%20William%20Warman.jpg) |
| 1919 image of a Peace Party outside the Oddfellows Inn. Credit William Warman |
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| Photo supposedly taken outside Oddfellows Inn, 1928. Credit Gloria Suters (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Oddfellows-Inn-Folkestone.html) |
Licensees
William Begent 1845 1846
George Keeler 1846 1850s To Bird In The Hand
Richard Earle 1850s 1850s From Bird In The Hand
James Harris c1864 1884
Charles Adams 1884 1890
James Harris 1890 1890
Annie Adams 1890 1893
Frederick Adams 1893 1900
Horace Adams 1900 1908
Arthur Hartley 1908 1915
Charles Marsh 1915 1923
Clement Woodley 1923 1925
Maidstone Gazette 18-1-1848
Petty Sessions, Friday; Before Charles Golder Esq., Mayor and Wm. Major Esq.
George Norman was charged with having broken a pane of glass, the property of George Keeler, beershop keeper. Ordered to pay 2s. 6d. damage and 7s. 6d. costs, and in default of payment was committed to Dover gaol for seven days.
Folkestone Chronicle 4-1-1868
Fatal Accident
On Friday last, a maiden lady, named Elizabeth Collins, living with Mrs. Finn at 12, Charlotte Terrace, while left in the house alone, fell downstairs and never spoke afterwards, dying on Saturday afternoon. From the evidence given at the inquest, which was held on Monday at the Harvey Inn before John Minter Esq., borough coroner, it appears that Mrs. Finn and deceased had been out in the evening, and when they returned Mrs. Finn went out to get something for supper. While she was gone, Mr. Harris, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms (sic) came with the supper beer, and heard deceased fall downstairs, evidently in coming to take the beer, for the mat at the top was kicked up, as though she had tripped over it. Mr. Harris gave an alarm, and Mrs. Impett, living next door but one, went into the house and found deceased lying doubled up at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. Eastes, surgeon, attended her, but she remained insensible till she died. A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.
Note: Reporter confused the Oddfellows Arms with the Oddfellows Inn, where Harris was landlord.
Folkestone Chronicle 10-4-1869
Tuesday, April 6th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Gambrill Esqs.
John Dale was charged with assaulting William Burvill in Dover Street on the 27th ult.
Mr. Till, from the office of Mr. Minter, appeared for defendant.
William Burvill, stone mason, living in Queen Street, said: On the evening of Saturday week, about twenty minutes past eleven, I was in Dover Street, and prisoner insulted me outside the Oddfellows Inn. Defendant said “I`ve been waiting for you” and knocked me down into the middle of the road. I had not spoken to him before for some weeks. I was sober. When I got up I said I would make him pay for it, and came to the police station.
Cross-examined: I was in the Oddfellows about ten minutes. I was not hurt very seriously.
Re-examined: There were altogether six or seven persons in the street. I don`t know exactly.
William Swaine said he was with complainat on the evening of Saturday the 27th ult. when the assault took place. He saw defendant knock Burvill down without any provocation.
Cross-examined: I did not come out with a man named Stone.
William Stone was at the Oddfllows on the night in question with Burvill, defendant`s brother, Swaine, and the landlord, Harris. On going into the street he saw defendant and complainant tussling, and complainant fell. He saw no blow struck.
Cross-examined: I did not say you made any disturbance in the house.
Francis Poole was going into Harris`s on the night in question, and seeing several persons coming out in a hurry, watched them, and saw complainat fall, as though drunk. He saw no tussle or blow struck.
Cross-examined: I was the nearest person to you when you fell down.
The Bench considered the case proved, and fined prisoner 10s., and 13s. costs, or one month`s hard labour.
Folkestone Observer 10-4-1869
Tuesday, April 6th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Gambrill Esqs.
John Delo and William Delo were summoned for assaulting William Burvill on the 27th ultimo.
The defendant John Delo did not appear.
William Burvill said: I am a mason, and live in Queen Street. On Saturday weel, about ten minutes to eleven, I went to the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street. Stayed in the house about ten minutes, when I left and went into the street, where I saw the defendant William Delo standing a few yards from the house. He said “I have been waiting for you”, or words to that effect, and hit me on the right side of my head, knocking me down in the road. Had not seen defendant previous to the assault for a few weeks. I was quite sober. I said “I will make you pay for this” and walked to the police station.
Mr. Till (clerk to Mr. Minter) then rose to cross-examine the witness.
Mr. Boarer: Are you an attorney, Sir?
Mr. Till: I am.
Mr. Boarer: Have you taken out your certificate?
Mr. Till: I have, sir.
Cross-examination: Was in the house about ten minutes. Did not have a squabble with the defendant; had not quarrelled at all. I was insulted in the bar of the public house by the defendant William Delo. A friend of mine was in the house with me. Did not hurt myself when I fell down. Did not hurt my limbs, but was able to get up and walk home.
By Mr. Bradley: There were several people in the street, but did not know who they were, When I got up I walked away as I did not wish any disturbance to take place.
William Swain said: I am a butcher, living in Dover Street. Burvill was in my shop a little after eleven on the night of Saturday week when I was asked by Burvill to have a glass of ale. We went down to the Oddfellows, where we had not been more than ten minutes when Burvill was insulted by defendant. Burvill immediately left the house. I followed him out and soon afterwards saw him knocked down by the defendant. Burvill had not spoken to him previously. He hit him on the right side of the head, and knocked him into the middle of the street. He got up and I said “You had better come with me” and we went away.
