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| Mechanics Arms 1965. Credit Folkestone Library |
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| Mechanics Arms, 1960. Credit Terry Wheeler, Ramsgate Historical Society (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Mechanics-Arms-Folkestone.html) |
Licensees
Monday September 10th :- Present S. Mackie Esq., Mayor, T. Golder Esq., W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and W. Bateman Esq.
The General Annual Licensing meeting was held this day, when 46 Licences were renewed in the township of Folkestone, and 3 in Sandgate. The licence of the Radnor Inn was transferred to Henry Waith, until 10th October next. A Billiard licence was also granted to William Terry, Sandgate.
Spencer Hayward, Bellevue Field, John Hobbs, Bellevue Field, Thomas Austin Hobbs, Bridge Street, made application for new licences, but were in each case refused.
Notes: Spencer Hayward is Belle Vue Hotel, John Hobbs is Mechanics Arms, Thomas Austin Hobbs is unknown.
Southeastern Gazette 18-9-1855
Local News
Annual Licensing Day
Monday: Before the Mayor and a full bench.
New licenses were applied for the Belle Vue Tavern, Mechanics’ Arms, and Wheatsheaf, all of which were refused, the magistrates considering that there were sufficient licensed houses already in the town.
Dover Telegraph 22-12-1855
Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before the Mayor, W. Major and S. Mackie Esqs.
John Hobbs, the keeper of a beer-shop on Belle Vue Hill, was leniently dismissed on payment of costs (and promising not again to offend) for keeping his house open longer than allowed for the Act.
Southeastern Gazette 25-12-1855
Local News
Wednesday: Before The Mayor, W. Major, and S. Mackie Esqs.
John Hobbs, keeper of the Mechanics Arms beerhouse, was summoned for having his house open after 11 p.m. on the 17th instant.
The Bench, receiving a good character of the house from the Superintendent, dismissed the summons on payment of costs.
Note: No mention of Hobbs in More Bastions, and date would suggest new start date for the house.
Folkestone Chronicle 19-7-1856
Auction Advertisement
To Brewers, Capitalists and Others
Notice of Auction Sale of a Capital well-built FREEHOLD BEER-HOUSE known as the “Mechanics Arms”, Bellevue Fields.
Mr. J. Banks is favoured with instructions from the Mortgagee under power of sale, to submit the above property to auction at the Clarendon Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, August 5th, 1856, at 2 for 3 o`clock in the afternoon.
Lot 1 is the capital Freehold Beerhouse, known as the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, let to Mr. A. Williamson, at a yearly rent of £25. Containing 6 sleeping rooms, 2 club rooms, sitting room, bar, beer cellar, kitchen, scullery, 2 water closets, and a very large skittle alley.
For particulars and conditions of sale apply to the Auctioneer, Tontine Street, or to Mr. Ralph Thomas Brockman, Solicitor, Folkestone.
Dover Chronicle 26-7-1856, Southeastern Gazette 5-8-1856
Advertisement extract: Folkestone, in the county of Kent. To brewers, capitalists and others. Notice of auction sale of a capital, well-built freehold beer-house, known as the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields.
Mr. Banks is favoured with instructions from the mortgagee, under power of sale, to submit the above property to auction, at the Clarendon Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, August 5th, 1856, at two for three o`clock in the afternoon:
Lot 1 is the capital freehold beer-house, known as the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, let to Mr. A. Williamson, at a yearly rent of £25, containing four sleeping rooms, two club rooms, sitting room, bar, beer cellar, kitchen, scullery, two water closets, and a very large skittle alley.
The Auctioneer begs to call the attention of persons requiring good property for investment.
For particulars and conditions of sale apply to the Auctioneer, Tontine Street, or to Mr. Ralph Thomas Brockman, solicitor, Folkestone.
Dover Telegraph 18-10-1856
Petty Sessions, Oct. 15th:
Alexander Williamson, of the Mechanics Arms beer-shop, was summoned by Superintendent Steer for keeping his house open till half past eleven o`clock on Sunday evening for the sale of beer. The case was proved by police sergeant Fleet, and the defendant was fined 5s. and 8s. 6d. costs, with a promise that the full penalty would be enforced if he again appeared before the bench.
Southeastern Gazette 21-10-1856
Wednesday: Before the Mayor and S. Mackie, Esq.
Alexander Williamson, of the Mechanics’ Arms beer-house, appeared to answer the complaint of Superintendent Steer, for keeping his house open for the sale of beer after 11 p.m. on Sunday evening.
Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined. 5s. and 8s. 6d. costs, with a caution.
Southeastern Gazette 23-12-1856
Local News
On Wednesday, before The Mayor, and Alderman J. Tolputt, Alexander Williamson, of the Mechanics Arms beerhouse, was fined 30s., costs 8s. 6d., for keeping his house open after 11 o’clock at night on the 14th inst., this being the third conviction.
Canterbury Journal 27-12-1856
Petty Sessions, Wednesday.
Alexander Williamson, of the Mechanics Arms beer-house, was fined 30s., costs 8s. 6d., for keeping his house open after eleven o`clock at night on the 14th inst., this being the third conviction.
Dover Chronicle 25-7-1857
Dover Police Court, Wednesday: Before W. Cocke and J. Coleman Esqs.
Elizabeth Pritchard, a girl about eighteen years of age, was charged with having stolen from her employer, Mrs. Mary Ann Williams, of the Mechanics Arms, Belle Vue Fields, Folkestone, a pair of stockings, value 2s.; a cotton apron, value 3d.; a pair of boots of the value of 4s.; a chimney ornament, value 6d.; and a portrait, value 2s., her property. Mr. Fox appeared for the prisoner.
Mrs. Williams, the wife of Alexander Williams, beer-shop keeper, stated:- The prisoner lived in my service two months ago. I at various times missed different articles belonging to me, among which are the things the prisoner is accused with stealing. Having reason to suspect that the prisoner had robbed me, I went to her mother`s house, in Last Lane, Dover, yesterday, accompanied by a police officer, and there found the articles named. Previously to going to the prisoner`s mother`s house, I went to the Cross Keys, where the prisoner was lodging, when the prisoner, in reply to my enquiries, denied having any property belonging to me. In calling in a police officer, however, the prisoner no longer disowned having the property named, but said she would give up everything belonging to me. She then accompanied me to her mother`s house and took the things produced from a box, the key of which she took from her pocket. In addition to the articles already mentioned, she gave me a collar, which I put in my pocket (and which, for that reason, was not entered in the charge book with the other articles.)
By Mr. Fox:- I hired the prisoner to assist me in doing my work about the house – and for nothing else. My husband never sent her into the bedroom with soldiers – she always did that of her own accord.
The Bench thought this cross-examination irrelevant to the matter in question and that Mr. Fox would not continue it.
Mr. Fox submitted, however, that he had a perfect right to examine the witness as to the character of herself and the house she kept, and in fact to endeavour to lessen the value of her testimony in any way that he could; but he would not press the point.
Cross-examination resumed:- I missed some of the things in question on the 16th April; but I did not know the prisoner had them until Monday last. I am sure my husband never lent or gave any of the things to the prisoner.
Sergeant Back, who accompanied the prosecutor in search of the prisoner on the preceding day, gave confirmatory testimony. He also said that he head the prisoner say that Mr. Williamson gave her the boots.
Mr. Fox then applied for a remand of the case, in order that the husband of the prosecutrix might be summoned, his instructions being that the whole of the articles the prisoner was charged with stealing were either given or lent to her by Mr. Williamson.
The Bench refused to grant this application, whereupon the prisoner, on the advice of her solicitor, put in a plea of Guilty, and desired that the case might be disposed of summarily.
Superintendent Coram spoke favourably of the girl`s character.
