The Martello, 1978
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| Former Martello, May 2012 |
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| Martello 1999. Credit Martin Easdown |
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| Martello c1950. Credit Peter & Anne Bamford |
Licensees
Sarah Tidmarsh 1854 1865 To Bouverie Arms
Thomas Cobb 1865 1868
R. Coomber 1868 1869
William Bennett 1869 1872
George Barham 1872 1874
Henry Sutton 1874 1879 From Raglan
Richard White 1879 1900 Ex New Inn
Alfred White 1900 1909
Ada White 1909 1913
Herbert Taylor 1913 1914
Albert Bridges 1914 1937
Ronald Chapman 1937 1940
Percy Wootten 1940 1943 Also Guildhall Tavern
George Offen 1943 1959
Thomas Offen 1959 1972
Brian Ward 1972 1984
Albert Ellender 1984 1988
Brian Porter 1988 1989
David Pollock 1989 1993
Paul Hyham 1993 1994
Lee Deacon, David Sadler and Jacqueline Sadler 1994 1997 Sadlers To Jester
Lee Deacon and Barry Musk 1997 1999 Barry Musk ex Imperial and Red Cow
Janice Hall, Richard Tierney and Shereen Alkadi 1999 2000 Janice Hall Also Royal Standard. Richard Tierney From Royal Standard
Keith Willingham and Jane Willingham 2000 2003
Keith Willingham, Jane Willingham and James Archibald 2003 2004 +
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.
Note: This gives an earlier name
change.
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
10-10-1854
Petty Sessions: Before James Kelcey, Esq
Sarah Tidmarsh, of the Martello Tavern, appeared to answer
an information for having her house open after 10 o’clock on Sunday last.
This being the first case under the new Act, she was fined
Is. and 9s. costs.
Southeastern Gazette
17-10-1854
Thursday, October 12th: Before S . Mackie and J. Kelaey, Esqs.
Richard Underdown, stonemason, was
charged with an aggravated assault upon Henry Stone, a bricklayer’s labourer.
It appeared that on the day of the
opening of the new schools, the men were allowed some beer, and went to the
Martello Tavern, where they got partially intoxicated, complainant and
defendant quarrelled, and the defendant knocked complainant down; soon after
Stone left, and was followed by Underdown, who met him in Beach-street, and
again knocked him down, and gave him several more blows.
Fined £5 which was immediately paid.
Canterbury Journal, Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph 17-2-1855, Kentish Gazette 20-2-1855
An inquest was held at the Martello Tavern, Folkestone, on Monday, before Mr. Silvester Eastes, Coroner, on the body of Ambrose Bowers, a stonemason, who was found dead on Sunday morning by the side of the turnpike road leading from Folkestone to Dover. From the evidence adduced it appeared that deceased had been working at Dover up to Saturday night, when he left with his tools for Folkestone. He called at the Valiant Sailor public house sometime between ten and eleven, when he was noticed to be the worse for drink. He called for six-pennyworth of hard rum and water, which he drank, and lighted his pipe and started. Nothing more was heard or seen of him till seven o`clock the following morning, when he was found by a labouring man, named Henry Welch, who stated that he took hold of him and shook him, when he heard a gurgling noise in his throat. He left, and went to the public house for assistance, but they were not up, and when he got back there appeared to be no signs of life in him. He then came to Folkestone and gave information to Superintendent Steer, who went and removed the body to Mr. Killick`s farmhouse at the bottom of the hill. The deceased was a married man and has left a widow and one son about 8 years of age. The jury returned a verdict “That the deceased was frozen to death while in a state of intoxication”.
Southeastern Gazette
20-2-1855
Inquest
An inquest was held yesterday week at the Martello Tavern,
before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, on the body of Ambrose Bowers, a stonemason.
Richard Underdown identified the body; he had seen the deceased on the
Monday previous; he was then working at Dover.
Richard Kitham, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, Folkestone-hill, deposed
:The deceased came to my house a little before 10 o’clock on Saturday evening,
asked for a glass of rum, and received change for a shilling; he had been
drinking pretty freely; he said he had walked from Dover, and had felt the cold
very much; he had a little dog, which my wife admired, and he offered to give
it to her, but she gave him a fourpenny piece for it, which I put into his
waistcoat pocket. I heard no more of him until a little before 7 o’clock on
Sunday morning, when Webb and Tucker, two labourers, called at the house and
said a man was lying dead on the Folkestone-hill. He was the same person who
called the night previous.
Henry Webb deposed: I am labourer in the employ of Mr. Killick, farmer.
As I was walking up Folkestone Hill a little before 7 o`clock on Sunday morning
I saw the body of the deceased ; his nose was bleeding slightly, as if from fall.
He attempted to speak, but I could not understand what he said.
William Tucker, another labourer, corroborated the last witness’s
evidence, and added that the deceased died while he remained with him, the last
witness having gone to call Mr. Kitham.
Superintendent Steer deposed that he received information that a man was
frozen to death, and examined the spot where the deceased fell; he appeared to
have fallen on his face, to have in vain tried to get up ; and then to have
laid down on his back to sleep. His face had blood upon it. Found the body had
been removed to Mr. Killick’s farm. Found no money on him.
The Coroner observed that it was a very severe night on Saturday last,
and the deceased being in a state of intoxication had probably felt very sleepy,
and having fallen, could not get up, but laid down to sleep; but for his
intemperance it was probable he would have walked sharp into the town and thus
have warmed himself.
Verdict, “That Ambrose Bowers was frozen to death, at the time being in a
state of intoxication.”
Kentish Independent 24-2-1855
An inquest was held on the 12th inst. at the Martello Tavern before Silvester Eastes Esq., coroner, on the body of Ambrose Bowers, a stonemason.
Richard Underdown identified the body; he had seen the deceased on the Monday previous; he was then working at Dover.
Richard Kitham, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, Folkestone Hill, deposed: The deceased came to my house a little before 10 o`clock on Saturday evening, asked for a glass of rum, and received change for a shilling; he had been drinking pretty freely; he said he had walked from Dover, and had felt the cold very much; he had a little dog, which my wife admired, and he offered to give it to her, but she gave him a fourpenny piece for it, which I put into his waistcoat pocket. I heard no more of him until a little after 7 o`clock on Sunday morning, when Webb and Tucker, two labourers, called at the house and said a man was lying dead on the Folkestone Hill. He was the same person who called the night previous.
Henry Webb deposed: I am a labourer in the employ of Mr. Killick, farmer. As I was walking up Folkestone Hill, a little before 7 o`clock on Sunday morning, I saw the body of the deceased; his nose was bleeding slightly, as if from a fall. He attempted to speak, but I could not understand what he said.
William Tucker, another labourer, corroborated the last witness`s evidence, and added that the deceased died while he remained with him, the last witness having gone to call Mr. Kitham.
