 |
| True Briton, 1981. Photo kindly supplied by Martin Easdown |
 |
True Briton 1928. Credit Martin Easdown
|
 |
True Briton, date unknown. (from http://www.dover-kent.com/True-Briton-Folkestone.html)
|
Licensees
Stephen Golder 1799 1806
Ann Golder 1806 1811
James Golder 1811 1815
Benjamin Smith 1815 c1819
John Hodges c1819 c1833
John Andrews c1833 1854
Mrs. Andrews 1854 1857
Anne Dryden 1857 1858
William Keeler 1858 1877
Charles Butter 1877 1880
Frederick Wallis 1880 1882
Mary Pearson 1882 1901
George Carter 1901 1910
William Hopkins 1910 1912 Ex Railway Inn
Herbert Buckland 1912 1912
Edward James 1912 1918
Gertrude Lucas 1918 1922
Walter Purbrick 1922 1926
Gladstone Martin 1926 1941 Closed 1941-46
R.P. Rawlings 1941 1946 (Protection)
David Martin 1946 1959 To Eagle
Norman Thomsett 1959 1961
Stephen Heron 1961 1966
Frederick Overton 1966 1967
William Everley 1967 1975
Kevin Bloc 1975 1981 Became part of Old Harbour Crab And
Oyster House
Folkestone Sessions
Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811
Quarter Sessions 27-4-1801
Stephen Golder was fined the sum of 3s. 4d. for having in
his possession 5 pint pots short of legal measure.
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.:
Anne Golder one quart, 3 pints 4/-
Kentish Chronicle 15-5-1810
Death: On Monday night, the 7th instant,
Mr. Phineas Golder, aged 23 years. Mr. P. Golder, who was master of the Hebe
lugger, of Folkestone, was detained by Lieut. Gedge, of the Locust gun-brig,
and in endeavouring to make his escape from that brig, on the night above
alluded to, by attempting to swim towards a merchant brig, off Harwich, was
unfortunately drowned. Lieut. Gedge informed some of the friends of the
deceased a short time since that he would send him to the East or West Indies
on the first ship that went out; and it is presumed that he had made similar
expressions to Golder, which induced him to make his escape. The deceased, as
master of the Dispatch lugger, was a volunteer in the late expedition to
Walcheren, and was stationed in the River Scheldt; he was deservedly respected
by all who knew him, and was the son of Mrs. Ann Golder, widow, landlady of the
True Briton public house, Folkestone.
Kentish Gazette
18-5-1810
Obituary
May 7: Mr Phineas Golder, aged 23, son of Mrs. Ann Golder, landlady of the
True Briton public house, Folkestone. The deceased was detained by Lieut.
Gedge, of the Locust gun-brig, and in attempting to effect an escape from the
Locust by swimming to a merchant vessel, off Harwich, he was unfortunately
drowned.
Kentish Chronicle 6-11-1812
On
Monday night, Wm. Faley, a seaman belonging to the Perseverance sloop, now
lying in Folkestone harbour, was unfortunately drowned. He, in company with the
master and another seaman, had been on shore at the True Briton public house,
which they left perfectly sober about ten o`clock in the evening, when the
master hailed the vessel for the boy (whom they had previously left on board)
to come on shore with the boat, but who not immediately answering, Faley pulled
off his boots, &c., which the master did not observe until he passed him, and plunged into the water, with intent to swim to
the vessel, in which act he was drowned. Although diligent search has been made
for the body it has not yet been found, and is supposed to have drifted to sea.
The unfortunate man was about 60 years of age, and has left a wife and family
in London
Kentish Gazette
10-11-1812
Monday se`nnight, Wm. Faley, a seaman belonging to the
Perseverance sloop, now lying in Folkestone harbour, was unfortunately drowned.
