Radnor Inn, Radnor Street c1845 - 1877 Formerly Railway Inn (1)

Former Radnor Inn 1928. Credit Folkestone Library

Licensees

John Back c1845 1850 To Jolly Sailor (3). Said to have opened as Rodney, but no mention in records

Henry Waight? 1850 ????

Charles Hill 1851 1855

Henry Wraight 1855 1855

George Norris 1855 1861 From Eagle Inn

Robert Tindle 1861 1862(1861 Census)

John Rossiter 1862 1875

John Isherwood 1875 1877 

Maidstone Gazette 16-4-1850

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

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

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

Maidstone Gazette 21-5-1850

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

John Sullivan and William Wright, the first a labourer and the other a painter, were charged with beating Andrew Hutchinson, a carpenter, at the Radnor Inn, who deposed that he came into town yesterday to seek employment, and went to the Radnor Inn for lodging, when the prisoner came in and was very quarrelsome with complainant, they being near intoxicated. Complainant said that he would stand no nonsense, and they then beat and kicked him in the side, which put him in great pain at the time.

Charles Hill, the landlord, said that hearing a row downstairs, he went down and turned the prisoners out, but did not see the assault.The prisoner Sullivan broke a panel of the door and swore he would have Hutchinson`s life.

Sullivan said that complainant hit him first. Sullivan fined 24s. and costs, or two months` imprisonment; Wright £2 and costs, or one month`s imprisonment.

Note: Licence was apparently transferred from Hill in April?

Maidstone Gazette 26-11-1850

Petty Sessions, Friday; Before R. Hart Esq., Mayor, W. Major, S. Mackie, D. Major, W. Bateman, J. Bateman and T. Golder Esqs.

Robert Boyd, a tramp, was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating Thos. Iverson, another tramp, at the house called the Radnor Inn. It appeared from Iverson`s statement that the defendant came in and became abusive to the company. The complainant told him he ought to know better; the defendant then asked complainant what he had to do with it, and beat him in a most cowardly manner.

Fined £5, including costs, or two months` imprisonment.

The landlord of the Radnor Inn was then called, and the magistrates severely reprimanded him, and told him that the license of the house was in their hands, and if he did not keep a more orderly one, that they should take the license from him. They also gave the policemen strict orders to keep a watch over the house.

Maidstone Gazette 9-9-1851

Annual Licensing Day; Before R. Hart Esq., Mayor, D. Major, W. Bateman and W. Major Esqs.

There were three applications for new licenses, viz., James Gaby Breach for a license to sell spirits &c., at the refreshment room on the harbour; Thomas Spicer for the Two Bells, Bridge Street, Canterbury Road; Thos. Taylor for the Darlington Arms, Shellons Lane.

Mr. Eves, of the Black Bull, attended, and objected to a license being granted to Thomas Spicer as unnecessary and injurious to his business; he handed in a memorial signed by the incumbent, churchwardens, and Lord Radnor`s agent (Mr. Hinton) &c.

The Magistrates having consulted, the Mayor, in giving their decision, stated that it had been the invariable custom here to grant licenses to all applicants, without reference to the necessity for them, a course he objected to, but as the majority of the Magistrates present were in favour of the applicant his license would be granted, as well as the other two.

All the old licenses were granted, except to Robert Baker, Cooper`s Arms; George Norris, Engine Inn; and Charles Hill, Radnor Inn. The sessions were adjourned for a fortnight, when the renewal of their licenses will be reconsidered by the Magistrates.

Note: Robert Baker, Coopers Arms previously unknown.

Canterbury Journal 13-9-1851

At the Annual Licensing Day there were three applications for new licenses, viz., James Gaby Breach for a license to sell spirits &c., at the refreshment room on the harbour; Thomas Spicer for the Two Bells, Bridge Street, Canterbury Road; Thos. Taylor for the Darlington Arms, Shellons Lane. Mr. Eves, of the Black Bull, attended, and objected to a license being granted to Thomas Spicer as unnecessary and injurious to his business; he handed in a memorial signed by the incumbent, churchwardens, and Lord Radnor`s agent (Mr. Hinton) &c.

The Magistrates having consulted, the Mayor, in giving their decision, stated that it had been the invariable custom here to grant licenses to all applicants, without reference to the necessity for them, a course he objected to, but as the majority of the Magistrates present were in favour of the applicant his license would be granted, as well as the other two.

All the old licenses were granted, except to Robert Baker, Cooper`s Arms; George Norris, Engine Inn; and Charles Hill, Radnor Inn. The sessions were adjourned for a fortnight, when the renewal of their licenses will be reconsidered by the Magistrates.

Note: Robert Baker, Coopers Arms previously unknown.

Maidstone Gazette 23-9-1851

Adjourned General Licensing Meeting: This meeting took place on Wednesday, before R. Hart Esq., Mayor, and W. Major Esq. Three licenses which were suspended a fortnight ago, to give the Magistrates time to consider whether they should be granted or not, were granted, on the several parties promising to conduct their houses better in future.

Canterbury Journal 27-9-1851

At the Adjourned Licensing Day last week the three licenses which were suspended a fortnight ago, to give the Magistrates time to consider whether they should be granted or not, were granted, on the several parties promising to conduct their houses better in future.

Southeastern Gazette 14-12-1852

An inquest was held on Saturday last, before R.B.M. Lingard, on the body of a man, the name unknown. It appeared that the deceased went into the Radnor Inn on Friday evening to lodge; he had some cocoa, and then went out. He came in again, said he was poorly, and went to bed. When he came down next morning he said he was very bad. A surgeon was sent for, but before he came the deceased expired. Mr. Bateman, surgeon, gave it as his opinion that the deceased had been labouring under some organic disease; that he was much emaciated, and had died from natural causes. The sum of 2¼d. and some boxes of lucifers were found upon him. Verdict: “Died by the visitation of God.”

Dover Chronicle 18-12-1852

An inquest was held on Saturday on the body of a man, the name unknown. It appeared that the deceased went into the Radnor Inn on Friday evening to lodge; he had some cocoa, and then went out. He came in again, said he was poorly, and went to bed. When he came down next morning he said he was very bad. A surgeon was sent for, but before he came the deceased expired. Mr. Bateman, surgeon, gave it as his opinion that the deceased had been labouring under some organic disease; that he was much emaciated, and had died from natural causes. The sum of 2¼d. and some boxes of lucifers were found upon him. Verdict: “Died by the visitation of God.” 

Dover Chronicle 22-1-1853

Petty Sessions, January 19: Before David Major and Thos. Golder Esqs.

Charles Hill, landlord of the Radnor Inn, pleaded Guilty to having his house open for the sale of beer before half past 12 o`clock in the forenoon on Sunday, the 9^th last. Superintendent Steer said that the house was open at a quarter past 12, and several of the publicans were in the habit of thus opening their houses; and he laid the information against the defendant to check it, as he thought they would very soon open their houses at 12, instead of the time allowed. Fined 1s. and costs, with a caution that the next time the full penalty would be enforced.

Maidstone Journal 25-1-1853

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before David Major and Thomas Golder Esqs.

Charles Hill, landlord of the Radnor Inn, pleaded Guilty to having his house open on Sunday, the 9^th inst., for the sale of beer before half past 12 o`clock.

Fined 1s. and costs.

Southeastern Gazette 25-1-1853, Kentish Independent 29-1-1853

Wednesday, January 19^th: Before D. Major and T. Golder Esqs.

Charles Hill, landlord of the Radnor Inn, pleaded Guilty to having his house open on Sunday, the 9^th inst., for the sale of beer at a quarter past 12 o`clock.

Superintendent Steer stated that several of the publicans were in the habit of opening considerably before the time appointed, which caused him to lay down the present information.

Fined 1s. and costs, with a caution not to offend again, or the full penalty would be enforced.

Southeastern Gazette 21-3-1854

Wednesday, March 15^th: Before The Mayor, J. Kelcey and S. Godden, Esqs.

Charles Hill, the landlord of the Radnor Inn, Radnor Street, was fined 20s. and costs for opening his house for the sale of beer before half-past 12 o’clock on Sunday, the 6^th inst.

Southeastern Gazette 4-7-1854

Wednesday, June 28^th: Before W. Major and G. Kennicott, Esqs.

Jacob Gibson was summoned, but did not appear, to answer the information of Charles Hill, landlord of the Radnor Inn, for wilful damage done to a table on the evening of the 25th.

Fined 2s. 9d. and 13s. costs, or fourteen days’ hard labour.

Robert Bran was summoned for a similar offence, but did not appear.

Ordered to pay 2s. 9d. and 8s. costs, or fourteen days’ hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 19-9-1854

Annual Licensing Day

 Monday: Before the Mayor, S. Mackie, W. Major, T. Golder, G. Kennicott, and T.Kingsriorth, Esqs.

Before renewing the licenses, the Mayor addressed the publicans, informing them that a new law was passed, explaining to them the particular features of the Act, and hoped they would adhere to it. The whole of the licenses were renewed, with the exception of the Radnor Inn, Oddfellow's Arms, and the Engine Inn. Applications for new licenses were made for the George, Gun, and Belle Vue Tavern; the first only was granted, on the ground that it was a new house in the room of one pulled down. The sign of the Fleur-de-lis was changed to the MartelloTavern.

Dover Chronicle 23-9-1854

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

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

Southeastern Gazette 17-10-1854

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

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

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

Kentish Gazette 1-5-1855 

Folkestone Petty Sessions, Wednesday

The licence of the Radnor Inn was transferred from C. Hill to G. Baker, of Cheriton.

Dover Telegraph 9-6-1855

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before W. Major and G. Kennicott Esqs.

The following licenses were transferred: The Folkestone Arms, from Thomas Willson to John Paine Adams, of Appledore; Radnor Inn, from Charles Hill to George Baker, of Cheriton; and the Royal Oak from Richard Hill to Alfred Lukey (sic), of Cheriton.

Note: Folkestone Arms Tavern transfer previously unknown.

Canterbury Journal 16-6-1855

Petty Sessions, Saturday.

Alfred Hurle, son of William Hurle, foreman of the carpenters on the camp ground, under Mr. Pesser`s firm, was charged with stealing £6 from a portmanteau, the property of his father, on the 8^th inst.

The prisoner was taken at the Radnor Inn, where he was found in bed with a prostitute and convicted thief.

The prisoner appears to have left his father for some days and had been stopping at Folkestone till he had spent his money and pawned the watch, when he called at his father`s lodgings at Sandgate, stating he wished to go upstairs for some clothes, instead of which he broke open the portmanteau and stole the money.

The father declining to press the charge he was discharged.

Thomas Freeland and Mary Ann Hall were charged with receiving the money knowing it to have been stolen. They were also discharged.

Dover Telegraph 16-6-1855

Petty Sessions, Saturday: Before the Mayor and W. Major Esq.

Alfred Hurle, son of the foreman of the carpenters at the Shorncliffe camp ground, was charged with stealing £6, on the 8^th inst., from a portmanteau, the property of his father.

The prisoner was taken at the Radnor Inn, where he was found  with a prostitute and convicted thief.

It appeared that he had left his father for some days (having been turned out for keeping bad company) and had taken up his quarters at the Radnor Inn, where he spent what money he had, and pawned his watch; after which he called at his father`s lodgings, and obtained permission from the landlady to go upstairs, under the pretence of getting some clothes, instead of which he broke open the portmanteau and stole the money.

The father not wishing to press the charge, the prisoner was severely reprimanded and discharged.

Thomas Freeland and Mary Ann Hall were also charged with receiving the money knowing it to have been stolen, but as Hurle declined to prosecute, they were discharged, walking away with the money.

Kentish Gazette 19-6-1855

Alfred Hurle, son of William Hurle, foreman of the carpenters on the camp ground, under Mr. Presser`s firm, was charged before the magistrates on the 9^th inst., with stealing £6 from a portmanteau, the property of his father, on the 8^th inst.

The prisoner was taken at the Radnor Inn, where he was found in bed with a prostitute and convicted thief.

The prisoner appears to have left his father for some days and had been stopping at Folkestone, till he had spent his money and pawned his watch, when he called at his father`s lodgings at Sandgate, stating that he wished to go upstairs for some clothes, instead of which he broke open the portmanteau and stole the money.

The father declining to press the charge he was discharged.

Thomas Freeland and Mary Hall were charged with receiving the money knowing it to have been stolen. They were discharged.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-7-1855

Wednesday July 18:- Before S. Mackie Esq., Mayor, W. Major Esq., and J. Kelcey Esq.

Mr. Norris, Landlord of the Engine public house, South Street,  appeared to answer a complaint made against him, by W, Bamford, the Town Surveyor, for removing a quantity of filthy and offensive matter from a cesspool, attached from the Radnor Inn, across the street, about the middle of the day, on Saturday last. Mr. F.G. Francis proved the case, and that the smell was so abominable he was obliged to make a formal complaint. Defendant admitted committing the act during prohibited hours, but said he had suddenly found the cesspool to be full, and the matter was oozing out so as to be a great nuisance. The bench said he ought to have done it in proper hours, and convicted him in the mitigated penalty of 11s 6d including costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-9-1855

Monday September 10^th :- Present S. Mackie Esq., Mayor, T. Golder Esq., W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and W. Bateman Esq.

The General Annual Licensing meeting was held this day, when 46 Licences were renewed in the township of Folkestone, and 3 in Sandgate. The licence of the Radnor Inn was transferred to Henry Waith, until 10^th October next. A Billiard licence was also granted to William Terry, Sandgate.

Spencer Hayward, Bellevue Field, John Hobbs, Bellevue Field, Thomas Austin Hobbs, Bridge Street, made application for new licences, but were in each case refused.

Notes: Spencer Hayward is Belle Vue Hotel, John Hobbs is Mechanics Arms, Thomas Austin Hobbs is unknown

Southeastern Gazette 18-9-1855

Local News

Annual Licensing Day

Monday: Before the Mayor and a full bench.

All the licenses were granted except those of the Radnor Inn and Mariners’ Home, which were reported by Superintendent Steer as disorderly and harbouring bad characters. New licenses were applied for the Belle Vue Tavern, Mechanics’ Arms, and Wheatsheaf, all of which were refused, the magistrates considering that there were sufficient licensed, houses already in the town.

