Even More Tales From The Tap Room: White Lion (2), Cheriton High Street c1854

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

White Lion (2), Cheriton High Street c1854 - c2007

White Lion, 1978

White Lion, May 2012

Outside the White Lion, 2-9-1915. King George V and Lord Kitchener lead the walk-past (from http://www.dover-kent.com/White-Lion-Cheriton.html)

White Lion c1904 (from http://www.dover-kent.com/White-Lion-Cheriton.html)

White Lion, date unknown. From http://www.dover-kent.com/White-Lion-Cheriton.html

White Lion, date unknown. Credit White Horse, Densole (fromhttp://www.dover-kent.com/White-Lion-Cheriton.html)

White Lion, date unknown. Credit Chris Excell (from http://www.dover-kent.com/White-Lion-Cheriton.html)

Licensees

Benjamin Collins c1854 c1858 Later Victoria (2)

William Gilbert c1858 1860

James Mitchell 1861 1863

Edward Chaplin 1863 1866

Charles Loveland 1866 1869

Thomas Hammon 1869 1876

Mary Hammon 1876 c1879

Henry Baldock c1879 1898

Joseph Saunders 1898 1901

Joseph Smiles 1901 1916

Roy Smiles 1916 1918
Mrs. Smiles 1918 1918
R.S. Smiles 1919 1919

Joseph Smiles 1919 1926

Roy Smiles 1926 1929

Percy Moss 1929 1938

Bert Samway and Lydia Samway 1938 1950
T.E. Moore ???? 1958

Reginald Peters 1958 1973

John Rogers and Dena Rogers 1976 ????
Bryan Adams 1979 ????

Barry Chamberlain 1982 1989 Renamed Banjos 1989-92

Anthony Leeves and Hilary Leeves 1992 1997

Ruth Bilberry-Smith 1997 1998

Linda Oliver 1998 1999

Derek Doyle 1999 1999

Derek Doyle and Paul Byatt 1999 2000

Patricia Wilson 2000 2000

Thomas Long 2000 2001 From Royal George

Deborah Liley and Robert Ormiston 2001 2001

Shane Boyle 2001 2002

Rachel Considine and Beryl Popham 2002 2004

Deborah Hagger and Robert Hammant 2004 2004 +

Southeastern Gazette 7-2-1854

Petty Sessions: Before David Major, Esq.

George Stone, a private soldier in her Majesty’s Royal Horse Guards, was charged with uttering a piece of counterfeit coin, apparently resembling a sovereign, and haying another of the same sort in his possession.

Mrs. Collins, the wife of Benjamin Collins, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, proved that the prisoner that morning tendered her what appeared to be a sovereign in payment for some beer, and although she had a notion it was light, she still believed it to be a sovereign, and upon the prisoner’s representation that he had on the previous day received it of his pay sergeant, she gave him change for it, with which he went away. When her husband came home he at once detected its spurious nature, and went in search of the prisoner.

Superintendent Steer proved apprehending the prisoner at the Swan, Dover-road, and upon searching him found, besides £1 3s. 9d. (consisting partly of the money he had received from Mrs. Collins) another similar counterfeit sovereign.

The prisoner, after receiving the usual caution, stated that he had received from his Quartermaster in Hydo Park barracks, on Sunday last, a £5 note, which he got changed at a gin palace near the foot of London bridge, and that he did not know the change was bad money.

The prisoner was remanded till Saturday, bail being accepted, and the superintendent was directed to communicate with the authorities at the Horse Guards. On Saturday the prisoner was fully committed for trial, the answer received from the paymaster of the regiment being that the prisoner had asked for four days’ leave to bury his father, and that he only received a few shillings from him ; thus proving both his statements to be false, the father being alive and well.

Note: Seems to give earlier start date for White Lion

Canterbury Journal 25-3-1854

Assizes: 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 her purse till her husband came home, and he found it was spurious. He gave information to the police at Folkestone, when Steers, the police superintendent there, apprehended the prisoner. 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. Prisoner said in defence that he had received the coins in change. Five months` hard labour.

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.

Canterbury Journal 20-10-1855

East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday; before James Beckford Wildman Esq.

Caroline Hunter, 21, and Mary Ann Hunt, 28, charged with stealing a tablecloth, value 7s., the property of George Ward, at Cheriton, on the 13^th October.

George Ward – was an innkeeper and mess-master to the cavalry officers of the British Foreign Legion. The tablecloth produced was his – it was brought to him by the constable. He had no doubt it was stolen by one of the privates and given to the prisoners.

Benjamin Collins – was a publican. The prisoners came to his house and offered the tablecloth for sale; he seeing the name upon it suspected it was stolen and detained it, and gave the prisoners into custody.

The prisoners accounted for the property by saying that a soldier of the name of Ward had given it them.

The jury at first convicted them of stealing the tablecloth, but on it being told them that the prisoners could not possibly have obtained access to the canteen, and therefore could not have taken the cloth, their verdict was guilty of receiving the tablecloth, knowing it to have been stolen.

One month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-10-1855

East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday: Before James Beckford Wildman Esq.

Caroline Hunter, 21, and Mary Ann Hunt, 28, single women, two unfortunate creatures of the lowest class by their appearance, charged with stealing a table cloth, value 7s., the property of George Ward, at Cheriton, on the 13^th October, 1855.

Mr. G. Ward, the prosecutor, stated that he kept the Ship Inn, Sandgate, and was mess man to the officers of the British Foreign Legion, now encamped at Shorncliffe. The table cloth produced was his property, and used on the mess dining table; it has his mark on it, his name in full being written thereon. He did not know the prisoners, not had they to his knowledge access to the rooms where the cloth had been used.

Mr. B. Collins, landlord of the White Lion at Cheriton, deposed that the prisoners offered the cloth to him for sale.

There appeared to be very little to implicate Hunt beyond being in company with Hunter when the cloth was offered for sale to Mr. Collins.

The jury found both prisoners Guilty, but on the Chairman asking the prosecutor a few questions as to whether the women were ever seen about the camp or near the place where the cloth had been stolen, Mr. Ward said they would not have been allowed in the camp on any consideration. The facts were, that a portion of the Legion being about to leave for embarkation, a dinner took place, at which a more than usual number sat down, and the cloths were left on the tables till a late hour after dinner. Early the following morning a party of men, known as a fatigue party, were engaged in clearing the room, at which time he supposed the cloth was stolen, and it was likely to have found its way into the hands of the prisoners through some of the men so engaged. This statement altered the features of the case, and some of the jury observed that had this been stated before it might have had an effect on their verdict.

The Clerk of the Court observed that the prisoners were also indicted for “having in possession, knowing it to be stolen”, and the Chairman directed the jury to consider the evidence as it affected the prisoners of receiving knowing it to have been stolen, and on this point the jury gave a verdict of Guilty, and the prisoners were each sentenced to one month`s imprisonment with hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 22-10-1855

East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday last; Before J.B. Wildman esq.

Caroline Hunter and M.A. Hunter were convicted of stealing a tablecloth, at Cheriton, on the 13^th inst., from the canteen of the British German Legion. The prisoners were proved to have offered the cloth for sale to a person named Collins, who suspected it had been stolen and gave them into custody. Verdict, both Guilty.

Policeman A528 then said the prisoners could not have stolen the cloth from the camp as they were not allowed there at all, but he believed they had received it from some soldier who had stolen it.

The Chairman then directed the jury to consider the second count in the indictment, that of receiving the property, knowing it to have been stolen.

The jury also found a verdict of Guilty on this count, and the prisoners were sentenced to one month`s imprisonment.

Kentish Gazette 23-10-1855

East Kent Quarter Sessions: The Michaelmas Sessions was held on Tuesday last before J.B. Wildman Esq. (Chairman), and the following Magistrates: Sir Norton J. Knatchbull, Bart, Right Hon. S.R. Lushington, E. Foss, W.A. Munn, G.E. Sayer, W. Delmar, W.H. Forley, T.H. Mackay, W.A. Burra, F.F. Lonsdale, G. Gipps, W. Hyder, Esqs., Revs. E. Biron, G.W. Sicklemore, and H. Hilton.

Caroline Hunter, 21, and Marv Ann Hunt. 28. charged with having, on the 13^th October, stolen a tablecloth, the property of George Ward, at Cheriton. Prosecutor was an innkeeper and mess-master to the Briish Foreign Legion at Shorncliffe, and saw the cloth on the table of the mess-room on the 9^th.

George Collins, who kept the White Lion at Cheriton, deposed to the prisoners coming there to sell a tablecloth; and seeing the name of George Ward on it. he asked them if they knew to whom it belonged, on which they said they received it from a soldier. He detained it and sent for a policeman, to whom he gave it and the prisoners.

W. F. Green, Police Constable, took the prisoners as detailed by last witness, and to whom they stated that a soldier of the name of George Ward had given it to them.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty.

The last-mentioned witness, on being recalled, stated that it was impossible the women could have stolen the cloth, as they were not allowed to enter the camp; and the prosecutor himself stated his belief that some of the soldiers bad stolen it when they were clearing away the things after a party.

The jury were asked if they intended to find the prisoners guilty of receiving as well, with which they were charged, upon which the foreman observed that they ought to have had such evidence before. However, reconsidering their verdict, they pronounced them guilty of having unlawful possession of it.—One month in the House of Correction.

Kentish Gazette, Southeastern Gazette 1-4-1856, Dover Telegraph 5-4-1856

Auction Advertisement: Very valuable investment. To Brewers and Capitalists. Sale of the excellent Free Public House, known as the White Lion, Cheriton next Folkestone, Kent. Mr. Wm. Jacobs has been favoured with instructions to sell by Public Auction, at the King`s Arms Inn, Folkestone, on Wednesday, April 16^th, 1856, at Two for Three o`clock in the afternoon;

All that substantially built and well situated Free Public House, known as the White Lion, in the parish of Cheriton, possessing a frontage to the Cheriton High Road to the Shorncliffe Camp of about 42 feet - doing a first rate trade; containing on the ground floor, front and back parlours, bar, bar parlour, and tap room: first floor, two bedrooms and a large club room; also a good store cellar, bake-house, washhouse, and out offices, and a capacious and desirable room adjoining the said premises, in the occupation of Mr. Benjamin Collins.

This property is held under lease from Lord Radnor for a term of 99 years, from 29th September, 1847, at a ground rent of £5, and lies within about ten minutes` walk of the Shorncliffe Camp, possessing all the business advantages of a good country house. The whole is well fitted, and has recently been improved and put into thorough repair.

For particulars and conditions, apply to the Auctioneer, 4, Townwall Street, Dover; or to Messrs. E. And N. Knocker, Solicitors, Dover and Hythe.

Kentish Gazette 15-6-1858

In the Court of Bankruptcy on the 5^th instant the first meeting was held for the proof of debts and choice of trade assignees under the Bankruptcy of Henry Clements, corn factor and coal merchant, of Hythe. Messrs. Lawrence, Plews and Boyer appeared on behalf of the petitioning creditor, Mr. Wm. Gilbert, of Cheriton, innkeeper, who procured the adjudication in bankruptcy on the 24^th ult. for a debt of £69 14s. 1d.

Kentish Gazette 18-9-1858

Hythe Magistrates` Clerk`s Office, 15^th September: Before Thos. Denne and Thos. DuBoulay Esqs.

William Crane, Joseph Poynts, Vincent Gosford, Peter Daley, Francis Donnelly, Thos. McHugh and Bogan Barden appeared in answer to a summons, charged with creating a riot at the White Lion, at Cheriton, and doing a great deal of damage to the premises. There were 18 panes of glass broken, and the total amount of damage was estimated at £1 14s. 6d. by Mr. Gilbert, the landlord. The three first-named men were non-commissioned officers in the Coldstream Guards, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp for the purpose of drilling the 100^th Canadian Regiment, the remainder being privates in the 11^th Foot, both of which regiments are now stationed at the Camp. The evidence brought forward to substantiate the case was only sufficient to convict two of the men, and was of a very voluminous nature. Joseph Poynts and Thos. McHugh were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, to be paid in one week; in default to be committed to St. Augustine`s for one month.

Southeastern Gazette 21-9-1858

Hythe: At the Magistrates Clerk`s Office, on Wednesday, before T. Denne and T. Du Boulay Esqs., William Crane, Joseph Poynts, Vincent Gosford, Peter Daley, Francis Donnelly, Thos. McHugh and Bogan Barden appeared in answer to summons, charged with creating a riot at the White Lion, at Cheriton, and doing a great deal of damage to the premises. There were 18 panes of glass broken, and the total amount of damage was estimated at £1 14s. 6d. by Mr. Gilbert, the landlord. The three first-named men were non-commissioned officers in the Coldstream Guards, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp for the purpose of drilling the 100^th Canadian Regiment, the remainder being privates in the 11^th Foot, both of which regiments are now stationed at the Camp. The evidence brought forward to substantiate the case was only sufficient to convict two of the men, and was of a very voluminous nature. Joseph Poynts and Thomas McHugh were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, to be paid in one week; in default to be committed to St. Augustine`s for one month.

