Railway Tavern, Dover Road c1861 - 1971

Railway Tavern, c1910. Credit Alan Taylor

Licensees

George Parker c1861 c1861 (1861 Census)

George Cox c1863 1864
Mrs Smith 1864 c1865

Robert Clarke c1865 1870

John Gilfin 1870 1883

Louis Fox 1883 1884

Frances Ellis 1884 1895

Annie Castle 1895 1899

Thomas Southall 1899 1926
Harold Southall 1926 1926

Harry Read 1926 1941

Arthur Fullagar 1941 1943 Holding Manager

Jack Green 1943 1945

Ernest Garland 1944 1946

Albert Jennings 1946 1951

Emily Jennings 1951 1952

Ronald Hackney 1952 1956

Norman West 1956 1957

Ernest Warner 1957 1959

Harold Dennis 1959 1961

John Armstrong 1961 1966

Frederick Gardner 1966 1971

Folkestone Chronicle 2-11-1861

Advertisement: Folkestone. Eligible freehold estate, to be sold by auction, by Mr. James B. Terson, at the King`s Arms Inn, Folkestone, on Thursday the 14<sup>th</sup> November, 1861, at two o`clock in the afternoon.

All that substantially-built messuage or alehouse, with the ground and appurtenances thereto belonging, situate and being No. 24, Victoria Terrace, Dover Road, Folkestone, Kent, held by Messrs. Leney and Evenden, at the yearly rent of £22, paid quarterly, for an unexpired term of three years, ending 25^th March, 1862.

The premises are held under the usual lease from Lord Radnor and Viscount Folkestone, for a term of 99 years, from the 25^th March, 1845, at an apportioned ground rent of £2 8s. per annum.

Particulars and conditions of sale may be had of the auctioneer, 6, Castle Street, Dover, or of Mr. R.W. Watson, solicitor, Dover.

Appears to give an earlier start date.

Folkestone Observer 11-6-1864

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

Mrs. Smith applied for protection in carrying on at the Railway Tavern, which has been transferred to her.

Note: This transfer is at variance with More Bastions

Folkestone Observer 20-4-1866

Friday April 13^th:- Before R.W. Boarer and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Robert Clarke of the Railway Tavern pleaded guilty to having his house open at unlawful hours on Sunday last.

Fined 5s. and 8s costs.

Southeastern Gazette 14-5-1867 

Inquest

An inquest was held on Thursday last, at the Railway Tavern, before J. Minter, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of Charles Woods, a goods porter in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, who bad met with his death on the previous day, by being knocked down by an engine.

It appeared from the evidence that on Wednesday, shortly after noon, the pick-up goods train, from Dover, was standing on the up line of rails; and Wood (who was standing on the space between the two lines of railway) stepped back upon the down line of rails, not observing the approach of the train which is due at Dover at 12.40, which was slowly drawing into the station and then close upon him. The unfortunate man was knocked down, the guard-iron striking him so as to nearly sever his head from his body - the ash-pans completing the work of his destruction by crushing him as they passed over. The spectacle to the passengers who were waiting on the platform was of a very appalling description. Deceased had been many years in the company’s service at Folkestone, and was much and deservedly respected. He was an unmarried man. Mr. Minter, in summing up the case, said, as far as the evidence went, it did not appear that blame was attachable to anyone.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.

Kentish Gazette 14-5-1867 

An inquest was held on Thursday last, at the Railway Tavern, before J. Minter, Esq., coroner, and a 

respectable jury, on the body of Charles Woods, a goods porter in the employ of the South Eastern 

Railway Company, who had met with his death on the previous day, by being knocked down by an

engine, whereby he was terribly crushed and mangled, death ensuing instantaneously.

Thomas Mann, engine driver, said: I live at London. I was the driver of the 9.05 train yesterday, 

from Charing Cross, London. I arrived at Folkestone about 12.47. I was looking out as I ap­proached 

the Folkestone Station. The line was clear till we got near to the London end of the down platform. 

The signals were right, there were some trucks on the siding by the goods shed, and I saw the 

deceased go direct across the line, step on to the 4-feet in fact. I holloaed out, but there was no 

time, for as he stepped out the engine was upon him. There was not even time to blow the 

whistle. 

We were only about 3 feet from him. I saw the left-hand buffer of the engine strike the deceased 

in the side. He fell down and the train passed over him. The brakes were on, and the engine was 

thrown out of gear as we came into the station, according to the rules laid down.

Mr. Mitchell, station-master, said: The train should arrive here at I2.28. It has been running many 

years. De­ceased was quite aware of the arrival of the train. The warning bell tells those who are in 

the goods station of the arrivals of the trains. Richards, the ticket collector’s duty would be to be 

at that crossing to warn people. The whole of my staff have to warn people off. There is no person 

specially appointed.

A Juryman said the police­man appointed to see to that duty was disengaged some two years ago, 

and that no one had been appointed in his place since. If a policeman was engaged there would be 

more protection for passengers, and if there was a need for a policeman then, he was required 

now. The Coroner said he did not think anyone was to blame; and the jury immediately returned a 

verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-11-1869

Thursday, November 18^th: Before R.W. Boarer and John Clark Esqs.

John Howe, better known as “Lord Howe” was charged with feloniously stealing on the 17^th instant a 2s. piece, the property of Robert Clark, of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road.