Cross-examined: Did not see a man named Stone. Would swear he did not go out with Stone, as I do not know him. There was only one blow struck. The reason I did not protect my friend was that the blow came unexpectedly. Several persons followed us out of the public house.
William Stone said: I was in the public house with Burvill on the night of Saturday week. The defendants were there. Heard quarrelling going on between William Delo and Burvill. Burvill left the house with me and Swain. Saw some tussling between Burvill and the defendant. Saw Burvill slip down, after which he got up and walked away.
By the plaintiff: When you came into the bar you began laughing at the defendant.
Francis Poole said: I was in Dover Street at a quarter past 11 on Saturday night week. Saw a few persons coming out of the Oddfellows public house. They came down opposite his house. Burvill fell down as if he was “tight”. Did not see anyone hit him. When he got up he walked away. Could not tell whether he was sober or not.
By the plaintiff: I was about four yards from you when you fell. I saw you fall. Did not see anybody strike you. I fancied you were “tight”. I could not say positively.
By Mr. Gambrill: I did not see anybody close to Burvill when he fell. The defendant was between me and Burvill.
The Bench fined the defendant 10s, with the costs, 18s., or in default one month`s imprisonment. The fine was paid.
Southeastern Gazette 12-4-1869
Local News
At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday, before
R.W. Boarer and J. Gambrill Esqs., John Delo was summoned for an assault on
William Burvill. Mr. Till was for the defendant.
Plaintiff said he was a mason, and on Saturday week he
went into the Oddfellows Arms (sic), Dover-street, at a few minutes past eleven
in the evening, to have a glass of beer with a friend. While standing in front
of the bar a brother of the defendant came in and insulted him, and he, not wishing
to have a quarrel, left the house. After he got a few yards from the door the
defendant came up and said, “I have been waiting for you,” and hit him on the
right side of the head with his fist, knocking him down in the road. Witness
had not seen him to speak to for some time previously. Some of the bystanders
came along and recommended him to go away. Witness said he would make him pay
for it, and left to go to the police station.
By M. Till: There was no squabble or quarrel at all
with defendant. The brother followed him out of the house. He was not hurt
severely by the blow or fall.
William Swain, butcher, of Dover-street, corroborated.
Mr. Till, for the defendant, called two witnesses, who
deposed that Delo and Burvill tussled together, and Burvill slipped down, and
was not knocked down.
A fine of 10s., costs 13s. was inflicted; in default
one month’s hard labour.
Folkestone Express 14-9-1878
Saturday, August 7th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, and Captain Carter.
John Macpherson was charged with begging in Dover Street on Friday. P.C. Keeler said he saw the prisoner go into the Oddfellows Arms (sic) about eight o`clock, and beg of all who were in the bar.
Prisoner was sentenced to seven days hard labour.
Folkestone Express 8-5-1880
Tuesday, May 4th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, and Alderman Sherwood
George Morley was charged with refusing to quit the Oddfellows Inn on the 23rd ult., and also with being drunk and disorderly.
James Harris, landlord of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, said on the 23rd April, between nine and ten o`clock at night, defendant went to his house and stood in front of the bar. He had one or two glasses of beer before witness discovered he was in such an excited state, and he then refused to draw him any more. Defendant then said he could demand it, and should leave the house when he chose. Witness requested him to leave and he refused. He then sent for a constable. P.C. Knowles, who went, had to use force to eject defendant from the house.
P.C. Knowles said after he had ejected the defendant he went up the steps and into the house again. He got him out a second time, when he was very abusive and threatened to “do for him”.
Defendant was fined 5s. and 9s. costs in each case, or 14 days` in default.
Holbein`s
Visitors` List 16-4-1890
Inquest
An inquest was held by the Borough Coroner (John Minter
Esq.) on the body of Charles Tilley Adams, aged 35, landlord of the Oddfellows
Arms (sic), Dover Street.
Frederick Adams, an attendant at the Exhibition,
identified the body as that of his brother. Deceased had been at the Oddfellows
Arms about seven years; he was married and had five children. Previous to
taking the Oddfellows Arms, he was a steward on board the South Eastern
Company`s boats. Witness saw him alive on Sunday night at his house. He was
then quite cheerful, and had always been in the best of spirits. He was in
comfortable circumstances and had a happy home. He was in the habit of getting
up early in the morning to go for a walk on the pier – that was his constant
walk. He could swim “like a fish”. Witness` own idea was that he must have
slipped over from the pier, and struck something in falling, which was the
cause of his body floating so long. There were no external marks of violence on
the body and deceased was not subject to fits.
Bartholomew Noonan, a navy pensioner, now employed as
Harbour Porter, said he knew the deceased, and had seen him several times on
the pier. Had seen him that morning about 7.10 when he was on the promenade
near the station extension, going towards the pier. The deceased said “Good
morning” to witness and his mate. Did not see anything strange in his manner.
There was no boat coming into the harbour, but a small boat belonging to one of
the steamers was going out. After doing a little work, which occupied him about
ten minutes, witness saw something floating about six or seven yards from the
end of the pier. On looking again, saw it was the body of a man, floating face
downwards. He ran to get a boat hook, and also told the three men in the boat
that there was a man in the water. They recovered the body and brought it
ashore.
