Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road 1843 - 1974

Gun Tavern c.1950. Credit Peter & Anne Bamford

Gun Tavern, Date unknown

Licensees

Thomas Cock 1843 1865

H. Elliott c1865 1868 From Bouverie Arms

William Wilson 1868 c1871 From George

John Batt c1871 c1871 (1871 Census)
Thomas Batt 1872 1872

William Hunt 1872 1877

William Giles 1877 1894 Later Eagle Tavern

Christian Norman 1894 1902 From Blue Anchor

Bernard Straughan 1902 1922

Donald Cook 1922 1929

Frederick Green 1929 1966

Charles Tarrant 1966 1968

Peter Parkin 1968 1971

John Rodgers 1971 1974 

Maidstone Gazette 22-2-1848

Petty Sessions, Monday; Before Charles Golder Esq., Mayor, and W. Major Esq.

Thomas Cocks, beershop keeper, appeared to answer the information and complaint of Thomas Burvill, police constable, for keeping a disorderly house, on Sunday, the 7^th instant, by which he had incurred a penalty of £5. It being his first offence, the Magistrates mitigated the penalty to 10s. and costs, which were paid.

A second information was laid against the said Thomas Cocks, charging him with selling beer during the usual hours of Divine Service, by which he had incurred a penalty of £5. The penalty was mitigated to 10s. and costs, which were paid.

Southeastern Gazette 19-9-1854

Annual Licensing Day

Monday: Before the Mayor, S. Mackie, W. Major, T. Golder, G. Kennicott, and T.Kingsriorth, Esqs.

Before renewing the licenses, the Mayor addressed the publicans, informing them that a new law was passed, explaining to them the particular features of the Act, and hoped they would adhere to it. The whole of the licenses were renewed, with the exception of the Radnor Inn, Oddfellow's Arms, and the Engine Inn. Applications for new licenses were made for the George, Gun, and Belle Vue Tavern; the first only was granted, on the ground that it was a new house in the room of one pulled down. The sign of the Fleur-de-lis was changed to the Martello Tavern.

Kent Herald 21-9-1854 

Annual Licensing Day

Before renewing the licenses, the Mayor addressed the publicans, informing them that a new law was passed, explaining to them the particular features of the Act, and hoped they would adhere to it. The whole of the licenses were renewed, with the exception of the Radnor Inn, Odd Fellow's Arms, and the Engine Inn. Applications for new licenses were made for the George, Gun, and Belle Vue Tavern; the first only was granted, on the ground that it was a new house in the room of one pulled down. The sign of the Fleur-de-lis was changed to the MartelloTavern. 

Dover Chronicle 23-9-1854

Annual Licensing Day: Before the Mayor, S. Mackie, W. Major, T. Golder, G. Kennicott and T. Kingsnorth Esqs.

The whole of the licenses were renewed, with the exception of the Radnor Inn, Oddfellows Arms and Engine Inn. Applications for new licenses were made for the George, Gun and Belle Vue Tavern; the first only was granted on the ground that it was a new house in the room of one pulled down. The sign of the Fleur de Lis was changed to the Martello Tavern.

Southeastern Gazette 10-7-1855

Inquest.

 

An inquest was held on Tuesday, at the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, before S. Eastes Esq., coroner, on the body of John Minott, a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Jackson, the contractors for works at Shorncliffe.

Edward Jordan deposed that at 1/4 before 8 o clock on Monday evening, the deceased was on the top ot a load of timber near the Royal George Hotel; he was assisting to fasten down the binder, which is a pole about 8 feet long, and is used to bind down the timber. The deceased had fastened the ropes on the pole by 2 half-hitches, the usual way, and four others were pulling on to the rope, when the ropes slipped off the binder, which sprung up and struck the deceased under the chin and on the head, knocking him down to the ground; witness afterwards walked home with him, having previously called upon Mr. Tyson, a surgeon.

By a Juror—The deceased fastened the rope on the binder himself.

Mr. Wm. Taylor Tyson, surgeon, deposed: The deceased called upon me and showed me where he had been struck; he had received a severe blow on the head on the right side; there had been considerable haemorrhage from the inside of the mouth; the lower lip was cut through, and he was suffering from concussion of the brain. I desired him to go home and go to bed; he walked home, and did not require support, as he was in a club and attended by Mr. Moseley. I did not see him again until ½ past 9; he appeared then to be doing well. At ½ past 11 I found him dead. I have examined the body and found a small wound on the forehead ; there was no swelling or fracture of the bone. On removing the skull cap and the dura mater I found about 3oz. of clotted blood pressing on the brain, which was evidently the cause of death; the whole of the vessels of the head were gorged with blood.

The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” The deceased came from Norwood, and has left a wife and family.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 18-8-1855

Saturday August 11th:- Before W. Bateman Esq. and James Kelcey Esq.

Charles Wapsher and James Gorham were charged with stealing one half sovereign and some silver from the person of Henry Underdown.

