Oddfellows Arms, The Stade 1847 - 2001

Oddfellows Arms, 1978

Oddfellows Arms, 1920s (On left). Credit Roy Clare

Former Oddfellows Arms, May 2012

 

Oddfellows Arms c1920

 

Oddfellows Arms 1999. Credit Martin Easdown

 

Licensees

James Jordan 1847 1848

William Brooks 1848 1850

Frances Shovler 1850 ???? (Likely wrong)

Neal Dawson? 1850 ????

Hannah Neal 1851 1852

James Dawson Neal 1852 1868 (Later Albion Tavern according to More Bastions, but he died in 1868)

James Barker 1868 1870

John Carter 1870 1881

William Hornden 1881 1887 Ex North Foreland

George Hoare 1887 1888

Robert Carter 1888 1892 From Star (2)

George Whiddett 1892 1894

Frederick Coleman 1894 1906 
Mr. Prior 1906 1906

Edwin Shaw 1906 1911

George Skinner 1911 1928

Florence Skinner 1928 1941

George Skinner 1940 1941

Ellen Skinner 1941 1945

George Skinner 1945 1961

Thomas Rogers 1961 1961

Charles Evans 1961 1965

Charles Price 1965 1967

John Conway 1967 1972

Peter Philpott 1972 1984 To Ptolemy`s

Leslie Carpenter 1984 1991 Also Jubilee Inn/Carpenters

Larry Jeggo 1991 1995

Walter Darling and Andrew Foreman 1995 1995 Also Ship Inn 1994-96

Roy Gilham 1995 1996

Roy Gilham and Louise Brandy 1996 1999

Roy Gilham and Nicholas McLaren 1999 1999

Roy Gilham, Nicholas McLaren, Dennis Metson and Catherine O`Toole 1999 2001 Renamed The Front

Maidstone Gazette 16-2-1847

On Tuesday last the brig Susan put in here, one of her crew having fallen from the mast and broken his leg during the snow storm of Monday last, at sea. He was taken to the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, where he now remains. This is the fourth time the unfortunate man has broken the same leg.

Canterbury Journal 20-2-1847 

On Tuesday last the brig Susan put in here, one of her crew having fallen from the mast and broken his leg during the snow storm of Monday last, at sea. He was taken to the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, where he now remains.

Maidstone Gazette 9-5-1848

Tuesday – Transfer Day: The licence heretofore granted to James Jordan, of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, was transferred to William Edward Brooks.

Note: Earlier date

Maidstone Gazette 28-11-1848

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

William Baker was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating M.A.R. Brookes, of the Oddfellows Arms Inn. Fined 5s. and costs.

Maidstone Gazette 19-2-1850, Dover Chronicle 23-2-1850

At the Petty Sessions on Tuesday the licence of the South Eastern Pavilion was transferred from T. Algar to James Gaby Breach, of the London Tavern, Bishopsgate, London, and the licence of the Oddfellows Arms was transferred from Edward Brooks to Frances Shovler.

Note: Oddfellows Arms; Earlier end date for Brooks – and different first name. Shovler previously unknown.

Maidstone Gazette 16-4-1850

Petty Sessions, Tuesday; Before D. Major Esq., Mayor, W. Major and S. Mackie Esqs.

License transferred from John Back, of the Radnor Inn, to Henry Waight; from Wm. Edward Brooks, of the Oddfellows Arms, to Neal Dawson; from George Featherbe, of the Cooper`s Arms, to George Bridgland.

Notes: Transfer at Radnor Inn is earlier date for Back leaving, and if this is Henry Wraight it is much earlier start. Oddfellows Arms earlier date. Should this read Dawson Neal? Cooper`s Arms earlier date.

Maidstone Gazette 20-5-1851, Dover Telegraph 24-5-1851

Petty Sessions, Wednesday; Before R. Hart Esq., Mayor, D. Major, S. Mackie, and W. Major Esqs.

Dawson Neal, victualler, of the Oddfellows Arms, was summoned for keeping a disorderly house. Mr. Sladden appeared for defendant, and objected to the form of summons, which was dismissed.

Southeastern Gazette 13-1-1852

Wednesday, January 7th: Before W. Major and T. Golder Esqs.

Dawson Neal, of the Oddfellows Arms, appeared to answer an information charging him with keeping his house open during divine service on Christmas Day. After hearing the evidence of Superintendent Steers, who visited the house between 10 and half past and found the back door open, he was convicted in the sum of 1s. and costs.