The Bench, trusting that the lenience of the sentence would act in a salutary manner upon the prisoner`s future conduct, committed her to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour.
Dover Telegraph 25-7-1857
Dover Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before W. Cocke and J. Coleman esqs.
Elizabeth Pritchard, servant, was brought before the Bench on a charge of stealing a shawl, a pair of stockings, a pair of boot shoesm and other articles, the property of Mary Ann Wilson, landlady of the Mechanics Arms beer shop at Folkestone. Mr. Fox appeared for the prisoner.
The prosecutrix stated: I am the wife of Alexander Wilson, who resides at Folkestone. The prisoner was in my service, in April last. She left my service about two months since. Soon after she went away, I missed a shirt, pair of stockings, and several other articles. Yesterday I came to Dover, and went to her mother`s residence, in Last Lane, but the prisoner was not there. I then went with police sergeant Back to the Cross Keys public house, Custom-house Quay, and there found the prisoner in bed. I asked her for my stockings and boot shoes, and she denied having them in her possession; but when she saw the police officer, she consented to give up all that she had taken. The prisoner then accompanied the officer to her mother`s premises, and there took from her box the articles now produced, which I identify as the property stolen from my house at Folkestone.
Police Sergeant Back: I went with the last witness to the Cross Keys public house, and heard the prisoner deny taking any articles belonging to the prosecutrix. Afterwards she said “If you go with me, you shall have your things; they are at my mother`s house.” All three then proceeded to Last Lane, where the prisoner delivered up the articles produced, and I took her into custody.
Mr. Fox applied for a remand for the purpose of producing Mr. Williamson as a witness, the prisoner having stated that the boot shoes were given to her by her master. The Bench said the property stolen was the wearing apparel of the prosecutrix. She had contradicted the statement of the prisoner that her husband had given her the articles, and, therefore, they saw no necessity for a remand.
Superintendent Coram said that prisoner had hitherto borne a good character, and had lived in respectable situations.
The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and in consequence of her previous good character, the lenient sentence of 14 days` imprisonment, with hard labour, was passed upon her.
Kentish Express 28-7-1857
Dover County Court, Wednesday (before W.J. Cocke and J. Coleman Esqs.)
Elizabeth Pritchard, a girl about eighteen years of age, was charged with having stolen from her employer, Mrs. Mary Ann Williamson, of the Mechanic’s Arms, Belle Vue Fields, Folkestone, a pair of stockings and other articles.
Mrs. Williamson stated “The prisoner lived in my service about two months ago. Having reason to suspect that the prisoner had robbed me, I went to her mother’s house in Last Lane, Dover, yesterday, accompanied by a police officer, and there found the articles named. The prisoner said she would give up everything that belonged to me. She then accompanied me to her mother’s house and took the things produced from a box, the key of which she took from her pocket.”
Some further evidence having been taken, the bench, trusting that the lenience of the sentence would act in a salutary manner upon the prisoner’s future conduct, committed her to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour.
Southeastern Gazette 6-10-1857
Advertisement: Folkestone, a free beer house to let, in a good neighbourhood; the proprietor leaving on account of ill-health.
Apply to Mr. Palmer, Mechanics Arms, or to Mr. Banks, Auctioneer and Valuer, Folkestone.
Note: No record of a Palmer being at the Mechanics Arms or any other house at this time.
Folkestone Chronicle 21-11-1857
Inquest
During the past week, by a singular fatality, two inquests have been holden here, before the Coroner, S. Eastes, Esq. The second was holden before the Coroner, on Wednesday the 18th inst., at the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, on the body of Peter Mahoney, a private of the 4th King`s Own Regiment of Foot, the depot of which Regt. is now stationed at Shorncliffe.
From the evidence of Hugh Evans, a soldier in the same regiment, it appears that the deceased, witness, and five more soldiers left the camp on the evening of Tuesday, about 6 o`clock, and directly they arrived in Folkestone they went to the Bellevue Tavern, where they remained drinking till about 10 p.m. Deceased drank freely, as well as the other soldiers, and became noisy and quarrelsome; the landlord and a sergeant of the 98th endeavoured to put deceased and the others out, which they had some trouble in doing. When they got into the street four of the men, including deceased, then began breaking the windows – witness then left, and presently deceased and one of the other soldiers passed witness running, witness followed them, and upon arriving opposite the Mechanics Arms witness asked deceased what was the matter with him, he called out “I am bleeding to death”, when he fell on his back, and never spoke afterwards: witness asked for some water, and then assisted by another comrade carried deceased into the Mechanics Arms, took off his coat and found he was wounded on the right wrist, which was then bleeding slightly – witness then bound the wound up and sent for a doctor.
William Hills deposed, he was landlord of the Bellevue Tavern. On Tuesday night, about 8 o`clock, a party of soldiers, one of whom was deceased, came into his house and remained drinking until 9 p.m., they then wanted witness to let them have a gallon of beer on trust, which witness declined, they continued in the house till 10, when they pulled down the gas pendant, and came downstairs: witness with assistance then put them out of the house and closed the door – immediately afterwards six squares of glass were broken – witness then sent for the police. Deceased had been in the house often, and always behaved himself well; deceased was a little the worse for drink when he left the house.
Charles Egerton Fitzgerald deposed, he was a surgeon, residing at Folkestone. About half past 10 on Tuesday evening witness was sent for, to a soldier, who was wounded in the arm. Witness went to the Mechanics Arms, and found deceased sitting in front of the bar, supported by two other soldiers. There was a large pool of blood on the floor, nearly all coagulated; deceased was in a state of collapse, and could not speak, the pulsation of the heart was feeble and fluttering, his extremities were cold, and witness found two wounds on the right wrist, one superficial and the other deep. Witness had deceased moved to another room, laid him on his back, and gave him stimulants, but he never spoke and lived about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes after witness` arrival. Witness examined the wound but found nothing in it, the radial artery was wounded, four of the extensor tendons of the hand were separated, and the joint was laid quite open. Witness attributed his death to haemorrhage from a laceration of the radial artery. The artery was extensively lacerated for about three quarters of it`s diameter, there was no haemorrhage after the witness arrived. The wound was such as would be caused by glass, it was not a clean cut but a lacerated one.
This being the whole of the evidence, the jury returned the following verdict. “The deceased, Peter Mahoney, came by his death from a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern”.
Southeastern Gazette 24-11-1857
Inquest
On Wednesday an inquest was held before Silvester Eastes, Esq., coroner, at the Mechanics’ Arms, on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 26, a soldier in the 4th Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe.
From the evidence of private Hugh Evans, of the same regiment, it appeared that on Tuesday evening himself and six other soldiers left the camp at about half-past 5, and proceeded to the Bellevue Tavern, where they had sundry quarts of beer. Deceased, Carroll, and Priest became intoxicated. A quarrel took place, on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. One of them pulled down the gas pendant, and they all came downstairs, Priest and Carroll striking the landlord. The men were afterwards turned out, and he stood opposite and saw the men smash the window; deceased was amongst them ; he afterwards saw deceased run away, and on overtaking him he told witness that he was bleeding to death. Having procured assistance he took deceased to the Mechanics’ Arms, and a doctor was sent for, but he shortly after expired.
William Hills, landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, corroborated the last witness, but said the deceased was a quiet, inoffensive man generally.
Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called to attend the deceased; found him sitting upright on a form with two soldiers ; he could not speak, and his heart was acting feebly; administered stimulants, but he never railed. Had examined the body after death, and found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one; four of the extenso tendons were cut through, and the radial artery two-thirds through; the wrist joint also cut through, evidently by glass and not by a knife .
Verdict, “That the deceased fame by his death from a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern”.
