Even More Tales From The Tap Room: Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road 1855

Thanks And Acknowledgements

My thanks go to Kent Libraries and Archives - Folkestone Library and also to the archive of the Folkestone Herald. For articles from the Folkestone Observer, my thanks go to the Kent Messenger Group. Southeastern Gazette articles are from UKPress Online, and Kentish Gazette articles are from the British Newspaper Archive. See links below.

Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked

Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.

Welcome

Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.

Core dates and information on licensees tenure are taken from Martin Easdown and Eamonn Rooney`s two fine books on the pubs of Folkestone, Tales From The Tap Room and More Tales From The Tap Room - unfortunately now out of print. Dates for the tenure of licensees are taken from the very limited editions called Bastions Of The Bar and More Bastions Of The Bar, which were given free to very early purchasers of the books.

Easiest navigation of the site is by clicking on the PAGE of the pub you are looking for and following the links to the different sub-pages. Using the LABELS is, I`m afraid, not at all user-friendly.

Sunday, 20 October 2024

Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road 1855 - 1997


Bouverie Arms 1999 Credit Martin Easdown

Bouverie Arms c1950 Credit Peter & Anne Bamford

Former Bouverie Arms, May 2012

Bouverie Arms, Date unknown. Photo kindly supplied by Martin Easdown

Bouverie Arms, 1978

Licensees

James Kirby 1855 1861

Thomas Baker 1861 1863

J. Hobden c 1863 1865

Mrs. Hobden (Widow) 1865 1865

H. Elliott 1865 1865 To Gun Tavern

Sarah Tidmarsh c 1865 1873 From Martello

George Hogben 1873 1874 Later Queens Head

Thomas Simmons 1874 1891

Albert Hart 1891 1903

Frederick Lester 1903 1907

William Attwood 1907 1910 From Castle Inn

Albert Hart 1910 1915

Francis Hedges 1915 1931

Frederick Hedges 1931 1934

Harold Funnell 1934 1941
R.P. Rawlings 1941 1941

Arthur Freeman 1941 1947

William Hoare 1947 1956

John Stewart 1956 1959

George Thomson 1959 1963

Harry Elliott 1963 1969

Charles Shaw 1969 1973

Harry Foster 1973 1975

Peter Buckland and John West 1975 1979 John West also East Kent Arms 1976-78

James Rugg-Gunn 1979 1982

David Robinson 1982 1986

Graham Thomson 1986 1989

Barry Jukes 1989 1994

Jacqueline Jukes 1994 1995

Timothy Corcoran and Anthony Downing 1995 1995

Craig Hale and Sarah Bedford 1995 1996

Sarah Bedford and Linda McCarn 1996 1997

Southeastern Gazette 29-1-1861

County Court, Wednesday last: Before Charles Harwood Esq.

James Kirby v Stone: A claim for £1 10s., for hiring of stables at the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road. Defendant denied his liability. He stated that he had never hired the premises, but that they were used by his son.

George Stone, son of the defendant stated that his father sent him to hire stables wherever he could get them, and he had hired them in his father`s name of the plaintiff. His father had given him money to pay the rent; the 30s. was the balance due.

His Honour said the father could not resist the claim as the son was acting as agent. Ordered to be paid forthwith.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-4-1861

Advertisement extract: Folkestone, in Kent. To Brewers, builders, speculators, and others requiring a safe investment. Mr. John Banks will sell by auction, on Tuesday, May 7^th, at three o`clock in the afternoon, at the King`s Arms Inn, Folkestone, the following valuable free public house.

Lot 1: All that well-built freehold detached free public house, known as the Bouverie Arms, with stable belonging thereto, situate in Cheriton Road, and in the immediate vicinity of Victoria Grove, Folkestone; let to Mr. Thomas Baker as a yearly tenant at the sum of £30, which tenancy will expire at Midsummer, 1862. The above premises are well-adapted for carrying on a very lucrative business.

Folkestone Observer 27-4-1861

Friday April 26^th:- Before the Mayor and R.W. Boarer esq.

Mr. Hudson applied for a temporary authority to Mr. Thomas Baker, to sell beer and spirits at the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Place, until the special sessions for transfer of licences on the 5^th of June next. The request was acceded to.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-5-1861

The freehold building land and free public house offered for sale on Tuesday last at the Kings Arms Inn, was not disposed of, and may now be treated for by applying to Mr. John Banks, Auctioneer and Estate Agent, Tontine Street, Folkestone.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-7-1861

Notice

Whereas a petition of James Kirby, formerly of Tovil, near Maidstone, in the County of Kent, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the Bouverie Arms, in the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Beershop Keeper, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the same place Licensed Victualler, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then in lodgings in the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, in the County of Kent, out of business or employment, then living in furnished lodgings at Cheriton Street aforesaid, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then and now of Cheriton Street in Cheriton aforesaid, Journeyman Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, an Insolvent Debtor, having been filed in the County Court of Kent, holden at Folkestone, in the said County, and an Interim Order for Protection from Process having been given to the said James Kirby, under the provisions of the Statutes in that case made and provided, the said James Kirby is hereby required to appear in the said Court, to be holden at Folkestone aforesaid, before the Judge of the said Court, on the twenty fourth day of July, 1861, at ten o`clock in the forenoon precisely, for his First Examination touching his debts, estate, and effects, and to be further dealt with according to the provisions of the said Statutes: And Notice is hereby given that the choice of Assignees is to take place at the time so appointed.

All persons indebted to the said James Kirby, or who have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to Ralph Thomas Brockman, the Registrar of the said Court, at his Office at Folkestone, the official Assignee of the Estate and Effects of the said Insolvent.

William Venables, High Bailiff,

Messenger of the said Court.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-7-1861

County Court

Wednesday, July 24^th: Before C. Harwood Esq.

James Kirby appeared to petition the Court under the Insolvent Debtors` Act; he passed his first examination, and received protection till next Court day.

Folkestone Chronicle 3-8-1861

Notice: In the matter of the petition of James Kirby, formerly of Tovil, near Maidstone, in the County of Kent, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the Bouverie Arms, in the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Beershop Keeper, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the same place Licensed Victualler, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then in lodgings in the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, in the County of Kent, out of business or employment, then living in furnished lodgings at Cheriton Street aforesaid, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then and now of Cheriton Street in Cheriton aforesaid, Journeyman Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, an Insolvent Debtor.

Notice is hereby given that the County Court of Kent, at Folkestone, acting in the manner of this petition, will proceed to make a final order thereon, at the said court, on the 28^th day of August, 1861, at ten of the clock in the forenoon precisely, unless cause be then and there shewn to the contrary.

William Venables, High Bailiff,

Messenger of the said Court.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-8-1861

Annual Licencing Day & Petty Sessions

Wednesday August 21^st:- Before the Mayor, James Tolputt, W.F. Browell, W. Major, W. Bateman, and A.M. Leith esqs.

New Licence

A new licence was also granted to Thomas Baker, late of Canterbury, for the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road.

Folkestone Chronicle 14-3-1863

Petty Sessions, Saturday, March 7^th: Before W.F. Browell, R.W. Boarer, S. Eastes and A.M. Leith Esqs.

John Brown and Robert Cunningham, two drivers of the 9^th Brigade, Royal Artillery, E & H Batteries, stationed at Shorncliffe, and who were very bad looking types of the 3^rd class of soldiers, with the short crop of the military prison, were placed at the bar, charged with wilfully and maliciously setting fire to a certain stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth Esq., of Ingles Farm, on the same morning, at half past 12 o`clock.

John Kingsnorth: I am residing at Ingles Farm. Yesterday afternoon, about 1 o`clock, witness saw said stacks of corn standing on his farm at Ingles. This morning, about half past 12, witness was awoke by a policeman and was told a stack was on fire. Witness went to the place and found the two prisoners in the custody of the police. The stack was completely burnt. The value of the stack was from £100 to £150. The stacks were all safe at 10 p.m. last night. The prisoner Brown in his hearing said that he would have burnt the whole ---- place down.