Henry Young, harbour boatman, said that at about 7.40
the previous witness sang out to him and his mate that there was a body at the
end of the pier. They rowed to the place and got hold of the body with a boat
hook. Witness, who was in the stern of the boat, then got hold of it with his
hands, keeping the head up out of the water, and his mate rowed back to the
pier as quickly as possible. The body was about 100 yards from the pier. It did
not occur to them that it was possible to attempt to restore animation before
reaching shore, but they were only a few minutes reaching the pier, and all the
usual methods for restoring the apparently drowned were then employed, but
without success.
Edward Morris, who was in the boat with last
witness, having corroborated his
evidence, Dr. Frederick Eastes said that he was called at eight o`clock to see
the deceased. Had not found any external marks of violence on the body. He was
not certain that the cause of death was drowning, because the body was found
floating so soon after the man had been seen alive. There was froth coming from
the mouth, which was one of the signs of drowning. There was no other external
sign which would point to drowning or any other cause of death. The body of a
person drowned did not usually rise to the surface for some days. There were
several things, such as fits, concussion of the brain, a blow received when
falling, syncope, &c., which would cause the body to float. If any of those
things happened the water would not be drawn into the lungs so much as in the
struggles of a drowning person, and the body would be more likely to float.
The Coroner said he remembered holding an inquest on a
gentleman who was thrown out of a boat by it`s capsizing, and fell in the water
face downwards, his head and body never going under water.
Dr. Eastes said that the best proof that death was by
drowning would be the quantity of water found in the stomach, but he had not
made a post mortem examination.
John Boorn (one of the jury) tendered himself as a
witness. At 7.10 the deceased called at witness` house, the Harbour Inn, and
had two pennyworth of rum and a halfpennyworth of milk. He was perfectly sober
and asked witness “how things were looking”. In reply to witness he said that
things were pretty well, and that he had had a fair day on Sunday. Had known
deceased a good many years, and on that morning he was as well as he had ever
seen him. It was about 7.15 when he left, and he was all right then.
The Coroner said they had two questions to decide –
what was the cause of death, and was it accidental or self-inflicted. It seemed
to him that all the evidence pointed to accidental death by drowning, but as
the doctor was not positive as to whether it was really a case of drowning they
must word their verdict as they felt best.
The jury returned a verdict of Found Dead, and, at the
suggestion of the Coroner, added the words “supposed through accidentally
falling into the water”.
Folkestone
Chronicle 19-4-1890
Inquest
The Folkestone Borough Coroner (J. Minter Esq.) held an
inquest at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening on the body of Charles Tilley
Adams, who was found dead in the sea off the Lighthouse Jetty at Folkestone on
Monday morning.
The jury having viewed the body, Frederick Adams said
he was turnstile keeper at the Exhibition Palace. The deceased was his brother.
He was 35 years of age. He identified the body which the jury had just viewed
as that of his brother, Charles Tilley Adams. The deceased was the landlord of
the Oddfellows Arms (sic), Dover Street. He had occupied the house seven years,
and was married with five children. Previous to taking the Oddfellows Arms he
was Chief Steward in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company. He last
saw him alive at his house on Sunday night at ten o`clock. The deceased was
very cheerful. He was always cheerful, and witness had never seen him in a
desponding condition. Deceased was in the habit of getting up early in the
morning to take a walk on the pier. The deceased was a good swimmer. Witness
was of opinion that he must have slipped over the side of the pier whilst
watching the boats come round, and it was very probable that he struck
something in falling.
By the Foreman: Deceased was not subject to fits.
Bartholomew Noonan, a harbour porter, stated that he
knew the deceased, and had seen him several times walking on the pier. Witness
saw him between five and ten minutes past seven that morning. Witness was
standing behind the Customs House. The deceased said “Good morning” as he
passed. Did not notice anything strange in his manner. There was no boat going
in the harbour. One went out about half an hour afterwards. Witness followed
down on to the pier about ten minutes after the deceased and, happening to look
over the head of the pier, observed the body of deceased floating in the water
about six yards to the west of the pier (the Lighthouse Jetty). The body was
floating head downwards. Witness saw one of the Company`s little boats going
out of the harbour, and they picked it up.
Henry Young deposed that he was a harbour boatman in
the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company. About twenty minutes to eight
that morning he was going out of the harbour with a little boat to get the
steamer alongside, when the last witness told him there was a body floating at
the end of the pier. He rowed to the place and secured the body with a
boathook. It was about 100 yards off the pier.
Edward Morris, another harbour boatman, said he was in
company with Young when the body was recovered. It appeared to be quite dead.
They moved the legs and arms when they got ashore, but there were no signs of
life.
Dr. Frederick Eastes said he was called upon to see the
deceased at eight o`clock that morning. Upon examining the body he found him to
be dead. There were no marks of violence, but he was not certain that death
resulted from drowning. There was froth in the mouth, which was one sign of
drowning. There were no other signs of drowning, or death from any other cause.
The body was floating, and that was one reason why he could not say positively
that death resulted from drowning. A body did not generally rise to the surface
for several days. There were several causes why the body might not sink.
Apoplexy or a fit would cause it to float, or concussion of the brain from
injuries received in falling. He had not held a post mortem examination.
