The Valiant Sailor 1978 | |||
| The Valiant Sailor, 1977, after a lorry crashed into the porch |
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| Valiant Sailor, date unknown |
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| Valiant Sailor 1930s. Credit Folkestone Library |
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| Valiant Sailor 1998. Credit Martin Easdown |
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| Valiant Sailor. Date unknown |
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| Valiant Sailor 15-9-2007. Credit Paul Skelton (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Valiant-Sailor-Capel.html) |
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| Valiant Sailor, 2011. Credit Valiant Sailor (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Valiant-Sailor-Capel.html) |
Licensees
John Tims 1820 c1841
George Berry c1841 c1841 (1841 Census)
Richard Kitham 1845 1872
Mrs. M. Kitham 1872 1876
William Aird 1876 1915
Alfred Aird 1915 1945
William Eyers 1945 1953
Alan Ransford 1953 1968
Flora Ransford 1968 1976
John Knight 1976 1982 From Brewery Tap
Alex Carruthers and Gordon Knight 1982 1987 Gordon Knight
From Brewery Tap
Michael Langhorne and John Muir 1987 1988
David Hespe and John Muir 1988 1991 John Muir Later
Brickfield
Paul Cowling and Stephen McNeil 1991 1992
David Matthews and Stephen McNeil 1992 1993 David
Matthews Later Brickfield
Andrew Wilson and Stephen McNeil 1993 1993
Andrew Wilson and Malcolm Campion 1993 1993
Esther O`Halloran and Ian Barnett 1993 1994
Esther O`Halloran and George Gregg 1994 1995
Elaine Burlingham 1996 1995
Elaine Burlingham 1996 1995
Laura Sewell and David Lewis 1995 1998
David Lewis and William Porter 1998 2004 William Porter
Also Harbour Inn 1998-2001
Bernard Mead 2004 2004
David Morris 2004 2004 +
Kentish Chronicle 31-3-1820
Death: March 26, at the Valiant Sailor public house, on Folkestone Hill, Mrs. Deal, aged 49 years, wife of Mr. John Deal.
Note: Gives new start date for Valiant Sailor.
Kentish Chronicle 6-12-1836
During the tremendous hurricane on Tuesday, this town received less damage than any other place on the coast. On the hill, the inn received the greatest damage, being entirely stripped of its covering.
Dover Telegraph
31-10-1840
On Monday last an inquest was held before T.T. DeLasaux Esq., Coroner for East Kent, at the Shakespeare`s Head beerhouse. On the body of George Joiner, who is supposed to have fallen over the cliff, near the sea wall, on Saturday evening, while in a state of intoxication.
No evidence could be adduced that anyone had seen the deceased since he left the Jolly Sailor public house at the top of Folkestone hill on Saturday night, when, it is supposed, that instead of going home to Capel, he intended to come along the cliff, en route to Dover, and that getting too near the edge, being in an inebriated state, fell over. It is evident that he had not been robbed, because his tobacco box, containing 3s., (the result of his labours for the last fortnight, after his beer &c., had been paid for at the “Tommy shop”, as it is termed,) was found under him when picked up.
The deceased, however, was not discovered till Monday morning, when William Page, taking a stroll along the cliff, saw him lying amongst some bushes, which had prevented him rolling to the bottom. Page could not get near the body, but he called to some men working on the railroad below, who picked him up and conveyed him to the place where the inquest was held.
The Coroner, in remarking his surprise that the deceased had no more than 3s. for his fortnight`s earnings, was informed that the contractors on the railroads have erected “Tommy shops” along the line, and that although the men were not compelled to spend their money at these places, the contractors soon dismissed them from their service when they ascertained they did not. This led to a considerable degree of drunkenness, and ot was no uncommon thing for the men to spend the whole of their fortnight`s earnings to within two or three shillings. And some men even found themselves as much as 7s. or 8s. in debt at the termination of their fortnight`s labours.
The Coroner said such contractors were highly censurable.
Verdict: “Accidental Death”.
Note: Jolly Sailor had been renamed Valiant Sailor 20 years previously!
Kentish Mercury
31-10-1840
On Monday last an inquest was held before T.T. DeLasaux Esq., Coroner for East Kent, at the Shakespeare`s Head beerhouse. On the body of George Joiner, who is supposed to have come by his death on Saturday evening last, by falling down the cliff near the sea wall between Dover and Folkestone while in a state of intoxication.
It did not appear that any person had seen the deceased since he left the Jolly Sailor public house near the turnpike-gate at the top of Folkestone hill and, as he was very much given to drink, it is supposed that he was intoxicated at the time. He was not, however, discovered till Monday morning, when William Page, a labourer, happening to take a stroll along the edge of the cliff, discovered the body lying in the bushes about halfway down the cliff. Several men working on the railroad close at hand then conveyed the body to the house where the inquest was held.
It was pretty evident that the deceased had not been dealt with unfairly for the sake of the money he had about him, as his tobacco box, containing some tobacco and 3s. was found under his body when he was picked up.
The Coroner said that three shillings was a very small sum for a man to take home from the pay table, and enquired how often the men were paid. Someone present said once a fortnight, but it was no uncommon thing for the men to receive no more than two or three shillings when the day of reckoning came, because the contractors had several “Tommy shops” on the line for the men to go to for their provisions and beer. This led the men to spend the whole of their money in drink. That they did not want for food, because the contractors discharged those in their employ who did not spend the whole, or nearly the whole, of their money at these “Tommy shops”.
The Coroner considered that the contractors were highly censurable for such conduct, as it tended in a very great degree to the increase of crime.
Verdict: “Accidental Death”.
Southeastern Gazette
20-2-1855
Inquest
An inquest was held yesterday week at the Martello Tavern,
before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, on the body of Ambrose Bowers, a stonemason.
Richard Underdown identified the body; he had seen the deceased on the
Monday previous; he was then working at Dover.
Richard Kitham, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, Folkestone-hill, deposed
:The deceased came to my house a little before 10 o’clock on Saturday evening,
asked for a glass of rum, and received change for a shilling; he had been
drinking pretty freely; he said he had walked from Dover, and had felt the cold
very much; he had a little dog, which my wife admired, and he offered to give
it to her, but she gave him a fourpenny piece for it, which I put into his
waistcoat pocket. I heard no more of him until a little before 7 o’clock on
Sunday morning, when Webb and Tucker, two labourers, called at the house and
said a man was lying dead on the Folkestone-hill. He was the same person who
called the night previous.
Henry Webb deposed: I am labourer in the employ of Mr. Killick, farmer.
As I was walking up Folkestone Hill a little before 7 o`clock on Sunday morning
I saw the body of the deceased ; his nose was bleeding slightly, as if from fall.
He attempted to speak, but I could not understand what he said.
William Tucker, another labourer, corroborated the last witness’s
evidence, and added that the deceased died while he remained with him, the last
witness having gone to call Mr. Kitham.
Superintendent Steer deposed that he received information that a man was
frozen to death, and examined the spot where the deceased fell; he appeared to
have fallen on his face, to have in vain tried to get up ; and then to have
laid down on his back to sleep. His face had blood upon it. Found the body had
been removed to Mr. Killick’s farm. Found no money on him.
The Coroner observed that it was a very severe night on Saturday last,
and the deceased being in a state of intoxication had probably felt very sleepy,
and having fallen, could not get up, but laid down to sleep; but for his
intemperance it was probable he would have walked sharp into the town and thus
have warmed himself.
Verdict, “That Ambrose Bowers was frozen to death, at the time being in a
state of intoxication.”
Kentish Gazette 4-10-1864
Hythe: At the Magistrates’ Clerk’s Office, yesterday (Monday), before Thomas Denne, Esq.,
George Taylor, described as a labourer, of Battle, Sussex, was brought up in custody charged with stealing four brass harness ornaments, of the value of 4s., the property of Mr. Richard Kitham, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Folkestone Hill.
It appeared that yesterday week about two o’clock in the afternoon, the prisoner went to Mr. Kithain and told him he was in distress. He had been to Shorncliffe Camp and tried to enlist but they would not take him, alleging, he stated, that they were not in want of men. He wanted to work he said, and would do so for any one at a shilling a day. After some conversation with the prisoner Mr. Kitham told him if he liked to go to work for him till that evening he would give him 9d. He did so.
The next morning, Mr. Kitham believing that the prisoner was really desirous of obtaining an honest livelihood told him he had done his work very well, and he would for that week give him work at 2s. 0d. per day. The prisoner seemed very grateful to him, did the work, and received his wages. About three o’clock on the afternoon of Sunday last the prisoner was observed to go into Mr. Kitham’s stable. He stayed there about ten minutes, and then went away towards Uphill. About five o'clock Mr. Kitham’s son went into the stable and found that the brass ornaments of four bridles which he had seen there at noon that day had been cut off and were gone. He gave information to the police, and the prisoner was subsequently found at Denton, lying under some straw in a cart-lodge. When informed of the charge he took the ornaments from his gaberdine and handed them to P.C. Lawrence.
Superintendent English now informed Mr. Denne that the prisoner had been previously convicted of felony, and he was therefore committed for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions at St. Augustine’s.
Kentish Gazette 26-6-1866
About four o’clock on Sunday afternoon week a shabbily-dressed fellow was seen kicking violently at the door of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Eolkestone Hill.
Upon the landlord of the house, Mr. Kitham, telling him that he could not open his house during Divine service, he immediately knocked in the window. Mr. Kitham then opened the door, and the fellow threatening to serve the landlord as be had done the glass, made a rush at him, but failing to strike him the wretch struck at .Mr. Kitham`s daughter, and threatened to kill her and all in the house.
Fortunately an Artillery soldier belonging to the 13th Brigade came up at the time, and he gallantly closed with the rascal, and with the assistance of the landlord and his son secured him, although not until considerable damage had been done to the clothes of the soldier.
Folkestone Express
8-7-1871
Impudent Burglary
On Wednesday night some daring persons gained an entrance to
the Valiant Sailor public house by breaking the window of a back kitchen after
the inhabitants had retired. A rabbit which the burglars found in the house was
skinned and dressed, a fire lighted in the grate, and the rabbit cooked. Cloth
was laid and plates and knives and forks used, and the men (if they were men
and not ghouls) sat down to their nocturnal meal, leaving everything to be
cleared away by the hostess in the morning.
