Princess Royal, South Street 1856 - c2010

Princess Royal, 1978

Princess Royal, June 2012

 

Princess Royal 1978

 

 

Princess Royal 1999. Credit Martin Easdown

Princess Royal 27-6-2009. Credit Paul Skelton (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Princess-Royal-Folkestone.html)

Princess Royal, date unknown. (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Princess-Royal-Folkestone.html)

 

 

Licensees

William Whiting 1856 1857

William Tumber 1857 1858

Edward Sturges 1858 1859

Henry Gibbs 1859 1861
Walter Payne 1861 1861 (1861 Census)

Charlotte Payne 1861 1861

John Hogben 1861 c1862

Frederick Graves 1863 1864 (Later Lifeboat)

John Hartley 1864 1866 (Later Foresters Arms)

Matilda McDonald 1866 1870

Francis Raynor Holmes 1870 1874

George Bartholomew Baker 1874 1878

William Watts 1878 1879

William Arthur 1879 1885

Sarah Arthur 1885 1893

Amos Alexander 1893 1894

Rebecca Felmingham 1894 1895

Walter Young 1895 1896

Alfred Taylor 1896 1897

Andrew Adams 1897 1899 Ex Belle Vue Hotel. Later Bouverie Hotel

John Stewart Muller 1899 1901

John Riddalls 1901 1905 From Perseverance

Charles Bassett 1905 1910 To Harvey Hotel

William Heritage 1910 1916 Ex Lord Nelson

Mabel Heritage 1916 1919

William Heritage 1919 1938

Thomas Buddell 1938 1939
Executors of Thomas Buddell 1939 1939

Horace Robbins 1939 1939

John Gamble 1939 1940

John Chisman 1940 1943

Leonard Kenward 1943 1944 Also Morehall 1942-49. Licence Suspended 1944-48

Frank Kennedy 1948 1950

Charles Smith 1950 1953

Hugh Paterson 1953 1953

Sidney Grinstead 1953 1957

John Monaghan 1957 1958

Arthur Burfoot 1958 1960

Frederick Rowell 1960 1961

William Dennis 1961 1968

Thomas Gallagher 1968 1977

Bryan Feret 1977 1982

Leslie Coles 1982 1986

Peter West 1986 1987

Richard Askem 1987 1989

Anthony Farrell 1989 1993

Stanley Richards and James Blenkinsopp 1993 1993

Stanley Richards and Andre Ferguson 1993 1993

Stanley Richards and Barry Greaves 1993 1994 Stanley Richards To Honest Lawyer

Robert Brown and Pamela Brown 1994 2004

Michael Davies 2004 2004 Also Earl Grey

Nicky Lynch 2004 2004 +

Folkestone Chronicle 20-9-1856

Tuesday September 16^th.  Present – The Mayor, W. Major, W. Bateman, S. Mackie and J. Kelcey Esqs.

William Whiting, landlord of the Princess Royal (late the Engine Inn) appeared to answer an information, charging him with keeping his house open during the hours of divine service on Sunday last.

Police constable Nicholls proved he found several persons drinking in his house about noon on Sunday last. The house was usually well conducted, and there was no noise or disturbances on that morning.

Defendant pleaded that his was a house for travellers, that he had 10 lodgers, and that he could not control the persons who might frequent it.

The Mayor said he was glad to find the polive give such a good account of the general conduct of the defendant; he should therefore mitigate the fine to 1s and costs to 8s 6d.

Southeastern Gazette 23-9-1856

Petty Sessions: Before The Mayor, W. Major, W. Bateman, S. Mackie, and J. Kelcey, Esqs.

William Whiting, landlord of the Princess Royal (late Engine Inn,) appeared to answer the complaint of Superintendent Steer for keeping his house open for the sale of beer during divine service on Sunday last.

Samuel Nichols, police constable, proved to finding 7 persons jn the defendant’s house at half-past 12 o’clock; there was three or four lodgers and strangers, and beer on the table in a glass. The men were very quiet.

Defendant, said that several travellers had come in from Dover and had refreshments; they had some beer and left it in a glass; he served no other persons; a man named Lyas brought them in. He had kept a house for many years, and had never been complained of before.

In answer to a question from Mr. Bateman Superintendent Steer said the house was well conducted.

Fined 1s., costs 8s. 6d.

Folkestone Chronicle 5-9-1857

Local News

On Tuesday night, about 12 o`clock, a fire suddenly broke out in a cellar of the public house known as the Princess Royal, in South Street, greatly to the alarm of the inmates and the surrounding inhabitants. The engines quickly arrived at the spot, but there being no water in the harbour, and the Water Company`s mains turned off, they would have been useless, and the whole street might have been burned down, had it not been for the exertions of the coastguard and Mr. Boult, the landlord of the adjoining house, from whose premises all the water required was obtained, and the fire speedily extinguished.

Southeastern Gazette 8-9-1857, Dover Chronicle 12-9-1857

Friday: Before The Mayor, G. Kunnicott, J. Kelsey, and W. Major, Esqs.

William Whiting, publican, was charged with assaulting Michael Curtis Clark, bailiff to Mr. John Banks.

It appeared that Mr. Banks, on the 27th August (under a bill of sale,) put a bailiff named Punnett in defendant’s house, and on the Sunday following the bill was stolen from Punnett’s pocket. Mr. Banks then withdrew Punnett, and put the complainant (Clark) in possession, who continued so until Wednesday last, when defendant asked him to produce his authority He produced the draft of the bill of sale, the original having been stolen from Punnett. Defendant then told him that he had no authority to be there without the original bill of sale, and very roughly pushed him out of the house.

Fined £5 for the assault, or two months’ imprisonment.  

Folkestone Chronicle 19-9-1857, Kentish Gazette 22-9-1857 

Police Court, Wednesday, before R. W. Boarer. Esq., James Tollputt, Esq., and Gilbert Kennicott, Esq.

William Whiting, of the Princess Royal, was fined £1 and costs, for keeping his house open for the sale of beer during the hours of divine service on Sunday morning last. 

Folkestone Chronicle 7-11-1857

Wednesday November 4^th: - Before G. Kennicott and J. Kelcey Esqs.

William Tumber was fined 5s and costs for having his house, the Princess Royal, South Street, open before 1 o`clock on Sunday last.

Southeastern Gazette 10-11-1857

Wednesday: Before G. Kennicott and J. Kelcey Esqs.

William Tumber, of the Princess Royal, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer at half-past one o’clock on the morning of Sunday last.

Fined 5s. and costs.

Southeastern Gazette 2-3-1858

Local News

At the Petty Sessions, before R. W. Boarer, Esq., Mayor, and Wm. Major, Esq., Ann Mercer was charged with stealing a shawl and a petticoat, the property of her sister Sarah, who resides with her mother, at the Princess Royal, South Street. It appeared that the prisoner was in the habit of robbing her sister whenever she came home, after being absent for months; the last time her sister returned prisoner went upstairs and took the above articles, and when found by police constable Ingram Swain she was wearing them, and was in company of two soldiers at Sandgate. Having been several times convicted and pleading guilty, she was sentenced to two months’ hard labour in Dover gaol. 

Kentish Independent 6-3-1858 

Petty Sessions: Before R.W. Boarer Esq., Mayor, and Wm. Major Esq.

Ann Mercer was charged with stealing a shawl and a petticoat, the property of her sister, Sarah, who resides with her mother at the Princess Royal, South Street. It appeared that the prisoner was in the habit of robbing her sister whenever she came home, after being absent for months; the last time her sister returned prisoner went upstairs and took the above articles, and when found by police constable Ingram Swain she was wearing them, and was in the company of two soldiers at Sandgate. Having been several times convicted, and pleading Guilty, she was sentenced to two months` hard labour in Dover gaol.

Folkestone Chronicle 29-5-1858

Thursday May 27^th:- Before R.W. Boarer and James Kelcey Esqs.