Ann Clarke, wife of Robert Clarke, said: I live at the Railway Tavern. I saw prisoner at my house yesterday between 10 and 11 o`clock in the forenoon. He was in the bar and had half pint of beer, for which he paid a penny. He drank the beer and went out and stood on the door step. I had occasion then to leave the bar, but was not gone more than two minutes. Hearing the money rattle, I ran back into the bar. Prisoner was close to the till, with his hand on the edge of it. I said “What have you been doing?” and he replied “Nothing”. I said to him “You have been robbing my till”, and to my husband “Come and see what you have lost”. I had half a crown, a 2s. piece, 1s. and 6d. in the till. The 2s. piece was gone. My husband said “You have got it, then”. Prisoner denied it. I refused to allow him to leave until he gave it up, and my husband threatened to send for a policeman. On moving a little box, close to prisoner`s hand on the counter, the 2s. piece was found. I did not see him touch the box. My husband said “Here`s the 2s. piece where you put it”. Prisoner made no reply till he got outside, then he used very bad language. I took the 2s, piece about twenty minutes before, and no-one came in the bar after, except prisoner. I had not left the bar after taking the 2s. piece until the prisoner came in. The till was not locked, and the counter is very narrow. I afterwards gave the 2s. piece to P.C. Hills.

Cross-examined: I did not say I saw you take any money.

P.C. Hills deposed that he apprehended the prisoner in St. John`s Road yesterday afternoon, and charged him with stealing a 2s. piece from the till of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road. Prisoner said “No, no, I did not take it”.

Remanded for the attendance of Mr. Clarke.

Yesterday he was again brought up, and after hearing the evidence of Mr. Clarke, the Bench committed the prisoner for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions for the borough.

Folkestone Express 20-11-1869

Thursday, November 18^th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Clark Esqs.

John Howe was charged with stealing 2s. at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, on the previous day.

Mrs. Ann Clark deposed that the prisoner came to their house for a half pint of beer, for which he paid a penny. After drinking it he went to the door and stood on the step. She went into the parlour to speak to her husband. While talking to him, she heard the money in the till rattling, and she at once returned to the bar. “Lord Howe” was standing close to the bar in front of the till. The till was not locked, and it contained half a crown, a two shilling piece, and 1s. 6d. in silver. She returned and asked her husband to examine the till, as she had her suspicions that all was not right. Her husband came into the bar and missed the two shilling piece. He charged prisoner with taking it, which he denied. The coin was afterwards discovered under a small box on the counter, which was used to hold pipe lights. No-one had been in the bar before or at the time he was there. The bar was only two feet wide.

P.C. Hills said he apprehended the prisoner at his house in John`s Road. He charged the prisoner at that time, and aftwerwards at the police station with the robbery and he replied “No, no, I have not taken it”.

As Mr. Clark, the landlord of the house, was unable to attend owing to illness, the case was remanded till Friday.

Friday, November 19^th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Clark Esqs.

John Howe was brought up on remand.

Mr. Robert Clark deposed that prisoner was standing opposite the till. Witness said to him “You have opened the till”; prisoner replied “I have not”. Witness then said “You have taken a two shilling piece”; this accusation was also denied by the prisoner. The prisoner had his hand on the bar, and on lifting up a box near his hand, the two shilling piece was found underneath. Witness did not see his hand move. He did not give information to the police. A man who had heard the altercation and was standing outside did that.

The prisoner was then cautioned in the usual manner, and asked if he had anything to say in answer to the charge.

Prisoner: I have nothing to say, sir. I am innocent.

He was then committed for trial, and witness bound over to prosecute, at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Observer 6-1-1870

Wednesday, January 5^th: Before R.W. Boarer, C. Doridant, C. Dashwood, J. Clark and J. Gambrill sqs.

Transfer of License

Mr. John Gilfin applied for the transfer of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, from Mr. Robert Clark. The applicant stated he had served the notices on Supt. Martin and Mr. Birch, the overseer.

Mr. Bradley: There is no overseer named Birch.

Mr. Gilfin: He lives in a big house at the top of the steps in Tontine Street.

Mr. Bradley: You have been serving it on the relieving officer instead of the overseer.

Mr. Gilfin: I asked some persons who the overseer was, and they told me Mr. Birch.

Mr. Bradley: You should have asked Supt. Martin. He could have told you.

The Bench granted temporary authority to sell until the next licensing day.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-1-1870

Wednesday, January 5^th: Before C. Doridant, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill, C.H. dashwood and J. Clark esqs.

John Gilfin applied for a transfer of the certificate granted to the Railway Tavern, but having served the notice to the relieving officer instead of the overseer the application fell through. Temporary authority was however granted.

Folkestone Express 8-1-1870

Wednesday, January 5^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, C. Dashwood, J. Clarke, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

Granting Licenses

Mr. John Gilpin applied for a transfer of the license of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road. It appeared, however, that the applicant by mistake had served the notice on Mr. Birch, the Registrar, instead of the Overseer. The application could not therefore be granted. The Magistrates, however, granted him temporary authority to sell excisable liquors until the next meeting.

Folkestone Observer 27-1-1870

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday, January 25^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

John Howe, 62, labourer, was indicted for stealing two shillings in money, the property of Robert Clark, at Folkestone, on the 17^th November last.