Henry Underdown stated that on Thursday night last, between the hours of 11 and 12, I was going home from Mr. Cox`s at the Gun public house, to my home, New Zealand, in Folkestone. The prisoner Wapsher stopped me on the road, knocked me down, and took from me a half sovereign and some silver, about 8 shillings. When I was knocked down I called out for assistance, no-one came near but the other prisoner, Gorham, and another man who I do not know. Wapsher took the money from me and also a tobacco box. James Gorham, when he came up to me, put his arms round my neck, which he squeezed so tightly and forced me against the ground that I could not call out. The three men went away, and left me on the ground. I followed them down Tontine Street, and I met two policemen, and asked them to assist me in finding the two prisoners, but they did not find them, and I did not see the prisoners afterwards. The next morning I went with policeman Barry to a house in Mill Bay, where we found the prisoner Wapsher. I knew him at once, and he is the same person who knocked me down and took the money from me. I saw the other prisoner, James Gorham, last night, as I was walking down the street. I knew he was the same person who held me down, whilst Wapsher took the money from me. I knew the prisoners by sight before I was robbed. The prisoners were committed for trial.

Canterbury Journal 15-3-1856

Assizes, Thursday, before Mr. Justice Coleridge.

Charles Wapser and James Gorham were indicted for assaulting Henry Underdown, and stealing from his person, with violence, 18s. in money, a purse and a tobacco box, his money and property, at Folkestone, on the 29^th August, 1855. Mr. Addison appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Poland defended the prisoners.

Henry Underdown:- Was a labourer residing at Folkestone. He was out on the evening of the 29^th August, and was drinking at the Sun (sic) public house. He left and went along to Darlington Place. He came back again and passed by the Bull Dog steps; he went across Mr. Stacey`s field and arrived in St. Peter`s Street. He knew Mr. Morford, the butcher, in that street, where he met the two prisoners, who asked where he was going. He had known them before by sight. He told them he was going home. They wanted him to have a pot of beer, and he complied if they went as far as Mr. Hayford`s (sic). It was shut up. They wanted him to go down town; he declined, but said he was going home, and directly afterwards Wapser knocked him down, and took 18s. and the “backer” box from his pocket. He put his knee on witness`s side, and put his hand in his pocket and took the money out. They ran away. He soon afterwards met the policeman, and made a complaint to him. The next morning Wapser was apprehended at his house – the other prisoner was taken in the evening. Was quite sure the prisoners were the men.

Cross examined: He was not drunk in the evening. The way by the Bull Dog steps was the nearest home. He had been in the public house all the evening; had not been drinking much; had only two pints in the evening. The night was dark. He had been in the company of the prisoners about five minutes before he was thrown down. He remembered taking to a coastguardsman at the time, but could swear he never said that he did not know who had robbed him. Never told William Colbert that he was robbed in the meadow. He would swear he did not. He had said he was robbed near the British School. Told the policeman he had been robbed of something under a pound. They offered to assist him home. Did not know where Wapser lived. He went to other places before he went there. The tobacco box had his initials upon it. Had seen the prisoners many times before. He (witness) was a labourer. Was out of work on that day. He never heard the prisoner say he was innocent, but the other had made a statement to that effect. He called after the men when robbed, and ran a little way but not far.

Hannah Lake:- Lived at No. 10, St. Peter`s Street, Folkestone. She was in bed at her residence between eleven and twelve when she heard a cry of “Stop, theif.” The noise lasted a great while.

Thomas Atkinson Davidson:- Was clerk to the magistrates at Folkestone. He produced the deposition of Edward Burry, a police officer at Folkestone. He died lately. Witness was present when it was taken. (It was put in and read, but it contained nothing of importance.)

William Gilbert:- Was a police constable at Folkestone. He had met the prosecutor on the night in question; he said he had been robbed.

Cross-examined: Prosecutor first said he was robbed in the meadow – afterwards on his way to New Zealand. He did not seem to know exactly what he was about; he was the worse for liquor.

Re-examined: The meadow is close to New Zealand.

This was the case for the prosecutor.

Mr. Poland addressed the jury for his clients.

The prisoners were acquitted.

Southeastern Gazette 18-3-1856

Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Justice Coleridge.

Charles Wapsher and James Gorham, on bail, were charged with assaulting Henry Underdown, and stealing from his person, with violence, 18s. in money, a purse, and a tobacco box, the money and property of the said Henry Underdown, at Folkestone, on the 9^th August. Mr. Addison prosecuted; Mr. Poland defended the prisoner.

Prosecutor, a labourer, deposed to having been at the Gun public house on the 9^th August. About 11 at night he left the Gun, and went past the Shakespeare Inn to Darlington Place. Witness came back again, and went across Mr. Stacey`s field, and then went up St. Peter`s Street. When opposite Mr. Morford`s, butcher, prosecutor met the prisoners, whom he knew well by sight. They asked him where he was going, and he said he was going home. They then asked him to stand a pot of beer, to which he consented, but upon going to a beer shop they found it shut up. He then turned to go home, when the prisoner Charles Wapsher knocked him down, and took away the property named in the indictment. The other man put his arm round witness`s throat in order that he should not holloa out. Witness however, struggled very hard, and managed to call out. Prisoners then ran away; witness followed them, but could not catch them. He afterwards met a policeman, who apprehended the prisoners next morning. Witness was positive as to their identity.

Cross-examined: Was not sober at the time, but knew what he was about. Had been at the Gun during the greater part of the evening. Had one pint of beer only in the afternoon, and two in the evening. It was a darkish night. Was in the company of the prisoners about five minutes before he was thrown down. Recollected talking to a coastguardsman that night. Did not recollect telling him that he did not know who it was that robbed him. Did not say that he was robbed in the meadow. Witness said he was robbed against the British School. Told the policeman that he had been robbed of something under £1. Was not so drunk that he required to be assisted home. The tobacco box had his initials on it. Should know the purse again if he saw it. He had not seen it since. Had seen the prisoners scores of times. When the men ran off witness cried out “Stop, thief”, and ran after them, but could not run very far because he suffered from palpitation of the heart.