Superintendent Steer deposed that he had received information that a man was frozen to death, and examined the spot where the deceased fell; he appeared to have fallen on his face, to have tried in vain to get up, and then to have laid down on his back to sleep. His face had blood upon it. Found the body had been removed to Mr. Killick`s farm. Found no money on him.
The coroner observed that it was a very severe night on Saturday last, and the deceased being in a state of intoxication had probably felt very sleepy, and having fallen could not get up, but laid down to sleep; but for his intemperance it was probable he would have walked sharp into the town and thus have warmed himself.
Verdict “That Ambrose Bowers was frozen to death, at the time being in a state of intoxication”.
Kentish Mercury 24-2-1855
An inquest was held a few days since on the body of Ambrose Bowers, a stonemason, who was found on Folkestone Hill on Sunday morning last by a farm labourer, his nose bleeding slightly when he attempted to speak. He died shortly afterwards. Deceased had, the night previously, been to the Valiant Sailor public house and partaken of some rum, being at the time rather “fresh”, and the Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very severe night on Saturday last, and the deceased being in a state of intoxication had probably felt very sleepy, and having fallen could not get up, but laid down to sleep. But for his intemperance it was probable he would have walked sharp into the town and thus have warmed himself.
Verdict “That Ambrose Bowers was frozen to death, at the time being in a state of intoxication”.
Folkestone Chronicle
17-5-1856
Auction advertisement extract: To be sold by Mr. T. Macleod, at the Auction Mart, opposite the Bank of England, on Friday, June the 13th, at twelve o`clock at noon.
Lot 7: The Martello Tavern, built expressly for the purpose, and from its architectural design, elevation, and universally acknowledged desirable situation in the leading thoroughfare to the Railway Station, and on the main road to Dover and Canterbury, is an important property, and worthy of the attention of capitalists. The Tavern possesses all the requirements for an extensive business, and is now in full trade. The house contains bar, bar parlour, club room, tap room, 7 bedrooms, kitchen, wash-house, scullery, and underground cellars. There is good stabling, yard, &c., large garden, easily converted into a tea or pleasure garden, and offers a singularly advantageous opportunity to an enterprising individual to realise a handsome income. The tenure is held under lease from the Earl of Radnor and Viscount Folkestone for a term of 99 years, from the 29th September, 1848, at a ground rent of £9 per annum. The present tenant has an agreement for 3 years, which expires on the 20th July, 1857. This is a most eligible opportunity for investment.
Southeastern Gazette 20-5-1856
Auction advertisement extract: To be sold by Mr. T. Macleod, at the Auction Mart, opposite the Bank of England, on Friday, June the 13th, at twelve o`clock at noon.
The Martello Tavern, possessing every requirement for an extensive business, and is now in full trade.
Canterbury Journal
18-10-1856
An inquest was held on Monday last, before Silvester Eastes Esq., coroner, at the Martello Tavern, in the Dover Road, on the body of Patrick Bannon, a lance-sergeant in the 40th Regiment of Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe, who was found drowned in a reservoir near the Folkestone Junction Station on Sunday night. The body was found by George Houghton, the switchman of the South Eastern Railway Company, and was identified by Stephen Burbridge, a colour-sergeant of the 40th, who had last seen him alive on the morning of the 4th inst. The jury returned a verdict of “Found Drowned”, with a recommendation that the reservoir be closed in. There are two reservoirs, each of them twelve feet deep with ten feet of water in each, and quite level with the ground.
Dover Chronicle 18-10-1856
An inquest was held on Monday last, before Silvester Eastes Esq., coroner, at the Martello Tavern, in the Dover Road, on the body of Patrick Bannon, a lance-sergeant in the 40th Regiment of Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe, who was found drowned in a reservoir near the Folkestone Junction Station on Sunday night. The body was found by George Houghton, the switchman of the South Eastern Railway Company, and was identified by Stephen Burbridge, a colour-sergeant of the 40th, who had last seen him alive on the morning of the 4th inst. The jury returned a verdict of “Found Drowned”, with a recommendation that the reservoir be closed in. There are two reservoirs, each of them twelve feet deep with ten feet of water in each, and quite level with the ground.
Dover Telegraph
18-10-1856
An inquest was held at the Martello Tavern, Dover Road, before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, on the body of Patrick Bannon, a lance sergeant of the 49th Regiment, stationed at Shorncliffe. The body was found on Sunday evening, by George Houghton, a switchman, in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, in a reservoir near the coke ovens. The body was floating when he first saw it, and having obtained assistance, it was removed, and information of the circumstance sent to Superintendent Steer. Stephen Burbridge, a colour sergeant of the 49th Regiment, identified the body, and stated that the last time deceased was seen alive was on the 4th instant, when he saw him in the Sergeant`s Mess Room, at Shorncliffe, at nine o`clock in the evening, and he was first missed at eleven o`clock on the following morning. The jury returned a verdict of “Found Drowned”, with a recommendation that the reservoirs might be fenced in, which are 12 feet deep, with 10 feet of water in them, and are quite level with the ground.
Folkestone Chronicle 18-10-1856
Inquest
An inquest was holden at the Martello Tavern, Dover Road, on Monday, 13th inst., before S. Eastes esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of Patrick Bannan, late a lance sergeant in the 40th Foot. The jury having been sworn proceeded to view the body which was lying in a carriage shed near the upper railway station. On the jury`s return the first witness examined was –
George Houghton, who being sworn, deposed he was a switchman employed on the railway, and on Sunday 9th (sic) inst., he was near the reservoir nearest Dover, on the line of railway, when he saw the body of deceased floating in the water. Witness obtained assistance and got the body out. Saw no marks of any wounds or bruises about the body: there was mud on the face, evidently from the bottom of the reservoir. The body was dressed in a soldier`s red tunic, and dark trousers – it was a private soldier`s dress. Had never seen the person before to his knowledge. Never knew a person drowned in the reservoir before.
Richard Hart, being sworn, deposed he was a brakesman on the S.E.R. On Sunday about 20 minutes to 5 witness was going down to the harbour on a break when he was called by the last witness, and told there was a body in the reservoir. Witness returned and assisted by a stoker got the body out. There were no marks of violence on the body, but observed mud which appeared to come from the bottom of the reservoir. There was about 10 feet of water in it.
Stephen Burbridge deposed, he was colour-sergeant in the 40th Regiment, now stationed at Shorncliffe. Had see the body of deceased and identified it as the body of Partick Hannan, a lance-sergeant in the same regiment, from the scar of a wound which deceased had received in one of the rifle pits in the Crimea. Saw deceased alive last at about 9 o` clock on the 4th instant, at the camp at Shorncliffe. Witness spoke to him; the were in the mens room of the non-commissioned officers. Deceased had a private soldier`s coat on, which attracted witness` attention; he seemed quite well, and in his usual spirits, but was not quite sober. Deceased was missed about 11 o`clock the next morning, the 5th; witness however heard he had been at Dover on the Sunday morning. Knew nothing to lead him to suppose deceased had committed suicide. He was about 26 or 27 years of age, and had been about 7 or 8 years in the regiment. Deceased had left his own coat, with his medal and clasps, at the camp.