Ann Clark, wife of Robert Clark, said: I recollect the 17^th November last. My husband at that time kept the Railway Tavern, Dover Road. I saw the prisoner in the bar that day between 10 and 11 o`clock. He came for some refreshment, and I gave him half a pint of beer, for which he gave me a penny. After the prisoner had paid for the beer he stopped in the bar and drank it. There was no-one else in the bar at the time. As I was about to leave the bar to go into the parlour I saw the prisoner holding the door as if he intended to leave, and I then went into the parlour. The prisoner did not then go out of the house. When in the back room speaking to my husband I heard some money rattle. This was about two or three minutes after I left the bar. I ran back to the bar directly, and said to the prisoner, who was standing there, “You have been robbing my till”. Prisoner said “No, I have not”. The drawer was shut when I entered. The drawer was underneath the counter, and the counter was about fifteen inches in width, and quite easily reached from the bar. My husband came into the bar, and I said to him “Look and see what money there is in the till”. He said there was 2s. 6d., 1s., 6d., and a 3d. piece. I said “There ought to be a 2s. piece”. I took the two shilling piece from Mr. Lepper about twenty minutes previous to the prisoner`s coming in. Mr. Lepper had a glass of gin. I am quite sure I put the 2s. piece in the till. Mr. Lepper at one time kept the Raglan Tavern. No-one came in from the time Mr. Lepper left until the prisoner came in. Did not look and see if the two shilling piece was there previous to the prisoner`s coming in. I charged the prisoner with taking the money, and he said he did not take it. I said “It is gone, and you must have taken it; it is not here, and no-one else has been here”. Prisoner then began to turn his pockets out, and I asked my husband if he could find the money, and upon his moving a little box which was standing on the counter the two shilling piece was found. The prisoner was close to the counter. When I went into the bar the prisoner was standing perfectly still. I did not make much noise when I went into the bar; I went in quietly on purpose. I took the two shilling piece and put it in the till. A policeman afterwards took it away.

By the prisoner: I did not see you take any money from the till, neither did I find any money on you. I did not see you put any money on the table, or take any off.

Robert Clark was then called. He said: On the 17^th November last I kept the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, and was in the back parlour with my wife when I heard the till shut, and the money jingle. Would sweat I heard the till shut. I heard my wife say that the prisoner had taken some money, and the prisoner said he had not. I looked in the till and saw 2s. 6d., 1s., a 6d., and a 3d. or 4d. piece. My wife said there ought to be a 2s. piece. I looked under the box which had been used for keeping cigar lights, and found the 2s. piece. Prisoner said he had not taken it, and afterwards went away.The prisoner was standing behind the bar, quite quiet. (This witness gave his evidence in so loose a manner that the Recorder had occasion to caution him as to the statements he made)

By the prisoner: I did not see you put your hand in the till. You were close to the counter.

P.C. Herny Hills said: On the 17^th November last I apprehended the prisoner on the charge of stealing a two shilling piece, and in answer to the charge he said “No, no”. At the police station prisoner said he was not guilty. I found no money on him.

On the Recorder asking the prisoner whether he had any defence to make, he said he hoped the jury would have mercy on him.

The Recorder then proceeded to sum up the evidence. He said the prisoner entered the bar after the two shillings had been taken from Lepper, and no-one had been in the bar from the time of Lepper`s leaving until the prisoner went in; neither had the money been taken out. Mrs. Clark did not remember looking in to see if the money was there, but she was positive she put the money in the till. The evidence of Mrs. Clark was the only testimony that could be taken, as her husband`s evidence was very loose, and he seemed to jump at conclusions rather than to give a clear version of his knowledge of the affair, so that his evidence was worth very little. The police constable had stated that the prisoner denied the charge, and Mrs. Clark said that on entering the bar the prisoner was standing perfectly still, doing nothing. Of course the imputation was that the prisoner had opened the drawer and shut it again, and upon being disturbed had hid the money. The money was put on the counter, and it might have been that it was covered by the article found upon it. It was a nice point for the jury to decide, but the statement of the husband, as he had before noticed, could not be taken as direct evidence against the prisoner. The wife, however, heard the money jingle, and swore that she had closed the till. If, as he had remarked to the Grand Jury, a person should move another person`s property ever so little, it was sufficient to constitute a charge of theft. The point for the jury to consider was whether the money was put under the box by the prisoner or not.

After a short consultation the jury pronounced a verdict of Not Guilty.

The prisoner then left the dock, but, being recalled, the Recorder, addressing him, told him he had had a very narrow escape from severe punishment. He had hoped that the prisoner had mended his ways, and would not have to appear before him. The jury did not hear the statement made by the prisoner, or they would not, he thought, have come to the conclusion they had. Had he (the prisoner) been convicted of the offence, he would have been placed under the supervision of the police for two years – which meant that should the police satisfactorily prove that he was getting a living by dishonest means, he would be convicted by a magistrate, and sentenced to a year`s imprisonment. If he came there again he would be dealt with under the Habitual Criminal Act.

The prisoner then quickly made his way out of court.

Folkestone Chronicle 29-1-1870

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday, January 25^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

The Recorder said the calendar that day was not a heavy one, and the duties of the Grand Jury would be light............. The first case on the list was for stealing by a servant, the other one of larceny. As to the latter the property which he was charged with stealing was not removed from the premises, nor was it found on his person. This, however, was not necessary, for the intention to steal was the crime, and an open or overt act showing the intention, as, for instance, the removal of the property to any distance, however infinitesimal, was sufficient to convict of larceny. If the Grand Jury thought the prisoner touched the money for the purpose of stealing it, that constituted a theft. With these remarks the Grand Jury were dismissed to their labours, and after a short time returned with true bills against both prisoners and they were discharged with the thanks of the borough for their attendance.

John Howe, indicted for stealing a two shilling piece, the property of Robert Clarke, of the Railway Tavern, on the 17^th of November, pleaded Not Guilty, and a jury was empanelled to try the case.