In answer to a question about how he came to do it, Brown said it was on fire when we came to it, and he lighted his pipe by it.

The prisoner Cunningham said nothing.

In answer to a question by the prisoner Brown, the witness said “It was you that spoke.”

The witness, after some consideration, said he wished to alter his evidence. It was one of the two prisoners that he had the conversation with. The stack was about 250 yards from his dwelling house.

P.C. Charles Ovenden, sworn: I was on duty in Bouverie Square about 12.20 a.m., and saw that one of the stacks at Mr. Kingsnorth`s farm was on fire. Witness immediately crossed a ploughed field at the back of Mr. Kingsnorth`s house, and there met P.C. Sharp. When witness got to the field where the stacks were on fire, he saw the two prisoners sitting down about 12 yards from the burning stack. P.C. Sharp asked them how long they had been there, when Cunningham said “We have been here half an hour.” Brown said “No, we have not been here more than a few minutes.” The stack was then on fire. Cunningham was smoking a pipe, and said he had lit his pipe at the stack, seeing it was on fire. Witness took them into custody, and charged them with wilfully setting the stack on fire. Cunningham said “I set the stack on fire, and I wish I had set the ---- lot on fire, for I like to see a ---- good blaze.” Brown said “Hold your tongue. You have said too much now.” Mr. Kingsnorth then came up, and the prisoners were then removed from there to the station. On the road to the station prisoner repeated his language about the fire; he also said he wished he had set fire to the town of Folkestone, and the ---- Camp. Witness secured Brown, but found nothing on him except his stock and gloves. Both men were intoxicated, No-one else was near the fire except the prisoners and P.C. Sharp. It was a moonlight, and in an open field, so that witness might have seen anyone if they had run away from the stack. A little before 12 on the same night witness saw two soldiers at the Bouverie Arms like the prisoners.

By the Bench: From the time when witness first saw the stack till he got to it at least 10 minutes had elapsed.

P.C. R. Sharp, sworn, deposed and corroborated the whole of Ovenden`s evidence.

Police Constable Woodland, sworn, deposed he came on duty to the station this morning at 8 o`clock. About 9 o`clock witness visited the cells. Cunningham said he was all right. Witness then went to Brown`s cell, and asked him if he was all right. He said “Now about the fire. I am innocent of all that.” Witness told him to be careful what he was speaking about, as he might hear of it again. He said “It`s the truth what I am going to say. We went into the Bouverie Arms about 12 o`clock, and Cunningham asked the landlady to give him some lucifers, as he wanted to light his pipe on the way home. She did so.” Prisoner added “When we got across the field, we saw some stacks.” After they got some distance Cunningham looked at Brown and said “I shall go and light my pipe.” After that he went to a corner stack and lit his pipe, and put the other part of the Lucifer under the stack. He then took a handful of straw that was alight and set the other side alight. They then sat down on the side of the road, till the two policemen came up. That is all that prisoner said, that he belonged to the E Battery, and Cunningham to the H Battery of the 9^th Brigade.

Mr. Browell, chairman of the Bench, then gave the prisoners the usual caution. The prisoner Brown said they had been drinking at the Bouverie Arms. “We had four or five pots of ale, and two glasses of punch.” It was getting well on for twelve o`clock when they left the house. After asking for some matches, as they crossed the fields, Cunningham said he would go and light his pipe. He did so at the side of the stack, and it caught fire. The prisoner Cunningham said he had nothing to say at present.

The prisoners were then formally committed to take their trial for the offence at the next assizes at Maidstone, and the witnesses bound over to prosecute.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, soldiers, were charged with having wilfully set fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth, at Folkestone, on the 7^th of March. Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

The prosecutor deposed: I am the occupier, in the borough of Folkestone. On the 6^th of this month I had some stacks of wheat standing in my homestead. At about half past twelve on the night in question I was aroused from sleep. I went into the yard and found the stack alight. It was worth £150. I saw both prisoners there in the custody of the police. One of them, with an oath, said the stack was on fire when he got there, and that he lighted his pipe there. I do not know which said that. The other must have heard it, as they were handcuffed together. Afterwards, when I requested one of the police to take them away, one of them said he wished he had set the ---- lot on fire. I do not know which one it was said that. There were several other stacks near.

P.C. Charles Ovenden said: I am a police constable of the Borough of Folkestone. At 12.20 I went towards Mr. Kingsnorth`s farm. Noticed one of the stacks was on fire. Called Mr. Kingsnorth up as soon as I got to the house. I then went towards the stack. When I got to the stack I saw the two prisoners sitting down about ten or twelve yards from the stack. Another constable was with me, who said to the prisoners “How long have you been here?” Cunningham said they had been there half an hour. Brown said they had only been there a few minutes. I told them I should take them into custody for setting the stack on fire. Cunningham said he saw the stack on fire and lit his pipe by it. He afterwards said “I set the stack on fire, and wish I had set all the ---- lot on fire.” Brown said “Hold your tongue. You have said too much already.” On the way to the station Cunningham said “I set the stack on fire. I wish I had set Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp.” The stack was in a field. There is a footpath about ten or twelve yards from the stack. I did not see anyone by the stack when I got there but the two prisoners. The prisoners were both intoxicated – Cunningham worse than Brown. The stack was totally destroyed.

P.C. Sharp corroborated.

P.C. Woodland deposed that he was on duty at the police station on the morning of the 7^th inst. He visited the cells at about 9 o`clock. Brown volunteered the statement that he was innocent of the fire. Witness cautioned him. Prisoner afterwards said “I was drinking at the Bouverie Arms, at Folkestone. We left at about a quarter before twelve. As we left the public house Cunningham asked the landlady for some lucifers to light his pipe as we went home to the Camp. She gave him some lucifers, and as we were going across the fields we passed some corn stacks. Cunningham said to me “I shall light my pipe here”, and went across to the stack and lit his pipe with a Lucifer. After he had lit his pipe he put the other part of the lucifers under the stack and set it on fire, then took a handful of straw from where it was alight, and put it on the other side of the stack and set that on fire. After that he came across the road and sat beside me.

Catherine Richardson said: I am the landlady of the Mariners Home public house, Folkestone. The prisoners came in about eight o`clock. They came in together and left together about half past eleven. As they left, Cunningham asked for some lucifers, saying they were to light a fire on board of his cousin`s smack, where he was going to sleep. She gave him some lucifers. They then went away in the direction of Mr. Kingsnorth`s farm.

Brown`s statement before the magistrates was read, and was similar to that made to the constable, and already in print. Brown had nothing to say in his defence.

Cunningham said he was in liquor on the night in question and did not know what he was about. All he could remember was seeing the stack on fire. He pleaded Guilty to the charge, but begged for mercy.

Catherine Richardson, re-called, said the prisoners had been drinking at her house, but were sober when they left the house.

Brown was acquitted, Cunningham found Guilty, and sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Chatham News 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday; before Mr. Justice Wightman

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, two smart-looking young fellows, privates in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged with having wilfully and feloniously set fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth. The jury acquitted Brown and found Cunningham Guilty. Sentence: Ten years` penal servitude.

Dover Chronicle 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

The prosecutor deposed: I am the occupier, in the borough of Folkestone. On the 6^th instant I had some stacks of wheat standing in my homestead. At about half past twelve on the night in question I was aroused from sleep. I went into the yard and found the stack alight. It was worth £150. I saw both prisoners there in the custody of the police. One of them, with an oath, said the stack was on fire when he got there, and that he lighted his pipe there. I do not know which said that. The other must have heard it, as they were handcuffed together. Afterwards, when I requested one of the police to take them away, one of them said he wished he had set the ---- lot on fire. I do not know which one it was said that. There were several other stacks near.