Canterbury Journal 25-9-1858

Hythe: At the Magistrates`Clerk`s office, on Wednesday, before T. Denne and T. Du Boulay Esqs., William Crane, Joseph Poynts, Vincent Gosford, Peter Daley, Francis Donnelly, Thos. McHugh and Bogan Barden appeared in answer to a summons, charged with creating a riot at the White Lion, at Cheriton, and doing a great deal of damage to the premises. There were 18 panes of glass broken, and the total amount of damage was estimated at £1 14s. 6d. by Mr. Gilbert, the landlord. The three first-named men were non-commissioned officers in the Coldstream Guards, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp for the purpose of drilling the 100^th Canadian Regiment, the remainder being privates in the 11^th Foot, both of which regiments are now stationed at the Camp. The evidence brought forward to substantiate the case was only sufficient to convict two of the men, Joseph Poynts and Thomas McHugh, who were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, to be paid in one week; in default to be committed to St. Augustine`s for one month.

Folkestone Chronicle 25-9-1858

Hythe Police Court

At the Magistrates` Clerk`s office on Wednesday, before T. Denne and T. Du Boulay Esqs., William Crane, Joseph Poynts, Vincent Gsoford, Peter Daley, Francis Donnelly, Thomas McHugh and Bugan Barden appeared in answer to a summons, charged with creating a riot at the White Lion, at Cheriton, and doing a great deal of damage to the premises. There were eighteen panes of glass broken, and the total amount of damage was estimated at £1 14s. 6d. by Mr. Gilbert, the landlord. The three first-named men were non-commissioned officers in the Coldstream Guards stationed at Shorncliffe Camp for the purpose of drilling the 100^th Canadian Regiment, the remainder being privates in the 11^th Foot, both of which regiments are now stationed at the Camp. The evidence brought forward to substantiate the case was only sufficient to convict two of the men, Joseph Poynts and Thomas McHugh, who were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, to be paid in one week, in default to be committed to St. Augustine`s for one month.

Note: Date for Gilbert is at Variance with More Bastions.

Kentish Express 8-1-1859

Hythe Petty Sessions 6^th January

Five soldiers brought up in custody of police sergeant Smith, K.C.C., were charged with stealing several articles, the property of Mr. William Gilbert, of the White Lion, Cheriton. It appeared from the evidence taken, which was very voluminous, that the soldiers came to Gilbert`s house about eleven o`clock on the night of Wednesday, and made Gilbert get up to serve them with some beer. While some of the soldiers were talking to Gilbert at the bar, the others went upstairs and into the parlour. They took six pictures from the parlour, a clock, and several articles of wearing apparel from upstairs, which they wrapped round their bodies under their military cloaks. Two of them were committed for trial, and the others discharged.

Southeastern Gazette 11-1-1859

Local News

On Thursday last, James Payne, James Scott, William Rutledge, John Yates, and James Farrell, all soldiers, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged before T. Denne, G. Gidley and W.F. Browell Esqs. with stealing an 8 day clock, 6 large gilt-framed pictures, and a quantity of linen clothes, valued at £3 17s., the property of Mr. Gilbert, landlord of the White Lion public house, Cheriton. It appears that the prisoners, with one or two other soldiers, went to the White Lion at about twelve o`clock on the night of the 5^th inst., and called the prosecutor up, threatening that if he did not let them in and draw them some beer, they would break the door open and help themselves. The prosecutor, to save having the door broken open, came down and let them in, when they called for some rum, which he would not let them have without the money. They then began to make a disturbance, and swore that they would have something to drink, the prisoner Farrell at the same time attempting to get into the bar, and calling the others to come and help him. Prosecutor then gave them some beer, and tried to persuade them to leave the house, and while he was in conversation with another soldier, named Bartholomew Griffin, a drummer in the 11^th Regt., who is a witness in the case, the other prisoners succeeded in carrying the things before-mentioned from the parlour, out of the house; the prisoner Scott, as it appeared in evidence, going upstairs and stealing the linen clothes from off the landing. The prisoners were all taken into custody early in the evening by Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., and some of the stolen property found upon the persons of Payne and Scott. The whole of the property was found in the course of the morning. The pictures were thrown away, not far from the house; the clock was taken by Scott to a man, who was asked to take care of it for him, as he had won it at a raffle. It was not proved that Rutledge, Yates and Farrell had anything to do with taking the things away; they were therefore discharged with a caution. Payne and Scott were committed for trial at the Assizes

Kentish Gazette 11-1-1859

Hythe Petty Sessions, Town Hall, 6^th January, 1859:

Five soldiers brought up in custody of Police serjeant Smith, K.C.C., were charged with stealing several articles, the property of Mr. William Gilbert, of the White Lion, Cheriton. It appeared from the evidence taken, which was very voluminous, that the soldiers came to Gilbert’s about eleven o’clock on the night of Wednesday, and made Gilbert get up to serve them with some beer. While some of the soldiers were talking to Gilbert at the bar, the others went up stairs and into the parlour. They took six pictures from the parlour, a clock, and several articles of wearing apparel from upstairs, which they wrapped round their bodies under their military cloaks. Two of them were committed for trial, and the others discharged.

Canterbury Journal 15-1-1859

Last week Jas. Payne, James Scott, William Rutledge, John Yates, and James Farrell, all soldiers, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged before T. Denne, G. Gidley, and W. F. Browell Esqrs., with stealing an 8-day-clock, 6 large gilt framed pictures, and a quantity of linen clothes, valued at £3 17s., the property of Mr. Gilbert, landlord of the White Lion public-house, Cheriton. It appears that the prisoners, with one or two other soldiers, went to the White Lion at about twelve o'clock on the night of the 5^th inst., and called the prosecutor up, threatening that if he did not let them in, and draw them some beer, they would break the door open and help themselves. The prosecutor, to save having the door broken open, came running down and let them in, when they called for some rum, which he would not let them have without the money. They then began to make a disturbance, and swore that they would have something to drink, the prisoner Farrell at the same time attempting to get into the bar, and calling to the others to come and help him. Prosecutor then gave them some beer, and tried to persuade them to leave the house, and while he was in conversation with another soldier, named Bartholomew Griffen, a drummer in the 11^th regt., who is a witness in the case, the other prisoners succeeded in carrying the things before-mentioned, from the parlour, out of the house; the prisoner Scott, as it appeared in evidence, going up stairs and stealing the linen clothes from off the landing. The prisoners were all taken into custody early in the evening, by Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., and some of the stolen property found upon the persons of Payne and Scott. The whole of the property was found in the course of the morning. The pictures were thrown away from the house; the clock was taken by Scott to a man, who was asked to take care of it for him, as he had won it at a raffle. It was not proved that Rutledge, Yates, and Farrell had anything to do with taking the things away; they were therefore discharged with a caution. Payne and Scott were committed for trial at the assizes.

Dover Chronicle 15-1-1859

On Thursday week James Payne, James Scott, William Rutledge, John Yates, and James Farrell, all soldiers, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged before T. Denne, G. Gidley, and W. F. Browell Esqrs., with stealing an 8-day-clock, 6 large gilt framed pictures, and a quantity of linen clothes, valued at £3 17s., the property of Mr. Gilbert, landlord of the White Lion public-house, Cheriton. It appears that the prisoners, with one or two other soldiers, went to the White Lion at about twelve o'clock on the night of the 5^th inst., and called the prosecutor up, threatening that if he did not let them in, and draw them some beer, they would break the door open and help themselves. The prosecutor, to save having the door broken open, came down and let them in, when they called for some rum, which he would not let them have without the money. They then began to make a disturbance, and swore that they would have something to drink, the prisoner Farrell at the same time attempting to get into the bar, and calling to the others to come and help him. Prosecutor then gave them some beer, and tried to persuade them to leave the house, and while he was in conversation with another soldier, named Bartholomew Griffen, a drummer in the 11^th regt., who is a witness in the case, the other prisoners succeeded in carrying the things before-mentioned, from the parlour, out of the house; the prisoner Scott, as it appeared in evidence, going up stairs and stealing the linen clothes from off the landing. The prisoners were all taken into custody early in the evening, by Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., and some of the stolen property found upon the person of Payne and Scott. The whole of the property was found in the course of the morning. The pictures were thrown away from the house; the clock was taken by Scott to a man, who was asked to take care of it for him, as he had won it at a raffle. It was not proved that Rutledge, Yates, and Farrell had anything to do with taking the things away; they were therefore discharged with a caution. Payne and Scott were committed for trial at the assizes.

Dover Express 15-1-1859

Last week James Payne, James Scott, William Rutledge, John Yates, and James Farrell, all soldiers, stationed at Shorncliffe, were charged before T. Denne, G. Gidley, and W. F. Browell Esqrs., with stealing an 8-day-clock, 6 large gilt framed pictures, and a quantity of linen clothes, valued at £3 17s., the property of Mr. Gilbert, landlord of the White Lion public-house, Cheriton. It appears that the prisoners, with one or two other soldiers, went to the White Lion at about twelve o'clock on the night of the 5^th inst., and called the prosecutor up, threatening that if he did not let them in, and draw them some beer, they would break the door open and help themselves. The prosecutor, to save having the door broken open, came down and let them in, when they called for some rum, which he would not let them have without the money. They then began to make a disturbance, and swore that they would have something to drink, the prisoner Farrell at the same time attempting to get into the bar, and calling to the others to come and help him. Prosecutor then gave them some beer, and tried to persuade them to leave the house, and while he was in conversation with another soldier, named Bartholomew Griffen, a drummer in the 11^th regt., who is a witness in the case, the other prisoners succeeded in carrying the things before-mentioned, from the parlour, out of the house; the prisoner Scott, as it appeared in evidence, going up stairs and stealing the linen clothes from off the landing. The prisoners were all taken into custody early in the evening, by Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., and some of the stolen property found upon the person of Payne and Scott. The whole of the property was found in the course of the morning. The pictures were thrown away not far from the house; the clock was taken by Scott to a man, who was asked to take care of it for him, as he had won it at a raffle. It was not proved that Rutledge, Yates, and Farrell had anything to do with taking the things away; they were therefore discharged with a caution. Payne and Scott were committed for trial at the assizes.

Canterbury Journal, Maidstone Journal 19-3-1859, Kentish Independent 26-3-1859

Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Baron Martin.

James Scott, 21, and James Payne, 23, privates in the Artillery, for stealing four shirts, two shifts, and other articles of wearing apparel, a table cloth, a clock, &c., on the 6^th January, at Cheriton. Mr. Barrow prosecuted.

The prosecutor, William Gilbert, is a publican at Cheriton, and the prisoners, with other soldiers, went there and had some beer. Whilst they were drinking it, he fancied hearing a “crick” in the stairs, and before they left he missed a clock. After they were gone he missed the other articles. They were next seen in the road with bundles and things under their cloaks by a soldier, who gave information to the landlord, and the prisoners were shortly afterwards apprehended by the police.

One month`s hard labour.

This lenient sentence was passed in consequence of the prisoners having been already ten weeks in prison.

Maidstone Telegraph 19-3-1859

Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Baron Martin.

James Scott, 21, and James Payne, 24, soldiers, were charged with stealing a clock, shirts, and other articles, at Cheriton, the property of William Gilbert, landlord of the White Lion Inn. The prisoners were found Guilty, but recommended to mercy, and were each sentenced to one month, with hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 22-3-1859

Crown Court

James Scott, 21, and James Payne, 24, soldiers, were indicted for having stolen some pictures and other articles, the property of William Gilbert, at Cheriton, on the 6^th January. Mr. Barrow was for the prosecution.

The prosecutor is landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, and on the above night the prisoners, with other soldiers, went there, and calling him up, threatened to break into the house if he did not give them admittance. They consequently were admitted, and supplied with some drink, for which they refused to pay. They behaved in a very violent and disorderly manner, but ultimately went away. The prisoners were subsequently found in possession of a considerable number of articles which had been taken from the house.

They were both found Guilty, but recommended to mercy, as the jury believed they had committed the act through drunkenness. Each one month`s hard labour.

Dover Chronicle 26-3-1859

Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Baron Martin.

One month`s hard labour.

Kentish Express 26-3-1859

Assizes

The prosecutor is the landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, and on the above night the prisoners, with other soldiers, went there, and calling him up threatened to break into the house if he did not give them admittance. They consequently were admitted, and supplied for some drink, for which they refused to pay. They behaved in a very violent and disorderly manner. The prisoners were subsequently found in possession of a considerable number of articles which had been taken from the house.

They were both found Guilty, but recommended to mercy, as the jury believed that they had committed the act through drunkenness. Each, one month`s hard labour.