Dover Chronicle 3-7-1852

On Sunday evening last, about half past 5 o`clock, as the son of Mr. Neal, of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, and another person, were driving a horse and cart up the Tram Road, the horse, being a kicker, commenced plunging violently, and continued unmanageable until it released itself from the cart, carrying with it the two shafts, which had broken off short. It started up the road in the direction of Folly Lane, where it turned round by the Swan, Grove Terrace, and proceeded down Dover Street, knocking down and very much injuring a child of Mr. James Robinson, landlord of the Swan. It was at first feared the injury would terminate seriously; but it is now hoped that the child is going on favourably. The persons in the cart fortunately remained uninjured. The horse subsequently slipped off the kerb, and broke its foreleg just above the fetlock; it ultimately reached the Oddfellows Arms, whence it was removed to a field, and shot. It was a good horse of its kind, and worth about £18.

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 anew 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 MartelloTavern.

Dover Chronicle 23-9-1854

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

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

Southeastern Gazette 17-10-1854

Monday, October 9th: Before the Mayor, J. Kelcey and G. Kennicott, Esqs.

The adjourned meeting for the granting of licenses was held, when the licenses of the Engine Inn, Oddfellows Arms, and Radnor Inn, were renewed, Superintendent Steer being desired to pay particular attention to these houses.

Spencer Hayward, of Belle Vue Tavern, again appeared before the magistrates, and produced a memorial, signed by a number of respectable persons, seeking to have a license granted for his house, but the magistrates declined to alter their former decision.

Canterbury Journal 2-6-1855

Petty Sessions, Saturday.

Dawson Neale, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, was brought up by warrant charged with assaulting John Edward Freeman, a fisherman, the previous afternoon. The case not being proved to the satisfaction of the bench, the defendant was dismissed. 

Folkestone Chronicle 9-8-1856

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before James Tolputt Esq., Mayor, W. Bateman, W. Major and J. Kingsnorth Esqs., and Capt. Kennicott.

Richard Charlton and George Clother, the master and a seaman on board one of the Dover fishing smacks, were charged by police constable Lewis, with creating a disturbance with some of the soldiers of the Foreign Legion, and obstructing himself and other constables in the execution of their duty.

Police constable Lewis sworn, stated that about half past seven on the previous evening, being in Radnor Street, he heard a great noise, and saw a mob of people. Clother was trying to get the prisoner Charlton away, who was much knocked about. When I first saw Charlton he was striking about in every direction, surrounded by 30 or 40 of the Foreign Legion, and some of the civilians. As I was attempting to take Charlton into custody, the other prisoner, Clother, took hold of me by the collar and flung me down. I recovered myself, and then endeavoured to get him to the station, which I had great trouble in doing. He was drunk and so violent I sent for the picket. The prisoner Charlton was rescued by several of the fishermen, carried away, and put to bed.

Charles Atkins sworn, said he saw the disturbance, although not the first of it. He saw Clother trying to rescue the other prisoner from the police, but he broke away from them and ran out amongst the soldiers, beating about them right and left.

Dawson Neal sworn, deposed that he was the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, in Radnor Street, that about half past six the previous evening the prisoner Charlton came to his house, being very drunk, and swearing that he would kill all the ----- soldiers, and wanted to fight with them. They said they did not want to box with Englishmen. He then went out, came back soon after, and pulled one of the soldiers out of his seat, when they all got up and went out, and the row began.

Frederic George Francis sworn, stated that he was at work outside his shop on the harbour, with a dozen or more fishermen standing by looking on, when the prisoner Charlton came up and said “If you want to see a ---- spree, hold on and I`ll show you one in a minute.” He then went away, and came back in a few minutes with about 40 of the soldiers, lugging one by the collar, and pitching into the others right and left. None of the soldiers had any side arms then, or the consequences might have been very serious. Several came down afterwards waiting about ready for another outbreak.

Superintendent Steer deposed that the prisoner Charlton came to the station, and asked for a seaman that had been locked up. Lewis happened to come in, and said that he was the man who had been taken out of his custody. I then told him I must lock him up; he said we should not – used great violence, kicked police constable Hawkes, and it took 3 of us to get him into the cell. Both prisoners seemed mad with drink.

Charlton, being the principal, was fined £2 including costs, or one month`s imprisonment with hard labour, and Clother £1 or 14 days` imprisonment. 

