Folkestone Arms Tavern, South Street 1847 - 1857

From Stock`s Directory and Illustrated Handbook, 1847.

Licensees

William Field 1847 1853  

Thomas Adams c1853 c1854  

Thomas Wilson c1854 1857 To George

John Paine Adams 1855 ????

 

Maidstone Gazette 7-9-1847

Petty Sessions, Tuesday; Before Capt. W. Sherren, Mayor, S. Bradley, J. Bateman and S. Mackie Esqs.

General Licensing Day: All the licenses were renewed. There were ten applications for new licenses, two of which only were granted for spirit vaults, one for Mr. Smith, of the King`s Arms, for a house in the High Street, conditionally, and the other to Mr. Thomas Maycock (the agent for Guinness`s stout). Liberty was also granted to Mr. Field to remove his licence from his present house to more commodious premises opposite.

Notes: It is not known that the licence granted to Smith was ever taken up. Also the only person by the name of Field(s) to hold a licence at that time was William Fields who was at the short-lived Folkestone Arms Tavern and it is at present not known that that house ever moved. It is not outside the realms of possibility that Fields DID move premises across the road and that the original “Folkestone Arms Tavern” is the unknown “old Folkestone tavern” which was demolished in January, 1848.

Kent Herald 9-9-1847

General Licensing Day, Tuesday: All the licenses were renewed. There were ten applications for new licenses, two of which only were granted for spirit vaults, one for Mr. Smith, of the King`s Arms, for a house in High Street, conditionally, and the other to Mr. Thomas Maycock (the agent for Guinness`s stout), Liberty was also granted to Mr. Field to remove his license from his present house to more commodious premises opposite. 

Maidstone Gazette 4-7-1848

Petty Sessions, Thursday; Before C. Golder Esq., Mayor, W. Major and S. Mackie Esquires.

Patrick Orcan and John McMullen were brought up in custody by police constable Pearson, No. 1, charged by Isaac Fields, bricklayer, with having assaulted, beaten, and intended to rob him. It appeared from the evidence that at about half past two o`clock that morning the complainant was returning from the fair. When near the Earl Grey, four men rushed upon him, knocked him down, and kicked him while lying on the ground struggling with his assailants. Several of their companions came out of the Earl Grey and assisted in the outrage. At the same moment two brothers of the complainant came up the street; the prisoners then ran away, and were followed, and when near the Folkestone Arms (their father`s house) one of them was apprehended and the other, after a chase, was secured.

Fined £5 each, or two months` imprisonment.

Mary Spicer, alias Greenwood (who had been out of prison only a few days), Henry Walsh and Alexander Phillips, were also charged with aiding and assisting the above prisoners. The female prisoner fined £2, or one month`s imprisonment, and the others £5, or two months.

Kent Herald 6-7-1848 

Petty Sessions, Thursday: Patrick Orcan and John McMullen were brought up in custody by police constable Pearson, No. 1, charged by Isaac Fields, bricklayer, with having assaulted, beaten, and intended to rob him. It appeared from the evidence that at about half past two o`clock that morning the complainant was returning from the fair. When near the Earl Grey, four men rushed upon him, knocked him down, and kicked him while lying on the ground struggling with his assailants. Several of their companions came out of the Earl Grey and assisted in the outrage. At the same moment two brothers of the complainant came up the street; the prisoners then ran away, and were followed, and when near the Folkestone Arms (their father`s house) one of them was apprehended and the other, after a chase, was secured. 

Fined £5 each, or two months` imprisonment.

On the same day, Mary Spicer, alias Greenwood (who had been out of prison only a few days), Henry Walsh and Alexander Phillips, were also charged with aiding and assisting the above prisoners. The female prisoner fined £2, or one month`s imprisonment, and the others £5, or two months. 

Maidstone Gazette, Maidstone Journal 25-2-1851

Advertisement: Folkestone, Kent. Mr. Godden is instructed to sell by public auction, on Monday, the 17^th day of March, 1851, at Folkestone,  the Folkestone Arms inn, situate at the bottom of High Street, in Folkestone, aforesaid. Possession will be given on the completion of the purchase. The owner, who is the occupier, is retiring from the public business.

For particulars apply to Messrs. Hart and Kipping, Solicitors, Maidstone and Folkestone, and to Messrs. Bower and Son, 46, Chancery Lane, London.