John Boorn, a juryman, elected to give evidence. He
said that the deceased called at the Harbour Inn at ten minutes past seven that
morning. He had 2d. of rum and 1/2 d. of milk. He was quite sober, and asked
witness how things were looking. Witness said “Very well. What sort of day did
you have yesterday?” He replied “Very good”. He was in good spirits and left
about quarter or twenty minutes past seven.
The Corner, in summing up, said it was a very curious
fact that the deceased`s father, who was formerly Chief Steward on board the
South Eastern boats, was drowned whilst bathing in East Wear Bay. He was also a
splendid swimmer. He (the Coroner) believed the deceased`s elder brother was
drowned in Hong Kong whilst bathing.
The jury returned a verdict of Found Dead; the supposed
cause being through drowning.
Folkestone
Express 19-4-1890
Inquest
An inquest was held on Monday before J. Minter Esq.,
Coroner, on the body of Charles Tilley Adams, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms
(sic), Dover Street, who was found in the sea near the Pier, on the morning of
the 14th inst.
Frederick Adams, cash-taker at the Exhibition,
identified the body as that of his brother, his age being 35. He was a married
man with five children. He had been landlord of the Oddfellows Arms seven
years, and previous to that he was a steward in the S.E.R. Company`s service.
He last saw deceased at his house on the previous night at ten o`clock. He was
in the best of spirits, and had always been of a cheerful disposition. He was
in comfortable circumstances, and had a happy home. He was in the habit of
going for a walk early in the morning on the pier and harbour, that being his
usual habit. Deceased could swim very well. He imagined that deceased was
leaning over looking at the boat, when he slipped over, and swam about as long
as he could, and was then drowned.
Batholomew Noonan, a harbour porter, said he knew the
deceased by sight. He had seen him several times walking up and down the pier.
He saw deceased that morning at about five minutes to seven. He was going
towards the pier, and said “Good morning” to him. That was just by the gate
leading from the beach to the pier. The boat would be going out of the harbour
about twenty minutes later. About ten minutes after he went down on to the
pier, and happening to look over into the sea, he saw a body floating about six
or seven yards from the west end of the S.E.R. pier, face downwards in the
water. He hailed a boat coming out of the harbour and told the occupants, who
went and picked the body up.
Henry Young, harbour boatman, said about twenty minutes
to eight that morning the last witness shouted to him and George Bates that
there was a body floating in the water at the end of the pier. They rowed to
it, and recovered the body and brought it ashore. The body was a few yards from
the west pier.
Edward Morris, a mariner in the employ of the S.E.R.
Company, said he rowed out with the last witness and brought the body ashore.
When the body was brought up on to the pier they tried the usual means to
produce artificial respiration, but without success.
Dr. F. Eastes said that morning at eight o`clock he was
called to the pier to see the deceased. On examining the body he found him to
be dead. He could find no external marks of violence. He was not certain that
the cause of death was drowning, because of the body floating. There was froth
in the mouth, which was one of the signs of drowning, and there was no other
sign that would point to drowning or any other cause of death. The body was
floating so soon after he was seen alive. A body did not rise for some days
usually. A fit or injury would cause a body to float immediately after death.
John Boorn, a juryman, said that the deceased called at
the Harbour Inn at about ten minutes past seven that morning. He had two
pennyworth of rum and some milk. He was perfectly sober, quite cheerful, and in
good spirits.
The jury returned a verdict of Found Dead, the supposed
cause being drowning through accidentally falling into the sea.
Folkestone
News 19-4-1890
Inquest
Mr. John Minter, Borough Coroner, held an inquest at
the Town Hall on Monday evening, touching the death of Charles Tilley Adams,
whose body was found floating off the pier head at Folkestone harbour on Monday
morning.
The jury having been sworn, the following evidence was
adduced:
Frederick Adams, living at 32, Dover Street, and
employed by the Folkestone Pleasure Gardens Company said: The deceased was my
brother. His age was 35. He was married, and has left a wife and five children.
He was landlord of the Oddfellows Arms (sic), 34, Dover Street. The body now
viewed by the jury I identify as my brother. On the body being found it was
brought to 32, Dover Street. He has had the Oddfellows for seven years, and was
previously the chief steward in the S.E.R. Company`s boats. I last saw deceased
alive on Sunday evening at 10 o`clock at his house. He was then in the best of
spirits, and has always been cheerful. He was in comfortable circumstances, and
had a happy home. He was, to my knowledge, in the habit of getting up early and
taking his accustomed walk on the harbour. He could swim like a fish, to use a
common saying, and my idea is that he fell over the pier head accidentally when
watching the boat coming round from the harbour to the pier head. He was
leaning over most likely where there are no chains, and lost his balance and
fell over. He must have struck something in falling, and that accounts for him
swimming so long on the water. There are no marks upon him.
Batholomew Noonan said: I am a Navy pensioner and
harbour porter, and am working on the pier. I knew deceased by sight, and have
seen him several times walking on the pier. I saw him this morning between five
and ten minutes past seven. He was going through the gates at the entrance to
the two stations, which leads to the beach, and went towards the promenade. He
said “Good morning” to me and another man. He went in the direction of the
pier, and I noticed nothing strange in his manner. There was no boat coming in.
A boat would be coming out from the harbour about half an hour later. I went to
the end of the pier about ten minutes after, and, looking over into the sea,
saw something floating on the water about six or seven yards from the corner of
the pier, to the west. I told the man at the enging, and afterwards found it
was a body floating, with the face downwards. I told the man in a boat, and
they went and picked him up.
