Even More Tales From The Tap Room: Rose Hotel, Rendezvous Street c1717

Thanks And Acknowledgements

My thanks go to Kent Libraries and Archives - Folkestone Library and also to the archive of the Folkestone Herald. For articles from the Folkestone Observer, my thanks go to the Kent Messenger Group. Southeastern Gazette articles are from UKPress Online, and Kentish Gazette articles are from the British Newspaper Archive. See links below.

Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked

Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.

Welcome

Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.

Core dates and information on licensees tenure are taken from Martin Easdown and Eamonn Rooney`s two fine books on the pubs of Folkestone, Tales From The Tap Room and More Tales From The Tap Room - unfortunately now out of print. Dates for the tenure of licensees are taken from the very limited editions called Bastions Of The Bar and More Bastions Of The Bar, which were given free to very early purchasers of the books.

Easiest navigation of the site is by clicking on the PAGE of the pub you are looking for and following the links to the different sub-pages. Using the LABELS is, I`m afraid, not at all user-friendly.

Saturday 23 March 2024

Rose Hotel, Rendezvous Street c1717 - 1927

Rose Hotel c1915

Rose Hotel 1910. Credit Alan Taylor

Licensees

Christopher Stredwick c1717 1741 Also King William And Queen Mary c 1717

James Franklin 1741 1779

John Franklyn 1779 1779

Saul Ottaway 1779 c1792

Francis Stredwick c1792 1794

Frances Stredwick 1794 c1812

James King 1812 1825

William Collins 1825 1828

Thomas Payne Listed 1832

John Coulter c1838 c1841

Jane Coulter c1841 c1841 (1841 Census)

William Vigor 1844 1852

William Medhurst 1852 1854 Also Kings Arms 1846-78

Anne Medhurst 1854 1872

Richard Medhurst 1872 1879 Also Kings Arms 1878-81

Frederick Ralph 1879 1897

Leonard Hargrave 1897 1897

John Terry 1897 1899

Percy Venner 1899 1905 Later Clarendon Hotel

Robert Hunt 1905 1909

Percy Hunt 1909 1910

A.J. Cooke 1910 1910 (May be a typo)

Alfred Cope 1910 1927

James Kent 1927 1927 Also Morehall

Kentish Post 2-8-1760

This is to give notice that on Monday the 4^th of August instant will be played a match of cricket at Dover; the Gentlemen of that place against the Gentlemen of the West Kent Militia and Folkestone, for a Guinea a man. The wickets to be pitched at one o`clock and the match played out.

N.B. There will be a good ordinary on the table at twelve o`clock at Mr. Hobbs`s at the Royal Oak.

And on Thursday the 7^th inst. will be played the return match at Folkestone. There will be a good ordinary on the table at twelve o`clock at Mr. Franklin`s at the Rose.

Kentish Post 12-10-1763

Last Thursday morning, about three o`clock, the house of Mr. Franklin (the sign of the Rose) at Folkestone, was broke open and robbed of four silver spoons and about eighteen pence, by a villain who got in at the parlour window. There were two gold rings, four Guineas and a half, and several other things of value which he did not find, though they were in the same bureau which he had broke open.

Kentish Post 15-10-1763

Monday last was apprehended and committed to gaol at Lydd, John Eldridge, on a violent suspicion of breaking open and robbing the house of Mr. Franklin of Folkestone of 4 silver spoons and about 18d., as mentioned in our last: the spoons were found upon him and positively sworn to, though he pretended that he had found them in the high road near Folkestone. He behaved in the most audacious and impudent manner on his examination.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 29-4-1765

Before John Hague (Mayor), Mr. John Jordan, Mr. William Pope, Mr. Thomas Baker, Mr. Thomas Rolfe, and Mr. John Baker.

Neat Ladd, James Francklyn, Chas. Hill, Thos. Wilton, Ambrose Dadd, Ric Boxer, Widow Jeffery, Widow Gittens, Ric Beear, Mary Gittens, and Joseph Trevillon were fined at this Session 3/4 each for having false measures in their houses, which fines were paid into the hands of the Overseers of the Poor.

Neat Ladd, George; James Francklyn, Rose; Charles Hill, White Hart; Thomas Wilton, no record; Ambrose Dadd, Chequers; Richard Boxer, Fishing Boat; Widow Jeffery, Royal George; Widow Gittens, North Foreland; Richard Beear, Three Compasses; Mary Gittens, Privateer; Joseph Trevillon, Crown.

Kentish Gazette 23-9-1769

To be sold by auction, on Thursday the twenty-eighth day of September instant, about three o`clock in the afternoon, at the sign of the Rose, in Folkestone: All that messuage or tenement, with the barn, stable, outhouses, yard, garden and seven acres of land, arable and pasture, thereunto belonging, situate, lying, and being in the parish of Capel, and now in the occupation of Simon Horton.

For particulars enquire of Mr. Baker, Attorney, at Folkestone.

Kentish Gazette 8-7-1780

Advertisement: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Union Society of Folkestone, established for the benefit of widows and of sick or superannuated members, will be held at the sign of the Rose, in the said town, on Monday, the 10^th instant, July; when any person, not exceeding the age of forty years may become a member of the said Society (if approved by a majority of the members then present) on paying the usual entrance of Twenty Shillings.

Dinner at one o`clock.

This Society is possessed of a large capital.

Kentish Gazette 23-8-1783

Advertisement: Notice: The creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued against Phineas Jacob, late of the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, shipbuilder, dealer and chapman, are desired to meet the assignees of the said bankrupt`s estate and effects, on Thursday, the 28^th day of August instant, at ten o`clock in the forenoon, at the Rose, in Folkestone; in order to determine whether the several vessels now building in the said bankrupt`s yard shall be finished by his assigners or not, and to assent or dissent from the said assignees commencing, prosecuting, or defending any suit or suits at law, or in equity, for recovery of any part of the said bankrupt`s estate and effects, or their compounding, submitting to arbitration, or otherwise agreeing any matter or thing relating thereto, and on other special affairs.

Kentish Gazette 25-12-1804

To be sold by auction, by J. Fuller,

At the Rose, in Folkestone, on Friday, the 4^th day of January, 1805, at six o`clock in the evening (subject to such conditions of sale as will be then and there produced) the following premises, situate at Shellons Lane, near the Gun, in the town of Folkestone.

Lot 1: All that large barn, with the yard, stable, and piece of garden-ground thereto belonging, now in the occupation of Wm. Nickholls and John Oldfield.

Lot 2: All those two compact dwelling houses, with the garden-ground thereto belonging, adjoining Lot 1, now in the occupation of John Oldfield and Mrs. Cowley.

Lot 3: All that large tenement, in three dwellings, with the spacious yard, garden, and stable thereto belonging, in the occupation of John Cook, Wm. Swain, Wm. Pilcher, and Thomas Barber.

The tenants have notice to quit at Lady Day next.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 25-4-1808

Before Thomas Baker (Mayor), Joseph William Knight, John Castle, John Gill, John Bateman and James Major.

The following person was fined for having short measures in their possession, viz.:

Stredwick 2/6

Kentish Chronicle 31-8-1819

Advertisement extract:

Valuable brewery, free public houses and other estates to be sold by auction by Messrs. White (without reserve). Pursuant to certain orders of the Vice Chancellor of Great Britain, and before the major part of the Commissioners named and authorised in and by a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued against Matthew William Sankey, of the city of Canterbury, brewer, dealer and chapman, at the Guildhall of the said city of Canterbury, on Wednesday, the 22^nd day of September, at eleven o`clock in the forenoon (subject to such conditions of sale as shall be then and there produced).

Lot 21: A messuage called the Rose (formerly in two tenements), with the stable, outhouses, edifices, buildings, yard, garden, land and appurtenances, situate in the town of Folkestone aforesaid, and now in the occupation of James King.

And all the above lots will be sold subject to the tenants in possession claiming their fixtures by the power of removing them, or being allowed for them by a valuation in the usual way, and to quit rents (if any).

There will be no auction duty payable.

For further particulars apply to Messrs. Plummer and Son, or Mr. J.J. Pierce, solicitors, Canterbury; or to Messrs. Wiltshire, Bolton and Cole, solicitors, Winchester House, Old Broad Street, London, at whose respective offices printed particulars may shortly be obtained.

Kentish Chronicle 18-4-1823

Died: April 10, at Folkestone, aged ten years, John, son of Mr. James King, of the Rose Inn.

Kentish Chronicle 1-4-1825

Friday, Mr. Major, excise officer, of Folkestone, assisted by a brother officer (Mr. Gent), searched the premises of the Rose Inn, in that town, and found concealed between the asparagus beds and other parts of the garden fourteen tubs of foreign spirits, which he seized.

Kentish Chronicle 19-8-1825

Rose Inn, Folkestone: To be sold by private contract, all that commodious and long-established inn, called or known by the sign of the Rose, situate in the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent. Comprising five bedrooms, a commercial sitting room, with bar, several parlours, club room, kitchen, good cellaring, yard 20 feet by 150, stabling for 10 horses, newly erected, shed for carriages, with various other useful buildings, now in the possession of Mr. James King, the proprietor.

The house stands in the principal thoroughfare, at which the Coaches and Vans from Dover to Sandgate, Hythe, Ashford, Hastings, Brighton and London call twice a day; it also possesses a good connection with commercial and other travellers, and has an excellent beer trade.

The household furniture, stock in trade, fixtures, horses, gigs &c., may be taken at a fair valuation.

Immediate possession may be had, as the proprietor is about leaving this country, and further particulars known by applying to Mr. King, or to Messrs. Plummer and Sons, Solicitors, Canterbury.

Kentish Chronicle 4-5-1830

Death: April 25, at Boulogne, Mr. James King, landlord of the Royal Oak at that place. The deceased was formerly proprietor and landlord of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone.

Maidstone Gazette 4-5-1830

Death: April 25, Mr. J. King, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn, Boulogne, and formerly proprietor and landlord of the Rose Inn, at Folkestone.

Maidstone Journal 4-5-1830

Death: On Sunday morning, at Boulogne, Mr. James King, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn at that place. The deceased was formerly proprietor and landlord of the Rose Inn, at Folkestone. He has left a widow and four children to lament their loss.

Kentish Gazette 16-7-1833

Whereas a Fiat in Bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, Innkeeper, Dealer and Chapman, and he being declared bankrupt is hereby required to surrender to Edward Drake Brockman, Esquire, and Ralph Thomas Brockman and Edward Sedgwick, Gentlemen, the major part of the Commissioners named and authorised in and by the said Fiat, on the twenty sixth day of July instant and the twenty seventh day of August next, at twelve o`clock at noon on each day, at the Guildhall of the town of Folkestone aforesaid, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his estate and effects; when and where the creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the first sitting to choose assignees, and at the last sitting the said bankrupt is required to finish his examination, and the creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate. All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or that have any of his effects, are hereby required to take notice that they are not to pay or deliver the same except to such person or persons as the Commissioners shall appoint, but they are to give notice thereof to Mr. John James Bond, Solicitor, Folkestone; or to Mr. James Boxer, Solicitor, 3, Bow Lane, Cheapside, London.

Kentish Gazette 13-8-1833, Maidstone Gazette 20-8-1833

On Wednesday last at the house-warming at the Rose Inn, Folkestone, about forty gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner, provided in the first style, by Mr. John Coulter, the worthy and assiduous landlord. The Mayor was prevented from taking the chair by illness, and it was filled in an able manner by Mr. Franklin, of Maidstone.

Note: Gives an earlier starting date for Coulter

Dover Telegraph 8-3-1834

Advertisement: The creditors who have proved their debts under a Fiat in bankruptcy awarded and issued against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Innkeeper, Dealer, and Chapman, are requested to meet the Assignees of the Estate and effects of the said Bankrupt, on Saturday, the twenty-ninth day of March instant, at twelve o`clock, at noon, precisely, at the offices of Mr. Bond, Solicitor, Seagate Street, Folkestone, to assent to or dissent from the Assignees presenting or commencing actions, suits, or other proceedings at Law, or in equity, against certain debtors to the said Bankrupt`s estate, a schedule of whose debts will be submitted to the Creditors at such meeting. Also to take into consideration and to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees continuing, or discontinuing the defence of, or compromising on such terms as the said Assignees shall think advisable, a certain suit in Chancery which has been commenced against the said assignees and the said Bankrupt, and others, by William and June Edwards, infants, (by Mr. Edward Watts, their next friend), respecting a certain sum of money, part of the property of the said Bankrupt, now in the hands of Mr. William Humphrey Bodman, of Maidstone. Also to assent to, or dissent from, the said Assignees compounding, submitting to arbitration, or otherwise agreeing to and settling all or any of the several matters and things aforesaid. Also to assent to, or dissent from, the said Assignees taking such proceedings as they shall think proper in His Majesty`s Court of Review to disable one of the Solicitors for the said Plaintiffs in the above-mentioned suit in Chancery, and who is also one of the Commissioners named in the said Fiat, from sitting and acting as a Commissioner under the said Fiat during such time as the said suit shall be pending. Also to assent to, or dissent from, the said Assignees paying certain expenses of a Counsel`s Opinion, which they have found it necessary to take on certain matters connected with the affairs of the said Bankrupt, and other extraordinary expenses incurred, and to be incurred by them, in relation to the said bankrupt`s affairs previous and subsequent to the appointment of the said Assignees, not exceeding an amount to be named at such Meeting. And on other Special Affairs.

Dover Telegraph 19-4-1834

John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees, Folkestone, 18^th April, 1834.

Dover Telegraph 26-7-1834

The creditors who have proved their debts under a Fiat in bankruptcy awarded and issued against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Innkeeper, Dealer, and Chapman, are requested to meet the Assignees of the Estate and effects of the said Bankrupt on Monday, the 18^th day of August next, at twelve o`clock at noon precisely at the offices of Mr. Bond, Solicitor, Seagate Street, Folkestone, to assent to or dissent from the Assignees compromising on terms that will be proposed at the meeting a certain suit in Chancery which has been commenced against the said assignees and the said Bankrupt, and others, by William and June Edwards, infants, (by Mr. Edward Watts, their next friend), respecting a certain sum of money, part of the property of the said Bankrupt, now in the hands of Mr. William Humphrey Bodman, of Maidstone. Also to assent to, or dissent from, the said Assignees compounding with a person, to be named at such meeting, for and concerning a small sum of money due from him to the said Bankrupt`s estate. And on other Special Affairs.

John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees, Folkestone, 22^nd July, 1834.

Dover Telegraph 28-11-1834

Whereas the creditors who have proved their debts under a Fiat in bankruptcy awarded and issued against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Innkeeper, Dealer, and Chapman, were requested to meet the Assignees of the Estate and effects of the said Bankrupt on Monday, the 18^th day of August at twelve o`clock at noon precisely at the offices of Mr. Bond, Solicitor, Seagate Street, Folkestone, (pursuant to notice inserted in the London Gazette of Friday, the 25^th day of July last), to assent to or dissent from the Assignees compromising on terms which would be proposed at such meeting, a certain suit in Chancery which has been commenced against the said assignees and the said Bankrupt, and others, by William and June Edwards, infants, (by Mr. Edward Watts, their next friend), respecting a certain sum of money, part of the property of the said Bankrupt, now in the hands of Mr. William Humphrey Bodman, of Maidstone; also to assent to, or dissent from, the said Assignees compounding with a person, to be named at such meeting, for and concerning a small sum of money due from him to the said Bankrupt`s estate; and on other Special Affairs. And whereas one third in value of such Creditors did not attend the said meeting. Now notice is hereby given that the said Creditors are hereby requested to attend the Commissioners named in the said Fiat, or the major part of them, on Saturday, the 6^th day of December next, at 11 o`clock in the forenoon precisely, at the Guildhall of the town of Folkestone, aforesaid, to show cause why the said Commissioners, or the major part of them, should not consent to the matters mentioned in the said advertisement, pursuant to the powers vested in them by the Act of Parliament of 6^th Geo. 4^th, cap. 16, sec. 88.

John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees

Dover Chronicle 31-1-1835

Death: January 20^th, the infant child of Mr. J. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, Folkestone.