Maidstone Gazette 10-6-1851

An inquest was held yesterday week before J. Bateman Esq., coroner, and a jury of tradesmen, upon the body of James Johnson, otherwise James Newbury.

James Steer, inspector of Folkestone police, deposed that on Saturday afternoon he saw the deceased much intoxicated, and very disorderly; he had just quitted the Folkestone Arms, his conduct being so bad there that they had turned him out; he locked him up in the station house, where he became very violent, kicking the door of his cell, so that witness was forced to take his shoes off for some time. He constantly supplied him with water, bought a two pound loaf, and gave him half of it. He left the station at about a quarter to six, and returned at twenty minutes to seven. In looking through the small aperture in the door he perceived the breast of the deceased, and on looking up saw a handkerchief fastened to the bars. He immediately cut it and heard something fall; he called for assistance, opened the door, and saw that deceased had suspended himself, and appeared dead. He found upon his person a ticket of membership for a Teetotal Society at Hastings, in the name of James Newbury, also part of a charge sheet, wherein he was charged with ill-using his wife. He had ascertained that the gaoler of Dover knew him there by the name of Johnson.

Edward Harris, tailor and draper, deposed that he was called by the inspector to assist him, and deceased appeared to be dead.

Mr. Wm. Bateman, surgeon, was called by the police, and found life had been extinct about half an hour, apparently from strangulation.

The Jury returned a verdict “That the deceased destroyed himself while labouring under a fit of temporary insanity”, and they wished the coroner to request the Corporation to remove the iron bars of the cell to prevent a similar occurrence in future.

The deceased obtained his living by making moss baskets, and was well known at Dover and Hastings; from the latter place the inspector received a reply to a letter he sent, stating that they knew of no relatives there belonging to the deceased, but that they had had him in custody eleven times.

Kent Herald 12-6-1851 

An inquest was held on Monday week before John Bateman Esq., coroner, and a jury of tradesmen, upon the body of James Johnson, otherwise James Newbury.

James Steer, inspector of Folkestone police, deposed that on Saturday afternoon he saw the deceased much intoxicated, and very disorderly; he had just quitted the Folkestone Arms, his conduct being so bad there that they had turned him out; he locked him up in the station house, where he became very violent, kicking the door of his cell, so that witness was forced to take his shoes off for some time. He constantly supplied him with water, bought a two pound loaf, and gave him half of it. He left the station at about a quarter to six, and returned at twenty minutes to seven. In looking through the small aperture in the door he perceived the breast of the deceased, and on looking up saw a handkerchief fastened to the bars. He immediately cut it and heard something fall; he called for assistance, opened the door, and saw that deceased had suspended himself, and appeared dead. He found upon his person a ticket of membership for a Teetotal Society at Hastings, in the name of James Newbury, also part of a charge sheet, wherein he was charged with ill-using his wife. He had ascertained that the gaoler of Dover knew him there by the name of Johnson. 

Edward Harris, tailor and draper, deposed that he was called by the inspector to assist him, and deceased appeared to be dead. 

Mr. Wm. Bateman, surgeon, was called by the police, and found life had been extinct about half an hour, apparently from strangulation. 

The Jury returned a verdict “That the deceased destroyed himself while labouring under a fit of temporary insanity”, and they wished the coroner to request the Corporation to remove the iron bars of the cell to prevent a similar occurrence in future.

The deceased obtained his living by making moss baskets, and was well known at Dover and Hastings; from the latter place the inspector received a reply to a letter he sent, stating that they knew of no relatives there belonging to the deceased, but that they had had him in custody eleven times. 

Maidstone Gazette 7-10-1851

Advertisement: Folkestone, to be let or sold, the Folkestone Arms Tavern; it is a free house, and well situated for business.

For further particulars, apply on the premises.

Dover Telegraph 9-6-1855

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before W. Major and G. Kennicott Esqs.

The following licenses were transferred: The Folkestone Arms, from Thomas Willson to John Paine Adams, of Appledore; Radnor Inn, from Charles Hill to George Baker, of Cheriton; and the Royal Oak from Richard Hill to Alfred Lukey (sic), of Cheriton.

Note: Folkestone Arms Tavern transfer previously unknown.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-7-1855

Advertisement: J.P. Adams, Folkestone Arms, High Street, Folkestone.

Wines and spirits of first quality. Bottled ale and stout. Good beds. Supper beer sent to order.