Southeastern Gazette 12-8-1856

Richard Charlton, a mariner, was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

The defendant had gone into the Oddfellows Inn, Radnor Street, about half-past six in the evening of the previous day in a state of intoxication. He then commenced a disturbance, and seized hold of a Swiss soldier who was sitting down, and dragged him into the street, where he commenced a regular pugilistic encounter, which soon attracted a crowd of soldiers and civilians, the prisoner striking at every soldier of the Swiss Legion with whom he came in contact, and for whom he appeared to entertain a peculiar antipathy. The police then interfered and defendant was taken into custody.

Fined £2, or in default, two months’ hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 3-8-1858 

Assizes, Saturday, before Mr. Baron Bramwell.

Patrick Sweeney, 20, soldier, was indicted for wounding John Else, at Folkestone, with intent to murder him. Mr. Scobell prosecuted.

Prosecutor said he was servant at the Oddfellows Arms, Folkestone, on the 9^th June. The prisoner was outside in the road and, as he passed, caught up a brickbat and struck him with it on the side of the head, at the same time threatening to knock his brains out. Witness then called assistance, and ran away, followed by prisoner.

David Marsh heard the prosecutor calling for assistance, and on going to the spot found him covered with blood, and the prisoner standing near with two brickbats in his hand. Prisoner was very drunk.

The jury found a verdict of unlawfully wounding, and the prisoner was sentenced to six months` hard labour.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 7-8-1858 

Assizes: Before Mr. Justice Bramwell.

Patrick Sweeney, 20, soldier, was indicted for wounding John Else, at Folkestone, with intent to murder him. Mr. Scobell prosecuted.

Prosecutor said he was servant at the Oddfellows Arms, Folkestone, on the 9^th June. The prisoner was outside in the road and, as he passed, caught up a brickbat and struck him with it on the side of the head, at the same time threatening to knock his brains out. Witness then called assistance, and ran away, followed by prisoner.

David Marsh heard the prosecutor calling for assistance, and on going to the spot found him covered with blood, and the prisoner standing near with two brickbats in his hand. Prisoner was very drunk.

The jury found a verdict of unlawfully wounding, and the prisoner was sentenced to six months` hard labour.

Dover Chronicle 7-8-1858

Assizes, Friday.

Patrick Sweeney, 20, soldier, was indicted for wounding John Else, at Folkestone, with intent to murder him. Mr. Scobell prosecuted.

Prosecutor said he was servant at the Oddfellows Arms, Folkestone, on the 9^th June. The prisoner was outside in the road, and, as he passed, caught up a brickbat and struck him with it on the side of the head, at the same time threatening to knock his brains out. Witness then called assistance, and ran away, followed by prisoner.

David Marsh heard the prosecutor calling for assistance, and on going to the spot found him covered with blood, and the prisoner standing near with two brickbats in his hand. Prisoner was very drunk.

The jury found a verdict of Guilty of unlawfully wounding and prisoner was sentenced to six months` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-2-1864

Monday February 1^st:- Before J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

James Dawson Neal, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, appeared on a summons by Supt. Martin, at the instance of Mr. Bamford, the surveyor of the town, for causing an obstruction near his premises in Back Street, by allowing a cart to stand there.

Leonard Kingsford, P.C., sworn, deposed on Monday, the 25^th, was ordered to see that no obstruction was allowed in the street, in the way of carts standing about. He observed a cart standing opposite defendant`s house, alongside the pathway. It was 5 minutes past 11, and stood there till 12 o`clock and past. The name on the cart was James Neal of Folkestone; the cart was empty. Defendant keeps the Oddfellows Arms. Did not say anything to the defendant about it then, but has seen it standing there several times since. Whete it was standing is a public street. The cart belongs to defendant.

Mr. John Bamford, sworn, deposed he was surveyor of the borough of Folkestone; knew the Oddfellows Arms. The road at the back, Back Street, is a public road, kept up and repaired by the Corporation.

Defendant had no question to ask.

Defendant said that he had put his cart there to load herrings from his stores; his cart stood by the kerb, and the roadway was wide enough for ten carts; he was not aware he was doing wrong in any way; he urged as an objection that it could not be called a street, having only one side to it; it might be a terrace.

This, however, was over-ruled by the Bench.

Mr. Boarer said there was a difference of opinion between himself and his colleague about this matter, It is at the request of the Nuisance Committee that this course was carried out; it was a question with him to have inflicted a fine of 40s. and costs; his colleague will tell you presently what he intends to do; if a smaller fine is in accordance with his view he should agree to it.