This being the whole of the evidence the jury returned an open verdict of “found drowned”, with a strong recommendation to the South Eastern Railway Company to have a sufficient fence erected round the reservoir, to prevent a recurrence of a like accident in the future.
Southeastern Gazette
21-10-1856
Inquest.
An inquest was held at the Martello Tavern, Folkestone, on
Monday, before S. Eastes, Esq., coroner, on the body of Patrick Banyan, a
sergeant in the 44th Foot, now stationed at Shorncliffe.
The body was found on Sunday evening last by George Houghton
a switchman m the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, floating in the
reservoir near the coke ovens.
Stephen Burbridge, a colour sergeant in the 49th regt.,
stated that on the evening of the 4th instant, he saw deceased in the sergeants’
mess-room at Shorncliffe; he was missed on the morning of the 5th instant, and
no tidings had been heard of him.
The jury returned a verdict of “found drowned,” with a
recommendation that the reservoir be protected by a rail, as at present there
was nothing to prevent persons from falling into it. On the same day the
reservoir was emptied of its contents.
Dover Chronicle 9-11-1861
Death:
Nov. 4, at the Martello Tavern, Folkestone, Mr. Edward Tidmarsh, aged 37 years.
Folkestone Chronicle 9-11-1861
Death:
On Monday, November 4th, at the Martello Tavern, Dover Road,
Folkestone, Mr. Edward Down, aged 32 years. (Sic)
Southeastern Gazette 12-11-1861
Death:
On the 4th inst., at Folkestone, after a few hours` illness, Mr.
George Downs, of the Martello Tavern, aged 37, much respected.
Canterbury Weekly Journal 16-11-1861
Death: Nov. 4, at the Martello Tavern, Mr. Edward Tidmarsh, aged 37 years.
Folkestone Chronicle 21-2-1863
Coroner`s Inquest
On Monday last an inquest was holden at the Martello Tavern, before the Coroner, John Minter Esq., and a respectable jury, of which Mr. John Dunk was chosen foreman, on view the body of William Mercer, aged nine years, the son of Mr. Richard Mercer, carpenter, residing at 4, Martello Terrace.
The first witness was Richard Mercer, the father of the deceased; he deposed that deceased was his son, and was nine years of age. On Sunday, about 9 o`clock, my wife sent him to his bedroom for punishment, no dinner being sent up to him; about 5 o`clock witness sent up some bread and butter to him, which he ate; at half past 7 witness`s daughter went upstairs and he shortly after heard her say “Bill, get up”; she then called out “I can`t wake Bill”. Witness then went up and found deceased lying on his side on the floor; he was insensible; took him downstairs; witness`s wife then knelt down beside him and said “He has been drinking”: there was a full bottle of sherry in the parlour cupboard, and witness found that about a pint of it was gone; deceased was kept before the fire until about 10 o`clock rubbing his feet; he was insensible the whole time; witness then called in Mr. Hooper, a medical man in the neighbourhood; deceased died on Monday, between 11 and 12 o`clock.
Edward Evan Hooper deposed he was a surgeon residing in Folkestone; he was called to see deceased by the last witness on Sunday night about a quarter past ten; he found deceased lying in his mother`s lap insensible; the symptoms exhibited by the deceased showed a pressure on the brain; witness applied the stomach pump in consequence of being told that he had drunk a quantity of sherry wine; that which came from his stomach smelt strongly of wine. Witness used various remedies and remained with him until 12 o`clock – deceased remained insensible, but his pulse got better; saw him again on Monday morning when he appeared much the same; there appeared symptoms of congestion of the brain, and he gradually sank and died. Witness considered deceased`s death to be caused by taking an excessive quantity of wine.
A verdict in accordance with the above medical evidence was returned.
Folkestone Observer 21-2-1863
Inquest
An inquest was held before J. Minter Esq., borough coroner, on Wednesday evening, at the Martello Tavern, on the body of William Mercer, nine years of age.
Richard Mercer, carpenter, Martello Terrace, the father, sent deceased to his bedroom on Sunday, for punishment, and he was kept without his dinner, but at 5 o`clock some bread and butter were sent to him, which he ate. At half past 7 witness`s daughter Elizabeth took her youngest sister to bed and witness heard her calling to her brother to get up, and then she called to witness that she could not wake him. Witness went upstairs and found the deceased lying on his side by the bed, and took him up and tried to awake him, but he was insensible, and witness took him downstairs and laid him before the fire, and his mother putting her face by the side of his discovered that he had been drinking. A bottle of sherry had been kept in the front parlour, and that bottle had been moved, and a pint of wine was missing. A nail was found close to the bed, with which deceased had apparently drawn the cork. Mr. Hooper, surgeon, was called in at 10 o`clock, and about 10 the next day the boy died.
Mr. Emanuel Evance Hooper, when called in, found deceased suffering from symptoms that indicated pressure on the brain, and being told that he had drunk a quantity of wine, he applied the stomach pump, and brought off some liquid smelling very strongly of wine. Deceased also threw up some liquid smelling of wine. He applied the usual restoratives, but soon after ten the next day he died of congestion of the brain caused by taking an excessive quantity of wine.
Verdict accordingly.
Kentish Gazette 3-3-1863
An inquest was held before J. Minter, Esq., borough coroner, on Wednesday evening at the Martello Tavern, on the body of William Mercer, nine years of age. Richard Mercer, carpenter, Martello Terrace, the father, sent deceased to his bedroom on Sunday, for punishment, and he was kept without his dinner; but at five o’clock some bread and butter were sent up to him, which he ate. At half past seven witness’s daughter, Elizabeth, took her youngest sister to bed, and witness heard her calling to her brother to get up; and then she called to witness that she could not wake him. Witness went upstairs and found the deceased lying on his side by the bed, and took him up and tried to awake him, but he was insensible, and witness took him downstairs and laid him before the fire, and his mother, putting her face by the side of his, discovered that he had been drinking. A bottle of sherry had been kept in the front parlour, and that bottle had been moved, and a pint of wine was missing. A nail was found close to the bed, with which deceased had apparently drawn the cork. Mr. Hooper, surgeon, was called in at ten o'clock, and about ten the next day the boy died. Mr. Edmund Evance Hooper, when called in, found deceased suffering from symptoms that indicated pressure on the brain, and being told that he had drunk a quantity of wine, he applied the stomach pump, and brought off some liquid smelling very strongly of wine. Deceased also threw up some liquid smelling of wine. He applied the usual restoratives, but soon after ten the next day he died of congestion of the brain, caused by taking an excessive quantity of wine.
Verdict accordingly.
Folkestone Chronicle
24-8-1867
Inquest
On Monday last a shocking death occurred to a young man, who
was passing from the Tram Road to East Cliff, by the harbour engine that was
passing on the line, whereby he was instantly crushed, and killed on the spot.