Folkestone Chronicle 28-2-1857

Council Meeting Extract

The Mayor then read a letter received from Mr. Hart, in which that gentleman stated that it having been reported and named in the council meeting, that he (Mr. Hart) had had a sinister motive in not scheduling the Folkestone Arms Inn, South Street, it being his own property, he therefore begged to offer the corporation the power to purchase such property under the compulsory clauses of the Improvement Act.

Some little discussion took place upon the offer, and Capt. Kennicott moved, seconded by Mr. Cobb, that the letter be accepted and entered on the minutes.

To the Editor of The Folkestone Chronicle

Sir, - I avail myself of the medium of your valuable publication to ask the following question: Why is it that the corporation have virtually resolved to leave the Folkestone Arms standing, thus making it the starting point of the continuation of Tontine Street to the Harbour? I take it, Mr. Editor, that if this house is left standing, the contemplated improvement will be interfered with to a very considerable extent, seeing that the line of the new street will be of course extended too far to the eastward, thus leaving the present narrow entrance to the High Street, as well as the `Box-iron` projection which narrows Tontine Street ten feet at that point, it being understood that all new streets shall be at least forty feet in width.

If this and the Folkestone Arms were removed, and the line of the new street struck from the hairdresser`s shop, we should get rid of the narrow and inconvenient passage called South Street. I have heard that the council at their last meeting decided to adopt a new line laid down by the surveyor, without any deviation. If such be the case, a strong remonstrance ought to be addressed by the inhabitants to the council, calling upon them to re-consider their decision, and vary the plan so as to meet the objection of South Street remaining a worse nuisance than ever. This could be easily done by purchasing the property on the west side of that thoroughfare, commencing with the fourth house, and gradually bringing forward the frontage to the east side of the pavement; this would give ample room for commodious houses and back premises, as well as rendering the frontages much more valuable by diverting the whole of the foot passenger traffic into the new street.

I am, Sirs, Yours Obediently,

A. RATEPAYER

Kentish Gazette 3-3-1857

Council meeting, Wednesday, extract: To neutralise the imputation of his having a sinister motive in not scheduling the Folkestone Army Inn (sic), which was his own property, Mr. Hart offered it for sale to the Corporation under the compulsory clauses of the Improvement Act. The offer was ordered to be entered into the minutes.

Southeastern Gazette 3-3-1857, Canterbury Weekly Journal 7-3-1857

Council Meeting Extract: The Mayor read a letter from Mr. Hart, offering to give up the Folkestone Arms Tavern to the Corporation, on the same terms and under the same clauses of the Improvement Act, as other property required for the purposes of the new street. The letter was ordered to be entered on the minutes

Southeastern Gazette 5-5-1857, Kent Herald 7-5-1857, Canterbury Weekly Journal 9-5-1857

Local News

The Improvement Committee, finding considerable difficulty in getting the property required for the new street to the Harbour, have had brought to their notice another plan. By the Folkestone Arms Tavern being removed, with a slight curve, as good a thoroughfare may be had as previously marked out. We believe Mr. Hart (the owner of the tavern) is willing to take a reasonable sum for it. The council have as yet done nothing in furthering the improvements, or carrying out the Act.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-7-1857

Local News

Purchase of the Folkestone Arms Inn by the Corporation: The Council met in Committee yesterday evening, and decided on the purchase of this property for the sum of £1,200, for the purposes of the Tontine Street extension, having previously offered the owner (R. Hart Esq.) £1,000 for the same. We have on a previous occasion advocated the purchase of these premises, on account of the improvement the pulling down of them would make to the lower part of High Street, but we should have preferred the sum of £1,000 being paid for the property, instead of £1,200, especially as it was sold by the executors of the late Mr. Jeffrey (as we are informed) for the sum of £850, when Folkestone was in a much more flourishing state than it is at present.

Southeastern Gazette 14-7-1857, Canterbury Weekly Journal 18-7-1857

Local News

The corporation have agreed to purchase the Folkestone Arms Tavern of Mr. Richard Hart, for the sum of £1,200.

Kentish Gazette 14-7-1857 

Purchase of the Folkestone Arms Inn (sic) by the Corporation: The council met in committee on Friday, and decided on the purchase of this property for the sum of £1,200, of R. Hart, esq., for the purposes of the Tontine­ Street extension.   

