Even More Tales From The Tap Room: Swan (2), Dover Road 1847

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.

Sunday 20 October 2024

Swan (2), Dover Road 1847 - 1940

Swan Sign, 1937. (No photo of the pub has yet come to light). Credit Folkestone Library

The remains of the Swan after it was destroyed by enemy action on 6th October, 1940. Photo kindly supplied by Alan Taylor

Licensees

James Golder Robinson 1847 1855 To South Foreland

William Franks 1855 1857

William Hall Robinson Snr.1857 1873

William Hall Robinson Jun. 1873 1898

Elizabeth Robinson (Later Brett) 1898 c1901

Peren W. Brett c1901 1904 (1901 Census)

Alfred Clarke 1904 1912 Ex Eagle

Christian Norman 1912 1914
Ernest Miles 1914 1914

William Clark 1914 1923

Alfred Parker 1923 1924

Sidney Herbert 1924 1940
Mr. Fullager 1942 (Protection)

Maidstone Gazette 5-5-1846, Dover Chronicle 9-5-1846, Kentish Gazette 12-5-1846, Kentish Independent, West Kent Guardian 16-5-1846

On Saturday last an accident of a serious nature befell John Rayner, the engine driver of the 4.15 p.m. up train, from the statement of his driver, it appeared that the unfortunate man was stooping over the side of the engine as it was entering the Shakespeare Tunnel and his head came in contact with the wall with such force as to precipitate him into the tender. On the arrival of the train at the station the poor fellow was taken in a state of insensibility to the Swan, where he was speedily attended by Mr. Eastes, surgeon, and was found to have sustained frightful injuries of the head. But slight hopes are given of his recovery.

Maidstone Journal 28-3-1854

Assizes, Tuesday: George Stone, for uttering a counterfeit sovereign, well knowing the same to be counterfeit, and having at the same time other counterfeit coin in his possession, at Cheriton, on 1^st February. The prisoner is a soldier of the Foot Artillery. He went to the White Lion at Cheriton, kept by Mr. Collins, on the day named, and asked for a pint of porter. Mrs. Collins served him, and he then tendered something she supposed to be a sovereign and she returned him change. Prisoner said it was a good one, and he had just taken it from his pay sergeant. She kept it in paper in her purse till her husband came home, when he found it was spurious. He gave information to the police at Folkestone, when Steers, the police superintendent there, apprehended the prisoner about 11 a.m. at the Swan, Dover Road. He owned that he had changed a sovereign at the White Lion or Bird in Hand that morning. He took from his pocket five half crowns, two shillings and the piece now produced resembling the coin tendered. He said he did not know it was bad. He had received a £5 note from his pay sergeant about two days previously, which he had changed at the foot of London Bridge. Prisoner said this in defence and that he had received the coins in change. He told Mrs. Collins he was going to the Star, where the inspector found him. He had no witnesses, but produced a good character from his commanding officer. The coins were those well-known medals, having a man on a horse and “To Hanover” on the reverse. The learned Sergeant recommended the jury to confine their attention to the first count, charging him with putting off the piece knowing it to be false. Guilty on the first count. His Lordship, in passing sentence, said that he had a document before him which certainly gave the prisoner a good character, but it also said that the only money he received from the regiment was 11s. 4d., all in silver. Five months` hard labour. The change of the sovereign found on the prisoner was ordered to be handed over to Mr. Collins.

Note: Where was he found? Report is conflicting.

Southeastern Gazette 28-3-1854

Kent Assizes

Tuesday, March 21^st.

George Stone, a soldier in the Artillery, was charged with uttering a counterfeit sovereign, at Cheriton, having at the same time other counterfeit coin in his possession.

Prisoner went to Mr. Collins’s, the White Lion, at Cheriton, on the 1st February, for a pint of porter, for which he tendered to Mrs. Collins what she supposed to be a sovereign, and received the change. On her husband’s return, she gave it to him, when it was found to be spurious. Prisoner had told her that he had received it from his pay- sergeant.

Mr. Collins having given information to the Folkestone police, Superintendent Steers apprehended the prisoner at about 11 o’clock in the morning, at the Swan, in the Dover Road. He acknowledged that he had changed a sovereign that morning, and took from his pocket five half-crowns, two shillings, and the piece produced, resembling the tendered coin. He said he had received a £5 note from his pay-sergeant about two days previous, which he had changed at the foot of London-bridge. The coins had a man on a horse on one side, and “To Hanover” on the reverse.

Prisoner said he had received the coins in change for the note. He produced a good character from his commanding officer.

He was found guilty of putting off the piece knowing it be counterfeit.

The learned Sergeant said that he had a document before him, which gave prisoner a good character, but stated that all that he had received from the regiment was 11s. 4d. He then sentenced him to five months’ hard labour, and ordered the change of the sovereign found on him to be given up to Mr. Collins.

Note: Date for Collins is at variance with More Bastions.

Southeastern Gazette 10-7-1855

Inquest

An inquest was held last week before the S. Eastes Esq., coroner at the Swan Ian, Folkestone, on the body of William Wibourn, aged 27, stonemason.

Deceased was at work on the 12th June at Cheriton churchyard doing the brick work of a grave, when he attempted to get a bird’s nest in the buttress of the church ; he got on to a plank, and held on to a stone in the buttress, which came out, and he stepped off the plank, falling on to some iron railings around a tomb, one of the spear-headed rails entering into his arm and the elbow joint. He was taken to Mr. William Bateman’s, surgeon, who found a very extensive wound in the right arm, and the muscles were torn. The skin was torn down over the elbow about 4 inches. The wound did well for twelve days, when the deceased was attacked with tetanus or lockjaw; he lingered until the 3d July, when he died in great suffering.

Verdict ’‘Accidental death.” The deceased was a very steady young man, and has left a wife and one child.

Kentish Mercury 14-7-1855

An inquest was held a few days since at the Swan Inn, on the body of William Wibourn, aged 27, stonemason. Deceased was at work on the 12^th June, at Cheriton churchyard doing the brickwork on a grave, when he attempted to get a bird`s nest in the buttress of the church; he got on to a plank, and held on to a stone in the buttress, which came out, and he stepped off the plank, falling onto some iron railings around a tomb, one of the spare-headed rails entering into his arm and the elbow joint. He was taken to Mr. William Bateman`s, surgeon, who found a very extensive wound in the right arm, and the muscles were torn. The skin was torn down over the elbow about 4 inches. The wound did well for 12 days, when the deceased was attacked with tetanus, or lockjaw; he lingered until the 3^rd July, when he died in great suffering. Verdict, “Accidental Death.” The deceased was a very steady young man, and has left a wife and one child.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-10-1855

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

The Adjourned General Licencing Meeting was held this day, when the following licence was granted: William Franks, Swan.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-6-1857

Wednesday June 3^rd: - Before R.W. Boarer esq., Mayor, and J. Kelcey, J. Tolputt, W. Bateman esqs., and Capt. Kennicott.

The following licence was transferred: Swan, licence granted to William Hall Robinson, in the place of Mr. Franks, who is rendered by sickness incapable of keeping a public house.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-4-1858

Death:

On April 9^th, at the County Lunatic Asylum, Barming Heath, Mr. W.T. Franks, formerly landlord of the Swan Inn, Grove Terrace, aged 34 years.

Kentish Gazette 20-4-1858

Death: April 9, at the County Lunatic Asylum, Barming Heath, Mr. W.T. Franks, formerly landlord of the Swan Inn, Folkestone, aged 34 years.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 24-4-1858

Death: April 9, at the County Lunatic Asylum, Mr. W.T. Franks, formerly of the Swan Inn, Folkestone, aged 34.

Dover Chronicle 6-10-1860

Quarter Sessions, October 2^nd: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Benjamin Clark, labourer, was charged with stealing a watch at the late regatta, from the person of Mr. S. Terry, of the Swan public house. The prisoner was undefended and acquitted.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-10-1869

Quarter Sessions, Tuesday last: Before James John Lonsdale Esq.

Benjamin Clark was charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of William Terry, from his person, on the 23^rd August last (Regatta Day). Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

William Terry, examined by the Court: Was in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company; on the evening of the 23^rd August, went into the Swan Hotel to wait for the excursion train; had his right hand in his waistcoat pocket for the purpose of protecting his watch, as there was a fight going on outside the door; went into the back room, and stood with his back to the table, the gas being behind him; the prisoner stood facing prosecutor; took his hand from his pocket to hand a jug to a friend, when he felt a tug at his watch; he immediately put his hand to his pocket and caught prisoner`s left hand in his, with the chain; the watch, however, was gone, but he saw the prisoner put his right hand behind him towards a man who stood in the doorway; the ring of the swivel of the watch was picked up at prisoner`s feet; had not seen the watch since; seized the prisoner and gave him over to the custody of a police constable.

Police Constable Reynolds deposed he took the prisoner into custody for stealing a watch, searched him, and found on him a halfpenny, a cigar, and part of a railway ticket; the cigar was in his hand.

Mr. Martin produced a letter received from the Metropolitan Police Court, which, however, the Learned Recorder refused to receive, it not being evidence.

Mr. Martin resumed: Prisoner gave his address as 2, Single Street, Bow, London, which he had reason to believe was fictitious, from enquiries he had made.