Kentish Gazette 24-11-1857
An inquest was holden before the Coroner, on Wednesday, at the Mechanics’ Arms, Belle Vue Fields, on the body of Peter Mahoney, a private of the 4th King’s Own Regiment of Foot. It appeared that the deceased with some companions was drinking at the Belle Vue Tavern on Tuesday, and when at nine o’clock p.m. the landlord refused to give them any more beer, they began to break the windows, and the deceased in doing so cut his wrist, dividing the radial artery, so that he bled to death. The jury having heard the evidence returned the following verdict. “The deceased, Peter Mahoney, came by his death from a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Belle Vue Tavern.”
Canterbury Weekly Journal 28-11-1857
On Wednesday week an inquest was held before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, at the Mechanics Arms, on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 26, a soldier of the 4th Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe.
From the evidence of Hugh Evans, of the same regiment, it appeared that on Tuesday evening, himself and six other soldiers left the camp at about half past five, and proceeded to the Bellevue Tavern, where they had sundry quarts of beer. Deceased, Carroll and Priest became intoxicated. A quarrel took place, on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. One of them pulled down the gas pendant, and they all came downstairs, Priest and Carroll striking the landlord. The men were afterwards turned out, and he stood opposite and saw the men smash the window; deceased was amongst them; he afterwards saw deceased run away, and on overtaking him he told witness that he was bleeding to death. Having procured assistance he took deceased to the Mechanics Arms, and a doctor was sent for, but he shortly after expired.
William Hills, the landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, corroborated the last witness, but said that the deceased was a quiet, inoffensive man generally.
Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called on to attend the deceased; found him sitting upright on a form with two soldiers; he could not speak, but his heart was acting feebly; administered stimulants, but he never rallied. Had examined the body after death, and found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one; four of the extensor tendons were cut through, and the radial artery two-thirds through; the wrist joint was also cut through, evidently by glass, and not with a knife.
Verdict: “That the deceased came by his death through a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern.”
Kentish Express 28-11-1857
On Wednesday an inquest was held before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, at the Mechanics Arms, on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 26, a soldier of the 4th Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe.
From the evidence of Hugh Evans, of the same regiment, it appeared that on Tuesday evening, himself and six other soldiers left the camp at about half past five, and proceeded to the Bellevue Tavern, where they had sundry quarts of beer. Deceased, Carroll and Priest became intoxicated. A quarrel took place, on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. One of them pulled down the gas pendant, and they all came downstairs, Priest and Carroll striking the landlord. The men were afterwards turned out, and he stood opposite and saw the men smash the window; deceased was amongst them; he afterwards saw deceased run away, and on overtaking him he told witness that he was bleeding to death. Having procured assistance he took deceased to the Mechanics Arms, and a doctor was sent for, but he shortly after expired.
William Hills, the landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, corroborated the last witness, but said that the deceased was a quiet, inoffensive man generally.
Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called on to attend the deceased and examined the body after death, and found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one; the wrist joint was also cut through, evidently by glass, and not with a knife.
Verdict: “That the deceased came by his death through a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern.”
Kentish Independent 28-11-1857
On Wednesday week an inquest was held before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, at the Mechanics Arms, on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 26, a soldier of the 4th Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe.
From the evidence of Hugh Evans, of the same regiment, it appeared that on Tuesday evening, himself and six other soldiers left the camp at about half past five, and proceeded to the Bellevue Tavern, where they had sundry quarts of beer. Deceased, Carroll and Priest became intoxicated. A quarrel took place, on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. One of them pulled down the gas pendant, and they all came downstairs, Priest and Carroll striking the landlord. The men were afterwards turned out, and he stood opposite and saw the men smash the window; deceased was amongst them; he afterwards saw deceased run away, and on overtaking him he told witness that he was bleeding to death. Having procured assistance he took deceased to the Mechanics Arms, and a doctor was sent for, but he shortly after expired.
William Hills, the landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, corroborated the last witness, but said that the deceased was a quiet, inoffensive man generally.
Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called on to attend the deceased; found him sitting upright on a form with two soldiers; he could not speak, and his heart was acting feebly; administered stimulants, but he never rallied. Had examined the body after death, and found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one; four of the extensor tendons were cut through, and the radial artery two-thirds through; the wrist joint was also cut through, evidently by glass, and not with a knife.
Verdict: “That the deceased came by his death through a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern.”
Maidstone Journal 28-11-1857
Last week an
inquest was held before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, at the Mechanics Arms,
Folkestone, on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 25, a soldier in the 5th
Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe. It appeared that deceased and several other
soldiers of the same regiment proceeded to the Bellevue Tavern, where they had
sundry quarts of beer, and the deceased became intoxicated. A quarrel took
place on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. The men
were afterwards turned out, when they commenced smashing the window. Shortly
afterwards deceased ran away, and on being overtaken he was found to be
bleeding to death. A doctor was sent for, but he shortly afterwards expired.
Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, examined the body after death, and
found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one;
four of the extensor tendons were cut through, and the radial artery two-thirds
through; the wrist joint was also cut through, evidently by glass, and not with
a knife. Verdict: “That the deceased came by his death through a wound received
by breaking a square of glass at the Bellevue Tavern.”
Folkestone Chronicle 3-4-1858
Thursday April 1st:- Before the Mayor and James Kelcey esq.
John Taylor, a private in the West York regiment of militia, was charged with obtaining £5 under false pretences, as detailed below.
Sarah Constable, wife of the landlord of the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, stated that about a fortnight ago, prisoner asked her for change of a £5 note, at the same time giving her what she supposed was a £5 note; not having the change herself she sent her servant to a neighbouring public house, the Bellevue Tavern, to get it changed, her servant brought the change, and she gave the same to the prisoner.
The servant corroborated the evidence of her mistress.
Mary Hills, wife of the landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, deposed, that about a fortnight or three weeks ago, the last witness came to her and asked for change of what she supposed was a £5 Bank Of England note; she gave change for it, and put it away in a purse with some gold; she did not see it again until yesterday morning (Wednesday), when her husband having a payment to make, she gave him the note folded up; no person, not even her husband, had access to the drawer in which she kept her purse containing the money.
William Hills, husband of the last witness, deposed that his wife gave him what he supposed was a Bank Of England note for £5, upon unfolding it, however, he found it to be a note on the Bank Of Engraving, No. 7651, he immediately enquired of his wife where she got it, upon her telling him, he went to the witness, Constable, who told him she had got it from the prisoner. The police were then communicated with, and the prisoner taken into custody.
The prisoner, in answer to the charge, said he took a £5 note to the witness, Mrs. Constable, for change, he should be able to identify the note again; upon taking it she opened and read it, and said it was all right. He had received it from a young man in Lancashire for work he had done for him.
The magistrates committed the prisoner for trial on Tuesday next, at the Quarter Sessions.
Southeastern Gazette 13-4-1858
Wednesday: Before the Mayor and J, Kelcey, Esq.
John Taylor, a private in the West York Rifles, was charged by Sarah Constable, landlady of the Mechanics’ Arms, beer house, Belle Vue- Felds, with obtaining money under false pretences, by giving her a “flash” note to change, representing it as a £5 note.
Committed for trial.
Folkestone Chronicle 17-4-1858
Quarter Sessions
Tuesday April 13th :- John Taylor, a private in the West York Militia regiment pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of obtaining under false pretences the sum of £5, the property of Richard Constable, at Folkestone, on the 22nd March, 1858.
Mr. Biron, by direction of the Recorder, conducted the prosecution, prisoner was defended by Mr. John Minter. Before the case commenced the witnesses were ordered out of court.