Kentish Express 17-11-1860

Hythe Petty Sessions, Thursday: Anthony Upperton, charged with stealing a pair of boots of the value of 12s.

Edward Holliday, labourer, Newington, deposed that he was at the White Lion, Cheriton, on the evening of the 3^rd inst., in the skittle alley. He remained there about three and a half hours, and then missed a pair of boots he had carried in with him. During the time the prisoner came into the alley. Prosecutor next saw the boots on Sunday morning at Shorncliffe Camp.

Benjamin Collins, landlord of the White Lion, said that prosecutor told him of the loss of his boots, upon which he gave information to the police. Witness accompanied Sergeant Smith of the police force to the Camp and identified the prisoner and another soldier, named Scott, as the men who were at his house when the boots were stolen.

Sergeant Simth, K.C.C., searched the hut where prisoner and Scott lived, and found the boots standing beside prisoner`s bed. Witness took the prisoner and Scott into custody, when prisoner admitted he had stolen the boots, but said Scott knew nothing about them. Scott was subsequently discharged.

Committed for 3 months` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-12-1860

Death

Dec. 15^th, at Endbrook Farm, Cheriton, Mr. William Gilbert, late of the White Lion Inn, aged 60 years.

Note: This is at variance with More Bastions.

Kentish Chronicle 29-12-1860

Death: Cheriton, Dec. 15, at Endbrook Farm, Mr. William Gilbert, late of the White Lion Inn, aged 60.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-4-1861

County Court

Wednesday April 24^th:- Before Charles Harwood Esq., Judge.

Dawson v Benjamin Collins: This was an action for £1 6s 8d for meal supplied to the defendant, who recently kept the White Lion Inn at Cheriton. The defendant did not appear. Ordered to be paid forthwith.

Note: How recently? Collins listed in More Bastions to c 1859

Folkestone Observer 30-3-1861

To be Let

With immediate possession, the White Lion Public House at Cheriton.

Apply to W. And J. Pledge, Auctioneers, &c., Folkestone.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-7-1861

Notice

Whereas a petition of James Kirby, formerly of Tovil, near Maidstone, in the County of Kent, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the Bouverie Arms, in the town of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Beershop Keeper, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then of the same place Licensed Victualler, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then in lodgings in the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, in the County of Kent, out of business or employment, then living in furnished lodgings at Cheriton Street aforesaid, Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, then and now of Cheriton Street in Cheriton aforesaid, Journeyman Plumber, Painter, and Glazier, an Insolvent Debtor, having been filed in the County Court of Kent, holden at Folkestone, in the said County, and an Interim Order for Protection from Process having been given to the said James Kirby, under the provisions of the Statutes in that case made and provided, the said James Kirby is hereby required to appear in the said Court, to be holden at Folkestone aforesaid, before the Judge of the said Court, on the twenty fourth day of July, 1861, at ten o`clock in the forenoon precisely, for his First Examination touching his debts, estate, and effects, and to be further dealt with according to the provisions of the said Statutes: And Notice is hereby given that the choice of Assignees is to take place at the time so appointed.

All persons indebted to the said James Kirby, or who have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to Ralph Thomas Brockman, the Registrar of the said Court, at his Office at Folkestone, the official Assignee of the Estate and Effects of the said Insolvent.

William Venables, High Bailiff,

Messenger of the said Court.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-7-1861

County Court

Wednesday, July 24^th: Before C. Harwood Esq.

James Kirby appeared to petition the Court under the Insolvent Debtors` Act; he passed his first examination, and received protection till next Court day.

Southeastern Gazette 10-9-1861

Hythe County Petty Sessions

Thursday: Before The Rev. E. Biron, T. Denne, J. Kirkpatrick, G. Gidley, and W.F. Browell Esqs.

James Mitchell, innkeeper, Cheriton, 3 quart measures and a pint measure unjust; Fined £1, and 8s. costs.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Observer 17-5-1862

Wednesday May 14^th:- Before General Sandlands.

Henry Greening was brought up and charged with stealing a whip of the value of 2s. 6d., the property of William Godfrey, of Cheriton, on 12^th instant.

Mr. Fox of Dover appeared for the prisoner.

James Ellis Smith, K.C.C., on the 12th instant went in pursuit of the prisoner, and met him on Grace Hill, Folkestone, and said to him “I must take you into custody on a charge of stealing a whip”. He said “I don`t know anything about stealing a whip; I know nothing about a whip being stolen”. Witness then reached forward onto his wagon and found the whip produced. It was under a sack or nose bag, and four inches of it could be seen. The prisoner`s wife was sitting on top of the things covering the whip. When witness was pulling the whip out prisoner said “Ah, that whip Tom Pay gave to me at The White Lion. I was going to take the whip back again when I had gone round there”. Witness did not see any other whip there. He met the prisoner in the street at Dover last night and was about passing him when either he or his wife beckoned him, and he said “You are after me, I suppose”, or words to that effect, and he then said “Well I was just coming round to the Royal Oak”. Witness understood Pay`s proper name was Fagg.

William Godfrey, labourer, living at Folkestone, on Monday last went into the White lion, at Cheriton, between 12 and 1 o`clock. Two of Pickford`s carriages stood outside. Witness went in and had a pint of beer, and laid his whip down on the form in the tap room – the whip produced was the one he laid down. He saw a man pick it up and give it to the prisoner in the room – the prisoner walked out with it. Witness went out after him and saw him put it under his seat and drive away. The value of the whip was 2s 6d. When the man gave the whip to the prisoner he did not say anything. Witness did not think it was taken by mistake. He had been convicted of felony himself – it was 10 or 15 years ago.

For the defence Mr. Fox called Alfred Fagg, who said he lived at Folkestone, and was in the employ of Messrs. Pickford & Co. The prisoner was also in their service. On Monday, between 12 and 1 o`clock, witness met the prisoner at the White Lion, between the Camp and Folkestone. They were employed in carrying luggage between the Folkestone station and the Camp. They went in to get some beer. He saw the prisoner lay some money down on the table; the prosecutor picked it up and put it in his mouth. The prisoner said “That is my money”; the prosecutor then said “I always pick up all that lays in my way”. After they had drunk the beer they both came out of the house. Before they came witness picked up the whip produced, from off a form between the prisoner and himself – the prosecutor could see what they were doing. Witness either handed the whip to the prisoner or took it out and threw it on the straw in the wagon. He thought it was the prisoner`s whip.

Thomas Greaves, clerk to Messrs. Pickford & Co. at Dover said the prisoner was employed by him yesterday delivering goods out of the Dover Hoy. The prisoner returned to Dover about half past 10 o`clock on Monday night. He had been in their service about 3 months – he had been a steady, honest, sober and industrious man.

The prisoner was discharged.

Dover Chronicle 24-5-1862

Hythe County Bench: Before General Sandlands.

Henry Greening was brought up on Wednesday, charged with stealing a whip, valued at 2s. 6d., the property of William Godfrey, at Cheriton, on 12^th of May. Mr. Fox, of Dover, was engaged for the accused.

James Ellis Smith, K.C.C., said that on the 12th instant went in pursuit of the prisoner, and met him on Grace Hill, Folkestone, and said to him “I must take you into custody on a charge of stealing a whip”. He said “I don`t know anything about stealing a whip; I know nothing about a whip being stolen”. Witness then reached forward onto his wagon and found the whip produced. It was under a sack or nose bag, and four inches of it could be seen. The prisoner`s wife was sitting on the top covering the whip. When witness was pulling the whip out prisoner said “Ah, that whip Tom Pay gave to me at The White Lion. I was going to take the whip when I had gone round there”. Witness did not see any other whip there. He met the prisoner in the street at Dover last night and was about passing him when either he or his wife beckoned him, and he said “You after me, I suppose”, or words to that effect, and he then said “Well I was just coming round to the Royal Oak”. Witness understood Pay`s proper name was Fagg.

William Godfrey, labourer, living at Folkestone: On Monday last went into the White lion, at Cheriton, between 12 and 1 o`clock. Two of Pickford`s carriages stood outside. I went in and had a pint of beer, and laid my whip down on the form in the tap room – the whip produced was the one I laid down. I saw a man pick it up and give it to the prisoner in the room, and he walked out with it. I went out after him and saw him put it under his seat and drive away. The value of the whip is 2s 6d. When the man gave the whip to the prisoner he did not say anything. I did not think it was taken by mistake. I have been convicted of felony myself – it was 10 or 15 years ago.

For the defence Mr. Fox called Alfred Fagg, who said he lived at Folkestone, and was in the employ of Messrs. Pickford & Co. The prisoner was also in their service. On Monday, between 12 and 1 o`clock, witness met the prisoner at the White Lion, between the Camp and Folkestone. They were employed in carrying luggage between the Folkestone station and the Camp. They went in to get some beer. He saw the prisoner lay some money down on the table, which the prosecutor picked up and put in his mouth. The prisoner said “That is my money”; the prosecutor replied “I always pick up all that lays in my way”. After they had drunk the beer they both came out of the house. Before they came he picked up the whip produced from off a form between the prisoner and himself. The prosecutor could see what he was doing. Witness either handed the whip to the prisoner or took it out and threw it on the straw in the wagon. He thought it was the prisoner`s whip.

Thomas Greaves, clerk to Messrs. Pickford & Co. at Dover said the prisoner was employed by him yesterday delivering goods out of the Dover Hoy. The prisoner returned to Dover about half past 10 o`clock on Monday night. He had been in their service about 13 months – he had been steady, honest, sober and industrious.

The prisoner was discharged.

Kentish Express 14-6-1862

An awful case illustrating the uncertainty of this life occurred on Monday night at a public house called the White Lion, at Cheriton. Being holiday time a dance was held there and when the company were in the midst of their joy and hilarity a young man named George Philpott, who was dancing, suddenly fell heavily on the floor. It was at first thought that he was in a fit and he was treated accordingly; a medical gentleman being in the mean time being sent for from Folkestone, but when he arrived his services were of no avail as not the slightest movement was exhibited after the poor fellow fell. The deceased was a farm servant at Cheriton, where his parents live. An inquest was not held, it being deemed unnecessary.

Kentish Gazette 6-1-1863

Hythe Petty Sessions, Thursday:(Before Thos. Du Boulay, Esq., the Rev. E. Biron, T. Denne, Esq., Rev. F. Wrench, J. Kirkpatrick, Esq., and Wm. Deedes, Esq.)

James Mitchell, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, appeared to summons for keeping his house open for the sale of beer after eleven o’clock on Christmas day. Mr. Minter appeared on behalf of defendant.

P.C. Stanley stated that he visited the White Lion about a quarter before 12 o’clock at night. Both doors of the house were open; he went in at the back door and found six soldiers and two civilians standing at the bar. There was a glass of beer standing at the bar.

For the defence Mr. Minter called three witnesses, a lodger in the house, the sister-in-law, and a daughter of the defendant, who all positively swore that there were no soldiers or civilians standing at the bar when the policeman went in. There were only two soldiers in the house and they were in the room behind the bar, a private room in which they had a private party for the evening. No beer or spirits were drawn after 11 o’clock.

The justices dismissed the case.

The defendant was then charged with resisting the officer in the execution of his duty on the 26^th ult.

P.C. Stanley proved that he again visited the house about one o’clock. He asked defendant to allow him to look in the room behind the bar, but he refused and said if he did not go out of the house he would smash his face.

Mr. Minter for the defence, contended that as this was a private room and the room in which the landlord and his family lived, the policeman had no right whatever to enter or look in the room, especially as he had been previously told it was a private party.

Stanley however, stated that he had often seen customers served with refreshments in that room, which Mr. Minter said he would not deny, although, he said, he was instructed that no one ever went in there without being invited by the landlord.

The magistrates thought that the constable was justified in requesting to be allowed to look in the room, especially at that time of night, and therefore fined defendant 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs.

Southeastern Gazette 13-1-1863

Hythe County Sessions

At these sessions, on Saturday, James Mitchell, landlord of the White Lion public house, Cheriton, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer during the prohibited hours on the 25th Dec; also with resisting and obstructing P.C. Stanley, K.C.C., in the execution of his duty.

Stanley stated that he visited the White Lion at a quarter to twelve on the above night, and found nine persons drinking in front of the bar; six of them were soldiers. There were also several other persons drinking in one of the rooms.

Mr. Minter, for the defendant, called two witnesses, who stated that there were only two soldiers in the house when the policeman came.

The case was dismissed.

The second charge was then gone into.

The officer stated that he met two of the soldiers whom he had previously seen at the White Lion, about half-past twelve the same night. They informed him that there were several people in the house drinking and fighting. He accordingly proceeded thither, and heard a great noise inside the house. He was about going into one of the rooms, when the landlord prevented him, and struck at him, at the same time making use of abusive language. He also set a large dog on to witness. The house was reported as a badly conducted one.