Southeastern Gazette 25-9-1855

Local News

Tuesday : Before W. Major, Esq.

Henri Miere was charged by Willie Haire with stealing a watch and guard and 14s. in silver, from his person, at the Radnor Inn. They were both soldiers belonging to Shorncliffe, and it appeared that there was an agreement between them, before they went into the house, that if either of them should get intoxicated, the one sober should take care of the other`s money and watch.

Case dismissed.

Dover Telegraph 27-10-1855

Petty Sessions

The license of the Radnor Inn was transferred from Henry Wraith to George Norris.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-10-1855

Tuesday October 9^th :- Present W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and J. Kelcey Esq.

The Adjourned General Licencing Meeting was held this day, when the following licence was granted: Henry Wraith, Radnor Inn

Folkestone Chronicle 27-10-1855

Wednesday October 24^th :- Present S. Mackie Esq., Mayor, W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and W. Bateman Esq.

The licence of the Radnor Inn was transferred from Henry Wraith to George Norris.

Southeastern Gazette 8-1-1856

Friday: Before The Mayor, W. Major, and J. Kelcey, Esqs.

George Norris, landlord of the Radnor Inn, was charged by Superintendent Steer with buying a military great coat of one of the 2nd Regiment of Jaegers, B.G.L., at Shorncliffe.

The defendant pleaded guilty, but stated that at the time he bought it he was not aware that it was Government property, till the following evening.

Fined 5s., to pay double the value of the coat, £3, and 8s. 6d. costs. Money paid.

There was a similar case against John Rolfe, landlord of the Jolly Sailor, for having a number of shirts, trousers, and other regimental necessaries, which case was ordered to stand over till Monday.

Dover Telegraph 12-1-1856

Petty Sessions, Friday: George Norris, landlord of the Radnor Inn, was charged by Superintendent Steer with buying a greatcoat of one of the 2^nd Regiment of Jaegers, British German Legion, at Shorncliffe. The defendant pleaded guilty, but stated that at the time he bought it he was not aware that it was Government property. Fined 5s., and ordered to pay double the value of the coat, £3 and 1s. 6d. costs. Money paid.

There was a similar case against John Rolfe, landlord of the Jolly Sailor, for having a number of shirts, trousers and other regimental necessaries, which case was ordered to stand over till Monday.

Monday: John Rolfe again appeared, but not being able to satisfactorily account for the possession of the goods, he was ordered to pay £2 5s., the treble value of the goods, and to be fined 5s. and costs, making £3 on the whole.

William Butcher, a waiter at the Radnor Inn, was also charged by the Superintendent with buying a military greatcoat of one of the 2^nd Regiment of Jaegers, to which he pleaded guilty. To pay £3, treble value, 5s. fine and 8s 6d. costs, the Bench observing that in future cases the full penalty would be enforced.

Folkestone Chronicle 12-1-1856

Petty Sessions, Monday: Before the Mayor and W. Major Esqs.

John Rolfe, remanded from the 4^th instant, charged with purchasing soldiers` necessaries, or having them in his possession. Convicted in the penalty of 5s., and £2 5s., treble value, and 10s. costs.

William Butcher, charged with a similar offence. Convicted in the penalty of 5s, and £3, treble value, and 8s. 6d. costs.

Southeastern Gazette 15-1-1856

Local News

Monday: Before The Mayor and W. Major Esq.

William Butcher, a waiter at the Radnor Inn, was charged by Superintendent Steer with buying a military greatcoat of one of the 2^nd Regiment of Jaegers.

Ordered to pay £3, the treble value, 5s. fine, and 3s. 6d. costs, the Bench observing that in future the full penalty would be enforced.

Kentish Gazette 15-1-1856 

William Butcher, a waiter at the Radnor Inn, charged with buying a military great coat of one of the 

same regi­ment; to which he pleaded guilty, and was fined £3 13s. 6d. including costs.

On the previous Friday, his master, George Norris, was fined the same amount for a like offence.

The bench informed the defendant that in future cases the full penalty would be enforced.

Canterbury Journal 20-12-1856

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Baron Bramwell.

Richard Williams, 30, mariner, was indicted for burglary, and stealing four books, value 4s., and nine keys. Mr. Deedes prosecuted.

Harriett Cobbett:- Was servant-maid in the service of the prosecutor, who was at Folkestone in July with his family. On Wednesday night, the 30^th July, she went to bed with the rest of the servants about ten o`clock; the house was then all safe. She went down at about half past six in the morning, and she discovered that the larder was in a very disorderly state – the bottles knocked down and the windows broken. There were several articles of consumption missing. The cupboard door in the parlour was open, and some wine, cake, &c., gone. Four books were missing from the drawing room and a bunch of keys. There were some marks of blood on the walls. An entry was effected into the house by the larder window. There was also a pool of blood in the larder.

Matthew Graves:- At the end of July was servant to an innkeeper at Folkestone. Saw the prisoner in his master`s house on the evening of the robbery. He did not stay there that night, and he saw him again the next morning, when he came into the house a complete “drunkey”. He had a quantity of brandy in a bottle, which he handed about to the company. He also had a quantity of eatables wrapped up in a towel. The man soon after left, and then Superintendent Steer came in.

Superintendent Steer:- Had received information of the robbery, and on the morning of the robbery he went to the Radnor where he saw the last witness, from whom he received a bundle containing many of the missing articles. Soon after that the prisoner came in. Witness was at the upper part of the house at the time, but when he descended he saw the prisoner with a bunch of keys in his possession. Witness then charged him with the robbery, conveyed him to the station house, and searched him there. A small pair of scissors was found on him. Witness saw marks of blood in the house, and upon examining the prisoner he found that his hands were cut and still bleeding.

The prisoner said he was the worse for liquor, and had no knowledge of what had occurred.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty, and he was sentenced to one year`s imprisonment, with hard labour.

Dover Telegraph 20-12-1856

Petty Sessions, Dec. 12:

Henry Allen, a private of the 44^th Regt., stationed at Shorncliffe, was charged with stealing a pair of sea boots, the property of Mr. William Pope, a fisherman, from his door, where they were hung up to dry. The prisoner was seen to go into the Jolly Sailor beer-house with the boots in his hand, where he was shortly afterwards taken into custody, and the boots found concealed in a cupboard in the same room. The prisoner, who had been once or twice committed for various offences, was remanded till Saturday, the 20^th instant.

Maidstone Journal 20-12-1856

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Baron Bramwell.

Richard Williams, 20, mariner, for burglary in the dwelling house of John Melhuish, at Folkestone, on July 30^th, and stealing various articles. Mr. Deedes was for the prosecution.

Harriett Corbett, parlour maid, in the service of Mr. Melhuish, of Croydon, (who was staying with his family at the Marine Parade, Folkestone), stated that on Wednesday night, July 30, she went to bed about ten o`clock with the other servants. All the doors were fastened. She came down a little after six next morning, and found the larder in a very disorderly state, and that several articles were stolen. In the dining room the cupboard door was open, and some wine and brandy and a cake were stolen. She missed some books, a bunch of keys, and a pair of scissors from the drawing room. The house had been entered by the larder window, and there was much blood on the floor upstairs.

Matthew Graves said that at the end of July he was servant to Mr. Murray, innkeeper, of Folkestone. The prisoner came to his master`s house on the night of July 30^th, and also on the next morning. He was lying “drunky” on the settle, and had with him a bottle of brandy, which he poured into a pint pot, and gave to other travellers, and to witness. He had a quantity of cheese, bacon, sugar, and boots and shoes, done up in a towel. He also had a hat with him.

Superintendent Steer, of the Folkestone police, proved that he saw prisoner at the public house with some money and a bunch of keys. He charged prisoner with burglary, but the only answer he made was “O!” At the station house witness found a pair of scissors on him. Prisoner`s right hand was very much cut, and was still bleeding.

Harriett Corbett identified the articles produced as the property of various members of the family.

Prisoner said he was the worse for liquor on the night mentioned, and had not the least intention of “doing it.”

Guilty. His Lordship said this was a different case to some others tried, as prisoner had broken into a dwelling-house, therefore it was necessary to pass on him a heavy sentence.

One year`s hard labour.

Note: Apparently this was the Radnor, but Murray is unknown.

Kentish Gazette 23-12-1856

Assizes 23-12-1856; Before Baron Bramwell

Richard Williams, 30, mariner, for a burglary at Folkestone, on the 30^th July, and stealing four books, nine keys, a ring, a pair of scissors, and other articles, the property of Mr. John Melluish.

Mr. Deedes prosecuted.

The prosecutor resides at Croydon, but in July last he and his family were staying at No. 7, Marine Parade, Folkestone. The house was left safe on the night of the 30^th of July, but on the following morning it was discovered that an entry had been effected through the larder window, where a pane of glass had been broken, and the property above enumerated, together with a quantity of provisions, some brandy, wine, &c., were stolen. On the following morning the prisoner was at the Radnor Arms – he was drunk and was passing round brandy to the persons present. He had two bundles containing books, bread, cheese, &c, which had been stolen from prosecutor`s premises. He was taken into custody, and the prosecutor`s bunch of keys was found in his possession.

Prisoner said he was very drunk on the night of the robbery, and knew nothing of what occurred after nine o`clock. He did not intend to do anything wrong.

One year`s hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 23-12-1856

Assizes, Tuesday: Before Mr. Baron Bramwell.

Richard Williams, 30, mariner, for burglary, and stealing 4 books, value 4s., 9 keys, a ring, a pair of scissors, and other articles, the property of John Melhuish, at Folkestone, on the 30^th July. Mr. Deedes for the prosecution.

A domestic, in the service of prosecutor, deposed to her master occupying a house at Folkestone, No. 7, Marine Parade, having arrived there a short time from Croydon. The house had been locked up the night previous to the robbery, and everything made safe. Next morning it was found that the house had been entered; the larder was in a very disorderly state, and several articles stolen. In the dining room the cupboard door was open, and some wine, brandy, &c., taken away. Some books were also missed from the drawing room, a bunch of keys, and a pair of scissors. The house had been entered by the larder, and there were marks of blood on the floor and up the stairs. Witness identified the property produced as belonging to her master.

Matthew Graves, a servant in the employ of Mr. Murray, innkeeper, Folkestone, in July last, deposed to prisoner coming to his master`s house on the night of the 30^th July, and also next morning. He was lying on the settle, drunk. He had with him a bottle of brandy, which he poured into a pint pot, gave some to other travellers and witness. He also had a quantity of cheese, bacon, books, &c., in his possession.

Superintendent Steer deposed to taking prisoner into custody. On searching him at the station house he found a pair of scissors in his possession. Prisoner`s right hand was also very much cut.

Guilty. One year`s hard labour.

Note: Apparently this was the Radnor, but Murray is unknown

Folkestone Chronicle 3-10-1857 

Petty Sessions, Saturday, Oct. 3^rd: Before James Kelcey, William Major and William Bateman Esqs.

William Banks was brought up on remand, charged with being a deserter from the Kent Artillery; and also with a brutal assault on Thomas Hart, by biting off a part of his upper lip in a struggle arising out of a dispute at the Radnor public house on Thursday evening.

Fined £5, in default committed for two months.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-9-1857

Tuesday September 22^nd: - Before the Mayor and J, Tolputt esq.

John Smithley was charged with being drunk, and with his wife, creating a disturbance at the Radnor Inn, breaking some glass, and committing an assault. Fined 2s 6d for the damage, and 6s costs, in default committed for 14 days. Fined 5s for the assault, and 4s 6d costs, and in default committed for 14 days.

Folkestone Chronicle 2-1-1858

Quarter Sessions

John Baker was indicted for stealing six umbrellas of the value of twelve shillings, on the 11^th November, the property of Thomas Fields, draper, Dover Street. Prisoner pleaded “Guilty” to the possession of the articles, but not to the theft.

Thomas Field, sworn, said I am a draper living in Dover Street. On the 11^th November I lost six umbrellas, they were inside my shop, close to the door. They were common cotton – had seen them there in the course of the day. Mr. Mercer, a neighbour, came in and told me two men had gone by with a bundle of umbrellas. I first went to the police station, and then with the superintendent to the Radnor Inn. The umbrellas were taken from a lump of six or eight half-dozens – they were secured with a cord, which was broken. I noticed that before Mr. Mercer came inn – my attention was drawn to them, as I had heard a slight noise at the door, and they appeared as if they had been disturbed. I did not count them. We found the six umbrellas under the seat in the tap room at the Radnor Inn – the superintendent took possession of them. Witness identified the six umbrellas produced, having his tickets upon them with his private mark. A man had been in the shop previously in the afternoon of the same day, begging – could not swear it was the prisoner, but believed it to have been him.

William Henry Mercer, sworn. I am fourteen years of age. I recollect 11^th November – was at home on that evening – about six o`clock saw prisoner pass our house with two soldiers – one was carrying a bundle of umbrellas. They were going to put them up a passage by the side of our house. Prisoner then took them and carried them away under his Guernsey. The soldiers went with prisoner towards the Radnor Inn.

Ann Norris said, I am living at the Radnor Inn. I swear to prisoner being at our house on 11^th November. He came in the forenoon about 11, had some bread and cheese and beer with another man – a civilian. He stayed till about three in the afternoon, when he went away, and came again about half past six with the umbrellas, which he pulled from under his Guernsey. There were two soldiers with him then. He gave the umbrellas to one of the soldiers who asked me to take charge of them. I declined. They put them under the seat. There were several other soldiers in the room. The three went away and returned in about ten minutes – asked for the umbrellas. In the meantime the superintendent and Mr. Field had been and taken possession of them.

Superintendent W. Martin – said that from the description he had received of prisoner, eh went in search of him, and apprehended him in Mill Lane. He stated the charge to him, but he made no reply. Prisoner was searched at the station – on his way he dropped a packet of handkerchiefs. He made a statement in the cell that a soldier named Kearney had stolen them, who was on Monday tried at Dover and committed for six months.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and prisoner was sentenced to six months hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 5-1-1858

Quarter Sessions.

These sessions were held on Thursday, before J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.,

John Baker, 30, clerk, was indicted for stealing six umbrellas, value 12s., the property of Thomas Field, of Folkestone.

From the evidence of the prosecutor it appeared that a lad named Mercer, living next door to his house, told him that some men had passed their door, one of whom had some umbrellas under his guernsey.