He, in company with the master and another seaman, had been on shore at the
True Briton public house, which they left perfectly sober about ten o`clock in
the evening, when the master hailed the vessel for the boy (whom they had
previously left on board) to come on shore with the boat, but who not
immediately answering, Faley pulled off his boots, &c., which the master
did not observe until he passed him, and
plunged into the water, with intent to swim to the vessel, in which act he was
drowned. Although diligent search has been made for the body it has not yet
been found, and is supposed to have drifted to sea. The unfortunate man was
about 60 years of age, and has left a wife and family in London
Kentish Chronicle
28-9-1819
Auction extract:
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 Friday, the 15th day of October, at eleven o`clock in
the forenoon (subject to such conditions of sale as shall be then and there
produced).
Lot 10: All that copyhold messuage or tenement called the
True Briton, with the ground and appurtenances, situate at or near the Stade in
Folkestone aforesaid, and now in the occupation of John Hodges – rent 6s.
Note: Earlier date for Hodges.
N.B. The last lots are Copyholds of Inheritance, and held
under the Lord of the Manor of Folkestone.
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.
Kentish Gazette, Maidstone Journal
19-4-1842, Dover Telegraph 23-4-1842
Auction
advertisement extract: To be sold by auction by Messrs. Bayley and Reeve, on
Wednesday the 14th of May, 1842, at two o`clock, at the Royal Oak
Inn, Ashford (by the direction of the proprietor, who is leaving the county).
Lot
4) All that copyhold public house, called the True Briton, with the ground and
appurtanances, desirably situated fronting the Harbour and South Street, in the
town of Folkestone aforesaid, and now in the occupation of Mr. John Andrews.
Printed particulars and conditions may be had 10 days
preceding the sale of Messrs. Robert and George Farley, Solicitors, and of the
Auctioneers, Ashford
Maidstone Gazette
15-12-1846
An inquest was held on Saturday last, at the True Briton, by J. J.
Bond, Esq., Coroner, upon the body of George Hoard, seaman, who died on board
the Lovely Cruiser schooner, while on her passage from Torquay to Newcastle.
William
Squier, master of the schooner, deposed “Yesterday morning, at about half past
seven o’clock, the vessel was proceeding on her voyage, and when we were off
the Owers, eastward of Plymouth, the wind blowing strong, I sent the deceased
and three other men aloft to take a reef in the topsail, and while they were so
employed the deceased was thrown over the top-sail yard by the violence of the
wind and heaving of the ship, and fell upon his back on the deck. The mate and
a seaman brought him to me at the helm; he was quite dead. I continued my
course until 1 reached Folkestone, which was the first port I made. The
deceased was a fine young man, 17 years of age.
Mr. Bateman, surgeon, having examined the deceased, gave it as his
opinion that the deceased had died from concussion of the brain,
caused by the violence of the fall on deck, a height of 60 feet. Verdict
“Accidental death.”
Dover Chronicle,
Dover Telegraph 19-12-1846, Kentish Gazette 22-12-1846
On Saturday last an inquest was held at the True Briton, by J. J. Bond,
Esq., coroner, upon the body of George Hoard, seaman, who died on board the
Lovely Cruiser schooner, while on her passage from Torquay to Newcastle.
William Squier, master of the schooner, deposed: “Yesterday morning, at
about half past seven o’clock, the vessel was proceeding on her voyage, and
when we were off the Owers, eastward of Plymouth, the wind blowing strong, I
sent the deceased and three other men aloft to take a reef in the topsail, and
while they were so employed the deceased was thrown over the top-sail yard by
the violence of the wind and heaving of the ship, and fell upon his back on the
deck. The mate and a seaman brought him to me at the helm; he was quite dead. I
continued my course until 1 reached Folkestone, which was the first port I
made. The deceased was a fine young man, 17 years of age.
Mr. Bateman,
surgeon, having examined the deceased, gave it as his opinion that the deceased had died from concussion of the brain,
caused by the violence of the fall on deck, a height of 60 feet. Verdict
“Accidental death.”
Dover Chronicle
12-2-1848
On
Wednesday last a stoker of one of the steamers belonging to the South Eastern
Railway Company, whilst sculling a boat to the shore, was knocked overboard and
nearly drowned. When picked up he was conveyed to the True Briton public house,
when Mr. Eastes, surgeon, was (as he is at all times when called on) prompt in
attendance, and after (by the use of the stomach pump) extracting a quantity of
water, succeeded in restoring the man.