Ann Mercer, Elizabeth Howitt, Edward Young, and George Gallop were brought up on remand, charged with being concerned in stealing a purse containing 16s. and other monies, also a silver watch, gold seal and key, value £2, the property of Robert Anash, master of the Deal lugger, the Isabella. It appeared that the prosecutor came ashore in the morning, and took lodgings at the Princess Royal public house in South Street; that getting very drunk towards evening, he retired to be about 9 o`clock, having his watch with him, and some money, the landlord having previously changed a sovereign for him. No evidence being adduced agains the three last named prisoners, who were sleeping in the same room with prosecutor, they were acquitted, and the other prisoner, Ann Mercer, a prostitute, was put on her trial. It seemed that prisoner went to prosecutor`s room early in the morning, and rousing him asked him to give her some beer, - or some money to get some. He refused, and on getting up in the morning he missed his watch and money. The police were called in, and the prisoners and room searched, but no trace of the stolen property being discovered, or sufficient evidence to incriminate the prisoner Mercer, she was discharged.

Kentish Gazette 1-6-1858 

At the Police Court on Thursday, before R. W. Bower and James Kelcey, Esqrs., Ann Mercer, Elizabeth Howitt, Edward Young, and George Gallup were brought up on remand, charged with being concerned in stealing a purse containing 16s. and other monies, also a silver watch, gold seal, and key, value £2, the property of Robert Amish, master of the Deal lugger, the Isabella. 

It appeared that the prosecutor came ashore in the morning, and took lodgings at the Princess Royal public house in South Street; that getting very drunk towards evening, he retired to bed about nine o'clock, having his watch with him and some money, the landlord having previously changed a sovereign for him. 

No evidence being adduced against the three last-named prisoners, who were sleeping in the same room with prose­cutor, they were acquitted, and the other prisoner, Ann Mercer, a prostitute, was put upon her trial. 

It seemed that prisoner went to prosecutor's room early in the morn­ing, and rousing him asked him to give her some beer, or some money to get some. He refused, and on getting up in the morning he missed his watch and money. 

The police were called in, and the prisoners and room were searched, but no trace of the stolen property being discovered, or sufficient evidence to criminate the prisoner Mercer, she was discharged

Southeastern Gazette 31-8-1858

Wednesday: Before the Mayor and J. Kelcey, Esq.

At the sitting of the magistrates on Wednesday, the following license was transferred: The Princess Royal, South Street, from William Tumber to Edward Sturges. 

Folkestone Chronicle 2-10-1858

Wednesday September 29^th:- Before the Mayor, G. Kennicott and W. Major esqs.

This being the adjourned licencing day the following licence was transferred: The Princess Royal, South Street, from William Tumber to Edward Sturges.

Canterbury Journal 9-10-1858

At the sitting of the Magistrates on Wednesday, the following licenses were transferred: The Bellevue Tavern, from William Hills to Charles Griggs; The Princess Royal, South Street, from William Tumber to Edward Sturges; and the Duke of York, Sandgate, from William Wood to Richard Graves Wood. The license of George Kennett, Bricklayers Arms, Fancy Street, was refused.  John Dent, of London, applied for a license for the London Stores, wine and spirit vaults, Bail Street, was refused, he having failed to comply with the requirements of the Bench, in producing a certificate of character from where he last resided.

Dover Chronicle 27-11-1858

Petty Sessions, Friday, Nov 19^th: Before R.W. Boarer and W. Major Esqs.

Philip Wellington Sings was charged with assaulting George Sturges, the landlord of the Princess Royal, on the previous evening. Fined 20s. and costs.

Dover Telegraph, Folkestone Chronicle 19-2-1859 

Advertisement: To be let, the Princess Royal Inn, Folkestone, near the harbour, where a snug trade may be done in Ale and Spirits. Rent and valuation low.

For particulars apply to Henry Gibbs, Stourmouth Brewery, near Wingham, Kent; or to Mr. Richard Hambrook, Globe Inn, Folkestone.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-2-1862

Coroner`s Inquest

An inquest was held on Thursday last, February 12^th, at the Harbour Inn (sic), Folkestone, before the new coroner, John Minter Esq., on the body of Norris Stokes, a hawker of poultry and game, who had committed suicide on the previous day by hanging himself to a bed post.

The jury, with Mr. H.T. Hale as their foreman, having been sworn, they proceeded to view the body, which was lying at the Princess Royal public house.

On their return the first witness called was Filmer Tyas, who being sworn, stated that he was a labourer, in the employ of Mr. Pilcher, and that he lodged at the Princess Royal public house. He knew the deceased, and he believed him to be about 42 years of age. On the Tuesday previous, deceased came to the house about 9.15. He came into the taproom and called for a pint of beer, which he sat and drank, and smoked his pipe. About 9.30 witness got up and went out, and did not return until between 11 and 12. Deceased had then gone to bed, and witness saw no more of him until about 12 the next day, when the landlady enquired if he had seen deceased go out, and asked him to go upstairs and see. Witness went up, and on opening the bedroom door, saw deceased hanging to the bed post. He appeared to be on his knees, with his face towards the door. He had seemed to be in a depressed state of mind for some time past.

Mary Hobden, being sworn, said – I am the wife of John Hobden, landlord of the Princess Royal public house. On Tuesday night, about 9 o`clock, deceased came to our house and asked for a bed. He had frequently been to the house, but never slept there before. My husband told him he could have a bed; he asked how much. On being told 6d., he asked if it was a good bed, and if there were any other beds in the room. He then went out, but returned in 10 minutes, and called for a pint of porter. He sat for an hour smoking his pipe. I sat by his side at work. He then paid his 6d., and I went upstairs with him with a candle to show him in his room. I drew the curtains, and on looking round, I saw the deceased was laughing, and he said he did not like anyone else to be in his bedroom. We heard a slight noise in the night, but it appeared like someone at the front door. I asked Tyas in the morning if he had seen deceased go out. On his coming downstairs, and saying the man was dead, my husband sent for a policeman.

P.C. Woodland, sworn, said – On Wednesday about half past twelve, from information received, I went to the Princess Royal, South Street. I went up to the top room in the house. I saw the deceased hanging by a piece of cord (produced) to the bedstead by a running noose – the knot under his left ear; his feet were touching the skirting board; his knees were doubled under him but did not touch the ground. I cut him down – he was quite dead. I searched his clothes and found a key and a dinner knife recently sharpened. I have known deceased fifteen years. I remember his brother Jesse, fourteen years ago, attempting to hang himself in a barn. Deceased has appeared to be very strange for some time past. An accident happened to deceased and his brother some time ago; his brother, driving a cart from Dover, drove over the cliff, since which time deceased has not appeared right in his mind. Verdict, “Temporary Insanity”.

Maidstone Journal 18-2-1862, Kentish Independent 22-2-1862

An inquest was held on Thursday last at the Harbour Inn, Folkestone, before John Minter Esq., borough coroner, on the body of Norris Stokes, a hawker of poultry and game, who had committed suicide on the previous day by hanging himself to a bad-post. Filmer Tyas stated that he was a labourer in the employ of Mr. Pilcher, and that he lodged at the Princess Royal public house. On the Tuesday evening previous, deceased came to the house about 9 o`clock and called for a pint of beer, which he sat and drank and smoked his pipe. About an hour afterwards he went to bed, and witness saw no more of him until about 12 the next day, when the landlady enquired if he had seen deceased go out, and asked him to go upstairs and see. Witness went up, and on opening the bedroom door, saw deceased hanging to the bed-post. His feet were touching the skirting board, and his knees were doubled under him, but he did not touch the ground. He was quite dead. A knife recently sharpened was found in his pocket. Other evidence was given to show that the deceased had appeared depressed lately, and it also appeared that his brother had once attempted to commit suicide. A verdict of “Temporary Insanity” was returned.

Canterbury Weekly Journal, Kentish Mercury 22-2-1862 

An inquest was held at the Princess Royal Inn, South Street, Folkestone, on Thursday last, before John Minter Esq., coroner, on the body of Norris Stokes, a hawker of poultry. It appeared that the deceased had become low-spirited from adverse circumstances; his wife was in a lunatic asylum and his children starving; his goods had been seized and sold for rent, and his children were afterwards sent to the Union. He engaged a bed at the above place, and after having smoked a pipe he told the landlord not to call him before 12, as he meant to have a good night`s rest, not having had one lately. In the morning he was found hanging to the bed-post, quite dead, and there was a large knife on the bed near him. Verdict “Temporary Insanity.”

Southeastern Gazette 18-2-1862

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Princess Royal Inn, South Street, Folkestone, on Thursday last, before John Minter, Esq., coroner, on the body of Norris Stokes, a hawker of poultry.