P.C. Charles Ovenden said: I was on duty on the night of the 6^th. About 12.20 I went towards Mr. Kingsnorth`s farm. Noticed one of the stacks on fire. Called Mr. Kingsnorth up as soon as I got to the house. I then went towards the stack, and saw the two prisoners sitting about 10 or 12 yards off. Another constable was with me, who said to the prisoners “How long have you been here?” Cunningham said they had been there half an hour. Brown said they had only been there a few minutes. I told them I should take them into custody for setting the stack on fire. Cunningham said he saw the stack on fire and lit his pipe by it. He afterwards said “I set the stack on fire, and wish I had set all the ---- lot on fire.” Brown said “Hold your tongue. You have said too much already.” On the way to the station Cunningham said “I set the stack on fire. I wish I had set Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp.” The stack was in a field. There is a footpath about ten or twelve yards from the stack. I did not see anyone by the stack when I got there but the two prisoners. The prisoners were both intoxicated – Cunningham worse than Brown. The stack was totally destroyed.

P.C. Sharp corroborated.

P.C. Woodland deposed that he was on duty at the police station on the morning of the 7^th inst. He visited the cells at about nine o`clock. Brown volunteered the statement that he was innocent of the fire. Witness cautioned him. Prisoner afterwards said “I was drinking at the Bouverie Arms, at Folkestone. We left at about a quarter before twelve. As we left the public house Cunningham asked the landlady for some lucifers to light his pipe as we went home to the Camp. She gave him some lucifers, and as we were going across the fields we passed some corn stacks. Cunningham said to me “I shall light my pipe here”, and went across to the stack and lit his pipe with a Lucifer. After he had lit his pipe he put the other part of the lucifers under the stack and set it on fire, then took a handful of straw from where it was alight, and put it on the other side of the stack and set that on fire. After that he came across the road and sat beside me.

Brown`s statement before the magistrates was read, and was similar to that made to the constable. Brown had nothing to say in his defence.

Catherine Richardson, re-called, said the prisoners had been drinking at her house, but were sober when they left the house.

Brown was acquitted, Cunningham found Guilty, and sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Dover Express 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being at the time the worse for liquor; and before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Very soon afterwards one of the stacks of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and upon two constables of the Borough of Folkestone, named Ovenden and Sharp, going to the spot, they found the prisoners sitting down close to the stack. The officers asked how long they had been there, and Cunningham replied “About half an hour”, but Brown interposed and said they had only been there a few minutes. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but immediately afterwards he said that he had set it on fire, and added that he liked to see a good blaze, and he wished that he had set the whole lot on fire, and he wished that he could set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too. He added that he should also have liked to have seen the two constables on the top of the fire. The other prisoner, Brown, told him to hold his tongue, and that he had said a great deal too much already, but he continued to make use of violent expressions, and repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. On the following morning, when the prisoners had become sober, Brown said that he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion had been drinking at a public house at Folkestone, and were very drunk when they left, and they went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack in question, and he saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. He went on to say that he took out a handful of the burning straw, and went round to the opposite side of the stack and set fire to it, and when he had done so he came and sat down by him, and they remained there until the police came up. The prisoner repeated the above statement when he was examined before the magistrate, but Cunningham merely stated that he had nothing to say at present. The prosecutor, too, was an entire stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, which was worth £140, was entirely destroyed.

The prisoner Brown, when called upon for his defence, made the same statement he had done before; and Cunningham said he was so drunk at the time that he knew nothing about the affair, and all he recollected was that the stack was on fire when he arrived at the spot.

The Jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

The learned Judge, in passing sentence, said that he had always regarded the offence of arson as one of the most serious character, and denoting the greatest malignity of mind on the part of the prisoner committing it. It did him no good, and the result was merely to cause mischief and injury; and he was sorry to see a man in the position of the prisoner disgrace the service in which he was engaged by committing such an offence. He then ordered him to be kept in penal servitude for ten years, and the prisoner left the dock laughing.

Dover Telegraph 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, privates in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged with having wilfully and feloniously set fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth. Mr. Biron conducted the prosecution.

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being the worse for liquor. Before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Soon afterwards a stack of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on the Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and the prisoners sitting close to the stack, Cunningham smoking a pipe. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but afterwards he said that he had set it on fire. Brown told him to hold his tongue, but he repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. When the prisoners had become sober, Brown said that he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion were very drunk, and they went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack, and he saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. This prisoner repeated the statement before the magistrate, but Cunningham had nothing to say. The prosecutor was a stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, worth £140, was destroyed.

Brown, in defence, made the statement he had done before; and Cunningham said he was so drunk at the time that he knew nothing about the affair.

The Jury, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty.

East Kent Times 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday; before Mr. Justice Wightman

The jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

The learned Judge ordered the prisoner to be kept in penal servitude for ten years, and the prisoner left the dock laughing.

Faversham Mercury 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

John Jones (sic), 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, two privates in the Royal Artillery, were charged with firing a stack, at Dover (sic), on the 7^th of March, the property of Mr. John Kingsnorth. Mr. Biron appeared for the prosecution.

The prosecutor said he had a number of corn stacks standing near his homestead, and on the morning of the 7^th was aroused by an alarm of fire. On going to see what was the matter, he found a large wheat stack, worth probably about £50, was alight. Both the prisoners were then in custody of the police, and one of them said he wished they had set the whole lot on fire.

Ovenden and Smart, two of the Folkestone police, on the night in question noticed one of Mr. Kingsnorth`s stacks on fire. Gave an alarm, and then went towards one of the stacks, and about a dozen yards off found the prisoners sitting on the roadside. On questioning them, Cunningham said they had been there half an hour, but Brown said “No, only a few minutes.” On being taken into custody Cunningham said “I saw the stack on fire, and lit my pipe at it.” He added “I have set a stack on fire, and I wished I had set the whole lot of them alight.” Brown said “Hold your tongue. You`ve said too much already.” No person was near the stacks when the police first went up. Both the prisoners were intoxicated. The stack was totally destroyed.

Catherine Richardson, landlady of the Mariners Arms, Folkestone, said the prisoners came in about half past eleven and had some drink, and as they left they asked for some lucifers. He said he was going on board his cousin`s smack to sleep, and she gave him about a dozen matches. They went off in the direction of Dover.

In defence the prisoners said Cunningham went to light his pipe to the leeward of the stack, and it was accidentally fired. They were in a state of drunkenness, and did not know what they said to the police afterwards.

The Jury, after some deliberation acquitted Brown, but found Cunningham guilty. A former conviction was proved and he was sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday, March 17^th: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, two privates in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, were indicted for arson. The cas was curious.

They had gone out together about a week ago, after having had beer and rum together at a public house, and got some lucifers from the landlady. They admitted that one of them, going aside to the stack to light his pipe (why he should have gone there for that purpose he could not explain), had by an accident set it on fire, but they both denied any intent to do it.

Mr. Biron was for the prosecution. The prisoners were undefended.

One of the prisoners (Cunningham), who had actually set the stack on fire, was proved to have used certain expressions indicating reckless malice. He now said he was drunk at the time, and did not know what he said or did.

The learned Judge summed up the case with great care. The jury, after some consideration, found Cunningham Guilty. The other prisoner they acquitted. The learned Judge, after some strong observations on the atrocity of the offence, sentenced the convicted prisoner to ten years` penal servitude.

Kentish Chronicle 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

The learned Judge ordered the prisoner to be kept in penal servitude for ten years, and the prisoner left the dock laughing.