Southeastern Gazette 25-7-1871
Local News
On Wednesday night some daring persons gained an
entrance to the Valiant Sailor public house, by breaking the window of a back
kitchen after the inmates had retired to bed. A rabbit which the burglars found
in the house was skinned and dressed, a fire lighted in the grate, and the
rabbit cooked. Cloth was laid and plates and knives and forks used, and the
fellows sat down to their nocturnal meal, leaving everything to be cleared away
by the hostess in the morning.
Folkestone Express
10-2-1877
Inquest
Nothing has transpired during the last week to disturb the
usual briskness of the ordinary work in the Warren, except the finding of the
body of the unfortunate man Marsh, who was killed by the fall near the Eagle`s
Nest. The poor man`s body was found on Monday evening by a platelayer named
Underdown, who was engaged in clearing away the chalk and earth. The remains
were so dreadfully mutilated as to be scarcely recognisable, the lower jaw
being completely knocked up over the nose, and the legs and body so compressed as
to leave hardly a whole bone in the body. Strange to say, those who expected to
find the remains of the unfortunate man near the spot where he was last seen,
were greatly surprised to find that they were discovered about two chains away,
on the top of the chalk, and not, as some thought they would be found lying
close to the metals. This was accounted for by the fact that the poor man was
walking along the line, and the first fall of the chalk knocked him down, but
instead of burying him, threw his body on the top, the remainder of the chalk
then burying him.
Last Wednesday, one of the most interesting operations that
have taken place since the first slip was commenced, in the shape of blasting
away the loose portions of the cliff, which were thought to be dangerous, and
likely, if they fell, to again stop the line. During the latter part of last
week and the beginning of this, men were engaged in picking away the outer face
of the cliff previous to blasting. To enable them to do this they were suspended
over the cliff by ropes, which were passed through a ring to a leather belt
which they wore round their waists, and which were fastened to stakes driven
some distance into the ground. The face of the cliff is very much altered,
indeed, from about 300 yards on the Dover side of the Eagle`s Nest, for a good
distance the cliff is hardly recognisable.
An addition of 400 men has been made to those now working on
the tunnel and slips, and it is now almost certain that the tunnel will be
clear in about 28 days. So nearly have they got through that the sound of the
men working on the outside is plainly heard by those clearing on the inside of
the tunnel. It is proposed to make an open cutting of part of the Martello
Tunnel, from the Dover end, for about 150 to 200 yards.
The men do not have to travel very far for their beer,
Messrs. Langton and Co., of the Imperial Brewery, Tontine Street, having
erected a shed near the works and taken out a license to sell intoxicating
liquors there. Those who have charge of the beershop are very often placed in a
very awkward predicament. For instance, on one occasion, just as they had
“turned in” for a little rest, some of the excavators called for beer, and upon
being refused, threatened to burn the “shanty” down, and actually kindled a
large fir on the outside with the intention of so doing, but the inmates having
become alarmed, they supplied them with beer.
On Sunday evening, as the South Eastern Railway Company`s
bus was proceeding to Dover a number of navvies waylaid it, and having thrashed
the conductor and driver, jumped on the top and drove off to Dover.
“It`s an ill wind that blows nobody any good” is thoroughly
verified by the fact that although the stoppage of the line is a great loss to
the South Eastern Railway Company it has proved a lucky windfall to the keepers
of the toll gates on the Dover Road, the traffic along the road being enormous.
An inquest was held at the Valiant Sailor, on the Dover
Road, on Wednesday last, before the County Coroner, Thos. Thorpe Delasaux Esq.,
on the body of the unfortunate man Marsh, who was killed by the fall of chalk
from the Eagle`s Nest in the Warren on the 15th January last.
The unfortunate man, who has been in the employ of the South
Eastern Railway Company for upwards of twenty five years, leaves a wife and
family, and we are pleased to notice that several benevolent persons are
endeavouring to raise a subscription for them.
Henry Underdown, a Folkestone man, who is a platelayer in
the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, said he hed been employed with
many others in clearing away the chalk which had fallen on the line in the slip
from the Eagle`s Nest. He was present when the body of the deceased was found
on Monday last about five o`clock. He was quite dead, and appeared to have been
so for some days. He believed deceased came by his death by being suffocated by
the chalk that had fallen upon him. He had been working near the spot where the
deceased was killed. He believed the slip was caused by the great quantity of rain
which had lately fallen, and thought that the deceased was accidentally killed.
Charles Peters, living at Folkestone, a platelayer, who has
been employed on the South Eastern Railway for the last twenty years,
identified the body as that of William Marsh, who was in the same employ as
himself. He said that on the day in question he was at dinner with the
deceased, when his wife called him (deceased) to put a plaster on his side, as
he had had one of his ribs broken some time back. While the deceased was having
the plaster put on witness was sent for by Mr. Brady. Shortly after he saw
deceased walking down the line towards Dover with a signal flag in his hand,
and a few seconds after an immense quantity of chalk fell in the direction in
which the deceased had gone, and on the spot where his body has since been
found. He agreed with the last witness; in his opinion the fall of chalk was
occasioned by the late heavy rains. Not a moment`s warning was given of the
probability of the chalk falling.
Edward Scott, another platelayer, also identified the body
and corroborated the evidence of the last witness.
The Coroner, in summing up, said there were only two
questions for the jury to consider, and they were what caused the deceased`s
death, and whether he was suffocated by the chalk falling upon him. There was
no blame attached to anyone, and he had no doubt the falling of the earth was
caused by the late heavy rains.
After a short deliberation the jury returned a unanimous
verdict of “Accidental Death” caused by a great quantity of earth falling upon
him.
Kentish Gazette 13-2-1877
On Wednesday afternoon T.T. Delasaux Esq., coroner, held an inquest at the Valiant Sailor on the body of William Marsh, aged 54, a platelayer, who with a fellow workman was killed by the fall of cliff on the South Eastern Line near Folkestone. On the 15th January last. Evidence was given to the effect bthat the deceased went down the line towards Dover with a signal flag, and in a few minutes a great quantity of cliff fell near where he was found embedded. The body, when recovered, was literally smashed to pieces, but, strange to say, a silver watch found upon him had not received the slightest damage. The jury returned a verdict of “Death by suffocation”.
Folkestone Express
18-10-1879
Hythe County Police Court
Before The Mayor, Rev. F. Wrench, and Dr. Wildash
William Vye was charged with being drunk and refusing to
quit licensed premises, the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Road, Folkestone, on the
7th instant.
William Aird said that on the 7th inst. the
defendant went to his house in the evening intoxicated. He ordered the
defendant out, and he refused to go, so witness ejected him. Defendant then
used disgusting language and took off his coat to fight, and struck at him
repeatedly.
John Giles said that he saw Mr. Aird trying to put the
defendant out. He could not say if the defendant was drunk; if he was not
drunk, he was very “fightable”.
The Bench fined the defendant £1 and 12s. costs, or in
default 14 days` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
17-7-1880
County Court
Saturday, July 10th: Before G. Russell Esq.
W. Sellis and W. Banks v W. Aird: This was a claim by
plaintiffs against defendant, the landlord of the Valiant Sailor, who is a
dairyman, for wrongful dismissal.
Mr. Minter for plaintiffs and Mr. Mowll for defendant.
William Sellis said he entered the defendant`s service on
the 11th Oct. last for twelve months, at £8 10s. a year. He was to
board and sleep in the house. On Sunday, the 13th June, he was
discharged. He and his companion reached home at ten minutes past eleven. His
master said he was not going to keep the house open for them on Sunday night.
He turned them out, but afterwards allowed them to sleep there for the night.
W. Banks gave corroborative evidence.
In defence, it was contended that the lads were negligent of
their duties, refused to get up in the morning when called, and had lost their
employer many customers. Defendant said he had frequent complaints against
them, and the week before he discharged them they had missed as many as eighty
customers. A man in defendant`s employ corroborated this evidence, which was
supported by that of two customers who had been neglected.
His Honour said he must hold that the boys were culpably
negligent, and that their dismissal was justified. He gave judgement for the
defendant in each case. Mr. Aird did not ask for costs.
Folkestone Express
17-7-1880
County Court
Saturday, July 10th: Before G. Russell Esq.
William Sellis v William Aird: This was a claim by the
plaintiff, a lad, lately in the employ of defendant, a dairyman, residing at
the Valiant Sailor Inn, to recover damages for wrongful dismissal. There was a
second case, in which Walter Banks was the plaintiff, the particulars being
precisely the same. Nr. Minter appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Mowll for
the defendant.
William Sellis said he entered the defendant`s service on
the 11th October last for twelve months at £8 10s. a year. He was to
board and sleep in the house. On Sunday, the 13th June, he was
discharged. He and his companion reached home at ten minutes past eleven. His
master said he was not going to keep the house open for them on Sunday night.
He turned them out, but afterwards allowed them to sleep there for the night.
In reply to Mr. Mowll, plaintiff denied that they had
continually missed customers. They had not given Mr. Aird great trouble by
staying out late at night and refusing to get up in the morning when called. It
was not a quarter to twelve when they got home on Sunday night. Mr. Aird said
he would give them till eleven o`clock sometimes. They had to get up at five
o`clock in the morning.
Walter Banks corroborated this evidence. He said Mr. Aird
was not waiting up for them, as there were persons in the house when they got
home. It had frequently been half past eleven before they got home when Mr.
Aird was in the town with them.
In cross-examination witness denied having missed as many as
fifteen customers in one round. They had missed customers because it was
impossible to remember them out of their heads. Frequently Mr. Aird did not
book up for three days.
Defendant then described the duties of the two lads. In
consequence of their irregularity in delivering milk he had lost many of his
best customers. He had frequent complaints. The week before he discharged them
they missed as many as twenty customers. They did not have a written list. They
would have to go to about eighty houses, and they knew them well. He frequently
had to complain about their not getting up, and ten o`clock was their time to
get home without they had permission to stay later. On one occasion they stayed
out all night. It was a quarter to twelve when they reached home on the Sunday
night in question, and their delivery for the day had not been booked. They
told his man they did not care for his customers. They were yearly servants,
and it did not matter what they did. He was a considerable loser in consequence
of the lads not having fulfilled their engagement.