It appeared that the deceased had become low spirited from adverse circumstances; his wife was in a lunatic asylum and his children starving; his goods had been seized and sold for rent, and his children were afterwards sent to the union. He engaged a bed at the above place, and after having smoked a pipe he told the landlord not to call him till 12, as he meant to have a good night’s rest, not having had one lately. In the morning he was found hanging to the bed-post, quite dead, and there was a large knife on the bed near him.

Verdict, “Temporary insanity.”

Kentish Gazette 18-2-1862 

Norris Stokes, a hawker of poultry and game, hung himself in a bedroom at the Princess Royal public house on Tuesday night The deceased had not lodged at the Princess Royal before. It appears that the conduct of the deceased has been somewhat strange lately. Some time ago he and his brother were proceeding in a cart to Dover, and the brother drove over the cliff. Since that accident the deceased has not appeared to be in his right mind.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-10-1862

Friday October 10^th:- Before W.F. Browell and W. Wightwick Esqs.

John Hobden appeared on a summons, charged that on 1^st October he allowed certain improper and disorderly persons to assemble in his ale house and victualling house.

Mr. Minter appeared for defendant.

Police constable Reynolds deposed that defendant was landlord of the Princess Royal Inn, South Street. On Wednesday night, the 1^st October, witness went on duty in South Street a little before 12 o`clock; in the bar parlour he saw two prostitutes sitting down with a sergeant of the 25^th Regiment; in the tap room, another prostitute was sitting down, each having drink before them; there was no noise. Witness told the landlady he should report the circumstance; at a quarter past 12, witness visited the house again, and found that two prostitutes were still there. Witness had cautioned the landlady about a month ago about one of the girls, named Ann Mercer. This was the case.

Mr. Browell said he did not think they would have to trouble Mr. Minter.

Mr. Browell, in summing up, said there was not sufficient to warrant a conviction, but enough for a caution. The summons must be dismissed.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-11-1862

County Court

Thursday November 13^th

Hollidge v Henry Gibbs – This was an action of ejectment brought against defendant, a brewer at Stourmouth, to recover possession of the premises known as the Princess Royal, South Street. Mr. Drummond, of Croydon, appeared for plaintiff; Mr. Minter for defendant.

From the opening of Mr. Drummond, corroborated by evidence, it appeared that notice to quit was served on defendant by Messrs. Brockman and Harrison, the notice expiring at Michaelmas last, but defendant held on; grounded his right of possession on an alleged verbal agreement with a Mrs. Webb, since deceased, the previous owner of the property, the tenancy by this agreement commencing on January 6^th,1859; and therefore the notice to quit not being equal, a good deal of conflicting evidence on both sides was given, and His Honour ultimately gave a verdict for the plaintiff, with costs of attorney and three witnesses.

Note: More about Gibbs can be found here http://www.breweryhistory.com/journal/archive/117/bh-117-027.html

Note: No record of Hollidge as a licencee

Folkestone Chronicle 6-12-1862

Advertisement

To Builders

Tenders are invited for pulling down and rebuilding the Princess Royal Public House, South Street, Folkestone, for Messrs. Nalder and Collyer.

Plans and specifications for the same may be seen at the office of Mr. J. Gardner, Architect, Folkestone, on and after Monday next.

The tenders are to be sent in at or before six o`clock p.m., on Monday, the 15^th inst.

Messrs. Nalder and Collyer do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender.

December 5^th, 1862

 

Folkestone Observer 18-7-1863

Saturday July 11^th:- Before James Tolputt and A.M. Leith Esqs.

Public House Licence

Mr. Drummond, of Croydon, made application for temporary authority to sell at the Princess Royal, South Street, and authority was granted to Mr. F. Graves.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-2-1864

Coroner`s Inquest

February 17^th

An inquest was holden on Wednesday last at 2 p.m., at the Princess Royal, South Street, before the coroned, John Minter Esq., on the body of Elizabeth Bridgland, a young woman, a domestic servant, in the employ of Mr. Thos. Goodban, professor of music, Upper Sandgate Road, who came to her death as detailed in the evidence given.

The jury, having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, which lay in a most inconvenient shed on the beach, in which there was hardly room for the body to lie, and into which it was therefore impossible for all jurymen to get at once, and at which much surprise and indignation was expressed by the jury.

The following evidence was then adduced:

James Bridgland, a brother of the deceased, being sworn, deposed he resided in Radnor Street, and was a baker; identified the body as that of his sister, Elizabeth Bridgland. She was 22 years of age and was living with Mr. Goodban, Sandgate Road, as domestic servant; saw her last alive at Mr. Goodban`s about a week ago; witness was passing and saw her at the door. She had been living there about 2 years and 3 months; had seen her occasionally during that time at his house – she being an orphan had no other home. She had complained to witness lately that she was troubled with the chest and head. She had never said anything to witness that led him to suppose she had any intention of destroying herself.

Thomas Lee, being sworn, deposed he was a labourer, living in Folkestone; went on the beach from the Lower Sandgate Road, the west side of the gas house, about a quarter to seven this morning; looked over the full of the beach and saw something floating in the water. Witness then went closer and saw it was the body of a female floating; the tide was very high and the water very deep; witness made two attempts to recover the body by going into the water; the body was floating about 10 feet out, and the water was about 6 or 7 feet deep. Witness then called for assistance, and a man called Thomas Stone, who was loading shingle into a cart, came, but they both could not get the body out. Witness then called a preventive man named Charles Budden, who was on duty near the coast guard cottages. Witness then procured a clothes prop, and by means of it got the body of deceased out. When witness took the body out, he felt her hand and it was cold, but the body was limp. Witness did not think she had been in the water long, but there was a discussion as to how long the body had been in; someone said “She is hardly cold”. Witness sent for a policeman and thought the policeman would have brought a doctor. Witness turned the body over to see if water would run out of her mouth.

The Coroner remarked “You had better have sent for a doctor”.

Witness resumed: He and Budden carried the body up to the shed on the beach where it is now lying; did not notice any marks of violence on the body. It was about 15 yards to the eastward of the jetty next the gashouse where the body was floating.

Charles Budden, sworn, deposed he was a preventive man, residing at the Coast Guard Cottages, Folkestone; went on duty at a quarter past six this morning and relieved a man named George Gammon, just opposite the jetty before spoken of, in the Sandgate Road. Witness`s beat was from the Clock House to the Tollgate. The tide was full and making to the eastward and had been so for some time before six, so that deceased must have got into the water westward of where she was found. Witness went to his beat by way of the back of the gashouse and then on to the Sandgate Road. Witness went through to the beach near Cook`s garden and then returned into the road, and came back along the road as far as Mr. Tolputt`s yard, and then through the buildings into the Watch House, and got back about half past six. Witness saw no-one on the beach or in the road as he went to and fro; saw the last witness beckon him and went towards him; saw the body and then returned to get a grappling iron. Witness did not think the body had been long in the water from it`s being limp, and from knowing that anything falling into the water westward would not come on shore so soon in consequence of the action of the tide.

In answer to a question from the coroner, witness said he did not know what to do in the event of a person being found recently drowned. He could not read very well. He thought there were regulations posted in the Watch House, but could not be sure of it; assisted the last witness to carry the body where it now lies; have been stationed here two years next May; there is a grappling iron in the boathouse, kept by the carpenter, but the shop was locked. The grappling irons belonging to the Town are so heavy that they would be useless to recover a person drowning.

Thomas Goodban, sworn, deposed that he resided in the Sandgate Road and was a professor of music. Deceased had lived with him about two years and three months as a domestic servant; saw the deceased the night before last; she cami into the parlour to take the plate basket away as is her usual custom. She had gone to bed when witness got home last night between 10 and 11. Just before light this morning, or about 6 o`clock, witness heard deceased come out of the bedroom and go downstairs. Witness heard nothing more till about half past 8 when the knife-boy called witness, who went downstairs and questioned the boy, who said he had found the area door open, none of the fires alight, but found the breakfast tray partly prepared. Sims, the milkman, was in the passage and said a woman had been taken out of the water. Deceased had been ailing for some time past and had been suffering from depression of spirits, and had been placed under the care of Mr. Bowles, who attended her professionally. Latterly her depression had assumed a religious form, she declaring herself a lost soul. Yesterday Mrs. Goodban had made arrangements for deceased to go away for a week or two`s holiday. She has never been strong-minded since she had been in witness`s service.