Ann, wife of Robert Clarke, of the Railway Tavern, said: On the 17^th of November prisoner came into the bar of the house between ten and eleven o`clock. He had half a pint of beer, for which he paid a penny. After drinking his beer he took hold of the door to go out, and I went into my back parlour. In the course of a minute or so I heard the sound of money rattling, and on returning to the bar I found the prisoner standing close to the counter, near the till, which was closed. The counter is a very narrow one. I said “You`ve been robbing my till”, and he replied that he had not. My husband had come into the bar, and I asked him to look what money was in the till. He said there was a halfcrown, a 1s. a 6d. and a 3d piece. I said there ought to be a 2s. piece, because I had taken one from Mr. Lepper about twenty minutes before and had placed it in the till. I had not taken any money from the till then, nor had anyone else been in the bar. I charged prisoner with taking a 2s. piece, but he denied it, and on making a search the 2s. piece was found on the counter under a little box standing near where the prisoner was. When I came into the bar, prisoner was standing perfectly still. The prisoner left the house after the money was found.

Cross-examined: I did not see you take any money from the till. None was found on you, nor did I see you handle any.

Robert Clarke deposed that he was in the back room with his wife, and hear the money jingle in a cup. The silver was kept in a cup, which jingled when the till was shut. He corroborated the evidence of the last witness after she went out to prisoner.

This witness provoked the displeasure of the Recorder by his manner in giving evidence.

P.C. Hills deposed to apprehending prisoner.

In answer to the Recorder, prisoner said he was not guilty, and he hoped the court would have mercy.

The Recorder then carefully summed up. Mrs. Clarke`s evidence was all that the jury could rely on, for her husband`s was not worth much, as he evidently jumped at conclusions. He heard money jingle in a cup, and said it was because the till was shut then. The evidence of Mrs. Clarke was, that she put the 2s. piece in the till about twenty minutes before the prisoner came in, and while he was there she looked in the till and missed the money, which was afterwards found on the counter near the prisoner. It was, however, possible that she may have been mistaken, and that she did not put it into the till. This was a very nice point for the jury to decide. If Mr. Clarke did hear the money jingle, it was a very strong corroboration. The principal thing in prisoner`s favour was that when Mrs. Clark quietly entered the bar he was standing quite still, and that he had all along denied it. The question for the jury to decide was whether Mrs. Clarke did or did not put the money in the till, bearing in mind what he had told the Grand Jury, that removal of the property to an incalculably short distance constituted a theft. Of course, if there was any doubt in the matter they would give prisoner the benefit, and in deciding the case they would take into consideration the previous character of the prisoner – they were all doubtless aware of it.

The jury, almost without consideration, returned a verdict of Not Guilty, and the learned Recorder in discharging the prisoner told him he had had a narrow escape. He had not seen him there for many years, and had hoped he never should have again, because he had turned over a new leaf. As a caution to him, and without mentioning the sentence that would have been inflicted on him had he been convicted, he (the learned Recorder) would tell him that in addition to any other punishment, he would have been ordered to remain under the surveillance of the police for two years as an habitual criminal, and this would enable the police to bring him before two justices at any time, who. If they found he was not earning his livelihood in an honest way, might order him to be kept to imprisonment with hard labour for twelve months. The jury had acted not unreasonably in finding him Not Guilty, but he himself knew whether he was guilty or not.

Folkestone Express 29-1-1870

Quarter Sessions

Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

John Howe, 62, was charged that he, on the 17^th of November last, stole two shillings in money, the property of Robert Clarke, the landlord of the Railway Tavern. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Ann Clarke, wife of Robert Clarke, now landlord of the Cutter, Dover Street, said: I recollect the 17^th Nov. last. I was at the Railway Tavern; it was my husband`s house then; I was in the bar. I saw prisoner on that day in the bar; this was between ten and eleven o`clock in the morning. He came there for some refreshment. He asked for half-pint of beer, for which he paid 1d. He stood at the bar; no-one else was present then. I had occasion to leave the bar for a few minutes; he took hold of the door to go out. I went into the back parlour. I left the parlour door open. He stood at the door. While speaking to my husband I heard money rattling; that was not more than two or three minutes after. I did not hear him opening the till. I said to my husband “I hear money rattling”. I ran back to the bar and said to prisoner “You have been robbing my till”. He said “No, I have not”. The till was shut the same as before I went in. The counter is not 2 ft. wide, and the till is easily accessible to a person the other side. My husband came in and I said “Look and see what money there is in the till”. He said “There is a half crown, shilling, sixpence, and a three-penny piece”. I said “There ought to be a two shilling piece”. The prisoner could hear all this. He said “There is not”. I had taken one about twenty minutes before from Mr. Lepper, for a glass of gin. I am quite sure I put it in the till. I did not have occasion to take any money out after. No-one else came in till near twelve o`clock. I never looked in the till after I gave the change because no-one else came in. I charged the prisoner with taking it; he said he had not. I said “It`s gone, and you must have taken it” as there was no-one else there. He began to turn his pockets out. My husband moved a little box that stood on the counter, and there was a two shilling piece under the box. The prisoner then left. The box was almost close to him. I did not notice where it was before I went into the back room. The prisoner was standing perfectly still. I came into the bar very quietly; I am sure he was standing quite still. I said to him “This is the two shilling piece you have taken out of my till”. He said “No”. He then left my house. I put the two shilling piece back in the till.

By Prisoner: Did you see me take any money? – No. Did you find any money on me? – No, I did not. Did you see me put any money on the counter, or take any off? - No, I did not.

Robert Clarke was then called and said: I kept the Railway Tavern. On the 17^th of November last me and my wife were in the next room and I heard the till shut. I am positive I heard it shut because we kept the silver in a tea cup, and I heard it “jingle”. (The learned Recorder severly examined the witness on this point, but he still adhered to the statement of hearing the till shut.) At the request of my wife I looked in the till and saw the coins mentioned. Was not sure whether the smaller coin was a threepenny or a fourpenny piece. After some searching I found the money under a thing for holding cigar lights, which was on the counter. Prisoner said he did not take the money, and he then went away. The prisoner was standing opposite the bar; he was standing quite quiet.