Jams Tickner, a man in Mr, Aird`s employ, said it was a
quarter to twelve when the lads came home. He had never known them to be
working for Mr. Aird after eight o`clock, beyond feeding the ponies.
Mr. John David Robinson and Mr. Daniel Ealding gave evidence
that the plaintiffs had frequently neglected to deliver milk to them.
His Honour said he must hold that the boys were culpably
negligent, and that their dismissal was justified. He gave judgement for the
defendant in each case. Mr. Aird did not ask for costs.
Southeastern Gazette
12-7-1880
County Court
Saturday: Before
George Russell, Esq.
William Selles v. W. Aird, and Walter Banks v. The Same: These actions were to
recover damages for wrongful dismissal, the plaintiffs being boys In defendant’s
service as yearly servants. Both cases were heard together.
The defence was
that the plaintiffs were very negligent in their duties, often missing twenty
customers whom they had to serve with milk, that they came home late at night,
and otherwise misbehaved themselves.
His Honour held
upon the evidence that the dismissal was justified, and gave a verdict for the
defendant. Costs were not asked for.
Folkestone Express
4-6-1881
Inquest
On Wednesday afternoon an inquest was held at the Royal Oak
Inn on the Dover Road on the body of a man who was found dead in a field at
Capel-le-Ferne. From a paper found on the body it was ascertained that his name
was Thomas Tickner, and that he was formerly a gunner in the Royal Artillery.
He had been previously seen in the Railway Bell Inn, and subsequently at the Valiant
Sailor Inn, where he appears to have created a disturbance. The body was found
lying over a land roller. There were several bruises about the face, both eyes
were blackened, and the head, face, and neck were very greatly discoloured in
such a manner as to lead to the suspicion that the man had met with foul play. The
presumption was further strengthened by the fact that on searching the body the
police only found a sixpence and some coppers, while it was stated that the
morning previous he was at a public house in the neighbourhood, when he had,
besides other money, a half sovereign in his possession. It appeared, however,
from the medical evidence, that the man`s neck was dislocated. There was no
extravasation of blood in the brains, and as there appeared to be no doubt that
the man had been addicted to drinking, it was thought he probably sat on the
roller and fell over, and a verdict was returned of death from dislocation of
the neck, there being no evidence to show how it occurred.
Folkestone Express
3-9-1881
Hythe Petty Sessions
Thursday, September 1st: Before Major
Kirkpatrick, K. Kingsford Esq., and Dr. Wildash.
Thomas Young, a tramp, was charged with stealing, on the 27th
of August, 5s., the money of William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, Folkestone.
P.C. Wickens said that the prisoner was given into his custody,
and he told him that he was charged with stealing 10s. He said he knew nothing
about it. On the way to the police station, prisoner said “Policeman, you were
right; I put a 2s. piece in a man`s pocket. You must do your duty, but if it is
months hence I shall come back and find my nest”.
The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to two months
` hard labour.
Southeastern Gazette
3-9-1881
Hythe County Sessions
On Thursday,
before the Mayor (H. B. Mackeson, Esq.), J. Kirkpatrick, and R. Kingsford,
Esqrs., and Dr. Wildash, Thomas Young was charged on remand, with stealing 5s.,
the money of William Aird, on the 27th of August last.
The prosecutor
deposed that he was the owner of the Valiant Sailor Inn, at Uphill, Folkestone,
and in consequence of what he had heard about the prisoner on Saturday he ran
after him and caught him outside the Royal Oak public-house. He behaved in a
very rough manner, but he (prosecutor) searched his pockets and found in them
two 2s. pieces and one penny,
which he said he had earned at harvesting near Beaohborough.
Minnie Connelly,
the barmaid of the Valiant Sailor, said that at about a quarter to twelve on
Saturday she examined the till and found it contained between 14s. and 15s.
About noon she again examined it and found it only contained 2s. 9d. She did not see the prisoner that day.
P.C. Wickens,
K.C.C., deposed to apprehending the accused, who, when on the road to the
police station, said “Policeman you are right, I put a two shilling piece in
that man’s pocket. You must do your duty.”
The prisoner
pleaded guilty; and was sentenced to two months’ hard labour.
Folkestone Express
22-7-1882
Local News
At the County Police Court on Monday, John Ferguson, of
Folkestone, was brought up charged with assaulting Mr. and Mrs. Aird, of the Valiant
Sailor public house, on the Folkestone Road, on Sunday last; and with doing
damage to the door to the amount of 4s. He stood further charged with
assaulting Police Constable Wickens of the County Constabulary.
William Aird said that on Sunday afternoon the defendant
went to his house, in company with two or three others, knocked at the door
with a tremendous force, and witness opened it and found defendant there with
his coat and waistcoat off. Witness asked them what they wanted, as it was
during prohibited hours. Prisoner said “Give me two glasses of whisky”. He
replied that he could not have it as it was during prohibited hours. Defendant
then made use of the most obscene language and sat down on a form outside. He
therefore asked him to move, and went up to him, and putting his hand on his
shoulder said “Move on”. The prisoner then struck him a blow on the side of the
head. Witness ran indoors and got his gun and said “Now the next man that comes
in here I will strike him over the head with the butt end of my gun”. He went
into the house, and his wife went to shut the door, but whilst she was doing
that the prisoner struck her in the face, causing the blood to flow. Witness
then sent for a constable, and after he came defendant kicked him twice whilst
he was endeavouring to take him into custody. After they got the prisoner into
the cart to convey him to the Dover Police Station he was very violent, and
whilst on the road the prisoner suddenly cocked his foot up and kicked witness
on the side of the head very severely. He made use of the most filthy language
all the way to the station.
Lizzie Vidler, who resides opposite, corroborated the
complainant`s statement. She saw the prisoner pull out his purse and ask the
other man to go and get something to drink.
Instructing Constable Henry Wickens, stationed at Hougham,
said he went with Mr. Aird and others in pursuit of the prisoner, and came up
with him and three other men near the Royal Oak. Mr. Aird charged him with
assaulting and beating him, and witness said “I shall have to apprehend you and
convey you to Dover”. He replied “You b----, you take me into custody. Why, I
will be the death of you”. The prisoner then began to kick about and swear so,
that he called the assistance of Mr. Aird, and with difficulty they handcuffed
him. The prisoner kicked witness twice in the scuffle. At last they got him in
a cart, and with difficulty conveyed him to Dover. On the road the prisoner was
very violent and threw up one of his feet and caught Mr. Aird in the face.
William Hilton, a tailor, of 62, Fenchurch Street,
Folkestone, said: On Sunday afternoon I was with the prisoner, Mr. Hayes, and
Mr. Allen. Three of us went up the hill from Folkestone and sat outside Mr.
Aird`s house on a seat. When we arrived there were two young gentlemen outside,
and they knocked at Mr. Aird`s door. Mr. Aird came out, but the young gentlemen
were gone. The landlord pushed the prisoner, Ferguson, Hayes and myself off the
seat. The prisoner asked what he meant by doing so, and with that Aird ran
indoors and fetched a double barrelled gun and, aiming it at the prisoner,
fired. However, I supposed there was only a cap on it for it only made a slight
noise when he fired. The prisoner resisted the gun, and pushed Aird`s arm on
one side. The landlord then ran indoors and got a poker, saying he would knock
his (the prisoner`s) brains out with it. Subsequently I went up the road, and
by the time we got to the Royal Oak, Hougham, a constable and three others came
up to us in a cart. The constable said he was going to take the prisoner into
custody for assaulting Mr. Aird. After the prisoner was in custody I saw Mr.
Aird put his hand into prisoner`s pocket and take out a purse containing 25s.
and put it into his own. The prisoner wanted me to take the money, but Aird
would not let him, as he put his hand into prisoner`s pocket and took the purse
out. We never knocked at Aird`s door at all, but it was two young gentlemen who
did it. The evidence of the last witness is not true. The prisoner pulled off
his coat and waistcoat while coming up the hill, and it is not true that he
pulled his shirt off. The prisoner did not pull his purse out and ask us to go
and get something. The prisoner was quite sober, and so were all the rest of
us. We had previously been at the Fountain and had some ginger beer and whisky
mixed. Previous to that we had been at the Globe, where we had been after we
came out the Fountain, and we separated and went home to dinner, and then
walked on to Dover.
H.J. Hayes, a groom, residing at 57, Fenchurch Street,
Folkestone, said: I was with the prisoner on Sunday. We went to the Fountain
and had some beer and the others had ginger beer. I did not go to the other
public house with them, as I met them just as they had left that place. Then we
went and had dinner, and we walked down to the Junction Station at Folkestone
in order to come to Dover. However, we were too late and we set off to walk.
The prisoner said he would walk me up the Dover hill, and for that purpose the
prisoner pulled off his coat and waistcoat, and Allen held them for him. The
prisoner arrived at the Valiant Sailor first, and then sat down on the seat
outside. Two young gentlemen were sitting on the seat at the time and knocked at
the door, but as nobody came they went away. Just as they had gone, however,
the prosecutor came out and asked us what we meant by knocking at his door. We
told him we had not done so, and he replied “You ---- blackguards. You get off
my premises”. With this Aird pushed us all off the seat. Some words then ensued
between Aird and the prisoner, who had been sitting on the seat nearest the
door. I never saw prisoner strike Aird or his wife. Aird then ran into the
house and got a double barrelled gun, which he presented at the prisoner, and
on the right hand nipple there was a cap, but he could not fire, for the hammer
was only half cocked. Finding the gun would not go off he ran in again and got
the poker, after which a scuffle ensued. I then proceeded up the road. After
this the constable, Mr. Aird, and another man came up with us near the Royal
Oak, Hougham. The constable told the prisoner he was going to take him into
custody on a charge of assaulting and beating Mr. and Mrs. Aird. The prisoner
said he knew nothing about it. The prisoner then wished me to take his money,
but Aird would not allow him, and took it out of his pocket. There were two
half sovereigns, two two shilling pieces, and two sixpences. The prosecutor
then took the money out and threw the purse on the side of the road in the
grass.