Mr. Kelcey said that he thought a smaller fine would meet the justice of the case; he should fine defendant 1s. and costs 10s. The fine and costs were paid.

Folkestone Observer 6-2-1864

Monday February 1^st:- Before James Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

James Dawson Neal was fined 1s., with 10s. costs, for saving his empty cart in the street.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-11-1864

On Wednesday night the fishing boat Charlotte, of Hastings, was obliged to run into Folkestone Harbour through stress of weather; the boat was run alongside the North quay, and the crew went ashore for refreshment at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. One of them, named William Noakes, left the house and went towards the quay to see to his vessel; in consequence of there being no chains alongside, the night dark, and being dazzled by the lights on the opposite side of the harbour, he unfortunately walked over the pier and fell a distance of about 16 feet, by which the poor fellow sustained a fracture of the left thigh bone. Assistance was immediately rendered, and he was conveyed to the Oddfellows Arms. Mr. Eastes and Dr. Fitzgerald were soon in attendance, and in about an hour`s time the poor man`s thigh was set, and he comfortably in bed. Much credit is due to Mr. Eastes and Dr. Fitzgerald for their prompt attendance, and for the very skilful manner in which the patient was attended to. A little assistance to the poor man by the charitably disposed would be gratefully received by the poor sufferer.

Kentish Gazette 29-11-1864, Dover Chronicle, Kentish Express 3-12-1864

On Wednesday night the fishing boat Charlotte, of Hastings, was obliged to run into Folke­stone Harbour through stress of weather. The boat was run alongside the north quay, and the crew went ashore for re­freshment, at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. One of them, named William Noakes, left the house and went towards the quay, to see to his vessel; in consequence of there being no chains alongside, the night dark, and being dazzled by the lights on the opposite side of the harbour, he unfortunately walked over the pier, and fell a distance of about 16 feet, by which the poor fellow sustained a fracture of the left thigh bone. Assistance was immediately ren­dered, and he was conveyed to the Oddfellows Arms. Mr. Eastes and Dr. Fitzgerald were soon in attendance, and in about an hour afterwards the poor man’s thigh was set, and he comfortably in bed. Much credit is due to Mr. Eastes and Dr. Fitzgerald for their prompt attendance, and for the very skilful manner in which the patient was attended to. A little assistance to the poor man by the charitably disposed would be gratefully received by the poor sufferer.

Dover Telegraph 3-12-1864, Canterbury Weekly Journal, Faversham Mercury 10-12-1864

On Wednesday night the fishing boat Charlotte, of Hastings, was obliged to run into Folkestone Harbour through stress of weather; the boat was run alongside the North quay, and the crew went ashore for refreshment at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. One of them, named William Noakes, left the house and went towards the quay to see his vessel; in consequence of there being no chains alongside, the night dark, and being dazzled by the lights on the opposite side of the harbour, he unfortunately walked over the pier and fell a distance of about sixteen feet, by which the poor fellow sustained a fracture of the left thigh bone. Assistance was immediately rendered, and he was conveyed to the Oddfellows Arms. Mr. Eastes and Dr. Fitzgerald were soon in attendance, and in half an hour afterwards the poor man`s thigh was set, and he comfortably in bed.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-12-1864

Tuesday December 6^th: Before R.W. Boarer Esq.

William George was brought up in custody charged with stealing, on the 8^th November last, a blue Guernsey shirt, a pocket knife, a pair of trousers, and a neck tie, of the value of 14s, and 2 3/4d in money, the property of John Benfield. The prisoner offered no defence to the charge, and the evidence being conclusive, he was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Observer 10-12-1864

Tuesday December 6^th:- Before R.W. Boarer Esq.

William George, a French mariner, speaking English, was charged with stealing a blue Guernsey shirt, a pair of black trousers &c.

John Benfield, mariner, living at the Oddfellows Arms said that on Monday the 7^th of November, prisoner was at the Oddfellows, and occupied the same bedroom with him. Witness rose at 6 o`clock on the morning of Tuesday 8<sup>th</sup> November, and prisoner and witness`s clothes were gone. The whole of the property was worth 14s. or 15s. The Guernsey and the knife produced were his.