Prosecutor found that the cord fastening a number of umbrellas at his door had been broken, and he went in search of the men, with the superintendent of police. At the Radnor Inn they found the umbrellas under the seats in the tap-room.

William Marlin, superintendent of police, apprehended the prisoner in Mill-lane, in company with some soldiers, one of whom had since been convicted of stealing at Dover, and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

Wm. Henry Mercer saw the prisoner take the umbrellas from a soldier, put them under his gaberdine, and walk towards the Radnor Inn.

Ann Norris, landlady of the Radnor Inn, proved that the prisoner had been in and out of her house all day, and at about half-past six in the evening he brought with him the umbrellas produced, and wished her to take care of them. They were placed in one corner of the room, where some soldiers sat.

Prisoner said the men who stole the umbrellas was a soldier named Carney, and he had told the inspector so.

The jury, without hesitation, found the prisoner guilty, and the Recorder, in passing sentence, said that he believed the prisoner went about with others in a gang committing robberies. Such a system was most difficult of detection, as some kept watch while the others stole the goods.

Six months’ hard labour.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 9-1-1858 

Quarter Sessions, Thursday: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

John Baker, 30, clerk, was indicted for stealing six umbrellas, value 12s., the property of Thomas Field, of Folkestone.

From the evidence of the prosecutor it appeared that a lad named Mercer, living next door to his house, told him that some men had passed their door, one of whom had some umbrellas under his Guernsey. Prosecutor found the cord fastening a number of umbrellas at his door had been broken, and he went in search of the men with the superintendent of police. At the Radnor Inn they found the umbrellas under some seats in the tap room.

William Henry Mercer saw the prisoner take the umbrellas from a soldier, put them under his gabardine, and walk towards the Radnor Inn.

Ann Norris, landlady of the Radnor Inn, proved that the prisoner had been in and out of her house all daym and at about half past six in the evening he brought with him the umbrellas produced and wished her to take care of them. They were placed in one corner of the room, where some soldiers sat 

Prisoner said the man who stole the umbrellas was a soldier named Carney, and he had told the inspector so.

The jury, without hesitation, found the prisoner Guilty, and the Recorder, in passing sentence, said that he believed the prisoner went about with others in a gang committing robberies. Such a system was most difficult of detection, as some kept watch while the others stole the goods. Six months` hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 26-4-1859

Local News

On Monday, before The Mayor, A, M. Leith, J. Tolputt, and W. Major Esqrs., Ann Cummons, a charwoman, was charged with stealing a cloak, a cape, and a pair of overshoes, the property of Miss Ellen Whiting, of Folkestone. The prisoner absconded from the Radnor Inn, where she was lodging. She was traced to Dover, where she was apprehended, the property being found pledged at the shop of Mr. Hart, pawnbroker. She pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month’s hard labour. 

Dover Chronicle 25-5-1861 

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before the Mayor and Jas. Kelcey Esq.

Wm. Williams, a cripple, charged with breaking the windows of the Radnor Inn, was committed for fourteen days, in default of paying the damage and costs, 11s. 6d.

Folkestone Chronicle 25-5-1861

Wednesday May 22^nd:- Before the Mayor and James Kelcey esq.

William Williams, a cripple, with a crutch, was brought before the bench by P.C. Smith, charged with wilful damage to a window at the Radnor Inn. The prisoner came into the house drunk, and burnt a quantity of paper on the kitchen fire, which led to the landlord requesting him to quit the house; prisoner immediately went into the passage and broke three squares of glass, value 5s 3d. He was ordered to pay the damage and costs amounting to 9s 6d, and in default was committed for fourteen days hard labour to Dover gaol.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-6-1861

Thursday June 13^th:- Before Captain Kennicott, William Major and James Tolputt Esqs.

Mary Ann Harner, living at the Radnor Inn, was brought up in custody, charged with hawking goods not having a license. From the evidence of P.C. Sharp, he found the prisoner hawking buttons, tapes, laces, and various other small wares from house to house in Radnor Terracem Sandgate Road, not having a license; she was taken into custody, appearing in a bad state of health. The magistrates discharged her with a caution.

Folkestone Observer 15-6-1861

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

Michael Tyni was again brought up and –

Eliza Winter, living with her husband in Radnor Street, next door to Mr. Carter, said that early on Saturday morning, before it was light, she saw a soldier in the front room downstairs, of Mr. Carter`s house. She had frequently heard footsteps going up to the front door of the house. Prisoner lit his pipe and sat himself down on a chair. Then he got up and took the candle and looked on the mantelpiece and around the room. She stood till Mr. Carter came home, when she told him what she had seen.

In defence, prisoner said he had some friends in the 21^st at Sandgate, and they told him of the Radnor Inn at Folkestone. He wanted his comrades to show him the inn, but they said they could not. So he came on to Folkestone, and asked several civilians where the Radnor was, but he could not for the life of him find it out. At last he got directed through some arches, when he found the inns shut up. He went down the back way into a yard, and saw a house with a light in it. As he was very drunk, he thought it was the house, and went in and lit his pipe. He had no intention to steal anything, and had never stolen anything in his life.

The magistrates thought there was no evidence of felonious intent, and dismissed the prisoner.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-9-1861

Petty Sessions: Monday, September 16^th: Before the Mayor, J. Kelcey and W.F. Browell Esqs.

William and Mary Pumfery were brought up, charged with assaulting and stealing 4s. 6d. From the person of Margaret Reed.

Margaret Reed, being sworn, said; I am the wife of William Reed, a private in the 1^st battalion, 9^th regiment. On Saturday afternoon I went to the Brigade Major on the Camp, Shorncliffe; he gave me 2s., the catholic priest 1s., and other officers 2s., to support my eight children. I saw the female prisoner in Sandgate and gave her 2d., as she appeared tired; she had a basket of water cresses. I was coming to Folkestone about 8 p.m. by the upper Sandgate Road. The two prisoners overtook me, as I was speaking to an officer`s servant on horseback. The male prisoner seized me by the throat and threw me down, breaking the bone of my stays by kneeling on my chest; the female then took 4s. 6d. Of my money out of my pocket. The man swore at me, and said he would take my life before I should reach the town.

The prisoners were then remanded.

Tuesday, September 17^th: Before the Mayor, S. Eastes and W.F. Browell Esq.

The two prisoners Pumfery were again brought up on remand.

P.C. Peel said on the information of the prosecutrix he went in search of the prisoners; he met the male prisoner in High Street, and asked him if he had come from Sandgate. He said yes, by the Upper Road. He then took him into custody, charging him with the robbery, and at the station, where he was identified by the prosecutrix, he was searched and 1s. 1d. Found upon him. He said he was innocent. At the Queen`s Head public house he took the female prisoner in charge; she denied it, and said she had been knocked down by the prosecutrix. Went to the Radnor and found the stay bone produced, broken, as described on the previous day.

John Wilson deposed: I am a private in the 2^nd battalion, 25^th regiment, at Shorncliffe. I was coming from Sandgate to Folkestone on Saturday night about 8 o`clock. When near the town heard a woman cry. Went to the spot and saw a man servant on horseback; he was drunk and abusing the prosecutrix. I left them and came towards the town, when I met the female prisoner; she asked me if I had seen a woman and a servant on horseback. I said I had. She told me as soon as she saw her she would give her a thrashing. She then seized my by the throat and said “That`s the way I`d serve her.” At the time I met the prosecutrix she was bleeding at the mouthm and shewed me some hair the prisoner had pulled out, and complained of having been beaten and robbed by the two prisoners.

Prisoners were both committed for trial at the next Assizes at Maidstone.

Southeastern Gazette 1-10-1861

Local News

On Thursday last, before James Tolputt Esq., James Harvey, a plasterer, was charged with assaulting the police.

On Wednesday night, at a little before twelve o`clock, he was put out of the Radnor Inn, being drunk and noisy there. He then kicked up a row in the street, and when requested by P.C. Reynolds to quietly away, he refused. He took him into custody, when he kicked very furiously.

He was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment.

Canterbury Weekly Journal, Dover Express, Kentish Express, Kentish Gazette 7-12-1861

Assizes, Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Williams.

William Pumfrey and Mary Pumfrey, husband and wife, were indicted for robbery from the person with violence, at Folkestone.

Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

Mary Reed, wife of a soldier in the 90^th Regiment, said that on the night of the 14^th of September she was returning from the Camp at Shorncliffe to Folkestone, when she met the female prisoner, who begged alms of her. Prosecutrix gave her twopence. The male prisoner then came up, thanked her for her gift, and pressed some watercresses, a bunch of which she purchased for a penny. Prosecutrix went on her way to Folkestone, and when she had gone about half a mile further, the two prisoners overtook her. The man struck her a blow on the ear, which knocked her to the side of the road, and then knelt upon her while the female prisoner took 4s. 6d. out of her pocket. They then went away, and prosecutrix continued her journey to Folkestone, where she gave information of the robbery.

William Keane said that on the 14^th of September he was a police constable at Folkestone, and on that day received information of the robbery from the prosecutrix. He afterwards met the prisoners in the High Street, and apprehended them on the charge, which they denied.

John Wilson, a private in the 25^th Regiment, stated that he was going from Sandgate to Folkestone on the night in question, when on approaching the town, he heard a woman cry. On going to the spot he found the prosecutrix there, who was crying and appeared to have been ill-used. She complained of having been tobbed by a man and woman.

In defence the prisoners asserted that they had been in the company of prosecutrix previously, when she spent her last penny on some beer, and that so far from their molesting her, she had savagely assaulted the female prisoner.

At the request of the jury the constable was recalled, and upon being questioned stated that only 1s. 2d. was found upon the male prisoner, and nothing upon his wife.

The jury immediately acquitted both prisoners. 

Dover Chronicle 7-12-1861

Assizes, Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Williams.

William Pumfrey and Mary Pumfrey, husband and wife, were indicted for robbery from the person with violence, at Folkestone.

Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

Mary Reed, wife of a soldier in the 90^th Regiment, deposed that on the night of the 14^th of September she was returning from the Camp at Shorncliffe to Folkestonem when she met the female prisoner, who begged alms of her. Prosecutrix gave her twopence. The male prisoner then came up, thanked her for her gift, and pressed some watercresses, a bunch of which she purchased for a penny. Prosecutrix went on her way to Folkestone, and when she had gone about half a mile further, the two prisoners overtook her. The man struck her a blow on the ear, which knocked her to the side of the road, and then knelt upon her while the female prisoner took 4s. 6d. out of her pocket. They then went away, and prosecutrix continued her journey to Folkestone, where she gave information of the robbery.

William Keane said that on the 14^th of September he was a police constable at Folkestone, and on that day received information of the robbery from the prosecutrix. He afterwards met the prisoners in the High Street, and apprehended them on the charge, which they denied.

John Wilson, a private in the 25^th Regiment, stated that he was going from Sandgate to Folkestone on the night in question, when on approaching the town, he heard a woman cry. On going to the spot he found the prosecutrix there, who was crying and appeared to have been ill-used. She complained of having been tobbed by a man and woman.

In defence the prisoners asserted that they had been in the company of prosecutrix previously, when she spent her last penny on some beer, and that so far from their molesting her, she had savagely assaulted the female prisoner.

At the request of the jury the constable was recalled, and upon being questioned stated that only 1s. 2d. was found upon the male prisoner, and nothing upon his wife.

The jury immediately acquitted both prisoners.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-12-1861

Assizes: William Pumfery and Mary Pumfery, husband and wife, were indicted for robbery from the person with violence, at Folkestone.

Mr. Biron was for the prosecution. The prisoners were undefended.

The particulars of case have already appeared in this paper.

Both prisoners were acquitted.  

Maidstone Journal 10-12-1861

Assizes, Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Williams.

William Pumfrey, 40, a tall, powerful man, dressed as a navvy, and Mary Pumfrey, 55, his wife, were charged with having stolen 4s. 6d. from the person of Mary Reed, at Folkestone, on the 14^th of September.

Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

According to the statement of the prosecutrix, it appeared that she was the wife of a private soldier in the 90^th Regiment, but he having been sent abroad, she was obliged to support herself and eight children by washing, earning from 1s. 6d to 2s. per day. About 9 o`clock in the evening of the 14^th of September she was going from the Camp at Shorncliffe to Folkestone, when upon the road she met the two prisoners, who begged alms of her, saying that they had not tasted a bit of food that day. Having herself known what it was to be pinched with hunger (as she told the judge, who questioned the reason of her generosity), she gave the woman 2d., and bought some watercresses of the man for a penny. She then continued her journey towards Folkestone, but shortly before reaching the town she was overtaken by the two prisoners, and the man struck her a blow upon the side of the head, which knocked her down, and then knelt upon her, while his companion rifled her pockets, taking 4s. 6d. They then went away, and on prosecutrix reaching Folkestone, she gave information of the robbery to the police, the prisoners being apprehended in the town late the same evening.

In corroboration a private of the 25^th Regiment was called, who stated that while on his way to the Camp he heard a woman cry for help, and found the prosecutrix bleeding from the mouth, while she complained of having been robbed by a man and a woman.

The prisoners handed in a written defence, the substance of which was that they were drinking at a public house with the prosecutrix, who then spent her last penny in the purchase of beer. She left for Folkestone, and they followed, but presently overtook her when she was quarrelling with an officer`s servant. The female prisoner advised her to go quietly home, when, instead of accepting the advice, she attacked the adviser, and the man was obliged to interfere to prevent his wife being maltreated. The officer`s servant recommended the two prisoners to go to the Camp next day and complain of the conduct of the prosecutrix, when the latter said “You shan`t go to the Camp tomorrow,” started off towards Folkestone, and preferred a charge of highway robbery.

It appeared that when the prisoners were searched at the station only 1s. 2d. was found upon the man and nothing upon the woman. From the first also the declared their innocence, and asserted the prosecutrix herself was the assailant.

The jury acquitted both prisoners.

Southeastern Gazette 10-12-1861

Assizes, Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Williams.

William Pumfrey, 40, labourer, and Mary Pumfrey, his wife, were indicted for stealing 4s. 6d. From the person of Margaret Reed, with violence, at Folkestone, on the 14^th September. Mr. Biron was for the prosecution.