The learned counsel for the prosecution then said, this was a case of obtaining £5 by false pretence. The facts were as follows – on 22nd March prisoner went into a beerhouse kept by the prosecutor, and asked his wife if she could change a £5 note for him, she could not herself, but sent her servant to a neighbour`s and there obtained it. She paid the money over to prisoner, and heard no more about it, until a few days ago, when Hills, the neighbour whose wife had changed the note, had occasion to make a payment, and then it was found the supposed note was one on the “Bank of Engraving”, perfectly useless. Mr. Biron then called Sarah Constable, who on examination deposed the above facts.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter. Could not swear that the piece of paper produced was that given her by the prisoner. Was a married woman. Had not any more flash notes. Did not tell the superintendent that she had more flash notes in her possession – told Mr. Hills that she had some six years ago. Knew a man named Homer Smith, of the 3rd West Yorks Rifles – left her husband`s house with Smith – took with her a timepiece, some blankets, and the money from the till, and her clothes. Her husband has never prosecuted Smith.
Cross-examined by the Court. Was a week and three days away with Smith – went away just after prisoner changed the note – returned about a week since.
Catherine Godden deposed to having been sent to Mr. Hills for change.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter. The prisoner came frequently to the house before and since the note was changed.
Mary Hills deposed to giving change for what she supposed was a Bank Of England £5 note - had put it away until a payment was required to be made, she then gave it to her husband.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter. Knew the prisoner well – did not believe him capable of committing such a crime.
William Hills deposed, he was husband of the last witness, and landlord of the Bellevue Tavern, his wife gave him the paper produced as a £5 note, said she had received it from the servant of Mr. Constable – when he went to Mrs. Constable she told witness she had several such notes as that, this one had been given to her by a soldier, naming the witness.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter. Knew the prisoner well – he was a well conducted young man – could not believe him guilty of the offence. Mrs. Constable said before the superintendent she had two or three flash notes in her workbox.
William Martin, superintendent of police, deposed that the piece of paper now produced had been given to him by Mrs. Constable.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter. Heard Mrs. Constable say she had some flash notes like that one in her workbox. This completed the case.
Mr. Minter in addressing the jury for the defence said, he trusted the jury would give the prisoner the benefit of the grave doubts that must arise in their minds from revising the evidence given in support of this charge – he had a good foundation to go upon. The evidence in this case asked them to believe a manifest absurdity; here is a man in the daily habit of visiting a house where it is proposed to be proved he had effected this fraudulent transaction. Now, if the man were guilty, surely the house where he had done it would not be the house he should make his resort, putting himself as it were into the very hands of justice; how was he to know the landlady would have to send out for change, when that was proposed, one would imagine that having a guilty knowledge of the note, he would have said, “No, give it back to me”; but he does no such thing, he goes upstairs to his company, and quietly sits down till called by the landlady to receive the change. The only person ipom whom the prosecution rests, is Mrs. Constable; and who, hearing that witness`s evidence, was to prove that she did not take one of the flash notes out of her workbox, and send for change, when, if discovered, she could easily say the soldier gave it to me. The learned counsel for the prosecution had not asked the question. “who was there when the note was given by the prisoner to Mrs. Constable”, he should assume no-one else. What then is the conviction that should force itself upon their minds, - that looking at the witness`s conduct, she wanted money to go off with her paramour. Suppose Mrs. Constable an honest woman, there would be no corroborative evidence, - but she had admitted herself to be a prostitute. The entire case rested upon her evidence, and he trusted the jury would show their idea of it by returning a verdict of Not Guilty.
The Recorder in summing up said, the prisoner was charged with obtaining five pounds by false pretences. Considering the serious nature of the charge against the prisoner, and taking into consideration the slight nature of the evidence against the prisoner, he thought they ought to agree in acquitting him. The only fact against the prisoner was, that soldiers are not often in possession of £5 notes. The principal grounds on which they ought to return a verdict of Not Guilty, in his opinion, arose from the fact of the principal witness being not worthy of belief. When a woman runs away from her husband and robs him, it makes her evidence excessively doubtful against the prisoner; again, it is impossible that anyone would take that piece of paper from another person, and that person a soldier, as a £5 note. He thought the jury would be quite right in acquitting the prisoner, though of course it was their verdict, and not his.
The jury the consulted for a few moments, and returned a verdict of “Not Guilty”.
Some applause was manifested in court at the verdict, but it was immediately suppressed.
Southeastern Gazette 20-4-1858
Quarter Sessions.
These sessions were held, before J. J. Lonsdale, Esq., Recorder, on Tuesday.
John Taylor, 21, soldier, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences £5, the property of Richard Constable.
Acquitted.
Southeastern Gazette 18-5-1858
County Court.
The Court was held on Wednesday, before C. Harwood, Esq.
William Hills v. Richard Constable.: This was an action for £5. Mr. Minter for plaintiff.
The facts, as stated by Mr. Minter, and proved in evidence, were, that the defendant’s wife went to the plaintiff with a note purporting to be a Bank of England note, and asked for change, which was given by Mrs. Hills, landlady of the Bell Vue Tavern, who did not then observe that it was a “ flash” note. Mr. Hills, about a fortnight afterwards, asked his wife for the note; he then discovered what it was, and saw the defendant’s wife, who said she had obtained it of a soldier, named Taylor. The latter was apprehended and acquitted at the quarter sessions. It came out then that the defendant’s wife had several similar “flash” notes. Plaintiff now sought to recover the £5 obtained by the defendant s wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Hills were examined, also Taylor, of the West York Militia, who bore the character of a respectable man in his station. The Judge examined him as to how he came into possession of the £5 note. He said he was in work in Manchester previous to joining the Militia, at min shoring, and earned a portion; a man named “Nickem Jack” paid him £3 10s., borrowed money, with the £5 note, which he had kept in his knapsack, in an envelope, until he changed it at the Mechanics’ Arms. He gave a Bank of England note to Mrs. Constable, and had been in the habit of going to her house since.
His Honour said the further the case proceeded, the more it criminated the defendant’s wife, and he did not wish to have to commit her. He did not like Taylor’s account of how he became possessed of the note, and the question was who was to be the loser? He thought the husband was not liable for the acts of his wife. He would consider what verdict should be given.
Verdict deferred.
Southeastern Gazette 15-6-1858
Petty Sessions, Wednesday.
Richard Constable, landlord of the Mechanics’ Arms, Belle Vue Fields, was summoned for keeping his house open at improper hours, and having drunken prostitutes therein.
Fined £3 and costs.
Folkestone Chronicle 28-5-1859
Saturday May 28th: - Before J. Kelcey, W. Browell, R.W. Boarer, and S. Eastes Esqs
James Driscoll, beer-shop keeper, landlord of the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, was charged in a summons with not having a licence board over his door according to the Act of Parliament.
P.C. Newman stated that the house had been open more than a month, but that up to Thursday last no licence-board had been placed over the door.
The defendant in excuse, stated that the board was taken down a day or two after he took possession of the house, that he had given the board to a man to paint for him, and that when it was finished the man had promised day after day to put it up – he could not do it himself because he had been ill, but that immediately he received the summons he put the board up, and it was there at present. Fined 2s. 6d. And costs.
Southeastern Gazette 31-5-1859
Local News
James Driscoll, the keeper of a beershop called the Mechanics’ Arms, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, for not having his name painted over his door, as licensed to sell beer by retail.
Folkestone Chronicle 16-2-1861
Tuesday February 12th:- Before W.F. Browell, A.M. Leith, and J. Tolputt esqs.
Mary Ann Giles, of Capel, was brought up in custody of police constable Woodland, charged with obtaining one pair of boots, of the value of 10s 6d. by false pretences, from the shop of Mr. LeButt, Broad Street.
