for 22 years. Witness remarked that the copper would be a landlord`s fixture in any but a public house.

Mr. Benjamin Twyman, who took the oath in Jewish fashion, said that his position was that of outdoor manager to Messrs. Flint and Co., but he had also a private practice as a valuer. It was the custom in transferring a business to hand on the inventory of the previous tenant.

Mr. Alexander Ward, managing director of the defendant company, was then called for the defence. From 14 years` experience he stated that incoming tenants did not purchase landlord`s fixtures from the outgoing tenant, as they were part and parcel of the freehold. Messrs. Flint and Co., when they purchased the business, had paid for the fixtures. The copper was an integral part of the building, and not a trade fixture, but for the use of the inmates of the house.

John William Truman, auctioneer and hotel valuer, spoke from 40 years` experience. When acting for Mrs. Barnes he had decided not to purchase the copper and dresser, as he had never known these things included in an inventory before.

Questioned by His Honour, witness confessed that he had omitted the fixtures after learning of the objection by the company.

Counsel then addressed His Honour at considerable length, and laid stress upon the importance of this case to his clients, who had purchased 114 licensed houses when taking over the business of Messrs. Flint and Sons.

His Honour gave judgement for the plaintiff, with costs, on £6 7s.

 

Folkestone Express 19-3-1904

County Court

Tuesday, March 15^th: Before Sir William Lucius Selfe.

William Everist v Flint and Co. Ltd (formerly Fliunt and Sons): This was an action brought by the plaintiff, late licensed victualler and holder of the Rendezvous Hotel, Folkestone, against the defendants, brewers, of Canterbury, and the owners of the hotel, to recover a sum of £6 7s. for certain articles, and £5 5s., expenses incurred through having to take proceedings. Mr. De Wet appeared for plaintiff, and the defendants were represented by Mr. Haydon (barrister).

The case occupied a considerable amount of time,, and from the brewer`s point of view as looked upon as an important one.

Mr. Everist, who ormerly held the licence of the King`s Head, Whitstable, entered into possession of the Rendezvous Hotel on May 2<sup>nd</sup>, 1902, taking over the inventory of the outgoing tenant (Mr. Colehammer), which cost him £808 17s. 6d. The inventory included, among the fixtures, a dresser and copper, which were now in dispute. On the one hand the plaintiff claimed for the value of them, but on the other the brewers objected, saying the articles were their property. Other fixtures were set out in the claim, but these had been admitted as being the property of the plaintiff. Mr. Henry Hayward (of the firm of Messrs. Worsfold and Hayward, Dover and London), told His Honour that the items in dispute had been included in the valuation of the tenant`s fixtures for a number of years. He valued them at £2 15s.

Mr. A. Ward, managing director of the Company, said undoubtedly the dresser and copper were landlord`s fixtures, and that being the case it was not the custom of an outgoing tenant to sell them to the incoming tenant. The Company, as buyers of the property, bought and paid for the fixtures, and the copper and dresser could not be claimed as a trade fixture.

In cross-examination it was gathered from Mr. Ward that there would be cases of a similar character.

His Honour: What is the importance of £2 15s. to your firm?

Witness: The actual sum is not of any importance.

His Honour: Then you have answered the question wrongly.

Witness: Well, your Honour, we are doing it on principle.

Mr. Haydon, for the defence, submitted that the proper course was to claim damage for depriving the tenant of the right to remove his fixtures, and the action must be taken against the new tenant.

His Honour, after a lengthy summing up, gave judgement for plaintiff for £6 7s., and allowed witnesses` costs. He also remarked that he thought the defendants would see that it would not be worth their while to contest the point further by going to the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Haydon: I am instructed that my clients will not appeal in this case, but reserve it for another.

Folkestone Herald 19-3-1904

County Court

Tuesday, March 15^th: Before Sir William Lucius Selfe.

William Everest v Flint and Co. Ltd: Claim for £6 7s., the value of property retained by defendant, and £5 5s. damages.

Mr. H. Douglas De Wet appeared for the plaintiff, while the defendant company was represented by Mr. A. Haydon, barrister.

Mr. Haydon, at the opening of the case, said it was one of very great importance to the defendant company, who were brewers, and he would ask His Honour to take a note.

The Judge consented.

Mr. William Everest, a retired sea captain, and late landlord of the Rendezvous Hotel, said that he was now residing at the York Hotel, Dover Road. For some time he had been a licensed victualler in the town. On the 2^nd April, 1902, he entered into possession of the Rendezvous Hotel, where he carried on business until the 11^th February of this year. Before coming to Folkestone he was the tenant of the King`s Head, at Whitstable, a house – as in the case of the Rendezvous – belonging to Messrs. Flint. He was persuaded to change houses by Mr. Flint, and the company`s agent, Mr. Twyman. He thereupon succeeded Mr. J. Kohlhammer as tenant, and paid that gentleman £808 17s. 6d. for his interest in the business. As his predecessor had not been long in the house, witness agreed to take over the household furniture and effects for £570 5s., an inventory of which he produced. In that inventory were enumerated the whole of the articles comprising the furniture which witness had claimed. From his experience of the trade, one could always sell to the incoming tenant the same articles that were included in the inventory. On the 12^th January, 1904, he entered into a contract to sell the household fixtures to Mrs. N.E. Barnes, who agreed to the purchase. Witness employed Mr. Hayward, of Worsfold and Hayward, to value for him, while Mr. Twyman, of Messrs. Flint, represented the brewery company, and Mr. Truman, of London, acted for Mrs. Barnes. The brewery company refused to allow 12 articles to be sold, including stoves, a copper, and a dresser. Eventually they abandoned their claim to all but the latter two, which were valued at £2 15s. These articles were in the inventory as having been the tenant`s property.

Mr. Henry Hayward (of Worsfold and Hayward, Dover) said that for 35 years he had been a valuer of licensed property. Twenty two years ago a dresser was in the valuation of the then tenant, while the copper was in the inventory of Mrs. Proctor, who preceded Mr. Kohlhammer as tenant of the Rendezvous. This claim had never been disputed before.

Mr. Benjamin Twyman proved acting as valuer for Mr. Everest when that gentleman took possession. Witness did not then object to any items being entered in the inventory as tenant`s fixtures.

Mr. Alexander Ward, managing director of the defendant company, said that his company bought the business from Messrs. Flint and Sons Ltd., in September, 1903. He was managing director of the Dartford Brewery as well as the Canterbury one, and he considered that the dresser and the copper referred to were purely and solely the property of the brewers, and not of the tenants.

Mr. John Truman, auctioneer and hotel valuer, gave it as his opinion that the fixtures referred to were the property of the brewers.

Eventually His Honour, after a long summing up, gave judgement for the plaintiff for £6 7s. in respect of the articles retained, but refused an amount for damages. Leave was given to appeal, but the defendant company`s counsel intimated that no appeal would be made.

The costs of witnesses were remitted.