Dover Telegraph 14-2-1835

The Commissioners in a Fiat of Bankruptcy, awarded and issued against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Innkeeper, Dealer, and Chapman, intend to meet on Monday, the 2^nd day of March next, at twelve o`clock at noon, at the Guildhall of the said town of Folkestone, in order to audit the further accounts of the Assignees, and to make a Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt; when and where the Creditors who have not already proved their debts are to come forward prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded from the benefit of the said Dividend. And all claims not then proved will be disallowed.

Folkestone, 9^th Feb., 1835. John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees.

Dover Telegraph 27-2-1836

Advertisement: The Commissioners in a Fiat of Bankruptcy, bearing the date of the 5^th day of July, 1833, awarded and issued forth against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, innkeeper, dealer and chapman, intend to meet at the Town Hall of Folkestone, on Monday, the 21^st day of March, 1836, at eleven o`clock in the forenoon to audit the further accounts of the Assignees of the estate and effects of the said Bankrupt, under the said Fiat, pursuant to an Act of Parliament made and passed in the sixth year of the reign of his late Majesty, King George the Fourth, entitled “An Act to amend the Laws relating to Bankrupts”, and the said Commissioners also intend to meet at the same place, on the same day, at one o`clock in the afternoon in order to make a Dividend of the estate and effects of the said Bankrupt, when and where the creditors who have not already proved their debts are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded from the benefit of the said Dividend, and all claims not then proved will be disallowed.

John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees.

Dover Telegraph 26-3-1836

Advertisement: Payne`s Bankruptcy. The creditors who have proved their debts under a Fiat of Bankruptcy issued against Thomas Payne, late of the town of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, innkeeper, dealer and chapman, may receive a first and final dividend of one shilling and seven pence halfpenny in the pound on their respective debts by applying at my office in Seagate Street, Folkestone, any day between the hours of ten and two.

John James Bond, Solicitor to the Assignees

Folkestone, 21^st March, 1836

Canterbury Weekly Journal 29-4-1837

On the forenoon of Thursday last the London and Folkestone coach met with a serious accident while on its journey to the latter place. It had arrived at the coach office, Sandgate, where the coachman (Wallis) and the guard (Ford) got down for the purpose of making some arrangements about the luggage. The ostler had imprudently left the horses` heads and they, finding that no-one was watching them, started off. The guard immediately ran to the heads of the leaders and endeavoured to stop them, but the pace at which they were going was so rapid that he was unable to effect his object, and not wishing to let them go, still held on, and was dragged some distance, when, from exhaustion, he fell beneath their feet, and two wheels of the coach passed over his body.

Wonderful to say, not one of his bones was broken, but he was severely hurt, and, on being picked up, was conveyed to a neighbouring house, where he received every attention.

Meanwhile the horses continued at a very rapid rate, having no-one whatever to guide them, until they reached Folkestone, when, on going round the corner of the street by the Guildhall, the coach upset with much violence, and two of the horses were killed.

Happily, no-one was on the outside, or they must inevitably been most seriously injured. The inside of the coach was full, it having a Mrs. Chumney and her daughter, and Mrs. Wallis (the wife of the coachman) and her three children as passengers; all these persons, providentially, escaped uninjured. There were four persons at Hythe who had wished to go on by this coach, but they luckily arrived at that office too late, and have thus, miraculously, escaped a serious accident.

The horses, which were unfortunately killed, were the property of Mr. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, Folkestone, and had only belonged to him for three weeks. The coach was very much damaged and is, as yet, unable to be placed on the road. We have rarely heard of a coach accident which has not been attended with more severe consequences than this one. Here there was not one outside passenger, and those that were inside escaped without receiving the slightest injury. The guard, we are happy to hear, is recovering.

Dover Chronicle 1-9-1838

On Tuesday evening, the 14^th of August, a deal box arrived at Folkestone by the “Times”, London and Folkestone coach, addressed, in a man’s hand, “Mr. Spain, Church Street. Folkestone, Kent,” which on being opened was found to contain the dead body of a very fine male infant. An inquest was held on the following day, before J. J. Bond, Esq. coroner, Mr. George John Dunk, foreman, and a respectable jury, when the following evidence was adduced:

William Spain, carpenter, being sworn, said: Last night, about seven or eight o’clock, John Hambrook the younger, who carries out parcels for the London and Folkestone coach, came to my house, and said to me “I have got a box, and I think it belongs to you”, and he then left a box, which is now before the jury. The box was corded and nailed down, and there was a card on it, with the following words: “Mr. Spain, Church Street, Folkestone, Kent.” I do not live in Church Street, but in Rendezvous Street. I told John Hambrook I did not expect a parcel, and that I thought the box was for Henry Pain, in Church Street; upon which he answered that he had carried it there, and Mr. Henry Pain would not take it in. I then some short time after unpacked the box, and the first thing I found in it was some white paper shavings. On removing the shavings there was a piece of brown paper with sixpence in it; and near it was a piece of white paper with some writing on it, which I now produce, with a piece of whitey-brown paper, and half-a-crown wrapped up in it. I then removed a piece of flannel, and on doing so discovered another piece of flannel with a child wrapped up in it, upon which 1 immediately went to Mr. Bateman, surgeon, and informed him of the circumstance. Mr. Bateman then came and examined the child, and told me I had better go to Mr. Bond and acquaint him of it. I then went to Mr. Bond and told him all the case; that was about ten minutes past nine.

John Bateman, surgeon, being sworn, said: Between eight and nine o'clock last night, the last witness came to me, and in consequence of something which he told me 1 went with him to his house, and he showed me the box now produced before the jury, and which I found to contain the body of a male child. The child appeared to me to have been born three or four days. It was wrapped up in flannel, and had on a cap and a small bed-gown. I had the body stripped and minutely examined every part of it, but found no marks of violence. From the appearances of the body I am of opinion that the mother had gone her full time, and that the child was born alive. It appeared evident also that the mother had not been delivered by a midwife, as the precaution of tying the umbilical cord had not been taken, in consequence of which the child most probably died from the effects of haemorrhage. That is my decided opinion so far as I could form an opinion from the appearance of the body. When I saw the body it was in such a state of decomposition as to preclude all possibility of dissection.

Henry Pain, parish clerk and sexton, being sworn, said: At nearly seven o`clock yesterday evening, John Hambrook, the younger, who carries out the parcels from the London and Folkestone coach, came to me at my house in Church Street and said he had brought a box for me. He then showed me a box, which is the same now produced before the jury. I looked at the direction on the box, and I then told him that that was not my name. Hamhrook then took the box away, and I have not seen it since until now. The box when brought to me had some cord about it, and appeared to be nailed down.

John Hambrook the younger, was called by the constable three times at the door of the court, but did not answer; consequently, and to enable the coroner to correspond with the commissioners of Metropolitan Police on the subject, the inquest was adjourned to Monday the 20^th of August, at five o'clock in the evening, on which day the jury again assembled, and the coroner read to them a communication he had received from the commissioners of police, by which it appeared that the box in question had been booked in the evening of Monday the 13^th of August, at the Golden Cross. Charing Cross, but no trace of the party who took it to the booking office could be obtained.

John Hambrook was again called three times at the door of the court but did not appear, and consequently the inquest was again adjourned to Saturday the 25^th of August, at six o’clock in the evening.

It subsequently appeared - by lhe confession of Mr. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, the coach proprietor, resident at Folkestone - that be had given positive directions to his servants not to attend upon the coroner without a written summons.

On Saturday evening, the 25^th of August, the jury again assembled, when the coroner having taken the precaution to send a written summons to the coach porter and coachman, they both attended and gave evidence as follows:

John Major Hambrook, coach porter, being sworn, said: On the 14^th of August, at about six o'clock in the evening, I left a box at Mr. Spain’s house, who is a carpenter, and lives in Rendezvous Street, Folkestone. Mr. Spain said he thought it did not belong to him, but notwithstanding, he took it in. The box I left at Mr. Spain's was much the same sort of box as that now produced, but I cannot swear it is the same. I had previously taken the box to Mr. Pain, the clerk, who lives in Church Street, Folkestone, but he would not take it in. The witness, being asked if the above is all that he knows respecting the death of the male child aforementioned, answered “It is”.

Richard Wallis, coachman, being sworn, said: I drove the “Times” coach from London to Folkestone on the 14^th of August, and I remember that a box—very much resembling the box now produced—was brought down by the coach to Folkestone on that day. The box was booked at the branch office belonging to the “Times” coach, called the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, and was brought to me by the branch coach to the King’s Arms, in the Kent Road. The “Times” coach starts from the Blossom’s Inn, Lawrence Lane, Cheapside.

The Coroner then read over the whole of the evidence to the jury and commented thereon, when the jury - after retiring to confer for about half-an-hour, returned a unanimous verdict “that the deceased had been wilfully murdered by some person or persons unknown”.

Kentish Gazette 4-9-1838

On Tuesday evening, the 14^th of August, a deal box arrived at Folkestone by the “Times”, London and Folkestone coach, addressed, in a man’s hand, “ Mr. Spain, Church Street. Folkestone, Kent,” which on being opened was found to contain the dead body of a very fine male infant. An inquest was held on the following day, before J. J. Bond, Esq. coroner, Mr. George John Dunk, foreman, and a respectable jury, when the following evidence was taken, viz :

William Spain, carpenter, being sworn, saith as follows: Last night, about seven or eight o’clock, John Hambrook the younger, who carries out parcels for the London and Folkestone coach, came to my house, and said to me “1 have got a box, and I think it belongs to you”, and he then left a box, which is now before the jury. The box was corded and nailed down, and there was a card on it, with the following words written upon the card—“Mr. Spain, Church Street, Folkestone, Kent.” I do not live in Church Street, but in Rendezvous Street, Folkestone. I told John Hambrook I did not expect a parcel, and that I thought the box was for Henry Pain, in Church Street; upon which he answered that he had carried it there, and Mr. Henry Pain would not take it in. I then some short time after unpacked the box, and the first thing I found in it was some white paper shavings. On removing the shavings there was a piece of brown paper with sixpence in it; and near it was a piece of white paper with some writing on it, which I now produce, with a piece of whitey-brown paper, and half-a-crown wrapped up in it. I then removed a piece of flannel, and on doing so discovered another piece of flannel with a child wrapped up in it, upon which 1 immediately went to Mr. Bateman, surgeon, and informed him of the circumstance. Mr. Bateman then came and examined the child, and told me I had better go to Mr. Bond and acquaint him of it. I then went to Mr. Bond and told him all the case, and that was about ten minutes past nine.

John Bateman, surgeon, being sworn, saith as follows: Between eight and nine o'clock last night, the last witness came to me, and in consequence of something which he told me 1 went with him to his house, and he showed me the box now produced before the jury, and which I found to contain the body of a male child. The child appeared to me to have been born three or four days. It was wrapped up in flannel, and had on a cap and a small bed-gown. I had the body stripped and minutely examined every part of it, but found no marks of violence. From the appearances of the body I am of opinion that the mother had gone her full time, and that the child was born alive. It appeared evident also that the mother had not been delivered by a midwife, as the precaution of tying the umbilical cord had not been taken. In consequence of the umbilical cord not having been properly secured, the child most probably died from the effects of haemorrhage. That is my decided opinion so far as I could form an opinion from the appearances of the body. When I saw the body it was in such a state of decomposition as to preclude all possibility of dissection.

Henry Pain, parish clerk and sexton, being sworn, saith: At nearly seven o’clock last evening, John Hambrook the vounger, who carries out the parcels for the London and Folkestone coach, came to me at my house in Church Street and said he had brought a box for me. He then showed me a box, which is the same box as is now produced before the jury. I looked at the direction on the box, and I then told him that that was not my name. Hamhrook then took the box away, and I have not seen it since until now. The box when brought to me had some cord about it, and appeared to be nailed down.

John Hambrook the younger, was called by the constable three times at the door of the court, but did not answer, consequently, and to enable the coroner to correspond with the commissioners of Metropolitan Police on the subject, the inquest was adjourned to Monday the 20^th of August, at five o'clock in the evening, on which day the jury again assembled, and the coroner read to them a communication he had received from the commissioners of police, by which it appeared that the box in question had been booked in the evening of Monday the 13^th of August, at the Golden Cross. Charing Cross, but no trace of the party who took it to the booking office could be obtained.

John Major Hambrook, coach porter, being sworn, saith: On the 14^th of August, at about six o'clock in the evening, I left a box at Mr. Spain’s house, a carpenter, who lives in Rendezvous Street, Folkestone. Mr. Spain said he thought it did not belong to him, but notwithstanding he took it in. The box I left at Mr. Spain's was much lhe same sort of box as that now produced, but I cannot swear it is the same box. I had previously taken the box to Mr. Pain, the clerk, who lives in Church Street, but he denied taking of it in. The witness, being asked if the above is all that he knows respecting the death of the male child aforesaid, answers “It is”.

Richard Wallis, coachman, being sworn, saith: I drove lhe “Times” coach from London to Folkestone on the 14^th of August, and I remember that a box—very much resembling the box now produced—was brought down by the coach to Folkestone on that day. The box was booked at the branch office belonging to the “Times” coach, called the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, and was brought to me by the branch coach to the King’s Arms, in the Kent Road. The “Times” coach starts from the Blossom’s Inn, Lawrence Lane, Cheapside.

Maidstone Gazette 11-9-1838

It subsequently appeared - by the confession of Mr. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, the coach proprietor, resident at Folkestone - that be had given positive directions to his servants not to attend upon the coroner without a written summons.

Maidstone Journal 11-9-1838

Maidstone Journal 28-5-1839

We regret to state that a serious accident happened to Mr. George Potter, of Dover, late of this town, on Friday last, when returning to Dover, in a four-wheeled chaise, with Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, of Sutton Valence. On leaving Folkestone the horse set off at full speed down the hill, near the Rose Inn, and dashed the chaise against the fence, by which the whole party was thrown out and, we are sorry to learn, much hurt, though happily no bones are broken. Mr. and Mrs. Bridge were taken to the Rose Inn, where they remain. Mr. Potter was able to proceed to Dover.

Kentish Gazette, Maidstone Gazette 13-12-1842

Death: Dec. 9^th, at Sandgate, Sarah, wife of Mr. Thomas Payne, formerly of the Rose Inn, Folkestone, and lately of the Coach Office, Sandgate, aged 77.

Maidstone Journal 10-10-1843, Dover Telegraph 14-10-1843

Advertisement: The Rose Inn, at Folkestone, Kent. That old established and respectable inn, with every accommodation for a most profitable and important trade, which will be sold by auction, by Mr. Tootell, at the Auction Mart, London, on Tuesday, October 31^st, 1843, at 12 o`clock, in one lot, by direction of the proprietors.

The Rose has long been acknowledged as the principal inn and tavern, situated in the improving town and port of Folkestone, which is now the terminus of the South Eastern Railway, and the chief outlet and inlet to the Continent, rivalling in its increasing trade and prosperity all the towns upon the Kentish coast, and surpassing the majority of them.

The inn embraces all the advantages which its locality, in connection with the railway and harbour, can afford. It has been most ably and profitably conducted for the last eleven years by the present respectable tenant, whose tenancy, if insisted on by a purchaser, must terminate in July next.

The house is substantially built, of neat and respectable elevation, and stands in Broad Street, at the junction of three streets leading to Dover, Sandgate, and the Harbour. The internal arrangements are very convenient, though upon a small scale, and the chaise houses and stabling are excellent.

The property may be seen by applying to the tenant, Mr. John Coulter. Particulars and Conditions of Sale will be ready twelve days previous, to be had at the Fountain Hotel, Canterbury; Shakespeare Hotel, Dover; Swan, Hythe; Saracen`s Head, Ashford; Sun, Chatham, Hotel d`Universe, Boulogne; at the Mart, London; of Messrs. Waterford, Wright & Kingston, Solicitors, 23, Essex Street, Strand; of Mr. Sweetlove, Solicitor, and of Mr. Tootell, Land Surveyor and Valuer, Stone Street, Maidstone.

Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph 6-4-1844

Death: April 2, at Folkestone, Mr. John Coulter, the well-known landlord of the Rose Inn, in that town, aged 39.

Kentish Gazette 9-4-1844

Deaths

April 2nd, at Folkestone, Mr. John Coulter, of the Rose Inn, in his 38th year, much respected in his situation, and regretted by a numerous acquaintance: and on April 6, of the same age, Jane, the beloved partner of the above, who sank under the shock, from which no effort could raise her, thus surviving her husband only four days.