The prosecutor then said the prisoner told him, when he collared him, that he was a native of the town.

The Recorder summed up very carefully, remarking it was only a case of suspicion against the prisoner, and if they had any doubt of his guilt, they had better give it to him; the defence of the prisoner was that he was searching for a light when seized by the prosecutor, and in some degree this was borne out by the policeman, who stated he found a cigar in prisoner`s hand; however, they had heard the evidence, and must give a verdict according to the best of their belief.

The Jury then retired, and on their return gave a verdict of Not Guilty.

Kentish Gazette 9-10-1860

Folkestone Quarter Sessions, Tuesday, October 2^nd (Before J. J. Lansdale, Esq., Recorder).

The learned Recorder congratulated the Grand Jury on the exceedingly light calendar, which, considering the great extent of the borough, reflected great credit on the police for the vigilance displayed in preventing crime.

Benjamin Clark, a labourer, was charged with stealing a watch at the late regatta, from the person of Mr. S. Terry, of the Swan public house. The prisoner was undefended and acquitted.

Southeastern Gazette 9-10-1860

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Benjamin Clark, 18, labourer, was indicted for stealing a watch from the person of William Terry, on the day of the regatta. It appeared that prosecutor was taking some refreshment at the Swan Inn, when he felt a tug at liis pocket, and caught the prisoner’s hand on his chain. He then found that his watch was gone, and saw the prisoner pass his hand behind him. The ring of the watch was found at his feet, having been cut off by some instrument.

The Recorder summed up greatly in favour of the prisoner, and the jury acquitted him, much to the astonishment of every one in court.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 13-10-1860

Quarter Sessions, last week; before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Benjamin Clark, 18, labourer, was indicted for stealing a watch from the person of William Terry, on the day of the regatta.

It appeared that prosecutor was taking some refreshment at the Swan Inn, when he felt a “tug” at his pocket, and caught the prisoner`s hand on his chain. He then found that his watch was gone, and saw the prisoner pass his hand behind him. The ring of the watch was found at his feet, having been cut off by an instrument.

The Recorder summed up greatly in favour of the prisoner, and the jury acquitted him.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-2-1862

Friday February 14^th:- Before Gilbert Kennicott and James Tolputt esqs.

Caution To Drivers Of Public Carriages

William Philpot, a licenced driver, No. 6, was summoned for a like offence.

Ingram Swain P.C. deposed on Saturday evening last about 10 o`clock he saw two carriages standing at the door of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, about 6 or 8 feet from the door; defendant, the driver of one of them stood by the door; the other carriage was not attended by anyone. About 11 o`clock witness returned to the Swan and found that one of the carriages were gone; defendant still stood at the door; the other was inside the tap room. Witness asked defendant if that was his carriage outside and he said yes. The place where the carriage stood was alongside the high road.

Edmund Kingsford proved the defendant as a licenced driver, No. 6, the licence having been granted on the 1^st June, 1857.

Defendant in answer to the charge attempted to prove the plea where his carriage stood was private property, and called the landlord of the Swan, Mr. Robinson, to corroborate him.

The magistrates however considered the case proved and fined defendant 1s. and costs 11s. 6d. The fine and costs were paid at once.

Walter Woolgar, licenced fly driver No. 8, was summoned for a similar offence, at the same time and place. It appeared he was the driver of the other carriage, referred to in the previous case, belonging to Mr. Henry Laker.

Police Constable Swain deposed the horse and carriage was seen going down Mill Lane, without any driver with it. Swain proceeded to the Swan, and found defendant sitting in the tap room. He told him the fly had gone away, when defendant said “Oh, I dare say the old mare has gone home all right”; he didn`t think she`d run away. (A laugh)

Mr. Kingsford proved the defendant was a licenced driver.

Defendant, who had pleaded not guilty, justified himself on the plea that Mr. Laker had discharged him on a minute`s notice, and was not therefore the driver of the carriage.

The magistrates, however, considered it a bad case, and fined him 5s. and 10s. costs, if brought up again the full penalty to be inflicted.

Defendant said he had neither money nor goods, so they must take his body.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-9-1862

Wednesday September 3^rd:- Before Captain Gilbert Kennicott R.N., W.F. Browell, James Tolputt, A.M. Leith and W. Wightwick esqs.

Thomas Joy, 28, described as a baker, James Burns, 25, engine driver, Sarah Walker, 23, and Jane Jemima Castle, 20, were then placed at the bar, charged with feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling house of William Hall Robinson, and stealing £3 0s 6d in gold and silver, 7s or 8s in coppers, two boxes of cigars, 1 silk handkerchief, 1 concertina, 2 coats, 1 monkey jacket, 4 clocks, 1 letter, 1 public house licence, pair sugar tongs, 1 gold pin, 1 frock, 1 child`s coat.

William Hall Robinson, sworn, deposed he was landlord of the Swan Inn, Dover Road. On Tuesday morning last, witness was awoke by his servant, about 20 minutes to 7, who told him the house had been broken into. On going downstairs, witness found that a pane of glass had been removed in the back parlour, and the fastenings undone – the window was a small distance open. Witness had fastened the window the last thing on the previous night, and was the last person to go to bed; the things in the parlour were all in a state of confusion. A writing desk had been broken open, and a small gold pin abstracted from it; the cupboard had been opened and the things in it turned topsy turvy. Witness missed the clock from the top of the cupboard, the right hand one as the room was entered. Witness then went to the bar, and found the bar window over the counter had been forced open, and two boxes of cigars taken, £3 0s 6d in gold and silver from the till, 7 or 8 shillings worth of coppers from the same till, a pint of pale brandy, a letter directed to witness, and the magistrates certificate of the licence, all from the same bar. Witness then went to the police station and informed the police. Witness had securely closed the bar window on the previous night by a flush bolt on the inside; the £3 0s 6d was club money, which had been collected the night before, and was in a large cup; saw the two male prisoners between the hours of 9 and 11 o`clock at his house, on Monday night; they had refreshments there; had not seen them before, nor the women prisoners at all. The gold pin now produced by Police constable Smith, witness identified; it had a red stone in it; witness also missed three coats, now produced by Police constable Smith.

Mary Jane Stace, being sworn, deposed she was servant at the Swan Inn; came downstairs on Tuesday morning about a quarter to 7, and saw the door of the back parlour was open, also saw two empty cigar boxes lying in the passage; also saw a pint pot half full of beer, and a glass standing on the floor in the front parlour; in the back parlour witness saw that five little clocks were gone from a sideboard in the room. Witness went out of the back door, and found a ladder standing against the gate, and that the window of the back parlour was opened a little way. Witness then called her master. Previous to this witness found the bar window was open, and also the till drawer. Witness was the first one down in the house that morning.

William Taylor, being sworn, deposed he was landlord of the General Havelock public house, at Canterbury. Between 1 and 2 yesterday afternoon James Burns and Sarah Walker came into witness`s house and called for some refreshment. They had not been more than 10 minutes in the house when the bundle now produced by Sergeant Newman was given into witness`s charge. The prisoners left the house, the male prisoner saying “Take charge of this. I shall be back directly”. Witness had not seen them until now. Witness did not examine the bundle. Inspector Dodd, of the Canterbury police, came to witness`s house about 4 minutes afterwards with the witness Robinson, and witness gave the bundle to the Inspector.

By the prisoner Sarah walker:- You asked if you might have a bed, to which I said yes.

Police sergeant Thomas Newman, sworn, deposed he was sergeant of police. From information received, witness proceeded to Dover yesterday morning in company with police constable Smith and Mr. Robinson. They traced the prisoners from Dover to Canterbury by the London and Chatham Railway. Witness followed, went into the Wellington public house, Broad Street, Canterbury, and found the prisoner Thomas Joy and the female prisoner Jane Jemima Castle. Police constable Smith took Joy, and witness assisted him in securing Joy, as he was rather violent; prisoner was taken to the Canterbury police station and witness told the prisoner he should search him. The prisoner pulled from his coat pocket 53 cigars, and 2 knives, one in a case, the other clasp, two boxes of matches, a letter addressed to Mr. W Robinson, The Swan Inn, Folkestone, a magistrates certificate of licence to W. Robinson, dated 22^nd August, 1862. When the prisoner took out the paper he said “Those are not my property”; also 4s 11 1/2d – 3s 6d in silver, and the rest in coppers; prisoner gave his name as John Asson. The other prisoners Burns and Walker were then brought in, and also Castle, and they were all brought to Folkestone. Witness received the bundle produced, identified by Taylor, from Inspector Dodd, in the presence of the witness Robinson, which contained a quantity of wearing apparel, not identified, four clocks, and a pair of scissors; the second bundle now produced, witness obtained from Inspector Dodd, in the presence of witness Robinson, and contained a quantity of children`s wearing apparel and a quantity of baby linen, A good deal of amusement was caused by the Clerk asking the witness if he could describe the baby linen, in which the prisoners joined heartily.