The Coroner, in summing up, observed he wished to cast reflections on no-one, but he could not help observing that if the ordinary means had been resorted to in this case there is little doubt but that the poor girl`s life would have been saved. He could not help remarking that if the directions, which it appeared were posted up in the Watch House, had been duly read to the men engaged in the preventive service, they would have been able in an emergency like this to resort to the means to be used for restoring life. It was a frequent, he was almost going to say, a daily occurrence, where lives were saved after being immersed for a long time in the water. He wished to cast ni imputation on anyone, but felt bound to make these observations: with respect to the witnesses who had been examined, he felt bound to say that if they had sent for a doctor first, and a policeman afterwards, they would have been acting wisely. He trusted, however, that in the future those in authority at the Coast Guard Cottages would take some steps to instruct the men under their charge to take some means to endeavour to restore life to persons apparently dead from drowning, as in this case, as he observed before, no doubt the life of the girl would have been saved. The Coroner then adverted to the evidence which went to prove that deceased could not have fallen into the water out of a boat, as the action of the tide would have carried her away and not to land as in this case. There were two things to be considered by the jury – the manner of her death and the state of her mind. They had heard the evidence of Mr. Goodban which showed that the deceased had religious delusions and a depressed state of mind. It was for the jury to consider all the circumstances and give a verdict in accordance with what they had heard.

The jury then consulted and returned a verdict that the deceased had destroyed herself whilst labouring under temporary insanity.

The foreman of the jury, by their request, wished the Coroner to represent to the Town Council the very inefficient means available on the beach for the recovery of persons drowning, and suggesting that some appliances for the purpose might be supplied by the Council.

Folkestone Observer 20-2-1864

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Princess Royal public house on Wednesday, before John Minter Esq., on the body of Elizabeth Bridgland, which had been that morning found in the sea, near the coastguard station. The jury, having been sworn, inspected the body, after which the following evidence was taken:

James Bridgland, baker, living in Radnor Street, identified the body of deceased as that of his sister Elizabeth Bridgland, 22 years of age, living as domestic servant at Mr. Thomas Goodban`s, Sandgate Road. The last time he saw or spoke to her was a week ago, as he was passing Mr. Goodban`s, when she was standing at the door. She had been living at Mr. Goodban`s upwards of two years. Had seen her occasionally on a Sunday. Witness had no father or mother and she looked upon his house as her home. She had complained lately of being troubled in her chest and head. She never said anything to witness as to her having a design to destroy herself. He had noticed nothing strange in her manner.

Thomas Lee, labourer, went on the beach that morning about ten minutes past seven, at the Sandgate side of the gas works, when he saw something floating in the water. Going closer to it, he saw it was the body of a female. He made two attempts to get the body out, but the tide was high, and the water deep, and he was each time obliged to return. The body was floating nine or ten feet in and rolling over and over. Witness finding he could not get at the body, called to a man named Thomas Stone, who was loading beach. Stone was on the beach when witness went down, and was the only person he could see. He came to witness`s assistance, but they still could not get at the body. Witness ran to get a clothes prop, and seeing Charles Budden abreast of the Coast Guard Cottages, he beckoned to him and he came up. Witness obtained a clothes prop, and brought the body ashore, Stone assisting to pull the body up the beach. The body was limp, and someone said she was dead; Stone said she was not; witness took hold of her hand, and found it cold, and said “Oh, she is dead enough”. It was said about there that she had not been in the water long, because she was so limp, so they turned the body over to see if water would run out of her. A boy came running down off the bank just before the coastguardsman came and they sent him for a policeman. Witness never thought for a moment that the policeman would not bring a doctor. They then carried the body up to the shed where it had been seen by the jury. Witness did not see any marks of violence on the face of the body. It was found about 150 yards east of the jetty.

Charles Budden, coastguardsman, went upon duty this morning at a quarter past six, relieving George Gammon in the road just opposite the first jetty the other side of the gas house. His beat is from the clock house to the toll gate. The tide was running eastward, and the deceased must have thrown herself in to the west of where she was found. Witness went on to the beach, and the last witness beckoned to him. He went down to the beach, and returned to get the grappling irons, but he got a boat hook. When he got down again the body was taken out. He thought deceased might have thrown herself in this morning before daylight. He thought so because of the action of the tide, as anything in the water to the westward of the jetty would not get in along shore there; it would go out to sea, or sink. He did not know anything of how to restore persons. He could read a little, but not much. There might be regulations as to restoring persons, on a board in the watch room, but he did not know, and he had never heard them explained. He heard other men say that morning that regulations were posted up in the watch room. There was nothing supplied to save life. The carpenter had some grappling irons in the shop, but the shop was locked. There were some grappling irons on the beach, but it would take quarter of an hour to get them, as they had probably not been taken down since they were first hung up. Besides they were so heavy they could not be thrown five or six feet.

Thomas Goodban, professor of music, living in Sandgate Road, said deceased had lived with him as domestic servant between two and three years. Just at the twilight that morning he heard her come out of her bedroom and go downstairs. About a quarter past eight the boy who cleaned the boots and knives called him downstairs, as he had found the area door open, none of the fires alight, and no-one about. On the table was the breakfast tray, with the cups and saucers and table cloth. She had been ailing for some time past and suffered from depression of spirits. In consequence she was placed under the care of Dr. Bowles. Latterly her depression had assumed a religious form. She thought she was a lost soul. He believed her to be a thoroughly upright and modest girl. She had complained to her mistress very much about her head. They were about to make arrangements for her to go away for a holiday.

The Coroner, charging the jury, said he thought if there were directions posted up in the coastguard room as to what should be done in the event of a body being brought ashore it was the duty of someone in authority to see that the men were fully instructed in them.

The jury returned a verdict of temporary insanity, and requested the Coroner to draw the attention of the Council to the absence from the beach of proper means for saving life.

Southeastern Gazette 23-2-1864

Inquest

On Wednesday last an inquest was held at the Princess Royal public-house, before the coroner, J. Minter, Esq., on the body of Elizabeth Bridgland, which bad been found that morning in the sea near the coastguard station.

It appeared from the evidence that the body of the deceased was found about ten minutes-past seven on Wednesday morning, floating on the water, at the Sandgate side of the gas works, by a labourer named Thomas Lee, who obtained assistance and got it out. Deceased had been in the service of Mr. Goodban, music-seller, Sandgate Road, between two and three years. She was heard to go down stairs just at twilight that morning, and at a quarter-past eight it was found that she had left the house. She had been ailing for some time past, and suffered from depression of spirits, in consequence of which she was placed under the care of Dr. Bowles. Latterly her depression had assumed a religious form. She thought she was a lost soul. Mrs. Goodban believed her to be a thoroughly upright and modest girl. She had complained to her mistress. very much about her head.

The jury returned a verdict “That deceased destroyed herself while in a state of temporary insanity, and wished to draw the attention of the council to the absence from the beach of proper means of saving life.

 

Folkestone Observer 28-5-1864

Wednesday May 25^th:- Before James Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

George Warman appeared on summons charged with assaulting Thomas Warman, his father.

Thomas Warman said that on Sunday evening, a trifle after eleven o`clock, he went into the cellar for some fish baskets, when the defendant took both his hands and knocked him down, and then knocked him down again. He said “---- you. I`ll kill you for what you have been telling the sergeant of police”. Defendant struck him a third time, and then witness got clear after that, and got out of his hands, and ran away as fast as he could.

Cross-examined: He was going to take the pony and cart out that night, for he had a chance to earn a sovereign, and he was going to do it. Part of the pony belonged to him. He was not going to turn the pony out into the street; he was going down for some mackerel. The cart belonged to him. Not one halfpenny of it belonged to defendant. When defendant struck him he was not going to turn the pony out; he was after a basket to have a half hundred of mackerel. The cart belonged to him, and defendant bought the horse, and paid for it. His son kept the horse; not defendant, but another son. Defendant did not pay all the price of the pony; he (witness) paid £3 towards it. He could have earned a sovereign easily, and defendant stopped him from it. Defendant did not give him one halfpenny to pay for the cart. Witness left his watch in pawn for a part of the money, for the springs and the axle-tree. He paid for the other part of it.

Defendant said he bought the horse for his young brother, for him to get money to support his sisters while his father was a bankrupt. His father told him he would turn the pony into the streets, and he was going down to do it. As plaintiff went into the stable, he (defendant) pushed the door with one hand.