Maidstone Gazette
8-7-1851, Kentish Independent 12-7-1851
On
Saturday morning last, the captain of the Sancho brig, now lying in the
harbour, was sitting on some piles, which rise higher than the platform, when
some luggage trucks were coming down the incline; he, thinking they would
strike against him, and to save himself, attempted to jump on to the rigging of
a vessel in the harbour, but failed in doing so, falling between two vessels.
He was taken up immediately, and carried to the True Briton inn, and was found
to have sustained some serious injuries.
Southeastern Gazette
15-8-1854
Local News:
At
the petty sessions, the following license was transferred: The True Briton,
from John Andrews, deceased, to his widow.
Notes: Date at variance with More Bastions. No mention
of Mrs. Andrews
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.
Folkestone Chronicle
31-1-1857
Local News
Folkestone Burial Society: The 18th anniversary
of this useful institution was held yesterday evening at the True Briton, South
Street, Mr. J. Jinkings, the president, in the chair. From the report as read
by the secretary, it appeared that during the year the sum of £100 had been
expended in payments to the friends of deceased members; it was also shown that
since the establishment of the society in 1838, 127 deaths had occurred, in
respect of which the large sum of £1,267 12s. had been expended. From the
extension of the society to an unlimited number of members (which we believe is
a feature peculiar to the Folkestone Burial Society), this favourable result
has been obtained. Mr. Jinkings was unanimously re-elected president, Mr. D.
Baker, treasurer, and Mr. Flaherty, secretary. We feel much pleasure in
recording the continued prosperity of this useful society.
Kentish Gazette 2-6-1857
Ancient Order of Foresters: The
thirteenth anniversary of Court Pride of the Cliff of this flourishing order
was celebrated on Monday. The brethren assembled in the afternoon in a field
near Folkestone to enjoy themselves by a variety of rural sports, which was
unfortunately put a stop to by a severe thunder storm. The brethren afterwards
adjourned to the True Briton Inn to partake of an excellent dinner. The evening
was spent in an amicable manner. The society ranks second to none of a
benevolent character in the town, consisting as it does of but about 70
members, and possessing an invested fund of above £450.
Folkestone Chronicle
3-10-1857
Wednesday September 30th:- Before the Mayor, and
T. Golder, W. Major, J. Tolputt, G. Kennicott, and J. Kelcey esqs.
This being the adjourned general annual licencing
meeting, the following licence was renewed, viz.:- Ann Dryden, True Briton Inn.
Southeastern Gazette
4-9-1860
Death:
On the 1st inst., at Deal, Mr. John Hodges, late of Folkestone,
innkeeper, in the 93rd year of his age.
Dover Chronicle 8-9-1860
Death: Sept. 1, at Deal, Mr. John
Hodges, late of Folkestone, innkeeper, in the 93rd year of his age.
Kentish Chronicle
8-9-1860
Death: Deal, Sept. 1, Mr. John
Hodges, late of Folkestone, innkeeper, in his 93rd year.
Folkestone Chronicle
13-4-1861
Wednesday April 10th:- Before Captain Kennicott,
James Tolputt, and A.m. Leith esqs.
Adam Keeler, of the True Briton, was summoned for having a
defective covering to his coal hole, whereby an officer of the 17th
Regiment who was passing, slipped on the cover, and his leg passing through the
aperture threw him across the pavement, hurting his leg very badly.
The case was clearly proved, and the magistrates fined
defendant 1s. and 9s. costs, with an order from the magistrates to have the
covering of the coal hole substantially repaired, which has since been done.
Folkestone Observer
13-4-1861
Wednesday March 10th: - Before Captain Kennicott,
A.M. Leith and James Tolputt esqs.
Unsafe Coal Trap
William Keeler, True Briton inn, appeared on summons to
answer a charge of leaving the trap of his coal cellar unopened, and thereby
causing injury to the person of Paymaster Smith, 17th Regiment.