Edwin LeButt deposed, he managed the business in Broad Street for his father; on Monday 11th, about three o`clock prisoner came into the shop and asked for boots for Mrs. English on approval; witness asked what kind of boots she required, and prisoner said they were to be cloth galoshed, which raised witness`s suspicion, thinking Mrs. English would not want that kind of boot; witness looked out six pairs, and asked if the boy should carry them, which she declined; immediately she left the shop witness sent the boy to see if she went to Mr. English`s shop, he followed her down High Street to the Millbay steps where she sat down and looked at the boots, and then came back, went up Bayle Steps, along The Bayle, and again examined the boots, when the boy left her and came and told witness what she had done. Witness immediately sent the foreman to see if he could find her, while witness went to Mrs. English; before witness arrived there he met prisoner returning towards his shop. Witness returned with her to hear her story. She said Mrs. English had kept one pair, and wished to know the price, as Mr. English would sent the money immediately; witness sent his foreman to watch while he went to Mrs. English; he then discovered that the tale was not true, and then sent for the police, and followed the prisoner to the Mechanic`s Arms by a circuitous route, when she was taken into custody; the value of the boots are 10s. 6d.
By the Bench – Witness did believe her story that she came from Mrs. English.
Sarah English, wife of Mr. John English, High Street, deposed, she knew the prisoner from calling at the shop, but stated she had not on any occasion given her directions to obtain boots or anything else on her order.
William Woodland, P.C., deposed, about half past three o`clock, from information received, witness went accompanied by Mr. LeButt to the Mechanic`s Arms, and there found the prisoner; Mr. LeButt identified prisoner as being the person who obtained the boots; witness charged her with getting the boots, which prisoner denied; witness took her into custody, and on the way to the station felt something under her arm, and lifting up her shawl found the boots produced. Prisoner was then locked up.
Prisoner was committed to take her trial at the next Quarter Sessions, and the witnesses bound over to prosecute.
Folkestone Chronicle 6-4-1861
Quarter Sessions
Wednesday April 3rd:- Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.
Elizabeth Ann Giles, 20, servant, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences one pair of boots, value of 5s., the property of Thomas LeButt.
The evidence proved that the prisoner went in the usual clumsy way to the prosecutor`s shop, saying she was sent by Mrs. English for some pairs of boots on approval. Suspicion having been excited from the sort she asked for, she was watched, and found to have passed the shop of Mr. English. She however returned in a short time to Mr. LeButt`s, and returning five pairs, said Mrs. English had kept one pair; subsequent enquiry proved Mrs. English had not sent her. Prisoner was afterwards apprehended with the boots in her possession.
The Recorder summed up, and feelingly addressed the prisoner on the crime she had committed; told her he was afraid she would go from bad to worse as she commenced her defence by telling a lie; her poor mother had to be removed from the court from being so affected at the disgrace brought on her; he should, however, sentence her to a long term of imprisonment to see if that would be a warning to her; the sentence he should pronounce was one of six months with hard labour.
Dover Chronicle 6-4-1861
Quarter Sessions, Wednesday last, before James John Lonsdale Esq.
Elizabeth Ann Giles, 20, servant, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences on pair of women`s boots, the property of Mr. Thomas le Butt, on the 12th February last.
It appeared, from the evidence, that on the day in question the prisoner went to the shop of Mr. Le Butt, in High Street, and requested to be allowed some boots to show Mrs. English. The prosecutor`s son served her with six pairs, which she took away with her, but his suspicions were aroused in consequence of the prisoner objecting to allow Mr. Le Butt`s errand-boy to accompany her, and she was accordingly watched. Prisoner shortly returned with five pairs of boots, saying that Mrs. English had decided to keep one pair, and wishing to be informed of the price of them. Prisoner was subsequently apprehended at the Mechanics Arms by police constable Woodland, and on her way to the station-house the boots were taken from underneath her shawl.
Six months` imprisonment with hard labour.
Kentish Gazette 9-4-1861
Quarter Sessions, Wednesday; Before James John Lonsdale Esq.
Elizabeth Ann Giles, 20, servant, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences one pair of women`s boots, the property of Thomas Le Butt, on the 12th of February last.
It appeared, from the evidence, that on the day in question the prisoner went to the shop of Mr. Le Butt, in High Street, and requested to be allowed some boots to show Mrs. English. The prosecutor`s son served her with six pairs, which she took away with her, but his suspicions were aroused in consequence of the prisoner objecting to allow Mr. Le Butt`s errand-boy to accompany her, and she was accordingly watched. Prisoner shortly returned with five pairs of boots, saying that Mrs. English had decided to keep one pair, and wishing to be informed of the price of them. Prisoner was subsequently apprehended at the Mechanics Arms by police constable Woodland, and on her way to the station-house the boots were taken from underneath her shawl.
Guilty. Six months` imprisonment with hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle 24-8-1861
Annual Licencing Day & Petty Sessions
Wednesday August 21st:- Before the Mayor, James Tolputt, W.F. Browell, W. Major, W. Bateman, and A.M. Leith esqs.
The majority of the licences to victuallers were renewed, except in the case of the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, which the bench declined to grant.
Folkestone Observer 24-8-1861
Annual Licensing Sessions
The Magistrates sat on Thursday at the Sessions Hall for granting ale and spirit licences.
The only licence refused was that to Mr. Driscoll, for the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, the Magistrates being unanimous in the refusal.
Southeastern Gazette 27-8-1861
Annual Licensing Day
All the licenses were renewed except that of the Mechanics’s Arms, Belle Vue Fields, which was refused.
Folkestone Observer 26-10-1861
Tuesday October 22nd:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., and James Tolputt Esq.
Transfer of Licence
The following licence was transferred on Wednesday, namely, The Mechanics Arms from John Driscoll to Thos. Hodgson
Folkestone Observer 28-2-1863
Wednesday February 25th:- Before the Mayor and W.F. Browell Esq.
George Matthews, 9th Brigade R.A., was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a gold chain, on the 16th instant.
Henry Luland said that on Monday week the prisoner came into his shop, in High Street, and asked to look at a gold Albert chain. When that was shown him he asked to see a silver chain. Witness turned round to get it, and as he did so, prisoner ran off with the gold chain.
John Mockridge, Company`s porter, was looking into the shop window when prisoner stole the chain, and on his running off he gave chase to him to the top of High Street, where he lost sight of him. Could swear to the prisoner as the man who ran out of the shop.
Alexander Grant, tailor, thought he saw prisoner on Monday se`ennight in the Mechanic`s Arms. The prisoner called the landlord into the bar, and then the landlord called witness, and asked him in the prisoner`s presence if he wanted to buy a chain. He told the prisoner he did not wear such things, and therefore would not buy it. That was about twenty minutes to nine. The prisoner said he should have it cheap; it cost £2 15s.
Thomas Hodgson, landlord of the Mechanic`s Arms, confirmed the evidence of Grant, but could not identify the prisoner.
Richard Sorby, Provost-Sergeant, E Battery R.A., knew the prisoner as belonging to the H battery. It was witness`s duty to ascertain what soldiers were absent without leave.
Prisoner, who was committed to Dover jail last July for six months, for stealing a watch, was now committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.
Kentish Gazette 27-1-1863
Dover Police Court, Monday: Before the Mayor and E.F. Astley Esqs.
There was a case of some exceptional interest, Mr. Minter, solicitor, of Folkestone, making application on behalf of Mr. Thomas Hodgson for leave to sell at the White Hart public house, Dolphin Lane, till next transfer day. It had been till recently carried on by one Frederick Thatcher, who was now a bankrupt, and at the original application of Mr. Hodgson the police seemed to imagine that he would conduct the house in an improper manner. The Magistrates therefore withheld their permission to sell. Mr. Minter`s object in now appearing before the Magistrates was to convince them that the police were under a complete misapprehension. To show that this was the case he produced a certificate signed by the Superintendent of police at Folkestone, who certified that he had known the applicant for four years as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, at Folkestone, and that during the whole of that time he had conducted his house in the most orderly manner, and without being the subject of any complaint before the Magistrates. In addition to that he had to lay before the Bench a certificate from the assistant provost marshal of Shorncliffe Camp, in which he stated that he had known Mr. Hodgson as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, and that during the last four years he had frequently visited it, and had always on these occasions found it conducted in a very orderly manner. This, the Bench would no doubt regard as a good recommendation, seeing the proximity of the house formerly kept by Mr. Hodgson to the Shorncliffe Camp. He also had a certificate signed by a dozen of the neighbours living around the Mechanics Arms, also bearing testimony to the good order which had pervaded the establishment during the proprietorship of Mr. Hodgson.