Frederick Graves, landlord of the Princess Royal, South Street, when he shut up his house about eleven o`clock on Sunday night, went along as far as the arches, and hearing a grumbling he walked through the arches towards the fish market. When there, he saw Mr. Warman and his son had hold of a cart, and one said he should not have it, and the other said he would. They stood in that position for some little time, and at last the father let go the cart, and his son ran it back close to the North Foreland. After that both went into the market, and there were some words passing between them. One was one side of the market, and the other the opposite side. After that the cart was wheeled out round to the harbour side of the market place by the father, then the son wheeled it back where it was before. After that the father went into the stable. What he went in there for witness did not know. Then he saw the father go home. There were no blows struck that witness saw, none at all.

Cross-examined: No-one but complainant was in the yard. All that witness heard him say was that he would summon his son for taking away the cart; that the cart belonged to him, and the son had paid nothing towards it. It was about ten minutes past eleven that witness first went along, and he stayed there until about twenty minutes to twelve. He never lost sight of defendant before he went home. The father went down towards the stable and came out again, but the son did not go down and witness heard nothing about blows being struck.

The bench said complainant had failed to prove the charge and the case must be dismissed.

Folkestone Observer 11-6-1864

Monday June 6^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Tolputt Esq.

Mr. George Hobday, Shellons Lane, having taken the Princess Royal public house, South Street, applied for protection until the 27^th July next, the next licensing day.

Note: This transfer is at variance with More Bastions. Probably meant John Hartley

Folkestone Chronicle 23-7-1864

Monday July 18^th:- Before C. Doridant Esq., Mayor

Mr. John Hartley, of the Princess Royal Inn, South Street, applied for a temporary licence to sell excisable liquors, until the next general licensing day, which was granted.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-3-1865

Tuesday March 7^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt and A.M. Leith Esqs.

Thomas Mills, residing at a small cottage in Mill Lane, was brought up in custody, charged with stealing a piece of 10 inch hawser (about 15 fathoms), value £2, between the 1^st of January and the 1^st of March, the property of James Dunn and James Worsell.

James Dunn, sworn, deposed he was the master of the schooner “Three Brothers”, of Folkestone. About five or six weeks ago, he missed from the beach the piece of hawser produced. Identified it from it`s make and general appearance. It`s value was about £2. On Monday last, from information received, witness went to prisoner`s house, and made enquiries as to the rope. Prisoner denied having it in his possession, but said he could no doubt be able to get it for him, as he had heard a man was in possession of it. The police were then applied to, and the rope was found by them in an outhouse attached to prisoner`s house.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: When I went back to Mills I said “That rope which you have got belongs to us”. He did not reply “Well, if it`s yours you can have it”. I don`t know that he made any answer: shan`t swear anything of the sort, and he also told me that the man on The Narrows had picked it up during the late gales. I asked the prisoner if the rope had got a thimble in it, and he said “Yes the rope has a thimble in it”. I said there was about 14 or 15 fathoms of it, and he said “Yes, there was”, he thought. I said to the prisoner before I saw the rope “If I find It`s my rope, I shall make you take it back again”. The man Sinclair told me he had picked up the rope on the beach.

By the Bench: I saw the rope about 11 o`clock in the morning on the day before I missed it, about six weeks ago.

The prisoner was then remanded till Thursday morning.

Thursday March 9^th:- Before Captain Kennicott, A.M. Leith, James Tolputt and James Kelcey Esqs.

Thomas Mills was again brought up on remand from Tuesday last.

William Pope, sworn, deposed he was a mariner, residing in Folkestone. About a fortnight or three weeks ago witness was in the Princess Royal public house, prisoner being also there. A conversation commenced about ships and other things, and prisoner said he knew a person who had a piece of rope for sale. He said it was a 10 inch rope, about 15 fathoms long. He told witness if he knew where to sell it, he might get an allowance. That was all that passed. About a week ago, witness asked Captain Neville if he wanted to buy a piece of rope, and offered to take him to where he could see it, but Neville never went with witness. On Monday last, Captain Dunn came to witness and asked him about the rope, but witness told him he should not tell him.

Mr. Minter, who appeared for the prisoner, cross-examined the witness: There might have been 7 or 8 people in the room when the prisoner first spoke about the rope.

William Martin, sworn, deposed he was superintendent of police for the Borough. On Monday evening, about 7 o`clock, witness received information that the police were wanted in Mill Lane. Witness accompanied P.C. Sharp to the prisoner`s house, when the witness Dunn informed them that there was a rope in the house, which had been stolen from the harbour. Witness went into a small workshop attached to the house, in which he found the piece of rope produced. Dunn identified it as his property. Witness asked the prisoner if the workshop was part of his premises, and he replied “Yes”. Witness cautioned prisoner, and told him it was a stolen rope, and asked him “how he became possessed of it”. His reply was “Three or four men brought it here about five weeks ago”, but he did not know who they were. Prisoner afterwards mentioned a man`s name on The Narrows as one of them. The witness Dunn said “I have been there and he told me it was here”.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: He mentioned the name of “Sinclair”.

Mr. Minter said as the bench were resolved to commit the prisoner, he should reserve the defence.

The usual caution was read over to the prisoner, who was then fully committed to Dover Gaol, to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions for the Borough, and the witnesses were bound over to attend and give evidence.

Bail was fixed in two sureties of £20 each, but the prisoner was taken to Dover in default.

Folkestone Observer 11-3-1865

Tuesday March 7^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., Captain Leith V.R. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Thomas Mills, carpenter, Mill Lane, was charged with stealing about 15 fathoms of bass rope, value £2, belonging to the collier Newport, the property of Messrs. Dunn and Worsell, from the beach near Captain Boxer`s house.

James Dunn said he was a master mariner, living at Folkestone. Six weeks ago he missed from the beach, 20 yards from Captain Boxer`s house, about 15 fathoms of bass rope. They used it to moor their vessel whilst in harbour, and before they went away it was their custom to place it on the beach till the vessel returned. He had three pieces of the same sort of rope on the beach, two of which were found by the crews covered in shingle, but the third piece could not be found. He made enquiries about it, and heard that the prisoner or some person who was connected with him had been offering a rope for sale. On Monday nigh, about six o`clock, he went to the prisoner`s house, but he was not at home; he found him at work at a shop on the opposite side of the road, and asked him if he had a bass spring for sale. He said “No, but I know a man who has got one”. He said the man`s name was Vincent or Sinclair. Witness went to this man and asked if he had one for sale and he said he had. Witness asked him where he got it from, and when prisoner said that he picked it up on the beach, he told him that he had found it before it was lost. The man also told witness that prisoner had the rope in his possession, and he went back and told him that if he did not produce it he should send for a policeman and have his premises searched. Prisoner then said he had got the rope and would show it to him, upon which he unlocked the door of an outhouse adjoining his premises. As soon as witness saw the rope and felt it, he identified it as his property, and told prisoner so, upon which prisoner wanted to know where he should take the rope for him. The master of the vessel then fetched a policeman and gave prisoner into custody. The rope produced in court was the same one he missed, and the same that was found in the prisoner`s possession; he bought the rope himself some years ago and now identified it by it`s peculiar hardness, and by the siezings, which he put in himself. A new rope like this would cost from £3 to £4, and he estimated the value of this one at £2.

In cross-examination by Mr. Minter, witness said that when he went back to Mills (after he had been to see Vincent) he said to him “The rope you have got I think belongs to us”, but he didn`t know whether Mills said anything in reply. – Mr. Minter: Did he not say “If the rope is yours, you may have it.”? – Witness: He said he would show it to me. – Mr. Minter: And didn`t he tell you that a man on The Narrows had picked it up during the late gales? – Witness said that he did, and that he asked prisoner whether the rope had a thimble in it, and he told him it had, and that there was about 15 fathoms of it. The master of the ship, Mr. Neville, a man named Grant, and a boatman named May were with him when he went to see the prisoner. Before prisoner showed him the rope, witness told him if it was his he should make him take it back. When he went to The Narrows, Vincent told him the rope was at Mills`s house, in Mill Lane, but that he (Vincent) picked it up on the beach. A man named Pope and another man, both of whom have since gone to sea, offered the rope for sale to the master of the vessel on Saturday.