Norborn Smith, Paymaster, 17th Regiment,
Shorncliffe, said that on Saturday last about three o`clock, he was passing
along Harbour Street. At the corner opposite the True Briton he came to an iron
trap that covered a coal cellar, and putting his foot on it the trap slipped
away, and turning up let his left leg through the hole. On examining the cover,
he found that though there was a short chain attached it was not fastened to
anything. Both his legs were very badly cut. He spoke to a person who came out
of the True Briton, but whom he could not identify as the defendant, and he
seemed to take it very colly, admitting that the cover was not fastened down;
and he thereupon lodged a complaint.
Defendant said he did not previously know that the cover was
not fastened; but he found that the stone in which it was laid was broken. He
had not noticed that before, nor had he had a complaint about it. He did not
know whose place it was to repair it, his or the Surveyor`s.
The Bench cautioned him that so long as the place was in bad
repair he was himself responsible for the repairs, and fined him 1s. with
costs.
Southeastern Gazette 16-4-1861
Local News
On Wednesday last, William Keeler, landlord of the True
Briton, was summoned by Naborn Smith, Paymaster in the 17th Regt, for leaving
the coal-trap in his pavement unsafe, whereby one of the complainant’s legs had
slipped through and been injured.
The defendant said he was not aware it was unfastened.
He was cautioned by the magistrates, and ordered to pay
1s. fine and 9s. costs.
Folkestone Chronicle
23-11-1861
Corporation
meeting, Monday, Nov. 18th.
To
consider plans for the True Briton Inn, Harbour Street, by Messrs. Ash and
Sons, and make order thereon.
The
council proceeded to discuss the matter of the True Briton Inn. After
inspecting the plans of which, showing the new frontage in Harbour Street, by
which it will be brought back to the line of the Paris Hotel and Harbour Inn;
they having been found satisfactory, the Town Clerk was instructed to acquaint
Messrs. Ash that the requisite permission was given them to carry out the
improvements.
Folkestone Observer
25-7-1863
Monday July 20th:- Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer
and W.F. Browell Esqs.
Drunk And Incapable
John McCarthy was charged with being drunk in Harbour
Street.
P.C. Hills said he yesterday afternoon, about half past two
o`clock, found the prisoner lying in front of the True Briton, drunk and
incapable of taking care of himself; he therefore took him into custody and
brought him to the station. When searched at the station 8s. 1 1/2d. was found on him.
Fined 5s.
Folkestone Chronicle
12-10-1872
Saturday, October 5th: Before J. Tolputt Esq.,
and Col. De Crespigny
Wm. Keeler, of the True Briton, was summoned for keeping his
house open before the hour of 6 o`clock on Sunday evening.
P.C. Hogben, sworn, said that he was on duty on Sunday, the
29th inst., in Harbour Street, at quarter past five o`clock. He saw
the True Briton opened. He went in and saw two men in the bar, with two glasses
of beer standing on the counter, and he called Mr. Keeler`s attention to it. He
said he was not aware of any alteration in the time. The front door was open.
Defendant pleaded guilty to keeping his house open.
The Bench convicted the defendant, and fined him 20s. and
10s. costs, or in default 14 days` imprisonment.
Francis Mempes, for being in the True Briton during illegal
hours, was fined 1s. and 9s. costs.
Charles Pink was charged with the same offence, but stated
that he was a guest at the time, and called Frederick Dryden, who said he was
lodging at the True Briton. On Sunday afternoon he went for a walk with
defendant, and got back about 5 o`clock. He asked defendant in to tea with him,
and he stayed. The defendant was a guest of his.
The Bench dismissed the case. In the course of a very able
defence the defendant showed that it was not his intention to disobey the law,
and if he was fined under the circumstances, he should look upon it as a
hardship.
Folkestone Express
12-10-1872
Saturday, October 5th: Before J. Tolputt Esq.,
and Col. De Crespigny.
William Keeler, True Briton Inn, Harbour Street, was
summoned for having his house open during prohibited hours on Sunday, 29th
September.
P.C. Hogben said he was on duty in Harbour Street at a
quarter past five o`clock on Sunday afternoon, when he saw the True Briton
open. He went in and saw two men in front of the bar and two glasses of beer
standing before them on the counter. He called defendant`s attention to the
matter, and Mr. Keeler said that he was not aware that there had been any
alteration in the hours for Sunday, and he had always opened at five.