Hannah Luke, residing at No. 10, St. Peter`s Street, Folkestone, deposed to hearing the cry of “Stop, thief” about the time mentioned by the last witness on the night in question.

Cross-examined: The noise continued a long time. Witness was alone in her bedroom, and was afraid to go out.

By the Judge: The noise appeared to be made by a great many people.

William Gilbert, formerly police constable of Folkestone, deposed to having seen the prosecutor on the night of the robbery, about twelve o`clock, when he complained of being robbed.

Cross-examined: Prosecutor said he was robbed in the meadow; afterwards on his way to New Zealand. He did not seem to know exactly what he was about.

Other evidence of a similar character having been adduced, the prisoners, in defence, denied all knowledge of the occurrence, and stoutly declared that they were not near the place described by the prosecutor, on the night of 9^th August.

Witnesses were then called, who gave the prisoners an excellent character. Acquitted.

Kent Herald 20-3-1856 

Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Justice Coleridge

Charles Whasper and James Gorham, for assaulting Henry Underdown, at Folkestone, on the 9^th of August, and stealing from his person with violence 18s. in money, a purse, and a tobacco box. Mr. Addison was for the prosecution; Mr. Poland defended Whasper.

Acquitted 

Folkestone Chronicle 3-5-1856

Wednesday April 30^th :- Before James Tolputt esq., Mayor, William Major esq., Gilbert Kennicott esq., and Stephen Godden esq.

Thomas Cocks, landlord of the Gun public house, Cheriton Road, was  summoned at the instance of police constable Lewis for keeping his house open at improper hours.

William Lewis, police constable – At half past 11 last Saturday night I found between 40 and 50 people drinking in defendant`s house. There was also a good deal of drink standing about. Defendant was drawing beer. I told him it was past time. He said his clock was stopped. I referred to his clock which was 25 minutes past 11. I believe the clock was stopped when I was there.

Richard Kennett – I went in about 20 minutes past 9 last Saturday night, and stopped about 20 minutes and went away. The clock was stopped when I went in. I knew that by the pendulum being stopped. One of the men started it while I was sitting there.

Cross-examined by Steer – I am in the habit of going to the defendant`s house. I am not in the habit of getting beer from the defendant`s house on a Sunday.

Convicted in the penalty of 5s. and 8s 6d costs.

Kentish Gazette 6-5-1856 

For having his house opened at half-past eleven o’clock on Saturday night, Thomas Cocks, landlord of the Gun, was on Wednesday fined 13s.6d.

Southeastern Gazette 13-5-1862

Local News

On Sunday night week, a fire was discovered to have broken out in the lower part of the Gun beerhouse, Gun Terrace, Mr. Cock and the other inmates being in bed at the time. An alarm was immediately raised, the hose was quickly attached to the fire-plug, and the flames were extinguished before much damage had been done. The fire is supposed to have been caused by an accumulation of soot in one corner of the chimney becoming ignited.

Folkestone Chronicle 29-7-1865

Death

Died on Friday, the 28^th instant, Mr. William Peel, Blacksmith, Gun Tavern, aged 33 years.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 25-8-1866

Licensing Day

A Special Sessions was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, for the purpose of renewing old and granting new spirit licenses &c. The magistrates present were Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt and A.M. Leith Esqs. There was a large attendance of publicans, some interest being excited in consequence of strong opposition being raised against the granting of several new licenses. The first business was to renew old licenses, and about 70 names were called over alphabetically.

The first applicant was Mr. Elliott for a license to the Gun beerhouse, in support of which he presented a petition signed by several householders residing in the vicinity.

The court was then cleared for a short time, and on the re-admission of the public Captain Kennicott said the magistrates had decided  to refuse the application.

Dover Chronicle 25-8-1866

A special sessions was held at the Town hall on Wednesday last for the purpose of granting spirit licenses, &c. The magistrates present were Captain Kennicott R.N., J. Tolputt and A.M. Leith Esqs.

The following applications were made for new spirit licenses:

The first application was from William Elliott, who asked for a special license to the Gun, in the Cheriton Road, and presented a memorial signed by a number of respectable people living in the neighbourhood.

Mr. J. Minter, solicitor, handed in a memorial signed by every publican in the town, with but one exception, praying the Bench to refuse the applications for licenses to new houses as there were too many already.

Stephen Hogben applied for a license to the Rendezvous, a new house in Rendezvous Street, next to the Rose Hotel. The house has been handsomely fitted up and a first class luncheon bar has been made. Mr. Hogben put in a memorial signed by the principal people in the town in support of his application for a license.

Mr. Minter appeared to oppose the application.

Mr. Foad, a clerk in Mr. Hart`s office, proved the posting of proper notices, and the necessary pro forma business.

Examined by Mr. Minter: The house was not finished when the notice was posted. It was a new building in course of erection. There was a door on which the notice was posted, but it was not hung.

Mr. Minter to Mr. Hogben: Did you explain to each person who signed your memorial that a license to your house was necessary for the accommodation of the inhabitants and visitors to Folkestone?