Richard Seith, Deal P.C., received information of a Frenchman stealing the last witness`s clothes and went with the last witness in search of him, but could not find him. About three weeks back prisoner came to Deal again in company with another man and witness apprehended him, he having prosecutor`s Guernsey and knife then upon him. He then went in search of the other man who was with him, and both were committed to Sandwich jail for three weeks on a charge of stealing sacks. Prisoner told witness that he bought the Guernsey in London, and the knife was his own.

P.C. Woodland received the prisoner yesterday at Sandwich jail, and on the way to Folkestone prisoner admitted that he took the things.

Prisoner now said he came from Dover to Folkestone to look for a job. He was very cold and hungry, and took the poor fellow`s clothes. He was very sorry for it, and did not intend to do anything wrong. That at Deal was not his fault. The other man did it himself.

Committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Southeastern Gazette 13-12-1864

Local News

At the Police Court, on Tuesday, William George, a French mariner, speaking English, was charged with stealing a blue guernsey shirt, a pair of black cloth trousers, &c.

William Benefield, mariner, living at the Oddfellows’ Arms, said that on Monday, the 7th November, the prisoner was at the Oddfellows, and occupied the same bedroom with him. On witness getting up on Tuesday morning, prisoner and witness’s clothes were gone. The whole of the property was worth 14s. or 15s.

The prisoner was apprehended at Deal, with another man, by P.C. Smith, on a charge of stealing sacks, for which they were sentenced to three weeks’ hard labour, and prisoner, who was wearing prosecutor’s guernsey when apprehended, was now brought up on the above charge and committed for trial.

Dover Chronicle 17-12-1864

At the Police Court last week, William George, a French mariner, speaking English, was charged with stealing a blue guernsey shirt, a pair of black cloth trousers, &c.

William Benefield, mariner, living at the Oddfellows’ Arms, said that on Monday, the 7^th November, the prisoner was at the Oddfellows, and occupied the same bedroom with him. On witness getting up on Tuesday morning, prisoner and witness’s clothes were gone. The whole of the property was worth 14s. or 15s.

The prisoner was apprehended at Deal, with another man, by P.C. Smith, on a charge of stealing sacks, for which they were sentenced to three weeks’ hard labour, and prisoner, who was wearing prosecutor’s guernsey when apprehended, was now brought up on the above charge and committed for trial.

Kentish Express 17-12-1864

At the Folkestone Police Court, on Tuesday, William George, a French mariner, speaking English, was charged with stealing a blue guernsey shirt, a pair of black cloth trousers, &c.

William Benefield, mariner, living at the Oddfellows’ Arms, said that on Monday, the 7^th November, the prisoner was at the Oddfellows, and occupied the same bedroom with him. On witness getting up on Tuesday morning, prisoner and witness’s clothes were gone. The whole of the property was worth 14s. or 15s.

The prisoner was apprehended at Deal, with another man, by P.C. Smith, on a charge of stealing sacks, for which they were sentenced to three weeks’ hard labour, and prisoner, who was wearing prosecutor’s guernsey when apprehended, was now brought up on the above charge and committed for trial.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-1-1865

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday January 3^rd:- Before J.J. Lonsdale

William George, who stated he was a Canadian, was placed in the dock, and indicted with having stolen on the 8^th November, 1864, a blue Guernsey shirt and other articles, the property of John Benfield, to which he pleaded guilty.

The learned recorder said it was a heartless case, and committed him for three calendar months hard labour.

Folkestone Observer 7-1-1865

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday January 3^rd:- Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

William George, 40, mariner, was charged with stealing one blue Guernsey shirt and other articles, the property of John Benfield, at Folkestone, on November 8^th, 1864.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty and said he was a Canadian.

The Recorder sentenced him to six calendar months hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 10-1-1865

Quarter Sessions

These sessions were held at the Town-hall, on Tuesday, before the Recorder, J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.

William George, 40, mariner, was. charged with stealing one blue Guernsey shirt and other articles, the property of John Benfield, at Folkestone, on November 8th, 1864.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he was a Canadian.

Three months hard labour.

Dover Chronicle 22-7-1865

Folkestone Police Court, Saturday, July 15^th: before Silvester Eastes Esq.

Alfred Noel appeared in answer to a summons, charging him with receiving three pieces of lead between the 6^th and 8^th of July, the property of James Dawson Neal, well knowing the same to have been stolen. Mr. J. Minter appeared for the defendant.

The depositions of J.D. Neal, Zacharia Pettmen, John Reynolds and William Martin (for the prosecution), and of William Solly and T.J. Ledger (for the defence) having been taken, the magistrate discharged the prisoner. 