Defendant said he had not any notice to close until six. He
knew there had been a new Act passed, but he had no notice. He expected to hear
from the police if he was doing wrong. The bill which had been issued by the
magistrates said nothing about the hours for Sunday afternoons. He found it
very hard to be summoned without first having had notice, and for doing things
which he did not know were wrong. He had kept the house twenty years and had
never had a complaint before. He did not read the newspapers. Nothing was said
about Sunday afternoon when his license was renewed.
The Clerk: You are bound to find these things out for
yourself.
Mr. Tolputt: The Magistrates cannot listen to the plea of
ignorance. We will inflict the lowest penalty in our power, which is £1 and
10s. costs, and it might have been £10.
Frank Mempes was summoned for being in the True Briton
during prohibited hours on the day above mentioned.
P.C. Hogben said he saw defendant in the True Briton at a
quarter past five on the afternoon of the day in question, and there was a
glass of beer on the counter. He said he was not aware that the time was
altered, and seeing the house open he went in.
Defendant pleaded Guilty; he had not been out for several
Sundays. He had been to Sandgate, and on coming back he saw the house open and
went in for a glass of beer. He told the policeman he was very sorry if he had
done wrong, drank his beer, and walked out, and the door was locked.
Fined 1s. and 9s. costs.
Charles Pink was charged with a similar offence on the same
day.
P.C. Hogben said he saw the defendant in the True Briton at
a quarter past five on the afternoon of the day in question with a glass of
beer before him.
Defendant: You did not know it was my beer; neither you, nor
anyone else saw me drinking it. I went for a walk with Mr. Dryden and went into
the house to get a light. I did not have any beer.
The Clerk: It is being in the house constitutes the offence.
Mr. F. Dryden was a witness for defendant. He said: My
mother and father-in-law keep the True Briton and I am lodging there for a
time. I asked defendant to go there to tea with me. He has been a walk with me
many a hundred times before. We got back about five o`clock that afternoon. He
was a guest in the house.
Case dismissed.
Folkestone Express
20-6-1874
Wednesday, June 17th: Before J. Tolputt Esq.
A dirty, unkempt fellow, who gave the convenient name of
John Smith, and who appeared in the dock innocent of soap, shirt and vest, was
charged with begging and also with being drunk.
P.C. Hogben gave an account of the fellow`s proceedings,
which were as follows: At half past eight on Tuesday night he saw prisoner
coming down Dover Street, and accosted a Provost Corporal, telling him the
“bobby” has been watching him all the evening, and that he was going to watch
the “bobby”. He then went to the Royal George and laid a tract on the counter
and asked someone to buy it, and refused to go away unless something was given
to him, which was done. Thence he went to the True Briton and offered a
coastguardsman a tract, and received a coin. Thence to the Alexandra Hotel, and
then followed two gentlemen with a tract in his hand and rolled against them,
and they told him they would punish him if he did not go away. He then followed
some gentlemen coming from the Pavilion. Hogben, thinking the fellow had
enjoyed his game long enough, asked him if he had a certificate for hawking,
and he said a gentleman had given him the tracts to get a living with when he
came out of a London hospital, and that he had a wife and two children.
Prisoner was worse for drink, and he was run in.
Tenpence halfpenny and a bundle of religious tracts were
found on prisoner, who begged hard to be let off, promising never to visit
Folkestone again. He was sent to Dover for fourteen days` hard labour.
Folkestone Express
11-9-1875
Saturday, September 4th: Before The Mayor, J.
Tolputt, J. Clark, and T. Caister Esqs.
An occasional license was granted to Mr. William Keeler, of
the True Briton, to sell excisable liquors till midnight on Monday on the
occasion of a supper at his house.
Folkestone Express
31-3-1877
Local News
On Saturday at the Police Court the license of the True
Briton, Harbour Street was provisionally transferred from William Keeler to
Charles Rutter.
Folkestone Express
28-4-1877
Tuesday, April 24th: Before Captain Crowe, R.W.
Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.
The following provisional transfer of license was granted:
The True Briton from William Keeler to Charles Rutter.
Folkestone Visitors`
List 22-6-1892
Local News
In the London Sheriff`s Court, Red Lion Square, on Thursday
last, before Mr. Under Sheriff Burchell, the case of Miss Marian Alexander of
River View, Horsell Moor, Woking, Surrey v Harry Moore, of High Street,
Folkestone, an action for breach of promise of marriage, which had been
remitted from the High Court, came on for the assessment of damages. Mr. De
Michele appeared for the plaintiff. The defendant was not professionally
represented.
The learned counsel, in stating the facts of the case, said
that the plaintiff was in service at the True Briton Hotel, Folkestone, from
June to October of last year, and the defendant, Harry Poole, was the son of
Mr. George Poole, a large furnishing ironmonger, of High Street, Folkestone.
After the plaintiff had been at the hotel some little time Harry Poole began to
pay his addresses to her, and certain correspondence took place after she left
Folkestone. On one occasion the defendant took the plaintiff to London, when
something happened which the jury would understand, and which, perhaps, needed
no further explanation. The letters received by Miss Alexander from her lover
were couched in the most affectionate terms, and many were adorned with
cabalistic crosses, which, in the language of lovers, signified kisses.
(Laughter) Those letters undoubtedly proved that there was an engagement
between the parties, as he frequently signed as “Yours ever true and loving”,
Yours ever true and devoted”, and he addressed the plaintiff as “My own dearest
Marian” and “My dearest and loving Marian” &c. (Laughter) They were
introduced to the plaintiff`s brother and his wife at Woking as an affianced
couple. In a letter from 41, High Street, Folkestone, dated the 21st
of October, 1891, the defendant wrote “I am going to settle myself, so that
what I told you will come true”. In another, dated the 26th of the
same month, he said “With heartfelt joy I received your kind and fond letter,
which I have to thank you most affectionately for, and am extremely sorry that
I was not near to try and dry those dark eyes of yours. (Laughter) I felt very
lonely, and could hardly contain myself yesterday, because I had no one to love
me, or kiss and caress me, so I stayed indoors all day and went to bed. Oh, if
I only had you near me to say “Never mind” I should have felt much better.
(Laughter) I am longing for to see you and that pretty face, to impart a kiss
once more on those ruby lips”. (Loud laughter) Showing his position in life,
and that he was mixing in good company, on the 1st of November he
wrote “I received your most kind and loving letter, and was very pleased with
it. The elections are held here today for Town Councillors, and I think that
old Dick Sanders will go in again for the East Ward at the top of the poll.
Hoping this will; find you in a perfect state, as it leaves me, dear; you must
not worry yourself, but take things more quiet, and you will feel all the
better for it”. At this time the plaintiff was living with her married brother
at Woking, and it appeared from a letter dated the 11th of November
he had visited her, for he said “I never enjoyed myself better in all my
excursions than this time, and you must heartily thank your dear sister and
brother for their great kindness to me while I stayed with them. Hope that your
dear self do not miss me. I thought when I woke up this morning if you were
only near me I should have a cup of T; but no, had to be content till I got
dressed and downstairs, which you can tell I very soon did. (Laughter) Father
has been as cross today as can be. It has been all jaw today”. (Renewed
laughter) On the 7th of December, defendant wrote “Your kind and
loving letter to hand, and was very pleased to receive same. Did not say that I
was tired of writing to you, dear, but sick and tired of making bills out for
Christmas. Have got between four hundred and five hundred made out, but still
have between one hundred and two hundred to make out, and it gives me the fair
hump. (Laughter) Nothing else but write, write, write from morning until night”.
In reply to a letter written by the plaintiff asking for a definite promise,
the defendant wrote “I find in your fond and kind letter to me that you ask me
to make you a promise, and that I most heartily do. I have started this year
afresh. I hope to continue so until the time shall come when we shall meet to
part no more (I mean, not in this world) until death shall sever us. Now, I
shall know what to do in future, and, as long as you keep true to me, dear, I
shall be doubly true to you”. The learned counsel went on to say that there
could be no doubt of the engagement, and asked the jury to allow the plaintiff
substantial damages for the heartless conduct to which she had been subjected.