An inquest was held on Tuesday at the Martello Tavern, before J. Minter Esq.,
Coroner, when the following evidence was brought forward:-
Mr. Gregory, secretary to the Church Institute, identified
the body as that of James Coleman Gregory Shrewsbury, one of the oldest members
of that association, that he was employed as a baker by Mr. Ashtell, of this
town, and that he was 21 years of age last September.
John Brough (17 years engine driver, in the employ of the
South Eastern Railway Company), said: On Monday last I was driving my engine
from the Upper Station to the Harbour, at 2.32, to bring back a train of goods.
Quested, the guard, was on the engine and told me to start. When I came
opposite the crossing leading to East Cliff Cottages, a coal train was passing
up. The deceased jumped from behind the coal train across the line close in
front of my engine, and I saw no more of him; my engine passed over him.
Charles Jones, the stoker, and the brakeman, James Quested, were on the engine.
I stopped the engine and went back. I lifted his head and found he was dead. It
was impossible for me to stop the engine. There is a great deal of traffic
across the line at that place, at all times of the day. A cottage stands there.
William Fleet, a platelayer, lives in it, and his wife attends to the crossing
to keep people off when a train is in sight. We whistle at the lower curve in
going up, and in going down wev whistle as we cross the open gate. We can see
the crossing nearly half a mile before we get to it. I saw Mrs. Fleet standing
at the door when I was about 100 yards off. I saw her hold up her hands after
we ran over the deceased.
Charles Jones (three years stoker on the tramway), said: I
was on the engine on Monday afternoon, which left the Upper Station at 2.32. He
then corroborated Brough`s evidence, and added “He could not see out engine
because of the coal train. He had a basket of bread on his back”.
Sarah Fleet, wife of William Fleet, platelayer, in the
employ of the South Eastern Railway, said: I reside at the Radnor Bridge
gatehouse, on the Tram Road, at the crossing leading to East Cliff Cottages,
and am employed by the South Eastern Company to keep the line clear of
passengers when I see trains coming up or down the line. I have been there at
the same work for more than ten years. There is a large gate and a swing gate
at either side of the line. I have a bell in my cottage to warn me when a train
is approaching either up or down. It is worked by the telegraph from the upper
and lower stations, and it is my duty to see that the line is clear. On Monday
afternoon, at half past two o`clock, I was sitting outside my door at
needlework, when the engine down, and the train up, as described by last
witness, approached. I saw the engine come round the corner by the coke ovens,
and stood up, knowing that another train was coming up and that they would meet
at the crossing. The large gates were shut. I did not see the deceased come
through the gate, and no-one was at the crossing when the coal engine got
opposite me, but when the tail end of the brake cleared the crossing and the
engine driven by Brough was opposite the gate on my side, I saw the deceased, with
a basket on his shoulder, come across the line from the road side. I held up my
hands. I helloed to him to go back with all my might, but it was too late. The
moment he stepped off the up line he was knocked down by the engine.
Edward Turner, porter and relieving signalman, said: I was
on duty at Folkestone Junction signal box. I got a signal from the Harbour that
all was clear, and then lowered the signal arm to allow the engine to pass down
the line. Brough was on the engine. I entered the signal in the book kept for
that purpose.
Mr. Mitchell, station master, produced the signal book, both
of the Upper and Harbour stations, with the entries.
The Coroner summed up and the jury returned a verdict that
deceased was accidentally killed, and that no blame was due to anyone.
Folkestone Observer 24-8-1867
Inquest
On Monday last a young man, 21 years of age, named James Coleman Gregory Shrewsbury, in the employ of Mr. Ashtell, baker, when proceeding to East Cliff to deliver bread, was knocked down by a light engine on the tramway, at the level crossing just above Radnor Bridge. The body was dragged a short distance before the engine was stopped, and when picked up it was mangled in various places. Death must have been instantaneous. The body was conveyed to the Martello Tavern, at which house on Tuesday John Minter Esq., coroner, held an inquest. The body having been identified, the following evidence was heard.
John Brough, 17 years engine driver in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, said: On Monday last I was driving my engine from the Upper Station to the Harbour at 2-32, to bring a train of goods. Quested, the guard, was on the engine and told me to start. When I came opposite the crossing leading to East Cliff Cottages a coal train was passing up. The deceased stepped from behind the coal train across the line close in front of my engine, and I saw no more of him. My engine passed over him. Charles Jones, the stoker, and the brakesman, James Quested, were on the engine. I stopped the engine and went back. I lifted his head and found he was dead. It was impossible for me to stop the engine. There is a great deal of traffic across the line at this place at all times of the day. A cottage stands there. William Fleet, a platelayer, lives in it, and his wife attends to the crossing, to keep people off when a train is in sight. We whistle at the lower curve in going up, and in going down we whistle as we cross the open gate. We can see the crossing nearly half a mile before we get to it. I saw Mrs. Fleet standing at the door when I was about 100 yards off. I saw her hold up her hands after we ran over the deceased.
Charles Jones, three years stoker on the tramway, said: I was on the engine on Monday afternoon. John Brough was driver. James Quested was guard. It was 2-32 when we left. We were going down to bring up a train. James Quested gave the order and started the engine. We can see this crossing from the top of the Tram Road, about half a mile. We had hardly got to the crossing when we saw the coal train coming up. The tail end of the coal train had just cleared the crossing when we got to it. As we got to the crossing the deceased stepped from behind the coal train. I saw Mrs. Fleet 100 yards before we got up, close to her door. Did not see her do anything before deceased was run over. Just as he was knocked down she held up her hands. He was on the up line, and he stepped from that to the down line. We reversed the engine and stopped, and found him dead.
Sarah Fleet, wife of William Fleet, platelayer in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, said: I reside at the Radnor Bridge gate house, on the Tram Road, at the crossing leading to East Cliff Cottages, and am emploted by the South Eastern Company to keep the line clear of passengers when I see trains coming up or down the line. I have been there at the same work for more than ten years. There is a large gate and a swing gate at each side of the line. I have a bell in my cottage to warn me when a train is approaching either up or down. It is worked by a telegraph from the upper and lower stations, and it is my duty to see that the line is clear. On Monday afternoon, about half past two o`clock, I was sitting outside my door at needlework when the engine down and train up, as described by the last witness, approached. I saw the engine come round the corner by the coke ovens, and stood up, knowing that another train was coming up and that they would meet at the crossing. The large gates were shut. I did not see the deceased come through the gate, and no-one was at the crossing when the coal engine got opposite me, but when the tail end of the brake cleared the crossing, the engine driven by Brough was opposite the little gate on my side, and I saw the deceased, with a basket on his shoulder, come across the line from the road side. I held up my hands. I helloed him to go back with all my might, but it was too late. The moment he stepped off the up line he was knocked down by the engine.