Folkestone Observer 22-7-1865

Saturday July 15^th:- Before Silvester Eastes Esq.

Alfred Noel was charged with feloniously receiving three pieces of lead line, the property of James Dawson Neal.

Mr. Minter appeared for the defence.

James Dawson Neal said – I am a publican, and reside at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, Folkestone. I am also the owner of some fishing boats. They generally lie in the harbour. Last Monday morning my men missed some lead line from the boat Nightingale, No. 19. Some days ago some lead line was shown to me, which I identified as my property. The piece of lead line now produced is that which was shown to me. I knew it by it`s make. The rope has been cut.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: I only know of the loss from my men. I cannot say how long it is since I last saw the rope. There are four pieces of rope now here. There are only two lines, but they have been cut into four pieces. I may not have seen them since they were made. The large piece belongs to the Nightingale. The piece belonging to the Nightingale may have been made a month. The other pieces I missed from my back door. I cannot say whether it is a week, a month, a year, or five years. I identify the rope in the Nightingale by the net and spun yarn.

Zachariah Petman said – I am a mariner, in the employ of the prosecutor, on all his boats. I look after them all. Last Monday week I missed a lead line from the beach in the harbour on which the Nightingale lies. I missed another piece some time before Folkestone fair, belonging to the Jane, No. 20. Folkestone fair was held on 28^th June. This piece was lying in front of the prosecutor`s house. In the beginning of July I saw the piece now produced at the defendant`s house. The other piece now produced, belonging to the Nightingale, I saw at the prisoner`s house this day week. I identify both pieces as the prosecutor`s property. I know them by the cackling. The pieces now produced were originally two lines, and one piece has been cut since I lost it.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: The broken piece has been condemned for fishing purposes. I know the rope by the cackling, which is done in the usual way.

P.C. Reynolds said that on Saturday morning, the 8^th instant, between three and four o`clock in the morning, he picked up from the porch of the prisoner`s doorway the piece of lead line produced. Superintendent Martin afterwards showed him another piece, which matched at the place where they had been divided.

Superintendent Martin, last Saturday morning went with the witness Pettman to Noel`s house, in a room of which they found the two pieces of line or rope now produced, and which Pettman said had been stolen from his master. Noel was present at the time. Witness then sent for the prosecutor, who came, and in Noel`s presence claimed the rope as his property, and said it had been stolen a short time previously. Noel told witness he had bought the rope of a man whom he should know again, for eighteen pence. After a short time he mentioned the name of Pettill as the person he had bought the rope from. Witness asked him if he was in the habit of buying rope in that way, and he said he bought a large quantity which he sent to France. Witness then said “There has been a piece of the same description of rope found in the porchway of your door this morning”. Prisoner replied “Yes, the man that I bought the other piece of called me up in the night and left the piece for me on the step of the door”. Witness then took possession of the two pieces of rope which he found in Noel`s room. On comparing one of the two pieces with the piece brought by Reynolds they matched, and the end of each fitted where the rope had been cut. Noel is a fruitere, and witness was not aware that he is anything else. Was not aware that he was a dealer in marine stores.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: Witness when he first went in said “You have got some rope here”. He said “Yes”. Witness could not say Noel said he told the man who called him up in the night he would not have the rope. He might have said so.

Mr. Minter addressed the bench, contending that Noel had bought the rope, except the piece found in his doorway, which he had refused to buy at the unreasonable hour at which it was brought.

He called William Solley, potato merchant in Tontine Street, who was at Noel`s house a week ago last Wednesday, about eight o`clock in the evening. A fisherman came to the house with a piece of rope, something like the piece produced in court, but he did not take any notice of it. Noel gave 1s 9d for it. He knew that Noel exported old nets to France. He did not know the man`s name who brought the rope. Noel did not take his name or address.

Thomas George Ledger, agent to the South Eastern Railway in Folkestone, knew Noel, and that he was an exporter of old nets to France in a large way. He was considered a trustworthy man.

The bench then dismissed the case.

Dover Chronicle 12-6-1867, Dover Express 14-6-1867, Kentish Express 15-6-1867 

Police Court, Monday: Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Tolputt Esq. 

James Hammond, a private in the 8^th Brigade, R.A., was charged with stealing one musical box, value 5s., the property of James Dawson Neal, on the 9^th inst.

