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.

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Whilst the above-mentioned books and supplements represent an enormous amount of research over many years, it is almost inevitable that further research will throw up some differences to the published works. Where these have been found, I have noted them. This is not intended to detract in any way from previous research, but merely to indicate that (possible) new information is available.

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Saturday 27 July 2013

Alexandra Hotel 1890s



Folkestone Express 14-6-1890

Auction Notice

Preliminary.
Folkestone.

To Brewers, Licensed Victuallers, and Others

Messrs. John Hart Bridges and Sons are favoured with instructions from the owner to Sell by Auction

At the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, July 8th, 1890, at Three o`clock prompt, that Important Freehold Wine and Spirit Establishment

Known as The Alexandra Hotel, prominently placed in close proximity to the Harbour, Pier, and Station (with possession on completion of purchase)

Further particulars will appear next week

Auction Offices:
20, Hart Street,
Bloomsbury Square.

Folkestone Express 21-6-1890

Auction Advertisement

Folkestone
To Brewers and Hotel Proprietors
Improving Freehold Investment in Fully-licensed Premises, with possession on completion of purchase.

John Hart Bridges & Sons will sell by Auction at the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, July 8th, 1890, at Three o`clock prompt, the exceedingly valuable Freehold Property, known as the Alexandra Hotel.

Situate at the approach to the beach, and having a commanding frontage at the corner of Harbour Street and Beach Street, at close proximity to the junction of several important thoroughfares, and immediately facing the Harbour, Quay and Station, now and for many years past in the occupation of Mrs. Campbell.

N.B. The Auctioneers beg to draw attention to this genuine property. It`s position for business is quite unique, and to Brewers it affords an opportunity of securing a beer trade of importance, in addition to an adequate rental, whilst to an intending proprietor it offers the now rare chance of acquiring a compact Free hotel with an exceptionally profitable counter trade.

Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be had of H.B. Bradley Esq., Solicitor, Folkestone; at the Alexandra Hotel and place of Sale; and at the Auctioneers, 20, Hart Street, Bloomsbury Square, W.C.

Note: Who was Mrs. Campbell?

Folkestone Express 12-7-1890

Local News

Sale of the Alexandra Hotel: This well known hotel was offered for sale on Tuesday afternoon by Messrs. John Hart Bridges and Sons, at the Rose Hotel. The first bid was £1,500, and the property was knocked down to a Mr. Spurrier at £2,000.

Folkestone Express 23-8-1890

Saturday, August 16th: Before The Mayor, Capt. Carter, Aldermen Pledge and Dunk, J. Fitness, J. Clark, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Stephen Barton was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Harbour Street on the 10th of August.

P.C. Dunster said the defendant, with several others, was near the Alexandra Hotel, very drunk. He asked defendant to go away, but he declined, and asked his companions to go to the back of the Alexandra to get a drink. He used bad language and refused to go away with his companions. He told witness he had been in public houses many a night playing nap with the Superintendent and the Sergeants.

Defendant replied that this was “a pack of lies”. He told Dunster he was drunk in the Granville, and Dunster replied that he was a “----fop”. He denied that he was drunk; the constable was more drunk than he was.

Sergeant Butcher said he saw the defendant in Tontine Street at ten minutes to eleven, being led home drunk by two young men. Defendant pushed one of the men against him.

Defendant conducted himself in a most unseemly manner, accused the police of misconduct and card playing.

There were two recent convictions against the defendant, and he was fined 10s. and 10s. costs. The Bench refused to allow time for payment, and he was removed to the cells.

Folkestone Express 28-5-1892

Wednesday, May 25th: Before The Mayor, W.G. Herbert and W. Wightwick Esqs.

Temporary authority was granted to Mr. J.C. Brice, late of Peckham, to sell at the Alexandra Hotel.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-8-1892

Saturday, August 13th: Before Aldermen Sherwood, Dunk, and Pledge, Councillor Holden and Mr. J. Fitness.

John C. Brice, landlord of the Alexandra Hotel, was charged with unlawfully keeping his premises open at 10.20 on the morning of Sunday, July 31st.

Defendant pleaded Guilty, and Mr. Haines, who appeared for him, asked that he might be leniently dealt with, as he was unacquainted with the persons whom he served.

P.C. Lawrence said he visited the house of the defendant at 20 past ten on the day named. The front door was open, and he saw several men standing in the bar, drinking. Defendant told witness he was very sorry for what had occurred. The back door of the house was inadvertently left open, and the men walked in. He served them with three pints of beer.

The Bench took into consideration the explanation, and imposed a fine of 50s., and 9s. costs.

The defendant said he would take care the offence did not occur again.

Folkestone Express 20-8-1892

Saturday, August 13th: Before Aldermen Sherwood, Dunk and Pledge, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

John Chidwell Brice, landlord of the Alexandra Hotel, was summoned for having his house open during prohibited hours on Sunday. He pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Haines appeared for the defendant, and said it was admitted there were three persons in the house. There were several excursionists about, and he asked most of them whether they were bona fide travellers, but unfortunately did not ask the three. There was no concealment, and when the police went in he at once admitted that he served the men. The defendant had a 21 years` lease of the house, and a conviction would be a most serious matter.

P.C. Lawrence said he visited the defendant`s house at twenty minutes past ten and saw a man drinking. The front door was open, and he went in. The man, whom he knew as a resident in Folkestone, made for the back door. There were two other Folkestone men there drinking. Defendant told him the men said they were travellers.

The Bench took a lenient view of the case and fined defendant 50s. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 20-8-1892

Police Court Jottings

Landlords – we mean of public houses, not territorial magnates – should take a warning from the case of Chidwell Brice, of the Alexandra Hotel, who was summoned by the police for selling drink during prohibited hours on the Sunday.