In answer to the bench, witness said that the rope had not been washed away from the place where it had been put, and he had it in his hands a few hours before, at least he saw it at eleven o`clock in the forenoon, and missed it the next morning. It would take four or five men and a horse and cart to carry the rope away, and other persons besides the prisoner must have had a hand in taking it away.

Superintendent Martin asked for a remand till Thursday in order to produce the man Vincent, and other witnesses.

The bench remanded prisoner till Thursday.

Thursday March 9^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., Captain Leith V.R., J. Kelcey and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Thomas Mills was brought up on remand from Tuesday last, and charged with having stolen a piece of bass rope, the property of Messrs. Dunn and Worsell, shipowners.

William Cook said he was a mariner, living in Folkestone. About a fortnight or three weeks since, he and Mills were sitting in a public house – Princess Royal – in the evening. They were in the parlour, which they generally used, and in conversation about vessels prisoner said he knew who had a piece of rope to sell. He said it was a piece of 10 inch rope, about 15 fathoms long, and that if he (witness) knew where he could sell it, he might have some “allowance”. He tried to sell the rope. The week before last witness asked Captain Neville whether he wanted a piece of rope, as he knew a man who had a piece to sell. Captain Dunn, the owner of the vessel, came to him on Monday and asked him about it, and because he spoke sharp to him he refused to tell who had got the rope, and he said he would make him tell, if it cost him £20.

By Mr. Minter: There were seven or eight people in the parlour of the Princess Royal when he saw the prisoner there.

Superintendent Martin said that on Monday evening, about seven o`clock, he accompanied P.C. Sharp to the prisoner`s house in Mill Lane. The witness James Dunn informed him that a rope had been stolen from the harbour, and that it was in the prisoner`s house. He went into a small workshop adjoining the cottage where the prisoner lived, and there found the rope now produced. The prosecutor identified the rope and said it belonged to him. Witness asked the prisoner whether the workshop was part of his premises, and he said it was. Witness cautioned him, and after telling him the rope was stolen, asked him how it came into his possession. He said three or four men brought it there about five weeks before, but he could not say who the men were. He afterwards mentioned the name of a man who lived in The Narrows as one of the men, and Captain Dunn said that he had been to see him about it.

By Mr. Minter: The name he mentioned was either Sinclair or Vincent; he was not sure which, but the man was known by both names.

The prisoner was then cautioned in the usual manner.

The magistrates then committed him for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions, and he was allowed to find bail in two sureties of £20 each.

Southeastern Gazette 14-3-1865

Local News

At the Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, Thomas Mills, residing at a small cottage in Mill Lane, was brought up in custody, charged with stealing a piece of 10in. hawser (about 15 fathoms), value £2, between the 1st of January and 1st of March, the property of James Dunn and James Worsell.

James Dunn deposed he was master of the schooner “Three Brothers,” of Folkestone. About five or six weeks ago he missed from the beach the piece of hawser produced. On Monday, from information received, witness went to prisoner’s house and made enquiries as to the rope. Prisoner denied having it in his possession, but said he could no doubt be able to get it for him, as he had heard a man named Sinclair was in possession of it. The police were then applied to, and the rope was found by them in an out-house attached to prisoner’s house.

In answer to Mr. Minter, for the accused, the witness said Sinclair told him he picked up the rope on the beach. The prisoner was remanded till Thursday, when a mariner named Wm. Pope stated that about a fortnight or three weeks ago witness was in the Princess Royal public house, prisoner being also there. A conversation commenced about ships and other things, and prisoner said he knew a person who had a piece of rope sale; it was a 10-in. rope, about 15 fathoms long, and he told witness if be knew where to sell it, he might get an allowance.

The prisoner, whose defence was reserved, was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. 

Folkestone Chronicle 25-3-1865

Wednesday March 22^nd: Before the Mayor and James Kelcey Esq.

Vincent Sinclair was brought up in custody, charged with feloniously stealing one bass rope of the value of £2, the property of James Dunn and James Worsell.

It will be recollected that on the examination of a man named Mills, committed on the 9^th instant to take his trial for stealing the above rope, the name of Sinclair was mentioned as being concerned in the robbery.

The prisoner was then very unwell, but has since recovered. Precisely similar evidence to that given at the hearing of Mills was given, and the prisoner was fully committed to take his trial at the ensuing general quarter sessions to be holden in this borough. The prisoner was admitted to bail in his own, and two sureties of £20 each.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-4-1865

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday April 4^th:- Before J.J. Lonsdale

Extract from Recorder`s address: “Two prisoners are charged with stealing a piece of rope. In the depositions in the rope case I find the defence set up is that it was found upon the beach. I need hardly remind you that if it possessed any mark by which the owner could have been readily ascertained, and it be taken away and appropriated without the consent of the owner, it would constitute theft. With these remarks I dismiss you to your duties”.

The Grand Jury having returned with a true bill against Thomas Mills and Vincent Sinclair on a charge of stealing one bass rope, value £2, the property of James Dunn and James Worsell, of Folkestone, the prisoners were placed in the dock, and both pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Moorsom appeared as counsel for the prosecution, and Mr. Smith, instructed by Mr. Minter, defended the prisoner Mills; Sinclair was undefended.

Mr. Moorsom, in stating the case to the jury, said, although there was no direct evidence against either of the prisoners, but was what is called circumstantial, it was made up of a combination of little circumstances, which often proved to be the strongest evidence.

He then called James Dunn, who, being sworn, said he was a master mariner living in Folkestone. In the month of January last he was in possession of a piece of rope, about 15 fathoms. The rope produced is a part of it. On the 6^th February, about 5 or 6 weeks before he appeared before the magistrates, he saw the rope safe. It was lying on the beach, about 30 yards from Capt. Boxer`s house. When he went the next day it was gone. On Monday 6<sup>th</sup> March, he went to Mills`s house and asked him if he had a piece of rope to sell. He said “No, he knew a man on The Narrows who had”. He then went to Sinclair`s house and asked if he had a bass spring to sell. He said “Yes, I have one. It is down at Mills`s house”. He asked him what size it was and he said “It is about 4 inches round; as big as my arm. It has not a thimble in it, it has a ring”. Prisoner said he found it on the beach. Witness asked prisoner to go to Mills`s with him, but he said he could not, he was ill. Witness then went to Mills`s workshop and told him Sinclair said he had the rope and he had better show it to him, or he would fetch a police constable. Mills then said he would go and show it him. He unlocked the door of a shed adjoining his house, and there he saw the rope produced. He identified it by the seizings.

By the Recorder: By what?

Mr. Moorsom: The witness has spoken of a bass spring. He did not know if that had anything to do with the seasons (seizings). (laughter)

Examination continued: The witness explained the seizings to be the small twine with which the thimble (or small ring) was secured. He claimed the rope as the property of himself and Mr. Worsell. Prisoner said “I found it on the beach. I`ll carry it for you wherever you wish”.

Cross-examined: I have 3 similar ropes, but there is none in Folkestone like this – none so hard laid, and not with such seizings. I was surprised to see it gone. We do not often borrow of each other. I never borrowed a rope without asking for it. When I first went to Mills, he said he had not got one.

Re-examined: It is not usual among sailors to borrow ropes without asking. Prisoners are not sailors.

Superintendent Martin, sworn, said, from information received, On Monday, 6^th March, he went to Mills`s house and saw Mills and the last witness, who said a rope had been stolen from the hoarbour, and it was upon the prisoner`s premises. The rope was in the shed, coiled up. Prosecutor identified it. Prisoner, being cautioned, said three or four men (mentioning the name of Sinclair as one) brought it to him five or six weeks before. Witness then took him into custody.

William Pope, examined, said he was a mariner, living at Folkestone. One day early in March he remembered being in the Princess Royal public house in company with the prisoner Mills. He said he knew someone who had a rope to sell, describing it as being ten inches round and fifteen fathoms long. He said “If you can sell it you may have an allowance”.

Cross-examined: It is a place where the mariners and fishermen assemble. There were seven or eight there “spinning a yarn”.

Ingram Swain, examined, said he was a police constable of the borough. He apprehended the prisoner Sinclair on the 21^st of March in Broad Street, about seven o`clock in the evening, and told him the charge. He said “We picked it up on the beach”.

The prisoner Sinclair, in defence, said: We found the rope on the beach on a Saturday night as we were coming from Sandgate. It was the night the barrels and things were washed ashore. It was high tide and the sea was washing over it. There were two more with me. We pulled it up out of the beach and coiled it up, leaving it there eight or nine days.