The same witnesses were called for the defence as in the former case, but the magistrates fined defendant 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs.

The defendant appeared in court very drunk, and several times interrupted the witnesses.

Folkestone Observer 17-1-1863

County Sessions

Saturday January 10^th 1863

James Mitchell, landlord of the White Lion public house, Cheriton, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer during the prohibited hours on the 25^th December: also with resisting and obstructing P.C. Stanley K.C.C. in the execution of his duty. Stanley stated that he visited the White Lion at a quarter to twelve o`clock on the above night and found nine persons drinking in front of the bar; six of them were soldiers. There were also several other persons drinking in one of the rooms. Mr. Minter, for the defendant, called two witnesses, who stated that there were only two soldiers in the house when the policeman came. Case dismissed.

The second charge was then gone into. The officer stated that he met two of the soldiers whom he had previously seen at the White Lion about half past twelve the same night. They informed him that there were several people in the house drinking and fighting. He accordingly proceeded thither, and heard a great noise inside the house. He was about going into one of the rooms when the landlord prevented him, and struck at him, at the same time making use of abusive language. He also set a large dog on to witness. The house was reported as a badly conducted one. The same witnesses were called for the defence as in the former case, but the magistrates fined defendant 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs.

The defendant appeared in court very drunk, and several times interrupted the witnesses.

Kentish Gazette 17-2-1863

Hythe Petty Sessions, Thursday, 12^th: Before Thomas DuBoulay Esq., Chairman, the Rev. E. Biron, T. Denne, G. Gidley, W.F. Browell and W. Deedes Esqs.

Thomas Hammon and Rhoda Ann Morford appeared to summonses, charged with having committed wilful and corrupt perjury in their evidence as witnesses in the case of an information laid by Stephen Stanley, police constable, against James Mitchell, of Cheriton, alehouse keeper, for having his house open for the sale of beer after eleven o`clock in the afternoon of Christmas Day. The case was heard before the Bench at Hythe on the 1^st January last, and dismissed.

Mr. Minter appeared for the defendants.

Superintendent English applied for an adjournment till the 26^th inst., as Stephen Stanley, a material witness, is dangerously ill. The hearing was accordingly adjourned till that day.

Southeastern Gazette 17-3-1863

Hythe County Sessions

Perjury.—At the County Sessions Hall, on Monday (before the Rev. E. Biron, G. Gidley, and W.F. Browell, Esq.), Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon were charged by Supt. English, K.C.C. with committing wilful and corrupt perjury on giving their evidence as witnesses, on the 1st January last, on the hearing of an information laid by P.C. Stephen Stanley, against James Mitchell, of Cheriton, alehouse keeper, for having his house open for the sale of beer after 11 o’clock on the evening of Christmas-day.

Mr. Creery, of Ashford, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Minter for the defence.

Supt. English and Sergeant Smith proved that they were present at the petty sessions on the 1st January. P.C. Stanley then stated that he entered the Lion public house at Cheriton, kept by Mitchell, about a quarter to 12 on the evening of Christmas day; that when he went in he saw six soldiers standing in the passage opposite the bar, and two or three civilians; that one of the soldiers was a provost. Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon were on that occasion called as witnesses for the defence, and said that when P.C. Stanley went in there were no soldiers in the passage; that there were only two in the house, that they were in a private room, and that there was no provost there.

Joseph Rush worth, a soldier, was now called, and said that he was a provost on Christmas day, and was standing in the passage of the Lion, when P.C. Stanley went in. There were also in the passage, standing by him, two men of the 9th Lancers and an Artilleryman.

Four privates of the 9th Lancers also stated they were in the house when Stanley went in.

Committed for trial at the assizes, but admitted to bail.

Kentish Gazette 17-3-1863

The charge against Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon, which has been adjourned two or three times on account of the illness of P.C. Stanley, was investigated on the 9^th inst., at Hythe, before the Rev. E. Biron (chairman) G. Gidley and W. F. Browell, Esqs.

Mr. Creery, of Ashford, instructed by Captain Ruxton, the chief constable, appeared on behalf of the prosecution, and Mr. Minter for the prisoners.

From the evidence given, which was very voluminous, the hearing of the case having occupied upwards of six hours, it appears that on the 1^st Jan. last, on the hearing of an information laid by Police constable Stanley against James Mitchell, the landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, for having his house open for the side of beer after 11 o’clock in the evening, Stanley deposed that on entering the house at a quarter before twelve he saw there six soldiers and two or three civilians standing in the passage; that there was a glass of beer standing on the bar, and one of the soldiers asked him to drink.

Mrs. Morford, a sister-in-law of Mitchell’s, and Hammon, who lives with Mitchell, were called for the defence, and swore that there were not any soldiers in the passage; there were only two in the house, and they came to tea, and were in a private room; and that there was no provost in the house. The provost was now called, and he stated that he was there when the policeman came in. He was standing in the passage, and on his right hand were standing two men of the 9^th Lancers and an artilleryman. Four men of the 9^th Lancers also said that they were in the house at that time.

The justices committed both prisoners for trial at the ensuing assizes, put accepted bail for their appearance.

Kentish Express 21-3-1863

Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon were charged by Supt. English, K.C.C., with committing wilful and corrupt perjury on giving their evidence as witnesses, on the 1^st January last, on the hearing of an information laid by P.C. Stephen Stanley against James Mitchell, of Cheriton, alehouse keeper, for having his house open for the sale of beer after 11 o`clock on the evening of Christmas Day. Mr. Creery, of Ashford, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Minter for the defence.

Supt. English and Sergeant Smith proved that they were present at the Petty Sessions on the 1^st January. Police Constable Stanley then stated that he entered the Lion public house at Cheriton, kept by Mitchell, about a quarter to twelve on the evening of Christmas day; that when he went in he saw six soldiers standing in the passage opposite the bar, and three civilians; that one of those soldiers was a provost.

Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon were on that occasion called as witnesses for the defence, and said that when Police Constable Stanley went in there were no soldiers in the passage; that there were only two in the house; that they were in a private room, and that there was no provost there.

Joseph Rushworth, a soldier, was now called, and said that he was a provost on Christmas Day, and was standing in the passage of the Lion when Police Constable Stanley went in. There were also in the passage, standing by him, two men of the 9^th Lancers and an Artilleryman.

Four privates of the 9^th Lancers also stated they were in the house when Stanley went in.

Committed for trial at the Assizes, but admitted to bail.

Maidstone Journal 24-3-1863

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

Edward Thomas Hammon was charged with committing wilful perjury by giving false evidence before a bench of magistrates on the 1^st January last, at Hythe. Mr. Barrow and Mr. Biron were for the prosecution.

It appeared that a man named John Mitchell, who keeps the Rose and Crown (sic) at Cheriton, was summoned before the magistrates at Hythe for keeping open his house on Christmas day at unlawful hours at night, when P.C. Stanley stated that at about a quarter to twelve o`clock he went to Mitchell`s house, where he saw six soldiers and three civilians. Prisoner was called for the defence, when he swore that there were only two soldiers in the house at the time, and they were guests of the landlord. Several witnesses, on the other hand, besides the constable, deposed there were six, besides some civilians. Several soldiers were now examined with a view to prove that there were six soldiers instead of two, and that it was after the hour of eleven when P.C. Stanley came to the house. From their statements it appeared that a supper had been given by the innkeeper to several friends, and amongst them the soldiers were invited. The policeman in his evidence swore that it was a quarter to twelve at night when he went to the house, while one of the witnesses, Harry Halsey, as positively asserted it was not quite a quarter to eleven.

His Lordship, summing up, said that if the witnesses were wrong in their notice of the time when the constable made his visit, so might the prisoner be mistaken in his identity of the number of soldiers and others in the bar, and recommended the jury to acquit the prisoner, which they accordingly did.

Southeastern Gazette 24-3-1863

Assizes Friday; Before Mr. Justive Wightman.

Thomas Edward Hammond, a respectably-dressed young fellow, was charged with having committed wilful and corrupt perjury, at Cheriton, on the 1^st January. Mr. Barrow, assisted by Mr. Biron, was for the prosecution, and Mr. Ribton defended the accused.

It will be remembered that we gave the particulars of this case in our last. The hearing of it occupied the Court some time, but one of the witnesses for the prosecution being mistaken as to a material point, viz., the hour at which the constable visited the house, the defendant was acquitted.

There was also another charge against a respectable young woman, named Rhoda Ann Morford, but as it arose out of the same circumstance as the last, she was also acquitted.

Tunbridge Wells Weekly Express 24-3-1863

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

Edward Thomas Hammon was charged with committing wilful and corrupt perjury, at Cheriton, on the 1^st of January. Mr. Barrow and Mr. Biron prosecuted; Mr Ribton defended the prisoner. The case arose out of the hearing of an information before the magistrates at Hythe against James Mitchell, the landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, with reference to a breach of license on Christmas Day, upon which occasion the prisoner gave evidence in contradiction of that given in support of the charge. Not Guilty.

Rhoda Ann Morford was also charged with perjury under precisely similar circumstances. This prisoner was acquitted.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 28-3-1863

Assizes

Rhoda Ann Morford was charged with a similar offence, but the evidence being identically the same, this case was also dismissed.

Dover Chronicle 28-3-1863

Hythe: At a recent sitting of the County Bench, Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thos. Hammon were charged with committing wilful and corrupt perjury on giving their evidence as witnesses, on the 1^st January last, on an information against James Mitchell, of Cheriton, alehouse keeper, for having his house open for the sale of beer after eleven o`clock on the evening of Christmas Day. Mr. Creery, of Ashford, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Minter for the defence.

Superintendent English and Sergeant Smith proved that they were present at the Petty Sessions on the 1^st January. Police Constable Stanley then stated that he entered the Lion public house at Cheriton, kept by Mitchell, about a quarter to twelve on the evening of Christmas day; that when he went in he saw six soldiers standing in the passage opposite the bar, and three civilians; that one of those soldiers was a provost.

Rhoda Ann Morford and Edward Thomas Hammon were on that occasion called as witnesses for the defence, and said that when Police Constable Stanley went in there were no soldiers in the passage; there were only two in the house; that they were in a private room, and that there was no provost there.

Joseph Rushworth, soldier, was now called, and said that he was a provost on Christmas Day, and was standing in the passage of the Lion when Police Constable Stanley went in. There were also in the passage, standing by him, two men of the 9^th Lancers and an Artilleryman.

Four privates of the 9^th Lancers also stated they were in the house when Stanley went in.

Committed for trial at the Assizes, but admitted to bail.

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

It appeared that a man named John Mitchell, who keeps the Rose and Crown (sic) at Cheriton, was summoned before the magistrates at Hythe for keeping open his house on Christmas day at unlawful hours at night, when P.C. Stanley stated that at about a quarter to twelve o`clock he went to Mitchell`s house, where he saw six soldiers and three civilians. Prisoner was called for the defence, when he swore that there were only two soldiers in the house at the time, and they were guests of the landlord. Several witnesses, on the other hand, besides the constable, deposed there were six soldiers, instead of two, and that it was after the hour of eleven when P.C. Stanley came to the house. From their statements it appeared that a supper had been given by the innkeeper to several friends, and amongst them the soldiers were invited. The policeman in his evidence swore that it was a quarter to twelve at night when he went to the house, while one of the witnesses, Harry Halsey, as positively asserted it was not quite a quarter to eleven.

Rhoda Ann Morford was charged with a similar offence, but the evidence being identically the same, this case was also dismissed.

Dover Express 28-3-1863

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

There was also another charge against a respectable young woman, named Rhoda Ann Morford, but as it arose out of the same circumstance as the last, she was also acquitted.

Dover Telegraph 28-3-1863

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

The defendant was acquitted.

There was also another charge against a respectable young woman, named Rhoda Ann Morford, but as it arose out of the same circumstance as the last, she was also acquitted.

Kentish Express 28-3-1863

Assizes

There was also another charge against a respectable young woman, named Rhoda Ann Morford, but as it arose out of the same circumstance as the last, she was also acquitted.

Maidstone Telegraph 28-3-1863

Assizes, Friday: Before Mr. Justice Wightman.

Thomas Edward Hammond, a respectably-dressed young fellow, was charged with having committed wilful and corrupt perjury, at Cheriton, on the 1^st January. Mr. Barrow prosecuted; Mr. Ribton defended the accused. Acquitted.

There was also another charge against a young woman, named Rhoda Ann Morford, but as it arose out of the same circumstance as the last, she was also acquitted.

Southeastern Gazette 26-5-1863

Hythe County Sessions

James Mitchell, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, was fined £2, costs 10s 6d., for keeping open his house for the sale of beer after 12 o’clock on the night of Saturday, the 25th ult. P.O. Winter, K.C.C., proved the case.