P.C. Edward Smith deposed: Last evening, about half past seven, I was sent to the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. In consequence of what the landlord, Mr. Neal, told me I went in search of the prisoner, and found him close to the Fish Market. I stopped him and asked him if he had anything about him. He said “No, I have nothing.” I saw he had something under his tunic. I put my hand on it and said “What have you got here?” He did not reply. I then put my hand underneath his tunic and took out the musical box produced. I then took him into custody, and conveyed him to the police station. On the charge being read over to him he said he knew nothing about it, and he did not take it. I have had the box in my possession ever since I took it from the prisoner. 

James Dawson Neal deposed: I am the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. Prisoner and another man came to my house about six o`clock yesterday evening. He went into the parlour, and he and his friend had a pot of beer. Prisoner remained in the room about three quarters of an hour. I did not see him leave the house. I had a musical box in the parlour. It was on the table while prisoner was there. In consequence of something my servant said to me I went into the parlour, but the box was not there. I then gave information to the police. The box produced is the one stolen. It is worth five shillings.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and electing to be tried under the Criminal Justice Act, was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Observer 15-6-1867

Monday, June 10^th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Tolputt Esqs.

James Hammond, 8^th Brigade Royal Artillery, was charged with stealing a musical box.

P.C. Smith said: I was sent for by the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, last evening about half past seven. I went there, and saw the landlord, Mr. James Dawson Neal, and he told me he had lost a musical box. In company with another man, who had seen the prisoner in the Oddfellows, I went to look after him, and found him near the fish market. I stopped him and asked if he had anything on him, and seeing the shape of the box through his tunic I said “What have you got here?”. He made no reply. I then put my hand under his tunic, and took out the musical box that I produce, and I conveyed him to the station, where I charged him with stealing the box from the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. He said he knew nothing about it. On searching him I found 2s. 3d. on him.

Dawson Neal, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, said: Prisoner came into my house with another man about half past six last evening, and went into the sea parlour. They had a pot of beer. The prisoner went out, and left his friend sitting. The last time I saw him he was using very offensive language, and I told him if he could not cease using such language he had better leave the house. The musical box was on the table when he was there. The box is a child`s toy. After he had left my attention was drawn to the absence of the box, and I sent for a policeman. The man was sober when I saw him. The value of the box is 5s.

Prisoner said he took the box, but did not intend to keep it.

The Bench sentenced him to six weeks` hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 18-6-1867

Local News

At the Police Court, on Monday, a gunner of the 8th Brigade, named James Hammond, was committed for six weeks for stealing a musical box from the Oddfellows’ Arms, in Radnor Street.

Dover Chronicle 28-8-1867, Dover Express 30-8-1867, Kentish Express 31-8-1867

Police Court, Tuesday: Before Mr. J. Tolputt and Captain Kennicott R.N. 

Henry White, charged with assaulting John Ulse on the 23^rd inst., pleaded not guilty. 

Complainant, a labourer, residing at the Oddfellows Arms, said: Last Friday I was near the harbour about two o`clock, getting in some fishing nets, when defendant came to me on the beach, called me a cat and “Dawson`s whore.” I went and gave him a shove, and he struck me on the mouth with his fist and cut my lip open. Someone told him to let me alone. 

Cross-examined: I did say I`d split your head open if you said cat again.

Henry May, fisherman, of Mill Bay, was on the beach on Friday afternoon, and corroborated complainant`s evidence. 

Case dismissed.

Folkestone Observer 29-8-1868

Wednesday, August 26^th: Before The Mayor, Captain Kennicott, and Alderman Tolputt.

This was a special session for granting alehouse licenses, and the various licensed victuallers attended for the renewal of their licenses, the whole of which were granted, with one exception which was suspended for a fortnight, until the adjourned licensing day.

The license of the Oddfellows Inn (sic), Radnor Street, was granted to James Barker, in consequence of the death of James Dawson Neal, the late landlord.

Notes: This date is in contrast with info in More Bastions, and there is no mention of Barker. Actually refers to Oddfellows Arms. It also means that the licensee listed for the Albion Tavern can`t be this Neal.

 

Folkestone Express 29-8-1868

Wednesday, August 26^th: Before The Mayor, Captain Kennicott, and Alderman Tolputt.

The licensing day was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

Transfer: The license of J.D. Neal (deceased) for the Oddfellows Tavern (sic), Radnor Street, was transferred to James Barker.

Note: This transfer is not listed in More Bastions.