Henry Young said: I am harbour boatman. This morning,
about twenty minutes to eight, Noonan sung out to us that there was a woman or
man afloat outside the harbour. I was in my boat with George Bates and we rowed
out to the body, and got hold of it with a boat hook and brought it ashore. I
did not see deceased on the pier that morning. The body was floating about a
hundred yards off the west pier.
Edward Morris, mariner, in the employ of the S.E.R.
Company, said: At half past seven I was with the last witness in the boat and
we recovered the body. After we got him on the pier we tried to restore him,
but found there was no life in him. I was in the stern of the boat and held the
body up with the head out of the water. I did not know then who it was.
Dr. Fred. Eastes said: At eight o`clock I went to the
pier to see the deceased. I found him dead, and on examining the body saw no
external marks of violence. I cannot be certain that the cause of death was
drowning, because the body was floating. There was one sign of drowning, froth
from the mouth. No other sign could be found externally. In cases of drowning
the body doesn`t usually float on the surface of the water for some days. Other
causes of death might be apoplexy, syncope, fits of different kinds, when the
body would be kept from sinking, as the water would not be drawn into the lungs
like it is in the struggles caused by drowning. If the jury desired, it could
be decided whether deceased was drowned by seeing if there was water inside the
body.
John Boorn, one of the jury, offered to give evidence,
and the Coroner said he was entitled to do so. He said: About ten minutes past
seven this morning the deceased called into the Harbour Inn, and had two
pennyworth of rum and a half pennyworth of milk. He was quite sober and asked
how I was getting on. I asked him how he was; he said he was pretty well, and
was going on the harbour for a walk. He was perfectly cheerful.
The Coroner summed up, and said it appeared to him that
all the circumstances pointed to the fact that the deceased came by his death
through an accident in the manner described by his brother. With regard to the
doctor`s evidence, he remembered the case of a man falling into the sea from a
boat, when he was drowned although the body floated on the water till picked
up. There was no evidence to show how the deceased in the present instance came
into the water, and it was for the jury to say by their verdict how, in their
opinion, death was caused.
After a short consultation the jury found a verdict of
Found Dead.
The Coroner suggested that the jury were of opinion
deceased was drowned, and that he came into the sea by an accident.
This was assented to by the jury.
The Coroner said it was a curious fatality in the
family that the father of deceased was drowned in East Wear Bay while bathing,
and the eldest son, he understood, was also drowned at Hong Kong.
Southeastern Gazette
22-4-1890
Local News
Shortly after
seven o’clock on Monday morning a man named Charles Adams, landlord of the
Oddfellows’ Arms (sic), jumped into the sea from the end of the pier, and his
body was not recovered until half an hour afterwards. Business difficulties, it
is said, were the cause of the rash act. He leaves a widow and four young
children.
Folkestone
Express 3-5-1890
Saturday, April 26th: Before The Mayor,
Capt. Carter, Alderman Pledge and J. Clarke Esq.
The licence of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, was
temporarily transferred to James Harris.
Note: This transfer does not appear in More
Bastions.
Folkestone
Express 14-6-1890
Wednesday, July 11th: before J. Clark, J.
Hoad, J. Dunk, F. Boykett and E.T. Ward Esqs.
The licence of the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street, was
transferred to James Harris.
Note: This transfer does not appear in More
Bastions
Folkestone
Up To Date 24-5-1894
Inquest
Mr. Haines, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest at the Town
Hall on Monday evening, on the body of Henry Skelton, a Custom House Officer,
residing at 34, Dover Street.
Mr. Frederick Adams, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms
(sic), identified the body. He deposed that he had known the deceased as a
friend and a customer for over two years, during which time he had borne a good
character. He was a Custom House Officer. Adams further deposed that on
Saturday last, at half past eight, deceased went into the Oddfellows Inn and
had a glass of ale. He stayed half an hour, went out, and returned between 10
and 11. He was then perfectly sober, and had a glass of beer and porter, which
he drank, and left at 10 minutes to 11, bidding Adams goodnight. In leaving the
Oddfellows he had to go down some steps. About half an hour afterwards Adams
was called to assist helping him up out of the street and to carry him into his
house, next door to the Oddfellows.
Alfred Gaines, a labourer, deposed that he was in Dover
Street at 11 o`clock on Saturday evening, about 12 yards from the Oddfellows
Arms. He knew the deceased, and saw him fall backwards over the railings of the
steps at 34, Dover Street. He fell on his head. Witness went to his assistance,
and found him bleeding from the right temple and unconscious. In five minutes
Adams and another man came to his assistance, and they carried deceased indoors
and sent for a doctor.
F. Impett, shoemaker, of 44, East Cliff, corroborated
the statement of the previous witness.
Mrs. Adams, wife of Horace Adams, residing at 34, Dover
Street, deposed that deceased had lodged with her for a fortnight. He had a
latch key, and could have let himself in. She was out herself when the accident
happened. The deceased had never complained of having anything the matter with
him.
Dr. Frederick Eastes deposed that he was called at
11.20 on Saturday night to see the deceased. He found him suffering from a
contused wound on the head, which was bleeding. In his opinion the deceased was
also intoxicated. He attended to the wound, and promised to see him again on
the following morning. Before visiting him on the following morning, someone
came to him and said the deceased was dying. When he arrived at the house he
found him dead. Death was caused by fracture of the base of the skull.