Kentish Gazette 26-5-1863,Dover Chronicle 30-5-1863

Hythe Petty Sessions, Thursday: Before Thomas do Boulay Esq., the Rev. E. Biron, J. Kirkpatrick and Wm. Deedes Esqs.

James Mitchell, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, appeared to a summons for having his house open for the sale of beer after 12 o`clock at night on Saturday, the 25^th April.

Police Constable Winter proved the charge.

The Justices convicted defendant, and fined him £2 and 10s. 6d. costs, which was paid.

Kentish Gazette 29-9-1863

Hythe: At a special adjourned Petty Sessions held on Thursday, before the Rev. E. Biron (Chairman), Thos. Denne Esq., G. Gidley Esq/, and W.F. Browell Esq., the alehouse licenses of those persons who reside within the Hythe district were renewed. The licence of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton was granted to Mr. Edwd. Chaplin, of Newington, farmer, instead of to James Mitchell.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions

Dover Chronicle, Dover Express 5-12-1863

Court of Bankruptcy, London, Friday, 27^th November: Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.

This was the first sitting for the proof of debts and choice of assignees under the bankruptcy of Benjamin Collins, who was described as “formerly of the White Horse Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton aforesaid, labourer, then of Brabourne, Kent, beersbop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, Kent, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, Sussex, innkeeper, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgate, Kent.”

Mr. John Clark, solicitor, of Cook`s Court, appeared for the bankrupt, who filed his petition on the 2^nd of November, attributing his difficulties to the “insufficiency of his profits to meet his expenses.”

The total amount of his unsecured debts is £500 9s. 1d., due to creditors residing at Maidstone, Rye, Dover, Canterbury, Folkestone and Hastings, and the creditors holding security are the Dover Permanent Building Society, Kent, £500; and Messrs. Knocker and Wilks, solicitors, Hythe, £100, who also hold mortgages for the above amount on three houses at Brabourne, Kent, of the value of £600.

No proof was tendered, consequently no trade assignee was appointed, and the Court having fixed the 18^th of December, at 2 o`clock, for the examination and discharge sitting, granted the bankrupt renewed protection from arrest until that time, and the proceedings terminated.

Kentish Express 5-12-1863

Bankruptcy Court: This was the first sitting for the proof of debts and choice of assignees under the bankruptcy of Benjamin Collins, who was described as “formerly of the White Horse Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton aforesaid, labourer, then of Brabourne, Kent, beersbop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, Kent, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, Sussex, innkeeper, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgate, Kent.”

Kentish Gazette 8-12-1863

The first sitting for the proof of debts and choice of assignees under the bankruptcy of Benjamin Collin», who was described as formerly of the White Horse Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton, labourer, then of Brabourne, beershop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgate, Kent.

Mr. John Clark, solicitor, of Cook’s Court, appeared for the bankrupt, who filed his petition on the 2^nd of Nov., attributing his difficulties to the insufficiency of his profits to meet his expenses. The total amount of his unsecured debts is £500 9s. Id. Those secured are the Dover Permanent Building Society, Kent, £500; and Messrs Knocker and Wilks, Solicitors, Hythe, £100, who held mortgages for the above amounts on three houses at Brabourne, of the value of £600. No trade assignee was appointed, and the Court fixed the 18^th Dec., at two o`clock, for the examination and discharge sitting.

Southeastern Gazette 8-12-1863

A first sitting for the proof of debts, &c., was held before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd, on Friday, under the bankruptcy of Benjamin Collins, who was described as “formerly of the White Horse Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton aforesaid, labourer, then of Brabourne, Kent, beersbop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, Kent, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, Sussex, innkeeper, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgate, Kent.”

No proof was tendered, consequently no trade assignee was appointed. The 18^th December was fixed for the examination and discharge sitting.

Kentish Gazette 22-12-1863

At the London Court of Bankruptcy, on Friday, there was an examination and discharge sitting under the bankruptcy of Benjamin Collins, described as formerly of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton aforesaid, labourer, then of Brabourne, Kent, beersbop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, Kent, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, Sussex, innkeeper, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgste, in the ciunty of Kent.

Mr. Svkes-Goodday represented the official assignee, and Mr. John Clark, supported the bankrupt, who applied to pass upon accounts of which the following is a summary, viz.:

To creditors unsecured 500 9 0

Ditto holding security 600 0 0

Total 1100 9 0

By property in the hands

of creditors 600 0 0

Deficiency 500 9 0

Total 1100 9 0

The creditors of the bankrupt whose debts are unsecured are spread over Dover, Canterbury, Maidstone, Cheriton, Hythe, Rye, Folkestone, and St. Leonard’s, Hastings. His expenditure was stated to have been £75 per year. There being no opposition the Court passed the bankrupt’s examination and granted him an immediate order of discharge.

Thanet Advertiser 26-12-1863

The Bankruptcy Act, 1851. Notice is hereby given that the Court acting in the prosecution of a petition for adjudication of bankruptcy, filed on the 2^nd day of November, 1863, by Benjamin Collins, formerly of the White Horse Inn, Cheriton, Kent, innkeeper, then of Cheriton aforesaid, labourer, then of Brabourne, Kent, beersbop keeper, then of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, Kent, out of employ, then of the Ship Inn, Rye, Sussex, innkeeper, and now a waiter residing at the Victoria Tavern, Sandgate, Kent, did on the 18^th day of December, 1863, grant the said bankrupt an order of discharge.

Kentish Gazette 19-7-1864

Hythe County Petty Sessions, Thursday: Before the Rev. Edwin Biron, Thomas Denne Esq., Capt. Kirkpatrick and Dr. Gidley.

Capt. Symes was charged with an assault on Samuel Cook, a private in the 24^th Regiment, stationed at Shomcliffe Camp. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant.

The complainant stated that on Saturday night, the 25^th June, about eleven o’clock, he in company with his wife and child were proceeding home on the public road in Cheriton Street. The defendant was in front of them with a horse and cart; the horse was prancing about, and as they passed by it the defendant struck them with his whip, at the time using bad language. Complainant had not said a word to defendant before he made use of his whip.

On cross-examination by Mr. Minter, complainant said that he with his wife and child were at the White Lion public house the same evening. He did not go up to the defendant at the White Lion and ask him or his friend to stand some beer. He took hold of the horse’s head because the defendant was going to drive on. Mr. Kent protested against his stopping the horse. Did not know the contents of the cart were rifles. The defendant gave his address as Capt. Symes, belonging to the navy. Capt. Symes was the worse for liquor. He went to the captain's residence at Folkestone afterwards and did not get home till about the dawn of morning. Did not offer if he had £5 given him to take no proceedings.

On his re-examination, complainant said that on Sunday morning he went to the captain’s residence and entered the house according to the instructions of the captain’s lady. On going to the captain’s bedroom, the captain said “You are the man that was kicking up a row with me last night.” Complainant said, “I am not the man that was kicking up a row, but you are the gentleman that horsewhipped me.” A man who came with complainant then entered the bedroom, and defendant ordered both of them out.

Several witnesses were examined on behalf of the complainant, and Mr. Kent, of Lyminge, on the part of defendant. Mr. Minter made an able defence for the defendant.

The bench fined the defendant £1 and £1 costs.

A charge in connection with the above was then preferred against the defendant for damage done to complainant’s clothing. The value of a new tunic, which was torn, when complainant seized the horse's head, was a guinea. The bench inflicted a fine of Is. and 10s. compensation and 10s. costs.

Southeastern Gazette 13-2-1866

Hythe County Sessions

Thursday: Before the Rev. E. Biron, T. Denne, Esq., and Capt. Kilpatrick.

Charles Loveland, landlord of the White lion Inn, Cheriton, was charged with assaulting George Thomas, on the 29th Jan. Mr. J. Minter appeared for the complainant.

Complainant stated that he was at the defendant’s house on the evening of Monday, the 29th ult. He and the landlord quarrelled, and the complainant knocked him down, and afterwards struck him.

For the defence, Joseph Eldridge stated that the complainant was drunk; defendant tried to put him out of the house and the complainant fell down.

The case was dismissed.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Southeastern Gazette 22-5-1866

Local News

At the county petty sessions, on Thursday, Charles Loveland, of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, was oharged with assaulting William New, on the 27th April. Mr. W. S. Smith, from the office of Mr, Edward Watts, solicitor, Hythe, appeared for the complainant, and Mr, John Minter, of Folkestone, for the defendant.

Complainant is foreman to a company engaged in some drainage works at Shorncliffe Camp. From his statement it would appear that on the 27th ult., be returned from Folkestone to Cheriton with Loveland, and on their arrival they went into the latter’s house. New put down a sovereign on the counter to be changed, and defendant sent someone upstairs, as he said, for the change. Not receiving any change, complainant asked the defendant for it, when Loveland declared that he had not had the sovereign. An altercation ensued, and in the end Loveland struck the complainant a violent blow in the face. He proceeded to further violence, pushing New about, and at length striking him again in the face. There were several other persons in the room when the sovereign was put down.

Defendant was fined £2 and £2 costs.

Folkestone Express 6-3-1869

Robbery

A female, who represented herself as the wife of a private of the fourth Dragoon Guards, took lodgings at the White Lion Inn a few weeks back. On Saturday afternoon last she left, and Mr. Hammon, the landlord of the inn, missed a gold watch and gold chain, two seals, a pair of earrings and several articles of underclothing. He immediately communicated with the police, and from enquiries that have since been made it appears that a person pawned the jewellery at Mr. Hart`s, Folkestone, and took lodgings at the Wheatsheaf Tavern on Saturday night with her supposed husband. They proceeded from Folkestone to London by train on Sunday, and up to the present time have succeeded in eluding the police.

Note: This date for Hammon differs from information in More Bastions

Folkestone Express 29-1-1870

Local News

The perpetrator of the robbery at the White Lion Inn nearly twelve months since has just been apprehended, and sufficient evidence adduced before the County Magistrates at Hythe, to commit the prisoner for trial. The name of the accused is Harriet Pragnell, and the property, which belonged to the landlord, Thomas Hammon, consisted of a gold watch, a gold chain, two seals, and a pair of earrings was pledged at Mr. Hart`s, High Street. The prisoner denied committing the robbery, alleging that the property was taken by her paramour, a private in the 4^th Dragoon Guards.

Folkestone Express 19-11-1870

Inquest

The danger of level crossings was further shown on Tuesday evening last by a fatal accident which happened to Private J. Slater of the 10^th Hussars. There are three level crossings in Cheriton Street, and this is the second fatal casualty that has occurred by persons crossing the line. Of course, great carelessness was exhibited in each case, but the majority of railway accidents are caused by carelessness – sometimes on the part of the public and at other times by the railway officials themselves. Everything should be done to prevent the possibility of an accident occurring, and we hope the Company will agree with the jury and admit the necessity by erecting a bridge, which is necessary at this spot for the convenience and safety of the public.

The deceased, it appears, was on furlough from his regiment, which is stationed at Brighton. On Tuesday last, in company with a female, he visited Folkestone and Shorncliffe Camp, and by the time for him to return to his lodgings at Cheriton, had imbibed so much drink that he was not capable of going home without assistance. Two drivers of the Royal Artillery accordingly accompanied him. On arriving at the railway crossing he rushed on the rails, heedless of an approaching train and the warnings of his conductors. The buffer of the train caught him and he was hurled a distance of twenty yards, being of course killed on the spot. The female had a narrow escape, being struck down as well by a portion of the train. The remains were picked up and conveyed to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton.

The inquest was held at the White Lion Inn before the Deputy Coroner, W. Furley Esq., and a jury on Thursday. After viewing the body, which presented a shocking appearance, the following witnesses were called:

James Reed, an engine driver in the employ of the S.E.R. Co., who said: I was the driver of the 8-50 train from Charing Cross on the 15^th. After leaving Hythe and passing Cheriton Bridge I did not see anything, but heard the stones flying about, and I though the engine had passed over something. At Shorncliffe Station I gave information of the circumstance to the Company`s officers. I examined the engine and found some particles of blood and flesh on the front of the buffer plate. We do not whistle before passing a crossing; there is no printed instruction to that effect. There is no curve within a mile of this crossing. We have two good headlights to the engine.

Elizabeth Hood said: I formerly lived at Folkestone but now reside at Dover. I have known deceased about twelve months. I was in Folkestone all the evening in company with him; he was very drunk and had a job to walk. About half past eleven I was with him at Cheriton Crossing. I was in front and he was walking just behind with two or three other men, soldiers in the Artillery. I do not know their names or if they were sober. I walked half way across the line, when I heard the train coming; it was very near before I noticed it. I heard the deceased running after me. He was helloing out for me to wait for him. I was obliged to go forward for fear of the train, and I told him not to come across. In a moment the train rushed by. The train was going very fast, and it caught my dress. The crossing is in a deep cutting. When I came to myself I ran home. I did not see anything of him, but I heard the chaps cry out he was dead. The train caught my dress and I fell down on the irons. I have not seen the body since. I do not know his age.