Edward Turner, porter and relieving signalman, said: I was on duty at Folkestone Junction signal box. I got a signal from the Harbour that all was clear, and then lowered the signal arm to allow the engine to pass down the line. Brough gave the usual signal of three blows on his whistle that he wanted to go to the Harbour. I then signalled to the Harbour and received a return signal. My signal to the Harbour would cause the bell to ring in Mrs. Fleet`s house. Having the usual signal from the Harbour, I lowered the arm. When I signal to the lower station I have to enter it in a book. I entered it yesterday directly that I made the signal (book produced with entry at 2-32, which was the time the engine left).
Mr. Mitchell, station master, said that as soon as he returned from enquiring into the accident at a little after three o`clock he examined the signal book, and found the entry as now read. The Harbour book which he produced corresponded with the Junction book.
The Coroner said that it seemed to him that short of stopping up entirely the crossing while the engine was passing, every precaution was taken.
The jury at once returned a verdict of Accidental Death.
Transfer of license was granted to Mr. Coomber, Martello Tavern, Dover Road
Folkestone Observer 4-4-1868
Wednesday, April 1st: Before The Mayor, Captain Leith, and R.W. Boarer Esq.
Folkestone Express 4-4-1868
Wednesday, April 1st: Before The Mayor, Capt. Leith, and Alderman Boarer.
Transfer of License
The Martello Tavern, Dover Street, from Mr. Thomas Cobb to Mr. R. Coomber.
Folkestone Observer 16-10-1869
Wednesday, October 13th: Before R.W. Boarer, John Gambrill, John Clark, and – Dashwood Esqs.
Mr. W. Bennett applied for a transfer of license granted to W. Coomber to sell excisable liquors at the Martello Tavern. The application was granted.
Folkestone Express 16-10-1869
Wednesday, October 13th: Before J. Gambrill, R.W. Boarer, J. Clark and C. Dashwood Esqs.
Transfer of license.
Folkestone Observer 24-3-1870
Notice
The Bankruptcy Act, 1869
In the County Court of Kent, holden at Canterbury
In the matter of proceeding for liquidation by arrangement or composition with creditors instituted by William Bennett, of the Martello Tavern, Dover Road, Folkestone, in the county of Kent, licensed victualler and dealer in tobacco and cigars.
Notice is hereby given that a first general meeting of the creditors of the above named person has been summoned to be held at the offices of Messrs. Nichols, Clark and Elliott, 9, Cook`s Court, Lincoln`s Inn, in the county of Middlesex, on Friday, the Eighth day of April next, at eleven o`clock in the forenoon precisely.
Dated this 18th day of March, 1870
Thos. Fox, Dover.
Attorney for the said debtor.
Folkestone Chronicle 17-2-1872
Wednesday, February 14th: Before The Mayor, Ald. Caister, Ald. Tolputt, and J. Clark Esq.
Anthony Von Schuttenbach, a foreigner, between 40 and 50, was charged with stealing £3 from Mr. Bennett, landlord of the Martello Hotel.
Mr. Bennett, being sworn, said prisoner came to his house about the 12th of January and stopped about a week there. He asked him whether he would accept a situation in which he could earn much money, and he (witness) replied that he had a business to attend to which he did not want to leave. He asked for the loan of £3, and showed him a bill payable to him of £16, on which were the names of Mr. Lebeau, and Mr. Robinson, his clerk, and which he said was sure to be paid. Prisoner made use of Mr. Robinson`s name several times, and as he (witness), knew Mr. Robinson well, that gave him faith in the prisoner, and he lent him the money. The letter he showed him had Mr. Lebeau`s name on it and stated that the money was paid into their offices at Boulogne, and was payable here on the 16th of January. He left his house taking the bill with him. He afterwards called again and asked him to lend him 2s., which he refused to do.
Witness, in reply to the Magistrates` Clerk, said he was induced to lend the money because Mr. Lebeau and Mr. Robinson`s names were on the bill, but Mr. Bennett could give no account of the nature of the bill, whether it was a forgery or not.
(We understand that the bill was for £16, and the names of Mr. Lebeau and Mr. Robinson were on it, as prisoner appointed them as his agents, although he well knew it was impossible to get the money. He has since been extensively using the name of this firm, by showing this document for swindling purposes).
The Magistrates` Clerk said: You have not, Mr. Bennett, made out any case against the prisoner. You lent him money, it appears, because of certain representations that he made, and because Mr. Robinson`s name was on the paper he showed you. The fact is, the fellow is a sharper who manages to swindle foolish people, and to induce them to lend him money.
In answer to The Mayor, Mr. Robinson said he had not the bill which prisoner had shown to Mr. Bennett, but there was a copy of it in their letter copying book.
The Magistrates` Clerk said that would not be admissible as evidence.
Mr. Bennett: If you grant a remand, perhaps we can procure evidence.
The Magistrates` Clerk: There is no false pretence shown. We have not got the document before us, and you appear to have lent the money on the faith, according to your own evidence, of what you saw in it.
Mr. Robinson: Then is this man to go at large and defraud people in this way and no punishment be inflicted on him? There are several people who have charges to bring against him.
The Magistrates` Clerk: If they can prove their case of false pretences, the magistrates can deal with the case. It has not yet been proved. The prisoner appears to me to be a clever sharper, who knows what he is about, and preys on easy dupes.
Mr. Gardner, of Dover, said he wished a warrant to be issued against the prisoner. He came to his house and stopped with him over a week, with his wife and seven children. He borrowed 10s. of him on the pretence of sending telegrams in reference to his luggage in Holland, and made a number of false statements, on which he was induced to trust him.
The Magistrates` Clerk: He might have told you a string of lies, but that does not prove the false pretence. You cannot punish him for what you state. Your experience should only make people careful how they are duped. No doubt the man is a great swindler, but in the cases brought under our notice, the law cannot certainly reach him.
Mr. Gardner stated some of the false representations made by prisoner, one of which was that he was a great inventor patronised by the Government, and another that he was engaged in extensive railways in Greece.
Mr. Hudson, coffee house keeper, Grace Hill, then came forward and asked for a warrant against prisoner. He came with his wife to his house and stopped a night and did not pay for the bed. He also borrowed half a crown on pretence of sending a telegram. He pretended to be the author of a great invention in photography.
The Magistrates` Clerk said prisoner could not be prosecuted in this case on charge of obtaining money under false pretences.
The prisoner was then discharged.
Mr. Robinson said he had been brought before the magistrates of Dover with a similar result.
The Magistrates` Clerk: This should only make people careful against such characters as prisoner, who prey upon society.
We understand that prisoner has succeeded in swindling a large number of people in Dover and this neighbourhood, and whilst he was before the magistrates his wife and family were staying at the Kent Hotel, Sandgate, obtaining lodging there by the false representations they made. A large number of letters and documents, to which responsible names were attached, are carried about by prisoner, and by showing these he contrives to gain the confidence of his dupes.