Folkestone Chronicle 12-12-1857

Council meeting extract, December 7^th: The Mayor said that as the question of pulling down the Folkestone Arms would have to be brought before them at the adjourned meeting on Thursday, and if decided upon, the next property would also have to come down, he had now to ask the corporation if they would agree to sanction his offer given to Mr. Cobb of half a year`s rent, to go out by the end of this month. He required one year`s rent (£14 6s.) and £10 as compensation.

Mr. Gambrill asked if it was absolutely necessary to pull down the Folkestone Arms, especially now there was a diversion from the original plan.

Mr. Major (across the table) Yes! We mean to have that house down, you may depend upon it. We have a majority strong enough to carry that at any rate.

Mr. Tite said: We may not all be of the same opinion about the necessity of taking down the Folkestone Arms, and if decided against, then this property would not be required. He had put a question to the Town Clerk at the last meeting, whether the council can legally purchase and pull down any unscheduled property, especially if they were not unanimous upon it.

The Town Clerk said he was of opinion that they had the power to buy any unscheduled property if required for the improvement of the town, that it did not require unaniminity, but that the decision of the majority of the council would be quite sufficient.

Mr. Tite then moved that this question be deferred until it is decided about taking down the Folkestone Arms. Seconded by Mr. Jeffery, of Coolinge.

Mr. Gambrill said the question was whether the town, being in such a state as at present, was prepared to pay £1,400 or £1,500 for a property to pull down, merely to get a good opening into High Street, whilst the collector even now was complaining that he could not get the rates in.

Mr. Meikle observed that the property was bought and paid for, therefore in his opinion the matter was settled.

The motion was then put to the meeting, when there were 6 against the motion and 4 for, viz., Mr. Tite, Mr. Gambrill, and Messrs. Jeffery.

Mr. Pledge then said as it was clearly understood that when the Folkestone Arms was bought it was to be pulled down, and as it would greatly improve the neighbourhood, he should move that it be taken down at once.

Mr Tite was surprised that Mr. Pledge should get up and propose such a motion as that at this meeting, there being no notice of it in the paper, as it was a very serious affair.

Mr. Pledge then, in answer to Mr. Tite, consented to withdraw it, and gave notice that he would bring it forward at the next monthly or special meeting.

Council meeting extract, December 10^th: Mr. Pledge moved, and Alderman Kennicott seconded that the Town Clerk be instructed to complete the purchase of the brewhouse &c., from the trustees of Mr. Elgar, for £700, as early as possible; being £607 for the property and £93 as compensation to Messrs. Calvert and Tweed, which was thought to be a very satisfactory arrangement.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-12-1857

Council meeting extract, December 17^th: Mr. George Pledge said he had given notice of bringing forward a motion that the Folkestone Arms should be pulled down, and the materials sold; he was of opinion that it ought to be done; he should therefore move that the materials of the Folkestone Arms be sold. Seconded by Mr. Baker.

Alderman Tolputt thought that the premises ought to be pulled down; it would make in his opinion a very nice house as a starting point for the new street, if the materials were preserved, and it was rebuilt at the corner near the site of the old brewhouse.

Alderman Golder said the house was sold by Mr. Hart for the purpose of pulling down. He (Mr. Hart) would not have sold it, had it not been upon that understanding.

A question was here asked whether the council were compelled to take the premises down.

The Town Clerk said: No, the house had been purchased unconditionally; Mr. Hart wished to have a clause of that sort inserted into the deed, but it was not acceded to.

Mr. Tite could not understand why this business should be pressed so; he, for one, should like to see the line of both sides of the streets before the removal of the houses; he quite agreed with Mr. Tolputt. The purchase of the house at first was a job, as great a job as the purchase of the council hall – it was a complete party question. The pulling down of the house would involve a loss of £1,500. He concluded by moving as an amendment that the pulling down of the house be deferred. Seconded by Mr. Boorn.

Alderman Tolputt asked if the house left standing would interfere with the sewer.

The surveyor said it would not.

Mr. Baker repudiated the idea of this being called a party question; he thought Mr. Tite made more of party than anyone else; he should like to know if the house had not belonged to Mr. Hart, would there be such a noise made about it.

Mr. Pledge objected to the term job used by Mr. Tite; he could not understand it.

Mr. Fagg was of opinion there was some reason in what Mr. Tite said, but he disagreed with him, and his application of the term job; in his opinion it was a good job the town had purchased the house.

The amendment was then put, when 12 voted for, and 2 against. 