The plaintiff, a good-looking brunette, attired in a lilac
coloured dress, with yellow trimmings, was called, and stated that she was 25
years of age. The defendant managed his father`s business, and used to spend a
lot of money. He took her out for walks and drives each time she could get
away. When she came to London with the defendant they stayed only one night
together. The defendant had never assigned any reason for not carrying out his
promise, but in April last, in reply to a communication from her solicitor, a
note in a lady`s handwriting was received simply addressed from Folkestone, and
signed “St. Martin”, to the following effect – “I beg to inform you that Mr. H.
Poole left here about three weeks ago. As we do not know his present
whereabouts, we think it better to return your letter”.
The jury, after a short consultation, awarded the plaintiff
£100 damages.
Southeastern Gazette
25-6-1892
Local News
On Thursday, in the Sheriff’s Court for the County of
London, Red Lion Square, before Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell and a jury, the case
of Miss Marian Alexander, described as of River View Cottage, Horsell Moor, Woking,
Surrey, against Mr. Harry Poole, of 41, High Street, Folkestone, an action for
breach of promise of marriage which had been allowed to go by default in the
High Court, came on for the assessment of damages. Mr. de Michele was counsel
for the plaintiff, while the defendant was not represented.
In his opening statement Mr. de Michele stated that the
plaintiff from June to October last year was a barmaid at the True Briton
Hotel, Folkestone, and the defendant was the son of a furnishing ironmonger in
an extensive way of business in the same town. Shortly after she got her
situation at the hotel the defendant began to pay marked attention to her, and
frequently took her out for walks and drives. On one occasion they came to
London for a day and night. The letters of the defendant to the plaintiff were
all couched in the most affectionate language. He sometimes addressed the young
lady as “My own dearest and loving Marian,” and he was in the habit of
subscribing himself as “Yours, ever true and loving” and “Yours, ever true and
devoted,” &c. After the plaintiff left the True Briton Hotel she went to
live with relatives at Woking, where she was visited by the defendant, and
received letters from him. The learned counsel remarked that the defendant must
be in a good position, because in one letter he showed that he was in the habit
of meeting with public men. By way of instructing the plaintiff in public
affairs he thus wrote: “The elections are held here to-day for town
councillors, and I think that old Dick Sanders will go in again for the East
Ward at the top of the poll.” The correspondence, which suddenly ceased, was
copiously embellished with crosses, which were supposed in amatory epistles to
mean kisses [laughter]. Counsel added
that while vindictive damages were not asked for, he hoped the jury would award
the plaintiff such an amount as would in some degree recompense her for the
heartless treatment to which she had been subjected.
The plaintiff—an attractive young person, attired in a
lilac-coloured dress, with yellow facings—gave evidence in support of her
learned counsel’s statement, and said that the defendant appeared to have ample
command of money, and that he managed his father’s business.
In the result the jury gave a verdict for £100, with costs.
Hythe Reporter
25-6-1892
The following account of a breach of promise case will be
interesting reading to many Hythe people, inasmuch as the defendant was a
member of the Hythe Company of Volunteers. The reference to old Dick Saunders
is particularly amusing. We remind those who took such a deep interest in the
launch of the canal barge last year that it was Mr. Councillor Saunders who
superintended this work.
In the London Sheriff`s Court, before under-Sheriff Burchell
and a jury, the case of Miss Marian Alexander, of River View, Horsell Moor,
Woking, Surrey, v Harry Poole, of High Street, Folkestone, Kent, an action for
breach of promise of marriage, which had been remitted from the High Court,
came on for the assessment of damages.