Maidstone Journal 9-4-1844

Death: On the 2^nd inst., at the Rose Inn, Folkestone, aged 37, Mr. John Coulter, much respected and regretted by a numerous circle of friends.

Dover Chronicle 13-4-1844

Death: April 6, at Folkestone, in her 38^th year, surviving her husband only four days, Jane, the beloved partner of Mr. John Coulter, of the Rose Inn, (whose death was noticed in our last.) The deceased sank under the shock from the loss of her husband, from which no effort could raise her.

Dover Telegraph 13-4-1844

We last week recorded in our obituary the death of Mr. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, and we this week have the painful task of announcing the sudden demise of Mrs. Coulter, his widow, who was so much affected at her husband`s death as to cause her own, which took place on Sunday morning last at ½ past 2 o`clock. She went off in a fit when the corpse of her husband was removed from the house for interment and expired the following day.

Maidstone Journal 16-4-1844

Death: April 6, at Folkestone, Jane, wife of the late Mr. J. Coulter, of the Rose Inn, aged 37 years, having survived her husband only four days.

Kentish Gazette 30-4-1844, Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph 4-5-1844

The Estate of John Coulter, Deceased:

All persons to whom John Coulter, late of the Rose Inn, Folkestone, was indebted at the time of his decease, are requested to send the particulars of their respective claims to my Office, Bridge Street, Folkestone, in order that they may be examined and discharged. And all persons who were indebted to the said John Coulter are requested forthwith to pay the amount of their respective debts at the same place

RICHARD HART, Solicitor to the Executors.

Folkestone, 29th April, 1844.

The Estate of Jane Coulter, Deceased:

All persons to whom Jane Coulter, late of the Rose Inn, Folkestone was indebted at the time of her decease, are requested to send the particulars of their respective claims to my Office, Bridge Street, Folkestone, in order that they may be examined and discharged ; and all Persons that were indebted to the said Jane Coulter are requested forthwith to pay the amount of their respective debts at the same place.

RICHARD HART, Solicitor to the Administratrix.

Folkestone, 29th April, 1844.

To Innkeepers, Coach and Omnibus Proprietors: Rose Hotel, Folkestone.

Horses, Carriages, several sets of harness, 200 quarters corn sacks, and Five Shares in the Folkestone Gas Light and Coke Company, to be sold by auction, by Mr. Thomas Robinson, on Friday, 10^th May, 1844, by order of the Trustees under the will of the late Mr. John Coulter:

Comprising two very superior young and active horses, two omnibuses, one four-wheel van, very superior Stanhope, with patent axles; two very neat and elegant light carts, several sets of coach and other harnesses, 200 quarters of corn sacks, sack-barrow, beer dray, water cart, with barrel and trunk complete; garden roller, several puncheons and casks of various sizes, together with a variety of other as well as useful articles.

Also Five shares in the Folkestone Gas and Coke Company.

The Goods may be viewed on the morning of the day of sale, which will commence at Twelve o’clock precisely.

N.B.-The Gas Shares will not be put up for sale until the whole of the other articles are disposed of.

Maidstone Gazette 1-7-1845

Advertisement: To travellers via Folkestone, Rose Inn, Folkestone.

W. Vigor begs respectfully to inform passengers to and from the Continent by this port, and visitors to the seaside, that they can be comfortably accommodated at his house, at very moderate charges, combined with every effort to deserve that support which has so long been extended to this establishment. Superior sleeping and sitting rooms. Wines and spirits of first-rate quality. Good stabling, with lock-up coach houses. Saddle horses, gigs, flys &c., on the shortest notice. Coaches to Sandgate, Hythe, &c. An omnibus runs between the Rose Inn and the Folkestone station on the arrival and departure of every train.

Maidstone Gazette 25-11-1845

Petty Sessions, Friday, before Capt. W. Sherren, Mayor, J. Bateman and W. Major Esqs.

Henry Laker, omnibus driver, was charged with assaulting John Hicks, a commercial traveller.

Complainant stated: On Tuesday last, at about four o`clock, I was at Mr. Pledge`s shop, at Sandgate, when defendant passed with his omnibus, going towards Folkestone. I hailed him. In about five minute he returned to the shop, without his omnibus, and said “Sir, I am quite ready if you are”. I gave my greatcoat and said said to him “Do not wait for me, but leave my coat at the Rose, and if I do not overtake you I shall walk on”. Shortly afterwards I walked up to the office where the omnibus was standing, put on my great coat, and got onto the box of the omnibus. I waited there some little time and the omnibus did not move. I said to Laker “I thought you were only waiting for me”, and he then said “I am waiting for one or two persons”. I said “You might just as well have given me the time and not called me from Mr. Pledge`s so soon”. Defendant said he was sorry for it, and waited at the Ship and other places. While stopping at the Ship another omnibus came along, and I took my bag and went from defendant`s omnibus to the other. The omnibus I was in took me to the Rose Inn, in this town, and I went and got my samples; when I came out defendant struck me in the mouth and eye, and other parts of the head.

Defendant said: When the plaintiff came out of the Rose, I was speaking to Mrs. Vigor, the landlady. Plaintiff said he would pull me up tomorrow , and I said “Do all you can”, and he said “I will”, and shook his fist in my face. I then pulled off my hat and said “There is my head – now hit it”, and he did so. I then returned the blow directly. I might have hit plaintiff twice or three times.

Defendant was fined £1 and 12s. 6d. costs; in default of payment fourteen days` imprisonment. The money was paid.

Dover Telegraph 29-11-1845

Petty Sessions: Henry Laker, omnibus driver, was charged with assaulting John Hicks, a commercial traveller.

Complainant stated: On Wednesday last, at about four o`clock, I was at Mr. Pledge`s shop, at Sandgate, when defendant passed with his omnibus, going towards Folkestone. In about five minute he returned and said “Sir, I am quite ready if you are”. I gave my greatcoat and said said to him “Do not wait for me”. Shortly afterwards I walked up to the office where the omnibus was standing and got onto the box of the omnibus. I said to Laker “I thought you were only waiting for me”. He then said “I am waiting for one or two persons”. While stopping at the Ship another omnibus came along, and I took my bag and went from defendant`s omnibus to the other. The omnibus I was in took me to the Rose Inn, in this town, and I went and got my samples; when I came out defendant struck me in the mouth and eye, and other parts of the head

Defendant was fined £1 and 12s. 6d. costs; in default fourteen days` imprisonment. The money was paid.

Maidstone Gazette 19-12-1848

Folkestone County Court, Friday, before C. Harwood Esq.

Sheen v Wordsell: Mr. Harvey, of Dover, for the plaintiff, and Mr. Hart for the defendant. This was an action for an assault. The damages were laid at £10. From the evidence of the plaintiff, who is a leather-seller at Dover, it appeared that he was summoned on the 20^th November last by Mr. W. Vigor, of the Rose Inn, for £5 money lent; that after the trial he went to the King`s Arms, and was there assaulted by a person named Hodges and several others; that himself and friend afterwards proceeded to the Pavilion Shades to dine. A short time afterwards the defendant and several others whom he had seen at the King`s Arms came to the Shades: the defendant came upstairs into the room where he was. Plaintiff requested him to leave the room, and rang the bell. The landlord requested the defendant to go downstairs; an altercation took place, and he (plaintiff), was struck by the defendant on the neck and thrown downstairs, receiving a severe bruise on the thigh. Plaintiff called a witness, named Benjamin Wright, a woolstapler at Dover, who corroborated the plaintiff`s statement. The plaintiff, in answer to a question put by Mr. Hart, stated that he did not challenge anyone to fight at the King`s Arms that day. This closed the case for the plaintiff.

Mr. Hart then addressed the jury for the defendant, and after alluding to the conduct of the plaintiff, proceeded to show that the defendant was not present at the scuffle on the stairs by which the plaintiff was injured as he alleged. He called several witnesses, respectable tradesmen, who distinctly swore that Wordsell was in the smoking room below, and did not leave the room till after the affray was over; that a person named Hodges had gently handed the plaintiff downstairs, he being in such a state of intoxication as to be unable to walk down himself. One of the witnesses also stated that he was present at the King`s Arms when the plaintiff challenged anyone to fight him for £5. A person, now present in court, took out his purse to lay the money down, but the plaintiff then declined, not having sufficient cash. There was great excitement caused by the conduct of the plaintiff, and he was in consequence expelled from the King`s Arms.

His Honour, in summing up, read over the evidence of the plaintiff and his witness, Wright, observing that there was no doubt but that a gross assault had been committed – but by whom? It did not appear to be by the defendant, who was stated by the defendant`s witness to have remained below after being requested to walk downstairs. It had been stated that a man named Hodges, who had been summoned before the Magistrates and fined, was the guilty party, but with that they had nothing to do. It certainly was very singular that the same persons who were present at the King`s Arms in the morning should be all of them at the Shades in the afternoon; if the witnesses for the defendant were worthy of belief, the defendant could not have been the person who committed the assault. The plaintiff had not called the landlord, as he might have done, or the policeman might have been fetched by the witness Wright. The question for them to consider was, was the defendant in that state described by the witness Roberts as to be unable to identify the person who had committed the assault? The plaintiff had denied that he had challenged anyone to fight, but the whole of the witnesses for the defence had proved the contrary. After some further remarks, His Honour left it to the Jury to decide whether the identity was proved to their satisfaction.

The Jury retired, and shortly after returned a verdict for the defendant

The same v Vigor: This was an action for an assault alleged to have been committed the same day, at the Pavilion Shades. The same witnesses were produced to negative the plaintiff`s statement. Verdict for the defendant.

Mr. Hart applied for costs, which were granted.

Upon this announcement a loud clapping of hands took place, which was immediately suppressed by the Judge. The court was crowded to excess.

Dover Telegraph 23-12-1848

Folkestone County Court, Friday, before C. Harwood Esq.

The Jury retired, and shortly after returned a verdict for the defendant.

Mr. Hart applied for costs, which were granted.

Upon this announcement a loud clapping of hands took place, which was immediately suppressed by the Judge. The court was crowded to excess.

West Kent Guardian 23-12-1848

Folkestone County Court, Friday, before C. Harwood Esq.

The Jury retired, and shortly after returned a verdict for the defendant.

Dover Telegraph 14-7-1849

Advertisement: Omnibus between Folkestone and Dover. William Vigor, Rose Hotel, Folkestone, begs to announce that he has started a pair-horse omnibus, to run twice a day between Folkestone and Dover, for which he solicits the patronage of the public. The omnibus will leave Folkestone daily at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. returning from the George Inn, Dover, at 12.30 and 7 p.m., calling at the principal hotels.

Fares to or from either Folkestone or Dover 1s., from Dover to Folkestone and back 1s. 6d.

Each journey performed in one hour.

Maidstone Gazette 18-2-1851

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

There were six publicans charged by the police with serving beer, &c., contrary to the law. Mr. R.T. Brockman appeared for the Watch Committee; Mr. Delasaux (Canterbury) for several of the defendants.

James Hall, Old Marquis of Granby, was charged on the information of police constable Collins with serving beer before the hour of half past twelve o`clock p.m., on Sunday, the 2^nd instant. Police constable Collins having proved the case, the Mayor addressed the defendant, telling him that the only object of the magistrates was to keep the town in an orderly and proper manner. The magistrates or the police were not actuated by any ill-feeling towards him or anyone else in his business, but they felt that the law had been disregarded, and that it was necessary now for all parties that the public houses should not now do as they had done; the Bench taking all circumstances into consideration, would mitigate the penalty to 1s. and costs.

Note: The name “Old” Marquis of Granby suggests that this was the house in the High Street. However, at the time of the 1851 Census, he was in Radnor Street at what was the Ship, the name of which was crossed out and Marquis of Granby overwritten. Also, the Post Office Directory for 1851, information for which would most likely have been compiled in 1850, has him at the Marquis of Granby in Radnor Street. I feel, therefore, that this report refers to the Marquis of Granby, Radnor Street.

John Welch, Bricklayers Arms, for a similar offence, was fined 1s. and costs.

Margaret Harrison, Lord Nelson, was similarly fined.

The case against William Burvill, Carrier`s Arms beer shop, was dismissed, for want of sufficient evidence.

William Vigor, Rose Inn, for a similar offence, was fined 1s. and costs.

Dover Telegraph 9-8-1851

Advertisement: To Let, the Rose Inn, Folkestone. Further particulars to be obtained on the premises

Maidstone Gazette 26-8-1851

Advertisement: To let, the Rose Commercial Inn, Folkestone. For further particulars, enquire of the proprietor, on the premises.

Maidstone Gazette 16-9-1851

A correspondent informs us that on Friday last, Mr. Wm. Vigor, of the Rose Inn, at Folkestone, and Mr. Thomas Ford, of Folkestone, were at Dover Races. Mr. Vigor happened to say to a soldier “What curious shaped hats you wear”, and he received a reply from him, and they parted. Shortly afterwards he felt something thrown at him, and turning sharply round, with the back of his hand struck at some person, who happened to be the same soldier he had before spoken to. Nothing more was thought of it, and they each went their way, but it appears that the soldier went into a public house, and fetched about thirty of his comrades, who came and attacked Mr. Vigor and Mr. Ford in a desperate manner; they were severely injured, the soldiers kicking them when down, and but for the assistance of some soldiers belonging to another corps, who took the civilians` part, there is little doubt that they would have fared much worse. Mr. Ford appears to have received the worst of the fray, and continues very ill; Mr. Vigor is recovering.

Canterbury Journal 20-9-1851

On Friday, Mr. Vigor, of the Rose Inn, at Folkestone, and Mr. Thomas Ford, of Folkestone, were at Dover Races. Mr. Vigor happened to say to a soldier “What curious shaped hats you wear”, and he received a reply from him, and they parted. Shortly afterwards he felt something thrown at him, and turning sharply round, with the back of his hand struck at some person, who happened to be the same soldier he had before spoken to. Nothing more was thought of it, and they each went their way, but it appears that the soldier went into a public house, and fetched about thirty of his comrades, who came and attacked Mr. Vigor and Mr. Ford in a desperate manner; they were severely injured, the soldiers kicking them when down, and but for the assistance of some soldiers belonging to another corps, who took the civilians` part, there is little doubt that they would have fared much worse. Mr. Ford appears to have received the worst of the fray, and continues very ill; Mr. Vigor is recovering.

Maidstone Journal 23-9-1851

On Friday week, Mr. Vigor, of the Rose Inn, at Folkestone, and Mr. Thomas Ford, of Folkestone, were at Dover Races. Mr. Vigor happened to say to a soldier “What curious shaped hats you wear”, and he received a reply from him, and they parted. Shortly afterwards he felt something thrown at him, and turning sharply round, with the back of his hand struck at some person, who happened to be the same soldier he had before spoken to. Nothing more was thought of it, and they each went their way, but it appears that the soldier went into a public house, and fetched about thirty of his comrades, who came and attacked Mr. Vigor and Mr. Ford in a desperate manner; they were severely injured, the soldiers kicking them when down, and but for the assistance of some soldiers belonging to another corps, who took the civilians` part, there is little doubt that they would have fared much worse. Mr. Ford appears to have received the worst of the fray, and continues very ill; Mr. Vigor is recovering.

Southeastern Gazette 14-9-1852

Maidstone County Court, Tuesday: Before J. Epinasse Esq., Judge.

Insolvent

William Vigor, formerly of the Rose Inn, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, licensed victualler and mail contractor, was unopposed.

Canterbury Journal 18-9-1852

The following case was heard in the Maidstone Insolvent Court last week: Discharged; William Vigor, innkeeper, Folkestone.

Maidstone Journal, Southeastern Gazette 16-11-1852, Dover Telegraph 20-11-1852

Advertisement: Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the creditors of William Vigor, formerly of the Rose Inn, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, in the county of Kent, licensed victualler and mail contractor, and for some time a brewer, who was lately discharged from Her Majesty`s Gaol, at Maidstone, in the said county of Kent, under and by virtue of the several Acts for the relief of insolvent debtors in England, will be held on Wednesday, the first day of December next, at seven o`clock in the evening, at the Rose Inn, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone aforesaid, to approve and direct in what manner and at what place or places the real estate of the said insolvent shall be sold by public auction.