Southeastern Gazette 9-3-1858

 

Local News

The council met on Wednesday last. Present, the Mayor, Aldermen Tolputt, Kennicott, and Gardner ; Councillors Tite, Tolputt, Jefferey (Walton,) Jefferey (Coolinge,) Boorne, Gambrill, Baker, Fagg, Major, Pledge, Meikle, Jinkings, Banks, Caister, and Cobb.

Taking down the Folkestone Arms Inn.

This ridiculous affair, after being fully discussed some time since and a line drawn which included the building, which consequently must have been pulled down, was the subject of two memorials to the council. One commended the council for deciding that it should be pulled down, but urged them to do it at once, and had 105 signatures of the most respectable ratepayers from all parts of the town; the other by 64 names, 7 being members of the council and the remainder mostly old ratepayers, and averse to any improvement.

The Mayor appeared to feel the matter to be very important, as it had been the subject of a special notice on the paper, and he hoped the subject would be fairly discussed by all.

Mr. Jinkings had an impression that it had been already disposed of, and the seal of the corporation affixed to the minutes; but on its being read it was found that a plan for the new street had been decided upon, and a line drawn which included part of the Folkestone Arms.

Mr. Major moved, and Alderman Tolputt seconded, the motion that the Folkestone Arms be pulled down and the materials sold.

Mr. Tite moved an amendment that it be not pulled down, and in an excited strain said the signatures to the memorial were falsely obtained, and he should be glad to see it thrown under the table; the town would be ruined, and the poor suffer.

Mr. Gambrill seconded the amendment, which, after a lengthened and uninteresting discussion, was put, when there appeared—for it, 8—Messrs. Banks, Caister, Jefferey, Tite, Bovin, Jefferey, Gambrill, and Gardner; against the amendment, 9.

The original motion was therefore carried amidst loud cheers, by a number of the inhabitants who were present.

At the adjourned meeting held on Thursday evening, after some discussion, it was agreed to put the Folkestone Arms up by public tenders, to be delivered by the 6th April, with an intimation that land adjoining might be had for rebuilding the same.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-3-1858

 

Notice

To be sold by tender: The materials of the Folkestone Arms, and the house adjoining, situate at the bottom of High Street and South Street, Folkestone, in one Lot. The two houses to be pulled down, and the materials to be cleared away at the expense of the purchaser, in accordance with certain conditions, to be obtained at the office of the Town Clerk.

Tenders to be addressed to the “Corporation of Folkestone”, and be delivered at the Guildhall, on Wednesday, the 7^th April, at 6 o`clock.

The Corporation will not be bound to accept the highest or any tender.

By order of the Corporation,

R.T. Brockman,

Town Clerk.

N.B. The Corporation will at the same time be prepared to consider any proposals for the purchase of a freehold site in the New Street, upon which the Folkestone Arms may be re-erected.

Information to be obtained on application to the Town Clerk, or to Mr. Bamford, surveyor.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-4-1858

Monthly meeting of the Town Council

Wednesday April 7^th: - Among the business; To receive tenders for the purchase of the materials of the Folkestone Arms and the house adjoining, and make order thereon.

TENDERS FOR THE FOLKESTONE ARMS

There were three tenders for the purchase of this and the adjoining house.

Mr. Charles Stockwell, (of Dover)                       £61 5s.

Mr. John Dunk, Tontine Street                           £65 0s.

Messrs. Conway, Sherwood, Weld, Rose and Co.   £60 0s.

Mr. Meikle moved and Mr. Jinkings seconded that Mr. Dunk`s tender be accepted.

Mr. Tite thought it a terrible thing that so much property should be sacrificed for so little a money. They had much better wait a short time, until a line of the new street could be got out, and the several plots laid out, so that a plot might be offered with it – it would then fetch a better price. With this view he should move as an amendment that neither tender be accepted for the present.

Alderman Gardner concurred with Mr. Tite entirely, and seconded the amendment.

Mr. Jinkings thought the line of the street could not be properly defined until the property was removed.

Upon the amendment being put from the chair there were five votes, and fro the original motion six.

The original motion was therefore declared to be carried.

Southeastern Gazette 13-4-1858 

Council Meeting, Wednesday: The tenders for the purchase of the Folkestone Arms and adjoining house (to be pulled down and removed) were as follows: Charles Stockwell, auctioneer, Dover £61 5s; John Dunk, builder, Folkestone, £65; George Canley & Company, Folkestone £60. Mr. Dunk`s tender was accepted.