Mrs. Vidler was re-called, and said she was confident she
saw Ferguson pull out his purse, and heard him ask Hayes to go and get
something, and after waiting for a time the prisoner went and thumped the door
with his fists and head. She did not see any young gentlemen there before they
came up the hill. Hayes was the first man to go to the door, but he did not
appear to knock, and then Ferguson went. Ferguson was the first man up there,
and then, as witness was frightened, she rushed to the door to see what the man
had got his coat off for, and then saw the other three coming up the hill. She
saw Aird with a gun after Ferguson struck him. The gun was not pointed,
however, but he used the butt end.
At the request of Superintendent Maxted, the case was
adjourned till Thursday.
John Ferguson was brought up on remand at the County Petty
Sessions, held at the Town Hall, Dover, on Thursday afternoon.
Mr. Mowll appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Rayner for
the defence.
The evidence taken at the previous hearing will be found on
another page.
Mr. Aird, the prosecutor, produced the gun which the
witnesses alleged he had fired at them. It was a central fire breech-loading
gun. He had not used it for quite six weeks previous to Sunday last.
Cross-examined by Mr. Payne: After the prisoner struck him
he went indoors and took his gun from the place where he usually kept it. He
held it by the barrel with the butt upwards. He did not see the prisoner rap at
the door, but he peeped through the blind and saw him leave the door.
Mrs. Harriett Aird was next called. She corroborated her
husband`s evidence and said that she was upstairs when she heard the knocking
at the door, and immediately went downstairs to see what was the matter, and
heard her husband say to the prisoner “If you continue knocking like that I`ll
knock the first one down with this”. He had a poker in his hand which he picked
up after he had put the gun away. She tried to shut the door and had nearly
fastened it when it was thrust open and the prisoner hit her in the mouth,
cutting her lip. The prisoner took everything off with the exception of his
trousers. Her husband held the gun with the butt upwards.
Lizzie Vidler said that on the Sunday afternoon she was sitting
at her window, facing the door of Aird`s house, and she did not see anyone go
to the door before the prisoner. She saw him running up the hill with his hat
and coat off, giving her the impression that he was mad. When Mr. Aird took the
gun out he held it in a striking attitude by the barrel, with the butt over his
shoulder, and afterwards saw the prisoner run at the door with his head and
burst it open. Mr. Aird did not point the gun at either of the men.
Charles Cox, a milkman, said the he was going up the hill on
Sunday afternoon, and he saw the prisoner walking up very fast, passing him.
Prisoner had his coat, waistcoat and hat off. He was alone at the time, but
there was a young man behind. When witness reached the top prisoner was outside
the Valiant Sailor. He saw him “go at” the door with his head and burst it
open. Prisoner then took his shirt off and threw it in the road. Witness did
not see any more, as he drove on towards Capel.
At this stage of the proceeding it was understood that Mr. Mowll
would ask the magistrates would grant summonses for perjury against the
witnesses for the defence, and Mr. Payne, before examining them, cautioned them
before proceeding.
William Milton was the first witness called, and he still
adhered to the statements made by him at the previous hearing. The gun was
produced and he held the gun in the way which he said Aird held it, viz., with
both hands, as if ready to raise it to his shoulder to fire. He was positive
that he saw a cap on the gun, and saw the flash when the hammer fell.
Henry Hayes, better known as “Buck Taylor” was the next
witness. He gave his evidence in a very clear manner. He examined the gun and
said it was the one used by Aird on the day in question. He positively swore
that although he was fifteen yards from Aird he could see that the gun was only
half cocked, and that was the reason it did not go off. There were two young
men at Aird`s door when they went up, and they knocked at the door, although
they said they had tried before and did not think it would be much good. Half a
second after they knocked, they left the door, and one second and a half after
ther were out of sight. He was very positive as to the time it took for the
young men to get out of sight. Neither the prisoner nor any of them knocked at
the door; it was the two young men.
Alfred Allen, a seafaring-looking man, living at Folkestone,
said that he carried the prisoner`s things. When he reached the Valiant Sailor
he saw Aird with a poker. He was about 30 or 40 yards away when the scuffle
took place, but he did not see the prisoner burst the door open. He denied, as
the two previous witnesses had done, that the prisoner took off his shirt. He
saw several young men on the hill. After a great deal of hesitation witness
stated that he did not see two young men going away from the Valiant Sailor. He
went up the path and the young men might have gone the other way.
The magistrates retired for a short time, and upon their
return said that they found the prisoner guilty on all three charges, and they
fined him 2s. 6d. for wilful damage, 4s. damages and 3s. 6d. costs for bursting
open the door. For assaulting the Police Constable they sentenced him to two
months` hard labour, and for assaulting Mr. and Mrs. Aird, one month`s hard
labour. The costs in each of the assault cases amounted to £1 5s. 6d., and in
default of payment, 14 days` hard labour.
The court was crowded, and at times during the evidence for
the defence some applause was attempted, but instantly suppressed.
It was understood at the conclusion of the case that the
magistrates had granted summonses for perjury against Hayes or Taylor, Milton
and Allen.
Kentish Gazette 25-7-1882
Wingham Petty Sessions: These Sessions were held at Dover on Thursday, before E.F. Astley Esq. (in the chair), Major Stevenson. G.E. Toomerr. and G.J. Murray. Esqs.
John Ferguson, of Folkestone, a man of forbidding appearance, was brought up, on remand, charged with damaging the door of the Valiant Sailor public house, at the top of Folkestone Hill, Dover; also with assaulting Police constable Wickham, K.C.C.; and, at the request of Mr. W. Mowll, who prosecuted, a further charge of assaulting Mr. Aird was also preferred against the defendant. Mr. S. Payn, of Dover, defended.
From the evidence given on the previous Monday, it appeared that defendant, in company with two or three others, went to the Valiant Sailor public house at about half-past throw o'clock on Sunday afternoon. The defendant knocked at the door and asked for two glasses of whisky. The landlord told him he could not nerve him as it was during prohibited hours. Prisoner then made use of obscene language, and sat down on a form outside the house. Aird then asked him to move on, when the man struck him a blow on the side of the head. Aird went and got his gun, and threatened to strike the next man who came. He went into his house, and his wife went to shut the door, but whilst she was doing so the prisoner struck her in the face, making the blood run very much. Aird then sent for a constable, and when they were taking the man to the police station, prisoner kicked Aird very severely on the side of the head. When P.C. Wickens apprehended the prisoner, he was very violent, and threatened he would be the death of the constable.
For the defence, it was then stated by William Hilton, who was with prisoner at the time, that two young gentlemen went and knocked at Mr. Aird`s door. When Aird came out the young gentlemen were gone and Aird then accused the prisoner of knocking at the door.
After a bearing lasting nearly three hours the Bench said the charge of damage had been clearly proved, and defendant would be fined 2s. 6d., damage 4s. and costs 13s. 6d. For the assault upon the police-constable prisoner was committed for two months` hard labour; and for the assault upon Mrs, Aird. one month. The costs in the last two mentioned cases were 13s. 6d. and 12s.; and, in default of paying, the prisoner was committed for 14 days` in each case.
Folkestone Chronicle
24-10-1885
Saturday, October 17th: Before The Mayor,
Alderman Caister, Dr. Bateman, Colonel De Crespigny, J. Holden and J. Fitness
Esqs.
W. Collard, W. Wicks, and H. Sharp were charged with
trespassing in search of rabbits on land in the occupation of W. Aird.
Mr. Aird, a farmer, residing at the Valiant Sailor, said he
occupied Lime Kiln Farm. On the 12th inst, about 10-30 a.m., he saw
three boys coming along. They passed his house and went across to the cliff. He
went upstairs and watched them, and saw them go towards the edge of the cliff.
He followed them and saw Wicks and Collard stooping down at a rabbit hole. He
saw Wicks put a net in his pocket, and one was left behind. They had a ferret
with them, which they also left behind. He took all their names. They
afterwards went to his house and threatened him because he would not give up
the ferret.
The defendants were each fined 10s., and 10s. costs, or 14
days` hard labour.
Folkestone Express
24-10-1885
Saturday, October 17th: Before The Mayor,
Alderman Caister, Dr. Bateman, Colonel De Crespigny, J. Holden and J. Fitness
Esqs.
William Collard, William Wicks, and Henry Sharp were
charged with trespassing in search of rabbits on land in the occupation of
William Aird.
Mr. Aird, a farmer, residing at the Valiant Sailor, said
he occupied Lime Kiln Farm. On the 12th inst., about 10.30 a.m., he
saw four men coming along. They passed his house and went across to the cliff.
He saw something moving in the side pocket of one of them. He went upstairs and
watched them, and saw them go towards the edge of the cliff. He followed them,
and saw Wicks and Collard stooping down at a rabbit hole. He saw Wicks put a
net in his pocket, and one was left behind. They had a ferret with them, which
they also left behind. He took all their names. They afterwards went to his
house and threatened him because he would not give up the ferret.
Charles Vidler, a man in the employ of Mr. Aird, said he
saw Wicks and Collard, each at a rabbit hole, on the edge of the cliff. He
produced a ferret which was taken from one of the holes after the men had left.
The defendants were each fined 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14
days` hard labour.
Wednesday, October 21st: Before Captain
Carter, J. Fitness and J. Holden Esqs.
William Birchett and Frederick Southern were charged with
trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Mr. Aird.
William Aird said on the 14th of October in
the afternoon he saw defendants on the edge of the cliff, putting up a net.
Birchett had the net, and Southern handed him a ferret. There were other men
watching. He ran up to them and they made off, taking the net and ferret with
them. He had cautioned Southern many times during the past year.
George Burgess gave corroborative evidence.
Defendants were fined 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days`,
and cautioned.
Holbein`s Visitors`
List 22-12-1886
Local News
A number of naughty people went skating on Sunday on the
pond by the Valiant Sailor. Contrary to all precedents quoted in Sunday School
books, the ice did not break and
drown them all.
Folkestone Express
23-4-1887
Saturday, April 16th: Before The Mayor, Colonel
De Crespigny, Surgeon General Gilbourne, General Armstrong, W. Brooks and W.
Wightwick Esqs.
Walter Fuller and William Marsh were summoned for assaulting
William Aird on the 11th April.