The Mayor said the impression created in the minds of the Magistrates on Friday was certainly such as induced them to withhold their permission to sell. The White Hart had hitherto been very badly conducted, and the Bench were fearful that little or no improvement would take place from the change of proprietors. The testimonials now presented, however, were very satisfactory, and the Magistrates had no hesitation in granting the permission applied for.
Dover Chronicle 31-1-1863
Dover Police Court, Monday: Before the Mayor and E.F. Astley, L. Stride and S.M. Latham Esqs.
Mr. Minter, solicitor, applied on behalf of Thomas Hodson, late of Folkestone, for permission to sell till next transfer day at the White Hart public house, Russell Street, recently occupied by Mr. Thatcher. His client had previously made application to the Bench, but his request was not granted because the police authorities were under the impression that it was to be kept as a disorderly house as heretofore. This, however, was a total misapprehension on the part of those who opposed the application, and in order to show that it was so he now produced a certificate, signed by the Superintendent of the Folkestone police force, setting forth that he had known the complainant as landlord of the Mechanics Arms in that town for a period of four years, and during that time he had conducted the house in an orderly manner, and there had been no complaint whatever to the magistrates. In addition to this he also had a certificate from the Assistant Provost Marshal of Shorncliffe Camp, stating that whenever he had occasion to visit the house in the performance of his duty he always found it well-conducted. Another certificate was produced from the residents in the locality of the Mechanics Arms, testifying to the orderly and respectable manner in which the house had been conducted during Hodson`s occupation.
The Magistrates considered the certificates satisfactory, and the application of Mr. Minter was therefore granted.
Dover Express 31-1-1863
Dover Police Court, Monday: Before the Mayor and E.F. Astley, L. Stride Esqs.
Mr. Minter made an application on behalf of Mr. Thomas Hodgson for leave to sell at the White Hart public house, Dolphin Lane, till next transfer day. This house had been till recently carried on by one Frederick Thatcher, who was now a bankrupt, and at the original application of Mr. Hodgson the police seemed to imagine that he would conduct the house in an improper manner. The Magistrates therefore withheld their permission to sell. Mr. Minter`s object in now appearing before the Magistrates was to convince them that the police were under a complete misapprehension. To show that this was the case he produced a certificate signed by the Superintendent of police at Folkestone, who certified that he had known the applicant for four years as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, at Folkestone, and that during the whole of that time he had conducted his house in the most orderly manner, and without being the subject of any complaint before the Magistrates. In addition to that he had to lay before the Bench a certificate from the assistant provost marshal of Shorncliffe Camp, in which he stated that he had known Mr. Hodgson as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, and that during the last four years he had frequently visited it, and had always on these occasions found it conducted in a very orderly manner. This, the Bench would no doubt regard as a good recommendation, seeing the proximity of the house formerly kept by Mr. Hodgson to the Shorncliffe Camp. He also had a certificate signed by a dozen of the neighbours living around the Mechanics Arms, also bearing testimony to the good order which had pervaded the establishment during the proprietorship of Mr. Hodgson.
The Mayor said the impression created in the minds of the Magistrates on Friday was certainly such as induced them to withhold their permission to sell. The White Hart had hitherto been very badly conducted, and the Bench were fearful that little or no improvement would take place from the change of proprietors. The testimony now presented, however, was very satisfactory, and the Magistrates had no hesitation in granting the permission applied for.
Dover Telegraph 31-1-1863
Dover Petty Sessions, Monday: Before the Mayor and E.F. Astley, L. Stride Esqs.
Mr. Minter, solicitor, made an application on behalf of the White Hart, Dolphin Lane, till next transfer day. It had been till recently carried on by one Frederick Thatcher, (a bankrupt,) and at the original application of Mr. Hodson the police seemed to imagine that he would conduct the house in an improper manner. The Magistrates therefore withheld their permission to sell. Mr. Minter`s object in now appearing before their Worships was to convince them that the police were under a complete misapprehension. To show this was the case he produced a certificate signed by the Superintendent of police at Folkestone, who certified that he had known the applicant for four years as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, at Folkestone, and that during the whole of that time he had conducted his house in the most orderly manner, and without being the subject of any complaint before the Magistrates. In addition to that he had to lay before the Bench a certificate from the assistant provost marshal of Shorncliffe Camp, in which he stated that he had known Mr. Hodson as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, and that during the last four years he had frequently visited it, and had always on these occasions found it conducted in a very orderly manner. This, the Bench would no doubt regard as a good recommendation, seeing the proximity of the house formerly kept by Mr. Hodson to the Shorncliffe Camp. He also had a certificate signed by a dozen of the neighbours living around the Mechanics Arms, also bearing testimony to the good order which had pervaded the establishment during the proprietorship of Mr. Hodson.
The Mayor said the impression created in the minds of the Magistrates on Friday was certainly such as induced them to withhold their permission to sell. The White Hart had hitherto been very badly conducted, and the Bench were fearful that little or no improvement would take place from the change of proprietors. The testimony now presented, however, was very satisfactory, and the Magistrates had no hesitation in granting the permission applied for.
Thanet Advertiser 31-1-1863
Dover: There were few cases of interest before the borough magistrates on Monday, the bulk of the business consisting in the disposal of rate summonses and the fining of drunkards and street disorderlies. There was one case, however, of some exceptional interest, Mr. Minter, solicitor, of Folkestone, making an application on behalf of a Mr. Thomas Hodgson for leave to sell at the White Hart public house, Dolphin Lane, till the next transfer day. It had been till recently carried on by one Frederick Thatcher, who was now a bankrupt, and at the original application of Mr. Hodgson the police seemed to imagine that he would conduct the house in an improper manner. The magistrates therefore withheld their permission to sell. Mr. Minter`s object in now appearing before the Magistrates was to convince them that the police were under a complete misapprehension. To show that this was the case he produced a certificate signed by the Superintendent of police at Folkestone, who certified that he had known the applicant for four years as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, at Folkestone, and that during the whole of that time he had conducted his house in the most orderly manner, and without being the subject of any complaint before the Magistrates. In addition to that he had to lay before the Bench a certificate from the assistant provost marshal of Shorncliffe Camp, in which he stated that he had known Mr. Hodgson as landlord of the Mechanics Arms, and that during the last four years he had frequently visited it, and had always on these occasions found it conducted in a very orderly manner. This, the Bench would no doubt regard as a good recommendation, seeing the proximity of the house formerly kept by Mr. Hodgson to the Shorncliffe Camp. He also had a certificate signed by a dozen of the neighbours living around the Mechanics Arms, also bearing testimony to the good order which had pervaded the establishment during the proprietorship of Mr. Hodgson.
The
Mayor said the impression created in the minds of the Magistrates on Friday was
certainly such as induced them to withhold their permission to sell. The White
Hart had hitherto been very badly conducted, and the Bench were fearful that
little or no improvement would take place from the change of proprietors. The
testimonials now presented, however, were very satisfactory, and the
Magistrates had no hesitation in granting the permission applied for.
Folkestone Observer 4-4-1863
Quarter Sessions
Thursday April 2nd:- Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.
George Matthews, Private R.A., was arraigned for stealing a gold Albert chain, the property of Henry Luland, on the 16th of February last.