The prisoner then put the same questions as the last witness, and received the same answers.

P.C. Henry Hills deposed to taking the prisoner into custody and charging him with the robbery, when he replied “No, no, I did not take it”. At the police station, when charged, he also denied the charge. Witness searched him, but did not find the money.

The prisoner said: I am not guilty, and I hope you will have mercy on me.

The Recorder then summed up the evidence. He said the principal facts were that this man was in the bar after Mrs. Clarke had put the two shilling piece in the till. No-one else had been in, and she had no occasion to take the money out. She is also quite positive that she heard the money rattle while she was out of the bar, and she returned quietly to detect what was going on. The man was standing at the bar quite quiet, apparently doing nothing. There did not appear to be anything to prevent him putting the money in his pocket. The money may have been left on the counter when the change was given, and the box placed on it accidentally. If you believe Mrs. Clarke`s evidence that she put the money in the till, you cannot do anything else but find a verdict against the prisoner. The principal thing in his favour is that he was standing quite sill and upright in front of the bar when Mrs. Clarke came out. He concluded by reiterating a portion of his charge to the Grand Jury.

The jury at once returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

The Recorder, addressing the prisoner, said: You have had a narrow escape this time. I have not seen you before me for many years, and I had some hopes that you had mended your ways. Had the jury heard what you said to them, no doubt they would have returned a different verdict. Let this be a caution to you for your future conduct. I do not say what sentence I should have passed, but after that had expired I should have placed you under the supervision of the police for two years – that is, if they had any suspicion that you were getting your living dishonestly they could have brought you before two justices who could sentence you to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months. You are now discharged.

Note: No mention of Clarke at the Cutter in More Bastions.

Southeastern Gazette 31-1-1870

Quarter, Sessions

The Epiphany session was held on Tuesday morning, before the learned Recorder, J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.

John Howe, labourer, 62, was indicted for larceny.

Ann Clarke, wife of Robert Clarke, of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, said that the prisoner came into the house on the 17th November last for half a pint of beer, and while she was in the back room she heard money rattle, and on going back to the bar she missed a two-shilling piece which was placed in the till a few minutes before. She charged him with stealing the money, but he denied it, and, on looking about, the money was found on the counter near prisoner’s hand.

The jury acquitted the prisoner.

Kentish Gazette 1-2-1870

Quarter Sessions: These sessions were held in the Town Hall on Tuesday morn­ing last, before the learned Recorder, J. J. Lonsdale, E«q.

A true bill against John Howe, labourer, aged 62, for larceny was soon returned, and a jury empanelled to try the case, the prisoner pleading not guilty.

Ann Clarke, wife of Robert Clarke, of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, said that prisoner came into the house on the 17^th November last for half-a-ptnt of beer, and while she was in the back room she beard money rattle, and on going back to the bar she missed a two-shilling piece which was placed in the till a few minutes before. She charged him with stealing the money, but he denied it and, on looking about, the money was found on the counter near prisoner’s hand.

The learned Recorder carefully summed up, and the Jury acquitted the prisoner.

The Recorder, in discharging him, congratulated him on his narrow escape. The Jury had not unreasonably found him not guilty, but had he been convicted, in addition to any other punishment, he would have been subject to the surveillance of the police for two yean.

Folkestone Observer 24-2-1870

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before The Mayor, W. Bateman, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

Transfer of License

John Gilpin was granted a transfer of the license granted to Robert Clark to sell at the Railway Tavern.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-2-1870

Wednesday February 22^nd: Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer, John Clark, and John Gambrill Esqs.

This was a special sessions for the transfer of licenses, and for other business.

John Gilfin applied for a transfer of the license of the Railway Tavern from Robert Clark to himself. Applicant at the last special sessions attended, but having served notice on the relieving officer for the overseer, the license could not be transferred. It was transferred on this occasion.

Folkestone Express 26-2-1870

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before The Mayor, W. Bateman, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

Special Licensing Meeting

The Railway Tavern: John Gilpin applied for the transfer of the license from Robert Clark. The application was granted.

Folkestone Express 22-11-1873

Inquest

On Thursday afternoon an inquest was held at the Martello Hotel, before J. Minter Esq., Coroner and a jury on the body of Susannah Hams.

William Hams, husband of the deceased, said she was 66 years of age, and although she was at times she was a little “flighty”, she was in a fit state to be left by herself. On the morning of the 4^th instant he left the house about half past eight to go to work in a meadow, and whilst there saw a man running towards the house. Thinking something was amiss he went home and found his wife severely burnt. Two or three potatoes and a knife were lying in front of the fire, and he had no doubt that while deceased was preparing the potatoes for dinner her dress caught fire.

Mr. John Gilfin, Railway Arms (sic), Dover Road, deposed to being near the Cement Works on the morning in question, and as he was coming home he saw a woman coming out of Folly Cottages with her arms thrown up, and crying out “Oh, dear”. He at once rant to her assistance, seeing that her clothes were in flames from top to bottom. He pulled his coat off as quickly as he could and wrapped it round her, and with the assistance of a man named Nash, who was coming by, the flames were extinguished, but not before deceased had been very severely burnt. She was taken into the house and a doctor sent for.

W. Bateman Esq., M.R.C.S., said he was called to deceased and found her suffering from very severe burns on the upper part of the person. He had hopes at first that she would recover, but she gradually sank from the shock caused to the system by the irritation, and died on Wednesday.

Verdict “Accidental Death”.

Southeastern Gazette 22-11-1873

Local News

An inquest was held on Thursday last, before J. Minter, Esq., coroner, on the body of Susannah Hams, who was burnt to death.