Kentish Express 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being at the time the worse for liquor; and before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Very soon afterwards one of the stacks of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and upon two constables of the Borough of Folkestone, named Ovenden and Sharp, going to the spot, they found the prisoners sitting down close to the stack, Cunningham smoking a pipe. The officers asked how long they had been there, and Cunningham replied “About half an hour”, but Brown interposed and said they had only been there a few minutes. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but immediately afterwards he said that he had set it on fire, and added that he liked to see a good blaze, and he wished that he had set the whole lot on fire, and he wished that he could set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too. He added that he should also have liked to have seen the two constables on the top of the fire. The other prisoner, Brown, told him to hold his tongue, and that he had said a great deal too much already, but he continued to make use of violent expressions, and repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. On the following morning, when the prisoners had become sober, Brown said that he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion had been drinking at a public house at Folkestone, and were very drunk when they left, and they went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack in question, and he saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. He went on to say that he took out a handful of the burning straw, and went round to the opposite side of the stack and set fire to it, and when he had done so he came and sat down by him, and they remained there until the police came up. The prisoner repeated the above statement when he was examined before the magistrate, but Cunningham merely stated that he had nothing to say at present. The prosecutor, too, was an entire stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, which was worth £140, was entirely destroyed.

The Jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

Kentish Mercury 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being at the time the worse for liquor; and before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Very soon afterwards one of the stacks of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on the Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and upon two constables of the Borough of Folkestone, named Ovenden and Sharp, going to the spot, they found the prisoners sitting down close to the stack, Cunningham smoking a pipe. The officers asked how long they had been there, and Cunningham replied “About half an hour”, but Brown interposed and said they had only been there a few minutes. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but immediately afterwards he said that he had set it on fire, and added that he liked to see a good blaze, and he wished that he had set the whole lot on fire, and he wished that he could set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too. He added that he should also have liked to have seen the two constables on the top of the fire. The other prisoner, Brown, told him to hold his tongue, and that he had said a great deal too much already, but he continued to make use of violent expressions, and repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. On the following morning, when the prisoners had become sober, Brown said that he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion had been drinking at a public house at Folkestone, and were very drunk when they left, and they went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack in question, and he saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. He went on to say that he took out a handful of the burning straw, and went round to the opposite side of the stack and set fire to it, and when he had done so he came and sat down by him, and they remained there until the police came up. The prisoner repeated the above statement when he was examined before the magistrate, but Cunningham merely stated that he had nothing to say at present. The prosecutor, too, was an entire stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, which was worth £140, was entirely destroyed.

The Jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

Maidstone Telegraph 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

W. Brown, 25, soldier, and Robert Cunningham, 23, soldier, for setting fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsworth, at Folkestone, on the 7^th of March, 1863.

John Kingsworth, owner of the stack, deposed to seeing the two prisoners in custody of a policeman on the night in question. On his interrogating one of the prisoners he said the stack was on fire when they went to it, and he lit his pipe at the stack. One of the prisoners afterwards said he wished he had set the ----lot on fire.

P.C. Havenden stated he was on duty at Bouverie Square on the morning of the 7^th inst. About 20 minutes after 12 he went in the direction of Mr. Kingsworth`s farm, when he observed one of the stacks on fire. He then called Mr. Kingsworth up. When near the stack he saw the two prisoners sitting down about 10 yards from the stack. Another constable that was there with him asked them how long they had been there, when Cunningham replied “Half an hour”; the prisoner Brown replied “Only a few minutes.” He then told them he should take them into custody, when Cunningham said he saw the stack on fire and he lit his pipe by it, and he wished he had set the lot on fire. Brown said “Hold your tongue. You have said too much already.” When he was taking them into custody Cunningham said “I set the ---- stack on fire.” Both prisoners were intoxicated at the time, Cunningham the worst of the two.

P.C. Sharpe corroborated the above, and said that Cunningham stated he should like to see both the constables on the top of the fire.

P.C. Woodland deposed he was on duty at the station on the night in question. On going his usual rounds of the cells he saw Cunningham, who said “All right, about the fire. I am innocent of that. We had been drinking in a public house in Folkestone and we left a little before twelve; as we were coming out we asked the landlady for some lucifers, and then we started to go to the Camp. As we went across the fields to the camp we passed a corn stack. I went to the stack to light my pipe with a Lucifer. Having done so I threw the remainder of the light into the stack, took a handful of lighted straw, and set fire to the other side of the stack. I then went across to the other side of the road and sat down. Two constables came up shortly afterwards.”

Catherine Richardson, landlady of the Mariners Home public house deposed that the prisoners left her house about half past eleven. Previous to leaving Cunningham asked for a few lucifers, which he stated were to set a fire in his cousin`s smack.

The prisoner Cunningham, in defence, stated that he was so intoxicated at the time that he had no recollection of the matter whatever.

Catherine Richardson, having been recalled, said the prisoners were perfectly sober at the time of leaving.

Brown was acquitted, and Cunningham sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Thanet Advertiser 21-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being at the time the worse for liquor; and before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Very soon afterwards one of the stacks of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on the Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and upon two constables of the Borough of Folkestone, named Ovenden and Sharp, going to the spot, they found the prisoners sitting down close to the stack, Cunningham smoking a pipe. The officers asked how long they had been there, and Cunningham replied “About half an hour”, but Brown interposed and said they had only been there a few minutes. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but immediately afterwards he said that he had set it on fire, and added that he liked to see a good blaze, and he wished that he had set the whole lot on fire, and he wished that he could set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too. He added that he should also have liked to have seen the two constables on the top of the fire. The other prisoner, Brown, told him to hold his tongue, and that he had said a great deal too much already, but he continued to make use of violent expressions, and repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. On the following morning, when the prisoners had become sober, Brown said he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion had been drinking at a public house at Folkestone, and were very drunk when they left, and they went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack in question, and he saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. He went on to say that he took out a handful of the burning straw, and went round to the opposite side of the stack and set fire to it, and when he had done so he came and sat down by him, and they remained there until the police came up. This prisoner repeated the above statement when he was examined before the magistrate, but Cunningham merely stated that he had nothing to say at present. The prosecutor, too, was an entire stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, which was worth £140, was entirely destroyed.

The Jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty. He begged the Court to deal mercifully with him.

Kentish Gazette 24-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

The prisoners, it appeared, were drinking at a public house at Folkestone on the night of the 6^th of March, and left about twelve o`clock, both of them being at the time the worse for liquor; and before they went away, Cunningham asked the landlady to give him a few lucifers to light his pipe with, and she did so. Very soon afterwards one of the stacks of wheat belonging to the prosecutor, who is a farmer on the Sandgate Road, was discovered to be on fire, and upon two constables of the Borough of Folkestone, named Ovenden and Sharp, going to the spot, they found the prisoners sitting down close to the stack, Cunningham smoking a pipe. The officers asked how long they had been there, and Cunningham replied “About half an hour”, but Brown interposed and said they had only been there a few minutes. The prisoners were then told that they would be charged with setting the stack on fire, upon which Cunningham said that the stack was alight when he came there, but immediately afterwards he said that he had set it on fire, and added that he liked to see a good blaze, and he wished that he had set the whole lot on fire, and he wished that he could set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too. He added that he should also have liked to have seen the two constables on the top of the fire. The other prisoner, Brown, told him to hold his tongue, and that he had said a great deal too much already, but he continued to make use of violent expressions, and repeated that he was the man who had set fire to the stack. On the following morning, when the prisoners had become sober, Brown said that he was innocent of the fire, and he stated that he and his companion had been drinking at a public house at Folkestone, and were very drunk when they left. They went across the fields, and upon their arrival at the prosecutor`s stack-yard Cunningham said that he should light his pipe, and went up to the stack in question. He saw him strike a match and light his pipe, and he then put the remainder of the match in the stack, and it blazed up. He went on to say that he took out a handful of the burning straw, and went round to the opposite side of the stack and set fire to it, and when he had done so he came and sat down by him, and they remained there until the police came up. This prisoner repeated the above statement when he was examined before the magistrate, but Cunningham merely stated that he had nothing to say at present. The prosecutor, too, was an entire stranger to the prisoners, and there did not appear to be the slightest motive for the commission of the diabolical act. The stack of wheat, which was worth £140, was entirely destroyed.