Henry Luland, haberdasher &c., High Street, said that on the 16th of February, about half past eight in the evening, prisoner came into his shop and asked to see a gold chain. Witness handed him one from the window, with which he seemed satisfied, and remarked “It is worth £2 15s., is it?”. Witness then referred to the ticket, which was marked at £2 10s. Prisoner then asked for a lever watch, but witness told him that he had none. He then asked to see a silver chain, and witness took one from the window, but on turning round the prisoner was gone. Witness immediately ran out of the shop, calling “Stop thief!” and went to the top of High Street, but he could not see him. He then went on to the police station, and gave evidence of the theft. He knew the chain by the appendages that he had put on. It was unusual for chains to be sold with appendages. The chain was traced to Dover by Superintendent English, K.C.C.
J. Mackridge, porter S.E.R.C., said that about half past eight on the evening of the 16th of February, he was looking into the window of the last witness, when prisoner came up the street, and looking also into the window spoke to him. Witness did not answer, as he thought he was drunk. Prisoner then went into Mr. Luland`s shop, and witness saw Mr. Luland take a gold Albert chain out of the window. As he unhooked a second chain, prisoner ran out of the shop up High Street. Mr. Luland came out and called “Stop thief!”. Witness followed prisoner to the top of the street, but there lost sight of him.
John Martin, publican, Dover, said that on February 17th prisoner came into his house and called for a glass of water, and put the chain in his hand, offering it to him for 10s., or for what he would like to give for it. Witness said he did not want it, and prisoner then asked for a breakfast, but he had no money, though he would have some during the day. Witness then let him have 5s. on the chain, with an understanding that he should have it back on repaying the money.
The jury found the prisoner Guilty, and a sentence of eighteen months hard labour was passed upon him.
Folkestone Express 28-3-1868
Advertisement
To Be Let
The Mechanics Arms, Folkestone
Apply on the premises.
Folkestone Express 18-4-1868
Advertisement
TO BE LET
The Mechanics Arms, Folkestone.
Apply at the Maxton Brewery, Dover
Folkestone Observer 11-9-1869
Wednesday, September 8th: Before Capt. Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt, A.M. Leith and W. Bateman Esqs.
The following public houses was granted a spirit license: Mechanics Arms, John Jenkings
Note: No records of Jenkings at the Mechanics in More Bastions, and a report in the Folkestone Express will have this spirit license granted to him at the Wheatsheaf (!)
Southeastern Gazette 13-9-1869
Local News
On Wednesday last, the adjourned licensing meeting was held at the Town Hall, before W. Bateman, Esq., Captain Kennicott, R.N., J. Tolputt, Esq., and A.M. Leith, Esq.
A spirit licence was granted in the case of the Mechanic’s Arms.
Folkestone Observer 16-10-1869
Wednesday, October 13th: Before R.W. Boarer, John Gambrill, John Clark, and – Dashwood Esqs.
Mr. Edward Wyman applied for a transfer of license granted to John Wallis to sell excisable liquors at the Mechanics Arms. The application was granted.
Note: Wyman appears to be a misprint for Whybourne according to information in More Bastions.
Folkestone Express 16-10-1869
Wednesday, October 13th: Before J. Gambrill, R.W. Boarer, J. Clark and C. Dashwood Esqs.
Transfer of license.
Mechanics Arms, from John Wallis to Edward Wyburn
Folkestone Express 24-2-1872
Thursday: Before J. Tolputt, T. Caister and J. Clarke Esqs.
Transfer of License
The license of the Mechanics Arms was transferred to a man named Nunn.
Folkestone Express 13-7-1872
Wednesday, July 10th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister and J. Tolputt Esqs.
Temporary authority to sell was granted to Mr. Tompsett, Mechanics Arms.
Note: This does not appear in More Bastions.
Folkestone Express 23-8-1873
Saturday, August 16th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.
George Keyton, Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields was summoned on a charge of keeping open his house during prohibited hours on the 12th inst. Defendant, who pleaded Guilty, was fined £2 and 8s. costs.
Note: Keyton is only listed to 1872 in More Bastions, and the transfer to Nunn has already been reported by this date!!
Charles Quinton was charged with being on the premises as above during prohibited hours. Pleaded Guilty and fined 2s. and 8s, costs.
A similar charge against Sophia Back was dismissed as a satisfactory explanation was given.
Ellen Dawkins, who pleaded Guilty to a similar charge was fined 2s. 6d. and 8s. costs.
It appeared that Sergt. Woodland visited the house, when a regular stampede took place, the parties who were in the house rushing upstairs and hiding in various places. Under the new Act it is not necessary that anyone should be drinking during prohibited hours. The fact of a person being on the premises is enough to secure a conviction unless he can show that he had a reasonable excuse for being there.
Southeastern Gazette 26-8-1873
Local News
At the Police Court, on the 16th inst., before the Mayor, C.J. Tolputt, Esq., George Keyton, Mechanics’ Arms, pleaded guilty to have his house open during illegal hours on the 12th inst. Fined £2 and 8s. costs. Charles Quinton and Ellen Dawkins were fined 2s. 6d. and 8s. 6d. costs each for being on the above-named premises during prohibited hours on the same day.
Note: Date for Keyton is at variance with More Bastions.
Folkestone Express 30-8-1873
Wednesday, August 27th: Before The Mayor, J. Gambrill, J. Tolputt, and J. Clarke Esq.
Annual Licensing Meeting
The licensing committee met at ten o`clock for the purpose of taking into consideration the question of making any alteration in the hours for opening and closing public houses. Shortly after eleven o`clock the licensed victuallers present were called into Court, where the Clerk said the Bench would hear anything with reference to the alteration of the hours for the opening and closing.
Mr. Mowll, of Dover, appeared for the owners of the Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields, the landlord having been convicted on the 1st instant of having his house open during prohibited hours. Mr. Mowll said the tenant had been served with notice to quit, but if the house were properly conducted during the next three months the notice would be withdrawn.
Ordered to stand over to September 30th.
Southeastern Gazette 2-9-1873
Local News
The annual licensing meeting was held on Wednesday, when the magistrates present were J. Hoad, Esq. (Mayor), J. Gambrill, J. Tolputt, and J. Clark, Esqrs.
Mr. George Keaton applied for a licence for the Mechanics’ Arms. Mr. Mowll, of Dover, watched the case on behalf of the brewer. The Superintendent said there had been a conviction against the house. The Magistrates stated that they would decide on granting applicant a renewal of his licence at the annual licensing meeting.
Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.
Folkestone Express 6-9-1873
Wednesday, September 3rd: Before The Mayor and W. Bateman Esq.
Filmer Tyas and Ellen Dawkins were charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dover Road; also with using obscene language.
P.C. Smith said the pair were fighting in front of the New Inn about half past twelve on Wednesday morning. They were both drunk and using obscene language. As they refused to go away he took them into custody, but Tyas managed to escape. He then took the woman towards the police station, and when near Hillside House met Supt. Wilshere and Sergt. Reynolds and gave the woman into their custody and went back for Tyas and found him near the Mechanics Arms and took him into custody.
Mr. Thomas Mummery said he was disturbed by a noise of two persons quarrelling, and on looking out of the window saw the prisoners scuffling, and heard them use very bad language. It was not the first time he had been disturbed in a similar way.
Supt. Wilshere said he received prisoner Dawkins from P.C. Smith. He could hear her using obscene language some time before they came up. She threw herself down and it was as much as he and Sergt. Reynolds could do to get her to the station, having to carry her some of the way.
Prisoner said they had a dispute about an earring which the female prisoner had lost, but stoutly denied being drunk or fighting, or using bad language.