Margaret Reed, the wife of a private in the 90^th Regiment, said that on the above evening she was returning from Shorncliffe Camp to her house at Folkestone. When near the West Cliff Hotel the female prisoner begged of her. She gave the woman 2d., when the male prisoner made his appearance, and askd her to purchase some watercresses. She did so, and then went on. After she had got about half a mile the prisoners came up behind her. The male prisoner struck her a blow on the ear, which knocked her down on the side of the road. He then knelt upon her, and caught her by the throat, and the female prisoner took the money from her. The prisoners then went away, and a soldier of the 25^th Regiment afterwards came to witness`s assistance.

William Peel, who in September last belonged to the Folkestone police, said he met the male prisoner on the evening of the robbery, and took him into custody, on the charge of knocking down and robbing the prosecutrix. Prisoner said he was innocent of the offence. Witness afterwards apprehended the female prisoner, and she also denied the charge, saying that Reed had tried to choke her.

John Wilson, a private of the 25^th Regiment, said he was going from Sandgate to Folkestone on the above night, when he heard a female crying, and on going up to her she complained to him that she had been robbed by a man and a woman. She was bleeding at the mouth and showed him some hair which she said had been pulled out of her head.

The prisoners put in a written statement, to the effect that the prosecutrix asked Mary Pumfrey to go and have a pint of beer, and put her last penny to one of the male prisoner`s to purchase a second pint; that they afterwards found her abusing an officer`s servant in the road, and advised her to go home, when she attacked the female prisoner (who is partially blind), catching hold of her by the throat; and that all the male prisoner did was to release his wife.

At the request of the jury, the witness Peel was recalled, and stated that the prisoners were searched at the station-house, when 1s. 2d. Was found on the male prisoner, but nothing upon his wife.

The prisoners were both acquitted.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-2-1862

Saturday February 15^th:- Before A.M. Leith, James Tolputt and Gilbert Kennicott esqs.

Thomas Harris was brought up charged with being drunk and riotous.

P.C. Reynolds deposed that about one o`clock the same morning he saw prisoner come out of the Radnor Inn. Prisoner commenced to make a great noise, and was ultimately taken into custody, and brought to the station. Convicted and fined 2s 6d. and costs 6s. or 7 days imprisonment. Committed in default.

Dover Chronicle 5-4-1862 

Hythe County Petty Sessions, Monday; Before J. Du Boulay.

Martin Holliday, James William Howell, soldiers in the 21^st Fusiliers, and Mary Ann Elden, a prostitute, were charged with stealing a gold watch, a gold pin, and a gold seal, the property of Ensign Kennear Brown, 21^st Fusiliers, at Shorncliffe, on the 27^th March.

Prosecutor said: I am an Ensign in the 21^st Fusiliers, which regiment is at present stationed at Shorncliffe Camp. About half past six on the evening of Thursday, the 27^th March, I went into my hut to dress for dinner, and being rather late I laid my watch upon my dressing table. I usually lock it up in my drawers when I do not require it. There were attached to the watch, by a hair guard, a gold seal and a gold watch key. I also left a gold scarf pin lying on the table close to my watch. Having dressed myself, I locked the door of my room and left for dinner, hanging the key behind a curtain which runs across the passage. On my return from dinner, about half past ten, there was a light burning in my room. I had not lighted any candles while dressing. About ten minutes after I had returned, wishing to ascertain the time, I went to get my watch from the table, but it was gone. The next morning I also missed my scarf pin. The watch, pin, seal and key produced are my property, and the value of the same I estimate at about £30.

Lewis Lewis examined: I am a private in the 21^st Fusiliers. On Monday night last, about nine o`clock, and after the lights were put out in our hut, the prisoner Howell called me to his bedside and asked me whether I could keep a watch for him till the morning. He gave me the watch in my hand, but I cannot identify it as the one produced as it was dark at the time. I asked him where he had got it from, and he told me Holliday had given it to him. I told him not to get himself into trouble over the watch, as it might belong to his (Holliday`s) master, and he promised to give it back. Holliday had left the hut before this conversation took place. The prisoner Holliday afterwards came in, and Howell gave him the watch and he went out again. The next morning I told Howell I hoped I should hear no more about the watch, for if I did I should report him. The same morning I heard the police making inquiries about a robbery, and I then reported the circumstances to my pay-sergeant.

Cross-examined by Holliday: You were standing between Howell`s bed and the drummer`s when the former gave you the watch. The lights were out at the time, but I saw him give you the watch as I was not in bed at the time. I was about half a yard distant from you. I saw the watch when I had it in my hand, but it was too dark for me to see what colour it was. I am quite certain it was Thursday when the conversation took place.

Cross-examined by Howell: I have already stated I cannot swear the watch produced is the same one you handed to me, I am certain, however, that you did give me the watch on Thursday night.

Francis Chappell examined: I am a private in the 21^st Fusiliers. About a quarter to eight o`clock on Thursday night, I saw the prisoners Holliday and Howell talking together outside the Wellington, Sandgate. On coming up to them I saw Holliday give a pin to Howell. The pin produced I believe to be the same. We then went into the Wellington, and Holliday left us to go into the skittle alley.

Police sergeant Smith, K.C.C.: From information received, I apprehended the prisoner Holliday on Friday afternoon upon a charge of being concerned in this robbery. He denied any knowledge of it. I afterwards proceeded to Dover, and found the prisoners Howell and Elden drinking together at a public house. I charged Howell with stealing the property mentioned in the charge, which he denied. I asked the female prisoner what she knew about the robbery, and she replied “Nothing.” Howell was then locked up in the station-house at Dover. On the 29^th I again found the female prisoner at Dover, and I then questioned her very closely with reference to the robbery, but she professed not to know anything about it. When I arrived at Seabrook lock-up with Howell, he admitted that he had sold the watch to a very fat man in Dover Market-place, and the seal to Mr. Hart, of Folkestone, who he said gave him a shilling for it. I subsequently went to the Radnor Inn, Folkestone, when the landlord, Robert Tindall, handed me the pin produced. He said that he bought it of the female prisoner for 2s. 6d. I took het into custody yesterday, and, when acquainting her with the charge against her, she said that Howell had given it to her, saying that it was a present from his brother.

Robert Tindall, the landlord of the Radnor Inn, examined: On Friday night last the female prisoner came into my house and asked me whether I would purchase a pin, at the same time handing me the one now produced. She said she had been with an officer who had no money, which I believe is very often the case with a great number of them (laughter). She asked 3s. for the pin, but she ultimately sold it to me for 2s. 6d. At the time I bought it I had no suspicion it was stolen. On hearing of the robbery, I gave information to the police.

By Howell: I believe it was Friday night when the prisoner sold the pin, but I am not quite certain.

The prisoner Howell then said that it was Thursday night.

Superintendent Coram, of the Dover Police Force, proved the discovery of the watch at Dover.’’

The prisoners Holliday and Howell said they should reserve their defence. The female prisoner said she should not have sold the pin had she not believed the representation made of its being a present from his brother to be correct. She did not sell it for herself, but handed over the money immediately to Howell.

The Magistrate committed the prisoners for trial at the next East Kent Quarter Sessions, to be holden at Canterbury on Tuesday next, and the witnesses were bound over to appear and give evidence.

John Barkley, a resident of New Street, Dover, and who has lately occupied a stall in the Market as a pork-butcher, was then charged with receiving the watch referred to in the last case, well-knowing it to have been stolen. Mr. Delasaux, solicitor, Canterbury, defended the prisoner.

John Coram, examined: I am Superintendent of the Dover Police Force. On Saturday last, between three and four o`clock, from information received, I went to the prisoner in the Dover Market and I said to him “You`ve bought a watch of a soldier, haven`t you?”, and he replied Yes, I have.” I said “Where is it?” and he said “I have not got it here, but I will go and fetch it.” I then went away with him, and on the road he said “It`s in my garden.” We proceeded there, and at a spot in the garden the prisoner removed the earth to a depth of about five or six inches, and produced the watch, wrapped in a piece of brown paper, which he handed to me. He said he bought it of a soldier for 30s., believing it to be a silver-gilt one. I then took him into custody, and upon the road to the station-house he saw Howell, one of the prisoners in the last case, upon which he observed “That`s the man I bought it of.” He then turned to Howell and said “You`ve not only got yourself in trouble, but me also.” From the evidence I have heard today, I believe the watch to have been stolen.

In reply to the prisoner`s solicitor, Mr. Coram said he had been Superintendent of the Dover Police for eleven years, and during that time he had never heard anything against the prisoner`s character. He had always known him as an honest, hard-working and industrious man.

Mr. Kennear Brown was then called, but his evidence was simply a repetition of that given in the last case.

Thomas Hammond deposed: I am the landlord of the Prince of Wales public house, Buckland, Dover. I was present on the Market-place on Friday last when the watch was offered for sale by a soldier of the 21^st Regiment. (The witness here identified the prisoner Howell as tghe soldier he alluded to.) There were several of us standing in a group, but I cannot say whether Barkley was actually present when the watch was offered. He may have stepped a one side just then. I looked at the watch, and someone remarked that as I was a bit of a watchmaker I had better buy it, but I declined to do so, as I thought I had got into enough trouble about watches (laughter). I told the soldier that if he showed the watch to Mr. Coram and it was all right he would no doubt get someone to buy it.

By Mr. Delasaux: The watch was offered publicly for sale. The soldier said his friends had made him a present of it. He did not say whether the watch was gold, silver-gilt, or anything else (a laugh). He wanted £3 for it. No-one bought the watch then, but any of them could have done so if they liked. I have known the prisoner all his lifetime, and have never heard anything against his character.

Mr. Delasaux: Is that a pretty good sort of a watch?

Hammond: How should I know? (Laughter)

Mr. Delasaux: No, I should think you would not; and Barkley would not, would he?

Hammond: No, I should think not.

Mr. Delasaux briefly addressed the Court on behalf of the prisoner. He contended that no prima facie case had been made out against his client, inasmuch as it had not been proved that at the time he bought the watch he had any knowledge that it was stolen property, which the law required should be done in order to ensure a conviction. He then alluded to the evidence of the Superintendent of the Dover Police Force, which he had no doubt was the very essence of truth, and dwelt very strongly upon the fact that the prisoner, when questioned about the watch, without hesitation admitted that he had purchased the property. It was a matter of very little importance how the property was disposed of after it was purchased, as the case could not be sustained if it was not proved in evidence that the party had at the time of buying the watch a knowledge that the property was the result of a robbery.

Defendant, having been cautioned in the usual manner, said as follows in his defence: When I purchased the watch I had no idea it was stolen, it having been offered publicly for sale in the Market-place. I was ignorant of its being a gold watch.

The prisoner was then committed to take his trial at the East Kent Quarter Sessions, James Wilkins of the Lord Raglan, Dover, being accepted as bail for his appearance.

Southeastern Gazette 6-5-1862

Advertisement: An old established inn to be let in Folkestone. An old established inn, called the Radnor, much frequented by travellers and others, making up 23 or 24 beds; rooms large and well ventilated. Good kitchen accommodation. Water and gas laid on.

For particulars apply to Messrs. Kemp and Cockett, Auctioneers and Appraisers, High Street, Folkestone.

Dover Chronicle 19-7-1862 

Dover Police Court, Wednesday: Before Capt. Noble and G.F. Jennings Esq.

Charles Struckett, a seafaring man, who has frequently been before the bench for different offences, was charged with breaking into the schooner Perseverance, in Dover harbor, and stealing therefrom an opera glass, a tape measure, three pairs of trousers and three shirts, value 16s.

From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the prisoner, having disposed of the property at the Radnor public house at Folkestone, gave himself up to the police superintendent there, by whom he was brought to Dover.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty and the Magistrates sentenced him to two calendar months imprisonment.

Dover Express 19-7-1862

Dover Police Court, Wednesday: Before Captain Noble and G.F. Jennings Esq.

Charles Struckell, a mariner who has several times previously appeared before the Bench on charges of varying descriptions, was again placed at the bar by Johnson, charged with stealing from the schooner Perseverance, lying in Dover harbour, 1 opera glass, value 10s., 1 tape measure, value 1s., 3 pairs of trousers, value 3s., and 3 shirts, value 2s., the property of the captain.

George Bushell: I am master of the schooner Perseverance, of Dover. Last Monday she was lying alongside the Commercial Quay, and the articles now produced were then on board, and under my care. The same afternoon I was informed they were missing and when I again saw them they were at the station-house. The opera glass and tape measure belong to me and the 3 pairs of trousers and 3 shirts produced belong to my brother, who had command of the vessel on Saturday last. I value the whole at 16s.

William Martin, Superintendent of the police at Folkestone: On Monday night the prisoner came to the station at Folkestone and said he wished to give himself up for having committed a robbery at Dover. I told him that one of the Dover constables was in search of him, and having cautioned him that what he might say would be used as evidence against him, he told me he had sold 3 pairs of trousers and 3 shirts to the landlady of the Radnor public house. The glass and tape measure were sold to a person named Austen. I then went to the Radnor and there received the 3 shirts which I now produce from the landlady and the 3 pairs of trousers from a person namned Spearpoint living at the back of the Radnor. The glass and measure I received from a man named William Austen. I took the articles to the station and showed them to the prisoner, and he admitted that they were the things he had sold and that they belonged to Captain Bushell of the schooner Perseverance.

Ann Tindall said that she lived at the Radnor public house. She knew the prisoner. She had seen him in her house about 12 o`clock on the previous Monday morning when he offered the trousers and shirts produced for sale. She bought the shirts of him for 1s. The same evening the Superintendent enquired if she had purchased any shirts and she then fetched those she had bought of the prisoner and have them to the Superintendent. 

Margaret Lightfoot said she lodged at the Radnor public house, Folkestone. The prisoner offered for sale some shirts and trousers in the bar on Monday last. The landlady bought the shirts and prisoner left the trousers produced lying on the table to see if anybody would purchase them for a shilling. She took them, at prisoner`s request, into the next house, and sold them for a shilling to Mrs. Spearpoint.

Mary Spearpoint said she lived at the back of Radnor Street, Folkestone, and that she bought the trousers produced of the last witness for 1s. She gave them to the Superintendent when he came to her house in the evening.