Dated this 11^th day of November, 1852. King and Hughes, Solicitors, Maidstone.

Southeastern Gazette 22-2-1853

Local News

On Wednesday last, Mr. R. Medhurst, of the Rose Inn, undertook for a wager to hit with a crossbow a penny piece thrown up five times out of ten. He succeeded in hitting five out of six.

Southeastern Gazette 13-6-1854

Death: June 2, at Folkestone, Mr. William Medhurst, landlord of the Rose Inn, aged 66 years.

Canterbury Journal 17-6-1854

Death: June 2, at Folkestone, Mr. William Medhurst, of the Rose Inn, aged 66.

Southeastern Gazette 15-8-1854

Local News:

At the petty sessions, the following licence was transferred: The Rose Inn, from Wm. and Richard Medhurst to Richard and Ann Medhurst

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions

Dover Chronicle 19-8-1854

Petty Sessions: The following licences were transferred: The Clarendon Hotel, from the agent to the assignees of Ward`s bankruptcy to Mary Ann Malcolm; the True Briton, from John Andrews, deceased, to his widow; the Rose Inn, from Wm. And Richard Medhurst to Richard and Ann Medhurst; the Ship Inn, Sandgate, from Richard Best to George Ward; the Shakespeare Inn, Folkestone, from Thomas Richards to John Blackman.

Dover Telegraph 9-12-1854

The following is the description of the party who has disappeared with a horse and gig, belonging to Mr. Medhurst, of the Rose Inn: Age, about 40 years; height, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches; hair and whiskers dark; slightly bald-headed; dressed in dark clothes, and wore a mackintosh; is supposed to have gone direct to London.

Southeastern Gazette 16-1-1855

County Court.—This court was held on Thursday, before C. Harwood, Esq.

Medhurst v. Valyer.—This was an action brought by Richard Medhurst, of the Rose Inn, against the well- known omnibus and fly proprietor at Sandgate, for £9, for a horse sold. Defendant did not appear, and the plaintiff having proved the sale without a warranty, and that the defendant had chopped the pony away, payment was ordered to be made.

Shortly afterwards Mr. Valyer entered the court, and told the Judge he had mistaken the time; he had a defence to the action, that the horse was unsound, and that the plaintiff had given his word to him that it was perfectly sound.

His Honour told the defendant that as he had not returned the horse when he found it so, and no written warranty was given, he must pay the money; but if he could prove the warranty, he could bring his action against the plaintiff next court day.

Southeastern Gazette 17-4-1855

County Court; before C. Harwood Esq.

Henry Marchant Barrett v R. Medhurst: This was an action for an assault; the damages were laid at £3. Mr. John Minter for the defendant.

From the evidence of the plaintiff it appeared that he was with a number of persons at a shooting match at Ashford, and there was a dinner at the Oak Tap afterwards. The plaintiff went into the bar parlour to enquire for a person named Hunt, who had made a false accusation against him, when the defendant, after calling him a thief, took him by the collar, pulled his nose, knocked his hat off, and forced him out of the room. His coat was torn, and he was bruised from the ill-usage; did not call in a doctor or have the defendant taken up.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter – Was not carried out; had been charged by a person named Hunt with picking his pocket; did not take £1 and 6d. from Hunt.

The defence set up was that the plaintiff was in a room at the Oak Tap with others, and while there a Mr. Hunt accused the plaintiff of robbing him, having found his money going fast from his pocket, and that the defendant, not liking to be in the company of a pickpocket had, when the plaintiff made his appearance again, told him to leave the room, or he should put him out, which he did as gently as possible.

Mr. Hunt, a licensed victualler at Ashford, was called to prove that plaintiff had robbed him, and that he had been turned out before by the landlord. Upon cross-examination he said that he had the money in his coat pocket, which he had placed there, suspecting that the plaintiff had taken some money before, as he had felt his hands in his pocket. The money was found on the plaintiff.

His Honour said that the defendant had clearly committed an assault, but he thought that the case should have been taken before a magistrate at Ashford, where the parties were better known; if the defendant did not like the company of the plaintiff, he could have left the room. The imputation against the plaintiff did not justify the defendant in turning the plaintiff out of the room, as he was not the landlord. His Honour gave a verdict for 10s., to include costs.

Southeastern Gazette 24-7-1855

Advertisement: Setter dog lost. Lost, at Dover, on Sunday, July 8^th, a lemon and white setter dog, about 7 years old; answers to the name of “Shot”. A reward of 10s. will be given to anyone who will bring the dog to Mr. Richard Medhurst, Rose Inn, Folkestone.

Southeastern Gazette 18-9-1855

Advertisement: To be let, from Michaelmas, 1855, to Michaelmas, 1859, the Rose Inn, Folkestone, Commercial House. For particulars enquire of the proprietors, Messrs. Medhurst and Son, Rose Inn, Folkestone.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-5-1856

Thursday May 22^nd:- Before G. Kennicott Esq.

Bernard Osterloh and Heinrich Meberwassen were brought up by police constable Nicholls on suspicion of having stolen a pilot cloth overcoat from the Rose Inn, the property of W. Gilbert, a farmer, of Capel. The prisoners were discharged, no person appearing to prosecute.

Southeastern Gazette 16-12-1856

Death: Nov. 30, at Shellons Terrace, Folkestone, Ann, the wife of Mr. Augustus Neve, and daughter of Mrs. Medhurst, of the Rose Inn, aged 27 years.

Southeastern Gazette 14-4-1857

At the Police Court last week, James Webb, toll collector at the Railway Bridge gate, was summoned for taking 3d. from Mr. Richard Medhurst, of the Rose Inn, while on his way to vote at the county election, on the 2^nd inst., after he had claimed exemption. Fined 1s. 6d. and 8s. 6d. costs.

Dover Telegraph 6-6-1857

Petty Sessions, June 4: James Hackey, a private of the 44^th Regt., charged with a violent assault on a fly driver named Samuel Sutton, at the Rose Inn, was fined £5, or to be committed for a month. The prisoner was charged with a similar offence on police constable Woodlands, when in the execution of his duty, for which he was fined a second £5, and one month`s imprisonment, with hard labour.

Kentish Gazette 9-6-1857

James Hackey, a private of the 44th Regiment, on Thursday, charged with a violent assault on a fly driver named Samuel Sutton, at the Rose Inn, was fined £5, or to be committed for one month. The prisoner was also charged with a similar offence on police constable Woodlands, when in the execution of his duty, for which he was fined a second £5, and one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 15-6-1858

Death: On the 6^th inst., Ann Sarah Vigor, of 25, Parish Street, Horsleydown, London, wife of Mr. William Vigor, formerly of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, universally respected.

Dover Telegraph 19-6-1858

Death: June 6, at Horsleydown, London, Ann Sarah, the wife of Mr. William Vigor, formerly of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone.

Kentish Gazette 22-6-1858

Death: June 6, at Horsleydown, London, Ann Sarah, wife of Mr. Wm. Vigor, formerly of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone.

Kentish Gazette 13-12-1859

An inquest was held at Broadmead Manor Farm, the residence of Mr. Thomas Griffin, before S. Eastes, Esq., coroner, on the body of Stephen Woolger, aged 20 years. Mr. Thomas Griffin: “I have seen the body and identify it as that of Stephen Woolger, who was in my employ as groom, and has lived with me four months. Yesterday I went out to shoot, and dined with Mr. Boorn, at Sellinge. I returned from there about one or half-past one this morning. I went to the Rose Inn to meet deceased, who returned with me in my dog cart. It was two o'clock this morning. We had eight dogs with us in the cart. I drove two horses tandem fashion. When I got to the corner of the lane leading to my house, the deceased suddenly caught hold of the reins, and the cart was immediately turned completely over. The wheels were uppermost. As soon as I had seen to the horses I went to deceased, and then called up the waggoner at Mr. John Jeffery's farm, and told him I wanted assistance, then drove the same horses back, and called up Mr. Fitzgerald, who returned with me in the same trap to Broadmead.”

By the Foreman: “The wheels did not strike anything as we came round the corner. I was driving at the rate of six or seven miles an hour. I am always afraid of that corner, several accidents having occurred there, and I generally pull up. I was turned out once before there myself in a phaeton, and my own dog cart was turned over when another person was driving. I had complete control of the horses, and they stopped directly. The deceased was rather nervous about turning the corner, and the horses were anxious to get home. It was quite moonlight.”

By a juror: “The horses did not get away from me. I got up directly. The deceased was thrown into the middle of the road.”

Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, of Folkestone, and other witnesses were examined, and the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” and desired to append to their verdict a suggestion that the post at the corner of the turning down to Broadmead, should be put back a few feet.

Southeastern Gazette 13-12-1859

On Friday last an inquest was held before S. Eastes Esq., coroner, at the residence of Mr. Thomas Griffen, Broadmead Manor Farm, Folkestone, on the body of Stephen Woolgar, aged 20, who was killed by the upsetting of a cart.

Mr. Thomas Griffen deposed that the deceased was his groom, and had lived with him about four months. Witness had been shooting on Thursday at Selling, with Mr. Bourne, and returned to the Rose Inn, Folkestone, where he appointed to meet the deceased; he arrived there about half past one, and started from there about two o`clock in the morning, driving tandem. When he arrived at the corner of the road leading to his house, deceased suddenly took hold of one of the reins, and in an instant they were both thrown out, the cart being turned completely upside down; he had eight dogs in his cart. As soon as he could he called up one of Mr. Jefferey`s labourers, and started off in the same trap to Mr. Fitzgerald, the surgeon, with whom he returned from Folkestone. He was going at the rate of six or seven miles an hour.

By the Foreman: Was always afraid of that corner, there having been several accidents there before; he was perfectly sober at the time, and generally very steady. The sudden wheeling round might have caused the accident, the horses being anxious to get home; it was moonlight. Deceased fell into the middle of the road; the wheel did not touch the post.

Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called up between three and four o`clock that morning by Mr. Griffen, and accompanied him to his farm, where he saw the deceased quite dead. The base of the skull had been fractured, and there was blood issuing from his ear. Death must have taken place very soon after the fall.

By a juror: In driving witness to his house, Mr. Griffen appeared to have perfect command of the horses, which were very quiet.

Stephen Foreman, labourer, deposed that he was called up by Mr. Griffen, and found the deceased lying on his face in the road; he was then alive, but died soon. He had been four years in the neighbourhood, and knew of three accidents at the same spot during that time.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Deceased was the son of Mr. Woolgar, harness-maker, at Sandgate.

The Coroner observed that there was no other evidence, but if they wished it he would read it over to them. The jury did not consider it necessary, and immediately returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Observer 22-6-1861

Wednesday June 19^th:- Before the Mayor and W.F. Browell esqs.

Assaulting the police

Thomas Byrne, Private in the 18^th Royal Irish, now at the Camp, was charged with assaulting P.C. Swain, while in the execution of his duty.

P.C. Swain was on duty near the Rose Inn, Rendezvous Street, on Saturday night, about half past twelve o`clock, when three soldiers came up from the direction of Grace Hill, and passed him. When they arrived at Mr. Hills, baker, they stopped about two minutes and then all returned. When prisoner was about four feet from him he jumped at witness, with both fists clenched. Guarding the blow with his left hand, he knocked prisoner down with his right. Prisoner got up and renewed the attack, holding his belt clenched in his right hand, and struck witness with it on the chest, cutting off the top button of his coat. He had, while on the ground, called to his comrades to loose their belts, and give it to the b--- in lengths, but they ran off, and prisoner also escaped. The assault took place close under the lamp, which was lit at the time. Witness yesterday picked out the prisoner on parade.

The magistrates convicted the prisoner and sentenced him to one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-5-1862

Wednesday May 7^th:-

William Mann, a private soldier of the 10^th Regiment, was brought up, charged with an attempt to commit murder.

Thomas Newman, sworn, deposed he was Police sergeant for the borough, and had charge of the night watch. About a quarter past 12 this morning he saw prisoner standing outside the Rose Inn; he had a rifle in his hand; prisoner made some observation which witness did not understand. In reply to P.C. Ovenden, witness thought he was on picket, and Ovenden asked him if he had been an escort. Witness and Ovenden stood for about two minutes near the prisoner, when he suddenly advanced, and gave witness the rifle, telling him it was loaded, and said “I am your prisoner. It was a good job I did not meet him”. The rifle was loaded. Prisoner was then taken to the station, and there searched, when several rounds of ball cartridge was found on him, as well as percussion caps loose in his pouch.

Daniel Kearney being sworn, deposed he was Colour Sergeant in the 10^th Foot. The prisoner belongs to the same Regiment. The rifle and accoutrements produced belong to the prisoner. He was in Camp at tattoo last night; he was reported absent this morning. Prisoner had no business away from the Camp; he had no right to take the ammunition away from the Camp; had not heard of his having quarrelled with anyone; he was a sergeant in the Army Hospital Corps, but was reduced to the ranks; he generally bears a good character.

Remanded to Friday at 10 a.m.

Petty Sessions, Friday, May 9^th: Before Capt. Kennicott R.N., A.M. Leith, and James Tolputt Esqs.

William Mann was brought up on remand, but no further evidence being given, he was discharged.

Folkestone Observer 10-5-1862

Wednesday 7^th May:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt and A.M. Leith esqs.

Intent To Commit Murder

William Mann, a private in the 1^st Battalion, 10^th Regiment, lying at Shorncliffe was brought up under the following circumstances:-

Thomas Newman, police sergeant, having charge of the night watch, about quarter past 12 o`clock in the morning saw the prisoner standing opposite the Rose Inn, in Rendezvous Street. The prisoner had a rifle in his hand, he made some observation which witness did not understand in reply to an observation made by police constable Ovenden, and he went across the road and stood under the gas lamp, opposite the door of Mr. Poole`s shop. Witness and Ovenden thought he was on picket, and Ovenden asked him if he had been on escort and if his companions were in the town. He said they were not. They stood about two minutes near the prisoner, he looking at them with the rifle in his hand. Then he suddenly advanced towards witness, and handed the rifle to him and said “Take that, I am your prisoner. Mind the gun is loaded and cocked. It is a good job I did not meet him”. When witness lifted the rifle he looked at the muzzle and said “The cap is off”. Witness let the hammer down on the nipple and the prisoner said “I will show you it is loaded”, and he then pulled out the ramrod and put it down the barrel. It did not go by two or three inches to the bottom; witness brought the prisoner to the station. At the station the prisoner pulled out of his coat pocket the number of his regiment which had been taken from his cap, he took from under his coat a military ball bag which contained 9 rounds of ball cartridges all loose, in the pouch which he produced there was a belt containing 10 rounds of ball cartridge, there was also a quantity of loose percussion caps in another small pouch – these he carried on his cross-belt which was under his greatcoat. Ovenden asked him a question about his being over here, and he declined to answer it, being as he said in custody.

Danial Kearney deposed, that he was colour sergeant of No. 10 Company of the 10^th Regiment of Foot and knew the prisoner, who belonged to the 10^th Regiment. The military accoutrements and the rifle produced belonged to the prisoner. He was in camp at Shorncliffe the night before at tattoo (9 o`clock). That morning he was reported absent. The prisoner had no business away from the camp. Every soldier is supplied with 20 rounds of ball cartridges and 30 caps, but the prisoner had no right whatever to take the ammunition away from the camp. Witness had not heard of his having had any quarrel with any comrade or officer at the camp. He was sergeant in the Army Hospital Corps, but was reduced to the ranks. He generally bears a good character in the regiment.

The prisoner was remanded to Friday, on which day he was again brought up, and was handed over to the military authorities.

Folkestone Observer 1-7-1865

Wednesday June 28^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., Captain Leith R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Henry Stone was charged with being drunk and assaulting P.C. Reynolds on the 28^th instant.

Police constable Reynolds (8) said this morning at a quarter before three o`clock he was on duty at the bottom of High Street, when the prisoner, who was drunk, came up to him and asked whether he had seen a man go up the street. He told prisoner that Charles Wapshaw had just gone up the street home, and it was time he had gone home. The prisoner asked him why the b---- h---- he did not tell him before when he asked him a civil question. Witness told him to go home and not abuse him, when prisoner said “I know you want me. Why don`t you lock me up?”. Prisoner refused to go home, and he took him into custody when, on coming up High Street, prisoner turned and kicked him on the thumb and sprained it. When near the Rose Hotel he had a scuffle with the prisoner, and both fell to the ground. Witness said the prisoner had often met him in the street and abused him.