Complainant, the landlord of the Valiant Sailor, said on
Monday afternoon his shepherd called him and said a dog had been worrying the
sheep. He went to the meadow, where there were several ewes and lambs, and he
saw a dog come out of the fold. He told Fuller to take the dog away, and he
said he shouldn`t. He said it was Mr. Downing`s dog. He told him if he did not
take the dog away he should shoot it. Complainant then secured the dog by means
of a handkerchief, when Fuller knocked him down and jumped on to him. He got
away with assistance, and was taking defendant along when Marsh came up and
kicked him, and they then both ran away together.
In reply to Fuller, Mr. Aird said he could not say whether
he was asleep or not when he went up to him and asked his name. He did not hit
him on the nose.
Fredk. Southon, a gardener, said he was near the Valiant
Sailor on Monday afternoon and saw Fuller knock Mr. Aird down and jump on him.
Mr. Aird was trying to lead the dog away with a handkerchief. Fuller knelt on
Mr. Aird. Defendant hit him on the ear. He also saw Marsh inside the Valiant
Sailor.
William Graves, defendant`s shepherd, said he called his
master to keep defendant`s dog away from the lambs. While Mr. Aird had the dog
in a handkerchief, Fuller hit him and rolled him over. “Jacob” rolled them
over, and then his master got on top of Fuller. Fuller made Mr. Aird`s nose
bleed. The two men then started and ran down the hill. Marsh persuaded Fuller
to go away. He did not see Marsh do anything.
The Bench fined Fuller 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days`
imprisonment, and Marsh 5s. and 9s. costs, or seven days`, and allowed a week
in which to pay.
Folkestone Express
11-6-1887
Advertisement
Caution!
Notice To Trespassers. Any person found trespassing on the
land of W. Aird at Hawkinge, Capel, and in the Borough of Folkestone with dogs
or guns will be prosecuted.
Folkestone Chronicle
18-6-1887
Saturday, June 11th: Before Capt. Crowe, Alderman
Banks, H.W. Poole and J. Brooke Esqs.
George Wardie, labourer, was charged with trespassing on
land belonging to W. Aird in search of conies.
Mr. Aird, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, and occupier of
Limekiln Farm, said on 31st May about two o`clock in the afternoon
the defendant, with two or three other men, came into his house and asked
permission to go ratting on his land. He refused them and they then went round
the back of the house and commenced ferreting, and afterwards they went near
his limekiln lodge and one of his men told him they killed a rabbit.
John Southen said he saw defendant put a ferret in a hole
near the scavenging yard, and a rabbit ran out. It was on Mr. Aird`s land. The
dogs ran after the rabbit and caught it. There were four men together and one
took the rabbit.
John Trent, in the employ of Mr. Aird, saw the defendant
near the smallpox hospital put a ferret in a hole and he afterwards caught a
rabbit there.
Defendant said he went ratting and Mr. Aird gave him
permission. He killed 17 or 18 rats. A rabbit was started, but he did not know
anything about that.
Fined 10s., with costs 11s., or 14 days`. Allowed a week to
pay.
Folkestone Express
18-6-1887
Saturday, June 11th: Before Capt. Crowe, Alderman
Banks, H.W. Poole and J.H. Brooke Esqs.
Michael Ward was charged with trespassing in search of game
on land in the occupation of Mr. Aird.
Complainant said he saw the defendant with a ferret on his
land near the rubbish heap.
In reply to defendant, complainant denied that he gave him
permission to ferret on his farm.
John Southon said he saw defendant put the ferret into a
hole. He was working for Mr. Pilcher near the scavenge yard. He saw a rabbit
run towards the road; the dogs ran after it, turned it, and caught it near the
scavenge heap. There were four men and one of them took the rabbit.
Defendant said they killed 17 rats. He knew nothing about a
rabbit.
John Friend, in the employ of Mr. Aird, said he saw the
defendant on the 31st May near the hospital. Four other men were
with him and two or three dogs. He saw the dogs catch a rabbit which was
started at the back of the hospital.
Defendant was fined 10s. and 11s. costs, or 14 days`, and
allowed a week to pay.
Folkestone Chronicle
10-9-1887
Local News:
George Daice was charged at the Elham Petty Sessions on
Monday with stealing a dog from William Aird, a cow keeper and proprietor of
the Valiant Sailor at the top of Folkestone Hill. The value of the dog was £1.
It appears that Percy Southern, in the employ of the prosecutor, was at the Warren
Inn about six o`clock on Saturday morning, when he saw the prisoner there. He
observed that he had a dog in a basket, and after a few words had passed
between Southern and the prisoner, the former, thinking that it looked like his
master`s dog, went to the prosecutor and asked him if he had missed the animal.
A search was made and it was found to be missing. Aitd immediately sent
information to the Folkestone police, with the result that enquiries were made,
and the defendant was subsequently found by Police constable Scott at the Tramway
Tavern in Folkestone. The prisoner had the animal, which was only two months
old, in his arms. When questioned by the magistrates the prisoner said that he
did not intend to steal the dog. When he saw it, it had evidently lost it`s way
and he picked it up. Mr. Kirkpatrick said the Bench entertained some doubt as
to whether the prisoner really did mean to steal the dog, and he would
therefore be given the benefit of the doubt, and the case would be dismissed.
Folkestone Chronicle
17-11-1888
Friday, 9th November: Before Alderman Banks, W.
Wightwick Esq., and Major H.W. Poole.
Edwin Rennie, a youth, was charged with assaulting Nellie
Harriet Aird on the previous day.
The complainant stated that she lived with her father at the
Valiant Sailor, and was fifteen years of age. She was coming down the hill
towards Folkestone about 9.30 yesterday morning, when she met the prisoner on
the footpath which leads from the mile-stone on the left hand side of the main
road. He caught hold of her waist and pinched her. The prisoner did not say
anything to her. She screamed and called for assistance. A man came and the
prisoner ran away.
A Corporation labourer named Charles Alfred Shrubsole stated
that he was in the main road when he heard the complainant scream. He ran up
the bank to her assistance and saw the prisoner running away. The girl was
crying. Shrubsole shouted to a man on the scavenging heap, with the result that
two or three men caught him.
Sergt. Crampton, of the K.C.C., deposed that he was at the
Valiant Sailor on Thursday morning when the complainant came up the road
crying. She said a man had assaulted her. He went down the hill and saw the
prisoner in custody of three men. He said he did not intend to assault the
complainant. He was going down the path, and in making room for the girl to
pass he slipped. He put his hand out to save himself, which caused him to catch
hold of the complainant`s side. When the girl screamed he ran away, but
afterwards wished he hadn`t done so. The prisoner made no reply when charged at
the police station.
The complainant`s father stated that the prisoner told him
that he didn`t mean anything, and that he was sorry he ran away. He had been
out for a day`s spree.
The prisoner made a similar statement to the Bench as he had
made to the Sergeant, adding that he saw the men in the road and that it would
not be likely he should attempt to commit an assault when they were close to
him.
Alderman Banks said the Bench were of the unanimous opinion
that the prisoner did commit the assault, and fined him £2 and 12s costs, or
one month`s hard labour.
Folkestone Express 17-11-1888
Friday, November 9th: Before Alderman Banks, W.
Wightwick, and H.W. Poole Esqs.
Edwin Rennie was charged with assaulting Nellie Harriett
Aird on the previous day.
Complainant, the daughter of the landlord of the Valiant
Sailor Inn, said she was 15 years of age last birthday. On Thursday morning
about half past nine she was coming down the hill alone from her father`s house
towards the town. She met the prisoner at the top of the footpath near the
mile-stone. She was only a few yards from the road when she met the prisoner
coming up the footpath. He caught hold of her waist, gave her rather a hard
pinch, and then let go. He caught hold of her so suddenly that it frightened
her. He said nothing to her, and did nothing else. She said to him “How dare
you insult me so?” She could not say whether he made any reply, but he laughed.
She could not say which hand he caught hold of her with, nor did she know
whether she screamed out or not. There was a man over the bank with a horse.
She called to him, and he went to her assistance. Prisoner ran off when he saw
the man coming. She returned home, but was not quite sure whether she went at
once. She had never seen the prisoner before to her knowledge.
Charles Alfred Shrubsole, a labourer in the employ of the
Corporation, said he was near the mile-stone on the Dover Road about half past
nine. He heard a girl cry out, and saw the man running away. The girl screamed,
and he went up the bank to her assistance. He saw the prisoner running towards
the scavenge heap. Witness called out to a man on the scavenge heap, who
stopped prisoner and brought him back. The complainant said the man had
interfered with her. The girl was about three rods from the road.
Sergt. Crampton, of the Kent County Police, said he was at
the Valiant Sailor, in Dover Road, on Thursday morning. He saw complainant
coming up the road crying. She told her mother she had been assaulted by a man.
He went down the road with Mr. Aird, and met the prisoner in the custody of
three men. Prisoner said he slipped and caught hold of complainant to save
himself from falling, and he wished he had not run away. They brought him to
Folkestone police station where he was charged, and made no reply. The
complainant was very much agitated and hysterical.
Mr. Wm. Aird, father of complainant, said the prisoner told
him he did not mean anything and did not know what made him run away. He said
he had plenty of work to do, but he was out for a day`s spree, and had made a
spree of it.
Prisoner said he was going up the path and met Miss Aird
coming down. He could see the men in the road, and it was not likely that he
would assault her. As he was passing, he slipped and caught hold of her with
his hand. He intended no insult.
The Bench considered that the prisoner did purposely assault
the complainant, and fined him £2 and 12s. costs, or one month`s hard labour.
Folkestone Visitors`
List 14-10-1891
Folkestone
Express 11-8-1894
Local News
Last week, during the night, some tramps broke into the
house of Mr. Aird, Valiant Sailor, Dover Road, Folkestone, and completely
ransacked the house, carrying away several articles. Two men were apprehended
at Canterbury, and pawn tickets for some of the articles were found on them.
Folkestone
Express 1-12-1894
Local News
At the Kent Assizes Frederick White, 21, labourer, and
Thomas York, 18, labourer, were indicted for burglariously breaking and
entering the dwelling house of William Aird, and stealing three coats on July
22nd. Prosecutor is the landlord of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Hawkinge
(sic), and found on the morning of July 23rd that his house had been
entered and three coats stolen. Both prisoners had been previously convicted,
and sentences of three years` penal servitude were passed on each of them.