John Reynolds, a driver in the Royal Artillery, said: I knew the deceased, and I was with him on the night of the 15^th near Cheriton Crossing. He was not sober, but could walk and that was all. He got over the stile by the crossing first, and I followed him. I heard the train coming and I said to the deceased “Do not go over the line yet, Jem. A train`s coming”. He replied “Come along, Jack, we shall be over before the train comes”. I said “No we shan`t. Don`t you go”. He ran down the hill, however, and I stood there and said “He`s killed” to my companion. I knew this because there was not time to cross. I looked about and found him about 15 to 20 yards from where he crossed. He made one groan; he was lying on his back; his head appeared fractured and his thigh broken. I saw the train when I was on the stile, and I am sure he had no time to go across.

William Price, the other driver in the Royal Artillery who accompanied the deceased, corroborated the evidence of the last witness.

Dr. J.W. Howard deposed to the nature of the injuries received by the deceased. He considered they were caused by being struck by a train as described.

The Coroner summed up the evidence. The death of the deceased was no doubt caused by his crossing the line. Whether they thought there was any carelessness by the driver or not sufficient protection on the part of the Company was for them to say. The man was not sober, and drunken men were in the habit of doing rash things.

A juryman considered that the Company should put a bridge across at this spot; it was very dangerous. The Cheriton Schools were on the other side of the railway, and between 30 and 40 children crossed the line at this spot every day.

The Coroner said that if that was their feeling he would write to the Company about it. He thought at least they should whistle at every crossing.

Mr. Keefe, station master at Shorncliffe, who represented the South Eastern Railway Company, said it would be impossible to whistle at every crossing, and besides that the inhabitants each side of the line would be the first to complain of the practice.

The Coroner: Professional inconvenience is not so important as saving human life. Mr. Keefe might represent the feeling of the jury that a light bridge might be thrown across here. It would not be an expensive thing for a large Company like the South Eastern.

Mr. Keefe said he would report the recommendation to the Company; at the same time he would remind the jury that although this crossing had been used for a great number of years, there had only been two fatal accidents at this crossing, and they were both caused by drunkenness.

After a few more remarks the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Southeastern Gazette 19-11-1870

Inquest

On Tuesday a very melancholy occurrence took place at Cheriton Street. A little to the west of the Village Hall two footpaths cross the railway, which runs here in a cutting about twenty feet deep. It appears that a private of the 10th Hussars, named James Slater, had obtained leave of absence on furlough, and, having made several acquaintances at Shorncliffe Camp during the short time the troops lay there last year, he determined to visit them. On the day in question he proceeded to Folkestone in the company of a woman, and afterwards visited the camp. As he was drunk, two drivers of the Royal Artillery volunteered to assist him home, and the female preceded the party on the way to his lodgings, at Cheriton Street. They arrived at the last crossing, leading from the camp to Cheriton Street just as the 8.50 train from Charing Cross, which is due at Shorncliffe at 11.30 p.m.,was approaching the spot. The female hurried across the line, and the deceased, although warned by the shouts of his companions, ran after her. The train caught the dress of the female and knocked her down, and deceased was struck by the buffer of the engine, hurled about 20 yards from the spot, and so dreadfully injured that his death must have been instantaneous; the female was only stunned by the fall, and ran screaming home, while the two drivers of the Royal Artillery picked up all that remained of their boisterous companion, and conveyed him to the White Lion Inn, Dr. Howard, of Sandgate, being instantly fetched, but of course life was extinct.

An inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on Thursday, when the jury brought in a verdict of “Accidental death.” The jury, however, expressed their opinion that the crossings in question were very dangerous, and that the South Eastern Railway Company should, in the interest of the public, throw a foot bridge across the line at the spot.

Kentish Gazette 22-11-1870

James Slater, aged 31, a private in the 10^th Hussars, now stationed at Hounslow, met with a shocking death on Tuesday night last. Deceased was visiting Shorncliffe - where he has previously been stationed — on furlough, and on the night in question was in company with two former comrades of the Royal Artillery and a prostitute, and was proceeding in a drunken state to Cheriton, when in crossing the railway he was knocked down and killed by the express train, which was due at Shorncliffe station at 11.42. An inquest was held before Walter Farley, Esq., deputy coroner, at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, where the body had been conveyed, on Thursday afternoon. Evidence having been heard, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death

Folkestone Chronicle 20-5-1871

Melancholy Fate

An inquest was held at the White Lion, Cheriton, before T. Delasaux Esq., on Tuesday last, on the body of a farm labourer named Laws, who had been employed at Denton Farm. It would appear that the deceased met his death by falling into a pond near the Tile Kiln, on Sunday evening, when returning from a visit to his friends at Hawkinge. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Folkestone Express 20-5-1871

Inquest

An inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on Tuesday on the body of Thomas Laws, aged 23 years. The deceased was found the previous morning in the Brickyard pond. The evidence showed that the deceased resided at Mr. Frederick Brockman`s farm at Cheriton, where he was “second man”. On Sunday afternoon he had dinner with the bailiff; left soon afterwards, being then in his usual health and spirits. About quarter past six in the evening he appears to have called on his uncle at Hawkinge, and having remained an hour at his house gone on to Folkestone, where he called at the Blue Anchor where he had two pints of beer and left about a quarter to ten.

The next morning about a quarter to six a man named Hobday, when going back to work, saw a hat just above the water in the brickpond by the side of the turnpike road, and on going to the pond saw the body of a man in it. He immediately went for assistance and the deceased was taken out of the pond and removed to the White Lion Inn. It would seem that he had been on his way home, and in the dark, attempting to take a short cut, walked into the pond. When searched, a silver watch, the hands of which were stationary at 25 minutes to eleven, was found on him as well as several other articles, including 4s. 6d. in silver and 1½d. in coppers.

The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Kentish Gazette 23-5-1871

On Tuesday last an inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, before T.T. Delasaux Esq., Coroner, on the body of Thomas Laws, aged 23, a farm labourer, which was discovered on the previous morning in the brickyard pond. It appeared that deceased had left Folkestone to walk to his home at Cheriton about a quarter to ten o`clock on Sunday evening, and it is supposed that in attempting to make a short cut home, walked into the pond. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Express 9-11-1872

Saturday, November 2^nd: Before The Mayor and T. Caister Esq.

Thomas Hammond, White Lion Inn, Cheriton, was summoned on a charge of having wilfully and fraudulently passed through the Sandgate Toll Gate without paying the toll due. Defendant pleaded Guilty.

The toll keeper said defendant passed through the gate about twelve o`clock on the night of the 26^th October. After witness had opened the gate, defendant “flogged” his horse and drove on without paying the toll (3d.), saying he was going to meet the mail train at Shorncliffe Station, and that was the third or fourth time he had driven through in that manner.

Defendant said he told complainant that he had no money, but would pay when he returned, as he was in a hurry to meet two gentlemen who were coming by the mail train, which had already reached Shorncliffe Station. He was going through empty, and had paid twice before on that day. He asked complainant to trust him. He did not “flog” the horse to force his way through the gate. He passed through the gate 500 or 600 times in a year, and complainant therefore knew him very well, and he thought it very unjust and very unfair that he should be summoned.

The Mayor said as defendant had pleaded Guilty the Bench had no alternative but to fine him. He must pay 3d, the toll, 1s. penalty, and 9s. costs.

The Clerk told complainant that when he knew a person he ought to try and get the money before taking out a summons.

Kentish Gazette 10-3-1874

Auction extract: Worsfold, Hayward & Co. have received instructions from the Trustee of the estate of Mr. G.S. Page (in liquidation by arrangement), in conjunction with the Mortgagees, to sell by auction at the Royal Oak Hotel, Dover, on Tuesday, 24^th March, 1874, at three o`clock precisely, the following important and valuable property:

Lot 3: A valuable long-leasehold country roadside public house, known as the White Lion, Cheriton, situate near to Shorncliffe Camp and within a mile and a half of Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 9-5-1874

Wednesday, May 6^th: Before The Mayor, J. Hoad and J. Kelcey Esqs.

Thomas Hammon, Lion Inn (sic), Cheriton, was charged with being drunk whilst driving a hackney carriage on the 24^th April. He was also further charged with driving furiously to the danger of the public on the same day.

Defendant, on being asked to plead, said: It will not make much difference whether I plead Guilty or Not Guilty. I had some idea of engaging a counsellor, but I will leave it in the hands of your Worships to settle as easily as possible. I admit I am Guilty. Defendant also pleaded Guilty to the second charge of furious driving.

Supt. Wilshere said he was going up Shellons Street about ten minutes past six on the evening of the 25^th April, when he saw several people running, and defendant was coming down from the direction of Bouverie Square, driving a cab at a furious rate. He was flogging the horse, and it was a miracle that he did not come into collision with a carriage belonging to Mr. Daniels. He drove up against the wall of Christ Church School, and then turned round and lashed the horse again. Witness then put up his hand and stopped him, as he saw he was not in a fit state to drive. The horse was as quiet as possible, but was sweating very much.

Although defendant had pleaded Guilty to being drunk he said he could bring fifty witnesses to prove he was not so. He knew the Superintendent had been to several people to ask them to say he was drunk.

Several previous convictions for being drunk and furious driving were put in.

The Mayor said defendant had rendered himself liable to a fine of £5, and if he were brought before them again he would be severely dealt with. He would have to pay a fine of £1 and 8s. costs in each case, and as that was the third time he had been convicted of furious driving, the Magistrates would be obliged to report the affair to the Watch Committee in order that they might decide whether his license should be suspended. In default of paying £2 16s. he would have to go to prison for a month`s hard labour.

Defendant: Go to prison for nothing; that`s a fine idea. No doubt another time I shall defend the case.

Defendant then paid the money, thanking the Bench as he left the Court.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-4-1876

On Thursday evening last a shocking affair occurred at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton Road. A soldier named William Hart was drinking in the house. He was quarrelsome, and asked for more beer, which the landlord, Thomas Hammond, refused to let him have. The landlord then endeavoured to eject Hart from the premises, and in the struggle he struck Hammond, who fell down and instantly expired. Hart was immediately taken into custody, and will be brought before the magistrates at Hythe on Monday. An inquest will probably be heard by the county Coroner, Mr. T. Delesaux, on the body of deceased today (Saturday). The affair has created considerable excitement as deceased was well known in the neighbourhood.

Folkestone Express 1-4-1876

Local News

Late on Tuesday evening a shocking affair occurred at the White Lion, Cheriton Road. It appeared that a man named William Hart had been drinking in the house and asked for some more beer. The landlord, Thomas Hammond, refused to serve him and words ensued, resulting in the landlord attempting to eject Hart. The latter struck Hammond and knocked him down, death resulting almost instantaneously. Hart was at once taken into custody, and yesterday (Friday) morning was brought before the County Magistrates at Hythe, and remanded until Monday.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-4-1876

On Friday afternoon an inquest was held before T.T. Delasaux upon the body of the unfortunate man, Edward Thomas Hammond, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, who met with his death under such shocking circumstances.

Mary Hammond, widow of the deceased, said: William Thomas Hart came into the White Lion Inn between six and seven o`clock on Thursday evening, in a state of intoxication. He went into the tap room and commenced making a noise, and using improper language. Deceased requested him to go home and get his supper, but he refused, whereupon deceased opened the back door and again requested him to leave. Hart then said “Do you mean to turn me out?”, and immediately caught hold of the collar of his coat with both hands, and shook him against the door post, and ultimately threw him on the ground and fell partly on him. Assistance was obtained, and deceased was taken into a small room and placed on a sofa, when he almost immediately died.

The Court was then adjourned until Tuesday next.

On Friday William Thomas Hart was brought before the Hythe magistrates on the charge of wilful murder.

Richard Waghorne said that he lived at Cheriton, and the prisoner worked with him. On Thursday evening he was at the White Lion and saw the prisoner, who was the worse for liquor. Deceased asked him to go home, but he refused to do so. He then saw deceased go and open the back door. He afterwards saw prisoner take hold of the deceased, and a struggle took place. They fell, the prisoner falling upon deceased.

Mary Hammond repeated the evidence she gave at the inquest.

P.C. Jordan deposed to apprehending the prisoner.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday, when Mr. Minter appeared for defendant, and the following additional evidence was taken.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon, said that on the evening of the 30^th of March he was called to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, and found the deceased lying on the sofa quite dead. On the following day he made a post mortem examination of the deceased, and found at the base of the brain that a large vessel had been ruptured, causing an effusion of blood. There was no fracture of the skull, but there was a slight bruise at the back of the head. There was also one or two bruises about the back and shoulders. He made no further examination, because in his opinion the effusion of blood at the base of the brain was quite sufficient to cause death.