Mr Smith then addressed the jury in defence of Mills, urging that the open manner in which his client went about, and offered to sell the rope, was not the conduct of a guilty man. There was not an atom of evidence against him that he stole it. They could therefore only return a verdict of guilty by receiving.

The learned Recorder then carefully summed up the evidence to the jury, and they retired to consider their verdict at 1.20.

The jury returned into court at 3, having deliberated one hour and a half, and asked the prosecutor if, when he last saw the rope, it was near the harbour, or lower down on the beach, where the sea could have washed over it, and if it was at the time of the recent gales that he last saw it.

The prosecutor said it was 2 or 3 weeks after the gales, and that the rope was laid about 30 yards from Capt. Boxer`s house, where the sea could not possibly wash over it.

The jury thereupon retired, and coming into court again at 4.20 the foreman said there was no possibility of their arriving at a verdict.

The learned Recorder thereupon discharged them, and as they could not agree, gave the prisoners the benefit of the doubt and discharged them.

Editorial

The abrupt termination of the trial of the two men, for stealing rope, at the sessions on Tuesday last, was so singular as to induce us to make a few remarks upon it. Here are two men charged with a serious offence, and a true bill found against them by the Grand Jury, yet because three or four cantankerous Petty Jurymen determine not to agree with the remainder in returning a verdict, after being in consultation for  over three hours, the Jury are discharged by the learned Recorder, and most unaccountably, as appears to us, he at the same time also discharged the prisoners from custody. From the clearness of the evidence put before the jury, and the summing up of the Recorder, we are of opinion that there was no difficulty in their arriving at an unanimous verdict. What that verdict should have been, however, is not for us here to say. The course adopted by the learned Recorder, however, in discharging the prisoners, took everyone in court by surprise, the expressed opinion being that the Recorder ought to have renewed the prisoners` bail till the next sessions, and then again put them on their trial. We do not know if the power exercised on this occasion by the learned Recorder is in accordance with the law or not. If it be, we are of opinion that for the better administration of justice, the sooner it is altered, the better, for if the principle of the jury not agreeing is to be a reason for discharging a prisoner who may have committed any offence, we shall some day or other witness the escape from punishment of a criminal whose offence far exceeds that charged against the prisoners who were tried on Tuesday last.

Folkestone Observer 8-4-1865

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday April 4^th:- Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Thomas Mills and Vincent Sinclair were charged with stealing one bass rope, value £2, the property of Messrs. James Dunn and Joseph Worsell, at Folkestone, between the 1^st January and the 1^st March. A second charge in the indictment charged Mills with receiving the rope knowing it to have been stolen.

Both prisoners pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Moorsom prosecuted; Mr. Smith defended Mills; Sinclair was undefended.

In opening the case for the prosecution Mr. Moorsom said it was one of circumstantial evidence entirely, but was strnger than any other. Instead of depending upon the statements of witnesses who might perjure themselves, a combination of little circumstances tended to fix the charge on the prisoners. The rope, as the jury could see, was not one that could be put in the waistcoat pocket and walked off with, or such as the Davenports were tied up with, and the prisoners had woven such a concatenation of circumstances around them as to leave little doubt of their guilt.

James Dunn said he was a master mariner, living in Folkestone. In January last he had 15 fathoms of bass rope. He last saw it safe on the 16^th of February, about ten o`clock in the morning, on the beach near Captain Boxer`s house. The next day he missed it. Early in March, on a Monday, he went to Mills and asked if he had a rope for sale. Mills said “no” but a man on The Narrows had one to sell. Prosecutor went to Sinclair`s house and asked him if he had a bass rope to sell. He said “Yes, I have one. It is down at Mills`s house, in Mill Lane”. When asked how big it was round, he said about four inches. Witness asked if it was as big as his arm, and he said “Yes”. Asked if it had a thimble on it, he said “No, it has a ring in it”. Asked where he got it from, and he said he found it on the beach. He told him he had been to Mills, and he said he hadn`t got it. He said “Yes he has. I put it there”. Went to Mills and told him he had been to Sinclair, and Sinclair said he had got it. Mills then said “I will go and show you”, and unlocked the door of a small place by the side of the house, got a candle and showed him the rope. Prosecutor put his hand on it and said that it belonged to himself and Mr. Worsell. Prisoner Mills said “I`ll carry it for you wherever you want”. The rope produced was the same he missed. He identified it by the seizings. It was worth £2.

Recorder: What does he identify it by?

Mr. Moorsom: The seizings.

Recorder: The seasons!

Mr. Moorsom: The charge says it is a bass Spring. I don`t know if that has anything to do with the “seasons” (laughter).

Cross-examined by Mr. Smith: He had three of these ropes. He had others like this one. There were very many more, but not so hard as this one. When he missed it, he thought some captain had borrowed it. He never borrowed a rope without asking for it, but he might in an emergency if it belonged to a neighbour. He asked Mills whether he had a rope to sell, and he said a man named Sinclair had one. Mills showed him the rope and asked where he should carry it for him.

Re-examined: It was not unusual among sailors to borrow one another`s ropes without asking. These men were not sailors.

Supt. W. Martin said that on Monday, March 6^th, he went to the house of the prisoner Mills and found the prisoner and prosecutor there. Dunn spoke to him about a rope which had been stolen. He said one had been stolen from the harbour, and that it was on this man`s (prisoner Mills`s) premises, and pointed out where it was. Asked Mills whether it was on his premises, and he said it was. The rope was coiled up in a little shed by the house. Mr. Dunn identified the rope as his property. He cautioned the prisoner, who said three or four men brought it there about five weeks previous. Asked them who they were, and he mentioned Sinclair`s name. He took him into custody.

Cross-examined: He said he did not know who the men were.

William Pope said he was a mariner, living in Folkestone. He was in the Princess Royal public house in March. Mills was there and said he knew who had a piece of rope for sale, about 10 inches round and 15 fathoms long, and if he could sell it he might get some allowance. Seven or eight people were in the room.

Cross-examined: The company were spinning yarns about vessels.

Police Constable Ingram Swain (5) said he apprehended Sinclair on the 25^th of March, about half past seven o`clock in the evening, in Broad Street, and told him he was being charged with being concerned with another man in stealing a piece of rope from the beach. He said “I picked it up on the beach”.

The Recorder asked the prisoner Sinclair whether he had anything to say in his defence.

Prisoner Sinclair said “We found the rope near the clock, coming home from Sandgate, on the Saturday night the barrels were washed ashore. The sea was washing over it. Two others were with me. We dragged it up to the front of the clock house, and left it there for eight or nine days”.

Mr. Smith addressed the jury on behalf of Mills. He contended that his conduct had not been that of a guilty man, or one having a guilty knowledge, and that the evidence was not sufficient to show that Mills received this rope knowing it to be stolen.

The Recorder, in summing up, said that Sinclair was charged with stealing the rope, and Mills with stealing, and a second count in the indictment charged him with receiving the rope knowing it to have been stolen. He explained to the jury the law of the case. If the jury were going along the Lower Sandgate Road, and saw a man take a spade (which was sticking in the ground) from a garden, he not being the owner, they must know he was stealing it; it did not follow that the spade was lost because it was sticking there. In the same way it did not follow, because a rope was lying on the beach, taht it was lost, for he took it that all were aware that ropes were left by captains of ships on the beach, and they must see whether it was reasonable to suppose that prisoner imagined the rope he said he found had been washed ashore, and that an owner could not readily be found for it.

After being locked up for two hours the jury came into court and said they wished to ask Captain Dunn a question.

The Recorder said they had better put the questions themselves.

The Foreman: Where did the rope lie when you last saw it?

Prosecutor: About 20 yards from Captain Boxer`s house.

Foreman: In what direction from it – east, west, north or south?

Prosecutor: South.

Foreman: Nearest the harbour, or on the other side?

Prosecutor: Nearest the harbour.

Forman: Was it covered with water?

Prosecutor: No. It was out of reach of the water.

Foreman: Was it on the night of the gale that you last saw the rope on the beach?

Prosecutor: No. It was after that.

The jury were again locked up, and after waiting for a considerable time, the Recorder sent for them, and asked them whether they had agreed as to their verdict.

The foreman said they had not and were not likely to if they were locked up all the evening.