Folkestone
Visitors` List 16-10-1895
Local News
We regret to record a serious accident which occurred
on Monday evening, and unhappily attended with fatal results. It appears that
Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. W. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Road,
accompanied by a son and daughter, were driving to Folkestone. When proceeding
down the steep incline, the horse, for some reason or another which cannot now
be explained, became unmanageable and bolted. The turn in the road near
Killick`s Farm is known to be a most dangerous part of the highway, and it was
here that the accident happened. The trap, it is said, was overturned, and Mrs.
Aird was thrown heavily to the ground, as was also her son. Both were rendered
unconscious, but were soon afterwards conveyed home, which was only a couple of
hundred yards distant. Medical assistance was called as quickly as possible,
but Mrs. Aird never regained consciousness, and expired within an hour of the
accident. Young Mr. Aird, up till last evening, was in a very critical
condition, not having regained consciousness, and but little hope is
entertained for his recovery. The unfortunate young man, in addition to the
shock received by having been thrown out, has had his head and face terribly
mangled – to such an extent, in fact, as to be almost unrecognisable. Miss Aird
received a severe shaking, but sustained no serious injuries. The injured
persons having been borne home, the horse and damaged trap were next looked
after. It was found that two of the horse`s legs had been fractured, and to end
it`s misery it was shot as soon as possible. Mrs. Aird was well known and much
respected throughout Folkestone and the district, and much sympathy is felt for
Mr. Aird in his sore and sudden bereavement. The East Kent Coroner has been
informed of the occurrence, and fuller facts will no doubt be adduced at the
inquest.
Folkestone
Chronicle 18-10-1895
Local News
We beg to offer our sincere sympathy to Mr. Aird in his
sad bereavement, and we are only echoing the sentiments of the whole of the
town. The story of the sad accident by which he lost his wife is reported in
another column, and will appeal to every heart. We are heartily glad to hear
that his son, Mr. Thomas Aird, is progressing favourably.
The inquest took place at Mr. Aird`s house on Tuesday.
The time was ficed for 4 o`clock, and the jury, who had had to come some
distance, were in good time, but had to wait some time before the arrival of
the Coroner, Mr. R.M. Mercer, of Canterbury. Although he kept everyone waiting
for some time, he did not think it necessary to make any apology,
notwithstanding time was of value to the jury, most of whom had been called
from their work.
Mr. Mercer strode into the room with the air of an
autocrat, and proceeded to swear the jury. Three representatives of the Press
were present, and one of them asked to Coroner if he would permit them to sit
at his back to enable them to report the enquiry. He absolutely refused, and
compelled them to stand just in the doorway, behind the police and the door. It
was nearly dark, and the only light was a lamp on teh table. Therefore they were
unable even to see, and scarcely able to hear a word.
Under these circumstances one of the reporters stepped
a little past the door. “Will that reporter get back” said Mr. Mercer, “I will
not have him between me and my jury”.
The gentleman in question respectfully pointed out that
he and his brother journalists were there in the interests of the public, and
they had already asked if they might sit behind him, where there was plenty of
room. “I have already told you I will not allow it” said the Coroner. As it was
impossible to see to write, Mr. Aird was good enough to bring a lighted candle,
and held it himself, so that the reporters should be able to give some report.
It is difficult to realise that such a thing should
occur in an English Court – it savours too much of Russia. In the Folkestone
Coroner`s Court we have ever received the utmost courtesy, both from Mr. Minter
and Mr. Haines, and we must say we fail to see why Mr. Mercer should have cast
such indignities on the Press. We are sure the public will not be slow to
resent such conduct on the part of an official towards those who really
attended the inquest to represent them.
It is with heartfelt regret that we have to record the
death of Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover
Road.
It appears that the deceased left her home at about 6
p.m. on Monday in a two wheeled cart, accompanied by her daughter and son. They
descended the hill, the son leading the horse. By some means which cannot be
explained, the headpiece of the harness came off, and the horse bolted. The son
hung on to the horse as long as he could, but was compelled to leave go, being
pushed against a fence. The animal continued it`s headlong career, and Mrs.
Aird was thrown out into the road, and subsequently Miss Aird also.
Mr. F.J. Weston and others who were passing promptly
rendered assistance. They found the poor lady lying in the road unconscious,
and placed her in a passing cart and conveyed her home. In the meantime the son
had been found, and was seen to be much injured. He was conscious, and able to
walk, but before reaching home lost consciousness.
Dr. Henry Lewis was summoned, and found Mrs. Aird had
sustained a severe fracture of the skull. She lingered until 8, when she passed
away. Mr. Thomas Aird, the son, remained unconscious until Tuesday afternoon,
when he gradually recovered consciousness.
Inquest
The inquest was held at the home of the deceased on
Tuesday before Mr. R.M. Mercer, Coroner for East Kent. We regret we are unable
to give as full an account as we could wish, but the Coroner absolutely refused
to give any accommodation to the representatives of the Press, but compelled
them to stand in semi-darkness at the door. It is only by the kindness of Mr.
Aird, who was food enough to hold a candle, that we are able to give any report
at all.
The jury chose Mr. Seath as their foreman. After they
were sworn and had viewed the body, Mr. William Aird, the husband of the
deceased, identified the body as that of his wife, Harriett Kate Aird, aged 46.
He stated that he assisted to harness the horse, and
saw it was all right. His wife, son, and daughter left the house at 9 minutes
past six to proceed to Folkestone Junction to catch the train to Canterbury,
where the son was going to a situation. They left in an ordinary business two
wheeled cart. About five minutes after they left, someone came and told him of
the accident. He went down the road and found some people bringing up the
deceased in a cart. Doctor Lewis was sent for and arrived in about an hour. His
wife died at 10 minutes past 8. He had had the horse six years. It ran into a
bank and broke two legs, and had to be shot.
Mr. Frederick Jasper Weston said he was descending the
hill, with his man, in a trap. They saw a trap, and two people in it. They
trotted past it, and on reaching the chalk pit at the corner they heard
shouting, and a horse and cart coming down. The horse was galloping hard, and
they were unable to do anything. It ran on the bank, and appeared to cling to
the cart for a time. The cart seemed to go over, but it was not so. It dashed
on again, empty, round the corner. They heard the voice of the daughter calling
for help. The deceased was lying in the road. He did not see the son. The
daughter said something about his lying dead up the road, or words to that
effect. He did not see the horse bolt. He did not see the reins, nor did he see
anyone leading the horse, or holding on to the reins, as it was too dark. He
saw the occupants thrown out. Mrs. Aird, when he saw her, was unconscious. The
deceased was put into a passing cart and conveyed home. He met the son walking
home, two men having hold of his arms.
Miss Florence Kate Aird, daughter of the deceased, said
she thought the blinkers and the bridle came off the horse. Her mother had hold
of the reins. The horse bolted, and her brother hung on for some time, but he
dropped. Her mother fell out first, but witness fell out further on. Her
brother let go because the horse ran up against the fence. She sat still, and
was thrown out, but she could not remember how. She thought her brother tried
to put the bit into the horse`s mouth, when the blinkers fell off, and
frightened the horse.
Dr. Henry Lewis said deceased died from fracture of the
skull, and consequent injury to the brain. It was fractured at the right side,
near the vertex, manifestly, and in all probability the base of the brain was
also fractured. He was not present when she died. When he first saw her she was
in a state of collapse. He said he would return at 10 to perform an operation
if there was a reaction.
The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.
Mr. H.J. Atkins was summoned as a witness, but not
called. He informed our representative that he was proceeding up the hill about
a quarter past six in a cart, when he heard a woman cry out “Tom, stop the
horse”. He jumped out of the cart, but just as he got up to a cart that was
coming down (Mrs. Aird`s) the young man that was holding the horse let go, and
it ran away. He ran back, and saw the man lying there. He had the top part of
the head-piece in his hand. He proceeded to the Valiant Sailor, and told Mr.
Aird that an accident had occurred. Mr. Aird told him his wife and son had just
left in a cart. They brought them up to the house.
Another witness of the accident said he assisted the
son home. At first he was conscious, but before reaching home he lost
consciousness.
We regret to state that the bridle, reins, whip, two
cushions, a new Macintosh rug, and a brown paper parcel that was in the cart at
the time of the accident are missing. Surely no-one is such a miscreant as to
steal the things under the sad circumstances, although it looks like it.
Folkestone
Express 19-10-1895
Local News
On Monday evening a trap accident, which unhappily
resulted in the death of Mrs. Aird, wife of William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor
Inn, and serious injury to his son, Mr. Thomas Aird, took place. It appears that
Mrs. Aird and her daughter set out to accompany the young man to the station,
he being due at Canterbury, where he was about to enter a situation in a
grocery establishment. His box of clothing, which weighed about a
hundredweight, was placed in a light cart, and Mrs. and Miss Aird got up to
ride. Mr. William Aird had previously examined the harness, and saw that it was
alright, and directed his son to lead the horse down the hill, the road being
steep and winding. They left the Valiant Sailor at nine minutes past six, and
they had got some little distance down the road, when, in some mysterious way,
the horse was frightened, and started off. It appears that the headgear had
come loose, but how it happened is not likely to be ascertained. Mr. Thomas Aird
was knocked down, and the wheel of the cart went over him. Soon after, the
wheel of the cart went up the bank, and the mark is plainly visible in the
grass, but the cart did not turn over. Mrs. Aird was thrown out, and appears to
have fallen heavily on her head, fracturing her skull and injuring her brain. A
moment later Miss Aird was tossed out, and then the horse, which was a
remarkably quiet animal, and had been driven for years by Mrs. Aird, dashed on
until it reached the sharp bend near the lime kilns, where the poor brute went
with such force against the bank as to break two legs – one hind and one fore.
One wheel of the cart was much damaged. The heavy box and other articles
remained in the cart. When Miss Aird was able to get up, she went back a little
away, to pick up what she thought was a wrap, but discovered that it was her
mother. Mr. Thomas Aird, with exertion, was able to get up and walk, and
endeavoured to assist his sister, but he fainted or became unconscious.