The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.
Folkestone
Chronicle 26-5-1894
Inquest
An inquest was held on Monday evening at the Town Hall
before Mr. G.W. Haines (Deputy Coroner), on the body of Henry Skelton, aged 32,
who accidentally met his death on the previous Saturday evening by falling down
a flight of stone steps attached to a house in Dover Street. The following
evidence was brought before the jury, of whom Mr. Alfred Howard was the
foreman.
Mr. Frederick Adams identified the body of the deceased
as that of a Custom House officer, who had been lodging at 32, Dover Street for
the last fortnight or three weeks. On Saturday evening last the deceased came
into the Oddfellows Arms (sic) about eight and stayed for half an hour. He
returned between 10 and 11, and had a glass of beer and porter. He was sober,
and had nothing else to drink during the time he remained there. He left about
10 minutes to 11. In about a quarter of an hour after, witness was called to
render help, as the deceased had fallen down the steps which led to the door of
his lodgings. He had known him for the last two years, and could find no fault
with his habits.
Alfred Ganes, of 12, Saffron`s Place, labourer, deposed
that he was in Dover Street about 11 on the night in question, and saw the
deceased fall over the rail on the top of the steps. He appeared to turn a
complete somersault and fall straight on to his head. He picked him up, but the
poor man was not conscious.
Frederick Hippett, 44, East Cliff, shoemaker, was with
the previous witness, and gave a similar account of the accident.
Mrs. Jane Adams, wife of Mr. Horace Adams, fireman, 32,
Dover Street, said the deceased lodged with them. She was out when the accident
occurred, but the deceased could have got in as he had a latch key. She was at
her brother-in-law`s next door, and hearing the noise went out and opened the
door for them to bring the deceased in. Eleven o`clock was late for him to be
out.
Frederick Adams, re-called, said he found the deceased`s
latch key the next morning on the top step.
Dr. Fred Eastes stated that he was called in to see the
deceased. He found him lying on the bed at 32, Dover Street, suffering from a
contused wound on the right side of the head, which was bleeding. He was
intoxicated. He dressed the wound and said he would see him in the morning.
Next morning Mr. Adams came to tell him he thought he was dying, and on
hurrying down he found he was dead. Judging from what he heard of his fall and
the symptoms, he was of opinion deceased died from fracture of the base of the
skull. Deceased spoke in a drunken manner and asked “What are you doing there?”
three times. He should not think that was accounted for by the fall. He also
struggled and smelt of liquor. Whether from the fall or drink he had not enough
sense to know what they were doing for him.
In summing up, the Coroner said one would naturally
have expected as a result of the fall the deceased would have talked
incoherently. The doctor was not very emphatic in his assertion, and it would
be for the jury to say whether they thought intoxication had contributed to the
accident. If so, he was afraid it would be their duty to say so.
Mr. Adams said he wished to remark that the deceased
smelling of drink might be explained by the fact that he had rubbed the
deceased`s lips with brandy to endeavour to restore consciousness. When he last
saw him that evening he was quite right and capable, although he might have had
a glass.
The doctor further added he was unable to judge as to
the degree of the deceased`s intoxication, but he quite agreed with the Coroner
that some of the symptoms might have been caused by the fall.
Juryman Leckie: The struggling, for instance? – Yes, an
injury to the brain would cause a great deal of struggling.
The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a
verdict of accidental death.
Mr.
Adams, of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, was granted an extension for the first
annual dinner of the Sick and Dividend Society
Folkestone
Chronicle 20-12-1895
Saturday, December 14th: Before The Mayor,
Surgeon General Gilborne, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert and W. Wightwick.
Mr. Adams, of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, was granted
an extension for the first annual dinner of the “Sick and Dividend Society”.
Folkestone
Express 21-12-1895
Saturday, December 14th: Before The Mayor,
Surgeon General Gilborne, W.G. Herbert, and W. Wightwick Esqs.
Folkestone
Chronicle 16-5-1896
Saturday, May 19h: Before The Mayor, Messrs.
C.J. Pursey, W. Wighwick, and W.G. Herbert.
Frederick Adams was summoned for having his house open
for the sale of drink during prohibited hours on 25th April. Mr.
Martyn Mowll appeared for the defendant.
Sergt. Lilley stated that on Saturday, 25th
April, in company with P.C. Reed, he watched the Oddfellows public house in
Dover Street. At 5.35 he saw two men go to the side door opening into Saffron`s
Place, and one of them tried it. It was fastened. At twenty seven minutes to
six he saw defendant come downstairs, and at twenty two minutes to six the two
men who had tried the door went in. They stayed inside about a minute and a
half, and then came out. Two other men went in. Witness and Reed afterwards
entered, and found in the bar two men named Wade and White. Wade was drinking
beer out of a glass, and White was served with a pint of beer by the landlord
in witness`s presence. After they were gone, the landlord said “I haven`t got
any excuse to offer, only the men came in for a pint before they went to work”.
Mr. Mowll, for the defence, put forward the plea that
defendant, who had an excellent character, and had kept the house for several
years without complaint, was misled by a clock which was a little fast. No
doubt he had committed a technical offence, but he suggested that the justice
of the case would be met by the summons being dismissed, merely on payment of
the costs. Defendant would be more careful in future, and would in all
probability come before the Licensing Committee at the proper time, and ask
permission to open his house a little earlier, so that he would be able to
serve men with some kind of refreshment before they went to their work.