Questioned by James Burns – Did not see you come into the police station at Canterbury

Police constable Edwin Smith, sworn, deposed than on Tuesday morning, in company with police sergeant Newman and the prosecutor, Robinson, he went to Dover and from thence to Canterbury; Robinson went with witness to the Wellington Inn, at Canterbury, and there saw the prisoner Joy and Castle; the prisoner Joy had a concertina, tied up in a silk handkerchief; witness enquired where he got it from, and he answered it was his own property; the witness Robinson immediately identified the concertina and handkerchief as his property; Joy said nothing. The three coats now produced were lying on a table, which Robinson also identified; previously witness asked prisoner where he got them from, and he said they were his property, he had bought them. Witness, who was in plain clothes, told him he was a police constable, and he should apprehend him on a charge of burglary at Folkestone. Prisoner said “You -----, you take me”, and put himself in a fighting attitude; with assistance the prisoner was secured and taken to the Canterbury police station, and also the prisoner Castle, who was also taken to the station. The prisoners Castle and Joy were sitting close together; she was the worse for liquor, and had a bundle of clothes with her, which she claimed as her property. Whilst in the station at Canterbury, witness saw the prisoners Burns and Walker brought into the station by superintendent Davis, of the Canterbury police; as soon as the prisoners were brought in, Robinson identified the prisoner Burns as the one who was in company with at his house the night previous. Witness commenced to search the prisoner Burns, who put his hand in his pocket and pulled out two pence. Witness then found in Burns` left hand pocket of his coat 4 clock weights and an alarm weight, in his waistcoat pocket two ear drops and a small gold earring, a gold pin with part of a red stone in it, and five cigars. All these articles witness produced. Witness then assisted in bringing the prisoners to Folkestone.

Examined and questioned by James Burns – You did not come into police station voluntarily, you were brought in by the collar by Davies. You did not say to me “The man who stole the weights is on the way”.

Mr. Robinson re-called – Identify the gold pin, the 4 clocks, 1 child`s frock, a child`s jacket, a letter, a magistrate`s certificate, three coats, a silk handkerchief, sugar tongs, pair of scissors, 5 pieces of baby linen, clock weights and an alarm, and concertina as being his property, produced by police sergeant Newman and police constable Smith. The property taken exceeds £5 in value. Witness also identified the bundles produced as those which he saw delivered to the police at Canterbury, and saw them hand the bundles to police sergeant Newman.

Capt. Kennicott said the magistrates had decided on discharging the female prisoners, as they had not found any of the property on them, but cautioned them as to their future conduct; they having had a very narrow escape.

Both the male prisoners, having been cautioned made long, rambling statements in defence.

The depositions were then formally completed, and the prisoners were committed to take their trials at the next Quarter Sessions for the borough, the witnesses being bound over to appear and give evidence at the trial.

Folkestone Observer 6-9-1862

Wednesday September 3^rd:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt, A.M. Leith and W.F. Browell Esqs

Burglary

Thomas Joy, 28, baker, James Burns, 25, engine driver, Sarah Walker, 23, prostitute, and Jane Jemima Castle, prostitute, were charged with burglariously entering the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and stealing various articles.

William Paul Robinson, landlord of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, said that his servant came to him about 20 minutes to 7 on Tuesday morning and told him that the house had been robbed. He got up and went downstairs, when he found that a pane of glass in the back parlour had been broken, and the window itself was raised about 2 inches. He had himself fastened the window last thing on Monday night. All the things in the parlour were in confusion. A writing desk had been forced open, and a small gold pin with a real stone was abstracted from it. The cupboards had also been opened, and things turned out. A clock had stood on the cupboard, which he missed. At the time he did not notice the absence of anything else, but afterwards he missed a child`s frock coat, and some babies` clothing. Going into the parlour, he missed two boxes of cigars, £3 0s 6d in gold and silver money from the till, 7s or 8s in copper money, a bottle of pale brandy (a pint), a letter, a magistrates` certificate of licence, and 3 coats. Witness then came to the police station to give evidence. The bar window, which was fastened by a small inside bolt the night before, had been forced open. There was no mark on the window, or on the writing desk, to show how either of them was forced open. The gold and silver was club money that he had incautiously left in a large packet in the till the night before. The two male prisoners came into his house between 9 and 10 on Monday evening, and went away between 10 and 11. The men came in for refreshment. The women were not with them. Witness then identified the gold pin (which P.C. Smith produced) but the red stone was missing.

Mary Jane Stace, servant at the Swan Inn, came downstairs on Tuesday morning at a quarter to 7, and found the side door of the back parlour open. An empty wine glass was on the floor on each side of the passage; the cupboard doors were open. Five little clocks were gone from a box that stood on the sideboard. Going to the back door, she saw a ladder standing against the gate. The back parlour window was up a little way, and the bar window and till drawer were open.

William Taylor, landlord of the General Havelock, Canterbury, said that between 1 and 2 yesterday afternoon, the prisoners Burns and Sarah Walker came into his house and ordered some refreshment. They had not been there more than 10 minutes when the bundle on the table (produced by Sergeant Newman), was given into his charge by the prisoner Burns, and both prisoners then left the house. Burns said “Take charge of this. I shall be back directly”. Witness had not seen the prisoners since until this morning. Inspector Dodd, of the Canterbury police, came to witness in company with Mr. Robinson four minutes after prisoners had left, and claimed the parcel. Walker, when she came in, asked if he had a bed to let.

P.S. Newman, having received information from Mr. Robinson, proceeded with him and P.c. Smith to Dover, and then to Canterbury, to the Wellington public house, where he fornd the prisoners Joy and Castle. He apprehended Joy, and took him to the Canterbury police station, where he told him he must search him. Joy then pulled from his pocket 53 cigars, a case knife and clasp knife, two boxes of matches, a letter addressed “Mr. W.h. Robinson, Swan Inn, Folkestone”, and a magistrates` certificate of excise licence, dated 22^nd August, 1862. When he pulled out the letter and licence he said “These are not my property”. He also produced 4s 11 1/2d. He then, at witness`s request, wrote his name as John Ason. The other prisoners, Castle, Burns, and Walker were brought into the station while witness was there, and he assisted in bringing all of them to Folkestone. The bundle identified by Taylor witness received from Inspector Dodd in presence of Mr. Robinson. (The bundle was then opened, and was found to contain a quantity of wearing apparel not identified, 4 clocks, pair of German sugar tongs and a pair of scissors. Witness also produced a second bundle, that he had received i the same way, which contained several articles of childrens` clothes, baby linen &c.)

P.C. Smith said he went to Dover with Mr. Robinson and Sergeant Newman, and found the prisoners Joy and Castle at the Wellington public house. The prisoner Joy had a concertina tied up in a handkerchief, and said it was his own property, and also three coats that witness found on the table on the room in which the prisoners were. Witness asked him where he got the coats from, and he said he bought them. Witness then took Joy and Castle to the Canterbury station. Castle was rather the worse for drink. The bundle which she had she said was her own property, and she knew of nothing else. On examining her bundle nothing was found in it but her own wearing apparel. Prisoner and Castle were sitting near each other, but other persons were in the same room. While in the Canterbury station, the Superintendent brought in Burns and Walker, having found them outside the station. Robinson immediately identified Burns as the man who had been in company with Joy. Searching Burns, 2d in coppers, 5 clock weights, 2 ear drops, small gold earring, gold pin, with part of a red stone in it, and 5 cigars were found upon him.

In cross-examination by the prisoner Burns, witness said he (Burns) did not come voluntarily into the Canterbury station to enquire for a person, but was brought in by the Superintendent by the collar. Burns did not say that a man had sold him two of the things on the road. He said that he had sold the clocks to a man on the road.

Mr. Robinson, being again called, identified the gold pin, four clocks, child`s jacket, letter, magistrates` certificate, three coats, concertina, silk handkerchief, sugar tongs, scissors, five pieces of baby linen and five clock weights as his property, and exceeding £5 in value.

This being the case against the prisoners, Captain Kennicott stated that the Bench had decided to dismiss the women, no property having been found on them, but he cautioned them as to their choice of companions in the future.

The prisoners then being called on for their defence, Joy said that on Monday morning he met Burns in Dover, on the road to Folkestone, and in reply to Burns he said he was going to Folkestone to look for work. He said he was also going to Folkestone. They stayed in Folkestone until about 9 o`clock, and then seeing that there was no work in the town they returned to Dover. They got up early on Tuesday and were going to Canterbury, and when they came to the station it was too early. There was a man there with two large bundles in his hand. He asked if anyone wanted to buy anything, as he was out of employment and without any money. They told him they ould not do so, as they were short of money themselves. He then said he would sell them things very cheap, as he was in want of money. Burns asked him how much he wanted for the lot. At firt he asked 35s. He (Joy) told him they could not give him so much, as they had only £2 between them. He then wanted 30s., but he (Joy) told him he would give him £1 8s., and he went and changed a sovereign and came back and paid him the money. Then the man offered them a lot of cigars for 2s., and so the man received 30s. for the whole, and left them, and they started for Canterbury.

Burns said the man who offered the things said they need not be afraid to buy the goods. He brought them from London. They were his own property. He had carried them a long way, and he was hard up for money. He said he would not carry them any further, for they were no use to him as he intended to go to sea. When he was leaving them, “this gentleman here” (the prisoner Joy), went to get two tickets, and the man put his two fingers in his white waistcoat pocket, and asked him (Burns) if he was married. He said he was not, but he intended to be; and the man then gave him two large ear drops and a small pin, and said “I`ll bid you goodbye. Keep them in remembrance of me” (laughter). He then went away, and they went to Canterbury, where he went to the General Havelock. Sarah Walker went out to get something to eat, but she came running back, and said the young man and woman who came with them from Canterbury were locked up. Giving the two bundles to the landlord at the bar, and asking them to keep them for a few minutes, he went to the police station, where there was a great crowd. Pressing through the crowd, he asked the Inspector if So-and-So (giving description of Joy and Castle) were locked up. He said “Yes. Come along with me”, and he (Burns) went. After he got inside the Inspector caught him by the collar of his coat, and searched him.