Mr. De Michelle, for the plaintiff, said his client was in
service at the True Briton Hotel, Folkestone, from June to October of last
year, and the defendant, Harry Poole, was the son of Mr. George Poole, a large
furnishing ironmonger, of High Street, Folkestone. After plaintiff had been at
the Hotel some little time Harry Poole began to pay his addresses to her, and
certain correspondence took place after she had left Folkestone. On one
occasion defendant took plaintiff to London, when something happened which the
jury would understand, and which, perhaps, needed no further explanation. The
letters received by Miss Alexander from her lover were couched in the most
affectionate terms, and were adorned with cabalistic crosses, which, in the
language of lovers, signified kisses. (Laughter) Those letters undoubtedly
proved that there was an engagement between the parties, as he frequently
signed as “Yours ever true and loving”, “Yours ever true and devoted”, and he
addressed the plaintiff as “My own dearest Marian”, “My dearest and loving
Marian” &c. (Laughter) They were introduced to the plaintiff`s
brother-in-law and his wife at Woking as an affianced couple. In a letter from
41, High Street, Folkestone, dated the 21st of October, 1891, the
defendant wrote “I am going to settle myself, so that what I told you will come
true”. In another, dated the 26th of the same month, he said “With
heartfelt joy I received your kind and fond letter, which I have to thank you
most affectionately for, and am extremely sorry that I was not near to try and
dry those dark eyes of yours. (Laughter) I feel very lonely, and could hardly
contain myself yesterday, because I had no-one to love me, or kiss and caress
me, so I stayed indoors all day and went to bed. Oh, if only I had you near to
me to say “Never mind” I should have felt much better. (Laughter) I am longing
for to see you and that pretty face, to impart a kiss once more on those ruby
cheeks.” (Loud laughter) Showing his
position in life, and that he was mixing in good society, on the first of November
he wrote “I received your most kind and loving letter, and was very pleased
with it. The elections are held here today for town councillors, and I think
that old Dick Saunders will go in again for the East Ward at the top of the
poll. Hoping that this will find you in a perfect state, as it leaves me, dear;
you must not worry, but take things more quiet, and you will feel all the
better for it.” At this time the plaintiff was living with her married brother
at Woking, and it appeared from a letter dated the 11th of November
he had there visited her, for he said “I never enjoyed myself better in all my
excursions than this time, and you must heartily thank your dear sister and
brother for their great kindness to me while I stayed with them. Hope that your
dear self do not miss me. I thought when I woke up this morning if you were
only near me I should have a cup of T; but now had to be content till I got
dressed and downstairs, which you can tell I very soon did. (Laughter) Father
has been as cross today as can be. It has been all jaw today.” (Renewed
laughter) On the 7th December the defendant wrote “Your kind and
loving letter to had, and was very pleased to receive same. Did not say that I
was tired of writing to you, dear, but sick and tired of making bills out for
Christmas. Have got between four hundred and five hundred made out, but still
have between one hundred and two hundred to make out, and it gives me the fair
hump. (Laughter) Nothing else but write, write, write from morning to night.”
In reply to a letter written by the plaintiff asking for a definite promise,
the defendant wrote “I find in your fond and kind letter to me that you ask me
to make you a promise, and that I will most heartily do. I have started this
new year afresh. I hope to continue so until the time shall come when we shall
meet to part no more (I mean not in this world) until death shall sever us.
Now, I shall know what to do in future, and as long as you keep true to me, my
dear, I shall be doubly true to you.” The learned counsel went on to say that
there could be no doubt of the engagement, and he asked the jury to allow the
plaintiff substantial damages for the heartless conduct to which she had been
subjected.
The plaintiff, a good looking brunette, attired in a lilac
coloured dress with yellow trimmings, was called, and stated that she was 25
years of age. The defendant managed his father`s business, and used to spend a
lot of money. He took her out for walks and drives each time she could get
away. When she came to London with the defendant they stayed only one night
together. The defendant had never assigned any reason for not carrying out his
promise, but in April last, in reply to a communication from her solicitor, a
note in lady`s handwriting was received, simply addressed from Folkestone, and
signed “St. Martin”, to the following effect:- I beg to inform you that Mr. H.
Poole left here about three weeks ago. As we do not know his present
whereabouts, we think it better to return your letter.”
The jury, after a short consultation, awarded the plaintiff
£100 damages.
True Briton (L) and Harbour Inn (R), 1978
No comments:
Post a Comment