Prisoner said it was no use his saying anything, and complained that the constable had ill-used him, and hit him on the nose in the cell.

The constable denied this, but said he had to use force to get prisoner into the cell.

The magistrates fined prisoner 5s. and allowed him a week to pay the money, in default seven days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-9-1867

Friday September 20^th: Before the Mayor, J. Kelcey and S. Eastes Esqs.

This was a case for infringement of the Mayor`s Orders by allowing a dog to be “at large” between 24^th August and 28^th September inst.

Richard Medhurst: Mr. Minter appeared for defendant, and asked for a copy of the smaller notice issued by the Town Clerk, which he was told had been equally circulated with the one signed by the Mayor.

P.C. Woodland, being sworn, said: On Saturday, about 12, I was on duty in Rendezvous Street, and saw defendant`s dog. Didn`t see any string round the dog`s neck; won`t swear the dog belongs to defendant. Mr. Medhurst and his mother are both tenants of the Rose Hotel. Have often seen the dog in the yard, and following other people about.

Mr. Minter said the case must break down, because it had not been proved that the dog belongs to defendant. He pointed out the improper method of conducting these cases. Persons ought to be told at the time of offending before being summonsed. Defendant can also prove that his dog has been kept tied up.

Case dismissed.

Mr. Minter then applied for costs, but they were not allowed.

Folkestone Express 6-2-1875

Notice

Ann Medhurst (deceased)

All persons having any claim on the estate of Ann Medhurst, of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, (who died January 17^th, 1875) are requested to send the particulars thereof to John Minter, Solicitor, Guildhall Street, Folkestone, on or before 25^th February instant. And all persons indebted to the Estate of the said deceased are requested to pay their debts within the same period to the undersigned.

John Minter,

Solicitor,

Guildhall Street.

February 5^th, 1875

Folkestone Express 27-5-1876

Inquest

On Tuesday evening Mr. Coroner Minter held an inquest at the Town Hall on the body of John Whitehead, a stableman, aged 45 years, who was found in the stable at the Rose on Monday morning under the following circumstances:

Dr. Bateman said: I knew the deceased. I identify the body as being that of John Whitehead, who was formerly a groom. On Monday morning last at six o`clock I was called to the Rose stables, and I found the deceased in a sitting posture in a corner of the stable, with his back against the wall, and his head leaning forward on his bosom. I observed blood upon his coat and waistcoat, and upon the ground. He was at the foot of the loft when I saw him. On examination I found a wound in the throat, about an inch and a half long. I also found a smaller wound leading into the trachea. Deceased was dead, cold and stiff. In my opinion he had been dead several hours. I believe the wounds were self-inflicted. There were no marks of violence or of any struggle. The wound was so situated that I believe the blood would flow into the windpipe.

Joseph Hook said: I am a flyman at the Rose Hotel, and knew deceased. I last saw him on Sunday evening. He was then out of employment. I locked my stable up at a quarter past nine o`clock, and hid the key in a place known to my son and the ostler. I was not aware the deceased was in the stable at twenty minutes past six. My son went there before me. I saw deceased in a sitting posture in the corner of the stable at the foor of the ladder leading up to the loft. His head was drooping, and I noticed marks of blood on his clothes. I called to him, touched him, and came to the conclusion that he was dead. I then sent for the police.

William Henry Hook: I am son of the last witness. On Monday morning I went to the Rose stables at ten minutes past six o`clock to feed my father`s horse. I found the key in it`s usual place and unlocked the stable door. I saw deceased in sitting position in a corner of the stable at the foot of the ladder leading up to the loft. My father then came. I saw deceased on Sunday afternoon, buit did not notice anything different to his usual appearance.

Joseph Hook, re-called, said he had seen deceased frequently of late, but not noticed any difference from his usual manner.

Charles Holdstock: I am employed at the Rose Hotel as underboots. On Monday morning William Henry Hook called me into the stable, where I saw deceased. I saw marks of the blood on his hands and clothes. I then went for the police. When I returned I noticed some spots of blood upon the ladder. I went up into the loft, and there found a pocket handkerchief, a belt, two pieces of rope, and a knife produced. There was blood on the handkerchief, the knife, and the pieces of rope. There was also blood on the floor of the loft.

P.S. Woodlands said: I produce a handkerchief, knife, pieces of rope and belt, which I received from last witness. I knew the deceased and saw him on Saturday morning, and he asked me to give him two pence as he was starving. I gave him sixpence and said “Why don`t you go to the house?”. He said he did not like to do so as there would be plenty of work presently.

The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said, of course it was for the jury to determine the state of mind the man was in when he committed the act, but to his idea it mattered very little whether they returned a verdict of “Temporary Insanity” or not, for in one parish in the town he could say that the clergyman appeared to think very slightly of it, and the man wouldn`t get a Christian burial whichever way they determined.

A juryman: Could not a dissenting minister be brought in?

The Coroner: I have nothing to do with that.

A juryman: A verdict of felo-de-se appears to have been a caution to would-be suicides in days gone by, and I think we ought to go back to it again.

The jury, after a few minutes consideration, returned a verdict of felo-de-se.

Folkestone Express 20-10-1877

Wednesday, October 17^th: Before R.W. Boarer Esq., General Armstrong, and Captain Crowe.

Thomas King, a young man, having the appearance of a soldier, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting P.C. Abraham Swain in High Street on the 15^th inst.

He pleaded guilty to being drunk, and on the second charge being read he said he supposed he might as well plead guilty to the lot.

P.C. Swain said the prisoner was creating a disturbance in front of the Rose public house, and he caused a mob to assemble. He wanted to fight, and he refused to go away. Subsequently he went to the top of the street, but came back again, and as he was behaving indecently, he, with Sergeant Reynolds and P.C. Knowles took him into custody. Before he did so, prisoner struck him on the breast.

He was fined 5s. and costs, or seven days`, for being drunk, and 15s. and costs, or fourteen days`, for the assault on the constable, and committed in default.

Folkestone Express 28-12-1878

Local News

The well known Rose commercial hotel narrowly escaped a disastrous fire on Sunday night. One of the servants, when going to bed, noticed smoke and a smell of fire, apparently proceeding from the billiard room. On examination it was found that the heat from the fire had ignited the joists beneath the grate, and apparently they had been smouldering for some days. The grate was quickly removed, and the fire put out. But for this timely discovery it is very probable the flames would have broken out in the night, and a large portion of the valuable property adjacent would have been in great danger. As it is, the damage will be easily repaired.

Folkestone Express 13-9-1879

To Brewers, Wine and Spirit Merchants, Hotel Proprietors and the Trade in General

Mr. James Pledge has been favoured with instructions from Messrs. Medhurst, who are retiring from business, and offer to Public Competition, upon the Premises, on Tuesday, September 30^th, 1879, at three o`clock in the afternoon precisely, in ONE LOT, all that old established Freehold Family and Commercial House, known as the ROSE HOTEL.

Situate in the centre of the town of Folkestone, at the junction of three streets, together with the valuable goodwill of the business now carried on.

The above Hotel is a Free House of undeniable reputation, and has been conducted by the present proprietors for the last 28 years. It contains well fitted Bar, Bar Parlour, Commercial Room, Coffee Room, Smoking Room, and other Sitting Rooms, 16 Bedrooms, well-appointed Billiard Room (detached), Kitchen, Scullery, and other domestic offices, Coach House, Stabling for 8 Horses, and good Cellarage.

The Furniture, Fixtures, Stock and Trade Effects &c. will have to be taken by the purchaser at valuation in the usual way, and possession will be given immediately upon completion of purchase.

As a Family and Commercial Hotel, The Rose stands by repute in this most favoured and fashionable watering place unrivalled, and commands the principal commercial interest; the business is large and remunerative, and commends itself to persons seeking an important investment.

The premises are most substantially built, in excellent order, and substantial repair, admirably arranged for comfort and business purposes, and afford an opportunity for investment seldom to be met with.

For particulars and cards to view, apply to Mr. John Minter, Solicitor, or to the Auctioneer, Folkestone, from either of whom conditions of sale may also be had.

Folkestone Express 5-11-1881

Monday, October 31^st: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Captain Crowe, Alderman Hoad, M.J. Bell, F. Boykett and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

James Rodgers, an army pensioner, was charged with stealing a watch, value 20s., the property of James Mullett, on the 22^nd inst.

Rebecca Mullett, wife of the prosecutor, residing at No. 6, St. Eanswythe`s Terrace, said on Saturday the 22^nd she missed a watch from the dresser in the kitchen. She saw it at nine o`clock in the evening. She gave information to the police on Sunday morning. On Friday, the 28^th inst., a man named Charles Gilbert went to her and showed her a watch, which she identified as her property. She had had it for five years.

Charles Gilbert said on Sunday the 10^th October he was in the Rendezvous Tavern. Prisoner came in about one o`clock in the afternoon. Witness saw him take a watch from his pocket. He wound it up, and as it would not go witness thought it was broken. He offered prisoner 5s. for it, and he replied “It`s yours”. He gave prisoner 5s. and took the watch. On Friday, in consequence of something he heard, he went to see Mrs. Mullett. He showed her the watch, which she identified as her property. On Saturday afternoon he gave the watch up to Sergeant Butcher. He knew the prisoner by sight, as working at the Rose Hotel.

Sergeant Butcher said he went on Saturday afternoon to last witness, and in consequence of what he told him he went in search of prisoner, whom he found at Mrs. Worsley`s in Rendezvous Street. He told prisoner he had a watch in his possession. Prisoner replied “Oh”. He told him he should have to take him into custody on a charge of stealing it. He replied “I bought it one Sunday off a boy for one shilling at the Rose Corner”. He added “Joe saw me buy it” (meaning the ostler at the Rose). Witness took him to the ostler, who said he did not see him buy it. He then took prisoner to the station.

Prisoner elected to be tried by the magistrates and pleaded Not Guilty. He said a boy came up to him at the Rose corner and said “Will you buy this watch? I will sell it to you for 2s.”. He told him he had only got one. He said “You can have it”. He admitted subsequently selling it to Gilbert.

In reply to the Bench, Mrs. Mullett said two errand boys went into the kitchen between nine and eleven on the evening when she missed the watch. There was no-one else in the kitchen whilst they were there.

The Bench considered the case proved, and the prisoner was sentenced to six weeks` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 26-11-1881

Local News

We hear that extensive alterations and additions are about to be made at the Rose Hotel. A new coffee room, commercial room, and private bar will be built in the present yard, with the addition of another storey over the whole of the building. This, in addition to providing the accommodation which has long been required, will make the building much more imposing in appearance. The contractor is Mr. Webster, and the architect Mr. Reginald Pope.

Folkestone Express 7-6-1884

Local News

On Saturday last the new billiard room which Mr. Ralph, the enterprising proprietor of the Rose Hotel, has added to his premises, was opened under most favourable auspices. The room, which is on the upper floor in a new building on the site of the old stables (the ground floor being designed for a stock room), is admirably adapted in every way for the purpose for which it is intended. It was built by Mr. Robert Webster, from designs by Mr. Reginald Pope, architect, who superintended the work, and carried out the wishes and suggestions of Mr. Ralph in a very admirable manner, and it must have been satisfactory to them to hear the expressions of admiration from all who saw the place for the first time on Saturday. The dimensions of the room are 40 ft. by 28 ft., and it is 14 ft. in height. It is approached from the rear of the hotel by a covered way. Ample space is afforded for two splendid new tables, which have been supplied by Messrs. Burroughs and Watts. On the occasion of the opening several professional players from London were present, together with many of the best players in Folkestone, who took part in a handicap game, which resulted in favour of the best all-round player in the neighbourhood. The ventilation and lighting are particularly good. The embellishments are not yet completed, but excellent taste has been exhibited in the arrangement of the seats, the lavatories, and the floor coverings, and in every way the comfort of the patrons of the game has been carefully studied by Mr. Ralph.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-6-1885

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, before J.J. Minter Esq., coroner, and a jury, on the body of Henry Read, a commercial traveller, who came to his death under the following sad circumstances.

Mr. Ralph, landlord of the Rose Hotel, sworn, said: I recognise the body of deceased, which the jury have just viewed, as that of a commercial traveller named Read, well known to me for three or four years, deceased having regularly stayed at my house during that time. I believe he came to my hotel last on Wednesday fortnight, and has been staying there ever since until today. In answer to a letter I wrote to his employer, Mr. Taylor, of Wood Street, London, that gentleman came down on Wednesday morning last to enquire after him. His employer wrote to tell me that deceased had been very queer of late, which Mr. Taylor reiterated when he came. They went together into his bedroom. The deceased was not there, and his employer recommended the removal of some razors, as he thought he would do himself some injury. In the evening, when deceased came home, I recommended him to go to London. He said he would, and I offered to lend him money, which deceased said he did not require. About 1 o`clock next day I went to his bedroom. He was in bed. I said “You have not gone by the train”. “No”, he answered, “I will go by the one o`clock train”. I said “There is one at two o`clock”, and asked him if he would have any breakfast. Deceased said “No”, and that he had not eaten anything for three or four days. About two o`clock I sent the boots to his bedroom, but deceased was not there. I then went into the bedroom, and found deceased in his nightshirt, lying on his face between the bed and the wall, on the floor, and blood on his body. I then sent for the doctor. I knew deceased had a revolver, which he showed me. I know it had five chambers, and believe the one produced is the same. He told me he had been shooting small birds with it. He was always a peculiar man, and I did not see anything unusually peculiar excepting that I thought him a little more depressed than usual.

John Worsley, boots at the Rose, stated that at a quarter to eleven Thursday morning he took a letter to the deceased in his bedroom, which was addressed to him. Deceased opened the door, and witness gave him the letter. He went up again about ten minutes to two bu the direction of his master. He looked into the room, and not seeing deceased in bed he thought that he had gone out, and told his master. He returned to the bedroom of deceased, and found him lying on his face on the floor, and a pistol near his feet. He saw blood on his shirt, and immediately called Mr. Ralph.

Superintendent Taylor deposed to visiting the Rose Hotel, having been sent for, and described finding the body of deceased in the position described by the other witnesses. He found a mark in the wall, such as would be produced by a bullet, and on the floor between the wall and the feet of deceased he found the bullet now produced, and which fitted the cylinder of the revolver, and has on the point of it some mortar, apparently contracted from the indentation on the wall.

Dr. Perry`s evidence went to prove that deceased`s death was caused by a bullet shot through the heart and the haemorrhage which followed.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity”.

Folkestone Express 20-6-1885

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening on the body of Henry Read, a commercial traveller, who has been staying at the Rose Hotel, who committed suicide by shooting himself that afternoon.

Mr. Frederick Ralph, the proprietor of the Rose Hotel, identified the body as that of Henry Read, a commercial traveller, who resided at Brixton. He had known the deceased for three or four years, as he was in the habit of staying at the Rose. He arrived in Folkestone on Wednesday, June 3^rd, and had been staying in the hotel since that time. He had had a letter from deceased`s employer asking if he was staying at his house, and he answered that he was staying there. Another letter was then received from Mr. Taylor, deceased`s employer, asking him to remove any razors or dangerous articles from deceased`s possession, as he had been rather strange of late. His employer came down to him soon after the receipt of the letter. He went into the bedroom with witness and asked him to take a razor away that was lying on the table, and he replied that he did not think it would be much good as he carried a loaded revolver. Deceased`s employer went away without seeing him, and left a letter for him. He asked deceased if he would go to London, and he said that he would go in the morning. He asked him if he wanted any money to go with, and he said “No”. At one o`clock that afternoon he went to the bedroom where the deceased was, and found him in bed and said “You have not gone by the nine o`clock train”, and he said “No, I`ll go by the next one”, and he said there was one at two o`clock. He asked deceased if he would have any breakfast, and he said no, he had had nothing to eat for two or three days. He left deceased, and at two o`clock he sent John Worsley, the boots, to the room, and he returned and said deceased had left the room. He then went up again and found the deceased lying on the floor between the bed and wall on his face, with blood on the floor and on the back of his shirt. He appeared dead. He knew deceased had a revolver, as he had shown it to him about a week ago, and the one produced was the same. He told him he had been shooting small birds. Deceased was always a peculiar man, but he thought he was a little more depressed this time.