Mr. Hogben: I did. They all had an opportunity of reading the memorial. I did not ask them to sign it as a certificate of respectability but to enable me to get a license to my house.

Mr. Minter said he was instructed to oppose the license on the ground that it was not necessary. It was ridiculous for anyone to suppose that it was necessary. The Bench had already granted a license to the house next door and to several others in the immediate neighbourhood. They would find by the memorial which he had presented that there were 70 licensed houses in Folkestone already, and except in exceptional cases he did not think any new licenses ought to be granted. In this case the application had been made too soon, for according to Mr. Foad`s evidence they were asked to grant a license to an unfinished house – a house in the course of erection, and they could not do this. The Act said the notice must be posted on the door of the house, and it could not be called a house till it was inhabited. Mr. Hogben was clearly too soon in his application, and he could not complain if the license was refused. Next door to his house was the Rose Hotel, an old established commercial house, on which the landlord had lately spent a good deal of money in alterations and improvements. With the Rose staring them in the face next door, what necessity could there be for another license? He had no objection personally to Mr. Hogben but for the necessity for a license to his house.

The next application was by Godfrey Lepper for a house for a license to a new house named the Raglan on the Dover Road. This place is handsomely fitted up with a bar, and everything necessary for the trade. There was no opposition.

Mr. J.W. Mullett applied for a license to the Cinque Ports Arms, in Seagate Street.

Mr. Minter opposed the application, and said the observation he had before made would apply in this case also. The license was not at all necessary as the house was next door but one to the Chequers. This house was only a small one and had been an eating-house, and was not the class of house to which a spirit license ought to be granted.

Mr. Spurrier applied for a license to the Alexandra, a large hotel lately erected in Harbour Street. He presented a memorial respectably signed. There was no opposition.

Mr. Bolt, landlord of a house in South Street, said that the notice was not posted on the door on the second Sunday; the notice was posted in the window whilst the door was being painted, and he called the attention of the police superintendent to it.

Mr. Spurrier denied this, and said the notice was not taken off the door till the 28^th.

Mr. William Tite applied for a spirit license to his private house, near the Shakespeare.

The Clerk asked on what ground he made the application.

Mr. Tite said he heard that his opposite neighbour was about to apply for a license to the Gun, and thought that if he had one, he should like one himself. He did not want it particularly and if he got it he did not think he should use it just directly.

Mr. J.B. Tolputt applied for a license to a new house called the Albion, in Bouverie Square, which he had erected for the accommodation of coachmen and others about the Mews.

The court was cleared for some time. On the re-admission of the public, Captain Kennicott said the magistrates had decided to grant licenses to Messrs. Hogben, Spurrier, Lepper and Tolputt, and to refuse the applications of Messrs. Mullett, Elliott and Tite.

This concluded the business.

Kentish Express 25-8-1866

Wednesday being the day for renewing spirit licenses and granting new ones, the town hall was crowded with publicans and others interested. The magistrates on the bench were Captain Kennicott R.N., J. Tolputt and A.M. Leith Esqs. All the old licenses were renewed.

There were seven applications for new licenses, namely: Mr. Hogben, for the Rendezvous, in Broad Street (lately used as a luncheon bar); by Mr. Spurrier, for the Alexandra, in Harbour Street; by Mr. Lepper, for a new house, the Raglan Tavern, in Dover Road; by Mr. J.B. Tolputt, for a house in Bouverie Square; by Mr. Elliott, for the Gun, Cheriton Road; by Mr. Tite, for the Shakespeare, Cheriton Road; and by Mr. Mullett, for the Star, in Seagate Street.

The Bench granted licenses to the four first-named and refused the other applications.

Mr. J. Minter appeared and presented a petition signed by all the publicans in the town against granting new licenses, and appeared specially to oppose the granting of licenses to the Rendezvous and Star.

Notes: J.B. Tolputt is Albion Hotel; Tite`s application was not for the Shakespeare, as it was already licensed, and the Star is Radnor Street.

Southeastern Gazette 28-8-1866, Kent Herald 30-8-1866

Local News

Wednesday last was the annual licensing day, when the magistrates on the bench were Capt. Kennicott, R.N., J. Tolputt and A. M. Leith Esqrs.

All the old licenses were renewed. There were seven applications for new licences namely, Mr. Hogben for the Rendezvous, in Broad Street, (lately opened as a luncheon bar); Mr. Spurrier, for the Alexandra, in Harbour Street; Mr. Lepper, for a new house, the Raglan Tavern, in Dover Road; Mr. J. B. Tolputt, for a house in Bouverie Square; Mr. Elliott for the Gun, Cheriton- Road; Mr. Tite, for the Shakespeare, Cheriton Row; and Mr. Mullett, for the Star, in Seagate Street (sic). The Bench granted licences to the four first-named, and refused the other applications. Mr. J. Minter presented a petition signed by all the publicans in the town against new licences, and appeared specially to oppose the granting of licences to the Rendezvous and Star.  

Southeastern Gazette 16-10-1866, Dover Telegraph, Kentish Express 20-10-1866

About five o`clock on Friday, as the van of Mr. Bailey, of Elham, was standing opposite the Gun beershop, with Mr. Bailey and two others seated in it, a hoop trundled by a boy ran between the horse`s legs, and the horse immediately bolted. Mr. Bailey pulled up hard, but the reins broke in his hands, and the vehicle ran against the kerb and turned over, catching Bailey underneath, the horse at the same time clearing itself from the traces. Mrs. Elliott, of the Gun beerhouse, obtained assistance, and conveyed Bailey into her house. Mr. Bateman at once attended, and finding Bailey`s ribs broken, sent him to the Dispensary.  