Information was at once sent to Mr. Aird, who sent assistance, and Mrs. Aird
was taken back to her home in a cart which was passing. The young man was also
carried home, but Miss Aird was able to walk. She attributed her safety to the
fact that her hair was in large pads at the back of her head and broke her
fall. Dr. Henry Lewis and Br. Bateman attended the sufferers. Mrs. Aird died
soon after eight o`clock. Her son remained unconscious till the morning, and at
midday was only semi-conscious. His nose and face are much injured, but it is
hoped that no bones are broken. Mrs. Aird was 46 years of age, and she leaves a
large family. Most travellers on the Dover Road knew her as an admirable
hostess.
Inquest
The inquest was held at the Valiant Sailor on Tuesday
afternoon, before Mr. R.M. Mercer, the County Coroner. Owing to the
discourteous attitude of the Coroner towards the reporters, it was difficult
for them to obtain an accurate account of the proceedings. They were all
huddled together in semi-darkness in the doorway, and but for the kindness of
Mr. Aird, who stood in the passage and held a candle, would have been unable to
write a line. From their position they could see an hear little, but the
particulars were subsequently supplied by the witnesses, and by their
assistance we are enabled to give the following report of the enquiry:-
William Aird said he was the husband of deceased –
Harriett Kate Aird. Her age was 46. He got the cart ready and assisted his man
to harness the horse. One of the reins, which were double ones, was buckled
singly, and he re-adjusted it and put it right. The cart was a two wheel
business cart. It was nine minutes past six when they left home. His son was
going to Canterbury, and intended to catch the 6.32 train. The deceased was
going to drive him to the station, and was then going on to see Dr. Lewis. He
carefully examined the harness before they started, and was in fact more
particular than usual. He had had the horse six years. About five minutes after
they had gone, someone came and told him that a horse had run away down the
hill. He went down the road, where he found a crowd of people round the
deceased. He put her in a greengrocer`s cart and brought her home. She died at
ten minutes past eight. He sent down to look for the horse`s bridle, but it could
not be found. It was about 75 yards above the chalk pit where his son was
knocked down. He could not say whether anything came off the horse`s head. Mr.
Weston, who was driving down the hill, saw the whole thing. The horse`s legs
were broken, the right hind leg in several places, and he had been obliged to
shoot it. His daughter was in the cart with his wife.
Frederick Jasper Weston said on Monday evening he was
driving down the hill, when he passed two people in a cart. They had just
reached the top of the hill. His man trotted on till they got nearly down to
the chalk pit, when they heard voices shouting. He looked behind, and saw a
horse and cart coming down the hill, and when he saw which way it was coming,
he tried to draw aside out of the way. He saw, however, he could not do
anything, and the horse galloped by, just missing him. The horse was galloping
hard. He saw two women in the cart, but he did not know who they were then. The
cart ran into the bank and seemed to stop for a minute, and then it seemed to
go over, but he did not think it did. The occupants were thrown into the road.
It was nearly dark, and they were about twenty yards ahead. The cart seemed to
pause for about two seconds, and then the pony dashed ahead round the corner
out of sight. Miss Aird then got up. When the accident happened they were about
twenty yards below him, and there was no time to do anything. He found Mrs.
Aird in the road, and her daughter stood up crying for help. The son was not
visible. He did not see anything of the
son, but when he helped Miss Aird to rise, she said her brother was on the top
of the hill, dead, or some expression of that sort. He did not see the horse
bolt; he only saw it after it had bolted. He could not remember the exact time,
but it was soon after six. He could not see whether there were any reins. He
got help, and had Mrs. Aird lifted into a van that was passing. He could not
recognise who it was at the time, although he knew Mrs. Aird perfectly well.
There was no-one leading the horse or holding on to the reins. When they were
thrown out he went to them at once. The deceased laid in the road unconscious,
but Miss Aird was conscious and got up. He and his man were not alone. There
was another man in the road, and they procured assistance, and placed deceased
in a van that was going up the road, and took her home. He went part of the way
back, and saw young Aird walking, or, rather, being helped up the hill by two
men, one on each side of him. He was led back to his home with the van. Witness
asked if he could render any help. He did not think Aird was unconscious. He
could not tell how the horse started. After the occupants were thrown out the
horse and cart disappeared round the corner.
Florence Kate Aird said: I think the bit fell out, and
my brother went to put it in, when the blinkers came off. I have never had such
a thing happen before as the bridle coming off. Mother had the reins. My
brother clung to the horse and hung on for about a dozen yards, and then he
dropped, and mother was thrown out. I was not thrown out then. She dropped the
reins before she fell. I think the cart pushed my brother up against the fence.
I sat still. I held mother and told her to sit still. I think I was thrown out
directly after into the road. I don`t know how I fell. I was unconscious for a
minute. My brother tried to put the bit in, when the blinkers came off, and
that, I think, frightened the horse. The bridle has not been found since.
Dr. Henry Lewis said death was caused by a fracture of
the skull and consequent injury to the brain. The skull was fractured on the
right side near the vertex. In all probability the base of the brain was also
injured. He said when he saw her that she might not be alive when he came again
at ten. She was in a state of great collapse, but if there had been sufficient
strength remaining, he was prepared to perform an operation in order to relieve
the possible pressure on the brain.
The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.
Another eyewitness, named Mr. K.J. Atkins, gave the
following account of the accident. He said about a quarter past six he was
coming up the hill with his horse and cart, accompanied by his wife, when he
heard a woman`s voice shout “Tom, stop the horse”. He jumped out, and when he
reached the ground he saw the horse break away from the young man. He ran back,
but the horse was gone, and he found the young man lying on the ground with the
bridle and the blinkers in his hand. He went on to the Valiant Sailor, and got
Mr. Aird to go down.
The whip, two cushions, a Mackintosh rug, and a brown
paper parcel, which were in the cart when the horse bolted, are missing, and no
trace whatever can be discovered of them.
Folkestone
Herald 19-10-1895
Local News
Folkestone was startled on Monday evening by the
announcement that a terrible occurrence had taken place on the Dover Hill.
Unhappily, the rumour proved only too true. Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. William
Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, accompanied by her son and daughter, was driving a
horse and two-wheeled cart steadily down the hill, when something happened to
the bridle. The bit became detached from it`s right position, the blinkers
dropped off, the horse became frightened, and bolted off at a fearful speed,
ultimately coming into contact with a bank at the side of the road. The impact
was very great, and this may be readily appreciated when we state that all the
occupants of the vehicle were thrown out. The deceased lady sustained a severe
fracture of the skull, and injury to the brain. She was rendered unconscious,
and died in that condition a few hours afterwards. The son was also severely
injured, and was at once led to his home. Miss Aird, marvellous to relate,
escaped comparatively unhurt, and was able to give her evidence before the
Coroner on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Henry Lewis was at once appraised of what
had occurred, and arrived at the Valiant Sailor with praiseworthy promptitude.
Mr. Jasper Weston, of Folkestone, was driving down the
hill, and was able to render assistance. The horse was so severely injured that
it had to be shot on the spot. Strange to say the bridle, cushions, brown paper
parcel, and Mackintosh rug have disappeared, and have not been seen or heard of
since. Thus, it is supposed some thieves, taking advantage of the excitement
and darkness, have carried off this property. Whether the county police have
exerted themselves at the time in this matter we are unable to state. Great and
genuine sympathy is felt for Mr. Aird and his family in the great misfortune
that has fallen upon them.
Mrs. Aird was a Miss Killick, and from her infancy up
to the time when she was married to her husband resided at the little farm
house at the bend of the road.
The inquest was held at the Valiant Sailor, before Mr.
R.M. Mercer, the county Coroner, who, however, offered scant courtesy to the
members of the press. The inquiry took place in a small room – the best
available for the purpose.
“Who are you?” said the Coroner, addressing a reporter.
“I have the honour to be a representative of the press. And I have two colleagues
with me”. “Then you withdraw to that door. In any case I shall allow only one
reporter in the room”, at the same time assuming the air of a Russian despot.
With trembling and fear, and with the prospect of committal to the Siberian
mines, the pressman faltered. “There is a seat there, sir. May I take that?”
(indicating that there was accommodation in the bay of a window). For his
reward he was told to get to the door. And so the inquiry opened, and three
reporters might have been seen in a draughty and dark passage, their necks
strained ostrich-like to hear the depositions of the witnesses. Again the
reporter, running the gauntlet of two stalwart policemen, gained an entrance to
the temporary court of justice, and had the impudence to place his notebook on
the table and write down notes of the evidence.
“Dear me, what inquisitive fellows these reporters are.
I thought I ordered you to that door?” said the autocrat. Still the mines of
Siberia had no terrors for that reporter, and he said “Well, sir, we thought,
under these trying circumstances, you would extend that courtesy to the press
that is offered in all the Courts in England. It is only out of my great
respect for Mr. Aird and sympathy with him in his loss, that I do not protest
against your conduct in stronger terms. The Press, in your eyes, is nothing”.
And there was nothing to do but to obey, and get back again to “that door”.
With notebook in hand, and in darkness, the reporters endeavoured to carry out
their duties. Mr. Aird, bowed down with the weight of a great affliction,
without any prompting, produced a tallow candle, and held it in such a position
as to enable the press men to do their duty. And his kindness and consideration
were much appreciated. Mr. Mercer is a great man – an intellectual giant it may
be. But he has yet to learn good manners. His conduct contrasts strongly with
that of Mr. John Minter, who is courteous and obliging to a degree. Mr.
Mercer`s autocratic ways might frighten some people, but there is at least one
reporter who is not frightened to challenge his methods. We are still in old
England – the land of the free. Of course there is a tradition that the Coroner
can do almost as he likes in his own Court, but from English gentlemen we
expect an example of courtesy and good breeding. Whether these excellent
qualities were exercised at Tuesday`s inquest we leave the public to judge.
We give a brief summary of the evidence, which our
reporter gleaned from the jury at the end of the inquiry.
Mr. Aird said his wife`s age was 46, and that on the
night of the sad occurrence his wife was proceeding to Folkestone accompanied
by her son and daughter. Before they started from home, witness looked at the
bridle and saw that the horse was harnessed quite correctly. A few minutes after
they had started on their journey down the hill, someone informed witness that
an accident had taken place. He at once proceeded to the spot and found a crowd
gathered round deceased. A greengrocer`s cart happened to be passing, and with
assistance he placed his wife in it and had her driven home. Witness at once
sent for medical assistance, but in spite of everything possible being done she
died at ten minutes past eight. The horse sustained injuries and it had to be
shot.