After the case before the magistrates was over, several people, including those whom the prisoner had swindled, waited outside the Town Hall for him. When he came out he was very affectionately greeted by three of the persons whom he had duped, who knocked his hat over his eyes, and they were about to take him for a cold bath to the Bayle pond when his screams and yells, and the crowd that had gathered, attracted the attention of the police, and this swindler was released from his decidedly uncomfortable position.
As quickly as possible he left the town and proceeded to Sandgate to meet his wife and family at the Kent Hotel. Unknown to him, those whom he had victimised followed him to this place. Up to this time the landlord of the Kent Hotel was not aware that he was harbouring such a swindler, but Mr. Bennett and his companions soon informed him of the fact. He immediately had an interview with his unwelcome guest, and asked him for payment of his bill. The request was not complied with, and he and his family were ordered to leave the house. He asked for three hours time to be allowed to him, but this was not granted. With his wife and seven children he went out into the street to meet an indignant mob, who had assembled to give him a greeting. They set upon him and gave him a thorough castigation, rolling him in the gutter, and pelting him with mud. The wife and children interfered on behalf of the husband and father, and a very riotous scene ensued. The lady caught hold of one man by the whiskers, and struck him some blows that he will long remember. This disgraceful scene was at length terminated by the interference of the police, and the swindler was last seen with bruised features, tattered garments, and the picture of misery, and with his wife and family, trudging towards Dover.
Folkestone Express 17-2-1872
Wednesday, February 14th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Clarke and J. Tolputt Esqs.
A man, apparently of Russian nationality, giving the name of Antoni Schuttenbach, was brought up on a warrant, charged with unlawfully and knowingly, by a certain false pretence, obtaining from William Bennett, the sum of £3 with intent to cheat and defraud.
Mr. W. Bennett, Martello Hotel, deposed: Prisoner came into my house on the 12th January between 11 and 12 o`clock and asked me if I wanted a situation in which I could earn a considerable sum of money. I told him I was unable to leave my business and should not think of doing so. He then asked me to lend him £3, and showed me a bill or receipt for £16, payable by Messrs. Lebeau and Co., on the 16th January. Knowing Messrs. Lebeau and Co. to be a substantial firm, and seeing the name of Mr. Robinson on the receipt, and prisoner showing me a letter from Messrs. Lebeau and Co., on the faith of the bill and letter I let him have £3. Prisoner said the money had been paid in Boulogne, and was payable at Folkestone on the 16th January. I endeavoured to read the receipt, which was written in French, but not understanding the language sufficiently I could not do so. Prisoner took the receipt away with him; if he had left it I should have lent him more money upon it. After he had got the £3 he left my house and took the receipt away with him. He called at my house again in the evening and wanted to borrow some more money, but I refused to lend him any more. I saw him again about a fortnight afterwards, and he asked me for 2s.; he did not say when he would repay the £3. The receipt he showed me was stamped with a Government stamp.
By the Clerk: I am sure the receipt was written in the French language. Prisoner read the letter to me.
The Clerk: You have to make out a case for obtaining money by false pretences. There seems to be no case at all.
Mr. Bennett: prisoner obtained the £3 by making use of Messrs. Lebeau`s name.
The Clerk: It is a matter of what took place between you and the prisoner, and not what you found out afterwards. You could not tell whether the receipt, or bill, or whatever it might be, was a genuine document or not.
Mr. Bennett: It was an order to receive £16 from Messrs. Lebeau and Co.
Mr. Clarke: What had Mr. Robinson`s name to do with it?
Mr. Bennett: His name was written at the bottom of it, and it assumed that £16 were coming to the prisoner on the 16th January.
Mr. Clarke: Having Mr. Robinson`s name to it would not make Messrs. Lebeau responsible.
Mr. Robinson said he believed the bill was originally sent to Antwerp.
Mr. Bennett: If you will grant a remand, I can bring witnesses to prove prisoner has swindled several persons.
The Clerk: You have no right to say so.
The Mayor to Mr. Bennett: It is your case we have to do with.
Mr. Caister: It appears to me that the case has broken down for want of evidence.
The Mayor: We consider the case is not proved; if you can get further evidence you can have a fresh warrant.
Prisoner was then discharged.
Mr. Gardner, a lodging house keeper, 4, East Cliffe, Dover, stepped forward and applied for a warrant against Scuttenbach, saying that he had shown him an order for £16 on the National Provincial Bank, and asked him to lend him 10s. to pay for a telegram to Boulogne. Mr. Gardner went to Mr. Robinson, who told him the bill was dishonoured at Boulogne. He (Mr. G) afterwards saw Schuttenbach, who told him that the money came direct from Paris.
The Clerk: There is no false pretence. You lent money on very bad security; it is simply a debt.
Mr. Robinson: May I ask what false pretences are?
The Mayor: Persons should not come here to ask such questions as that.
Mr. Gardner: Schuttenbach told me his luggage was at Boulogne, and that his wife and seven children had come over by the packet, and I took them to the drawing room floor, and they had ham and eggs for tea. I could bring plenty of poor people from Dover upon whom Scuttenbach and his family have been living without paying anything.
Mr. Robinson produced a copying book in which was a copy of the letter shown to Mr. Bennett, and remarked that no-one would recognise Schuttenbach`s bill in Boulogne.
The Clerk: He draws upon men of straw.
Mr. R. Hudson, Yorkshire Coffee House, 1, Eaton Place, Grace Hill, said Scuttenbach went to his house and asked to be accommodated with tea and a bed, and said he had discovered a very valuable invention in connection with photography, and at his request he lent him half a crown. On Saturday night week Schuttenbach`s wife and seven children went to the house and stayed a week and, finding he could get no money, he ordered them to leave. He (Mr. Hudson) wrote to a person at Boulogne to ask if Scuttenbach`s representations were genuine, and received a reply that they were not.
The Clerk to Mr. Hudson: Yours is simply a debt.
The parties concerned then left the Court, and on Scuttenbach leaving the Hall he was pounced upon by two of his victims who vowed to take “lynch law” upon him by giving him a ducking in the Bayle Pond, whither they proceeded to drag him, bonneting him by the way as a sort of preliminary. He laid down upon the pavement and set up such a hideous howling that they relinquished their hold, and a policeman came up and escorted the gentleman to Sandgate, leaving him when he had got out of the boundary of the Borough.