The Jury, after some deliberation, acquitted Brown, and found Cunningham Guilty.

The learned Judge sentenced the prisoner to 10 years` penal servitude.

Maidstone Journal 24-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

The Jury, after some deliberation acquitted Brown, but found Cunningham guilty. A former conviction was proved and he was sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Southeastern Gazette 24-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, soldiers, were indicted for setting fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth, at Folkestone, on the 7^th of March. Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

Mr. John Kingsnorth deposed: I have a homestead in the borough of Folkestone, and on the night in question, at about half past 12 o`clock, I was aroused, and saw one of my stacks, worth about £150, on fire in my yard, and on going to it saw the prisoners there. I asked them how they came to do it, and one of them with an oath replied “It was alight when we got here.” Both the prisoners were in custody and handcuffed at the time. When I requested the police to take them away, one of them said “I wish I had seth the ---- lot on fire.” There were several more stacks a little distance off.

Police constable Ovenden, of the borough of Folkestone, deposed: I was on duty on the night of the 6^th inst., at Folkestone, and noticed one of Mr. Kingsnorth`s stacks on fire. I called Mr. Kingsnorth up, and then went towards the stack, and upon getting there I saw the two prisoners sitting down, about ten or twelve yards from the stack. Another constable, who was with me, said “How long have you been here?2, to which Cunningham replied “We have been here half an hour”, but Brown said “We have only been here a few minutes.” I told them I should take them into custody for setting the stack on fire, when Cunningham said “I saw the stack on fire and lit my pipe by it. I set the stack on fire, and I wish I had set the lot on fire.” Brown then said to Cunningham “Hold your tongue. You have said too much already.” On the road towards the station Cunningham repeated what he had before said, adding “I wish I had set the town of Folkestone on fire, and the ---- Camp too.” The stack was in an open field, with a footpath within ten or twelve yards. There was no-one near the stack besides the prisoners. Both prisoners were intoxicated, Cunningham being worse than Brown. The stack was totally destroyed.

P.C. Sharp corroborated the last witness`s evidence.

P.C. Woodland, one of the Folkestone force, deposed: I was on duty at the police station on the morning of the 7^th inst., and when I went to Brown, he said “All right. How`s the fire?” and, after cautioning him, prisoner continued, “I am innocent of all that. We were drinking at the Bouverie Arms, and we left a little before 12 o`clock. As we were coming out Cunningham asked the landlady for some lucifers to light his pipe with as we went home. She did so, and as we were going across the fields to the Camp we passed some corn stacks, and Cunningham said to me “I shall light my pipe here,” and he went across to the corn stack and lighted his pipe with a lucifer, and then put the other part of the lucifer under the stack, and set it on fire. He took a handful of straw from where it was alight, and went to the other side of the stack and set it on fire. He then came to the other side of the road and sat down beside me.”

Catherine Richardson, landlady of the Mariners Home public house, Folkestone, deposed: On the night of the 6^th inst., the prisoners came into my house together, and left about half past 11 o`clock. As they were going out, Cunningham asked me for some lucifers, saying he was going on board his brother`s smack. I gave him some, and then the prisoners went away, going in the direction of prosecutor`s farm.

Brown`s statement before the magistrates was read, in which he said the other prisoner fired the stack when lighting his pipe, and that they had both been drinking excessively during the evening. Cunningham now said that he was very drunk on the night in question, and all he could recollect was seeing the stack on fire. His comrade was with him at the time.

Mrs. Richardson was re-called by the Judge and stated that the prisoners were perfectly sober when the left her house, although they had been drinking brandy and water during the evening.

The jury acquitted Brown, and Cunningham was sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Tunbridge Wells Weekly Express 24-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, soldiers, were charged with having set fire to a stack of wheat, value about £150, the property of John Kingsnorth, farmer, Folkestone, on the 7^th of March. Mr. Biron prosecuted. The prisoner Brown was acquitted; Cunningham was convicted and sentenced to 10 years` penal servitude.

East Kent Gazette 28-3-1863

Assizes, Tuesday; before Mr. Justice Wightman

John Brown, 25, and Robert Cunningham, 23, soldiers, were indicted for setting fire to a stack of wheat, the property of John Kingsnorth, at Folkestone, on the 7^th March. The jury acquitted Brown and Cunningham was sentenced to ten years` penal servitude.

Folkestone Chronicle 25-3-1865

Death

Died on the 21^st instant, at Cheriton Road, Mr. John Hobden, landlord of the Bouverie Arms, aged 35 years.

Note: This is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Observer 1-7-1865

Wednesday June 28^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., Captain Leith R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Ellen Ovenden was charged with being drunk and using obscene language in the Cheriton Road, and the 27^th instant.

Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Police constable Ovenden (2) said that yesterday afternoon about three o`clock he received information that a policeman was wanted at the Bouverie Arms. He went there and saw the prisoner in the tap room, and the landlady wished to have her removed from the house. The prisoner was drunk and using very abusive language. He removed her from the house, when she began to swear and use obscene language, and refused to go away when ordered, and he took her into custody.

Mrs. Hobden, landlady of the Bouverie Arms, said that the prisoner came to her house between 12 and one o`clock and had some ale, and made use of bad language and disturbed the neighbourhood. She went away and came back again and repeated the bad language, when she sent for a police constable and had her removed. The prisoner was drunk.

Prisoner in defence said that her husband was in the house at the time, and that made her abuse the landlady.

Mrs. Hobden denied this, and said that she did not know the woman`s husband.

Mr. Tolputt told Mrs. Hobden that there had been many complaints about the house by the neighbours, and that if she did not mind she would lose her license.

The magistrates fined prisoner 5s. and costs for being drunk, and 1s. and costs for using obscene language, amounting to 15s.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-2-1873

Wednesday, January 29^th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

A special session was held for the transferring of Alehouse licenses.

George Hogben applied for a transfer of the license of the Bouverie Arms, granted to Sarah Tidmarsh at the last General Annual Licensing meeting.

Application granted.

Folkestone Express 1-2-1873

Wednesday, January 29^th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

The license of the Bouverie Arms was transferred from Sarah Tidmarsh to Richard Hogben.

Note: More Bastions lists him as George Hogben.

Folkestone Express 31-1-1874

Wednesday, January 28^th: Before Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Transfer:

The following transfer of public house was granted:

Bouverie Arms – to Thomas Simmonds.

Folkestone Express 17-10-1874

Thursday, October 15^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, J. Hoad, and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Thomas Simmons, the landlord of the Bouverie Arms, applied for permission to open his house at five o`clock every morning because it “paid him to do so”.

The Mayor said the Bench felt they could not grant the application as other publicans would ask for the same privilege. Applicant must show that it was for the public convenience.

The Clerk said it appeared to be a question of putting a few extra shillings into applicant`s pocket.

Folkestone Express 4-5-1878

Tuesday, April 30^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, and R.W. Boarer Esq.

Henry Care, of Folkestone, was charged with being a deserter from the East Kent Militia. P.C. Knowles apprehended the prisoner at the Bouverie Arms on Sunday night.

The Bench ordered the prisoner to be sent to the headquarters of the regiment at Dover, to be dealt with by the authorities there.

Southeastern Gazette 6-1-1879

Local News

Richard Charles Austen was summoned for refusing to leave licensed premises when requested to do so. He pleaded not guilty, but the Bench, after hearing the evidence of the landlord of the Bouverie Arms, convicted the defendant and fined him 1s., costs 9s., or 7 days’.

Folkestone Express 11-1-1879

Saturday, January 4^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, General Armstrong, R.W. Boarer and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Charles Austen, a painter, was charged with refusing to quit the Bouverie Arms on the 26^th December.

Thomas Simmons, the landlord, said the defendant went to his house. He was the worse for drink, and was refused any more. He declined to go when requested, and witness sent for the police and he was ejected.