Deceased, aged 66, was engaged in paring potatoes in front of the fire, when her dress ignited, and she ran out of doors.

Mr. Gilfin, of the Railway Arms (sic), who was passing at the time, took off his coat and wrapped it round the poor woman, who was enveloped in flames. The injuries she received were such that she gradually sank, and died on Wednesday.

Verdict, “Accidental death.”

Kentish Gazette 25-11-1873 

An inquest was held on Thursday last before J. Minter Esq., coroner, on the body of Susannah Hams, who was burnt to death. Deceased, aged 66, was engaged in paring potatoes in front of the fire when her dress ignited and she ran out of doors. Mr. Gilfin, of the Railway Arms (sic), who was passing at the time, took off his coat and wrapped it round the poor woman, who was enveloped in flames. The injuries that she received were such that she gradually sank, and died on Wednesday. Verdict “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Express 8-3-1879

Tuesday, March 4^th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Alderman Hoad, R.W. Boarer, and M. Bell Esqs.

John Shee and John Lockwood, privates in the 84 Regiment, stationed at Dover, were charged with stealing a piece of bacon and a piece of German sausage, the property of Henry Andrews.

Prosecutor said he was a grocer and greengrocer, residing at 109, Dover Road. On Monday evening, about ten minutes to seven, the two prisoners went to his shop. They asked the price of some cheese, which he told them was 8d. per pound. Lockwood said that was too much, and they would rather have bacon. Shee said they would have cheese, and asked him to cut twopennyworth. They paid for it, giving prosecutor sixpence and receiving fourpence in change. They then wanted the sixpence back, Lockwood saying he had twopence, but prosecutor would not give the sixpence back, as he suspected something wrong. Shee then asked for twopennyworth of bread. Prosecutor cut them half a loaf. While the prosecutor was giving change for a 3d. and a 4d. piece, he saw Lockwood reach over to the marble slab where some German sausage was lying. His wife and son came into the shop at that moment, and the prisoners, bidding them good evening, walked away. A few minutes after prosecutor missed a piece of bacon and then went to look after the prisoners, and also reported the theft to the police. The value of the goods he estimated at about 18d.

Richard Swift, sergeant in the 3^rd Batt. Grenadier Guards, who was in charge of the picquet on Monday evening, said he was called by a police constable to the Railway Tavern to assist in taking the two prisoners. When in the street Lockwood took a piece of bacon out of his coat pocket and threw it down into the road.

P.C. Knowles said he went to the Railway Tavern about nine o`clock on Monday evening. He saw the prisoners in front of the bar. He told them he should take them into custody on suspicion of having stolen a piece of bacon. One of them said “Where did we steal it from?” and he replied “In the Dover Road”. He called the sergeant of the picquet to assist in taking the prisoners to the station. The sergeant handed witness a piece of bacon and a piece of German sausage which Lockwood had thrown away, and at the police station another piece of sausage fell from inside Shee`s greatcoat while he was being searched. When charged they made no reply.

Prisoners pleaded Guilty. Lockwood said he was under the influence of liquor. They were sentenced to three months` hard labour in Canterbury gaol.

Southeastern Gazette 8-3-1879

Local News

At the Police Court on Tuesday, John Shea and John Lockwood, privates belonging to the 84th Regiment, stationed at Dover, were charged with stealing a piece of bacon and a German sausage, valued at 1s. 6d., the property of Henry Andrews.

It appeared from the evidence of the prosecutor, who carries on business as a grocer and greengrocer in the Dover-road, that the prisoners went into his shop on Monday evening, and purchased a piece of cheese and half a loaf, and after they were gone the articles mentioned in the charge were missed. Information was given to the police, and the prisoners were apprehended at the Railway Bell Tavern (sic) with the articles in their possession.

The Bench sentenced them to three months’ hard labour.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 28-8-1880

Monday, August 23^rd:

Charles Bishop was charged with stealing 5 lbs. of bacon, the property of Charles Gains.

It appeared that the prosecutor went into the Railway Tavern on Saturday night with the bacon in a basket. Somehow or other he left the basket and all on the seat and went away. The next he saw of his bacon was in the possession of the prisoner the following day, when he gave him into custody. Prisoner was in the bar at the time that prosecutor was there. At closing time the landlord found the basket on the seat, and asked some men outside whether it belonged to any of them. They replied that it did not. Presently a man named Bean came to the door and said it belonged to the prisoner, who had sent him for it. The landlord thereupon gave it to him.

Prisoner now pleaded Guilty and was sent to jail for a month.

Folkestone Express 28-8-1880

Monday, August 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Caister and Sherwood, J. Clark and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs, and General anon.

Charles Gains was charged with stealing five pounds of bacon, value 3s., the property of Charles Gains.

Prosecutor, a bricklayer, living at St. James Street, said he was at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, on Saturday night. He had a bag with him containing some bacon and other articles of grocery. Prisoner was in front of the bar. Prosecutor left the house about two minutes past eleven without his bag, which he forgot. It was standing on a seat in front of the bar. On Sunday morning about a quarter past eight he saw prisoner near the Royal George, with Mr. Gilfin, landlord of the Railway Tavern. Prisoner had a piece of bacon wrapped up in a handkerchief, which prosecutor identified as his. He then gave prisoner into the custody of P.C. Hills. Prisoner was quite sober when he saw him on Saturday evening.

In reply to prisoner, prosecutor said he knew he (prisoner) was turned out of the bar for being very noisy, but he was not drunk.