It seems that on being turned out of the Yorkshire Coffee House at Folkestone, Schuttenbach took his wife and seven children to the Kent Hotel, Sandgate, and by his specious and cunning manner contrived to throw Mr. Keeler off his guard, and the lot were taken in and well done for, and on Wednesday were in the full enjoyment of the worthy host`s hospitality, Mr. Keeler never dreaming that the family who had patronised him had just been thrown out at Folkestone in consequence of no cash being forthcoming. Four of the victims who had heard the case at the Folkestone Police Court determined that the Russian should not victimise Mr. Keeler, and accordingly went post-haste to Sandgate, and informed mine host of the Kent of the real character of his guest. This resulted in a bill for board and lodgings for the nine being set up, and, as usual, no money was forthcoming. The gentlemen who had followed the Russian to Sandgate, feeling chagrined that the mesons of the law were wide enough for Scuttenbach to slip through, and regretting that they had not carried out their intention of giving him a ducking in the Bayle Pond, they resolved that he should have a bath in the horse trough in the Kent yard, and waited for him coming downstairs in obedience to the landlord`s command to seek fresh lodgings. Presently the Russian, with his wife and seven children, came down the front stairs, and the lynchers emerged from their ambush and proceeded to take the Russian in hand. He had a child in his arms, which was tenderly removed, and the man was being taken to his bath when his wife made a brave effort to release him from the lynchers, accompanying her efforts with the most unearthly screams, the man and the children keeping up a running accompaniment. After a few minutes of scuffling and screaming in the passage, during which the Russian received a sharp blow on the face, the whole lot were ejected into the street, and took up their quarters on the pavement in front of the Hotel, continuing their howling for some little time. Having remained there about an hour, they took their departure, passing through Folkestone, and it is supposed that they have gone to pay another visit to Dover. During the time the family were sitting on the pavement a young man, having the appearance of a sailor, conversed in Russian with the woman, and in extremely energetic English declared that all the German and Russian newspapers should know how the Russians had been treated by the English, and avowed that if anyone interfered with him as they had done with the Russian he would “stick a knife into them, or shoot them down”.
The family consists of five boys and two girls, their ages ranging from two or three to seventeen years. Their appearance is that known as “shabby genteel”. What their antecedents have been has not transpired. It is stated that the man said he had been to Eton College. Whatever they are, and wherever they come from, one thing is evident, that they know how to make themselves comfortable at other people`s expense. Beyond a bundle of papers they have no luggage, and we should advise innkeepers to ascertain something of the antecedents of intending patrons before entertaining them, especially when they come nine in a batch! It is quite clear that the Russian is adept at getting board and lodgings on the cheap, and at the same time evading the criminal law. We hear that they have taken up their quarters in Dover Union
Southeastern Gazette 20-2-1872
Local News
A middle-aged Russian, named Schuttenbach, was brought
up at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, before the Mayor (J. Hoad, Esq.) J. Clarke, T.
Caister, and J. Tolputt, Esqs., charged by Mr. Bennett, of the Martello Tower
Inn, with obtaining £3 from him under false pretences.
From the evidence of Mr. Bennett it appears that the
prisoner went to his house to lodge, and showed him a bill drawn upon Messrs.
Lebeau and Co., for £14, to which Mr. Robinson, Mr. Lebeau’s clerk’s name was
attached; and prisoner stated that he should have some money in a day or two,
and requested the loan of £3. Mr. Bennett was induced to lend the money by the
representations prisoner made of his dealings with Mr. Lebeau and Mr. Robinson,
in whom he had great confidence. On enquiry, however, he discovered that he had
been victimised. Prisoner was not connected with Mr Lebeau in any way, and the
document shown to Mr. Bennett was only a dishonoured bill; in fact the prisoner
had deluded the landlord of the Martello by showing him a paper with which he
had victimised othes.
The Bench,
acting on the advice of their clerk, ruled that Mr. Bennett had not made out a
case of fraud, because he had lent prisoner money on the faith of his having
business connections with the firm of Lebeau, which was the case. They ordered
his discbarge.
At theconclusion of this case two other persons came
forward to prefer charges against the prisoner. Mr. Hudson, coffee-house
keeper, No. 1, Eaton Place, said prisoner came to
his house, and through the representations he made, he allowed him to stop
there three days. He borrowed half-a-crown of him on the pretence of sending a
telegram.
Mr. Gardner, of Dover, said he wished to bring a charge of fraud against
prisoner also. He came to his house and pretended to be a large engineer
interested in great railway undertakings. He lived with him about a week, and
during that time borrowed several sums of money from him, in order, as he
alleged, to send telegraphic messages. His wife and seven children were with
him whilst lodging in his house, and prisoner told him that he was going to
draw on an account at the London and County Bank, but he had no funds there.
Several other charges of a similar character were made against the
prisoner, but it was useless to issue a warrant for his apprehension on either
of the charges, as he had not transgressed the criminal law.
An attempt was made to duck the prisoner in the Bayle pond, on his
leaving the Court, but his screams attracted the attention of the police, and
he was rescued, after undergoing a bonnetting. He then proceeded to Sandgate,
where he had previously distinguished himself in the same fashion as at
Folkestone, and here an attempt was made to introduce him to a horse trough,
but his wife successfully interfered in his behalf, and the distinguished
visitor escaped unscathed.
Kentish Gazette 20-2-1872
At the Police Court on Thursday last Anthony von Schuttenbach, a Russian, was charged with obtaining £3, the property of William Bennett, of the Martello Tavern, by false pretences. It appeared that the prisoner had shown the prosecutor a bill for £16 and had thereby induced him to lend him £3. The Bench said the case must fail as there was no proof of false pretence. The bill might be a true one. Another charge, of obtaining board and lodging without payment, was brought against the prisoner, but failed from a similar cause. On the prisoner leaving the Court a crowd assembled and showed some symptoms of an intention to duck him in a horse pond, but he was saved by the intervention of the police.
Folkestone Express 22-11-1873
Inquest
On Thursday afternoon an inquest was held at the Martello Hotel, before J. Minter Esq., Coroner and a jury on the body of Susannah Hams.
William Hams, husband of the deceased, said she was 66 years of age, and although she was at times she was a little “flighty”, she was in a fit state to be left by herself. On the morning of the 4th instant he left the house about half past eight to go to work in a meadow, and whilst there saw a man running towards the house. Thinking something was amiss he went home and found his wife severely burnt. Two or three potatoes and a knife were lying in front of the fire, and he had no doubt that while deceased was preparing the potatoes for dinner her dress caught fire.
Mr. John Gilfin, Railway Arms (sic), Dover Road, deposed to being near the Cement Works on the morning in question, and as he was coming home he saw a woman coming out of Folly Cottages with her arms thrown up, and crying out “Oh, dear”. He at once rant to her assistance, seeing that her clothes were in flames from top to bottom. He pulled his coat off as quickly as he could and wrapped it round her, and with the assistance of a man named Nash, who was coming by, the flames were extinguished, but not before deceased had been very severely burnt. She was taken into the house and a doctor sent for.
W. Bateman Esq., M.R.C.S., said he was called to deceased and found her suffering from very severe burns on the upper part of the person. He had hopes at first that she would recover, but she gradually sank from the shock caused to the system by the irritation, and died on Wednesday.
Verdict “Accidental Death”.
Folkestone Express 31-1-1874
Wednesday, January 28th: Before Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt and R.W. Boarer Esqs.
Transfer:
The following transfer of public houses was granted:
The Martello Tavern – to Henry Sutton
Folkestone
Chronicle 22-3-1895
Local News
At the Borough Police Court on Wednesday, before
Captain Willoughby Carter and Mr. Fitness Charles Smith was placed in the dock
on charges of stealing from 6, The Leas, three silver spoons and four plated
spoons, valued at £2 8s., the property of Mrs. Catherine Piggott, and one gold
watch, one gold chain, one gold ring, and one brooch, together of the value of
£4, the property of Alfred Edward Groom, of 2, Priory Gardens.