Mr. Frederick Jasper Weston said he was down the hill
and passed a one-horse cart containing two persons. Soon afterwards he heard
shouting and cries for help, and almost at the same time a horse galloped by
and ran with the cart into the bank. The vehicle was upset, he thought, but anyhow
the occupants were thrown out violently. Witness found Mrs. Aird in the road,
and her daughter stood up crying for help. He did not see the son, but on
rendering assistance to Miss Aird, that lady said her brother was on the top of
the hill, and she thought he was dead. It was dark, and at the time of the
accident, soon after six. He procured help. When witness went up the hill he
found young Aird being led to his home.
Florence Kate Aird said she thought the bit fell out
and that the blinkers came off. Mother had the reins. My brother tried to cling
to the horse. He dropped, and then my mother was thrown out. Witness was not
thrown out then. I sat still, and told mother to do likewise. Witness did not
know how she fell. Her brother was pushed by the cart against the fence. She
thought the horse was frightened by the blinkers falling off.
Dr. Henry Lewis said death was caused by fracture of
the skull, and consequent injury to the brain.
After a brief interval, the jury returned a verdict of
Accidental Death.
The funeral of the deceased lady took place at the
cemetery on Thursday afternoon. There was a large gathering of friends and
sympathisers present, several of the shops in Dover Road being closed as a mark
of respect. The beautiful coffin was completely covered by a profusion of
choice wreaths, kindly sent by a large circle of friends. The funeral
arrangements were ably carried out by Mr. Geo. Prebble.
Mr. Aird and family wish to thank their many friends,
who have shown them so much kindness and sympathy during their sad bereavement.
Folkestone
Up To Date 19-10-1895
Local News
A gloom was thrown over the town on Tuesday night by
the news that Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, had met with
a fatal accident. She left the Valiant Sailor at about six o`clock, in company
with some other members of the family, for the purpose of driving to the
Junction Station. The horse took fright and dashed down the hill with such
force that Mrs. Aird was thrown out near the Lime Kiln corner, and appears to
have fractured the skull and injured the brain, from which injuries she died
soon after eight o`clock.
Sandgate
Weekly News 19-10-1895
Local News
We regret to record a serious accident which occurred
on Monday evening, and unhappily attended with fatal results. It appears that
Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. W. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Road,
accompanied by a son and daughter, were driving down to Folkestone. When
proceeding down the steep incline the horse became unmanageable and bolted. It
appears that the head gear had become loose, but how it happened is not likely
to be ascertained. Mr. Thomas Aird, who was leading the horse down the hill,
hung on to it for about a dozen yards, but was eventually thrown down, and the
wheel of the cart went over him. Soon afterwards the cart was run into the
bank, but was not overturned. Mrs. and Miss Aird were both thrown out. The
former fell heavily on her head, fracturing her skull, and injuring her brain.
The horse dashed on until it reached the sharp turn near Killick`s Farm, where
it rushed into the bank with such force that two of its legs were broken, and
it was afterwards destroyed. The accident was witnessed by Mr. Jasper Weston,
who immediately went to the unfortunate ladies` assistance. Mrs. Aird was
conveyed home, and medical aid was summoned. She died shortly after eight
o`clock. Miss Aird was not seriously injured, and was able to walk. Her brother
was also able to get up and walk with assistance, but he afterwards became
unconscious, and for some time was in a critical condition. He is badly
disfigured.
The inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, when a
verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.
Southeastern Gazette
22-10-1895
Inquest
On Monday evening
Mrs. Aird, wife of Mr. W. Aird, landlord of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Road,
in company with her son and daughter, was driving to Folkestone in a
two-wheeled trap, and in descending the steep hill leading from the inn the son
led the animal down the decline. They had not got far, however, when somehow or
other the head-piece of the horse’s harness came off, causing the animal to
bolt. The youth clung to the animal and endeavoured to stop it, but he was
eventually shaken off, and in turning the corner below the trap was overturned.
Mrs. Aird was pitched out on to her head with great violence, and a fractured
skull and consequent injury to the brain resulted in her death ensuing an hour
or two later without consciousness having been regained. Miss Aird was shaken
severely, though she received no very serious injury, but the youth, when
thrown off by the infuriated horse, was knocked about so much that for a day or
two his life was considered to be in danger. His condition, however, has now
improved.
The inquest upon the
body of Mrs. Aird was held on Tuesday, by Mr. R. M. Mercer, and a
Verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
Folkestone
Visitors` List 23-10-1895
Kaleidoscope
The funeral of Mrs. Aird, whose sad death we reported
last week, took place on Thursday afternoon at the Folkestone cemetery. The
funeral was attended by a large gathering of friends and sympathisers, and as a
token of respect most of the places of business and private residences in Dover
Road had their blinds drawn as the funeral cortege passed. The greatest
sympathy is expressed with Mr. Aird and his family, who desire through our
columns to convey their thanks to the numerous friends and acquaintances who
have expressed sympathy and shown so much kindness in their sore bereavement.
Notes
Mr. Mercer held an inquest at the Valiant Sailor, near
Folkestone, on Tuesday last, and the representatives of the Folkestone press
attended as usual.
Mr. Mercer thought fit to turn the reporters out, but
it was not this that grieved them. It was the ungentlemanly way in which the
Coroner did it that annoyed them. They regret, and we share with them, that a
public office should be held by a person who does not appear to be possessed of
the elementary rudiments of good manners. No, no, Mr. Mercer, reporters are not
dogs, and do not like to be treated as such.
Perhaps the East Kent Coroner does not know the power
of the Press, but if the Kentish press was to make a unanimous appeal for the
removal of Mr. Mercer from his position as Coroner, he would know then. Perhaps
he may as it is.
There is only one Coroner in England who has dared to
hold an inquest in private, and this was done in the interests of public
morals, in which he was supported by a large section of the public press. Why
the gentlemen from Folkestone were treated so uncouthly by Mr. Mercer, we do
not know, but they say it is a way he has!
Folkestone Express
21-11-1896
On Tuesday three man, named Potts, Mountain, and Karnu, were
charged before the Borough Magistrates with being drunk and disorderly at the
Valiant Sailor, and Potts was further charged with assaulting P.C. Crapps. From
the evidence, it appeared that the defendants were creating a disturbance,
being engaged in a drunken quarrel. P.S. Crapps, who was passing at the time,
called upon them to desist, when Potts caught him by the throat and struck him
in the face, whereupon Crapps drew his truncheon in defence. Corroborative
evidence was given by Mr. Aird and his son, and the Bench fined defendants 10s
and 15s. 2d costs, or in default one month`s hard labour, and Potts was further
fined for the assault £1 and 10s. costs, or in default a month, the two
sentences to run consecutively.
Folkestone Express
3-4-1897
Local News
On Monday, at Hythe, before the County Bench, Henry Murton,
a labourer, was charged with breaking windows, the property of Mr. W. Aird;
with being disorderly and refusing to quit licensed premises, and also with
assaulting Mr. W. Aird. From the evidence it appeared that about eight o`clock
on the evening of March 28th, prisoner in company with six other
men, entered the Valiant Sailor, and called for beer. Prisoner was served with
a quart of beer, but, on subsequently asking for more, was refused. He
commenced to sing and shout, and Mr. Aird ordered him to leave the house. He
went out and commenced to break the windows, doing damage to the extent of £1
2s. 6d. On Mr. Aird going out, prisoner dealt him a violent blow on the side of
the head, which knocked him down. The Borough Police were sent for, and he was
taken into custody. Prisoner was sentenced to six weeks` hard labour.
Folkestone Herald
3-4-1897
Local News
The conduct of a Folkestone carter named Henry Murton got
him into trouble at the County Police Court at Hythe on Monday last. On the
previous day the prisoner, in company with six or seven other men, visited the
Valiant Sailor, at Hawkinge, but as they were drunk they were refused liquor by
the landlord, Mr. Aird. This gentleman the prisoner personally assaulted, and
also smashed a window and refused to quit the premises. He was therefore
charged with the latter offence, damaging the window to the amount of 22s. 6d.,
and assaulting Mr. Aird. Commander Mansell R.N., and Mr. B. Horton were on the
Bench. They dismissed the charged of refusing to quit and doing damage, but for
the assault the prisoner was sent to gaol with hard labour for six weeks.
Folkestone Herald
10-4-1897
Hythe Division Court
Thursday, April 8th: Before Sir. F. Maclean, Mr.
W. Wightwick, Mr. E.S. Thompson, and Mr. B. Horton.
John Clay, George Weeks, Samuel Murton, George Freezer, and
George Tanner, all young men belonging to Folkestone, were summoned by Mr. W.
Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, Hawkinge, for being disorderly and refusing to
quit his premises when requested to do so on the 28th March.
The circumstances of the case were the same as those deposed
to at a previous sitting of the Court, when another defendant, a brother of
Murton, was sent to prison for six weeks. The charge against Clay and Tanner
was dismissed. The remaining defendants were severally fined £3, and 15s.
costs, or 21 days` hard labour in default.
Tanner was then charged with assaulting Mr.Aird at the same
time and place. On conviction he was sent to gaol for 21 days` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
26-8-1899
Local News
Yesterday (Friday) morning, Folkestone Constable Nash, on
duty in Dover Road on the extremity of the Borough, noticed a building ablaze,
to which he ran, and discovered it to be one of the stables on the farm owned
by Mr. Aird, proprietor of the famous house The Valiant Sailor, which stands at
the hill-top above the farm, and is the popular coaching house and pleasure
seekers` rendezvous between Folkestone and Dover. The stable contained five
valuable horses, whose lives would have undoubtedly been sacrificed but for the
presence of mind displayed by Constable Nash. His promptitude also saved Mr.
Aird from considerable loss in other directions. Having roused everybody on the
farm, he got the horses released, and it being impossible to get the fire
brigade up to such a distant hill-top at once, every effort was made by all
hands with buckets of water – fortunately there was plenty of water near – to extinguish
the fire, and they were successful. The fire arose, it has transpired, from a
farm-hand going to sleep in the loft and leaving a lighted candle, which in due
time burned down and set fire to the straw. Nash luckily chanced to be looking
in the direction of the stables at the moment the straw took fire, and his
energy and promptness are to be commended.
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