By Mr. Minter: The bruise on the back of the head might have been produced by a fall, or by being knocked up against the wall. I should say, by the position, it was caused by the fall. The bruises I have referred to are very slight. From the appearance I noticed on removing the skull, I should say that the deceased had been drinking, as there were symptoms of inflammation. The blood vessel referred to would be much more easily ruptured in a man given to drinking than in a man of sober habits. The vessel could not have been ruptured by simply knocking about.

After some corroborative evidence was given by a labourer named Coleman, Mr. Minter, in defence, asked them not to send the prisoner for trial, as it was a case of misadventure.

The Bench committed prisoner to Maidstone on the charge of manslaughter. Bail was refused.

Folkestone Express 8-4-1876

Local News

In our last impression we gave a brief account of the death of Mr. Edward Thomas Hammon, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. We then stated that on Thursday evening a man named Hart was in the house and became very noisy and the landlord attempted to eject him, when by some means the landlord fell and was killed on the spot.

On Friday afternoon the inquest upon the unfortunate man was opened at the White Lion before T.T. Delasaux Esq., Coroner for the Eastern Division of the county.

Mary Hammon, widow of the deceased, said: William Thomas Hart came into the White Lion Inn between six and seven o`clock on Thursday evening, in a state of intoxication. He went into the tap room and commenced making a noise and using improper language. Deceased requested him to go home and get his supper, but he refused, whereupon deceased opened the back door and again requested him to leave. Hart then said “Do you mean to turn me out?”, and immediately caught hold of the collar of his coat with both hands and shook him against the doorpost, and ultimately threw him to the ground and fell partly on him. Assistance was obtained and deceased was taken into a small room and placed on a sofa, when he almost immediately died.

At this stage of the proceedings the inquiry was adjourned until Tuesday the 11^th inst., at the Rose Inn, Sandgate.

On Friday, William Thomas Hart was taken before the County Magistrates at Hythe and charged with the wilful murder of Edward Thomas Hammon, when the following evidence was taken:

Richard Waghorn said: I live at Cheriton and the prisoner worked with me. On Thursday evening I was at the White Lion and saw the prisoner, who was the worse for drink. Deceased asked him to go home, but he refused to do so. I then saw deceased go and open the back door. I afterwards saw the prisoner take hold of the deceased, and a struggle took place. They fell, the prisoner falling upon deceased.

Mary Hammon said: I am the widow of the deceased. On Thursday night the prisoner was in our house. He was in liquor. He was making a noise and my husband begged him to go home. He refused to do so and used foul language. My husband said “That`s enough. You had better go home”. Prisoner said “Do you mean to put me out?” He then took hold of my husband by the throat and pushed him against the back door, and prisoner fell on him. I sent for a doctor from Folkestone, but when he arrived my husband was dead.

P.S. Jordan, K.C.C., said: I was sent for to the White Lion on Thursday evening. I found deceased lying upon a sofa. He was quite dead. I apprehended the prisoner in the house and charged him with causing the death of Edward Thomas Hammon. Prisoner said “All right. He is dead”.

At this stage of the proceedings the inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning William Thomas Hart was brought up on remand charged with the wilful murder of Edward Thomas Hammon.

Mr. Minter defended the prisoner.

The evidence as given above having been read over, the witness Waghorn, in cross-examination by Mr. Minter, said: Deceased`s back was towards the door. The door was open. There is a door sill above the level of the floor. I think deceased fell before he got to the sill. I think it was quite an accident.

Mrs. Hammon was re-called, and in answer to Mr. Minter, said: My husband took hold of the prisoner first. I was in the bar, and pushed the door to on account of the foul language the prisoner was using. I did not see the whole of the struggle. The witness Waghorn saw all that went on. My husband and the prisoner were good friends, except when they were tipsy. My husband was sober at the time. My husband has not been drunk from day to day for a year past. When I saw them, the prisoner had got hold of my husband. He fell half in and half out of the doorway.

By the Bench: They had words when they were both in drink.

Mr. Richard Mercer: I am a surgeon, practicing at Folkestone. On the evening of the 30^th Martch I was called to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, and I arrived there about eight o`clock. I found the deceased lying on the sofa quite dead. On the following day I made a post mortem examination of deceased, and found at the base of the brain that a large vessel had been ruptured, causing an effusion of blood. There was no fracture of the skull, but there was a slight bruise at the back of the head. There were also one or two bruises about the back and shoulders. I made no further examination, because in my opinion the effusion of blood at the back of the brain was quite sufficient to cause death.

By Mr. Minter: The bruise on the back of the head might have been produced by a fall, or by being knocked up against the wall. I should say from the position it was caused by the fall. The bruises I have referred to were very slight. From the appearance I noted when removing the skull I should say that deceased had been given to drinking, as there were symptoms of inflammation. The blood vessel referred to would be much more easily ruptured in a man given to drinking than in a man of sober habits. The vessel could not have been ruptured by simply knocking about.

John Wilson Coleman: I am a labourer, living at Elmstead. On the 30^th March at about six o`clock I went into the White Lion, Cheriton. I saw the prisoner and Mrs. Hammon at the bar. Deceased was inside the bar and the prisoner outside. I heard deceased tell prisoner, more than once, to go home or to go to the stable and lie down. I then went into the tap room. I heard deceased tell prisoner again to go out, or he would put him out. I saw deceased take hold of the prisoner, who then took hold of the deceased. A struggle took place in the passage. Deceased`s back was then towards the bar door, but during the struggle he turned round and fell. The back door was open. Deceased fell through the doorway. I think that his heels must have caught against the sill. Prisoner was standing in the passage talking loudly. I went to him and set him down in a chair in the dining room. I gave him over to another man. I was sober, but prisoner was not. I did not observe whether deceased was under the influence of drink or not. He spoke civilly to me.

By Mr. Minter: I heard deceased say to prisoner “If you don`t go out I shall put you out”. Deceased then took hold of prisoner and tried to put him out.

This was the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Minter said: Under the circumstances I ask the Bench to say that there is no case to send for trial. I submit that it is a case of misadventure. I am sure that no-one regrets the circumstance more than the prisoner. If the Bench looked at the evidence it could not be held that the prisoner had any intention of causing the death of the deceased. They could not say that the prisoner was morally or criminally liable. The witnesses all said that deceased asked the prisoner to leave, being in a state of intoxication. Deceased, as they had heard, gave the prisoner really good advice, but the prisoner did not appear to have followed it. There is nothing to show that the prisoner was making any disturbance, but not leaving the house, the deceased tried to pull him out. They fell through the doorway, and the last witness says that his heels must have caught against the door sill. I feel convinced that no jury would ever say that the prisoner has been guilty of any offence. The parties had been acquainted for many years, and according to the evidence had been on good terms. There was not the slightest evidence of the prisoner having any intention to do harm.

The Court was cleared for a few minutes, after which the Chairman (Mr. Mackeson) said that the prisoner would be committed to take his trial on the charge of manslaughter at the next county assizes at Maidstone.

Mr. Minter applied for bail, as the assizes had just been held, and the prisoner would consequently have to be in gaol for a considerable time.

Mr. Mackeson said that under the circumstances he did not feel justified in accepting bail.

The Court was crowded during the hearing of the case.

Southeastern Gazette 10-4-1876

Local News

At the Town Hall, Hythe on Friday William Thomas Hart, 35, labourer, was charged before H.B. Mackeson, Esq., with the wilful murder of Edward Thomas Hammon, at Cheriton.

Mary Hammon, the widow of the deceased, stated that her husband kept the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. On Thursday night the prisoner was in the house. He was in liquor. He was making a noise, and deceased begged him to go home. He refused to do so and used foul language Deceased said “That’s enough, you had better go home.” Prisoner said Do you mean to put me out?” He then took hold of deceased by the throat, pushed him against the back door, prisoner falling on him. When a doctor from Folkestone arrived, deceased was dead.

A man named Richard Waghorn corroborated the evidence of Mrs. Hammon, and P.S. Jordan proved apprehending the prisoner, who, when charged, said “All right, he is dead.”

Prisoner was then remanded until the following Wednesday.

The inquest on the body of the deceased was also formally opened and adjourned on the 31st ult. at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner.

Mrs. Hammon repeated the evidence she had given at Hythe, and the enquiry was then adjourned until tomorrow (Tuesday).

On Wednesday the prisoner was again brought up at Hythe before H. B. Mackeson, Esq. J. Taylor, Esq., and the Rev E. Biron, were also present. Mr. Minter, solicitor, appeared for the prisoner, having been instructed by his employer, Mr. Henry Wood. The evidence taken on Friday was read over.

Richard Waghorn, in answer to Mr. Minter, said that Hammon fell before he got to the sill of the back door. In witness’s opinion the affair was quite an accident.

Mrs. Hammon, on cross-examination, said her husband was sober both on the day of the occurrence and the day previous. It was not the fact that he been drunk day after day for the past year.

By Mr. Mackeson: Prisoner had frequented the house ever since witness and her husband had been there. Altercations had occurred with the prisoner on previous occasions; when the prisoner was in liquor he was always abusive.

Richard Mercer, surgeon, assistant to Mr. Bateman, Folkestone, deposed: I was called to deceased on the evening of March 30th, and saw him about 8 o’clock. He was lying on a sofa, quite dead. I made a post-mortem examination of deceased. I found that at the base of the brain a large vessel had been ruptured, causing an effusion of blood. There was no fracture of the skull, but there was a slight bruise at the back of the head, and one or two bruises about the back and shoulders. In my opinion the effusion of blood at the base of the brain was quite sufficient to cause death.

By Mr. Minter: The bruise on the back of the head was such as might have been produced by the fall, or by knocking up against the doorpost. I should say it was most probably caused by the fall, from its position. From the appearances that I noticed on removing the top of the skull, I should say the deceased had been a man given to drinking.

By Mr. Mackeson: The symptoms I saw only went to show that deceased was an habitual drinker, not that he was intoxicated at the time of his death, and they might have arisen from other causes.

By Mr. Minter: The blood vessel would be more easily ruptured in a man of drinking habits than in other persons.

John Wilson Coleman, who was in the bar at the time of the occurrence, stated that Hammon’s back was turned towards the doorway in the struggle; he fell through the doorway, and witness thought his heels must, have gone against the sill of the doorway.

Mr. Minter asked the bench to say there was no case to send for trial, the death of the deceased having resulted according to his construction of the evidence from misadventure only. He urged that, although the landlord might have been justified in attempting to put the prisoner out of his house, it was not illegal in the prisoner to resist being ejected. The evidence of Coleman he thought showed clearly that the deceased tripped over the door sill, and that his death occurred from a misadventure for which the prisoner could not be held criminally responsible.

The Bench, however, decided to commit the prisoner for trial at the assizes, on the charge of manslaughter, bail being refused.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-4-1876

T.T. Delasaux Esq., Coroner, on Tuesday resumed and concluded the inquiry into the cause of death of Thomas Hammond, of the White Lion Inn at Cheriton, who died after a quarrel with a man named Hart. The jury eventually returned a verdict of Accidental Death. Hart has been committed for trial by the magistrates on a charge of manslaughter.

Folkestone Express 15-4-1876

Editorial

A most remarkable conception of the law has been exhibited by the “powers that be” during the past week. We refer to the case of William Thomas Hart, who on Wednesday, the 5^th of April, was committed by one magistrate on the charge of manslaughter.

The particulars of the case will be fresh in the recollection of our readers. Hart went into the White Lion Inn, at Cheriton, and had a dispute with the landlord, Edward Thomas Hammon. A struggle ensued, and the parties fell, the result being the death of the landlord.

In due course Hart was apprehended and taken before Mr. Mackeson, at Hythe. A considerable amount of evidence was adduced, and the Magistrate, acting as the Bench, committed the man, Hart, on a charge of manslaughter, at the same time refusing bail.

It is not our intention to question the legality of Mr. Mackeson`s decision, but we are bound to observe that at the time such decision was given the inquest had not been held, and also that we think such a course of proceeding is almost unprecedented. True, the inquest had been formally opened on the previous Friday, but only sufficient evidence was taken to justify an adjournment for the purpose of a post mortem examination. The Coroner for the Eastern Division of the County ordered this to be made on the following day, and for some unexplained reason adjourned the enquiry for ten days. The enquiry was accordingly resumed on Tuesday last, when the evidence given before the Magistrate was repeated. The Coroner in summing up called the attention of the jury to the evidence of the widow of the deceased, and remarked that “the jury must be perfectly satisfied as to whether at the time she gave such evidence she was in such an excited state of mind that her evidence could be so much relied upon as that of a disinterested person”. He also stated that he “thought very little of the evidence of the witness Waghorn, as it was not of a nature that they (the jury) could strictly rely upon”. The result was the jury, after a long deliberation, returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”, and this after the man had been committed to take his trial at the ensuing Assizes at Maidstone on the charge of manslaughter.