Both prisoners were then committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions to be held in the borough.

One of the male prisoners (Joy) is believed to be an old convict who has served a four year sentence; and the other (Burns) is a notorious character in the neighbourhood of Chatham. He was formerly in the 17^th Lancers, and subsequently worked in the Chatham dockyard. The two female prisoners, who are well known on the Camp, were arrested by Sergeant Smith of the County Police immediately on their quitting the Court, their bundles containing various articles stolen, with others, from the premises of R. Oakenfold, of Ashford, on Tuesday se`ennight. They will be brought before the magistrates at Ashford this morning.

Kentish Express 6-9-1862, Kentish Gazette 9-9-1862

Ashford Police Court, Friday; before W.P. Burra Esq.

Two suspicious-looking women, said to be well-known to the police as thieves, were brought up in custody charged with being concerned in the burglary at the Coach and Horses, Drum Lane, Ashford, on Wednesday night week. They gave the names of Jane Revel, of Richmond, and Sarah Walker, of Chillenden; but Sergeant Newman, of the Folkestone police stated that when apprehended Revel gave the name of Jane Jemima Castle. This that “lady” accounted for by stating that her mother was “not married when she had her,” so that she could take which she liked of her mother`s two names.

Elizabeth Oakenfull stated that her husband kept the Coach and Horses beer-shop, Ashford. The house was broken into on Wednesday night or early on Thursday morning, the 27^th or 28^th of last month. She saw the house closed and fastened up at about twenty minutes past or half past eleven o`clock. Their son discovered the house had been entered in the morning.

Richard Oakenfull, son of the last witness, deposed that he came downstairs between 5 and 6 o`clock on the morning of the 28^th Aug. He went up to his father`s room and asked him if anyone had been in the night, as all the tobacco and cigars and meat had been taken. His father then came down, and they found that the back window had been broken, and the house entered; a quantity of things having been stolen.

Mrs. Oakenfull identified a shirt and two handkerchiefs, which were produced, as having formed part of the property stolen from the house. She had folded them up and placed them with other clothes in a basket the night before, and when she came down in the morning after the robbery she found they were missing. She was positive they formed part of the things stolen.

Thomas Newman, sergeant of police for the borough of Folkestone, stated that on Tuesday, the 2^nd inst., he received information of the Swan public house at Folkestone having been broken into, and money and other property to the amount of £10 being stolen. From further information he received, he traced the two prisoners, who were in company with two men, to Dover, and from Dover to Canterbury, and at the Wellington public house, Broad Street, in that city, he found the prisoner Revel in company with one of the men, named Thomas Joy. She had a bundle, which he searched, and found it did not contain any of the proceeds of the burglary at Folkestone, but the man had a bundle which contained nearly all the property stolen from the Swan, with the exception of the money. The prisoner Walker with the other man was apprehended by another constable, and all four were taken to Folkestone. They were examined before the magistrates for that borough on the following day, when the two men were committed to take their trial for burglary, the women being discharged. The woman Revel, however, claimed the bundle found in her possession as her property, and in that the things which had been produced, and identified by Mrs. Oakenfull, were found.

Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., stationed at Sandgate, deposed that he met the prisoners in Folkestone on the 3^rd instant. Revel was carrying a large bundle, and the other had a few things. In reply to questions which witness put to them, they both said they had got nothing but what belonged to them. On searching them witness found in their possession things which, in consequence of information he had received, he felt convinced had been stolen at Ashford. Revel at first claimed the shirt as her own property; she subsequently said it belonged to one of the young men who had just been committed. She said she had picked up the white pocket handkerchief in the street at Dover. A passport belonging to one of the men was found upon her, and he had other evidence that all four had been acting together. Serg. Smith also stated that there was a large quantity of property found in the possession of the prisoners that was of a doubtful character, and was doubtless the proceeds of similar robberies.

Mrs. Oakenfull described a quantity of the articles stolen from her house, and Sergeant Smith mentioned several of them which were now at Folkestone, and had been in a bundle in the possession of James Burns, the man with whom Walker was travelling about.

Superintendent Dewar therefore asked for a remand for a week to enable him to bring further evidence.

On being asked whether they had anything to say why they should not be remanded, Revel replied “The shirt was given into my hands at Dover by one of the men that are took up, to wash for him. The white handkerchief I picked up in Snargate Street, Dover.”

Walker: I know nothing at all about the case. I have got nothing – only what belongs to myself, and that the policeman has got on the table.

The prisoners were then remanded.

Sergeant Smith stated that after the two men were committed for the burglary at the Swan, Folkestone, a clear case of robbery committed by them at a public house at Sandgate was discovered. This occurred on Sunday night, and the prisoners must have concealed themselves on the premises when the house closed, and then let themselves out after the inmates had gone to bed. The landlord did not retire until 12 o`clock, and his son was up by five the next morning, when he found the door open, and a watch and other property taken away. The watch and other things had been pawned by the men. They remained hanging about the neighbourhood, and on Sunday broke into the Swan. Joy was a German, and his real name is not known, as he gave more than one name to the police; he is said to have been sentenced on a previous occasion to four years penal servitude. Burns has been discharged from the 17^th Lancers. Walker is well-known as a thief. They all appear to have been on a thieving tour together, and it is fortunate they have been taken.

Maidstone Journal 9-9-1862

On Monday night the Swan public house was broken into, and money and other property to the amount of about £10 stolen. On the previous evening, a similar robbery was committed at a public house at Sandgate, a watch and other property having been taken away. It appeared evident that the thieves must have concealed themselves on the premises when the house closed, and the let themselves out after the inmates were gone to bed. The police were communicated with, and Sergeant Newman, of the Folkestone force, traced two men and two women to Dover, where he apprehended them, and found that they had been disposing of some of the things stolen from Folkestone and Sandgate, as well as the proceeds of a robbery at the Coach and Horses the previous week. The men stated their names to be Joy and Burns, and the women Walker and Revel. The former have been committed for trial by the Folkestone Magistrates, and the latter are on remand at Ashford. Walker is well known as a thief. They all appear to have been on a thieving tour together, and it is fortunate they have been taken.

Southeastern Gazette 9-9-1862

Ashford Police Court, Friday: Before W.P. Burra Esq.

Two women, who gave the names of Jane Revel, of Richmond, and Sarah Walker, of Chillenden, both well-known to the police, were charged with being concerned in the burglary at the Coach and Horses, Drum Lane, Ashford, on Wednesday night week.

The manner in which the burglary was committed (as stated by us last week) having been deposed to, Mrs. Oakenfull identified a shirt and two handkerchiefs produced as having formed part of the property stolen from the house. Thomas Newman, sergeant of the Folkestone police force, stated that he apprehended the prisoners at Canterbury on the 2^nd inst., they then being in company of two men, whom he also took into custody, on the charge of having broken into the Swan public house at Folkestone, and stolen goods and money to the amount of £10. The men were committed for trial, and the two prisoners discharged. In a bundle which Revel claimed as her own property, the things which had been identified by Mrs. Oakenfull were found.

Sergt. Smith, K.C.C., stationed at Sandgate, said there was a large quantity of property found in the possession of the prisoners, which was doubtless the proceeds of similar robberies.

Mrs. Oakenfull described a quantity of the articles stolen from her house, and Sergt. Smith mentioned several of them which were then at Folkestone, and which had been found in a bundle in the possession of James Burns, the man with whom Walker was travelling about.

Supt. Dewar subsequently asked for a remand for a week to enable him to bring further evidence. The application was granted.

Local News

At the Police Court on Wednesday last, Thomas Joy, 28, baker, James Burns, 25, engine driver, and two “unfortunates,” named Sarah Walker and Jane Jemima Castle, were charged with burglariously entering the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and stealing various articles.

William Paul Robinson, the landlord of the Swan Inn, stated that on Friday morning he found tbat a pane of glass in the back parlour had been broken, and the window itself was raised about two inches. He had himself fastened the window the last thing on Monday night. All the things in the parlour were in confusion. A writing desk had been broken open, and a small gold pin with a red stone was abstracted from it. The cupboards had also been opened, and the things turned out. A clock had stood on the cupboard, which he missed. He afterwards missed a child’s frock coat, and some babies’ clothing. From the parlour he missed two boxes of cigars, £3 0s. 6d. in gold and silver money from the till, 7s. or 8s. worth of copper money, a bottle of pale brandy (a pint) a letter, a magistrate’s certificate of license, and three coats. The bar window, which was fastened by a small inside bolt the night before, had been forced open. There was no mark on the window, or the writing desk, to show how either of them was forced open. The gold and silver was club money that ho had incautiously left in a large packet in the till the night before. The two male prisoners came into his house between nine and ten on Monday evening, and went away between ten and eleven. The men came in for refreshment. The women were not with them. Further evidence was then given to show that most of the missing property had been found in the possession of the male prisoners, against whom suspicion had fallen, and they were committed for trial, but the women were discharged.