Superintendent Taylor said there had been no case
against the defendant before.
The Bench imposed a fine of 10s. and 9s. costs,
treating it as a technical offence.
Folkestone Express
16-5-1896
Saturday, May 9th: Before The Mayor, C.J. Pursey,
W. Wightwick, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.
Frederick Adams was summoned for having his house open for
the sale of drink during prohibited hours on the 25th April. Mr.
Martyn Mowll appeared for the defendant.
Sergeant Lilley stated that on Saturday, 25th
April, in company with P.C. Reed, he watched the Oddfellows public house, in
Dover Street. At 5.45 he saw two men go to the side door, opening into
Saffron`s Place, and one of them tried it. It was fastened. At 27 minutes to
six he saw defendant come downstairs, and at 22 minutes to six the two men, who
had previously tried the door, went in. They had waited outside from the time
they tried the door till they went in. Before they went in he heard one of the
men say “He`s about now”. They stayed inside about a minute and a half, and
came out. Two other men then went in. He and Read then went in, and found in
the bar two men named Wade and White. Wade was drinking beer out of a glass,
and White was served with a pint of beer by the landlord in witness`s presence.
He said to the defendant “What is the meaning of these men being here?” He
replied “What is the time, then?” Witness said “Twenty minutes to six”. There
was a clock in the bar, and it pointed the time as ten minutes to six. After
they were gone the landlord said “I haven`t got any excuse to offer, only the
men came in for a pint before they went to work”.
By Mr. Mowll: The actual time by the clock in the bar was
not seven minutes to six. Adams did not say “It`s pretty close work, Sergeant.
My clock is seven minutes to six”. There are no houses in Folkestone with an
early opening licence.
Mr. Mowll said there was no dispute as to the facts, but
there was a little difference as to the actual time. The Bench knew the situation
of the house, in the locality where there was a large number of working men,
who often desired some refreshment before going to work for two hours.
Defendant had an excellent character, and had kept the house for several years
without any complaint. The defendant`s clock might have been a little fast, but
if there was a good fault a publican could have it was to keep his clock a
little in advance of actual time, so as to ensure the closing of the house at
eleven o`clock at night, when those offences were usually committed. He
expressed surprise that there were no houses in Folkestone licensed to open
before six o`clock for the accommodation of men going to work early in the
morning. In Dover 33 houses had early opening licences, and 17 of them had a right
to open at three o`clock, and 16 at five o`clock, and it was within his own
knowledge that there were several publicans that did a very large trade in
selling coffee to people before they went to work. In the ordinary course of
things working men could not get refreshments in their own houses at that time
in the morning, before they started for their work at six o`clock, and in cold
weather to a man who was at all delicate it was a great comfort to him if he
could get something before he began his day`s work. No doubt the defendant had
committed a technical offence, but he suggested the justice of the case by the
summons being dismissed, merely on payment of the costs. Defendant would be
very careful in future, and would in all probability come before the licensing
committee at the proper time and ask permission to open his house a little
earlier, so that he would be able to serve those men with some kind of
refreshment before they went to their work.
Superintendent Taylor said there had been no case against
the defendant before, but in consequence of complaints made to him he gave
instructions for the house to be watched.
Mr. Mowll said there had been no complaint made to
defendant. But he happened to have had some unpleasantness with a neighbour,
and under those circumstances neighbours made themselves very officious.
The Bench imposed a fine of 10s. and 9s. costs, treating it
as a technical offence.
Folkestone
Chronicle 19-12-1896
Saturday, December 12th: Before Mr. W.
Wightwick, Mr. W.G. Herbert, and General Gwyn.
Mr. Adams, of the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street, applied
for an extension on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Folkestone Sick
and Dividend Society, which was granted.
Folkestone Express
19-12-1896
Saturday, December 12th: Before W. Wightwick and
W.G. Herbert Esqs., and General Gwyn.
Mr. Adams was granted an hour`s extension on the occasion of
the annual dinner of the Sick Divident Society at the Oddfellows Inn, Dover
Street.
Folkestone Chronicle
26-6-1897
Local News
At the Dover County Police Court on Thursday, John Woods,
foreman of the men employed at the works near the Warren, Folkestone, appeared
to answer a summons charging him with selling beer without a licence. Mr. F.
Hall prosecuted, and Mr. M. Mowll defended.
P.S. Weller, K.C.C., said he visited the works on May 26th.
By the aid of a pair of field glasses he saw a boy go to the defendant`s hut
and come away with four glass bottles, which he handed to some men working
near. This was repeated several times. On the 27th witness saw
defendant, who said the beer was paid for beforehand, and that it came from Mr.
Adams, of the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street, Folkestone. He said he got a
commission for storing the beer and collecting the money. A boy named Spratt
said he did the fetching and carrying of the beer for the gang he was in from
the foreman`s hut. Every man paid in advance for a pint of beer a day, and
could have more. Teetotallers had Kops Ale.
Mr. Mowll submitted that there had been no breach of the
law. He called the defendant, who said he had 300 men under him, and at their
request he got them some beer, they signing a book ordering it. They paid for
it beforehand.