Kent Herald 18-10-1866 

About five o`clock on Friday, as the van of Mr. Bailey, of Elham, was standing opposite the Gun beershop, with Mr. Bailey and two others seated in it, a hoop trundled by a boy ran between the horse`s legs, and the horse immediately bolted. Mr. Bailey pulled up hard, but the reins broke in his hands, and the vehicle ran against the kerb and turned over, catching Bailey underneath, the horse at the same time clearing itself from the traces. Mrs. Elliott, of the Gun beerhouse, obtained assistance, and conveyed Bailey into her house. Dr. Bateman at once attended, and finding Bailey`s ribs broken, sent him to the Dispensary.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-10-1866

Coroner`s Inquest

An inquest was held on Thursday afternoon at the Black Bull Inn, before J. Minter Esq., borough coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of a shoemaker of Rhodes Minnis, named John Hayward, who died on the 23^rd instant by injuries received by an accident on the 12^th instant. The following evidence was adduced:

James Quested Petts said: I am a builder at Folkestone. I identify the body of deceased as being that of John Hatward, of Rhodes Minnis, shoemaker. On October 12^th I was beside the “Old Gun”, Shellons Lane, Folkestone, and saw deceased sitting in a van with another man, whose name I think was Tumber. There was a horse in the van, which was stationary. Deceased was in the act of turning the horse around, and the van was tipped over. The deceased fell between the shaft and the fore wheel, and the fore wheel gathered in and run over him. I caught hold of the wagon and turned it up, and thus prevented the hind wheel going over him. His friends picked him up and took him into the Gun beershop.

Ellen Mannering said: I am the wife of Richard Mannering of Folkestone. On the 12^th of October, between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, I was close to the Gun beerhouse in Shellons Lane, Folkestone. I saw deceased on a wagon drawn by one horse. There was another man with him. The deceased was in the act of turning his horse round, when the horse shied and turned short, by which the wagon was turned over and I saw my father fall out. I was so frightened that I did not see the wheel of the wagon go over him. I and others assisted in getting the deceased into the Gun beerhouse.

William Bateman said: I am a surgeon practicing at Folkestone. On the 12^th instant, about five o`clock in the evening, I was sent for to the deceased and found him in the Gun beershop. He was lying on the bench in a cold and faint condition, almost in a state of collapse. In examining him I found four ribs broken on the right side, several bruises on the head and body, but no other serious injury. When a little recovered I had him removed in a fly to his daughter`s house, where I attended him until his death, which took place on the 23^rd instant. The cause of death was congestion of the lungs, the result of the injuries he received.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Observer 27-10-1866 

Coroner`s Inquest

An inquest was held on Thursday at the Black Bull inn, before J. Minter Esq., coroner, on the body of Mr. James Hayward, whose death occurred in the manner detailed in the evidence. Mr. Hales was foreman.

James Quested Petts, builder, identified the body of deceased as being that of John Hayward, Rhodes Minnis, shoemaker. On the 21^st October deceased was sitting in his van with another man, whose name he thought was Tumber, opposite the Old Gun, Shellons Lane, Folkestone. A horse was in the van, and the van was stationary. He was in the act of turning his horse around, and the van tipped over. The deceased fell between the shaft and the fore-wheel, and the fore-wheel gathered in and ran over him. Witness got hold of the wagon and threw it up, and thus prevented the hind wheels from going over him. His friends picked him up and took him into the Gun beershop.

Ellen Mannering, wife of Richard Mannering, Folkestone, labourer, and daughter of deceased, was close to the Gun beerhouse, in Shellons Lane, between four and five o`clock in the afternoon on the 21^st of October. Saw deceased there in a wagon drawn by one horse. There was another man with him. The deceased was in the act of turning his horse round, when the horse shied and turned short, by which the wagon was turned over and she saw her father fall out, but she was so frightened that she did not see the wheels of the wagon go over him. She and others assisted in getting the deceased into the Gun beerhouse.

William Bateman, surgeon, said: I was sent for to the deceased about five o`clock in the evening of the 21<sup>st</sup> of October, and found him in the Gun beerhouse, Shellons Lane. He was lying on the bench in a fainting condition, almost in a state of collapse. On examining him I found four ribs broken on the right side. There was a bruising about the head and body but no other serious injury. The same day, when he was a little recovered, I had him removed in a fly to his daughter`s house, where I attended him until his death, which took place on Tuesday. Recovering from the first shock, he went on well for three days, and then congestion of the lungs came on, no doubt caused by the injury he had received, and from that he died.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

Kentish Gazette 30-10-1866

An inquest was held on Thursday afternoon, at the Black Bull Inn, before J. Minter, Esq., borough coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of a shoemaker of Rhodes Minnis, named John Hayward, who died on the 23rd instant from injuries received by an accident on the 12th instant. 