Kentish Gazette 9-9-1862

At the Borough Police Court, on Wednesday, Thomas Joy, 28, described as a baker, Jas. Burns, 20, engine driver, Sarah Walker, 23, and Jane Jemima Castle, 20, were placed at the bar, charged with feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling house of Wm. Hall Robinson (the Swan Inn, Dover Road), and stealing £3 0s. 6d., in gold and silver, and 7s. or 8s. in coppers, 2 boxes of cigars, 1 silk handkerchief, 1 concertina, 2 coats, 1 monkey jacket, 4 clocks, 1 letter, 1 public house license, pair sugar tongs, 1 gold pin, 1 frock, and 1 child's coat. The robbery took place during Monday night, and on Tuesday the prisoners were traced to Dover, and from thence to Canterbury, where they were taken into custody. A portion of the missing property was found in their possession. The whole of the prisoners were committed for trial.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 13-9-1862

At the police court on Wednesday, Thomas Joy, 28, baker, James Burns, 28, engine driver, and two “unfortunates”, named Sarah Walker and Jane Jemima Castle, were charged with burglariously entering the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and stealing various articles. William Paul Robinson (sic), the landlord of the Swan Inn, stated that on Friday morning he found a pane of glass in the back parlour had been broken, and the window itself was raised about two inches. He had himself fastened the window last thing on Monday night. All the things in the parlour were in confusion. A writing desk had been broken open, and a small gold pin with a red stone was abstracted from it. The cupboards had also been opened, and the things turned out. A clock had stood on the cupboard, which he missed. He afterwards missed a child`s frock coat, and some babies` clothing. From the parlour he missed two boxes of cigars, £3 0s. 6d. In gold and silver money from the till, 7s. or 8s. worth of copper money, a bottle of pale brandy (a pint), a letter, a Magistrates` certificate of license, and three coats. The bar window, which was fastened by a small inside bolt the night before, had been forced open. There was no mark on the window, or the writing desk, to show how either of them was forced open. The gold and silver was club money, which he had incautiously left in a large packet in the till the night before. The two male prisoners came into his house between nine and ten on Monday evening, and went away between ten and eleven. The men came in for refreshment. The women were not with them. Further evidence was then given to show that most of the missing property had been found in the possession of the male prisoners, against whom suspicion had fallen, and they were committed for trial, but the women were discharged.

Dover Chronicle 13-9-1862

Ashford Petty Sessions: Two suspicious-looking women, said to be well-known to the police as thieves, were brought up in custody on Friday, before W.P. Burra Esq., charged with being concerned in the burglary at the Coach and Horses, Drum Lane, Ashford, on Wednesday night week. They gave the names of Jane Revel, of Richmond, and Sarah Walker, of Chillenden; but Sergeant Newman, of the Folkestone police stated that when apprehended Revel gave the name of Jane Jemima Castle. This that “lady” accounted for by stating that her mother was “not married when she had her,” so that she could take which she liked of her mother`s two names.

Richard Oakenfull, son of the last witness, deposed that he came downstairs between five and six o`clock on the morning of the 28^th August. He went up to his father`s room and asked him if anyone had been in in the night, as all the tobacco and cigars and meat had been taken. His father then came down, and they found that the back window had been broken, and the house entered; a quantity of things having been stolen.

Thomas Newman, sergeant of police for the borough of Folkestone, stated that on Tuesday, the 2^nd inst., he received information of the Swan public house at Folkestone having been broken into, and money and other property to the amount of £10 being stolen. From further information he received, he traced the prisoners, who were in company with two men, to Dover, and from Dover to Canterbury, and at the Wellington public house, Broad Street, in that city, he found the prisoner Revel in company with one of the men, named Thomas Joy. She had a bundle, which he searched, and found it did not contain any of the proceeds of the burglary at Folkestone, but the man had a bundle which contained nearly all the property stolen from the Swan, with the exception of the money. The prisoner Walker with the other man was apprehended by another constable, and all four were taken to Folkestone. They were examined before the magistrates for that borough on the following day, when the two men were committed to take their trial for burglary, the women being discharged. The woman Revel, however, claimed the bundle found in her possession as her property, and in that the things which had been produced, and identified by Mrs. Oakenfull, were found.

Superintendent Dewar therefore asked for a remand for a week to enable him to bring further evidence.

Walker: I know nothing at all about the case. I have got nothing – only what belongs to myself, and that the policeman has got on the table.

The prisoners were then remanded.

Sergeant Smith stated that after the two men were committed for the burglary at the Swan, Folkestone, a clear case of robbery committed by them at a public house at Sandgate was discovered. This occurred on Sunday night, and the prisoners must have concealed themselves on the premises when the house closed, and then let themselves out after the inmates had gone to bed. The landlord did not retire until twelve o`clock, and his son was up by five the next morning, when he found the door open, and a watch and other property taken away. The watch and other things had been pawned by the men. They remained hanging about the neighbourhood, and on Sunday broke into the Swan. Joy was a German, and his real name is not known, as he gave more than one name to the police; he is said to have been sentenced on a previous occasion to four years penal servitude. Burns has been discharged from the 17^th Lancers. Walker is well-known as a thief. They all appear to have been on a thieving tour together, and it is fortunate they have been taken.

Kentish Mercury 13-9-1862

Folkestone Chronicle 4-10-1862

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday September 30^th: - Before J.J. Lonsdale, Recorder

Thomas Joy, 28, baker, and James Burns, 25, engine driver, were charged with stealing 1 gold pin, 4 clocks, £3 7s 6d in money, and other articles, the property of William Hall Robinson, in his dwelling house, at Folkestone, on the 2^nd September, 1862.

After a short absence the grand jury brought in a true bill against both the prisoners, who pleaded not guilty.

The petty jury were then sworn, and a long enquiry into the facts of the case was gone into, the result being that they were both found guilty. Former convictions were proved against the prisoner Thomas Joy, who had a ticket of leave unexpired, and the learned Recorder said he felt bound to inflict a severe sentence on him: the sentence would be one of penal servitude for 15 years; the other prisoner not having any previous convictions, he would not punish so much; he should therefore sentence him to 5 years` penal servitude.

Folkestone Observer 4-10-1862

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday 30^th September:- Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq., Recorder

The Grand Jury retired and in a short time returned with true bills against Thomas Joy and James Burns for housebreaking.

Anson Polaski, otherwise Thomas Joy, 28, baker, was charged for that at the general sessions for the county of Kent, held at Maidstone, on 9^th of March, 1857, he was convicted of felony; at the quarter sessions held at Sandwich, on the 7^th April, 1859, he was convicted of felony; an that having been so convicted of felony, he, on the 2^nd September of the present year, broke and entered the dwelling house of William Hall Robinson, situate in Dover Road (the Swan Inn), and feloniously stole and carried away £3 0s 6d in gold and silver money, a gold pin, four clocks, a child`s frock, a child`s cloak, five pieces of baby linen, two boxes of cigars, a bottle of pale brandy, a letter, a magistrates` victuallers` licence, three coats, a concertina, a silk handkerchief, a pair of sugar tongs, a pair of scissors, two ear drops and a gold earring, altogether to the value of £5 and upwards. There was also a count for stealing from a dwelling house to the value of £5, and a count for larceny.

The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Minter, who appeared for the prosecution, briefly stated the case to the jury, and then called William Hall Robinson.

Examined by Mr. Minter, he deposed that he was the landlord of the Swan Inn, and that he closed his house at half past twelve on the night of 1^st of September, and went to bed about 1 o`clock. In consequence of what had been told him he came downstairs about a quarter to seven the next morning, and found the pane of glass close to the sash fastening of the back parlour window broken, and the window a little way up. The writing desk had been broken open and a pin with a red stone, four clocks, and some children`s wearing apparel were missing. The clocks were in a box. He then unlocked the door leading into the bar and went into it, and observed that the window looking into the passage was open. It fastened on the inside by a thumb bolt, but by shaking the sash the bolt would loosen. It was witness`s habit to fasten the bar window every night. He missed three pounds and sixpence from the till, and about seven or eight shillings in copper. He also missed three coats, a concertina, a letter, and a magistrates` certificate from the bar. He saw the prisoner on the previous evening in his house. He came in for refreshment. On Tuesday morning he gave information to the police, and went with them to Dover and Canterbury. He got to the Wellington Inn at Canterbury, with P.C. Smith, about half past 12. The prisoner Joy was there, and they found a concertina and three coats there in his possession. Joy said the concertina and the coats were his property, and he had bought them. He was then taken to the station and searched, and a letter, a magistrates` certificate and five cigars were found on him. The concertina and coats produced were his property. He saw police sergeant Newman searching Joy at the station house, and find the letter and magistrates` certificate produced, which were safe in his house on the Monday night.

By the Recorder – The desk had not been opened for 12 months before. All the money was taken from the till.

Mary Jane Stace, a servant of Mr. Robinson, came downstairs at a quarter to seven on Tuesday morning, 2^nd September, and saw that the five little clocks that the night before were in a box on the sideboard were gone. The back parlour window was open a little way. The bar window and the till were also open. Going into the back yard she saw her master`s ladder leaning against the gate. The was was rather high.