William Austen said he was a general dealer living in Radnor Street, Folkestone. On Monday afternoon the prisoner offered the glass and tape produced for sale. He told prisoner they were of no use to him, but prisoner said he wanted to raise a few shillings to take him to Hastings, and he ultimately bought the glass and tape for 3s. Prisoner said he bought the glass of Mr. Long, at Dover. The same evening Superintendent Martin knocked him up, and enquired if he had bought any goods. He told him that he had and gave the glass and tape to him.

Peter Bushell said he was master of the schooner Perseverance on Saturday night, but had since given up command to his brother. The goods produced were then all in the chest together.

Prisoner, having no questions to put to any of the witnesses, and having been cautioned in the usual way, pleaded Guilty to the charge.

The Bench sentenced him to 2 months imprisonment, with hard labour, and ordered the property to be given up to the prosecutor.

Dover Telegraph 19-7-1862 

Dover Police Court, Wednesday: Before Captain Noble and G.F. Jennings Esq.

Charles Struckell, a mariner who has before figured at the bar of our police court, was charged with stealing from the schooner Perseverance, lying in Dover harbour, an opera glass, a tape measure, three pairs of trousers, and three shirts, value 2s., the property of the crew of the vessel.

George Bushell, the master of the Perseverance, identified the glass and tape produced as his property, which he, on Monday afternoon, missed from his vessel, alongside Commercial Quay; he did not see them after Friday, until yesterday at the station-house. The trousers and shirts belonged to his brother, Peter, and were worth 5s.; the opera glass he valued at 10s., and the measuring tape 1s.

Wm. Martin, Superintendent of the police at Folkestone, deposed that on Monday night last the prisoner came to the station-house at Folkestone and expressed a wish to give himself up for a robbery at Dover, as the police were in search of him. He cautioned prisoner as to what he said, for it would be given in evidence against him, when he told him he had sold three pairs of trousers and three shirts at the Radnor public house, and an opera glass and tape measure to a person named Austin. He obtained the articles from the respective purchasers, and showed them to the prisoner at the station-house, who said “They are the things I sold, and they belong to Capt. Bushell, of the Perseverance”, and he was locked up.

MaryTindall, landlady of the Radnor, Folkestone, said the prisoner came into her house about midday on Monday, and offered the trousers and shirts for sale; she bought the shirts for 1s., the sum asked, and handed them over to the police officer who called in the evening.

Margaret Lightfoot, who lodged at the Radnor, went to the next door, at prisoner`s request, and obtained 1s. for the trousers, which she took to him.

Mary Spearpoint, living at the back of the Radnor, stated that the last witness came and offered her the three pairs of trousers for 1s., which she bought, and gave them to the police when applied for.

Wm. Austin, general dealer, Radnor St., Folkestone, said about three o`clock on Monday afternoon the prisoner brought the glass and tape produced to his shop and asked him to buy them. He told prisoner they were of no use to him, but his continued solicitation led him to buy them, after having been informed that he bought the glass of Mr. Long, pawnbroker, and wanted the money to go to Hastings; he gave prisoner 3s. for the glass and tape, and when the Superintendent came the articles were given to him.

Peter Bushell was master of the Perseverance up to 11 a.m. on Monday, when his brother George took charge. The trousers and two of the shirts, with the one worn by the prisoner, were his property, and he last saw them at nine on Saturday night, when they were in the chest which contained the glass and measure.

The prisoner admitted his guilt, and was committed to prison for two months with hard labour. The property was restored to its rightful owners.

Folkestone Observer 19-7-1862

Tuesday July 15^th:- Before W.F. Browell Esq.

Stealing

Charles Stouchett was charged with stealing from the ship Perseverance, in Dover Harbour, several articles, the property of the Master.Superintendent Martin said that at ten o`clock the night before the prisoner came into the police station, and said that he wished to give himself up for a robbery he had committed in Dover, for which one of the Dover police was searching for him. Witness cautioned him, and he proceeded to say he had sold three shirts to the landlady of the Radnor public house, and a glass and measure to a man named Austen. Three pairs of trousers he said he had also sold to the landlady at the Radnor. Witness went to the Radnor, and received from the landlady the three shirts now produced. The field glass and measure now produced he received from William Austen. The three pairs of trousers now produced he received from a person named Mary Spearpoint, living in the Backway, to whom prisoner had sold them – not to the landlady of the Radnor. The property produced was taken to the station and shown to the prisoner, when he said it was the property stolen, and belonged to Captain Bushell, of the Perseverance, lying in Dover Harbour. Remanded to Dover for further examination. The prisoner was sentenced at Dover to a calendar month`s imprisonment.

Kentish Gazette 22-7-1862

Dover Police Court, Wednesday: Before Capt. Noble and G.F. Jennings Esqs.

Charles Struckett, a seafaring man, who has frequently been before the Bench for different offences, was charged with breaking into the schooner Perseverance, in Dover harbour, and stealing therefrom an opera glass, a tape measure, three pairs of trousers and three shirts, value 16s.

From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the prisoner having disposed of the property at the Radnor public house at Folkestone, gave himself up to the police superintendent there, by whom he was brought to Dover.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and the Magistrates sentenced him to two months` imprisonment.

Folkestone Observer 26-7-1862

Wednesday July 23^rd:- Before W.F. Browell and W. Wightwick Esqs.

Drunk And Riotous

Margaret Platts and Robert Platts were charged with being drunk and riotous.

P.C. Sharpe was on duty in Radnor Street on Tuesday about half past 6, when Mr. Tindle, landlord of the Radnor Inn called for his assistance in putting the two prisoners out of his house. While putting Robert Platts out the woman struck him  on the face, and said he should not put him out. They were both very drunk. When witness put the woman out she lay down on the pavement and said she would not go away, attracting by her conduct and noise a great number of persons. The boy was also drunk and riotous and struck witness on putting him out of the house.

The female prisoner said her husband had been dead six weeks, leaving her with six children. A relative who works at the pier, pile driving, had given her 2s yesterday, and the beer she took affected her more than usual, she having just come out of the black fever. If the magistrates would be lenient with her, she would take her children and go away.

The bench said the punishment ordinarily inflicted for the offence of the woman was ten days or a fortnight`s imprisonment, but in the circumstances of the woman, with six children, she wopuld be discharged. Her son was also discharged. (The landlord of the Radnor desires us to say that he served only one half pint of beer to the defendants, and then seeing them intoxicated he refused to supply any more.)

Folkestone Chronicle 11-10-1862

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

Martin Bowling, a blind itinerant street musician, was brought up in custody charged with being drunk and riotous, and resisting the police. Prisoner pleaded not guilty.

Police constable Reynolds deposed, about half past 12 this morning witness was on duty in Radnor Street; heard a great disturbance near the Radnor public house; witness went there and found the prisoner drunk and shouting, and knocking at the door with a stick. Witness cautioned him several times and told him to be quiet; prisoner continued to shout, when witness took him into custody. On the way to the station, prisoner was very violent, and kicked witness several times. The prisoner tried to put his hand in his pocket, and with a low expression, threatened to do for witness. On searching him at the station, a razor was found in the pocket into which he had tried to put his hand.

Defendant pleaded hard to be forgiven. Prisoner was discharged with a caution.

George Sladden, ONCE MORE, was brought before the bench, charged with being drunk, using obscene language, and resisting the police.

P.C. Edward Smith deposed – About half past 12 this morning he was on duty in Dover Street and heard a great disturbance in Radnor Street. He went there and found the prisoner asleep on the pavement. Witness woke him up and desired him to go home. Witness went to assist P.C. Reynolds with the prisoner in the last case, when prisoner followed them up, and insisted on being taken with the other. Mr. Browell said that defendant was a most incorrigible offender; he should convict him in a month`s imprisonment with hard labour. The prisoner here became exceedingly violent, vituperating the magistrates and the police, exclaiming that they all told lies on him.

Another charge was now preferred on him of wilful damage.

P.C. Woodland, being sworn, deposed – This morning, shortly after six, witness went to the cell where the prisoner was confined, and found everything correct; at seven, witness visited it again, and found fourteen squares of glass broken in the cell window. Witness asked prisoner why he broke the glass, and he said he broke them for air. Witness remarked he had broken them all, when prisoner said yes, if there had been more he should have broken them too. No other person was confined in that cell; the value of the glass broken is about 3s 6d.

Prisoner, when aske for his defence, said it was no use saying anything; they might give him four months if they liked, but the man who gave it him would have cause to repent it.

Mr. Browell said for the damage done he should inflict a further imprisonment of two weeks, to commence at the expiration of the one month`s imprisonment, making six weeks in all.

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Ship Inn, Radnor Street, before John Minter Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of an old man named Matthew Grey, a labourer, who came by his death in the manner detailed in the evidence.

The jury having been sworn, they proceeded to the Radnor Inn, where the body was lying, and where the deceased met with his death. Having viewed the body they returned to the Ship Inn, and the following evience was taken:-

Mr. W. Bateman, surgeon, sworn: I am a surgeon, practicing in Folkestone; on Wednesday evening, the 8^th inst., about 7 p.m., I was sent for to the Radnor Inn, and found the deceased, Matthew Grey, lying quite insensible on the floor in the back room. I found a wound on the hand, a slight wound on the face, and another of a more serious nature on the back of the head. He was suffering from compression of the brain, which was no doubt caused by the blow at the back of the head. He never rallied or became sensible, but died the next morning. I saw him last alive about 11 a.m. The wound was such as might have been caused by a fall down some steps. Death ensued from effusion of blood on the brain. The wounds on the hand and face no doubt were caused by the pail he was carrying.

Esther Rossiter deposed: I am the wife of the landlord of the Radnor Inn. I know the deceased Matthew Grey; he was my servant. I have been at the Radnor three weeks. On Wednesday afternoon last, between one and two, he came in from the beach, where he had been with some clothes. I gave him a glass of beer, as he seemed fatigued. He has not been well lately. I asked him to go into the cellar and empty some dirty water and fetch some clean water from the pump in the yard. I heard the pail fall, and on going to see I found him lying at the bottom of the steps leading to the kitchen. I had him fetched up, and found he was bleeding at the nose, mouth, and back of the head. We washed him and sent for Mr. Bateman. No-one could have pushed him down; no-one else was about. Baker was in the kitchen and I called him to assist me. Deceased was 70 years of age.

Henry Baker, sworn: I lodge at the Radnor. I am a labourer. I had just come home from work on Wednesday evening last, and was sitting down having some dinner. I heard deceased fall with the pail, and Mrs. Rossiter call out “Oh, dear, here`s Matt down.” I assisted the last witness in getting him up, and laid him on a form in the kitchen. Saw he was wounded on the head and bleeding. He spoke only once, and said “Where`s my cap?”

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Kentish Gazette 14-10-1862

On Wednesday afternoon Matthew Grey, aged 70 years, who was in the service of the landlord of the Radnor Inn, was so severely injured by falling down the cellar steps that he died on the following morning.

Southeastern Gazette 14-10-1862

Inquest

An inquest was held on Friday afternoon, at the Ship Inn, Radnor Street, before John Minter, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of an old man, named Matthew Grey, a labourer, who came by his death in the manner detailed in the evidence,

Mr. W. Bateman, surgeon, said: On Wednesday evening, the 8th instant, about 7 p. m., I was sent for to the Radnor Inn, and found the deceased lying quite insensible on the floor m the back room. I found a wound on the hand, a slight wound on the face, and another of a more serious nature at the back of the head. He was suffering from compression of the brain, which was no doubt caused by the blow at the back of the head. He never rallied or became sensible, but died the next morning. The wound was such as might have been caused by a fall down some steps. Death ensued from an effusion of blood on the brain. The wounds on the hand and face no doubt were caused by the pail he was carrying.

Esther Rossiter, wife of the landlord of the Radnor Inn, said: The deceased was my servant. I have been at the Radnor three weeks. On Wednesday afternoon last, between one and two he came in from the beach, where he had been with some clothes. I gave him a glass of beer, as he seemed fatigued. He has not been well lately. I asked him to go into the cellar and empty some dirty water and fetch some clean water from the pump in the yard. I heard the pail fall, and on going to see I found him lying at the bottom of the steps leading to the kitchen. I saw him folded up, and he was bleeding at the nose, mouth and back of the head. We sent for Mr. Bateman No one else was about. Baker was in the kitchen, and I called him to assist me. Deceased was 70.

Henrv Baker said: I lodge at the Radnor. I had just come from work on Wednesday evening last when I heard deceased fail with the pail and Mrs. Rossiter call out, “Oh, dear, here`s Matt down”. I assisted the last witness in getting him up, and laid him on a form in the kitchen. I saw he was wounded on the head and bleeding. He only spoke once, and said “Where`s my cap?”

Verdict Accidental death.

Kentish Express 18-10-1862 

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Ship Inn, Radnor Street, before John Minter Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of an old man named Matthew Grey, a labourer, who came by his death in the manner detailed in the evidence.

Mr. W. Bateman, surgeon, said: On Wednesday evening, the 8^th inst., about 7 p.m., I was sent for to the Radnor Inn, and found the deceased, Matthew Grey, lying quite insensible on the floor in the back room. I found a wound on the hand, a slight wound on the face, and another of a more serious nature on the back of the head. He was suffering from compression of the brain, which was no doubt caused by the blow at the back of the head. He never rallied or became sensible, but died the next morning. The wound was such as might have been caused by a fall down some steps. Death ensued from effusion of blood on the brain. The wounds on the hand and face no doubt were caused by the pail he was carrying.

 

Esther Rossiter, wife of the landlord of the Radnor Inn, said: The deceased was my servant. I have been at the Radnor three weeks. On Wednesday afternoon last, between one and two, he came in from the beach, where he had been with some clothes. I gave him a glass of beer, as he seemed fatigued. He has not been well lately. I asked him to go into the cellar and empty some dirty water and fetch some clean water from the pump in the yard. I heard the pail fall, and on going to see I found him lying at the bottom of the steps leading to the kitchen. I had him fetched up, and found he was bleeding at the nose, mouth, and back of the head. We sent for Mr. Bateman. No-one else was about. Baker was in the kitchen and I called him to assist me. Deceased was 70 years of age.