He was fined 1s. and 9s. costs, or seven days` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-4-1881

Monday, April 4^th: before The Mayor, Gen. Cannon, W.J. Jeffreason, W. Bateman and J. Holden Esqs, and Alds. Caister and Sherwood.

George Hawkins, labourer, of 5, Saffron`s Row, Dover Street, was charged with maliciously wounding James Laws, bricklayer, on April 2^nd.

Prosecutor, sworn, said that on Saturday April 2^nd he was in the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road, about 2 o`clock in the afternoon. The prisoner was also there, and they were engaged in raffling and playing cards until five o`clock in the afternoon. He then went to sit in front of the fire, when an altercation took place between him and the prisoner, the latter wanting to fight. Prosecutor left the taproom, and outside they had a scuffle and a fall, prisoner whilst he was down biting him twice on the thigh. When they got up they went back into the public house together, prisoner still wanting to fight. Prosecutor struck him two or three times on the head, and prisoner then ran out of the house. About seven o`clock he returned, prosecutor then standing in front of the bar. They had a scuffle and fell. A man looking on cried out “Look out, Jim, he`s got a knife”. He felt a prick in his right side. Prisoner said he had not got a knife. Finding he had been stabbed, he went to Dr. Bateman.

George Austin, carman, deposed to being present when the offence was committed. They had a word or two, and he saw that prisoner had something in his hand, which he believed to be a knife. He called out “Look out, Jim, he`s got a knife in his hand”. Witness saw the knife picked up by someone present, but could not tell by whom. Neither appeared to be drunk.

By the Bench: When the knife was found, prisoner said it was his.

Thomas Simmons, landlord of the Bouverie Arms stated that prisoner was at his house on the afternoon in question. About half past four o`clock he left the bar to lie down, and came down at a quarter to seven. Witness described an altercation which took place between prisoner and prosecutor, who had taken off his coat and was in a threatening attitude. Witness said “My friend, put your coat on again. That won`t do here, and if you don`t leave my house I shall fetch a policeman to eject you”.

Prisoner: Why don`t you use the words you used then?

Witness proceeded to corroborate the evidence of preceding witness, and in reference to the stabbing said that on hearing a disturbance in the bar he went there. Laws told him he was stabbed. Both men were on the floor, and he told those in the bar to hold prisoner down. Prisoner said “I have not got a knife”. At the same time Alfred Goodchild picked up a knife from off the floor, the same as the one produced. Both men were sober.

Being cross-examined by prisoner, witness said: You did not ask me for the dice. There was none in the bar. I never handed you the dice. I did not know you had the cards in the room.

Mr. Bradley reminded prisoner that that had nothing to do with the case. If he desired to get witness convicted for allowing gambling in his house, he must proceed in a proper manner.

Re-examined: I have no animosity against you.

P.C. Reads deposed to going to the house and hearing the accusation of assault.

Mr. W. Bateman, M.R.C.S., said that prosecutor came to him on Saturday evening and said he had been stabbed. Before he took off his clothes, witness observed a hole in his waistcoat, and immediately under it a hole in the shirt and flannel. On the right side of the chest, at the juncture of the ribs with the lower part of the sternum there was a small incised wound, about an eight of an inch in depth, and about the size the point of the knife produced would make. There had been a small flow of blood from the wound, but not much, as it was only through the skin into the fatty matter below. The wound was just over the bone, but the bone was not laid bare. It was not a dangerous wound, but in a dangerous place, if it had been deeper.

Prisoner: If the blow had been struck intentionally, would not a knife like that have gone in much deeper?

Dr. Bateman: It happened to be a place where it would not go through very easily.

Prisoner: Wasn`t it such a wound as might have been done in a scuffle?

Witness: It seems it was done in a scuffle. I can`t say how it was done.

Supt. Rutter said that on Saturday evening he sent for prisoner and asked him if he knew the serious nature of the charge. He had the knife alleged to be used in his hand. Prisoner said “I`ll swear that is not my knife. I had it in my hand at the time, but I have no recollection of having used it. If they say so, I suppose I`ll have to put up with the consequences”. The prisoner was the worse for drink.

Prisoner: Did not I say that I`ll swear that I did not use it?

Supt. Rutter: No.

Prisoner, being asked whether he wished to say anything, stated that it was a public house quarrel from beginning to end. Prosecutor and two others sat down to play cards. They had words, and one word brought up another. Prosecutor knocked him down. He ran out of the house. Outside he met his wife, who enquired of him where he had been and what he had been doing. They went back to get a bag and bottle left in the public house. As soon as he went in prosecutor said “I`ll give it to you, you ----, if you want anything”. He then knocked him down, and got his head between prosecutor`s legs. After a time prosecutor let him get up. A man standing at the door said “Here`s a knife”. He said “That`s my knife”, and he could not account for it, or how it came out of his pocket, and prosecutor said he had been stabbed, and he (prisoner) replied “I have not stabbed you”. If there was anything wrong in the matter, he was sorry for it, and apologised. Had it not been for Simmons, the matter would have been made up.

Prisoner was then formally committed to the Quarter Sessions for trial.

Folkestone Express 9-4-1881

Monday, April 4^th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, W.J. Jeffreason, W. Bateman and J. Holden Esqs, Aldermen Caister and Sherwood.

George Hawkins, a labourer, of 3, Saffron`s Row, Dover Street, was charged with maliciously wounding James Laws, a bricklayer, on Saturday evening, April 2^nd.

Prosecutor said he was a bricklayer, residing at 21, Darlington Street. On Saturday the 2^nd of April he was in the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road, about two o`clock. The prisoner was also there and they remained playing cards and raffling until about five o`clock. Witness then went to sit down in front of the fire. Prisoner asked whose legs he was sitting on. Prosecutor replied “Not yours”. Prisoner got up and wanted to fight, but prosecutor said he did not want to have anything to do with a row. Prisoner kept shaking his fists in prosecutor`s face whilst they remained in the taproom. Prosecutor got up and went out, and prisoner followed. They had a scuffle and fell, and while they were down prisoner bit him twice on the thigh. When they got up, prosecutor went into the Bouverie Arms again, and prisoner still wanted to fight. Prosecutor then got up and hit him two or three times on the head, and he then ran out of the house. About seven o`clock he returned. Prosecutor was then standing in the bar. Prisoner looked at him, and then they both rushed at one another. They had a scuffle and both fell. A man standing there called out “Look out, Jim, he`s got a knife”. Whilst they were on the ground he felt a prick in his right side. Prisoner held up his hands and said he had not got a knife. Prosecutor, finding he was stabbed, went to Dr. Bateman. He was bleeding.The clothes produced, with the flannel stained with blood, he was wearing at the time. Prisoner seemed alright when he returned about seven o`clock.

In cross-examination by prisoner, prosecutor said they had three raffles and played cards, but they did not quarrel about the cards.

George Austin, a carman, residing at 2, Coolinge Cottages, said he was at the Bouverie Arms on Saturday between seven and eight o`clock in the evening. Prisoner and prosecutor were there. They had a word or two, but witness could not tell what was said. They had a scuffle, and he saw that the prisoner had something in his hand, which he believed to be a knife. He called out to prosecutor “Look out, Jim, he`s got a knife in his hand”. They were then on the ground. Witness saw the knife picked up by some man present, but he could not say by whom, and he did not see what became of it. He believed the landlord took it. He heard prosecutor, after he got up, say he was stabbed. The men did not appear to be drunk.

Cross-examined by prisoner: I do not know what Simmons said when he received the knife. Some woman came in with you. She asked for some money. You were by the side of the bar when Simmons came round to you.

By the Bench: When the knife was found, prisoner said it was his. I did not touch it myself, and could not say whether there was blood on the blade or not.