John Gilfin said on Saturday night, after his customers had left, he found a basket in the bar. A man named Bean came and said it belonged to prisoner, and he therefore gave it to him. On Sunday morning about eight o`clock he saw the prisoner near the Tramway with a parcel under his arm. He asked him where the bacon was he “collared” the previous night. At first he said he hadn`t got it. Witness took hold of the parcel he was carrying, and knew it was the bacon which was in the basket belonging to prosecutor. Prisoner then said he found it lying by the side of him when he woke up that morning. He advised him to go and give it up to Gains. He made no objection, but went with witness, and found Gains in front of the Royal George Hotel. Witness said to him “Here`s the man that stole your bacon”, and then walked away.

George Bean, a labourer, residing in St. James Street, said he was at the Railway Tavern with his wife. They were the last to leave the house and the landlord asked him if the bag belonged to him. He replied that it did not. He saw the prisoner a few yards away from the house. He asked him if he left a bag at Mr. Gilfin`s, and he said “Yes”. He then asked him if he should go back and fetch it for him. He said he should be very much obliged if he would. Witness then went back and got it.

P.C. Hills, who took the prisoner into custody, stated that he said in answer to the charge “I didn`t take it. Some man gave it to me”.

Prisoner, who elected to be dealt with summarily, pleaded Guilty, and said he had been drinking all day, was sentenced to a month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-3-1884

Wednesday, March 19^th: Before Capt. Crowe and Capt. Fletcher

Louis Fox, landlord of the Railway Tavern public house, was charged with brutally assaulting his wife on Saturday last, and with using threatening language towards her on Sunday night.

The complainant showed that she was a widow with two children before she married defendant. Her husband was in the habit of ill-using her, and on several occasions had drawn blood from her. On Saturday he struck her violently on the side of the head.

The magistrates fined defendant 10s. for the assault, with 10s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour. For using threatening language he was bound over in one surety of £20, and himself in £20, or one month`s hard labour.

Mr. Minter asked on behalf of the wife for a separation order, but the Bench said that they could not grant it.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 18-3-1891

Saturday, March 14^th: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, Alderman Banks, Surgeon General Gilbourne, J. Brooke, H.W. Poole and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Samuel Baker pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of having committed wilful damage to an amount not exceeding £5. Mr. F. Hall appeared for the defence.

Charles Sparrow said he was manager at the Railway Tavern in Dover Road. On the previous Saturday evening defendant came in and asked for a glass of stout, with which he was served. He then went out, but came in again with a tin of meat in his hand and asked for another glass of stout, which was also served. Instead of drinking it, however, he dashed the stout and the glass on the floor, and then dashed the tin of meat on the counter, which was mahogany, denting and cutting it. Could not say whether defendant was drunk, but didn`t think he was. He would not have served him at all, but two men had been in for a pint of beer each and said Mr. Baker would pay, and he thought if he did not serve the stout he would not get the money for the beer.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hall, witness said defendant came in twice; the first time he paid fivepence halfpenny for the beer and the stout. The reason he charged twopence for the second glass of stout was that it was the best; defendant had complained of the first glass. He did not know the man well enough to say positively whether he was sober, but he shouldn`t think he was drunk. He had paid 5s. to have the counter repaired.

John Gosby said he was in the house on the on Saturday night and heard an altercation about twopence being charged for a glass of stout. The defendant broke the glass on the floor, thumped the counter with a tin of potted meat which he had in his hand, made use of very bad language and threatened to smash everything in the bar. Should think the defendant was sober.

Michael Hannon said he heard blows on the counter but did not see if they were given with the fist or with a tin of meat.

In cross-examination witness said he didn`t believe there would have been any row if the halfpenny had been returned. He did not think the counter looked as id it had been recently planed.

For the defence Mr. Hall called Charles Claringbould and Thos. Nash, whose version of the affair was very different from that of the plaintiff`s witnesses. The latter thought that what took place on the night in question was ordinary wear and tear of the bar; people began to get noisy between half past ten and eleven. (Laughter) Had been in the house each day from the Saturday to Wednesday, but had heard nothing of any summoning and was very much surprised to find it was to be made “a Court job”.

The Mayor said the Bench considered the case proved and defendant would have to pay 5s. the damage, 10s. fine, and 13s. costs.

Defendant: How much is that altogether?

The Mayor: 28s.

Defendant: Thank you kindly. Good morning, gentlemen.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-3-1891

Saturday, March 14^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, Major H.W. Poole, Colonel De Crespigny, Surgeon General Gilbourne, W.G. Herbert and J. Brooke Esqs.

Samuel Baker was summoned for doing wilful damage at the Railway Tavern on the 7^th inst., and pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Hall appeared for the defendant and remarked that the whole matter had arisen about a halfpenny.

Charles Sparrow said he managed the business for Mrs. Ellis. The defendant went to his house between half past ten and eleven on Saturday night and had a glass of stout. He afterwards asked to be served again, and witness served him. Instead of drinking it he threw it across the counter. The glass smashed into a thousand atoms, to the danger of others present in the bar. He had a tin of meat in his hand and banged it on the counter several times as hard as he could. It cut the counter in several places, and it had cost five shillings to repair. Defendant had been in his house on several previous occasions, but had always been a nuisance.

By Mr. Hall: The defendant came in twice on the night in question. On the first occasion he had a glass of stout and paid for two pints of beer which he had given to two other men. He paid 5½d. for it. He then went out and shortly afterwards came back and called for another glass of stout, for which he charged him twopence. He said the other was not good, and, at his request, witness gave him the best stout he had in the house, and the price of that was twopence. Witness was of opinion that the defendant was sober. He would not serve a man who was helplessly drunk. The damage was caused by the tin of tongue.