Henry Baker said: I lodge at the Radnor. I am a labourer. I had just come home from work on Wednesday evening last, and was sitting down having some dinner, when I heard deceased fall with the pail, and Mrs. Rossiter call out “Oh, dear, here`s Matt down.” I assisted the last witness in getting him up, and laid him on a form in the kitchen. I saw he was wounded on the head and bleeding. He spoke only once, and said “Where`s my cap?”

Verdict - Accidental Death.

Kentish Mercury 18-10-1862

An inquest was held on Friday afternoon at the Ship Inn, Radnor Street, before John Minter Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of an old man named Matthew Grey, a labourer, who came by his death in the manner detailed in the evidence.

Mr. W. Bateman, surgeon, said: On Wednesday evening, the 8^th inst., about 7 p.m., I was sent for to the Radnor Inn, and found the deceased lying quite insensible on the floor in the back room. I found a wound on the hand, a slight wound on the face, and another of a more serious nature on the back of the head. He was suffering from compression of the brain, which was no doubt caused by the blow at the back of the head. He never rallied or became sensible, but died the next morning. The wound was such as might have been caused by a fall down some steps. Death ensued from effusion of blood on the brain. The wounds on the hand and face no doubt were caused by the pail he was carrying.

Esther Rossiter, wife of the landlord of the Radnor Inn, said: The deceased was my servant. I have been at the Radnor three weeks. On Wednesday afternoon last, between one and two, he came in from the beach, where he had been with some clothes. I gave him a glass of beer, as he seemed fatigued. He had not been well lately. I asked him to go into the cellar and empty some dirty water and fetch some clean water from the pump in the yard. I heard the pail fall, and on going to see I found him lying at the bottom of the steps leading to the kitchen. I had him fetched up, and found he was bleeding at the nose, mouth, and back of the head. We sent for Mr. Bateman. No-one else was about. Baker was in the kitchen and I called him to assist me. Deceased was 70 years of age.

Henry Baker said: I lodge at the Radnor. I had just come from work on Wednesday evening last, when I heard deceased fall with the pail, and Mrs. Rossiter call out “Oh, dear, here`s Matt down.” I assisted the last witness in getting him up, and laid him on a form in the kitchen. I saw he was wounded on the head and bleeding. He spoke only once, and said “Where`s my cap?”

Verdict - Accidental Death.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-6-1863

Wednesday June 3^rd:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Tolputt Esq.

John Rossilee appeared on a summons charging him with permitting drunkenness in his house, the Radnor Inn, on the 31^st May.

P.C. E. Smith deposed that last Sunday morning, about 12 o`clock, he was desired to go to the Radnor Inn by a lodger, who came to the station with his shirt and coat torn. I accompanied the lodger to the Radnor Inn and there I saw the landlady. She said the lodger went to bed drunk, and got up the same. Witness also saw a man there who was drunk. The man who fetched witness was also the worse for drink. On the table in the room was a full quart of beer, and a glass. The landlord was in a front room, and on witness remonstrating with him for allowing drinking in his house, he said he did not think he was doing wrong.

The magistrates considered the case proved, and fined defendant 5s., and 9s. costs.

Note: More Bastions give landlord`s name as Rossiter

Folkestone Observer 6-6-1863

Wednesday June 3^rd:- Before Captain Kennicott and James Tolputt Esq.

A Publican Fined

John Rossiter, landlord of the Radnor Inn, appeared on a summons for allowing drunkenness in his house.

P.C. Smith said that last Sunday morning, about 12 o`clock, a lodger at the Radnor, stripped to his shirt, came and asked if a policeman would go to the Radnor and witness went down, and proceeded into the back parlour, the living room, where was the landlady and a man with a wooden leg. The landlady told him that the man who had fetched him had been creating a disturbance all night. He went to bed drunk, and got up drunk. The two men had since been disagreeing. The man then said that he had been turned out of doors, and was refused his fire screens. There were two other persons in the room, and on the table stood a quart of beer and a glass.

Defendant said the two men went to bed drunk, and got up about 4 a.m. and went out. They came in again about 9 o`clock. The man asked for a pint of beer. He would not draw it and told him to go into the kitchen. The man then began to quarrel, and defendant put him out of doors, and the man then went and fetched a policeman. Immediately afterwards two travellers came in and asked if they could have lodgings. He told them he was full. They then asked for some beer, for they were travellers, and he drew them a quart.

P.C. Smith said that the quart of beer stood in front of the wooden leg man, who was about to pay the landlady for it.

The magistrates said that they could not overlook the offence, especially as it was on a Sunday. They therefore inflicted a fine of 5s., with costs 9s. more.

Southeastern Gazette 9-6-1863

Local News

At the Police Court on Monday, John Rossiter, landlord of the Radnor Inn, was charged with allowing drunkenness in his house on the previous Sunday morning.

The case was proved by P.C. Smith, and defendant was fined 5s., with 9s. costs.

Folkestone Observer 25-7-1863

Monday July 20^th:- Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer and W.F. Browell Esqs.

George Williams was charged with wandering abroad, not having any visible means of subsistence.

P.C. Swain said that shortly before two o`clock this morning he was searching the back premises in Radnor Street, in quest of prisoner, knowing that he was in the town and had nowhere to sleep. He found him in a closet at the back of the Radnor Inn, with the door fastened. Witness forced the door and found prisoner asleep. Witness awake him, and asked him what he was doing there. He said that he was only sitting down to have a rest. Witness took him in custody and brought him to the station. Witness also saw him on Saturday morning and on Saturday evening. He offered to lodge him in the old Police Station, when he said he was going out of the town. He had been in the town four or five days.

Committed to Dover Jail for 10 days with hard labour.

Folkestone Observer 12-12-1863

Thursday December 10^th: Before J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Drunk And Riotous

Ellen Palmer was charged with being drunk and riotous in Back Street.

P.C. Swain said: This morning about 1 o`clock I heard some shouting and hallooing near the Pavilion Hotel, and it went from there towards Back Street. I followed the noise. I heard some person halloo “Police! Police! Someone has robbed me”. A fisherman told the prisoner to stop, as he saw me coming, and the person ran away. About 20 minutes after this I found the prisoner at the back of the Radnor Inn. She said she was going to sit there and have a sleep. I took her into custody. She was drunk. I saw her about 20 minutes past 10 last evening, when she was drunk.

The prisoner was fined 5s. for being drunk, and given a week to pay.

Folkestone Observer 18-6-1864

Monday June 13^th:- Before the Mayor and S. Eastes Esq.

Alfred Borman, a rough looking fellow, was charged with burglariously and feloniously breaking into the house of William Baker, of Radnor Street, who was away at the time at sea.

A female lodger stated that she went home about half past ten on Saturday night and went immediately to bed, but before she did so she saw that the front door was latched. Soon after she got upstairs she heard Mrs. Baker call out “Is that you, Bill?”.

Ann Baker, wife of William Baker, deposed she went to bed before ten on Saturday night, and about eleven o`clock heard a noise, and somebody come in at the door, and she called out “Is that you, Bill?”, but received no answer. She then got up and called for assistance out of the window, and afterwards saw the prisoner in the custody of P.C. Hills.

A son of the last witness said he went home from the theatre a little after eleven. He locked the door after him and went upstairs to his mother`s room to get a candle. He heard the door unfastened soon after he got into bed, and he and his mother gave the alarm out of the window. Saw the prisoner in the custody of the police.

P.C. Hills said: About half past ten on Saturday night I was on duty in Radnor Street. I was walking up the street and saw Mrs. Baker and her son calling out of the window that somebody was in the house. He went in and turned his light on and saw the prisoner standing in the passage and in the act of taking an oilskin cape from off a nail. Asked the prisoner what he was doing, and he said he wanted to find Mrs. Rossiter; also asked him what he was doing with the cape, and he said “Nothing”. When he searched the prisoner he found upon him two bradawls, a hammer, two knives and part of a razor, and 1s. 4d in money.

The prisoner in defence said he was at a beershop in the High Street on Saturday night. The landlord told him it was time to leave, and he then went home, but he mistook Mrs. Baker`s house to be the Radnor. He felt all around the passage for the taproom door, through which he had to go to his bedroom, and felt sure he was right by the place being built the same. He felt round several times and two or three times his hand came in contact with something on the wall, and the constable then came in and took him. He did not go there with the intention of stealing anything. He merely mistook the house for his lodgings. He was beery at the time, that is how he made the mistake, and he could not see but a very little, but nearly blind.

The Mayor to the prisoner – You will have to take your trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Observer 9-7-1864

Quarter Sessions Extract

Tuesday July 5^th:- Before J.J. Lonsdale

The only other prisoner in the calendar was Comfort Boorman, 38, hawker, neither read nor write, charged with being found in the dwelling house of William Baker on the night of the 14^th of June, with intent to commit a felony. Against him the Grand Jury did not find a true bill, and the Sessions thereupon came to an end much earlier than had been anticipated.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-4-1865

Saturday March 25^th:- Before the Mayor, J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

John Rossiter appeared on summons, charged with having nineteen ounces of Cavendish in his possession. Pleaded Guilty. Convicted in a similar penalty.

Defendant was convicted, and fined £20, but the bench recommended the Board to mitigate the penalty. Six months imprisonment in default.

The penalty, mitigated by the board to £5, was paid by the defendant, and he was discharged

Folkestone Chronicle 8-7-1865

Quarter Sessions

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

Elizabeth Field was placed in the dock charged with stealing one silver watch from the person of Edward Chittenden, of Folkestone, on the 30^th June last, to which she pleaded Not Guilty.

Edward Chittenden, sworn, deposed that he was a waggoner in the emply of Mr. H. Jeffery, of Coombe. Recollected last Friday night he was at the Black Bull Fair between 10 and 11 o`clock. He missed his watch, and old fashioned double-cased silver one. Had it a few minutes before, as he took it out of his fob to see what time it was, but could not, because it was dark. Would swear he put it back safe in his pocket. He then went into the tap room – was quite sober. Directly he got into the room, prisoner began pulling him about – there were several other persons there. She asked him to pay her. Told her to go away – did not want to do anything with her. Witness then went away to the skittle alley, prisoner following him. Prisoner then ran away, and prisoner, feeling for his watch, found it was gone. Had not seen him since. He then went for a constable, and the going into the tap room again half an hour after, saw prisoner there. Pointed her out to the constable as the woman who had stolen his watch. Prisoner said she had never seen witness before, nor had she got his watch.

P.C. Grove, sworn, said: I recollect last Friday night. Saw prisoner in the tap room of the Black Bull. In consequence of information received from prosecutor I took her into custody and charged her with stealing his watch. She said she had never seen the man or the watch before; she was selling nuts and oranges. On going down Foord Lane with prisoner in custody, when about 60 yards from the house, I was pushed into the hedge by about 7 or 8 roughs and the prisoner was rescued before I could recover myself. Had not observed them following me; it was very dark and rainy. Had not seen prisoner before; saw her again on Saturday evening at the Radnor Inn, and took her in custody to the Station. Had no doubt prisoner was the same woman. I charged her again with stealing the watch, and she made no reply. I was in company with P.C. Grover. Prosecutor was not with us then. Recognised her by her features, and a white jacket she had on. The watch has not since been found.

The jury retired, and in a few minutes returned into court a few minutes later with a verdict of Guilty.

The jury were then re-sword, and the same prisoner was charged with stealing a leather purse containing £1 8s 6d from the person of Thomas Gilbert, on the 30^th June last, at Folkestone. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Thomas Gilbert, sworn, said: I am a labourer. Recollect last Friday night – was at the Black Bull Fair. I had a leather purse with about 30s in my left hand trousers pocket. Had it out just before I missed it, to pay for some beer I and a few friends were having. We were outside the house. I was quite sober. Was waiting to get into the house to go to bed – I was lodging there. Prisoner came up and hadled me about. I told her to keep off. I had my hand on my purse then, but missed it directly after she had slipped off. Will swear prisoner is the same woman. I gave information to P.C. Grover. Next saw her in the tap room, but she had thrown off her bonnet and shawl. About ten minutes after she put them on again, and I immediately recognised her. P.C. Grover then took her into custody.

P.C. Grover, sworn, said that: Prosecutor came to me last Friday night about 10.30 and said “I`ve lost a purse and some money”. He could not tell who had robbed him. I said “Then I can`t render you any assistance”. About half an hour after, I heard of the watch robbery, and apprehended prisoner for that. Did not see Gilbert in the tap room then. Saw him outside afterwards.  He then said “That is the woman that robbed me”. She had on a white jacket with large sleeves. Saw her bonnet and shawl afterwards at the station house. Did not search her, as we are not allowed to search a female.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and prisoner was sentenced to 6 months lard labour in each case, the second 6 months at the termination of the first.

Folkestone Observer 26-8-1865

It was licensing day on Tuesday, when the magistrates suspended the license for the Radnor, Radnor Street, for harbouring prostitutes.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-12-1865

Wednesday December 6^th: Before J. Kelcey Esq.

Caution To Persons Buying Soldiers` Clothes

William Toovey, a dealer in rags and bones &c., was charged with having unlawfully in his possession two pairs of boots and one pair of trousers, the same being military stores.

Police Constable Grover said that he was on duty about five o`clock last night in the Lower Sandgate Road, where he met the prisoner with a large bag on his back, in which he found two pairs of boots and a pair of military trousers, from which the red stripe down the side had been cut. Witness gave information to the Provost Marshal, at Sandgate, the accompanied him to the Radnor public house in search of the prisoner; found him there, and he said he had sold the things to Mr. Godden, of High Street, upon which he took him into custody.

In answer to Mr. Kelcey, witness said that he found some bones and rags also in the prisoner`s bag.

Sergeant John Keys, 89^th Regiment, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, said that Constable Grover came to him in the street at Sandgate, as he was talking to the Provost Marshal, and said that he had taken a pair of boots and a pair of military trousers from a civilian. He told him they had regimental marks on them, and witness made enquiries on the camp respecting them. The boots and trousers produced are military stores, and no person had any right to sell them without an order from the commanding officer, and no person on the camp had been authorised to sell them.

Defendant said that he got his living by exchanging books and papers for rags and bones. He was on the Camp yesterday, and saw a man who asked him if he would buy a pair of boots for 5s. He bought two pairs of him, and a pair of trousers.

Sergeant Keys valued one pair of boots at 8s, the other pair at 3s, and the trousers at sixpence.