The following evidence was adduced: James Quested Petts said: I am a builder at Folkestone I identify the body of deceased as being that of John Hayward, of Rhodes Minnis, shoemaker. On October 12th I was beside the Old Gun, Shellons Lane, Folkestone, and saw deceased sitting in a van with another man, whose name I think was Tumber. There was a horse in the van, which was stationary. Deceased was in the act of turning the horse round, and the van was tipped over. The deceased fell between the «haft and fore-wheel, and the fore-wheel gathered in and run over him. I caught hold of the wagon and turned it up, and thus prevented the hind wheel going over him. His friends picked him up and took him into the Gun beer-shop. 

Ellen Mannering said: I am the wife of Richard Mannering, of Folkestone. On the 12th of October, between 4 and 5 o`clock in the afternoon, I was close to the Gun beer-house in Shellons Lane, Folkestone. I saw deceased on a wagon drawn by one horse. There was another man with him. The deceased was in the act of turning his horse round when the horse shied and turned short, by which the wagon was turned over and I saw my father fall out. I was so frightened that I did not see the wheel of the wagon go over him. I and others assisted in getting the deceased into the Gun beer-house. 

William Bateman said: I am a surgeon, practising at Folkestone. On the 12th instant, about five o'clock in the evening, I was sent for to the deceased and found him in the Gun beer-shop. He was lying on the bench in a cold and faint condition, almost in a state of collapse. In ex­amining him I found four ribs broken on the right side, several bruises on the head and body, but no other serious injury. When a little recovered I had him removed in a fly to his daughter’s house, where I attended him until his death, which took place on the 23rd instant. The cause of death was congestion of the lungs, the result ol the in­juries he had received.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Kent Herald 1-11-1866

An inquest was held on Thursday afternoon at the Black Bull Inn, before J. Minter Esq., borough coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of a shoemaker of Rhodes Minnis, named John Hayward, who died on the 23^rd instant by injuries received by an accident on the 12^th instant.

It appeared by the evidence that deceased was sitting in a van with another man. There was a horse in the van, which was stationary. Deceased was in the act of turning the horse round, and the van was tipped over. The deceased fell between the shaft and fore-wheel, and the fore-wheel gathered in and ran over him. 

William Bateman said: I am a surgeon practicing at Folkestone. On the 12^th instant, about five o`clock in the evening, I was sent for to the deceased and found him in the Gun beershop. He was lying on the bench in a cold and faint condition, almost in a state of collapse. In examining him I found four ribs broken on the right side, several bruises on the head and body, but no other serious injury. When a little recovered I had him removed in a fly to his daughter`s house, where I attended him until his death, which took place on the 23^rd instant. The cause of death was congestion of the lungs, the result of the injuries he received. 

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Observer 24-8-1867

Wednesday, August 21^st: Before The Mayor, Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Licensing Day

This being the day for granting certificates of publicans for renewal of licenses, or for new licenses, there was a large attendance of the “victualling” craft.

Mr. Purday, of Canterbury, supported an application for a certificate to Mr. Elliott for a house at Gun Terrace. A house there was for many years a beershop, it having come into the hands of Messrs. Ash, and they, seeing that the property in that neighbourhood was improving, built up the Gun Tavern. Adjoining it would be a blacksmith`s forge, built in the same style as the house. The house had seven bedrooms, and it`s stabling had accommodation for eight horses. In a line behind the house are eight new houses, and he understood that in a short time there would be twenty more houses there. Mr. Minter, he understood, was to oppose his application, and also to support another application for a house in that neighbourhood. He wished to say that he should not oppose his friend`s application, for, in fact, he understood that monopoly had died out in Folkestone.

Mr. Minter said he was instructed on behalf of a near neighbour, Mr. Tite, to oppose the granting of a license to this house. It was hardly necessary for him to oppose the license if the Bench had determined that there should be free trade, but he argued that there was no necessity for additional public houses in that neighbourhood.

The Bench consulted together, and then the Mayor announced that the application was adjourned for a fuller Bench of magistrates to deal with.

Mr. Minter enquired if they were to go into fresh evidence at the next hearing. The evidence had been heard on both sides by the present Bench. A hint had been dropped about a fuller Bench of magistrates. He apprehended that other magistrates would not have heard the evidence.

The Mayor said the question was whether they should have free trade in licenses or not.

The Court was then cleared, and the magistrates deliberated in private. When the public were again admitted, the Mayor announced that the license was granted to Elliott and refused to all the others, so that gentlemen would understand that it was not exactly free trade.

Folkestone Express 18-5-1872

Monday, May 13^th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Tolputt and J. Clarke Esqs.

Temporary License

The license of the Gun Tavern was temporarily transferred to Thomas Batt.

Note: No mention of Batt at the Gun Tavern according to More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 13-5-1876

Monday, May 8^th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister and J. Clark Esqs.

Stephen Ayres was charged with stealing a coat, value four guineas, the property of Edward Hunt. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Edward Hunt said: I am a fly driver, and live at the Gun Tavern. I know the prisoner. On Wednesday, the 26^th April, he was in the stable. It was between six and seven o`clock. I left the stable for about three minutes and went into the house. When I returned prisoner was there, but left shortly afterwards. About five minutes after he left I missed the coat. I had laid it on the top of a corn bin. There was no-one in the stable but the prisoner when I went into the house. I did not see the coat again until Saturday, when I saw it at the police station. It was shown to me by Superintendent Wilshere.

In answer to the prisoner witness said that he (the prisoner) had been in the Gun Tavern for several days after the coat was missed.

Sergeant Reynolds said: I was on duty at the police station on Saturday evening when Superintendent Wilshere brought the prisoner in and charged him was stealing the coat produced.