John Worsley, boots at the Rose Hotel, said at a quarter to eleven that morning he took deceased a letter to his bedroom which came by post addressed to him. He opened the door and witness gave him the letter, and he gave him a pair of boots to clean. He went to deceased`s room at 10 minutes to two that afternoon by direction of his master. He opened the door and looked in. Not seeing deceased in bed he thought he had gone out. He returned to the bedroom and found deceased in his nightshirt lying on his face on the floor by the side of the bed. He saw a pistol lying at deceased`s feet. There was blood on his shirt. He immediately went and called Mr. Ralph.

Supt. Taylor said shortly after two o`clock that afternoon he was called by Mr. Ralph to the Rose Hotel, and went with him to the room where the body was lying. He explained the position of the body.

Dr. Charles E. Perry said he examined the body of the deceased that afternoon. In his chest he saw a hole about two inches external to the left nipple, between the fourth and fifth ribs. On the back he found another opening between the fifth and sixth ribs, and from the position of the two openings he concluded the bullet must have passed through deceased`s heart, and he had no doubt deceased`s death was caused by a bullet passing through the heart.

A verdict of suicide while insane was returned.

Folkestone News 20-6-1885

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening by the Borough Coroner (J. Minter Esq.) respecting the death of Henry Reid, of Brixton, who had shot himself at the Rose Hotel the same afternoon.

Frederick Ralph, landlord of the Rose Hotel, said: I identify the body as that of Henry Reid, a commercial traveller. I have known deceased for three or four years, and he has been in the habit of regularly staying at my house. Deceased came to my place last Wednesday fortnight, I believe, and has been staying there until today. Yesterday his employer came down to enquire after him. I had received a letter from his employer, Mr. Taylor (of the firm of Taylor Bros., Wood Street, Cheapside, London) asking whether deceased was still at my house, and whether he had any samples with him? He also stated that deceased had been rather curious in his manner for some time past, and asked me to remove any razor which might be found in his bedroom. Mr. Taylor reiterated his statement about deceased`s manner when he came yesterday, and together we went to deceased`s bedroom, where we saw a razor. In reply to Mr. Taylor I said I did not see much use in removing the razor, as he had a loaded revolver with him. Deceased had shown it to me a week before. Deceased was not at home, and Mr. Taylor left in the evening. On deceased`s return I told him of the visit of his employer, and asked him to go to London, which he promised to do next day. I asked him whether he wanted any money to go to London with, and he said “No”. I did not see him again until this afternoon. I heard he had not gone by the 9 o`clock train, and so I went to his bedroom and found him still in bed. I said “Well, you have not gone by the 9 o`clock train?”, and he said “No, I am going by the 1 o`clock train”. I said “There is one at two o`clock” and I then asked him to come down to breakfast. He said he could eat nothing, and had eaten nothing for three or four days. I said “I will order the `bus for you” and left him. I did not see him again alive. At two o`clock I asked the boots, John Worsley, if deceased had gone, and he said “No”. I sent him upstairs, and he returned saying deceased had left the room. Worsley then went back again, and then found the body of the deceased lying there. No-one heard the report of the pistol. Deceased had only his nightshirt on, and was lying on the floor between the bed and the wall. He was lying on his face. There was blood on the floor and also on his shirt. I did not touch him. He appeared to be dead. I did not see the pistol. I then left and went for Dr. Perry. I identify the revolver produced as that which the deceased showed to me. He said he had been shooting small birds. I had not noticed anything peculiar about deceased. He was always somewhat peculiar, and he certainly did seem somewhat depressed this time. I believe deceased had left his firm before he came to my house.

John Worsley, boots at the Rose, said: At a quarter to 11 this morning I took a letter to deceased which had come addressed to him. He opened the door of his bedroom and I gave him the letter. He gave me a pair of boots to clean. At ten minutes to two I went up again at the direction of my master. I opened the door and looked in. I did not see him and so thought he had gone out. This I told to Mr. Ralph. I returned again to his bedroom and then found deceased, lying on his face by the side of his bed. I saw a pistol lying at his feet. I also saw blood on his shirt. I immediately called Mr. Ralph.

Supt. Taylor said: Shortly after two o`clock today I was called by Mr. Ralph to the Rose Hotel and went to No. 30 bedroom, where deceased is now lying. I there saw the body of deceased lying on the floor between the bed and the fireplace. He was lying on his face with his left arm under his body. At his feet lay the pistol which I now produce, and which is a five-chambered revolver. It contained two full cartridges and two cases, one of which had been recently fired. In a line behind deceased, about 3 ft. from the floor, I found a mark in the wall – a mark such as would be produced by a bullet – and I found the bullet which I now produce, which fits the pistol and has on the point of it some mortar apparently from the wall.

In reply to a juryman the Coroner said the letter received that morning by deceased was from his mother, asking him why he had not been to see her and telling him to confide in his employer.

Dr. C.E. Perry said: Shortly after two o`clock this afternoon I was called to the Rose Hotel. I went at once, and upstairs in room No. 33 I saw deceased in the position described by the previous witnesses. I turned the body over, and underneath found a large pool of blood in which the nightshirt was saturated. On examining the deceased`s chest I saw a hole about two inches internal to the left nipple between the fourth and fifth ribs. On the back I found another opening between the fifth and sixth ribs. The conclusion I came to was that it was quite certain the bullet had passed through the heart, and so caused deceased`s death. The act, I am of opinion, was committed by deceased himself.

Superintendent Taylor, re-called, said: After Dr. Perry had left I made a further examination of deceased`s nightshirt, and on the left breast I found a large jagged hole, the edges of which were charred by close contact with the pistol when it was fired.

Mr. Ralph, re-called, said deceased`s employer told him that deceased was wrong in his accounts. He said he had come down to see him because his mother was in much trouble at his being away.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity”.

Southeastern Gazette 22-6-1885

Inquest

On Thursday evening an inquest was held at the Town Hall on the body of Henry Read, a commercial traveller staying at the Rose Hotel. Deceased had been staying at the hotel about a fortnight. When the boots went into his bedroom on Thursday he found deceased lying in a pool of blood, shot through the heart, and a revolver at his feet. Dr. Perry proved that he had a bullet wound in the breast and back. A verdict of “Temporary insanity” was returned.

Kentish Gazette 23-6-1885

Last Thursday evening an inquest was held in the Town Hall, on the body of a commercial traveller, named Henry Read, belonging to Brixton, who was found dead in his bedroom in the Rose Hotel. Evidence was given by Mr. F. Ralph, proprietor of the hotel, as to cautions he had received from deceased`s employer to remove razors, and such dangerous articles from deceased on account of his late strangeness of manner. Mr. Ralph found deceased lying dead in the bedroom with a revolver at his feet. Dr. C.E. Perry deposed to examining the body of deceased. There was a wound, undoubtedly caused by a revolver bullet going right through the heart. A verdict of “Suicide during insanity” was returned.

Folkestone Express 14-11-1885

Wednesday, November 11^th: Before The Mayor, Colonel De Crespigny, J. Clark, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

George Grant, a private in the 7^th Dragoons, was charged with being found at the Rose Hotel with intent to commit a felony.

Susan Johnson said: I am a domestic servant at the Rose Hotel. About six o`clock last evening I heard someone on the tiles of an outhouse which adjoins the building and leads up to a window. I heard a tap at the window and saw a person`s hand. It was dark. I rushed downstairs to the boots. The boots came up with me. He went into one of the bedrooms, and I remained outside. A policeman came shortly after, went into the bedroom, and came out with the prisoner. Prisoner must have crossed a passage to get into the bedroom where he was found. I saw the marks on the window of the water closet where the man had got in. The window was large enough to allow of a man getting in. I do not know the prisoner, and never saw him before.

John Worsley, boots at the Rose Hotel, said: About ten minutes past six last evening I was told there was somebody in one of the rooms. I went upstairs and into bedroom No. 21. I searched it, and found the prisoner under the bed. I came down, and gave information to the police, and prisoner was given into custody. I asked prisoner what he was there for, and he made no reply. He was the worse for drink.

Sergeant Pay said he went to No. 21 bedroom and saw the prisoner lying on the floor under the bed. He told him to come out. He said “All right. I am not doing any harm, am I?” He moved the bed and got the prisoner out and charged him with being there for the purpose of committing a felony. Prisoner had been drinking, and was the worse for drink. When charged at the station, prisoner replied “I have been drinking”.

The prisoner said he went into the back yard of the public house next to the Rose, and saw a light at the window. He fancied he saw a female beckoning to him, and he got on to the outhouse, through the water closet window, and then into the bedroom. Finding no-one there, and hearing people running about, he was frightened and got under the bed.

An officer attached to the regiment said the prisoner had been convicted 15 times for drunkenness and military offences in two years.

The Bench thought there was no felonious intention on the part of the prisoner, and discharged him with a caution.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-12-1888

Wednesday, December 5^th: Before F. Boykett Esq., Major Poole, Surgeon General Gilbourne, W. Wightwick and J. Brooke Esqs.

Samuel Lewis was charged with stealing two silver dessert spoons, two silver soup ladles, four silver teaspoons and one egg spoon, the property of Mr. F. Ralph, proprietor of the Rose Hotel.

Herbert Brown, watchmaker, of George Lane, said he knew the prisoner. He first came to his shop on the 12^th of October. He brought the bowl of a silver table spoon and asked witness to buy it. He said it was picked out from the town refuse. Witness gave him the market value, but was not quite certain whether it was 2s. or 2s. 3d. The trade allowance to witness would be 2s. 6d. an ounce. He came to witness`s shop about a fortnight afterwards with another bowl of a spoon. It was silver, and between the size of a tea and a tablespoon. Witness did not ask him any questions about it, but bought it. Did not know how much he gave for it. The prisoner had been to him on three occasions since, and on each occasion brought the top of a silver spoon. Witness gave him 6d. each for them, but that was considerably below the value. Witness had broken up one handle for use in his business, and one bowl he had exchanged to a traveller for the value of goods supplied. The reason why he offered him a price so much below the value was because he wanted to get rid of him. He had some slight suspicions. It was nearly a fortnight ago when the prisoner called last, and witness questioned him again as to where he got the handles from. He again stated that he got them from the town refuse.

Mr. Hall, watchmaker, of 111, Dover Street, said he knew the prisoner. He first came to witness`s shop about six months ago. In the first week of November he brought the bowl of a silver tablespoon, which he asked witness to buy. It weighed a trifle over an ounce, and witness gave him 3s. for it. Did not ask him where he got it from. About four or five days afterwards he brought the handle of a silver tablespoon. It had the letter “S” marked on it. Witness gave him 1s. for that, but he made no statement about it. He paid a third visit a few days after that, and brought another handle of a silver tablespoon, for which witness gave him 1s., without asking any questions. He came on another occasion with a silver teaspoon. It was broken in two parts. Witness could not remember what he gave for that. It was either marked with a letter “S” or a letter “B”. On his fifth visit he brought another bowl of a silver tablespoon. Witness gave him 2s. 8d. for it. It did not weigh quite an ounce. He did not make any statement about it. Witness bought another top of a tablespoon a few days afterwards. It was marked similar to the spoons produced. Witness did not keep any book, nor did witness ask the prisoner any questions concerning the spoons. Had bought things of prisoner before, and he had then stated that he had found the things amongst the town refuse. Witness therefore thought he had found the spoons.

Mr. Ralph, proprietor of the Rose Hotel, said prisoner was the luggage porter, and was engaged by commercial travellers using witness`s house. He had been in that capacity about six or eight months. He had access to witness`s house as a luggage porter, and the visitors had employed him to wash up knives and forks in the scullery. Witness had seen him in the scullery washing up. Early in October witness missed two silver dessert spoons, two silver soup ladles, four silver teaspoons and one silver egg spoon. The pieces produced were portions of witness`s property. The value of the missing articles was £3 8s.

Supt. Taylor deposed that he apprehended the prisoner yesterday. He said “I shall arrest you for stealing a quantity of silver plate from the Rose Hotel”. Prisoner replied “It`s a mistake”. Witness read the charge to him at the police station, when he replied “It`s false”.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty. He had a wife and family, and, being pressed for money, was tempted to steal. He pleaded for leniency.

The Bench sentenced the prisoner to three months` hard labour, the chairman remarking that had there been no receiver there would not have been any stealer, and severely censured the silversmith for receiving the goods.

Folkestone Express 8-12-1888

Wednesday, December 5^th: Before F. Boykett, H.W. Poole, J. Brookes and W. Wightwick Esqs., and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

Samuel Lewis was charged with stealing four silver dessert spoons, two silver ladles, four silver teaspoons, and one silver egg spoon, the property of Mr. F. Ralph, of the Rose Hotel.

Herbert Freeman Brown, a watchmaker, residing at 4a, George Lane, said he knew the prisoner, who first went to his shop about the 12^th of October. He had the bowl of a silver table spoon, and asked him to buy it. Prisoner said it was picked up out of the town refuse. Witness bought it, and gave either 1s. 9d. or 2s. for it. The trade allowance to him would be 2s. 6d. an ounce. Prisoner went to his shop a second time, and had either the bowl of a teaspoon or a table spoon, which he asked witness to buy. He made no statement about it, and witness weighed it and gave a fair value for it, but could not say how much. Prisoner had paid him three further visits, and on each occasion brought the top of a silver spoon, for which he gave the prisoner 6d. each – considerably lower than their value. Each of the tops produced were marked with the letter “S”. The bowls he had bartered away, and the tops he had broken up. The price he offered the prisoner for the tops was low because he was suspicious of the prisoner, and he thought by offering a low price the prisoner would not take it, and he would thus get rid of him. The last visit made by prisoner was nearly a fortnight ago. He gave information to the police the day after the prisoner visited him last.

William Hall, a watchmaker, living at 111, Dover Street, said the prisoner visited his shop about six months ago. The first week in November prisoner took the bowl of a silver table spoon, and asked him to buy it. He gave 3s. for it. It weighed a trifle over an ounce. The prisoner visited him again four or five days after. He had the top of a silver table spoon, marked with the letter “S”. He gave 1s. fot it. A few days after the prisoner came again with another top of a spoon, marked in the same manner, for which he gave him 1s. Witness asked no questions. On the prisoner`s fourth visit he brought a teaspoon broken into two parts. He did not remember how much he gave prisoner for it. It was marked with either a letter “S” or “B”. On the fifth visit the prisoner took the bowl of a silver table spoon, for which he gave 2s. 8d. A few days after, he bought the top of a table spoon from the prisoner. It was marked with either a letter “S” or “V”.

Mr. Fredk. Ralph, the proprietor of the Rose Hotel, said the prisoner was an outdoor luggage porter, engaged by commercial travellers using his house. The prisoner had been about for about six months, and during August and September the waiters had been in the habit of employing him to wash up various articles. Early in October witness missed four silver dessert spoons, two silver ladles, four silver teaspoons, and one silver egg spoon. The pieces produced formed portions of spoons missed from his stock. The value of the missing articles was £3 8s.

Supt. Taylor said he apprehended the prisoner on that charge on the previous day. He said to him “I shall arrest you for stealing a quantity of silver plate from the Rose Hotel”. He replied “It`s a mistake”. He then took prisoner to the police station, entered the charge, and read it to him. He replied “It`s false”.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and the Bench sentenced him to three months` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-2-1890

Monday, February 10^th: Before Major H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick and F. Boykett Esqs.

Charles Standen, a youth, was charged with stealing two gold watches, one gold ring, one silver scent box and two purses, the property of Bertha Maud Remnant, valued at £7 10s., at the Rose Hotel, on Friday.

Bertha Maud Remnant said she was staying with her brother-in-law (Mr. Ralph) at the Rose Hotel. She kept a jewel case in a box in her bedroom on the second floor in the hotel. The case contained two gold watches, a gold ring, a silver scent box, and a variety of other small articles. She last saw the case on the 2^nd of February. She missed them about four o`clock on Friday, and also missed a purse from the trunk where the jewel case was kept. The case had been forced and the lock broken. The prisoner was employed at the hotel as billiard marker, and assisted in the kitchen.