Mr. Kelcey told prisoner that he had been guilty of a very serious offence, and he was fully convinced that he knew he was doing wrong when he bought the things. He had subjected himself to a penalty of £20, and treble the value of the articles. He would, however, have to pay a fine of £5, and treble the value of the goods, which would make £1 13s more; in default to be committed for two months. Mr. Kelcey told prisoner that he considered the law a proper one, as men of his class had the power of dealing with soldiers to a great extent, and often without being found out.

John Greig, another of the rag and bone fraternity, pleaded guilty to having a pair of boots, military stores, in his possession.

P.C. Grover said that he went to the Radnor public house last night, and asked the prisoner whether he had not bought a pair of military boots on the camp; he said he had done so, and sold them to a tramp. He took him into custody.

Sergeant Keys identified the boots produced as being military stores, and said they were worth 2s 6d.

Mr. Martin said that both prisoners were discharged soldiers and lived at the Radnor public house as lodgers.

Mr. Kelcey told prisoner that as he had pleaded guilty it was some mitigation; he would have to pay a fine of £2, and treble the value of the boots, which was 7s 6d. In default he would be imprisoned for one month.

Folkestone Observer 9-12-1865

Wednesday December 6^th:- Before J. Kelcey Esq.

William Toovey was charged with unlawfully having in his possession two pairs of military shoes and one pair of military trousers on the 5^th inst.

Pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Grover deposed that he met the prisoner in the Sandgate Road, bearing a bag upon his shoulders, which appeared to be heavy. He stopped him and asked him what he had got, and he replied “Nothing but rags and bones”. He searched it and found two pairs of shoes and a pair of trousers, all marked with the regimental mark of the 89^th Regiment. He asked where he got them, and he said he bought them on the Camp. He had the new pair of boots from a drummer boy, for which he gave 2s 6d; the other pair he bought of another soldier for 6d. He afterwards took him into custody.

John Keys, sergeant in the 89^th Regiment, identified the boots as military stores, and no person on the camp was authorised to sell them.

Prisoner now made a similar statement to that which P.C. Grover had said he made to him with regard to buying the property at the Camp.

Sergeant Keys valued the new pair of boots at 8s; the other pair, which had been worn, to 2s 6d, and the trousers at 6d.

The defendant, in answer to Mr. Kelcey, said he went round the camp to sell bootlaces and papers, and such small things, and also exchanged them for rags and bones.

Mr. Kelcey told him he must be aware that he was not allowed to buy military stores of any kind, and knowing it to be such, he had subjected himself to a penalty of £20, and treble the value of the goods.

Fined £5 and treble the value of the articles, 33s.

In default of payment, sentenced to two months` imprisonment.

John Griggs was also charged with buying a pair of military shoes on the 5^th instant. Pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Grover said that from information he received he went to the Radnor Inn, and asked the prisoner of he had bought a pair of military boots. He said he had, and he then took him into custody.

Sergeant Keys valued the boots at 2s 6d.

Fined £2, and treble the value of the boots, 7s 6d.

Committed to prison for one month in default of payment.

Note: Toovey was arrested in the Radnor Inn.

Folkestone Express 6-2-1869

Monday, February 1^st: Before J. Gambrill and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

George Sheppard was charged by P.C. Swain with sleeping in the open air and having no visible means of subsistence. The police constable found him on Saturday night at the back of the Earl Radnor, and on waking him and finding he could not give a satisfactory account of himself, he took him into custody. He searched him at the station, but found nothing in his pocket.

The prisoner said he formerly belonged to the 53^rd Regiment, and he went to Sandgate and met some of his old comrades. He did not arrive at his lodgings till late, when he found himself locked out. He got his living by selling bones for sharpening razors.

The Bench dismissed the prisoner on his promising to leave the town.

Folkestone Express 28-8-1869

Wednesday, August 25^th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman. J. Tolputt, A.M. Leith, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

Spirit License (Renewal)

John Rossiter, of the Radnor, Radnor Street, applied. Mr. Martin said the same complaints existed against this house as against Peel`s. Applicant said he could not tell what the people were who came to lodge at the house. The license was suspended till the adjourned meeting.

Southeastern Gazette 13-9-1869

Local News

On Wednesday last, the adjourned licensing meeting was held at the Town Hall, before W. Bateman, Esq., Captain Kennicott, R.N., J. Tolputt, Esq., and A.M. Leith, Esq.

Spirit licenses were granted in the cases of the Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street; the Albion Hotel, London Stores, Tramway Tavern, the Radnor, and the Mechanic’s Arms.

Folkestone Chronicle 5-6-1875

Monday. May 31^st: Before The Mayor, J. Kelcey, J. Tolputt, and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Francis Hartley was charged with stealing a watch, of the value of 25s., the property of Charles Dodd.

Prosecutor, who is a labourer living at Elham, stated that he was in the tap room of the Radnor Inn on Sunday morning, when he fell asleep, and on awaking he found his watch gone. The prisoner, with two or three other men, was in the tap room when he went asleep.

Alfred Smith, rag and bone dealer, stated that he saw prisoner take the watch out of prosecutor`s pocket, and he immediately woke him up.

P.C. Keeler apprehended the prisoner, and found the watch on him.

The prisoner was committed for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 5-6-1875

Monday, May 31^st: Before The Mayor, J. Kelcey, R.W. Boarer and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Francis Hartley, labourer, was charged with stealing a watch, value 25s., belonging to Charles Dadd, on the 30^th inst.

Prosecutor, Alfred Smith, and P.C. Keeler having given evidence in support of the charge, prisoner was committed to the next Quarter Sessions for trial.

Southeastern Gazette 14-6-1875

Local News

At the Borough Police Court, on Saturday last, John Rossiter, Radnor Inn, was fined £5 and costs for allowing his house to be used as a brothel on Sunday, May 30th, and for permitting drunkenness in his house on the same day he was fined £2 and 11s. costs; his licence to be forfeited.

Charles Dadd, Alfred Smith, and Thomas Welch were fined 2s. 6d., and 8s. costs, each for being drunk in the same house, and on the same day. Dadd had been robbed of his watch whilst drunk, and this led to the police visiting the house on Sunday morning, and they found defendants and several others drinking and in various stages of intoxication.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 19-6-1875

Saturday, July 12^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, Col. De Crespigny, and J. Clark Esqs.

Charles Dodds, Alfred Smith, and Thomas Welsh were charged with being drunk in the Radnor on May 30^th, and John Rossiter for permitting drunkenness in his house.

Dodds, Smith and Welsh were each convicted, and fined 2s. 6d. and 8s. costs, and Rossiter was fined 40s. and 11s. costs.

John Rossiter was charged with permitting his house to be used as a brothel on May 30^th.

The case was proved against defendant, who was fined £5 and 10s. costs, to be levied by distress, or 2 months` imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 19-6-1875

Saturday, June 12^th: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, J. Clark and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Charles Dadds, Thomas Welsh, and Alfred Smith were charged with being found drunk on the licensed premises of the Radnor Inn on Sunday, the 30^th ult.

Mr. Mowll, of Dover, appeared to prosecute.

Mr. Till appeared for defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty, with the exception of Dadds, who admitted being a little beery.

At the same time, John Rossiter, landlord of the Radnor Inn, was charged with allowing drunkenness to take place on his premises.

Mr. Till also appeared for this defendant.

P.C. Keeler deposed that on Sunday afternoon week he visited the Radnor Inn at about ten minutes to two. He saw the landlord and landlady in the house, and in the same room, the tap room, were the other defendants, Dadds, Welsh, and Smith, all three drunk. Eight or ten other men and women were there, none of whom were sober. Witness left and returned to the house with Superintendent Wilshere. Witness heard the Superintendent of Police call Rossiter`s attention to the state of the men.

Cross-examined by Mr. Till: The landlord was in the tap room with the men, some of whom were what I call incapable. It is true that the landlord fetched me to the house with reference to a charge of stealing a watch.

Cross-examined by defendant Smith: I found the man who committed the robbery. You were drinking beer or ale. You were drunk.

Superintendent Wishere deposed that on the day in question P.C. Keeler brought Dadds to the police station. The defendant was very drunk. Witness returned with the constable to the Radnor Inn and found Smith and Welsh there, drunk. The latter wanted to fight witness, but was held back by one of the women present. Witness saw Rossiter and his wife in the house.

Cross-examined by Mr. Till:Had cautioned the defendant several times as to the manner in which he was conducting his house.

Mr. Till addressed the Bench for the defence, arguing that it was not likely that defendant would have sent for a constable to make enquiries about the watch robbery if he had drunken men in his house; he would have hushed the case up. He contended that the men were not drunk, only excited.

He called the defendant John Rossiter, who swore that no-one in the house on the afternoon in question was “exactly drunk”. He was clearing his house when the Superintendent came in. He had never been warned by the police before.

Dadds admitted having had a drop too much, which made him sleepy.

Smith also said he had had a drop of beer, but could not have been very drunk as he helped the policeman to look for the man who stole the watch.

Welsh allowed that he was a little excited.

Rossiter, on being appealed to by Welsh, replied that Welsh was a little beery, but knew what he was doing.

The Mayor said the Bench had no doubt that the defendants were in a state of drunkenness in the house. Dadds, Smith and Welsh would be fined 2s. 6d. and 8s. 6d. costs each, in default, seven days. As to Rossiter their decision would be reserved till they had heard the next case.

Rossiter was then charged with allowing his house to be used as a brothel.

The evidence of Dadds and P.C. Keeler proved the charge beyond a doubt.

Mr. Till contended that the defendant ought to have been warned before being prosecuted on so serious a charge.

The Bench retired for a quarter of an hour, and on their return the Mayor said that with reference to the first charge the magistrates were unanimous in their opinion that Rossiter had knowingly permitted drunkenness in his house. He would for that offence be fined £2 and 11s. costs, or one month`s imprisonment. On the second charge, defendant must have known the character of the woman, who had been lodging in his house, it had been proved by his wife`s admissions, for a fortnight. He would be fined £5. Unless paid forthwith, a distress warrant would be issued, and in default of sufficient goods to meet the levy he would be committed for two months. Mr. Till had alluded to the consequences of a conviction, but the Bench could but carry out the law, and defendant must lose his license.

Folkestone Chronicle 31-7-1875

Quarter Sessions

Thursday July 29^th:

Francis Hartley was charged with stealing a watch, of the value of 25s., the property of Charles Dodds, at Folkestone, on the 30^th of May, 1875.

Mr. Forbes Moss prosecuted.

Prosecutor was in the Radnor Inn, when he fell asleep, and when he awoke found his watch gone. A man named Smith saw prisoner go up and take the watch from Dodds` person.

This was the evidence given against prisoner, who made a most eloquent defence, which the Judge said was as good as any Counsel could have made.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty against the prisoner, and the Recorder, after stating how sorry he was to see a man in prisoner`s condition in such a position, sentenced him to four months` imprisonment with hard labour.

John Doyle and James Freeman were charged with stealing 7s., the property of William James Snelling, at Folkestone, on the 16^th, June, 1875.

The evidence against prisoners, who stole a till from prosecutor whilst he was absent from his beershop, was convincing, and the jury found them Guilty.

They were each sentenced to six months` imprisonment.

His Honour censured a policeman for not volunteering certain information in the course of his evidence, stating that policemen too often seemed to think that it was their duty to try and convict. That was not the case. They ought to be impartial witnesses, withholding nothing in favour of the prisoners.

This concluded the whole of the business.

Folkestone Express 31-7-1875

Quarter Sessions:

Friday, July 30^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Francis Hartley, 44. Labourer, was indicted for stealing a watch, value 25s., the property of Charles Dadds, labourer, Elham, at Folkestone, on the 30^th May.

Mr. Forbes Moss appeared for the prosecution, and briefly opened the case.

Prosecutor deposed that on the night of the 30^th of May he went to the Radnor Inn and took lodgings for the night, leaving his watch with the landlady. Next day (Sunday) he went into the tap room, having received his watch of the landlord. Soon afterwards prosecutor had “a little beer” and went to sleep. During the afternoon prosecutor was awakened by a man named Smith, and then found that his watch had been torn from the chain. Prosecutor had bought the watch for 25s. of a man named Hardiman, whose name was in the watch. The glass was cracked. Prosecutor then identified the watch produced as his property.

Cross-examined by prisoner: Cannot remember who advised me to go to sleep.

To the Recorder: I was sober in the morning when I came down (although I had no breakfast), but was not so when I went to sleep.

Alfred Smith, a rag and bone dealer, deposed that he was lodging at the Radnor Inn on the 30^th May. On that afternoon prosecutor got drunk, and leaned forward on his arms and went to sleep. While witness was drinking with another man he saw prisoner go up to him and heard a click, and saw prisoner remove the watch. The prisoner then went out of the house. Witness made a communication to the man with whom he was drinking and to the landlord.

Cross-examined by prisoner: I am a tramping rag and bone man. I did not try to stop you from going out because I wanted to finish up my beer. (Laughter) I had a little drink myself and was convicted before the Magistrates of being drunk on the day of the robbery. I will not swear I was quite sober when I gave information about your stealing the watch.

P.C. Keeler deposed to apprehending prisoner, who said when charged that he might as well have it as anybody else. Witness found the watch that had been produced on the prisoner.

Cross-examined by prisoner: When the witness Smith gave me information of the robbery he was beery, but not exactly drunk, nor exactly sober. Smith was the worse for liquor when before the Magistrates.

Prisoner called Superintendent Wilshere to prove that the witness Smith was not sober when the case was heard before the Magistrates. Superintendent Wishere said that the man had evidently been drinking heavily before he came into Court, and the Magistrates were at first doubtful if they should take his evidence.

The prisoner then made a long speech, asserting that the other four people in the room with prosecutor were loafing on him, getting drunk at his expense, and that they attempted to steal the man`s watch when he had gone to sleep. Prisoner said that he woke the man and then took the watch off before the men, in order to keep it for him till he became sober. He argued that he would have left the house and gone out of the town if he had meant to steal the watch, but on the contrary he remained in the kitchen. In impassioned tones and with natural eloquence the prisoner appealed to the jury to say whether he had not acted like an honest man in protecting the prosecutor from being robbed, and insisted that the last witness was the intending thief, and when he found himself foiled laid the blame upon the man who had stopped the game.