Such an instance is almost without a precedent, and it must be clear to all that had the inquest been held before the magisterial investigation (as is usually the case), the man Hart would now be at liberty. As it is he has to lay several months in gaol, though a jury of his own countrymen have decided that the deceased came to his death accidentally.

Inquest

The adjourned inquest touching the death of Edward Thomas Hammon was held at the Rose Inn, Sandgate, on Tuesday last before T.T. Delasaux Esq., Coroner for the Eastern Division of the County.

The following evidence was taken:

John Wilson Coleman said: I live at Elmstead, and am a labourer. On the 30^th March at six o`clock I was returning from my work at Newington and went into the White Lion at Cheriton. Deceased was inside the bar; I did not see his wife. Deceased and Hart were talking loudly together, and I heard deceased ask Hart to go home, or go in the stable and lie down. I then went into the tap room, and placed one foot between the door and it`s post, and the other foot in the passage, looking towards them. I heard deceased tell Hart more than once to go out of his house. Hart asked him to draw him some beer. Deceased again asked him to go out, stating that if he did not go out he would throw him out. Deceased then took hold of Hart and a struggle took place. The back of the deceased was towards the bar, but he turned and they went towards the back door, which was open. They fell together out of the door. The heels of deceased were resting on the door sill. I am satisfied that his heels were not clear from the door sill. Hart rose as soon as he could, and began talking loudly in the passage. I took hold of him and pulled him into the dining room. He did not struggle with me. He was not sober. I did not notice whether deceased was sober or not

By the foreman: Deceased commenced the struggle. His heels were level with the door sill. There were no blows struck. I do not think it was done intentionally.

Richard Waghorn said: I live at Cheriton, and am a labourer. On the 30^th March I was in the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. I had been to work with Hart at the Camp. Soon after I got in the White Lion, Hart came in. It was between six and seven o`clock. Hart went into the tap room. I was in the passage. Hart was rather the worse for liquor, but not so bad but that he could go and do his work. Deceased asked him to go home and have his supper. I then went out of the house, and shortly afterwards returned, when I saw them both in the bar. Deceased was behind the counter. There was some conversation between them, but I did not notice. I heard deceased say “We`ve had enough of that”, and then came out of the bar and opened the back door. He then took hold of Hart round the waist to put him out, and very nearly threw him down. Hart recovered himself as soon as he could and then took hold of the deceased. They were scuffling about a little time, and then they stood and talked. They then turned round and deceased had his back to the door. They again began pushing about and deceased fell through the doorway. Hart also fell, but I cannot say whether he fell on deceased. Hart got up again and stood in the passage. I then left the house.

By the jury: From the time I left Hart at the Camp to the time he came into the house was about two hours. I did not hear Hart say anything when he got up. There were no blows struck.

Mr. Richard Mercer, M.R.C.S., said: I am a surgeon, practicing at Folkestone. On the 30^th March, between seven and eight o`clock in the evening, I was sent for to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. I went and found him lying on the sofa in the parlour quite dead. On Saturday, April 1^st, I made a post mortem examination. I found a large vessel at the base of the brain had been ruptured, causing effusion of blood. The skull was not fractured. There was a slight bruise at the back of the head. There were also a few bruises on the shoulders and back. The cause of death was the effusion of blood at the base of the brain. The bruise at the back of the head might have been caused by a fall or being pushed against a doorpost.

A juryman: I don`t think we are of much use. The man has been committed for manslaughter before the inquest has been held.

The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that. This is a distinct inquiry.

The Coroner addressing the jury said that they must dismiss from their minds anything they might have heard with respect to the case, and also what had taken place before the Bench of Magistrates at Hythe. They must really rely upon the evidence brought before them. He entreated, he would also crave of them, not to notice any outside talk which they might have heard, and he also entreated them not to take into consideration the fact that the man Hart had been sent to gaol on the charge of manslaughter. He wished to impress that upon them most emphatically. Of course, as Coroner, he was bound to take the verdict of the jury, and he would therefore tell them the law with regard to manslaughter. It was the greatest crime that could be attached to a man killing another without malice, and before they returned their verdict they must be satisfied that the man had done something to make him criminally liable. The Coroner then read over the evidence of the widow, as given in our last issue. He then said if they believed the evidence of the widow, their verdict would be that of manslaughter, but they must be perfectly satisfied as to whether at the time she gave such evidence she was in such an excited state of mind that her evidence could be so much relied upon as that of a disinterested person. Coleman`s evidence showed that there was an act of violence on the part of the deceased. If the jury were of that opinion, their verdict could not be manslaughter. But of course that was for the jury to consider. He thought very little of the evidence given by the witness Waghorn, as it was not of a nature that they could strictly rely upon. The cause of death had been clearly shown by the evidence of the medical man, and it was for them to say whether it was done by unlawful conduct on the part of the man Hart. He urged them to bear in mind the evidence that had been brought before them, and to come to a conclusion upon that, and not upon what they might have heard outside.

The room was then cleared, and after deliberating for upwards of two hours, the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Southeastern Gazette 15-4-1876

Local News

Cheriton

T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner, on Tuesday resumed and concluded the inquiry into the cause of the death of Thomas Hammon, of the White Lion Inn in this village, who died after a quarrel with a man named Hart. The jury eventually returned a verdict of “Accidental death.” Hart, it may be remembered, has been committed for trial by the magistrates on a charge of manslaughter.

Folkestone Express 15-7-1876

Assizes

Monday, July 10^th: Before Mr. Baron Huddlestone

William Thomas Hart (37), labourer, was indicted for the manslaughter of Edward Hammon at Cheriton on the 30^th March last.

Mr. R.H.B. Marsham prosecuted, and Mr. Barrow defended.

This case arose out of a disturbance that took place at the White Lion public house, of which the deceased was the landlord. The prisoner entered the house between six and seven o`clock the worse for liquor, and went into the tap room. The landlord asked him to leave the premises, but he refused, and after some altercation between the parties the deceased said “I shall not have much more of this”, and leaving the bar went and opened the back door for the purpose of ejecting the prisoner. The two closed, and Hammon fell, his head falling outside the doorway on the brick; prisoner fell upon him. The deceased was picked up and carried indoors, and died in a very short time. Supt. Jordan, K.C.C., apprehended the prisoner, who was then in a drunken state, and in reply to the charge he said “All right”.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon, Folkestone, deposed to making a post mortem examination of the body. He found no fracture of the skull, but there was a bruis on the right side of the head, which, in his opinion, was caused by the fall.

By His Lordship: He did not think a blow from a fist or being pushed against a doorpost would have caused death.

Witness said he attributed death to the rupture of a blood vessel, caused by the fall.

Cross-examined: I consider the deceased to have been a free liver. A light blow would have had more effect upon the deceased than a temperate man.

Mr. Barrow, for the defence, contended that the man`s death was the result of a sheer accident.

His Lordship, in summing up, told the jury that a landlord had a perfect right to eject a person from his house if he was creating a disturbance and refused to leave when requested to do so, and if the jury were of opinion that this sad occurrence was due to any unjustifiable act on the part of the prisoner resisting the deceased then they must return a verdict of Guilty, but if they thought it was due to an accidental circumstance the prisoner was entitled to an acquittal.

The jury, after deliberating about ten minutes, found the prisoner Not Guilty.

Southeastern Gazette 15-7-1876

Assizes

William Thomas Hart, 37, labourer, was indicted for the manslaughter of Edward Thomas Hammon, at Cheriton, on the 30th March. Mr. E.H.B. Marsham prosecuted and Mr. Barrow defended the prisoner.

Mary Hammon, the widow of the deceased man, deposed that her late husband kept the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. On the 30th March the prisoner was in the house, he being at the time the worse for drink. Mr. Hammon desired him to go home on several occasions, and he replied that he did not want to. The prisoner used bad language, and repeatedly refused to go. Mr. Hammon then opened the back door and said to Hart “Come, out and come home,” the reply being “Oh you mean to chuck me out, do you?” Prisoner then caught hold of the arms of the deceased so that he could not move and pushed him against the door post. Deceased begged him to leave go of his coat, and reminded him that there was a witness present. Witness then took hold of the prisoner, shook him and asked him to leave go, but she was pushed on one side. Hart then tried to throw deceased out of the door, but his head caught against the post, inflicting a severe blow on the back of the head. Deceased then fell backwards, and as he was falling witness saw a change in his countenance. His head fell on some bricks outside the back

door. The prisoner fell on him—across his legs. Witness bathed the face of her husband, but he never came to.

By Mr. Barrow: Mr. Hammon was perfectly sober on the afternoon in question; he was the worse for drink on the previous Monday. He was generally a sober man. He opened the back door, because the prisoner was kicking up a noise. He did not proceed to put the prisoner out of the house; he never gave him a misword that day. Witness did not think that the deceased stumbled over the sill of the door. He fell with the back of his head on the bricks.

By Mr. Marsham: The prisoner dropped his hold of deceased as he fell.

Richard Waghorne deposed that he worked with the prisoner. Witness was at the White Lion on the evening in question. The prisoner entered while he was there; he was the worse for drink, and he created a disturbance. Witness heard deceased say “I shan’t have much more of this,” and he then opened the back door. He took hold of the prisoner and was going to put him out. The prisoner immediately took hold of Mr. Hammon, and after pushing about a little while the deceased fell out at the back door, the prisoner falling on top of him. Mr. Hammon fell partly in the door and partly outside. The door sill was a little raised.

By Mr. Barrow: The deceased might have stumbled over the door sill.

Sergeant Jordan, K.C.C., apprehended the prisoner and charged him with causing the death of Thos. Hammon. He said, “All right.” He was drunk at the time.

John Wilson Coleman, a labourer, was at the White Lion on the evening in question. He saw the prisoner and the deceased there. Hart was in the passage and Hammon inside the bar. The deceased asked the prisoner more than once to either return home or go and lie down in the stable. The prisoner said he had no cause to do so. Mr. Hammon opened the back door and told the prisoner he would put him out of the house. He caught hold of the prisoner with both hands, and the prisoner then took hold of him. Mr. Hammon had his back to the door; his heels rested against the sill of the door, and they both fell, the deceased being underneath.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon, practising at Folkestone, made an examination of the body of the deceased on the Saturday following the death. There was no fracture of the skull, but there was a bruise on the right side of the head and a rupture of a vessel at the base of the brain. The injury was such as would have been caused by a f ll; he did not think it could have been the result of the blow. Death was attributable to the rupture of the vessel.

Mr. Marsham, in summing up his case to the jury, told them that if the death of the deceased was accelerated by any act of violence on the part of the prisoner, that would be equivalent to manslaughter.

Mr. Barrow, in defence, contended that Mr. Hammon’s death arose from a pure accident, and that the evidence adduced by the prosecution, especially the testimony of the two last witnesses, fully bore out the view that deceased first took hold of prisoner, and, in the struggle which naturally arose, tripped against and fell over the door sill.

His Lordship told the jury that if they were of opinion that there was an unjustifiable amount of resistance on the part of the prisoner, and that the unhappy man came by his death in consequence of that resistance, then they would return a verdict against Hart; but, on the other hand, if they were of opinion that the death arose from a pure accident, as suggested by the learned counsel for the defence, then they might acquit him.

The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty, and his Lordship, after pointing out to the prisoner the trouble into which he had fallen through drink, ordered him to be discharged.

Kentish Gazette 18-7-1876

Assizes, Tuesday, before Mr. Baron Huddleston.

William Thomas Hart, 37, labourer, was indicted for the manslaughter of Edward Hammon, at Cheriton, on the 30^th March. Mr. R.H.B. Marahain prosecuted; Mr. Harrow defended.

Deceased kept the White Lion, and prisoner was in the house the worse for liquor. The widow of the deceased, Mary Hammon, now stated that her husband asked prisoner to go home, and that prisoner asked what it was to do with him and used violent language. A struggle subsequently took place between them upon deceased going to the door and insisting that prisoner should leave, and in the course of the encounter deceased’s head came in contact with the door post, and in falling he also struck it violently on the brick floor. The prisoner fell upon him and restoratives were used without effect. In cross-examination the widow said prisoner and her husband were good friends. Her husband was sober upon the occasion. She did not think he stumbled against the door sill.

The case resolved itself into a question whether the deceased's death was immediately attributable to unjustifiable conduct on the part of the prisoner or to an accident in the course of the struggle, and the jury, taking a merciful view, brought in a verdict of acquittal.

Southeastern Gazette 1-11-1879

Kent and Sussex Assizes: Wednesday

William Steel, 26, soldier, and William Bogue, 28, ditto, were indicted for burglary and stealing a bottle of whisky, a bottle of gin, and a bottle of rum, value 8s. 6d., the property of Henry Baldock, at Cheriton, on the 31st July, 1879. The prisoners pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to nine months’ hard labour.

Note: Date for Baldock is at variance with More Bastions

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