Police sergeant Newman said that he went to Canterbury on Tuesday, 2^nd September, with Mr. Robinson and P.C. Smith. At the Wellington Inn they saw the prisoner Joy, and took him to the Canterbury police station. When witness said he should search him, prisoner said he would produce all he had, which was his own property. He then produced from his pocket 53 cigars, clasp knife, a magistrates` certificate, and a letter addressed to Mr. Robinson. When he took the latter articles out he said they were not his property. When asked his name, he said he would write it. He wrote “James Asan”.

P.C. Smith gave evidence in confirmation of Sergeant Newman.

The statement made by Joy before the magistrates was then read.

The prisoner being called on for defence said he could not make any further statement than he had already made.

The learned Recorder then summed up the case to the jury, remarking that when a person is found in possession recently stolen and failed properly to account for it, the law allowed the jury to presume his guilty possession.

The jury immediately found the prisoner Guilty on the first indictment – housebreaking.

Inspector Spratt of the Canterbury police was then called to prove a former conviction, and not presenting himself, the learned Recorder then said a most serious complaint should be made.

The prisoner was, however, called on to plead to the indictment for former convictions already given, and he pleaded guilty to both.

A further indictment was then proceeded with for feloniously stealing five shillings, a watch, and a walking stick, from the premises of the Duke Of York, Sandgate, on the 31^st August, to which the prisoner pleaded Not Guilty, saying that he was not in England at that time. He came from Calais on the 1^st of September.

This case had not been previously before the magistrates, and as no legal gentleman represented the prosecution, the examination of witnesses was conducted by the Recorder.

William Wood said he was a builder, but had control over the till at the Duke Of York. On the 31^st of August he missed all the money out of his till, a walking stick, and a bundle of cigars. He had seen the watch on the 30^th of August hanging over the mantel piece. Had not seen the watch since until today. Could not say that the prisoner was at his house on the Saturday or Sunday, but he had seen him at his house several times. (This witness gave his evidence in a manner that called from the Recorder several reproofs. At last the Recorder said it was disgraceful to see a man behaving himself in the Court as he was doing that day. It was shameful. He had a great mind to commit him for contempt of Court. It was shameful the state in which he was.)

---- Wood, the son of the preceding witness said he got up on the 31^st of August and came downstairs and found the front bar sash thrown open. Going down the passage, he saw the back door was open.

James Long, shopman to Thomas Long, pawnbroker, Dover, had a notion that he had seen the prisoner before, but he could not identify him as having pledged the watch, which he had taken in.

The Recorder here stopped the case, no person being able to identify the person who pledged, and then he proceeded to sentence the prisoner on the indictments on which he had been found or pleaded guilty, remarking that he had very little moral doubt himself that in the last case he stole the watch and stick, although, as the case had been got up under rather peculiar circumstances, the evidence was not satisfactory. It was quite clear that he was a professional housebreaker. He was such a person that the law must protect persons against when they went to bed at night to take their rest. He was one of those persons, evidently, who if interfered with in the carrying out of their purposes would not hesitate to use violence. He meant therefore to do what would perhaps send him out of the country for a time – though it did not necessarily follow that a sentence of penal servitude removed a criminal from this country. The sentence he meant to pass on him was taht he be kept in penal servitude for fifteen years (sensation).

James Burns, 25, engine driver, was then indicted for breaking into the Swan Inn, and stealing articles as enumerated in the indictment against Joy. The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Minter, for the prosecution, recapitulated the evidence, and called various witnesses, whose evidence was the same, with unimportant variations as to possession of goods &c., as in the last case, and the prisoner`s statement before the magistrates as to his being accosted by a person on Tuesday morning at the Dover railway station, from whom he bought the articles found upon him, was read. To this statement the prisoner would now add nothing.

The Recorder then summed up the case to the jury, who immediately returned a verdict of Guilty, and he was thereupon sentenced to five years penal servitude.

This closed the business of the sessions.

Southeastern Gazette 7-10-1862

Quarter Sessions

The quarter session for the borough was held on Tuesday last, at the Town-hall, before the Recorder (J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.)

Anson Polaski, alias Thomas Joy, 28, and James Burns, 25, engine driver, were charged with stealing a gold pin, four clocks, £3 7s. 6d. in money, and other articles, the property of William Hall Robinson, in his dwelling-house, at Folkestone, on the 2nd September, 1862, Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecution.

The prosecutor deposed that he was the landlord of the Swan Inn, and that on the night of the 1st of September, he went to bed about 1 o’clock. In consequence of what had been told him he came down stairs about a quarter to seven the next morning and found the pane of glass close to the sash fastening of the back parlour window broken, and the window a little way up. The writing desk had been broken open, and a pin, four clocks, and some children’s wearing apparel, were missing. The clocks were in a box. From the bar he missed £3 0s. 6d. in silver, and about seven or eight shillings in copper. He also missed three coats, a concertina, a letter, and a magistrates’ certificate from the bar. He saw the prisoner on the previous evening in his house. He came in for some refreshment. On Tuesday morning he gave information to the police, and went with them to Dover and Canterbury. He got to the Wellington Inn, at Canterbury, with P.C. Smith, about half-past 12. The prisoner Joy was there, and they found a concertina and three coats there in his possession. Joy said the concertina and the coats were his property, and he had bought them. He was then taken to the station, and searched, and a letter, a magistrates’ certificate, and five cigars were found on him. The concertina and coats produced were his property. He saw Police-sergeant Newman searching Joy at the station-house, and find the letter and magistrates’ certificate produced, which were safe ia his house on the Monday night.

Evidence corroborative of the above was given, and also tracing some of the stolen articles to the possession of Bums.

There was a further indictment against Joy, for stealing five shillings, a watch, and a walking stick, from the premises of the Duke of York, Sandgate, but this broke down from the want of identity.

A previous conviction having been proved against Joy, the Recorder, on the first charge, sentenced him to fifteen years’ penal servitude, remarking that he was evidently one of those persons who, if interfered with in carrying out his nefarious purposes, would not hesitate to use violence; Burns, five years’ penal servitude.

Kentish Gazette 7-10-1862

Quarter Sessions: There were only two prisoners for trial at the Borough Quarter Sessions on Tuesday. Thomas Joy, 28, baker, and James Burns, 25, engine driver, convicted of breaking into the Swan Inn, Folkestone, on the 2^nd September last, and stealing therefrom one gold pin, four clocks, £3 7s. 6d. in money, and other articles, tbe property of William Hall Robinson, tbe landlord. Former convictions were proved against the prisoner Thomas Joy, who bad a ticket-of-leave unexpired, and he was sentenced to penal servitude for 15 years. The other prisoner was sentenced to 5 years penal servitude.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 11-10-1862

Quarter Sessions, last week; before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Anson Polaski, alias Thomas Joy, 28, and Kames Burns, 25, engine driver, were charged with stealing a gold pin, four clocks, £3 7s. 6d. in money, and other articles, the property of William Hall Robinson, in his dwelling house, at Folkestone, on the 2^nd September, 1862. Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecution.

The prosecutor deposed that he was the landlord of the Swan Inn, and that on the night of the 1^st September he went to bed about one o`clock. In consequence of what had been told him he came downstairs about a quarter to seven the next morning and found the pane of glass close to the sash fastening of the back parlour window broken, and the window a little way up. The writing desk had been broken open, and a pin, four clocks, and some children`s wearing apparel were missing. The clocks were in a box. From the bar he missed £3 0s. 6d. in silver, and about seven or eight shillings in copper. He also missed three coats, a concertina, a letter, and a Magistrates` certificate from the bar. He saw the prisoner on the previous evening in his house. He came in for some refreshment. On Tuesday morning he gave information to the police, and went with them to Dover and Canterbury. He got to the Wellington Inn, at Canterbury, with P.C. Smith, about half past twelve. The prisoner Joy was there, and they found a concertina and three coats there in his possession. Joy said the concertina and the coats were his property, and he had bought them. He was then taken to the station and searched, and a letter, a Magistrates` certificate, and five cigars were found on him. The concertina and coats produced were his property. He saw police sergeant Newman searching Joy at the station-house and find the letter and Magistrates` certificate produced, which were safe in his house on the Monday night.

Evidence corroborative of the above was given, and also tracing some of the stolen articles to the possession of Burns.

There was a further indictment against Joy for stealing five shillings, a watch, and a walking stick from the premises of the Duke of York, Sandgate, but this broke down from the want of identity.

A previous conviction having been proved against Joy, the Recorder, on the first charge, sentenced him to fifteen years` penal servitude, remarking that he was evidently one of those persons who, if interfered with in carrying out his nefarious purposes, would not hesitate to use violence; Burns, five years penal servitude.

Dover Chronicle 11-10-1862

Quarter Sessions, Tuesday last: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Anson Polaski, alias Thomas Joy, 28, baker, was charged for that at the general sessions for the county of Kent, held at Maidstone, on the 9^th of March, 1857, he was convicted of felony; at the quarter sessions held at Sandwich on the 7^th April, 1859, he was convicted of felony; an that, having been so convicted of felony, he, on the 2^nd of September in the present year, broke and entered the dwelling house of William Hall Robinson, situate in Dover Road (the Swan Inn), and feloniously stole and carried away £3 0s. 6d. in gold and silver money, a gold pin, four clocks, a child`s frock, a child`s cloak, five pieces of baby linen, two boxes of cigars, a bottle of pale brandy, a letter, a magistrates` victuallers` license, three coats, a concertina, a silk handkerchief, a pair of sugar tongs, a pair of scissors, two ear-drops, and a gold earring, altogether of the value of £5 and upwards. There was also a count for stealing from a dwelling house to the value of £5, and a count for larceny.