Thomas Simmons, landlord of the Bouverie Arms, said he knew both prosecutor and prisoner. They were at his house on Saturday. He first saw them about two o`clock in the afternoon. They were there the whole of the afternoon. He left the bar about half past four and went to lie down. He came down about a quarter to seven. The two were sitting in the smoking room, side by side before the fire. They were having an argument. Whilst he was in the room, prisoner said to Laws “I am as good a man as you”. Laws said “Undoubtedly you are”. Prisoner said, with an oath “Yes; I am as good a man as you are at anything”. At the same time he got up and took off his coat and hung it on the back of the chair. Witness tapped him on the shoulder and said “My friend, put your coat on again. That won`t do here, and if you don`t leave my house at once, I shall fetch a policeman to eject you”.

Prisoner: Why don`t you use the words you used then?

Witness: Laws said it should not occur in my house, and neither did he require anything of the sort, but if the prisoner did he must put up with the consequences. Prisoner said they had better go outside. Laws went out first, leaving his coat on the chair. Prisoner followed him, putting his coat on as he went out. The door was closed, and witness did not see what took place outside. The two returned in a few minutes, Laws going in first and the prisoner following him. Witness ordered prisoner to leave the house. After they returned they closed and fell, while they were in the taproom, and prisoner but Laws, who fell over a chair, on the thigh. Witness put prisoner out of the door and he went away. He was away about ten minutes and then came back to the private door. About twenty minutes after witness put prisoner out, he heard a row in the bar, and his son called for him to come. Witness returned immediately. Laws said he was stabbed. Both men were in the floor, and witness told those in the bar to hold prisoner down. Prisoner said “I have not got a knife”. At the same moment Alfred Goodchild picked the knife up off the floor and handed it to witness, who subsequently gave it to the police. The knife produced was the same one. Witness sent his son for the police and P.C. Reed returned with him. The men were sober.

Cross-examined by the prisoner: You were standing in the bar before I went upstairs. You did not ask me for the dice. There were none in the bar. I never handed you the dice at all. I did not know you had the cards in the room playing.

Mr. Bradley told prisoner that had nothing to do with the case. If he wished to get witness convicted for allowing gambling in his house he must proceed in a proper manner.

Cross-examination continued: I have no animosity against you.

P.C. Reed said he went to the Bouverie Arms on Saturday evening and received the knife produced from Mr. Simmons. Prisoner and prosecutor were both there. They were both excited, and each accused the other of an assault. Prisoner seemed to have been the most assaulted of the two.

Cross-examined by prisoner: You had blood on your face and looked as though you had been knocked about. I saw no marks of blood on the prosecutor.

Mr. William Bateman said prosecutor went to him on Saturday evening and said he had been stabbed. Before he took off his clothes, witness saw a hole in his waistcoat, and immediately under it there was a hole in the shirt and flannel. On the right side of prosecutor`s chest, at the junction of the ribs with the lower part of the sternum, there was a small incised wound about an eighth of an inch in depth, and about a size that the point of the knife produced would make. There had been a small flow of blood from the wound, but not much, as it was only through the skin into the fatty matter below. The wound was just over the bone, and the bone was not laid bare. It was not a dangerous wound, but it was in a dangerous place if it had been deeper.

Prisoner: If the blow had been struck intentionally, would not a knife like that have gone in much deeper?

Witness: It happened to be in a place where it would not go through easily.

Wasn`t it such a wound as might have been done in a scuffle?

Witness: It seems it was done in a scuffle. I can`t say how it was done.

Superintendent Rutter said on Saturday evening, ten minutes after the prisoner was charged, he sent for the prisoner and asked if he understood the serious nature of the charge. Witness had the knife produced in his hand. Prisoner said “I`ll swear that is my knife. I had it in my hand at the time, but I have no recollection of having used it. If they say so I suppose I shall have to put up with the consequences”. The prisoner was then the worse for drink.

Prisoner: Didn`t I say “I`ll swear I didn`t use it”? – No

Prisoner wished to make a statement, and although advised by the magistrates` clerk that he had better reserve anything he had to say, he persisted. He said: When I left off work at one o`clock I went into the Bouverie Arms with another man. We had some beer. It was a public house quarrel from beginning to end. It commenced at five o`clock. We were sitting there playing cards. Prosecutor, me, and two more sat down to play. As we were playing we found some of one pack and some of another. One word brought up another. Prosecutor, being the strongest man, knocked me down. As soon as I could get clear of the house I ran away. I got down as far as the Rev. Hussey`s school, and there I met my wife, who asked me where I had been and what I had been doing. I told her. We went back to get my bag and bottle, which I had left. As soon as I got inside I saw Laws in his shirt sleeves at the other end of the bar. He said “I`ll give it to you, you ----, if you want anything”. He then rushed at me and knocked me down. When I was down he got my head between his legs. I said “for God`s sake don`t strangle me”. After a time, Laws let me get up. There was a man standing at the door, and he said “Here`s a knife”. I said “That`s my knife”. I can`t account how it came out of my pocket. Laws said he was stabbed. I replied “I have not stabbed you. If there has been anything done in the struggle that should not have been done, I am sorry for it and I apologise”. If it had not been for Simmons, we should have made it all up between ourselves, but Simmons urged him to give me the law.

Prisoner was then committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Southeastern Gazette 9-4-1881

Local News

On Monday George Hawkins was charged with having, on the 2nd of April, unlawfully and maliciously wounded one James Law, contrary to the statute in such cases made and provided.

James Law, in giving evidence, stated that he was a bricklayer residing at Folkestone, and on Saturday, the 2nd April, was in the Bouverie Arms with the prisoner, when some quarrel arose between them about sitting in front of the fire. The prisoner took off his coat and squared up to them, the landlord thereupon ordering him out. He went but returned in a little while and knocked witness down and stabbed him with a knife. He did not see the knife but felt it.

In cross-examination by the prisoner he said that he played cards and had quarrelled about them.

George Austin said he was a carman and was in the Bouverie Arms on the day mentioned and saw the prisoner and the prosecutor scuffling together.

Thomas Simmons, the landlord of the Bouverie Arms, said that he also witnessed the quarrel. He had turned the prisoner out and it was not until he returned to the taproom that the quarrel took place. The knife produced was the one that the prisoner had used and he had delivered it to a police constable.

Dr. Bateman said that the prosecutor came to him on the evening in question and said he was stabbed. He found a wound on the right side of his chest, about one-eighth of an inch deep. It was in a dangerous place, and might have been caused in a scuffle.

The prisoner admitted having quarrelled with the prosecutor on the night in question, but said he wished to apologise for anything he might have done in the scuffle.

He was committed to the Quarter Sessions for trial.

Folkestone Chronicle 16-4-1881

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, April 13^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

George Hawkins, 36, labourer, was charged with unlawfully wounding James Laws, at Folkestone, on April 2^nd, 1881.

Mr. Denman prosecuted.

As last week we gave a full report of the hearing before the magistrates, it is only necessary to remind our readers of the features of the case. Prisoner and Laws were quarrelling in the Bouverie Arms, which resulted in a scuffle, when prisoner was seen by a witness to have a knife in his hand, the witness crying out to prosecutor while they were scuffling “Take care, he`s got a knife in his hand”. Laws, on rising, found himself bleeding from the side, and on going to Dr. Bateman it was seen that a wound which, had it been deeper, might have been dangerous, had been inflicted. The evidence against prisoner was very clear, although in defence he denied that he had any knowledge of using a knife, which was proved to be his property. The only discrepancy in the evidence was between the landlord of the Bouverie Arms, who swore prisoner was sober at the time, and the Police, who stated that he had been freely drinking when apprehended.

The Jury returned a verdict of Guilty, but added that they thought prisoner had received provocation. On being questioned by the Recorder, the Foreman said that they meant prisoner had lost his temper.

Prisoner, on being asked whether he had anything to say in mitigation of punishment, observed that it was nothing but a public house quarrel.