Mr. Frederick Ralph, proprietor of the Rose Hotel, stated that the prisoner had been in his employ as billiard marker about five or six months. On the morning of the 8^th inst., from information he received, he sent for Superintendent Taylor about midday. He came to the hotel, and witness sent for the prisoner. He came into the private room where witness and the Superintendent were. Witness told him several things had been missed, and asked him if he knew anything about them. He said he knew nothing about them. The Superintendent cautioned him. Witness had his box searched at his lodgings, on The Bayle, in the presence of Superintendent Taylor. It contained a gold watch, a ring, and a scent box. Mr. Taylor asked him how he came in possession of the articles, but he made no reply. The prisoner had no business to go to the bedroom. He had seen him on that floor once or twice, but he had never cautioned him.

Walter Joseph, an assistant to his father, a pawnbroker, in High Street, said he recognised the prisoner as the man who came to his shop on Friday, for the purpose of pawning the gold watch produced. He said it belonged to his sister, and that he was the son of Professor Davis. He asked a guinea, and he advanced a guinea. He gave the name of John Davis, of 25, Black Bull Road.

Supt. Taylor said he was sent for to go to the Rose Hotel about half past 12 on Saturday. He saw Mr. Ralph in his private room, and the prisoner was sent for. He said “Standen, I`m about to ask you some questions. You need not answer them unless you choose to. There have been several articles stolen from the hotel lately, and you, with others, are suspected”. He said “I don`t know anything about it”. Witness said “I suppose you know that two gold watches have been stolen this week”. He said “No, I don`t”. Witness said “I understand you have been seen on the second floor. What were you doing there?” He replied “I have never been there except with the waiters to clean the windows”. Witness went to his lodgings to search his box. He opened it, and at the bottom of the box he found the brown purse produced. Witness opened it and took out a gold watch. Asked him how he accounted for being in possession of it. He said “My sister gave me that two years ago”. In the right hand pocket of a waistcoat witness found the duplicate of a pawn ticket for a watch. Witness also found a second purse in the box, containing £1 0s. 3d.

Miss Remnant was again called and swore to the watches as her property. She also identified the purses, the ring, and the scent box as being her property. She valued them at £7 10s.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Ralph said the prisoner had a good character when he came to him.

Supt. Taylor remarked that there had been continual robberies of small articles from the Rose ever since the prisoner had been employed by Mr. Ralph, but it was not until quite recently that suspicion had been directed to him. In searching the box, he might say, he had discovered several other articles which had been stolen from the Rose.

The prisoner was sentenced to three calendar months imprisonment, with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 15-2-1890

Monday, February 10^th: Before H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick, and F. Boykett Esqs.

Charles Standing, 19, was charged with stealing two gold watches, a gold ring, a silver scent box, and other articles, of the total value of £7 10s., the property of Miss Bertha Maud Remnant.

Prosecutrix said: I am staying with my brother-in-law, Mr. Ralph, at the Rose Hotel. I took to the hotel with me a jewel case and kept it in a box in my bedroom at the hotel on the second floor. It contained two gold watches, a gold ring with the word “Mizpah” on it, a silver scent box, and a variety of other small articles. I last saw them safe in the jewel case on the 2^nd of February. Last Friday afternoon I missed an old purse from the trunk in which the dressing case was kept. I found that the jewel case had been forced about half past eight in the evening. I also missed the two gold watches and the ring. I did not know I had lost the scent box until Mr. Taylor told me he had got it. I have been assisting my sister in the business of the hotel since I have been there. Prisoner was employed in the hotel as billiard marker and assistant in the kitchen. He had no business to go into the bedroom.

Mr. Fredk. Ralph, proprietor of the Rose Hotel, said: The prisoner was kitchen boy and assistant billiard marker. He slept out of the hotel. I did not know where he lodged, but I know now that he lodged on the Bayle. He had been in my service five or six months. On Saturday morning, from information I received, I sent for Superintendent Taylor about twelve or one o`clock. He sent for the prisoner to come to my private room. I then asked prisoner if he knew anything about the things that were missing. He replied that he knew nothing about them at all. I heard the Superintendent caution him. Prisoner consented to have his box searched, and accompanied me and the Superintendent to No. 29, The Bayle, where he lodged, and occupied a bedroom on the first floor. We all three went into the room, and prisoner pointed out a box belonging to himself. He took the things out. Superintendent Taylor saw a brown leather purse in the box. It was opened in prisoner`s presence. It contained a gold watch, a ring, and a silver scent bottle. Superintendent Taylor asked prisoner to account for the possession of the articles. He made no reply. Prisoner had no business whatever to go to the bedroom. I had seen him on that floor two or three times, but did not speak to him about it. He might have had occasion to go to the end of the passage, but as a rule he had no right there.

Mr. Walter Joseph, assistant to his father, Mr. Simeon Joseph, pawnbroker, High Street, said he recognised the prisoner. On the 7^th of February he went to the shop for the purpose of pledging the gold watch produced. He said the watch belonged to his sister, and that he was a son of Professor Davis. He asked for a guinea on the watch, and witness advanced that sum. He gave the name of Tom Davis, and the address 25, Black Bull Road. Witness gave him the ticket produced. The number of the watch was 32,761.

Supt. Taylor said: About half past 12 on Saturday I was sent for to go to the Rose Hotel, and saw Mr. Ralph in his private room. Prisoner was sent for and came. I cautioned him, and then prosecutor said “There have been several articles stolen from the hotel lately, and you, with others, are suspected. He replied “I don`t know anything about it”. I said “I suppose you know that two gold watches were stolen this week?” He said “No, I don`t”. I said “I understand you have been seen on the second floor. What were you doing there?” He replied “I have never been upstairs except with the waiters to clean the windows”. I asked him if he had any objection to having his box searched. He said “No”, and we went to his lodgings on The Bayle, and in a room on the first floor he pointed out a box as being his. It was not locked. He opened it and took from it several articles of clothing, and in the bottom of the box I found the brown purse produced. I opened it and took from it a gold watch. It had the initials “B.M.R.” on the back. I took the watch, and asked him how he accounted for possession of that. He said “Oh, my sister gave me that years ago”. I told him I should take him into custody for stealing that and other articles from the Rose. In the purse was a silver scent box and a “Mizpah” ring. Prisoner made no reply. I replaced the clothing in the box. In the right hand pocket of a vest I found a pawn ticket for the watch, 32,761. When asked if he had anything to say as to that, prisoner made no answer. In the box I also found a second purse containing £1 0s. 3d. I took him to the police station.

Miss Remnant was re-called, and identified the second watch by the initials. The first one she identified by it`s general appearance. She bought it from her brother-in-law. The ring was given her by her brother, and the scent box had been in the family a long time. The purse was in the bottom of her trunk. She valued the whole of the articles at £7 10s.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Ralph said he had a good character with the boy from the Co-Operative Society, and he seemed to be a fairly good boy.

Supt. Taylor said since the prisoner had been in the hotel there had been continual thefts of small articles, several of which he found in the prisoner`s box. Other servants had been suspected of the thefts. It was not until recently that suspicion was directed to teh prisoner.

The Bench sentenced him to three months` hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 18-2-1890

Local News

On Monday the magistrates sentenced a youth named Charles Standen to three months’ hard labour for stealing two gold watches, a gold ring, a silver scent box, and several other articles of jewellery from the Rose Hotel, The jewellery was taken from a bedroom. Standen was employed at the Rose as billiard marker, and during the past few months several robberies have been perpetrated there. Some other missing articles were found in the prisoner’s box.

Folkestone Express 25-4-1891

Wednesday, April 22^nd: Before J. Clark, J. Fitness, J. Pledge, J. Holden and E.T. Ward Esqs.

Transfer

The licence of the Pier Refreshment Rooms was temporarily transferred to Mr. F. Ralph, of the Rose Hotel

Folkestone Chronicle 2-5-1891

Thursday, April 30^th: Before Major Poole, W.G. Herbert and J. Brooke Esqs.

Emile Volberg, a Dutchman, about 20 years of age, was charged with stealing a brown leather bag from the Rose Hotel on Wednesday.

The evidence was translated by Mr. Mather, of the South Eastern Railway.

P.C. Lawrence said about half past ten on Wednesday he saw the prisoner in Dover Street. He was carrying a bag, which he now produced. He asked him where he was going to with the bag, and he replied “To Dover”. Witness asked him what he had in it, and he said “Clothes”. He had seen him previously walking about the lower part of the town. He took him into custody on suspicion of having stolen the bag. He was charged by the Superintendent, but made no reply.

Henry Worsley, boots at the Rose Hotel, said a gentleman named Hobbs stayed at the hotel from time to time. He knew the bag produced; it belonged to Mr. Hobbs. He last saw it between seven and eight on Wednesday evening in the luggage room.

Cobden Hobbs said he was a member of the firm of William Hobbs and Son, paper manufacturers, of Maidstone. He was staying at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday, and left the bag produced in charge of the boots. It was worth 30s., but the contents (paper) was of no value.

Prisoner, who pleaded Guilty, said it was the first offence he had ever committed; he was driven to it through hunger.

Sentenced to fourteen days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 2-5-1891

Thursday, April 30^th: Before H.W. Poole, J. Brooke, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Emile Volberg, a Dutchman, was charged with stealing a brown leather bag containing a quantity of paper, value 30s., the property of Messrs. Hobbs and Son. Mr. Mather interpreted the evidence.

P.C. Lawrence said at half past ten on Wednesday night he saw the prisoner in Dover Street, carrying the bag produced. He asked him where he was going with it. He replied “To Dover”. He asked what there was in it, and he replied “Clothes”. He had seen prisoner the previous night walking about the lower part of the town, but carrying no bag. He took him into custody and charged him with stealing the bag. He could speak no English. When charged by the Superintendent he made no reply.

Henry Worsley, boots at the Rose Hotel, identified the bag produced as the property of a gentleman named Hobbs. He saw it at the hotel between seven and eight on Wednesday night in a room on the ground floor.

Cobden Hobbs, a traveller from the firm of W. Hobbs and Son, paper manufacturers, of Maidstone, said he left the bag at the Rose Hotel in charge of the boots. The bag was worth 30s., but the contents were of no value.

Prisoner was a seaman on board the ship Corona, of Rotterdam. He said he left her at Dover, and she was gone to North America. He stole the bag because he was hungry.

Prisoner was sentenced to 14 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 2-5-1891

Thursday, April 30^th: Before H.W. Poole, J.J. Brooke and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Emile Volberg, a Dutchman, was charged with stealing a leather bag, the property of Messrs. Hobbs and Son, valued 30s.

Mr. Mather was sworn interpreter, and P.C. Lawrence said that about half past ten o`clock on Wednesday night he saw prisoner going up Dover Street, with the brown leather bag produced in his hand. He had been seen previously by the constable without any bag.

Henry Worsley, boots at the Rose Hotel, said he knew the bag, which he saw in the luggage room at the hotel, about eight o`clock on Wednesday evening.

Cobden Hobbs, traveller, identified the bag, which he left with the boots at the Rose. The value of the bag was 30s., the contents were paper patterns, and of no value.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and said he had come from Rotterdam by the steamer Corona, to Dover. The vessel had gone on to America. It was his first offence, and he had been driven to it by hunger.

The Chairman said they considered it a most impudent robbery, but as prisoner appeared to be a foreigner and in want, they decided to give him the lenient sentence of 14 days` imprisonment.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 6-5-1891

Thursday, 30^th April: Before H.W. Poole, J. Brooke, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Emile Volberg, a Dutchman, or rather a Dutch boy, was charged with stealing a brown leather bag from the Rose Hotel.

Prisoner was seen carrying the bag about by P.C. Lawrence, who, having suspicions, arrested him.

Mr. Cobden Hobbs appeared, and said the bag was his, and Henry Worsley, boots at the Rose, deposed to the bag being left in his charge.

Prisoner was unable to speak a word of English, and the evidence was translated to him by Mr. Mather. The plea was that he stole the bag because he was hungry.

14 days.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-1-1892

Local News

At the London Sheriff`s Court on Thursday, before Mr. Under Sheriff Burchell and a jury, the case of Bertha Pearce v William Bowtell, an action for breach of promise of marriage, came on for the assessment of damages.

Mr. J.T. Savage appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Matthew for the defendant.

Mr. Savage, in opening the case, said the defendant was head waiter at the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, and the plaintiff was vegetable cook in the same employ. The defendant realised an income of about £300 a year. The plaintiff was in receipt of £14 a year, and she made in “tips” about £3 in addition. Soon after the plaintiff went into the service defendant gave her an engagement ring. He persistently asked her to leave her situation, and she eventually did so. Several letters passed between the parties. There was one with no date, in which he wrote “My Darling Bert, Thanks for your loving letter, which came very welcome. Dear pet, will be down at your place tomorrow night about half past seven to quarter to eight, and then we will have a nice walk together. You must excuse this short note, because Harry is away tonight. Your own loving and affectionate WILL”. Then followed plenty of the usual hieroglyphics, and the postscript “I will give you plenty of kisses tomorrow”. Another letter, bearing a postmark of June 17^th, 1891, was couched in these terms: “Dear Bertha, I just write this note thinking it best that we should come to an understanding. We haven`t been able to hit it off lately for the simple reason that I am not attentive enough. I always was a bad courting chap, and like my liberty best. It is not because I have another girl, as I have not. I hope you will “except” this letter in the same spirit as I send it, and let our engagement end. Any time you want a friend you can always depend on one in me”. After the receipt of this letter the plaintiff tried to see the defendant, and when she eventually met him could get no further explanation, and was, therefore, compelled to bring this action.

The plaintiff, a comely young woman, gave evidence to the facts stated by her counsel. She further stated that the marriage day was fixed by the defendant, who represented that he made between £200 and £300 a year, exclusive of tips. He also said he intended to take a public house. The engagement lasted about fourteen months. The only reason the defendant assigned for breaking off the engagement was that he did not want a girl. (Laughter) She thereupon taxed him with having been out to Canterbury with the chambermaid and kitchen maid, which he did not deny.

Defendant said he was twenty seven or twenty eight years of age, he didn`t know which. (Laughter) His wages were 8s. a week and board. He sometimes had tips averaging about 1s. 6d. or 2s. a week. He did not keep his promise because he was not in a position to keep a wife. He had the same respect for the girl as he always had, and he would not mind marrying her now if he had the means. He withdrew £50 from the bank after the writ was served. He now had no money, except what he had in his pocket, and anyone was welcome to see what that was. (A laugh)

The jury, without leaving the box, assessed the damages at £25.

Folkestone Express 30-1-1892

Local News

On Thursday at the London Sheriff`s Court before Mr. Under Sheriff Burchell and a jury, the case of Bertha Pearce v William Bowtell, an action for breach of promise of marriage, came on for the assessment of damages.

Mr. Savage, in opening the case, said the defendant was head waiter at the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, and the plaintiff was vegetable cook in the same employ. The defendant realised an income of about £300 a year. The plaintiff was in receipt of £14 a year, and she made in “tips” about £8 in addition. Soon after the plaintiff went into service, defendant gave her an engagement ring. He persistently asked her to leave her situation, and she eventually did so. Several letters passed between the parties. There was one with no date, in which he wrote “My Darling Bert, Thanks for your loving letter, which came most welcome. Dear Pet, will be down at your place tomorrow night about 7.30 to quarter to 8, and then we will have a nice walk together. You must excuse this short note, because Harry is away tonight. Your own loving and affectionate, Will”. Then followed plenty of the usual hieroglyphics, and the postscript “I will give you plenty of kisses tomorrow”. Another letter, bearing the postmark of the 7^th June, 1891, was couched in these terms “Dear Bertha, I just write this note thinking it best that we should come to an understanding. We haven`t been able to hit it off lately for the simple reason that I am not attentive enough. I always was a bad courting chap, and like my liberty best. It is not because I have another girl, as I have not. I hope you will “except” this letter in the same spirit as I send it, and let our engagement end. Any time you want a friend, you can always depend on one in me”. After the receipt of this letter, the plaintiff tried to see the defendant, and when she eventually met him she could get no further explanation, and was, therefore, compelled to bring this action.

The plaintiff, a comely young woman, stated that the marriage day was fixed by the defendant, who represented that he made between £200 and £300 a year, exclusive of tips. He also said that he intended to take a public house. The engagement lasted about 14 months. The only reason the defendant assigned for breaking off the engagement was that he did not want a girl. (Laughter) She thereupon taxed him with having been out to Canterbury with the chambermaid and kitchenmaid, which he did not deny.