John Gosby, a carpenter, said he went into the Railway Tavern on Saturday night. Defendant came in soon after he got there and paid for some beer which some men had had and called for a glass of stout for himself. He went out and then came back again, bringing a tin of meat with him. He asked for another glass of stout. Mr. Sparrow charged him twopence for it. There was some altercation about it, and defendant threw the glass down on to the ground and smashed it, and then knocked the tin on the counter, saying he would smash everything in the bar. So far as he knew the man, he should think he was sober.

By Mr. Hall: On the second occasion the defendant asked for a glass of the best stout. He should think the damage done to the counter would be about five or six shillings. That was what he would have charged to repair it.

Michael Hannen, a naval pensioner, said he was in the Railway Tavern on Saturday night when the defendant came in. He brought two men into the bar with him and treated them to some beer. He had a glass of stout himself and went out. He came in again and called for another glass of stout. He did not know what he paid, but he heard him object to pay the extra halfpenny, and he knocked the counter about with a tin which he had in his hand.

By Mr. Hall: He did not believe there would have been a row if Mr. Sparrow had handed back the halfpenny. The defendant said “I shall not pay it” and slammed the glass down on to the ground between him and another man. He was in the house on Monday and there were no signs of the counter having been repaired then.

Mr. Hall, in defence, said it was untrue that the defendant struck the counter. When he found that he could not get his halfpenny back he thought he would take it out on the glass. (Laughter)

Chas. Claringbould, a hawker, was then called, and said he went into the Railway Tavern with the defendant on Saturday night. He paid twopence for a glass of stout and asked for a halfpenny change. The landlord would not give it to him and he threw the glass on the ground. He did not strike the counter. There was no mistake about that. He and Baker both went out together.

By Mr. Bradley: Defendant had a whip in one had and a tin of meat in the other. If he had hit the counter, surely he must have had three hands. (Laughter)

Thomas Nash stated that he was in the Railway Tavern from half past ten till quarter to eleven on the night in question. During that time the defendant came in. He asked for a glass of stout, and after some words as to the price, he turned to witness and said “What`s the price of stout?” Witness answered “I don`t come here to value people`s goods and commodities”. “But you have been in the trade and you know”, said the defendant. Witness then said “Well, it`s generally three halfpence”. Defendant said “There!” and threw the glass on the ground. When he demanded the halfpenny change, Sparrow said “I have got it and mean to stick to it”.

By Mr. Bradley: Did not see the defendant strike the counter, but he would not undertake to swear that he did not.

The Mayor said the Magistrates were convinced that the offence had been committed, and he would be fined 10s. and 18s. costs, also the damage 5s., or 14 days` hard labour.

The money was paid.

Folkestone Express 21-3-1891

Saturday, March 14^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, Surgeon General Gilbourne, Col. De Crespigny, J. Brooke and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Samuel Baker was charged with damaging a counter at the Railway Tavern, the property of Frances Ellis.

Charles Sparrow, complainant`s manager, said the defendant went to the house on Saturday night and had a glass of stout. He asked to be served again and was served. Instead of drinking it he threw it on the counter and smashed it into a thousand pieces. He had a tin of meat in his hand and he struck the top of the counter with it and damaged it. It had had to be planed and polished at a cost of 5s. He did not know much about the defendant, but whenever he entered the house he was a nuisance. He went in to pay for two pints of beer some men had had.

Mr. F. Hall, who represented the defendant, cross-examined the witness, who said he did not think defendant was drunk. If a man went into the bar drunk, he would not be served.

John Gosby corroborated the evidence of Sparrow, and said he thought the defendant was sober.

Michael Hannon said the cause of the disturbance was that the defendant objected to pay an extra halfpenny for a glass of stout.

In answer to Mr. Hall he said if Sparrow had handed back the halfpenny there would have been no row.

Charles Claringbould said Baker did not hit the counter at all. He broke a glass. He had a whip in one hand and a glass of stout in the other, and he must have had three hands to hit the counter with a tin of meat. (Laughter)

Charles Nash also said that he saw Baker throw the glass down or let it fall – he could not say which. He did not see him damage the counter. There was not much noise – “just the wear and tear of a public bar”. When it came near the closing time people got a little bit noisy. He had not noticed that the counter had been planed, but he would not swear that Baker did not strike the counter with the tin.

The Bench ordered the defendant to pay 5s. damage, 10s. fine, and 13s. costs.

Defendant: Thank you kindly.

Folkestone Up To Date 1-7-1899

Tuesday, June 27^th: Before The Mayor, J. Banks, J. Fitness, W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton

The Railway Tavern, Dover Road, was transferred to Mr. Thomas Southall

Folkestone Herald 29-7-1899

Folkestone Police Court

Boaz Padley, a man of disreputable appearance, pleaded Guilty to committing wilful damage at the Railway Tavern on the afternoon of the 25^th inst.

Thomas Southall, the landlord, said he had been out, but on returning home he found prisoner, who was in a most excited state, using obscene language in the bar. Witness tried to pacify the man, but he took off his coat. In order to let him cool down, the landlord allowed prisoner to sit down for a while, but he repeated his conduct, and then witness bundled prisoner out of the premises. He then made a dash for witness, and smashed in three panes of glass, valued at £3.

In defence, prisoner said he was under the influence of drink, and had never been in trouble before.

Fined 11s. 6d., and £3 damage, or one month`s hard labour.

The prisoner, who had no means, accepted the latter alternative.

Folkestone Up To Date 29-7-1899

Local News

Boaz Padley was charged with wilful damage to the amount of £3 at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, and pleaded Guilty. He was fined 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs, and £3 damages, in default 14 days`.

Folkestone Herald 5-8-1899

Wednesday, August 2^nd:

The following transfer of licence was allowed: James Southall, Railway Inn (sic), Dover Road.