The learned Recorder said he always regretted when counsel appeared for the prosecution and the prisoner was undefended. In this case, however, he did not do so, for he was sure that no counsel could have made an abler or better speech for the defence than the prisoner had done. It was for the jury to say whether the arguments of this very clever speech were borne out by the evidence; whether, in fact, the prisoner took the watch with the intention of stealing it or whether he simply took care of it for the prosecutor. It was clear that he was dead drunk, and the witness Smith was nearly drunk, but not so far gone but that he could tell the landlord that he had seen something going on. The jury must bear in mind the fact that prisoner did not offer to hand over the watch to the landlord for safe custody, but kept it in his pocket. He asked the jury to consider whether this fact was consistent with the prisoner`s line of defence.

The jury deliberated for about ten minutes, when the foreman said the jury found the prisoner Guilty.

The Recorder, in passing sentence, said he quite agreed with the verdict of the jury. He was very sorry to see such an intelligent man convicted of such a crime. Prisoner had pleaded that he was not an educated man, but no-one could have listened to his speech and marked the choice of words he had made without feeling that he must have moved in a better position in society than they now found him in. For himself he could say he never heard a more powerful or able address from counsel. However, it was his painful duty to sentence prisoner for this crime. Seeing that he had been in gaol two months, he should sentence him to four calendar months imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 1-4-1876

Monday, March 27^th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Captain Crowe, R.W. Boarer, J. Kelcey, and W. Bateman Esqs.

Julia Johnson was charged with maliciously cutting and wounding her husband Thomas Johnson on the previous Sunday afternoon.

Thomas Johnson said: I am a labourer, staying at the Radnor lodging house. Prisoner is my wife. Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon I was in the kitchen at the Radnor between four and five o`clock, and we had some words through drink. We were both the worse for drink. I struck her with my fist in the face. I was going to hit her again. She was cutting some food. She had a knife in her hand, with which she attempted to ward off the blow, and it entered my hand. I did not hear her threaten.

By the Bench: I struck my hand upon the knife.

The Bench said that under the circumstances they would dismiss the case, but cautioned the parties to abstain from drink in future

Folkestone Chronicle 2-9-1876

Notice

To THOMAS PREBBLE, one of the Overseers of the Poor of the Borough of Folkestone in the County of Kent, and to the Superintendent of Police for the same Borough

I, JOHN RICHARD ISHERWOOD RAMSBOTTOM, now residing at the Lower Brewery, Stone Street, Maidstone, in the Borough of Maidstone, in the County of Kent, do hereby give you notice, that it is my intention to apply at the adjournment of the General Annual Licensing Meeting for the Borough of Folkestone aforesaid, to be holden at the Town Hall in the said Borough, on the Twenty-seventh day of September next ensuing, for a License for the sale of Spirits, Wine, Beer, Porter, Cider, Perry, and other intoxicating Liquors, to be drunk or consumed in a certain House, and in the Premises thereunto belonging, situate at Radnor Street, in the borough aforesaid, known by the sign of the Radnor Inn, which I intend to keep as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House.

Given under my hand this 31st day of August, one thousand, eight hundred and seventy six.

JOHN R.R. ISHERWOOD

Folkestone Express 14-7-1877

Advertisement

Public House and Lodging House to let. The Radnor Inn, Radnor Street, Folkestone. Inquire on the premises, or of Mr. Woodcock, Lower Brewery, Maidstone.

Folkestone Express 22-12-1877

Tuesday, December 18^th: Before The Mayor and Alderman Caister.

Mary Harris, who has recently been lodging at the Radnor Inn, was charged with begging on the Leas on the morning of Monday. When searched at the Police Station 6¾d. was found upon her, and a quantity of food.

She was committed for 10 days with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 20-4-1878

Tuesday, April 16^th: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny and Alderman Caister.

Peter Kelly, a labourer, was brought up charged with assaulting his wife, and to show cause why he should not be bound over to keep the peace.

Maria Kelly, prisoner`s wife, said she was living with her husband and five children at the Radnor public house. They had been there since last hop-picking season. Her husband had work for about two months before Christmas, but since then all the money she had received from him was 2s. 10d. The children earned a trifle sometimes by selling flowers, and she herself went out scrubbing. On Monday while she was eating her dinner and having a glass of ale he husband and herself had some words because there was nothing but potatoes for his dinner. He knocked her down and “gave her a kick here and a kick there, and in fact she could not tell exactly where he did kick her”. She had a great bruise over the eye, which was caused by one kick. She had left him to get out of his way, but he always found her out. He frequently ill-used her, and had threatened to kill her.

In reply to the Bench, the woman said she did not wish her husband to be punished, but that he should be bound down not to molest her.

The prisoner was ordered to find one surety in £10 to keep the peace for a month, and to enter into his own recognisances for a similar sum. He was removed to the cells.

The costs, 2s. 6d., which the complainant paid, were returned to her, and the Mayor told her that the Bench sympathised with her.

Folkestone Express 23-11-1878

Monday, November 18^th: Before Captain Carter, Alderman Caister, and Col. De Crespigny.

John Price was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Queen`s Square on Saturday evening. P.C. Hogben said he was called to defendant, who was taking off his clothes in the street and using disgusting language. He persuaded him to go to his lodgings at the Radnor, but he refused, and as he was drunk and wanted to fight, he took him to the police station.

Defendant denied that he was drunk, but admitted that he had a quarrel with another man who had struck him, and as there was a doubt about his having been drunk the case was dismissed.

Folkestone Express 18-1-1879

Inquest

On Wednesday afternoon the borough coroner held an inquest at the Town Hall on the body of a woman named Elizabeth Jeffery, whose death took place under the following circumstances:

P.C. William Butcher identified the body as that of Elizabeth Jeffery, wife of William Jeffery, a tailor, working at the Camp, and who lodged at the Radnor Inn. He also said on Christmas Day, at Sandgate, at 7.15, he was fetched by James Lilley, a porter of Ashford, who said there was a man and woman drunk at the bottom of the Military Road, and that the woman had fallen down near the drinking fountain and hurt herself. Lilley had seen them previously coming down the Military Road. On proceeding to the place, witness found the woman sitting in the road near the kerb. There were several persons round her, and her husband was trying to get her up. He was very drunk, and as he lifted her by the arms he tumbled over her. He swore at her, and told her if she had kept sober, as he had done, nothing would have happened to her. Witness saw they were both very drunk, and he obtained the assistance of P.C. Bashford, who took the man in charge. It was a severe frosty night. Witness asked deceased if she had hurt herself. She replied that she had hurt her leg a little bit. He asked how she did it, and she said she had slipped down. She said she could not stand. Finding that she could not stand, he sent to Mr. Keeler`s for a conveyance, and with assistance he placed her in it and took her to the Folkestone Police Station, and immediately sent for Dr. Bateman, who found her leg to be broken, and she was removed on a stretcher to the infirmary.

Mr. William Bateman, surgeon, said, on the 25^th December last, about nine o`clock, he was sent for to the Police Station. He saw the deceased, who was sitting on a chair in the charge room, supported by a constable. She was very drunk. He had been told that her leg was hurt, and that it was bleeding. On examining her left leg he found that the large bone was broken below the knee. It was a compound fracture, and the end of the bone was protruding through the flesh. Having secured her leg with splints he ordered her to be taken to the Infirmary. The fracture was in all probability caused by a fall. There was no appearance of any blow. The bone was broken very obliquely, which would not have been the case had it been caused by a blow. On further examination he found that the fibula bone was broken near the head. That part of the leg was bruised, and in his opinion that bone was broken either by a blow or fall, and probably was caused by the deceased falling on the edge of the kerb. The leg was set, as no considerable artery was injured, and witness thought there might be a chance of saving the leg. In the course of a few days there was extensive suppuration from the wound where the bone had protruded, and on Tuesday the 7<sup>th</sup> of January he found an abscess had formed over the other fracture, that there was no chance of saving the leg, and that the only chance of saving her life was to amputate the limb. Next morning, after consultation with his colleagues, he amputated the limb above the knee. She did remarkably well, and witness had great hopes of saving her life, but on Sunday evening last, between eight and nine o`clock, he was called to the Infirmary in a hurry, and on his arrival found that a secondary haemorrhage had taken place and that there had been considerable loss of blood. With the assistance of Mr. Mercer and Mr. Tyson he stopped the blood. The deceased, however, died about half past eleven. He saw the husband at the police station on the 26^th. He was then very drunk. He asked deceased if her husband had ill-used her, and she replied “No. It was the fall. My husband never ill-used me in his life”.

The jury found that the broken leg was caused by a fall, and that death resulted from secondary haemorrhage after the amputation.

The Coroner commended P.C. Butcher for his conduct in connection with the matter, and regretted that he had no power to award him a sum of money in recognition of his services.

Folkestone Express 20-3-1880

Local News

A man is in custody and will be brought before the magistrates this morning on a charge of assaulting a woman. They were staying at the Radnor Inn, and having quarrelled, the man first threw some boiling fat over the woman, scalding her, and then beat her about the head and face with the frypan. She made her way to the police station, bleeding profusely all the way. Her injuries were attended to, and she was removed to the lodging house.

Folkestone Express 27-3-1880

Friday, March 19^th: Before J. Clark Esq., and General Cannon

Patrick Higgins was brought up charged with an assault upon Sarah Richards at the Radnor Inn on the previous day. The prisoner was a man about six feet in height, while the complainant was a little mite, whose head was only just visible above the witness box. She wore a great bandage round her head, and presented a most miserable picture. The story she told the Magistrates was as follows:

On Thursday morning about half past eight she was in the kitchen at the Radnor taking her breakfast, when the prisoner made his appearance. A cup was standing on the table, intended for common use by the frequenters of this aristocratic hostelry, and prisoner asked who was using it. Complainant replied that it was for “her Johnny”, meaning the gentleman who was the sharer of her lot in life, although it appeared they had dispensed with the nuptial rite. Prisoner said he should have the cup if he wanted it, and complainant retaliated, daring him to touch it. Thereupon a war of words ensued, and the complainant admitted that when she was called foul names by the prisoner, she retorted with equally choice invectives. The prisoner so far forgot himself as to strike the little woman, who threatened to return the blow, nothing daunted by the disparity in size between herself and the prisoner. She held the cup tightly in her hand and prisoner attempted to force it out of her grasp, but without success, and in the struggle she fell on the floor, her apparel becoming woefully disarranged. On getting up she threw the contents of the cup at her assailant, who was then engaged in frying a pan of potatoes at the fire. Without a thought for the loss of his breakfast he immediately turned the contents, boiling as they were, over the woman, and followed up the attack by striking her on the head with the utensil, inflicting a very severe wound, from which the blood flowed most alarmingly. The complainant wisely abandoned the fight and rushed off, all besmeared with blood and grease, to the police station, where her wounds were dressed, and an officer went at once in search of the prisoner.

A witness named Thomas Hughes corroborated the complainant`s account of the fracas, adding that there were about five and twenty people in the kitchen, including the “Johnny”  for whose cup the little woman had done battle, but not one attempted to interfere. The witness feared to do so himself lest a general fight should have resulted, and he had been threatened with violence for appearing as a witness in the case.

The prisoner did not attempt to refute any of the statements, but said it was complainant`s own fault that she was struck because she rushed at him just as he was in the act of throwing the potatoes at her.

The Bench told the prisoner that he had been guilty of a cowardly and brutal assault, and sentenced him to a month`s hard labour, a little boy he had with him being sent to the Union, there to await the expiration of his father`s sentence.

Folkestone Express 2-7-1892

Auction Advertisement

Banks and Son are instructed to sell by Auction at the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, on Thursday, 7^th July, 1892, at three o`clock in the afternoon, in one Lot, the following properties:

All that brick-built with tiled roof Copyhold House, No. 14, Radnor Street, formerly known as the Radnor Inn.

Containing in Basement: Kitchen, Cellar, and W.C.

On the Ground Floor: Two Parlours

And on the First and Seconds Floors: Five Bedrooms

And also a wooden built with tiled roof Copyhold Cottage (in the rear of and adjoining the last mentioned premises). Containing Cellar, Parlour, and Two Bedrooms.

Both properties, which have the joint use of a yard and passage leading to The Stade and Fishmarket are in the occupation of Harry Wiles Spillett and his under-tenant, at the annual rent of £22, payable quarterly.

The above properties are held of the Lord of the Manor of Folkestone, at the annual quit rents of 8d. and 5d.

Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be had seven days before the day of sale at the office of th Auctioneers, 73, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, and of Messrs. Kingsford, Wightwick and Kingsford, Solicitors, Canterbury.

Folkestone Express 9-7-1892

Local News

On Thursday afternoon Messrs. Banks and Son offered for sale by auction at the Rose Hotel several lots of freehold and copyhold property. The first was No. 14, Radnor Street, formerly the Radnor Inn, copyhold, now let, with a cottage at the rear, at £22 per annum, and after a brisk competition between tow bidders, it was sold for £465.

The Old “Radnor Hotel”. This antiquated house, in Radnor Street, was sold by auction on Thursday afternoon by Messrs. Banks and Son. Mr. John Banks told a string of anecdotes concerning it. According to his account, it was once the Radnor Hotel, and the principal licensed house in the town, and a most lucrative business was carried on in it. He remembered, he said, the Riot Act being read in it, when there was a disturbance which Captain Kennicott tried to quell. He drew his sword and knocked down a woman, whereupon he was set upon by the crowd. But it was as a place for the reception and retail of contraband goods that it was best known. Indeed, Mr. Banks said, there was a sectret cellar, which no-one could find in less than a month, and which might, he said, contain tubs of gin. Whether there is or not, the house fetched the large sum of £465. The licence was lost some time since, but it is still a house of call for “uncommercial travellers”, who. Whenever they come to court, speak of the “hotel” as the Rodney.

Folkestone Visitors` List 13-7-1892

En Passant

The old Radnor “Hotel”, alias the Rodney, was knocked down to the highest bidder on Thursday, by Messrs. Banks and Son, fetching £465. One of the inducements to buy mentioned by the auctioneer was the existence of a secret cellar, originally used for smuggling purposes, which might contain tubs of gin. Whether this induced the bidders is uncertain, but the price was considered a good one.