The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecution, and witnesses having been called in support of the indictment for the burglary at the Swan, the Jury immediately found the prisoner Guilty. The prisoner then pleaded Guilty to several previous convictions.

The Recorder sentenced the prisoner to penal servitude for fifteen years – result which created quite a sensation in court.

James Burns, engine driver, 25, was then indicted for breaking into the Swan Inn and stealing articles as enumerated in the indictment against Joy.

The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Minter, for the prosecution, again briefly recapitulated the evidence, and called various witnesses, whose testimony was substantially the same as in the last case, and the prisoner`s statement before the magistrates as to his being accosted by a person on Tuesday morning at he Dover railway station, of whom he bought the articles found upon him, was read. The prisoner now declined to make any defence beyond that contained in his statement.

The Jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and the prisoner was sentenced to five years penal servitude.

Dover Telegraph 11-10-1862

Quarter Sessions, Sept. 30^th; before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Thomas Joy, aged 28, a baker, and James Burns, aged 25, engine driver, were indicted for stealing one gold pin, four clocks, £3 7s. 6d. in money, and other articles, the property of William Hall Robinson, in his dwelling house at Folkestone, on the 2^nd Sept. Joy was found guilty of housebreaking and larceny after previous conviction, and sentenced to fifteen years penal servitude; Burns guilty of housebreaking and larceny, and sentenced to five years penal servitude.

Kentish Express 11-10-1862

Quarter Sessions, Tuesday week; before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Evidence corroborative of the above was given, and also tracing some of the stolen articles to the possession of Burns.

There was a further indictment against Joy for stealing five shillings, a watch, and a walking stick from the premises of the Duke of York, Sandgate, but this broke down from the want of identity.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-1-1863

On Saturday last a young gentleman (son of Capt. Le Patourel, of Pleydell Gardens), fell down the steep cliffs to the east of Folkestone. Fortunately his fall was broken about midway, but in endeavouring to regain the top the chalk gave way, and he was precipitated to the bottom. His arm was broken, but he was able to get up and walk a considerable distance, until he met with assistance. Mr. Robinson, of the Swan, very kindly gave him some brandy, and sent him home in a fly, when Messrs. Bowles and Roscoe immediately attended and set the limb. It is miraculous that he was not killed on the spot, as the Coastguard, who found his hat and cloak next day, say the cliff is upwards of 200 feet high, and his descent can be distinctly traced.

Folkestone Express 3-5-1873

Local News

Mr. Robinson of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, died very suddenly on Wednesday night.

Southeastern Gazette 3-5-1873

Local News

On Wednesday evening Mr. William Robinson fell down in a fit and expired. The deceased, who was the landlord of the Swan Inn, had apparently enjoyed good health up to within a recent period.

Southeastern Gazette 31-1-1876

Local News

On Wednesday morning early two retriever dogs belonging to Mr. Robinson, of the Swan Inn, found their way to the Copt fields, in which were ten sheep, which they commenced to worry. When the shepherd arrived one sheep was dead, four were so badly injured that it was found necessary to slaughter them at once, and the remaining five had escaped from the field, and were discovered some distance off.

Kentish Gazette 1-2-1876

On Wednesday morning early two retriever dogs belonging to Mr. Robinson, of the Swan Inn, found their way to the Copt fields, in which were ten sheep, which they commenced to worry. When the shepherd arrived one sheep was dead, four others so much injured that immediate slaughter was necessary, and the other five were found some distance from the field, from which they had escaped. The sheep belong to Mr. Timothy Harrison.

Folkestone Express 12-8-1876

Wednesday, August 9^th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, Alderman Caister, J. Tolputt, J. Clark, and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Joseph Holden and Harriett Holden, his wife, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in the Dover Road, and the woman was further charged with using obscene language.

The case was proved by Mr. William Robinson of the Swan Inn, where the defendants had called for some matches.

The man, who said he was a boiler maker, and had come from Ashford to work, expressed great regret and said he had done his best to get his wife quietly away.

The Bench discharged the male defendant, but committed his wife for 21 days.

Folkestone Express 4-5-1878

Wednesday, May 1^st: Before J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs., and Captain Crowe.

Charles Peters was charged with assaulting John Griffiths, a collector of fossils, on the 27^th of April. Mr. Gardner appeared for the complainant.

John Griffiths said that on Saturday evening he went to the Swan Inn about 8.30, and remained there until eleven o`clock. On leaving the house he heard a noise, and the defendant went up to him and said that he was “no man”. He wanted to know why and the defendant said it was because he was trying to kick up a row with someone. He dragged him towards the field, and wanted him to fight. He declined, and defendant separated from him. The pulling lasted about five or ten minutes.

Henry Care, for the defendant, said he was at the Swan Inn on Saturday night about eleven o`clock. Witness was larking about with defendant`s son, who knocked witness` pipe out of his mouth. Mr. Griffiths said “If I was you I would give him a good hiding. He never was a man”. He did not see Peters strike Griffiths.

Henry Goodchild and his wife both corroborated, and the Bench dismissed the case, each to pay his own costs.

Folkestone Express 5-4-1879

Wednesday, April 2^nd: Before R.W. Boarer Esq., General Armstrong, J. Fitness and M. Bell Esqs.

Thomas Williams, a tramp, pleaded Guilty to begging in the Swan Inn, and to assaulting Charles Croucher and P.C. Loveday on the previous day.

Charles Croucher proved seeing the prisoner begging in the Swan, and when he left he met him down the road, when he assaulted him. He threw the prisoner, and P.C. Loveday then took him in charge.

P.C. Loveday stated that the prisoner was very violent, and tore his clothes nearly off.

The Bench sentenced the prisoner to 21 days` hard labour for begging, and to one month`s hard labour for the assault.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-11-1879

Saturday, October 25^th: Before The Mayor, Alds. Caister, Hoad, and Sherwood, Col. De Crespigny, Gen. Cannon, Capt. W. Carter, W.J. Jeffreason, and J. Fitness Esqs.

John Spicer was charged with stealing a fowl, of the value of 2s. 6d., the property of William Robinson, landlord of the Swan Inn.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty and was sentenced to one month`s imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 1-11-1879

Saturday, 25^th October: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Caister, Hoad, and Sherwood, Col. De Crespigny, General Cannon, Captain Carter, W.J. Jeffreason, J. Clark, and J. Fitness Esqs.

John Spicer was charged with stealing a fowl, value 2s. 6d., the property of Wm. Robinson, landlord of the Swan Inn.

James Fleet, a labourer, living at 1, Nelson Place, said about half past eight on the previous evening he went into the yard of the Swan public house. He saw the prisoner leave a water closet, look around to see if anybody was about, then return immediately, and took a live fowl from the closet and put it under his coat. He followed the prisoner, and told him he ought to be ashamed of himself. In the meantime prisoner had killed the fowl. He said he did not mean to take it away, but was going to give it to Mr. Robinson. He took prisoner to the bar, and the fowl was given up to Miss Robinson.

Prosecutor identified the bird produced as his property. It`s value was 2s. 6d.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, saying he was the worse for liquor, and did not know what he was about at the time.

Prosecutor gave him a good character, and did not wish to press the charge.

Prisoner was committed for one calendar month with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 18-12-1880

Thursday, December 16^th: Before W.J. Jeffreason and Aldermen Caister and Sherwood.

Patrick Eiray was charged with stealing a spade of the value of 4s. 3d., the property of Messrs. Francis, ironmongers, High Street.

P.C. Knowles said from information he received he went in search of the prisoner, and found him at the Swan Inn, with a spade standing close to him. In reply to witness, prisoner said it was his property, and he took him into custody on a charge of stealing it. He said a captain bought it and gave it to him. When charged at the station he made no reply.

Mr. Charles Francis said he missed the spade in the evening of Wednesday. He remembered seeing it just inside the doorway of the shop in the morning. He identified it by the private mark on the handle. The selling price of the spade was 4s. 3d. He had no knowledge of prisoner, and from inquiries he had made he had ascertained there was not a spade sold from their shop on Wednesday.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to a month`s imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 15-7-1882

Saturday, July 8^th: Before The Mayor, J. Holden Esq., and Colonel de Crespigny.

Richard Mercer appeared to a summons charging him with assaulting James Unwin on the 6^th inst. Complainant appeared in court with his left eye much discoloured, and the defendant informed the court that the black eye was the result of a fight with another man.

Complainant said he was a bricklayer, living at 70, Dover Road. On Thursday afternoon he went into the Swan Inn about half past three o`clock to get a pint of beer. Mercer was there, using abusive language to the landlady. Witness said “If I was the woman`s husband I would come and throw you out of the house”. Mercer wanted him to fight, but he said he was no fighter, and put his hands in his pockets. Mercer struck him two blows on the nose, and he then put up his hands to defend himself. In reply to the Bench, complainant said he had “a part of a black eye” before, but the blows from Mercer increased it.