The court was crowded, great public interest being
taken in the case.
The prisoner is apparently a man of about 60 years of
age, with grey hair. He has a dark, sallow complexion, a heavy grey moustache,
is about 5ft. 8in. in height, proportionately well built, and smartly dressed
in a dark tweed suit and black overcoat, having the bearing of a thorough
gentleman. It appears that the prisoner had stolen from the Shakespeare Hotel,
Dover, on Monday morning, one gold watch and two bracelets, and left the town
immediately afterwards. He engaged a trap and drove to Folkestone, arriving at
the bottom of Dover Road about 2 p.m., when he was seen to leave the
conveyance.
P.S. Butcher was called, and said: From information I received
I went in search of the prisoner. I arrested him about quarter to four at the Martello
Hotel, and brought him to the police station. I found upon him – besides other
property which belongs to Dover – a gold watch, gold chain, gold brooch, three
silver spoons, and four plated tablespoons. The watch was in his pocket, but
the other articles were in his portmanteau. I charged him on suspicion of
stealing some things from Dover. He said “Yes, that watch belongs to Dover,
that brooch belongs to Folkestone, that ring belongs to Folkestone, and that
chain belongs to Folkestone”. He afterwards said he took them from a house on
teh sea front.
Albert Edward Groom said he was a lodging house keeper,
and lived at 2, Priory Gardens. He missed the articles already mentioned from
his bedroom about half past two on Tuesday afternoon. He last saw them safe
about eleven o`clock in the morning. As soon as he missed the articles he gave
information to the police, who, at the station, showed him the property now
produced, which he identified as his. Witness`s bedroom was on the ground
floor, at the back. The front door was left unlocked for the convenience of
visitors.
Prisoner did not cross-examine.
Thomas Quay said he was butler to Mrs. Catherine
Piggott, at 6, The Leas. The spoons produced were the property of his mistress.
He placed them on the dining room sideboard about half past one, but they were
not used for luncheon. He missed them about three o`clock. The dining room is
the back room on the ground floor. The front door was open, but the inner door
is closed. He went to the police station to give information, and was there
shown the missing spoons.
The Clerk (to prisoner): Do you wish to ask this
witness any questions? – No, sir.
In reply to the Chairman, prisoner said: I am sorry to
say I am guilty. Distress and want have forced me to do it. I can`t say any
more.
The Chairman: You don`t look like a person who is in
distress. From your appearance I cannot believe it. You had £2 8d. 0½d. on you
in money.
Prisoner: I got that from the sale of a chain here.
The Chairman: Distress does not justify you in
stealing. The Bench commit you to prison for three months with hard labour for
the first offence, and a similar period for the second.
P.C. Baker, of the Dover Police Force, said he attended
on behalf of Supt. Sanders to ask for possession of the property which was
stolen from Dover.
The application was granted.
It was stated that the prisoner was suspected of
similar robberies at Ramsgate.
Folkestone
Herald 23-3-1895
Police Court Record
On Wednesday morning (before Captain Carter and Mr.
Fitness) a man, giving the name of Charles Schmidt, aged 66 years, was placed
in the dock charged with stealing the following property:- a gold watch and
chain, a gold ring, a gold brooch, together of the nominal value of £4, the
property of Mr. Albert Edward Groome, lodging house keeper, 2, Priory Gardens;
and further three, silver spoons, value £2, four plated table spoons, value 8s.,
the property of Mrs. Catherine Pigott, of No. 6, The Leas.
It appeared from the evidence produced by Mr.
Superintendent Taylor that on Tuesday the prisoner had been apprehended at the
Martello Hotel by P.S. Butcher, on suspicion of being concerned in two
robberies that had been committed at Dover. On taking the man to the police
station and searching him, the officer found in his pocket the gold watch and
chain, and in a bag which he carried there were the brooch and the spoons. Also
there was found in prisoner`s possession property that had been stolen from the
Shakespeare Hotel and The Parade, Dover.
Mr. Groome identified the articles stolen from his
place. They were safe in his bedroom at 11 a.m., but were missed in the
afternoon, when information was given to the police. The supposition was that
the prisoner effected an entrance at the rear of the premises.
Mrs. Pigott`s butler identified the silver spoons,
which had been safe in the dining room at 1.30 p.m., and were missed at three
o`clock. In this case the front door was open, and though there was an inner
door it was not locked, being merely fastened.
On being formally charged, the prisoner pleaded Guilty,
alleging that want and distress had forced him to do it.
He was sentenced on each charge to 3 calendar months`
hard labour, the second term to run from the expiration of the first.
Great credit is due to the police for the capture of
this dangerous thief, who, at the end of his sentence, will be “wanted” for
similar robberies at Dover. He is also said to answer the description of a man
for whom the Margate police are making special enquiries.
Southeastern Gazette
26-3-1895
Local News
On Tuesday
afternoon an elderly man, who gave the name of Smith, was cleverly captured by
P.S. Butcher at the Martello Hotel, Folkestone.
Prisoner is
charged with stealing a gold watch and two bracelets from the Shakespeare
Hotel, Dover. He took a trap from Dover, and was set down near the New Inn, at
2 p.m. on Tuesday. Since his arrival in the town and prior to his apprehension,
two similar robberies have taken place in Folkestone—one of a gold watch from
6, The Leas, and the other of seven silver spoons from Albion Villas. Prisoner
is strongly suspected of being concerned in an extensive jewellery robbery at
Ramsgate.
Smith was brought
up in custody at the Folkestone Police Court, on Wednesday, and was sentenced
to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour on the first charge, and the
same on the second, the terms to run consecutively.
Folkestone
Visitors` List 27-3-1895
Notes
On Tuesday afternoon an elderly man, who gave the name
of Smith, was cleverly captured by P.S. Butcher at the Martello Hotel,
Folkestone. Prisoner is charged with stealing a gold watch and two bracelets
from the Shakespeare Hotel, Dover. He took a trap from Dover, and was set down
near the New Inn at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Since his arrival in the town, and prior
to his apprehension, two similar robberies have taken place in Folkestone – one
of a gold watch from 6, The Leas, and the other of seven silver spoons from
Albion Villas. Prisoner is strongly suspected of being concerned in an
extensive jewellery robbery at Ramsgate. Smith was brought up in custody at the
Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday, and was sentenced to three months`
imprisonment with hard labour on the first charge, and the same on the second,
the terms to run consecutively.
Folkestone
Express 13-4-1895
Wednesday, April 10th: Before Alderman
Banks, C.J. Pursey, W.G. Herbert and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.
Mr. White, of the Martello Hotel, was granted
permission to supply refreshments at the Masonic Hall on the occasion of a
ball.
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