The Recorder, in passing sentence, observed that what with the use of the knife and revolvers, they lived in strange times, and he felt he could not give a less punishment than nine months` imprisonment with hard labour.

Prisoner: Thank you, Your Honour.

Folkestone Express 16-4-1881

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, April 13^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

The grand jury returned a true bill against George Hawkins, 36, a labourer, charged with unlawfully assaulting James Laws by biting him, and also unlawfully wounding the same James Laws.

Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty to the charge of stabbing. Mr. G.L. Denman prosecuted.

The facts of the case were fully reported in our last week`s issue. The prosecutor and the prisoner were together in the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road, on Saturday, and had been playing cards during the afternoon. A quarrel arose, which resulted in a scuffle between the two men, the prisoner biting prosecutor whilst they were both upon the ground. Prisoner was ejected from the house, but returned shortly before seven. A second encounter between the two ensued, and while they were on the floor in the bar the prosecutor received a slight wound in the side from the point of a knife which prisoner acknowledged belonged to him. Prosecutor went to Dr. Bateman, who found a small incised wound about an eighth of an inch in depth in the man`s side.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty, and the foreman added that they considered the prisoner received provocation.

Prisoner asserted that the knife was in his bag, and that the wound was inflicted accidentally during the struggle.

The Recorder sentenced the prisoner to nine months` imprisonment with hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 18-4-1881

Quarter Sessions

The Folkestone Quarter Sessions were held at the Town- hall on Wednesday, before the Recorder (J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.).

George Hawkins was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding and biting James Laws, at Folkestone, on the 2nd April, 1881. He pleaded not guilty of stabbing, but guilty of biting. Mr. Denman appeared for the prosecution, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty, but found that the offence was committed under provocation.

The Recorder sentenced the prisoner to nine months’ hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-6-1886

Wednesday, June 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, and J. Holden Esq.

Annie Hancock was charged with attempting suicide from the harbour.

The particulars of this case were reported last week. Prisoner now expressed her sorrow for what she had done. She was under the influence of drink at the time but promised, if let off, not to attempt to take her life again.

Her sister, being in Court, promised to take care of her. His Worship, after pointing out the wickedness of the act, discharged the prisoner.

William Williams was summoned by Annie Hancock, the last prisoner.

Annie Hancock, sworn, stated that she was at the Bouverie Arms on the 15^th June, when defendant made a row there, and told her not to come there again. He struck her, and she struck him back again.

In defence, defendant said he told her to keep away from his house, and not breed disturbances, when she struck him, and he called a witness named Louisa White, who swore that plaintiff was the assailant.

The Bench dismissed the summons.

Folkestone Express 10-12-1887

Saturday, December 3^rd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, Capt. Carter, Surgeon General Gilbourne, H.W. Poole, S. Penfold, E. Ward and W. Wightwick Esqs.

Charles Austin was charged with assaulting John Austin, his brother, on the 25^th November. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant.

Complainant said: I live at No. 8, Arlington, and am a labourer. Defendant is my brother. On the 25^th November I was at the Bouverie Arms between ten and eleven at night. Defendant came in while I was sitting in the taproom. He called me a b----. I said “What do you mean?” He replied “I`ll show you what I mean”, and knocked me backwards out of the seat. He hit me on the head and in the eye, and then pulled me off the floor. It is the third time he has assaulted me. I did not speak a word to him. I did not like bringing the matter forward, but I cannot put up with it. When he went out he said “I`ll wait for you, and when you get outside I`ll finish you off”.

By Mr. Minter: The landlord is not here. I have a witness, named Henry Marsh, who was in the room all the time. After he dragged me off the floor, I took a chair and threatened to knock him down. He complained that I had struck his child without a cause. I have never given him any cause to assault me.

Henry Marsh said defendant struck complainant twice whilst in the taproom. He said nothing to complainant before he struck him about teh child. Compainant did not give any provocation.

The Magistrates` Clerk said defendant had been many times before them, and he had been bound over to keep the peace towards John Jones.

Mr. Minter: What, Mr. Jones the fruiterer? – I suppose so.

Mr. Minter: Two excitable beings together. (Laughter)

Supt. Taylor said there had been many summonses for assault served on defendant, but they hed been generally settled out of court.

The Mayor said the Magistrates could not dismiss from their minds that a gross and unprovoked assault had been committed, and defendant would be fined 20s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days` with hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 28-5-1898

Felix

I understand that the locality of Cheriton Road will be shortly brightened up by some grand alterations to the Bouverie Arms, the appearance of which is to undergo a complete transformation.

I further hear that the well-known White Lion at Cheriton is shortly to be pulled down, and rebuilt at a cost of £5,000. Our old friend Mr. Baldock, the present proprietor, will retire in the near future, and his place will be filled by Mr. Sid Saunders, of the East Cliff, Folkestone.

The cause of the brewers does not appear to be languishing in these parts, that is if one may judge of the number of licensed premises in the town that have lately been re-built or undergone alterations. There appears to have been quite an epidemic amongst the owners in this direction. Whether it is palatable or not it may safely be taken, I think, that prosperity continues to shine on this favoured and beautiful district.

Folkestone Chronicle 23-7-1898

Wednesday, July 20^th: Before Messrs. J. Banks, J. Pledge, J. Holden, and C.J. Pursey.

Mr. Albert Hart, of the Bouverie Arms, was granted permission to sell on the Football Ground at a fete to be held on Bank Holiday.

Folkestone Up To Date 23-7-1898

Wednesday, July 20^th: Before J. Banks, J. Pledge, J. Holden, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

A special licence was granted to the landlord of the Bouverie Arms for a football fete on the Cheriton Road.

Folkestone Herald 23-7-1898

Police Court Report

On Wednesday a licence was granted to Mr. Hart to sell at the Football Ground fete.

Folkestone Up To Date 20-5-1899

Saturday, May 13^th: Before The Mayor, J. Hoad, J. Pledge, G. Spurgen, W. Medhurst, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Mr. Albert Hart applied for extra licensing privileges on the occasion of the Football Fete on Whit Monday. The application was granted.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-9-1899

Police Court

On Wednesday Mr. Albert James Hart, of the Bouverie Arms, answered a summons charging him with failing to produce a stock book when asked by the officer of the Inland Revenue. The Supervisor from Canterbury put in an appearance to prosecute. He proposed, he said, to state his case and then ask for an adjournment, as his witness was not present.

Mr. Minter, counsel for Hart, objected, on the ground that as the Crown neither accepted nor paid costs, and this was a Crown prosecution, it would be decidedly improper to put his client to a second day`s expense through the prosecution not being ready.

Under the circumstances the Bench dismissed the case.

The facts, as they afterwards transpired, were understood to be that a man who was an utter stranger to Mr. Hart called and demanded his permit book for inspection. Mr. Hart told the man that as he had never seen him before he would require him to show some documentary proof that he was authorised to demand inspection of the books. The man, who was really an excise officer, is said to have produced no authority. The prosecution was the result, and the intention was to make a test case as to whether a publican can demand an excise officer`s card or other authority. As the prosecution fell through in consequence of the absence of the witness, the question remains unanswered.

Folkestone Express 11-11-1899

Saturday, November 4^th: Before The Mayor, Col. Westropp, J. Holden, J. Fitness, J. Pledge, W. Medhurst, T.J. Vaughan, J. Stainer, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Mr. Hart, of the Bouverie Arms, Folkestone, applied for an occasional licence to sell at the Fancy Dress Ball to be held on November 7^th at the Town Hall.

The Bench granted the licence from nine till two.

2 comments:

Anonymous10 November 2012 at 22:11
My great grandfather was Albert Hart, who was landlord twice around 1900. Is it possible to obtain a better copy of Martin Easdown's print?
Regards, Iain Crump.
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Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road 1855 - 1997

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