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 Licences

Mr. Harrison said he appeared to support an application made by Mr. Thomas Golder, for a licence to be granted him for a house he had lately erected in Harbour Street. Mr Golder was no doubt well known to some of the bench, having lived in Folkestone all his life. He of course was determined to keep the house highly respectable; he might add that a house stood a short time ago near the spot where his new house was erected called the Pilot Cutter, but which was removed when the improvements were carried out; and also another house called the Folkestone Arms, which was in the vicinity, was removed. He trusted therefore to have shown sufficient to induce the bench to grant the application. Mr. Harrison also produced a petition numerously signed in favour of the application.

Mr. Boult said he was a publican in the immediate neighbourhood, and if this licence was granted there would be five licenced houses without a single house between them, three adjoining at one side of the street, and two at the other. There had been many houses pulled down in the immediate neighbourhood and very few rebuilt; some that had been were not let.

The Mayor in answer said that the bench had unanimously agreed to grant the licence.

Folkestone Herald 16-3-1929

Felix

“I thank you very much for your last week`s article, and particularly that part referring to the Assembly (Corporation) meeting at the old Kings Arms Hotel and the Marquis of Granby”. Thus Mr. F. Hedges, of the Bouverie Arms, Cheriton Road, spoke to me on the bright and beautiful morning of Monday last. It is nice to have a “Thank you” now and then, because it is my main desire to please in these small weekly efforts of mine. I do not soar towards the impossible, viz., to please everybody. I remarked this much, many years ago, to a gentleman, who was then, as he is now, associated with the Folkestone Herald. His reply was brief and to the point. It was this “You will be a darned big fool if you try. Do the right as far as you can and let the rest alone”. I have tried to follow this advice. Now, to return to Mr. Hedges and his thanks. His establishment is a place where men congregate largely, and naturally many subjects crop up for discussion. There are arguments, friendly and sometimes highly controversial. It is tha latter that this particular gentleman mostly dreads.

It appears one of the company at the Bouverie Arms on Saturday night, after reading my paragraph, asked of another “Where was the Marquis of Granby situate?” That was enough. The argument as to its whereabouts went on fully for a couple of hours, and it was only when the Speaker called “Time” that the controversy ceased. Now, to be fair, I must plead guilty to providing, what after all was a friendly argument, for discussion. In my last paragraph on this subject I declared the Marquis of Granby was situate in Seagate Street. This was wrong. It should have been High Street. I can`t give the exact site, but there are those living amongst us who can. It is probably difficult for the present generation to realise that this present beautiful town of Folkestone was confined to three, four, or five thoroughfares (not paved in some cases) when the late Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837. Such however was the case.

Perhaps the Cheiton Road unofficial debating Society would like to discuss the whereabouts of the Folkestone Arms. The site of it appears, as far as I can make out, to have been where now stands the commanding corner premises at the bottom of High Street at the junction formed by Harbour and South Streets. The Folkestone Arms, it would seem, was an important establishment in those days. I will prove it. Here is an extract from an old Kentish newspaper and it will be read, I feel sure, with interest by all true Folkestonians. “September 11^th, 1812. Tuesday last being the Mayor`s choice for the town of Folkestone, Thomas Baker Esq. was elected to the chair, who after taking the necessary oath adjourned to the Folkestone Arms Inn, accompanied by the jurats and the principal residents of the community, where a sumptuous and well-served dinner was prepared for them. After the cloth was drawn (removed), the following toasts, etc., were pronounced from the chair; “The King and God Bless Him”; “The Prince Regent” (and under his benign auspices may the Imperial Eagle be experimentally taught to fly the wing at the roaring of the British Lion); “The Queen and Royal Family”; “Alexander (and may the Gallic Cock (France) be finally brought to feel the ascending influence of the Northern constellation)”. Thus passed the fleeting hours, interspersed with convivial song and merry joke, until “Nox” was contemplating to withdraw her sombre curtain from the dusky landscape, which suggested to the company the idea of “iit domum”, and on which they unanimously rose and congratulated the Mayor (Thomas Baker) on his tenth election to the honour of the white wand”. The foregoing, although an involved and rather complicated composition, gives an insight into the life of Folkestone 117 years ago, and incidentally reminds us that our forefathers well enjoyed themselves in their own way, not only at the table, but with convivial song and merry joke.

Note: Felix again gets it wrong. The Folkestone Arms referred to was located at the top of High Street, and closed in 1846. The Folkestone Arms Tavern, at the bottom of High Street, opened in 1847.