Prisoner said he bought the coat from a man at Shorncliffe Camp and would know him if he saw him again.

Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday.

Wednesday, May 10^th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Clark, J. Kelcey, and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Stephen Ayres was brought up on remand charged with stealing a coat, value £4, the property of Edward Hunt.

The evidence taken on Monday having been read over, Mr. John William Baker said: I am a pawnbroker in Snargate Street, Dover. I believe the prisoner has lived in Dover. On Saturday last prisoner came into my shop and offered a coat for sale. The coat produced is the same. Prisoner asked me if I would buy it. He said he had given 15s. for it, and wanted to know whether I would give him that amount. He said he had bought it from a groom at the Camp. On going into the pawnbroking department I found that the coat had been stolen from Folkestone. I then communicated with the police. I left prisoner in the sale shop. When I returned he was gone, but he returned in half an hour, and I then accompanied him to the police station. I told him the coat was stolen. He said he did not wish to get in any bother; he bought the coat.

Superintendent Wilshere: On Saturday last, on receipt of a telegram, I went to Dover and found the prisoner detained at the police station, and I took him into custody on the charge of stealing the coat. Prisoner at Dover said “I bought it from a man on the Camp. I should know him again if I saw him”. I brought him to Folkestone, where he repeated the statement.

Prisoner, after being cautioned, said that Hunt and himself were the only persons in the stable, but the gates were opened when he went out and Hunt came out directly. I never went in the stable afterwards.

Prisoner was then committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-3-1877

Notice

The Bankruptcy Act, 1869

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF KENT, HOLDEN AT CANTERBURY

In the matter of proceedings for liquidation by arrangement or composition with Creditors instituted by WILLIAM HUNT, of the Gun Tavern, Folkestone, Kent, Innkeeper. George Collard, of Canterbury, Wine Merchant, has been appointed Trustee of the property of the Debtor.

All persons having in their possession any of the effects of the Debtor must deliver them to the Trustee, and all debts due to the Debtor must be paid to the Trustee.

Creditors who have not yet proved their debts must forward their proof of debts to the Trustee.

Dated this 10^th Day of March, 1877

Walter Furly,

Registrar.

Folkestone Express 24-3-1877

County Court

Saturday, March 17^th: Before G. Russell Esq.

Arthur Langton v William Hunt: This was an application for a new trial on a technical point. Mr. Minter made the application on behalf of the Trustee of Mr. Hunt`s bankruptcy, and Mr. Worsfold Mowll opposed.

Mr. Minter said this was a case in which Mr. Langton, who carried on the business of the Imperial Brewery in Tontine Street, was the plaintiff, and Mr. Hunt, the landlord of the Gun Tavern, was the defendant. It appeared that he attended at the last court for the purpose of defending the summons.

Mr. Mowll: Defeating the execution.

Mr. Minter: Well defeating execution. This, in his opinion, could have been done very easily if the objection which he had to make on opposing the claim had been made. His attendance was simply to object to the sum of 10s.in the account, and to apply for time to be granted. While he was in Court, the case was called on, but he did not hear it, and when the Court rose he was informed that it had been called on. The decision was accordingly given in favour of the plaintiff, and upon the Court rising an execution was immediately issued without any order being sent to the defendant for the payment of the money. At ten minutes past eleven the execution was issued and the defendant`s goods were seized. There was no doubt that at this time the defendant was in difficulties and contemplating a division of his estate among his creditors, and there was also no doubt that this fact was known to the plaintiff by him issuing the execution immediately on the rising of the Court, his object being to get into the house before the filing of the petition so that he might have the priority over the other creditors, and make himself a secured creditor. It was in the name of the general body of creditors that he was about to make an application to re-hear the case.

Mr. Mowll: Are you instructed by the Trustee?

Mr. Minter: Yes. His Honour would find that the action was brought by Arthur Langton and Co., to whom the debt was alleged to be due, and therefore Arthur Langton had no right to sue unless he showed on the dace of the proceedings that he was properly the person to sue. It might be Arthur Langton suing under the title of Langton and Co.

Mr. Mowll: We admit that it is only Arthur Langton; that there is no Co.

Mr. Minter, continuing, said that the object of the application for a new trial was to set aside the execution and place the plaintiff in the same position as the other creditors.

Mr. Mowll said he did not know whether His Honour deemed it necessary for him to reply.

His Honour answered in the negative and proceeded to give judgement. It was, he said, a most peculiar application, because it was not exactly for him to grant a new trial, but to make an amendment which would in effect act prejudicial to the plaintiff to benefit the general body of creditors. The definition of the plaintiff did not appear to him to be inconsistent, because it was a daily occurrence for a man in trade to endeavour to gain additional importance by the application of Co. This being the case he did not think it ought to preclude the plaintiff from recovering the fruits of his judgement. The application would, therefore, be dismissed.

Mr. Mowll applied for an order for costs against the estate.

His Honour said he thought the application ought to be dismissed with costs, but he left it to the plaintiff whether or not he thought it worthwhile to go before the Registrar on the matter.

Folkestone Express 31-3-1877

Local News

On Saturday at the Police Court the license of the Gun Tavern was provisionally transferred from William Hunt to William Gills.

Note: More Bastions lists the transfer at the Gun to Giles.

Folkestone Express 21-4-1877

Saturday, April 14^th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Colonel De Crespigny, W.J. Jeffreason Esq., and Alderman Caister.