Defendant was called. He said he was 27 or 28 years of age – he didn`t know which. (Laughter) His wages were 8s. a week and board. He sometimes had tips averaging about 1s. 6d. or 2s. a week. He did not keep his promise because he was not in a position to keep a wife. He had the same respect for the girl as he always had, and he would not mind marrying her now if he had the means. He never told her that he gave £3 10s. for the engagement ring. He did not know that he would have given her one, except that she was always bothering him for one.

Mr. Savage: Do you think she is a chaste girl?

Defendant: I don`t know what you mean by that.

Did you write this letter to her? “April 6^th, 1891. My own Darling, I hope you are not cross with me over Saturday night. I had too much to drink, and had no business to get in that state; I do feel so ashamed of myself now. I hope, darling, you will forgive me with all your heart. My darling pet, I hope you won`t be cross with me, for you are the only friend I have in the world that loves me. I wish I had you here, pet; I would kiss those lips of yours. Can`t you send them by post; I could kiss them away. Think of your darling Will, and dream about me. God bless you, darling. From your ever loving and devopted lover, Will”.

Defendant said he did not cast any reflection upon the plaintiff. He withdrew £50 from the bank after the writ was served. He now had no money, except what he had in his pocket, and anyone was welcome to see what that was. (A laugh)

The jury assessed the damages at £25.

Folkestone Herald 30-1-1892

Week by Week

Mr. William Bowtell, head waiter at the Rose Hotel, must regret having tried his prentice hand at what he appears to have found the somewhat difficult art of courting. He seems to have become enamoured of the vegetable cook, Miss Bertha Pearce, employed at the same establishment, and so spirited was his wooing that before he had been in his situation very long, he had persuaded the vegetable cook to say “yessir”, and accept an engagement ring. In the course of a few short weeks, however, a change came o`er the spirit of Love`s young dream, and he wrote regretting that they had not been able to hit it off lately, but the fact was he was always a bad courting chap, and under the circumstances, he hoped she would give him his liberty and cry off. The jury at the London Sheriff`s Court gave the deserved young lady £25 as a balm for her wounded feelings. The case would not have been worth notice except that a fact which came out in the course of it serves to solve the vexed question “What shall we do with our boys?” It was stated that the income of the defendant was £300 a year. Who would go to the expense of having their hopefuls crammed in order to pass examinations for public offices when, by providing them with a white tie and a dress suit, they could be put in the way of realising such a comfortable income? I should, perhaps, in fairness, add that the head waiter denied his receipts were anything like this, but then defendants in breach of promise cases always are badly off – according to their own showing.

Folkestone Chronicle 12-3-1892

Local News

At the County Court on Tuesday, before His Honour Judge W.L. Selfe, the judgement summons of “Bertha Pearce v William Bowdell” came on for hearing. The amount claimed was £43 8s. 8d., which was awarded the plaintiff a few weeks ago as damages in her action against the defendant for breach of promise of marriage.

Mr. H.W. Watts appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Minter for the defendant. Plaintiff, who is described as a cook, did not put in an appearance.

Defendant was sworn, and stated that he was head waiter at the Rose Hotel, Folkestone.

Mr. Watts: Is that the principal commercial hotel in the town? – I couldn`t say it was the principal commercial hotel. I couldn`t give an opinion on the matter. It is one of them. There are several.

How long have you been there? – About two years.

What are your wages? – 8s. a week.

How much do you take a week in tips? – They vary a great deal.

About? – I can`t say; about 1s. 6d. or 2s. a week on average.

But a good many commercial travellers go there? – I couldn`t say a great many.

How many a day? – I couldn`t say exactly.

Mr. Minter: I don`t know why his master`s business should be enquired into.

Mr. Watts (continuing): Do you mean to say your wages are only 9s. or 10s. a week? – They vary. Sometimes the tips are 5s. a week, and sometimes only fifteen pence.

Had you some money in the Building Society? – Yes.

Sixty pounds? – Something like that.

His Honour: When did you have that? – Up to the 7^th of December.

Mr. Watts: Was that after you had received a letter threatening you with this action? – Yes, it was after that, but at the same time I wanted the money.

What did you do with it? – You can quite understand that a good part of it has gone in legal expenses through you.

You don`t mean that I have had any of it? – No.

You haven`t spent £60 in legal expenses. What have you done with the rest of it? – I thought I had a right to do what I liked with my own money, and I went for a fortnight`s holiday. (Pulling his money out of his pocket) I`m worth 3s. 7d. now.

How much did you spend on this holiday? – Oh, about £20.

What have you done with the rest? – I have spent a lot in drink and in gambling. As a matter of fact, I`m nearly penniless.

You represented yourself as earning considerably more than you say now? – I never represented anything of the sort. It is only assumption on your part when you say I earn £300.

Didn`t you say, when the action was heard, that you drew this money out after the writ was served? – No; that was the suggestion of the solicitor who conducted the case. He asked me the question, and then told me to get out of the box before I had time to answer it. (Laughter)

Mr. Minter: Does your master charge for attendance? – Yes.

And the servants simply have wages? – Yes.

I believe you have been foolish enough to go betting? – Yes; I lost considerably more than I won.

His Honour: Are you married? – No.

Mr. Minter: He intended to be married, but he came to the conclusion that he could not keep a wife, and he was honourable enough to tell the young lady so.

His Honour: And the hard hearted jury said he was responsible for £25 damages! (Laughter)

Mr. Minter: But he was represented as earning £300.

His Honour said he did not think he could have been represented as earning that amount because the jury would not have stopped at £25. He could not accept the defendant`s statement that he did not average more than 2s. a week in tips. At any rate he got his board and lodgings and 8s. a week – he believed he got more – and there would be an order for 12s. a fortnight.

Folkestone Express 12-3-1892

County Court

Tuesday, March 8^th: Before Judge Selfe.

Bertha Pearce v W. Bowtell: This was a case in which the plaintiff had obtained £25 in damages for breach of promise of marriage. His Honour ordered payment of 12s. a fortnight.

Folkestone Herald 12-3-1892

County Court

Before His Honour Judge Selfe.

Bertha Pearce v Wm. Bowtell: Mr. Watts was for the plaintiff, Mr. Minter for the defendant.

In this case the plaintiff, formerly a cook at the Rose Hotel, had obtained a verdict of £25 damages against the defendant, who is a waiter at the same establishment, and she now sued for the amount. The plaintiff did not appear, but the defendant went into the box, and in reply to Mr. Watts, said he could not say whether the Rose was the principal hotel in the town. He could give no opinion; there were several. His wages were 8s. a week, and in tips he averaged 1s. 6d. or 2s. He could not say more, and it was very doubtful whether he got as much as that. A good many commercials came there.

Mr. Minter did not know why the landlord`s business should be enquired into. His Honour said it was quite relevant.

Some weeks he did very bad. He might at times get 5s. and another time only 5d. He did not expect to get a tip from everyone who came to the hotel; if he had one he would not be there in Court. He had not managed to save some money, but he did have some money in a building society, something like £60, he believed. He drew it out after he received a letter threatening him with the action; he wanted it. He did not mean to say that the greater portion of it had gone in legal expenses. He supposed he could do what he liked with his own money, so he went for a fortnight`s holiday in September and spent it. Now he believed he was worth 3s. 7d. (Witness drew out some coins from his pocket and remarked he found it was not quite as much as that). Perhaps he spent £20 on his holiday, and then there was legal assistance, and the worry. He had never been (line missing with paper tear) and gamble. He never represented himself as earning considerably more; it was an assumption on his (Mr. Watts`) part to say he was earning £300 a year; it was ridiculous.

By Mr. Minter: His master charges for attendance. Many of the customers came and went away giving nothing, others gave a few coppers. In this action for breach of promise he did not put in an appearance; judgement went by default. Since then he had been foolish, and had been betting, and had lost his money.

By His Honour: He was not married. He had intended to be married, but had come to the conclusion that he could not afford to keep a wife.

His Honour, in giving judgement, said he was unable to accept the defendant`s assurance that he did not average more than 2s. a week in tips. Then he had his board and lodging, in addition to 8s. a week. So he thought he might fairly say that he received in money 12s. a week, and out of that he would have to set apart a substantial sum as a salve for the wounded feelings of Miss Bertha Pearce. He must pay 12s. a fortnight.

Folkestone Visitors` List 16-3-1892

County Court

Mr. William Bowtell did not feel disposed to pay up the sum of £25 and costs awarded Miss Bertha Pearce by a sympathetic jury as compensation for blighted affections. I think you know the story; but the subsequent proceedings in the Count Court for the amount in question are interesting as throwing a new light upon the average earnings of waiters. Many are the fabulous stories told of waiters who, waxing rich on “tips”, have retired at middle age and become landlords of flourishing public houses or hotels. But, alas! These were waiters whose course of love ran smooth, and who settled down with, maybe, the kitchenmaid, cook, or chambermaid as co-partners, or, as the novels have it, got married and lived happy ever after. When Mr. W. Bowtell swears in Court that his tips amount to 1s. 6d. or 2s. a week, we are, or course, bound to accept the statement as bona fide; but at the same time it is a sad reflection on the generosity of the “commercials” who frequent the hotel where Mr. William Bowtell played havoc with Bertha`s affections. How William must have gloated over his extra 1s. 6d. at the end of the week! The whole case is a salutary warning to waiters not to fall in love without due foresight, at all events in Folkestone, where “tipping”, it appears, is so little in vogue that the product of a week in one of it`s largest commercial hotels is only eighteen pence. His Honour`s belief in the veracity of William`s statement as to his “tips”, however, was not very strong, for, observing that it was not according to his experiences that waiters no longer looked for “tips”, he ordered the faithless waiter to pay the amount claimed, in instalments, at the rate of twelve shillings a fortnight.

Folkestone Express 15-5-1897

Wednesday, May 12^th: Before J. Fitness, W. Salter, G. Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

The licence of the Rose Hotel was transferred from Mr. Ralph to Mr. Hargreave.

Folkestone Up To Date 15-5-1897

Hall Of Justice

Wednesday, May 12^th: Before J. Fitness, W. Salter, G. Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

The licence of the Rose Hotel was transferred from Mr. Ralph to Mr. Hargreave.

Folkestone Express 19-6-1897

Wednesday, June 16^th: Before J. Holden, J. Pledge, and J. Fitness Esqs.

The licence of the Rose Hotel was transferred to Mr. Hargrave.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-7-1897

Tuesday, July 20^th: Before The Mayor, Mr. W. Wightwick, and Mr. G. Spurgen.

John Samuel Terry was granted temporary authority to sell at the Rose Hotel.

Folkestone Herald 7-8-1897

Police Court Record

On Wednesday – Captain Willoughby Carter presiding – transfer licence was granted to Mr. John S. Terry, Rose Hotel.

Folkestone Herald 29-1-1898

Local News

The Rose Hotel

This famous hostelry, so long and honourably connected with the name of the late Mr. William Medhurst, and later with that of Mr. F. Ralph, has lately changed hands. The Rose is, we suppose, one of the best-known and best conducted “commercial” hostelries in the kingdom, and has thus become one of the institutions of Folkestone, and bearing these facts in mind we have no hesitation in quoting the following appreciative notice of its present proprietor from that smartly-conducted trade journal “The Caterer and Hotel-Keeper`s Gazette”. The writer of the article says: Mr. John S. Terry, the proprietor of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone – a well known house in the popular and fashionable Kentish watering place – has had a long experience in various departments of the licensed trade. He was for more than twenty five years engaged with a firm of wholesale wine and spirit merchants. During this period his duties very largely consisted of gauging and valuing, and, becoming expert in these important operations, he relinquished the engagement to which we have referred to devote himself entirely to the business of gauging and valuing on his own account. This enterprise Mr. Terry carried on for twenty years, when he made a further departure by purchasing the Rose Hotel at Folkestone – a property which seemed to promise well, and which, we believe we are correct in saying, has fully justified the anticipations which Mr. Terry had formed as to its possibilities under his administration. Before he came into its possession, the Rose Hotel was favourably known to a wide connection, and its earlier traditions have been fully maintained under the later regime. Mr. Terry takes every pains to uphold the recognised standard of the house in the matters of cuisine and cellar, and pays strict attention to the requirements of his guests – a policy which has, so far, fully justified the aims and expectations originally formed by him when he purchased the business. Folkestone is a health-recruiting ground, and as a headquarters for temporary residence was never more popular than is the case at the present moment, and it is only by scrupulous attention to the comforts, and even to the idiosyncracies, of guests, that the popularity of such a resort and of its hotels can be fully retained and developed to the advantage of the community.

Folkestone Express 14-1-1899

Local News

The Rose Hotel: This well-known hotel has within the past few days passed into the hands of Mr. Percy C. Venner, who has had large experience in the business, and who will, we are sure, maintain the prestige which the Rose acquired in the hands of the late Mr. Richard Medhurst, and his successor, Mr. F. Ralph.

Saturday, January 7^th: Before Alderman Banks, and W.G. Herbert and J. Fitness Esqs.

Mr. Percy Venner was granted temporary authority to carry on business at the Rose Hotel.

Folkestone Up To Date 14-1-1899

Local News

The tenancy of the Rose Hotel was transferred, and a temporary licence granted by the Magistrates on Saturday last. An extension of time was granted to Mr. Adams, of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, for a dinner.

The Magistrates were Mr. W.G. Herbert and Mr. John Fitness, while Alderman Banks occupied the chair, but it was not clear to the public whether he took part in the proceeding or not. He certainly did not vacate the chair. As regards Mr. Herbert, we have no remarks to make, but we always understood that licensing justices must neither be directly or indirectly connected with the liquor traffic, yet Alderman Banks`s firm act as agents for many brewers and have a great deal to do with valuing and transferring tenancies of the same.

Mr. Fitness, we are informed, is the owner of two shops which have off licences for the sale of wine, spirits and beer, one being Makin`s in Guildhall Street, and the other Messrs, Fisk`s on the Sandgate Road.

We only thought that probably some others might think these gentlemen indirectly interested in the trade.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Messrs. Willoughby Carter, Pledge, Vaughan and Holden.

Licence Transfer

The Rose Hotel, Rendezvous Street, from Mr. Terry to Mr. Venner. In this case it was explained that Mr. Venner was employed by the mortgagees, and put in as manager.

Folkestone Express 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Capt. Carter, James Pledge, John Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

The licence of the Rose Hotel was transferred to Mr. P.H.R. Venner, who held a temporary authority.

Folkestone Herald 21-1-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday last transfer was granted to the following: Mr. Venner, The Rose.

Folkestone Up To Date 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Captain Willoughby Carter, J. Pledge, J. Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

Transfer was granted for The Rose to Mr. H.R. Venner, of London.

Folkestone Herald 28-1-1899

A Glimpse of Old Folkestone (Taken from The Watering Places of Great Britain)

The Rose Commercial Inn is a very comfortable establishment, with good accommodations, including stabling and lock-up coach-houses. It is situated in Broad Street, opposite the entrance from Sandgate Road, commanding a fine land prospect, and within a few minutes` walk of the beach. Coaches and vans to and from London, Dover, Sandgate, Hythe, and every other part of the coast call daily.

Folkestone Express 4-2-1899

Local News

The Rose Hotel was sold by auction in London on Wednesday, and purchased by the present occupier, Mr. P.C. Venner.

Southeastern Gazette 7-2-1899

Local News

The Rose Hotel was offered for sale by auction in London on Wednesday and purchased by the present occupier, Mr. Percy C. Venner.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-2-1899

Local News

The Rose Hotel: The Estates Gazette of last week says: The number of licensed properties on sale this week at Masons Hall Tavern was limited to one, Mr. S. Bradford selling the freehold of the Rose Hotel, No. 24, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, one of the oldest and best known commercial and family establishments, possessing a commanding position in this favourite seaside resort. The sale was made by order of the mortgagees. There are 27 bedrooms in the house. A profitable trade is carried on, and the hotel has an attractive front elevation, partly faced with ornamental tilework. The valuation was estimated at £1,200, and the stock at £250. Mr. Bradford shortly introduced the property, and the first bid was £8,000. At £8,750 the Rose was declared sold.

As stated last week, Mr. Venner was the purchaser.

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Rose Hotel, Rendezvous Street c1717 - 1927

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