Superintendent Wilshere said Tyas was very violent after he was taken to the station, and threatened to do for two of the policemen. He had been twice convicted of assaulting the police.
Prisoners were fined 10s. and 5s. costs each for being drunk and disorderly, or 14 days` hard labour in default. For using obscene language they were fined 10s. and 3s. 6d. costs, or fourteen days` hard labour in default.
Dawkins paid, and Tyas was removed in custody.
Folkestone Chronicle 4-10-1873
Wednesday, October 1st: Before The Mayor, J. Clarke and J. Tolputt Esqs.
Adjourned Licensing Day
This was the day appointed to consider the postponed licenses, and Mr. Mowll, of Dover, appeared, and in a long address, pleaded the cause of the following house, the license of which the magistrates renewed, giving the landlord a severe caution, that if they were again complained of, they would not be granted: George Keyton, Mechanics Arms, Bellevue Fields.
Folkestone Express 4-10-1873
Adjourned Licensing Meeting
Tuesday, September 30th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and J. Clark Esqs.
The Mechanics Arms
Mr. Mowll, who supported the application for the renewal of the license, said that the owners of the house had kept a watch on the house, and no further complaint had been made. License renewed.
Folkestone Express 4-3-1876
Monday: February 29th: Before The Mayor, Captain Crowe, Captain Fletcher, and General Armstrong.
George Welsh, a boy of 13, was charged with attempting to steal 6s 10½d., the monies of Edward Robin.
The prosecutor said he was landlord of the Mechanics Arms, St. John`s Street. He had on two or three occasions seen the prisoner. The last time was on Saturday afternoon about four o`clock, when he saw him in the bar. He had previously seen him peeping in at the window, and having his suspicions aroused, he watched his proceedings. He saw the prisoner put his foot upon the seat and lay across the counter, at the same time trying to draw out the till. Prosecutor then went in and took hold of him, and then sent for P.C. Smith. The prisoner was in the bar on the previous Thursday, and he (prosecutor) had marked some money in the till. He recommended the prisoner to mercy.
The Bench said that taking into consideration the age of the prisoner, and also the recommendation of the prosecutor, they had decided not to send him to prison, but they would order him to receive 12 strokes with a birch rod.
Folkestone Express 29-6-1878
Wednesday, June 26th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.
Mary Ann Bourne, a prostitute, pleaded Guilty to refusing to quit the Mechanics Arms, and with breaking a pane of glass on the previous day.
The landlord, in reply to the Magistrates` Clerk, said the prisoner was apparently sober, and the charge of refusing to quit therefore fell through.
For the wilful damage she was fined 5s., damage 8s, 6d., costs 3s. 6d., and in default was committed for 14 days` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle 14-5-1881
Monday, May 9th: Before Ald. Caister and F. Boykett Esq.
Charles Taylor, a private in the Army Service Corps was charged with breaking four panes of glass, value 5s. 6d., the property of Joseph Sheeran, the Mechanic`s Arms, and also with being drunk and disorderly.
Prisoner went to the public house and demanded drink, but the landlady refused to serve him, when he committed the assault in question.
The Bench fined him 5s., and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days for being drunk; 5s. 4d., and 3s. 6d. costs for breaking the windows; and for the assault, 14 days` imprisonment.
Folkestone Express 14-5-1881
Monday, May 9th: Before Alderman Caister and F. Boykett Esq.
Charles Taylor, a private in the Army Service Corps, was charged with breaking four panes of glass, value 5s. 6d., the property of Joseph Sheeran, and also with being drunk and assaulting Mrs. Sheeran. He pleaded Guilty to the first two charges.
Emily Sheeran, wife of the prosecutor, who is landlord of the Mechanic`s Arms, St. John Street, said the prisoner went to the house just before eleven on Saturday night. He went into the taproom and called for a pot of beer, which witness refused to serve him with as he was drunk. Prisoner immediately struck her with his fist and knocked her down. A policeman was fetched, but before he arrived prisoner smashed four panes of glass in the window of the side door.
Prisoner was fined 5s. and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days` imprisonment for being drunk; 5s. 4d. and 3s. 6d. costs for breaking the windows, and for the assault was sentenced to 14 days` imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Folkestone Express 19-12-1885
Saturday, December 12th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, Captain carter, J. Holden and W.J. Jeffreason.
Mr. Flisher, landlord of the Mechanics Arms, applied for an extension on the occasion of a ball to be held at his house, but the Bench declined to grant the application.
Holbein`s Visitors` List 7-1-1891
Saturday, January 3rd: Before The Mayor, J. Holden Esq., Major Penfold, J. Fitness Esq., and Alderman Pledge.
Mr. Richard Grant will be allowed to sell at the Mechanics Arms until next transfer day. References produced from Ramsgate. Superintendent Taylor to make some more enquiries before the day named.
Folkestone Express 10-1-1891
Saturday, January 3rd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Pledge, J. Holden, J. Fitness and S. Penfold Esqs.
The licence of the Mechanics Arms was provisionally transferred to Richard Grant, of Ramsgate.
Folkestone Express 5-3-1892
Advertisement
To be Let; The Mechanics Arms, St. John Street, Folkestone; exceptional terms to a suitable tenant. Apply E. Dawes and Sons, Diamond Brewery, Dover.
Folkestone Express 19-3-1892
Local News
A petition has been filed in the Canterbury Bankruptcy Court by James Fisher, 104, Black Bull Road, Folkestone, formerly of the Mechanics Arms, St. John`s Street, Folkestone, carpenter and licensed victualler, lately of 60, Walton Road, Folkestone, carpenter.
Folkestone Herald 19-3-1892
Bankruptcy
Re. James Fisher, Carpenter and Licensed Victualler: Under the failure of James Fisher, of 104, Black Bull Road, Folkestone, formerly of the Mechanics Arms, St. John`s Street, Folkestone, carpenter and licensed victualler, lately residing at 60, Walton Road, Folkestone, the statement of affairs shows gross liabilities of £288 12s. 9d., and the only asset returned is £72 10s. surplus from securities in the hands of creditors. The causes of failure are set down as follows: The cost of the building of the two cottages in Black Bull Road is estimated to have exceeded the bankrupt`s calculations by £150. Want of employment for four months during present winter.
The Official Receiver`s observations are as follows: The receiving order was made on the debtor`s petition, and he has been adjudicated bankrupt upon his own application. The bankrupt commenced business at the Mechanics Arms, St. John`s Street, Folkestone in May, 1883; he had previously been a journeyman carpenter, and followed that occupation during the time he carried on the public house. He gave up the public house at Christmas, 1890, and for about nine months resided in lodgings at 60, Manor Road, Folkestone. In June last he purchased two plots of land in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, from the Kent and Sussex Land Society for £178, and upon these plots he has erected two cottages, which he estimates to be of the value of £600. They are mortgaged at £300, £120, and £100 respectively. The furniture upon the bankrupt`s premises is claimed by his wife as having been given to her on her marriage or purchased subsequently out of her own earnings. I have been unable to admit this claim. The bankrupt`s life is insured in the “Pearl” for £30 under a policy effected about seven years ago at a premium of 2s. 4d. a month.
Folkestone Express 16-4-1892
Saturday, April 9th: Before Aldermen Banks and Pledge, H.W. Poole and G. Spurgen Esqs.
Mr. Henry Parks was granted temporary authority to sell at the Mechanics Arms.
Folkestone Express 23-4-1892
Wednesday, April 20th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Pledge, Sherwood and Dunk, J. Fitness, J. Holden, Geo. Spurgen and W. Wightwick Esqs.
Transfer
The licence of the Mechanics Arms was transferred to Mr. S. Parks.
Folkestone Herald 5-8-1899
Wednesday, August 2nd:
The following
transfer of licence was allowed: Mr. Ribband, Mechanics Arms.
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