Catherine Harrington was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit licensed premises.

William Giles, the landlord of the Gun Tavern, stated that shortly after eight o`clock on the previous evening the prisoner came to his house and requested to be supplied with some drink, but as she was in a state of intoxication he refused to do so. She then became very noisy and quarrelsome and he ordered her to leave the house, but she refused. He thereupon called in Sergeant Reynolds, who took her into custody.

Sergeant Reynolds having corroborated, the Bench fined the prisoner, who had been before them on several occasions, 10s. and costs, the alternative being 14 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 28-4-1877

Tuesday, April 24^th: Before Captain Crowe, R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.

The following provisional transfer of license was granted: The Gun Tavern from William Hunt to William Giles.

Folkestone Express 20-10-1877

Monday, October 15^th: Before General Armstrong and R.W. Boarer Esq.

Catherine Harrington was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Bouverie Road on Saturday morning.

Detective Hogben said he was ordered by Sergeant Reynolds to go up to the Gun as there was a woman there creating a disturbance. He found the prisoner outside the house screaming and abusing the landlady. She said she wanted her husband, who, in reply to witness, she said was on the Leas. There were a number of little children round her. He had to get the assistance of P.C. Knowles to get her to the police station.

Superintendent Wilshere said the prisoner was drunk and helpless, but after she got to the station she kicked at the constables and her boots had to be removed.

There were seven previous convictions against her and she was now sentenced to one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Express 28-7-1883

Saturday, July 21^st: Before R.W. Boarer and F. Boykett Esqs., and Alderman Banks

Henry Webb was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse, and George Sider with being drunk. Sider pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Knowles said on the 12^th inst. he saw the two defendants in a pony and trap at the bottom of Shellons Street. They were both drunk. They drove on to Rendezvous Street and stopped opposite the Prince Albert. He followed them with Sergeant Pay. Sider either got out or fell out of the cart. He took him into custody, and afterwards went back to help Sergt. Pay bring Webb to the station. He had received complaints previously about them. They were both incapable of taking care of a horse and cart.

Sergt. Pay said he saw Sider come out of the Gun Inn, get into a cart, and drive up the Bouverie Road, and afterwards return. He stayed about five minutes, and then went to the Shakespeare Inn, leaving his cart outside the Gun. He saw the two defendants afterwards, about nine o`clock, in the cart, coming up Grace Hill. They were both drunk.

Sider was fined 5s. and 8s. costs, and Webb 10s. and 10s. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-5-1893

Wednesday, May 17^th: Before Mr. J. Fitness, Mr. Ward and Mr. Brook.

William Giles, of the Gun Tavern, was summoned for selling adulterated whiskey.

The case was proved by Mr. Pearson, who bought a pint of Irish whiskey, which was found to be diluted with 6.4 per cent water.

In answer to Mr. Hall, who appeared for the defendant, the inspector said they only commenced to prosecute when the adulteration was over five per cent.

Mr. Hall said there was only 1.4 per cent of water more than usual, and he pleaded for a mitigated penalty, stating that the defendant had been in the trade 30 years and had never appeared before the Bench before.

A fine of £1 1s. and 19s. costs was imposed.

Folkestone Herald 20-5-1893

Local News

On Wednesday last at the Folkestone Police Court, before Messrs. Fitness, Ward, and Brooke, the following case of alleged contravention of the Adulteration of Food and Drugs Act, brought at the instance of the Inspector, Mr. Pearson, was adjudicated upon. Mr. Haines conducted the prosecution on behalf of the prosecution.

W. Giles, of the Gun Tavern, was charged with selling whisky adulterated with 6.4 percent of added water. Mr. Hall appeared for the defendant.

 

The Inspector said that on the 2^nd May he purchased a pint of whisky at defendant`s premises, for which he paid 2s. 8d. He told the barmaid it was to be analysed. It had subsequently been found to be adulterated with 6.4 percent of added water.

Mr. Hall, in defence, said he had advised his client to plead Guilty to a technical offence. Defendant was allowed, under the Act, to break down spirits to the extent of 25 percent, and it could be well understood how a slight mistake like this could have been made. Defendant was not new to the trade, and had always conducted his business well. Really the adulteration only amounted to 1.4 percent. Under these circumstances he asked their worships to inflict a nominal penalty.

Fined £1 19s. and 10s. costs.

Note: There was another case against Maestrani for selling adulterated milk. At the end of the report on these cases there is the intriguing footnote: The editor regrets that, in connection with one of the cases reported above, and attempt was made to induce our representative to suppress his report. A monetary consideration was offered to him, but he very properly declined to lend himself to such a transaction. It was an attempt to bribe the reporter, and for our part we shall do our best to stamp out such a demoralising system. Whenever the details of a case are of interest to the public we shall do our duty by publishing the facts, however obnoxious it may be to the individuals concerned. Any future offer of “hush money” will be resented by publishing the name and address of the party from whom it emanates.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-3-1894

Advertisement

Under Entirely New Management, Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road. Ash and Co.`s Celebrated Canterbury Ales in the primest condition. London Stouts and Porter. Wines and Spirits of the Finest Quality. Choice cigars. C. Norman, Proprietor.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-4-1894

Local News

Transfer

 

The following transfer was granted at the Police Court on Wednesday: Gun, Cheriton Road, to I. Norman.