A juryman said the point of disagreement between was whether the prisoner would have been liable if the rope had been thrown from a ship during the gale.

The Recorder told them that if there had been no reasonable chance of finding an owner for the rope – if it had been a waif – then there would be no felonious intention, and they would find the prisoners not guilty.

The Recorder told the jury that he had the power to order them to be locked up all night, but as they said there was no chance of agreeing their verdict – which perhaps meant that they would not – he should take it upon himself to discharge them.

The jury were then discharged after being locked up for two hours and a half.

The prisoners were also discharged from custody.

Southeastern Gazette 11-4-1865

Quarter Sessions

These sessions were held on Tuesday last, before J. J. Lonsdale, Esq., Reoorder.

Thomas Mills and Vincent Sinclair were a charged with stealing one bass rope, value £2, the property of James Dunn and James Worsell, of Folkestone.

Mr. Moorsom was for the prosecution, and Mr. Smith defended the prisoner Mills; Sinclair was undefended. We have but recently given the particulars of this case. The defence of the prisoners was that they found the rope, and the jury, after being a long time locked up in consultation without coming to any agreement, were discharged, the prisoners also being liberated.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 28-7-1866

County Court

Monday July 23^rd:- Before J. Biron Esq.

John Lukey v F. Graves – A claim of £17 7s 7d for spirits supplied to defendant when he kept a public house two years ago. To be paid by £2 per month

Folkestone Chronicle 27-10-1866

Wednesday October 24^th: Before the Mayor, Captain Kennicott R.N., J. Tolputt and R. W. Boarer Esqs.

Temporary license was granted to Matilda MacDonald for the Princess Royal

Folkestone Chronicle 20-4-1867

County Court

Tuesday April 16^th: Before W.C. Scott

Leney & Evenden v Frederick Graves: Account for 10s 3d. Order for payment forthwith

Folkestone Chronicle 25-5-1867

Friday May 24^th: Before the Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

Stephen Godden, mariner, was brought up charged with maliciously breaking a pane of glass, value £2 12s., at the Princess Royal on the previous afternoon.

Prosecutrix, Matilda McDonald did not press the charge, and prisoner was dismissed.

Folkestone Observer 22-2-1868

Wednesday, February 19^th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., and James Tolputt Esq.

Mrs. MacDonald was charged with having her house open for the sale of beer during unlawful hours.

It appeared that about half past three on Sunday afternoon a Folkestone tradesman came to the house with some soldiers and asked her to supply them with refreshment, he pledging his word that they had come from Dover. A policeman watched the proceedings, and after they had been a little time in the house, he entered and found them drinking. Defendant said the tradesman had promised her to be at Court that morning, and she wished the magistrates to adjourn the case for his attendance. The magistrates declined to adjourn, and imposed a penalty, with costs, of £2 10s.

Southeastern Gazette 24-2-1868

Local News

At the Borough Police Court, on Wednesday, before Captain Kennicott, R.N., and J. Tolputt, Esq., Matilda McDonald, landlady of the Princess Royal Inn, South Street, was charged with keeping open her house for the sale of beer within prohibited hours, on Sunday afternoon week.

The bench inflicted a penalty of 40s. and costs.

Defendant said it was very hard; the men were travellers and she was bound to serve them.

Mr. Bradley said she was not compelled to serve any one in prohibited hours, but if she did, and proved he was a traveller, she had committed no offence.

 

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.

The licenses were all renewed with an exception in the case of Mrs. MacDonald, of the Princess Royal.

The Mayor said that several complaints had been made regarding her house, and she was fined once in the course of the year.

Mrs. MacDonald: Several travellers came to her house, and she was not supposed to ask what they were. She had not had a free and easy since Christmas, and the house was never opened after twelve. When she took the house it was carried on in a very bad way.

Superintendent Martin said he had several complaints about the house.

The Mayor: As complaints have been made, the license will be suspended till the adjourned meeting.

Southeastern Gazette 31-8-1868

Local News

The annual licensing day was held on Wednesday. The licenses were all renewed with the exception of the case of Mrs. Macdonald, of the Princess Royal. The Mayor said several complaints had been made regarding her house, and she was fined once in the course of the year. In answer to the bench, Supt. Martin said he had several complaints against the house. The license was suspended till the adjourned meeting.  

Kentish Gazette 8-9-1868

The annual licensing day has been held here. The licenses were all renewed with the exception of the case of Mrs. Macdonald, of the Prin­cess Royal. The license was suspended till the adjourned meeting. 

Kentish Gazette 15-9 1868

At the adjourned licensing day on Wednesday, present, Capt. Kennicott and Ald. Tolputt, several licences not applied for on the last occasion were renewed, and Mrs. McDonald, whose license was suspended on account of the character given to her house, also ob­tained her license, it being reported by the police that the house had been kept in better order.

Folkestone Chronicle 16-10-1869

County Court

Monday, October 11^th:

Matilda McDonald v Frederick Bonney: Claim for £50 damages. Mr. Minter appeared for plaintiff, who is keeper of the Princess Royal. It appeared that in the spring of the year defendant applied in reply to an advertisement in the Daily Telegraph, and signed an agreement to take the house from the 6^th of April, paying £230 for all fixtures, furniture and effects, and taking the stock-in-trade at a valuation. Defendant gave an IOU for £20 as a deposit, and a penalty of £50 was agreed upon as a forfeit to be paid by either party not fulfilling their part of the agreement. The defendant pleaded that the agreement was unstamped, that the house was of improper character, that it`s takings were overstated, and that some of the furniture had been removed. The agreement was found to be properly stamped, and His Honour, observing that the points raised were no defence in that court, gave judgement for plaintiff.

Folkestone Express 16-10-1869

County Court

Monday, October 11^th: Before W.C. Scott Esq.

Matilda MacDonald v Frederick Bonny: Mr. Minter appeared for the plaintiff, who claimed £50 for breach of contract.

Mr. Minter said defendant had not performed an agreement he entered into with the plaintiff to take the house occupied by her at a valuation. The memorandum was dated March 15^th, 1869, and the defendant was to take possession of the house, the Princess Royal, on the 6^th of April following, and to pay a sum of £250. The agreement also said if either person fail in carrying it out they shall forfeit a sum of £50. The valuation was made by Mr. Banks at the time mentioned and then the defendant failed to carry out the agreement, hence the present proceedings. He had various letters containing excuses received from time to time from the defendant.

Mrs. MacDonald was then sworn. She said: After I entered into the agreement I was ready and willing to give up possession, and am still willing to do so.

By defendant: I did advertise the house, but I do not know if I did so in the Telegraph.

The defendant said it was all a misrepresentation from beginning to end. The advertisement said the house was doing £100 per month, and he had since ascertained it did not.

His Honour: Why did you not ascertain that before you signed the agreement?

Mr. Minter read some of the letters received from defendant, his wife and solicitor, which contravened the statement of the defendant, and showed he was trying up to the middle of June to dispose of freehold property to effect the purchase.

His Honour gave judgement for the full amount of damages.

Kentish Gazette 19-10-1869 

Folkestone County Court: Before W.C. Scott Esq.

On Monday week the following case was heard: Matilda Macdonald v Frederick Bonny

A claim of £50 damages for breach of contract. Mr. Minter ap­peared for plaintiff. He put in an agreement signed by the defendant on the 15^th March last, by which he was to take possession of a public house near the harbour called the Princess Royal, and occupied by plaintiff, on the 6^th of April following, and to pay a sum of £250 for the goods at a valuation, or forfeit £50. He gave an I O U for £20 deposit, but he failed to take possession, and consequently the present proceedings were taken. The valuation was made by Mr. Banks.

The defendant denied all knowledge about the valuation.

Mr. Minter had several letters from defendant and his wife, containing various excuses for not complying with the terms of the agreement, which he would read if necessary. Mrs. Macdonald was called, and said she was willing to give up possession now, and that she did advertise the house.

Defendant said it was a mis­representation from beginning to end; plaintiff informed him that she was doing £100 per month, and he had since discovered that was wrong, and also that improper cha­racters resorted there.

His Honour: You should have found that out before signing the agreement. 

Mr. Minter read various letters containing excuses received by plaintiff from defendant; he was at first ill, and then he could not realise some freehold property he possessed, and therefore could not get the money. Plaintiff had been put to great inconvenience, as she was negotiating for a house at Dover

His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff for the full amount claimed.