Henry Williams and John Boxer corroborated complainant`s evidence.

Defendant did not deny striking complainant, but said he did not strike the first blow. Complainant was annoyed with him because he had not taken his part in a fight he had had with another man. The witnesses called were not present. He and Unwin were alone in the bar.

The bench fined defendant 10s. and 11s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour. Allowed a week for payment.

Folkestone Express 26-8-1882

Wednesday, August 23^rd: Before J. Clark, F. Boykett and J. Holden Esqs., and Alderman Caister.

Licensing Day

Application For New Licence

James Boxer, residing at 28, Rossendale Road, applied for an off license. Both Mr. Minter and Mr. Mowll opposed the application.

Mr. Clark said there were two members of the Blue Ribbon Army present on the Bench, and two who were not. He should propose that those two gentlemen decided the application.

Mr. Minter said he opposed on behalf of the landlord of the Swan Inn, which was close to the house where it was proposed to sell beer. Until within the last week, he remarked, the magistrates had no discretion in those licenses, but happily the legislature had decided that the magistrates ought to have power to put a stop to what was found to be a great nuisance, and they could now refuse to grant any license. He ventured to say there could be no possible reason for granting the application then made. He mentioned several public houses in the vicinity – in fact, within an area of about a hundred yards there were six or seven licensed houses. What possible reason there could be for that application, or what good or convenience could rise, he was utterly at a loss to conceive. He therefore asked the Bench to refuse the application.

Applicant, a dairyman, said he had no special reason to urge why the license should be granted, except that he wished to make a profit by selling beer.

The license was refused.

Kentish Gazette 29-8-1882

The annual licensing meeting was held on Wednesday.

James Boxer, 23, Rossendale Road applied for an out-door licence to sell beer. Mr. Minter and Mr. Mowll opposed the application, Mr. Minter, on behalf of the landlord of The Swan, opposed the granting of the application, as the place was close to his client's premises The person occupies a private bouse, a cottage in Rossendale Road. The legislature had found that the magistrates ought to have the power to prevent that which might be a great nuisance, and had given them power to refuse a license if there was no reason for its being granted. He contended that there was no possible reason for the licence being granted, as, within an area of a few hundred yards, there were six or seven licensed houses. The application was refused.

Folkestone Chronicle 2-6-1883

Inquest

An inquest was held before the Borough Coroner on Monday evening on the body of George Pearce, a labourer, aged 29, who was found in the harbour on Sunday morning.

Stephen Hogben, labourer, living at Uphill, Folkestone, identified the body as that of George Pearce, a labourer, who lived at White Gate, Acrise, and worked for Mr. Clayson. He came to Folkestone with deceased on Saturday, arriving here about eight o`clock. They went into the Swan, where they remained about a quarter of an hour, and then went to a public house named The Cutter and stayed there nearly an hour. They went to another public house, where they also stayed nearly an hour, and then they went round to the harbour. Witness left deceased near the clock house about half past ten or a quarter to eleven, and got lodgings at the Radnor. Deceased was ”a little beery” but there was nothing the matter with witness. Deceased was sober when he came into Folkestone. When witness left him he knew what he was about and could walk alright. It rained hard, and that was the reason he (witness) got lodgings. He heard on Sunday morning there was a man found dead in the harbour.His appearance was described, and he went to the police station to identify the body. There was no-one else round the harbour when witness left.

Henry Bailey, night-watchman on the harbour, said he was called on Sunday morning at a quarter past five by some young men, who said there was a dead body in the harbour. He went towards the Stade quay, and saw deceased lying on his belly. His feet were about five or six feet from the quay. He sent for the police, having felt his hand and found that he was quite dead. The body was placed on a stretcher and conveyed to the old police station. Witness saw the body searched, and saw his watch taken out of his watch fob. It had stopped at one o`clock. It was high water at one minute past two. There were three half pence, a tobacco box, a dinner bag, and a small book in his pockets. His dress was not disarranged in any way.

Dr. Perry said there were no marks about the body, and in his opinion death was caused by drowning.

A verdict of “Found Drowned” was returned.

Folkestone Express 2-6-1883

Inquest

An inquest was held before the Borough Coroner on Monday evening on the body og George Pearce, a labourer, aged 29, who was found in the harbour on Sunday morning.

Syephen Hogben, labourer, living at Uphill, Folkestone, identified the body as that of George Pearce, a labourer, who lived at White Gate, Acrise, and worked for Mr. Clayson. He came to Folkestone with deceased on Saturday, arriving here about eight o`clock. They went into the Swan, where they remained about a quarter of an hour, and then went to the Cutter and stayed there nearly an hour. They went to another public house, where they stayed nearly an hour, and then went round to the harbour. Witness left deceased near the clock house about half past ten or a quarter to eleven, and got lodgings at the Radnor. Deceased was a “little beery”, but there was nothing the matter with witness. Deceased was sober when he came into Folkestone. When witness left him he knew what he was about and could walk all right. It rained hard and that was the reason witness got lodgings. He heard on Sunday morning there was a man found dead in the harbour. His appearance was described, and he went to the police station and identified the body. There was no-one else round the harbour when witness left.

Henry Bailey, night watchman on the harbour, said he was called on Sunday morning at a quarter past five by two young men, who said there was a dead body in the harbour. He went towards the Stade quay, and saw the deceased lying on his belly. His feet were about five or six feet from the quay. He sent for the police, after having felt his hand and found that he was quite dead. The body was placed on a stretcher and conveyed to the old police station. Witness saw the body searched, and saw deceased`s watch taken out of his watch fob. It had stopped at one o`clock. It was high water at one minute past two. There were three halfpence, a tobacco box, a dinner bag, and a small book in his pockets. His dress was not disarranged in any way.

Dr. Perru said he had examined the body of deceased at the police station. There were no marks about the body, and in his opinion death was caused by drowning.

A verdict of Found Drowned was returned.

Folkestone Express 16-6-1883

Auction Advertisement Extract

T.J. Harrison has been favoured with instructions from the Trustees of the late William Hall Robinson, deceased, to sell by Auction, at the Clarendon Hotel, Folkestone, on Thursday, July 19^th, 1883, at Six o`clock in the evening, in Five Lots, the following Valuable Freehold and Leasehold Properties

Lot 5 – All that Valuable Leasehold Fully Licensed House, known as the Swan Inn, Dover Road, Folkestone. Close to the S.E.R. Junction Station, containing Double Fronted Bar, Tap Room, Bar Parlour and Living Room. First Floor – Three Bedrooms and Sitting Room, Two Attics. Together with Kitchen, Store House, and Yard in Rear, with commodious cellarage in Basement. Let to Mr. W.H. Robinson (the son) as a yearly tenant, which expires on the 1^st December next, at the nominal rental of £38 a year.

Folkestone Chronicle 14-7-1883

Auction Notice Extract

By Order of The Trustee

Notice of Auction Sale of Valuable Leasehold and Fully Licensed Inn, and other Valuable Freehold and Leasehold Properties.

T.J. Harrison has been favoured with instructions from the Trustees of the estate of the late Mr. William Hall Robinson, deceased, to sell by Auction, at the Clarendon Hotel, Folkestone, on Thursday, July 19^th, 1883, at Six o`clock in the evening in Five Lots, the following Valuable Freehold and Leasehold Properties

Lot 5 – All that valuable and substantially built leasehold fully licensed house known as The Swan Inn, 160, Dover Road, Folkestone, containing on the:

Ground Floor: Double fronted bar, tap room, bar parlour and living room

First Floor: Three bedrooms, sitting room, and two attics, together with kitchen,

Store House and Yard in rear, and commodious cellarage in basement.

Let to Mr. W.H. Robinson (the son), as a yearly tenant, which will expire by notice on the 1^st December next, at the low annual rental of £38.

And also all those two leasehold cottages in the rear, known as No. 1 and 2, Nelson Place, Dover Road, Folkestone, let to weekly tenants, Mr. Suckling and Mr. Fleet, and producing the annual rental of £23 8s.

The whole of this lot is held under a lease from the Earl of Radnor and Viscount Folkestone, for the term of 99 years from the 25^th day of March, 1844, at the low annual ground rent of £4 4s.

The Swan Inn is a well known Inn for business, and is situated close to the Junction Station of the South Eastern Railway Company. It is in one of the principal thoroughfares of the town, and there are every available means for carrying on a large and profitable trade. It has been conducted with public credit and profit by the late Mr. W. Robinson, and since his death by his Trustee and Tenant, during the last 30 years, and the present affords an excellent opportunity either for a man of business, or for investment.

The bar fixtures and all fittings, and the licenses will have to be taken by the purchaser at a valuation in the usual way, an inventoru of which will be produced at the sale.

Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be obtained at the offices of the Auctioneer, 14, Guildhall Street, Folkestone, and of W.G.S. Harrison, Vendor`s Solicitor, 4, Cheriton Place, Folkestone.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-7-1883

Sale of Property

On Thursday evening Mr. T.J. Harrison conducted a sale by auction at the Clarendon Hotel of property belonging to the executors of the late Mr. W.H. Robinson.

For the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and two cottages adjoining, there was a keen competition, and it was ultimately knocked down to Mr. Flint for the good sum of £1,900

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Swan (2), Dover Road 1847 - 1940

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