Frederick Adams, Oddfellows Inn, Folkestone, said the beer
was obtained from his brewers, and sent direct to the railway siding at the
Warren.
The Bench convicted the defendant, and fined him £4 16s.
6d., including costs and solicitors` fees.
Mr. Mowll afterwards applied for and obtained a licence for
Mr. Adams to sell beer at the works.
Folkestone Express
26-6-1897
Local News
At the Dover Police Court on Thursday, John Woods, foreman
of the men employed on the South Eastern works at the Warren, between Dover and
Folkestone, was summoned for selling beer without a licence. Mr. F. Hall, of
Folkestone, prosecuted, and Mr. M. Mowll defended.
Sergeant Weller, of the K.C.C., said that on the 26th
May he went over to the works at the Warren, where there was a large number of
men employed. They went to a spot looking down on the defendant`s hut, and were
about three hundred yards from it. With the aid of a pair of field glasses,
about 2.50, they saw a lad named Spratt go to the defendant`s hut, and leave
shortly afterwards carrying four glass bottles. He took them across the line to
a forge and handed them to some men working there. About 3 p.m. a man came
across the line to defendant`s hut, and he left shortly afterwards carrying a
heavy wooden case. At 3.10 they saw the lad Spratt go to the hut again,
carrying a bag on his arm, and when he left he had something in the bag. He
went up the line to a gang of men working there, and they saw him take some
bottles out of the bag and give them to the men. Four of the men put their
hands into their pockets and handed the lad something, which he took, and after
examining it, handed them something back. On the 27th witness saw
the defendant and had some conversation with him. Defendant said he had not
been selling beer without a licence, and that the men had paid for the beer
beforehand, and he had a book which could prove it. He said further that the
beer was obtained from Mr. Adams, of the Oddfellows Arms (sic), Dover Street,
Folkestone, and that he obtained a small commission for storing the beer and
collecting the money.
Alfred Spratt, a lad employed at the Warren works, gave evidence
to the effect that he did the fetching and carrying for the gang, and it was
part of his work to fetch beer for the men from the foreman`s hut, and he did
so in the ordinary course on the 26th of May. Every man was allowed
a bottle of beer a day, and it was all paid for beforehand. If a man did not
want his bottle, he could let any other man have it, but there was no more than
one bottle per man issued. Teetotallers were supplied with Kop`s ale.
Mr. Mowll, in defence, submitted that the action of the defendant
was not a breach of the law. The defendant was a man of very high character,
and was in charge of a large body of men whose hours of labour made it an
almost necessity that they should be supplied with beer. For example, on some
occasions they worked 46 hours at a stretch, and on others 36 hours. Mr. Woods
had devised a means by which the men could be supplied with refreshments, and
that was by having the liquor sent over from a fully licensed landlord in
Folkestone. The defendant had dealt with a most difficult class of men in a
very proper manner, consistent with sobriety, and it was to his credit that
there had not been a single accident from any cause since he had been in charge
of the works.
John Woods, the defendant, said he had had as many as 300
men under him at a time, and last October the men asked him to get them some
beer. He told them that he would if they signed the book produced, and after
that was done he ordered it from Mr. Adams.
Frederick Adams, the landlord of the Oddfellows Inn,
Folkestone, said that the order for the beer was executed by his brewer, and
was sent by him direct to the siding at the Warren.
The Bench said that it was a very proper and important case
to be brought before a Court. They were of opinion that it could not be placed
in the same category as that of a restaurant keeper sending out for liquor for
his customers, and therefore they had decided to convict. Defendant would be
fined £4 16s. 6d., including costs and solicitor`s fee.
Mr. Mowll afterwards applied for and obtained an occasional
licence for Mr. Adams to sell at the works.
Folkestone Chronicle
11-12-1897
Wednesday, December 8th: Before The Mayor,
Messrs. J. Fitness, and W.G. Herbert.
Mr. Adams was accorded an extension of an hour at the
Oddfellows Inn on the occasion of a public dinner.
Folkestone Express
11-12-1897
Wednesday, December 8th: Before The Mayor, J.
Fitness, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.
An hour`s extension was granted to the Oddfellows Arms (sic)
on the occasion of an annual dinner.
Folkestone Express
14-1-1899
Saturday, January 7th: Before Alderman Banks, and
W.G. Herbert and J. Fitness Esqs.
Mr. Adams applied for an hour`s extension for an annual
dinner at the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street. Granted.
Folkestone Up To Date
14-1-1899
Local News
An extension of time was granted to Mr. Adams, of the
Oddfellows, Dover Street, for a dinner.
Folkestone Herald
3-6-1899
Folkestone Police Court
On Saturday a fisherman named Richard Brice was fined £1 and
10s. costs for being drunk and disorderly.
P.C. Dunster deposed that on the 22nd, at nearly
midnight, he found the defendant, who was very drunk, sitting on the doorstep
of the Oddfellows Inn, his clothes strewed about the street; he used bad
language. The whole neighbourhood was disturbed.
The defendant was away at sea.
Folkestone Chronicle
16-12-1899
Wednesday, December 13th: Before Alderman Banks,
and Messrs. Wightwick, Herbert, and Pursey.
Frederick Adams` application to extend premises known as the
Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street, was granted.
Folkestone Express
16-12-1899
Wednesday, December 13th: Before John Banks, W.
Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.
Mr. Adams was granted an occasional licence for a dinner of
the Oddfellows Society.
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