He did not deny the breach of the Licensing Act, but pleaded that on the occasion there were a large number of travellers about, of whom he made the requisite enquiry whether they were or were not travellers, but the three men in question came in, and in the hurry of business he forgot to put the same interrogation to them.

Mr. Haines, who appeared for him, asked for leniency, and this the Magistrates exhibited by inflicting a fine of 50s. with 9s. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-8-1892

Saturday, August 20th: Before Alderman Banks and Messrs. W.G. Herbert and W. Wightwick.

Frank Care, Frank Lester, and Edwin Bliss were summoned for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours on the 31st July. They were in the Alexandra Hotel. All pleaded Guilty to the charge.

P.C. Lawrence deposed that he saw the defendant Bliss drinking a glass of beer in the hotel on the day named – a Sunday – at 10.20 in the morning. He also saw the other two defendants with glasses in their hands, near the back door.

Mr. Wightwick asked if the licence of the landlord had been endorsed.

Mr. Andrews replied “No, sir”.

Mr. Wightwick: Then it ought to have been.

The Chairman wished it to be known that in the future the Bench intended to increase the fines in these cases. Instead of 5s. the defendants would be fined 10s., and in future cases this amount would probably be doubled. The costs were 9s.

Wednesday, August 24th: Before Mr. J. Clark, Alderman Pledge, Councillor Holden, and Messrs. J. Fitness, J. Boykett, H.W. Poole and W. Wightwick.

Annual Licensing Session

Folkestone Clergymen on Licensing

Mr. A.H. Gardner said he had been instructed by the Church of England Temperance Society, not in any spirit of antagonism towards the Bench, but in order that they might know the Society`s views upon the subject, to put before them a resolution, passed the other day at the Vestry of the Parish Church, the Rev. M. Woodward presiding. The resolution was to the effect that the clergymen representing the various churches in the town, respectfully asked the Bench not to grant any new licenses, except to private hotels and restaurants, such to be used for bona fide customers, and not for bars, etc. He also added that he was particularly urged to ask the Bench not to grant any additional licenses to grocers, as such licenses were fraught with very mischievous consequences, inasmuch as they held out great temptations to women. Mr. Gardner stated that the clergymen further added that the meeting also desired the Bench to consider the propriety of refusing the renewal of the licenses of those persons who had been convicted during the past year, and, in conclusion, they pointed out the great preponderance of public houses east of Alexandra Gardens over those west of the Gardens.

The Bench then proceeded with the renewal of the licenses.

Adjournments

The Superintendent of Police having reported that convictions for offences against the Licensing Act had been obtained against the following in the course of the past year, the Bench decided to refer their applications for renewals to the Adjourned Session, Wednesday, September 28th: Chidwell Brice, Alexandra Hotel; Burgess, Folkestone Cutter; A. Mutton, Warren Inn; Laslett, Wonder Tavern; Weatherhead, Cinque Ports Arms; and Halliday, Wheatsheaf Inn.

Folkestone Express 27-8-1892

Wednesday, August 24th: Before J. Clark, Alderman Pledge, W. Wightwick, J. Fitness, J. Holden, H.W. Poole, and F. Boykett Esqs.

Annual Licensing Day

Mr. A.H. Gardner said he had been instructed by the Church of England Temperance Society, presided over by the Vicar of Folkestone, to appear before the justices. He did not do so in any spirit of dictation to the Bench, but that they might see the views of the Society upon the subject, and he would put in a resolution passed the other day at a meeting held in the vestry, asking the justices not to grant any new licenses, except to private hotels or restaurants. It also particularly urged that grocer`s licenses were peculiarly fraught with mischief as giving great facilities to women. They also thought that the number of licenses, of which there were 82, should be reduced, especially where there had been convictions for violation of the law. They did not specially single out any particular houses, but they thought when there had been recent convictions, they might refuse the renewal of licenses to such houses. Further they especially called attention to the preponderance in the number of houses at the lower end of the town – there were 79 east of Alexandra Gardens, while there were only three on the west. Mr. Gardner also referred to the fact that the magistrates last year refused to renew in English counties 117 licenses, and in boroughs as many as 101.

Adjourned Applications

The applications in respect of the Folkestone Cutter, the Alexandra, the Wheatsheaf, the Warren, the Wonder, and the Cinque Ports Arms, where there had been convictions for breaches of the law, were ordered to stand over until the adjourned licensing day, Wednesday the 28th of September.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-10-1892

Adjourned Licensing Session

The Adjourned Licensing Session for the Borough was held at the police Court on Wednesday morning, on which occasion considerable interest was evinced in the proceedings by reason of the fact that the renewal of the licenses of several well known and old established houses in the town was opposed by the Superintendent of Police, acting under the direction of the Licensing Committee of the Bench.

The Magistrates present were Mr. J. Clarke, Alderman Pledge, Councillor Holden, and Messrs. H.W. Poole and J. Wightwick.

Mr. Martyn Mowll, of Dover, appeared to support the objections of the police, and Mr. J. Minter and Mr. Hall, severally, appeared on behalf of the claimants.

At the opening of the Court, the Chairman said, before the business commenced he wished to make one announcement. It referred to something which had been done in other towns, and which the Committee thought it best to do in Folkestone. It was the opinion of the Committe that there were too many licensed houses in Folkestone, and they therefore suggested that the owners of the houses should talk the matter over amongst themselves, and agree as to which houses it would be best to close. If nothing was done before the next Licensing Session, the Committee would be obliged to suppress some of the licensed houses themselves. But if the owners would talk the matter over amongst themselves and agree upon the houses to be closed it would save a great difficulty.

The Alexandra Hotel

John C. Brice, the tenant of the above, made application for the renewal of his licence.

Mr. Mowll stated that he appeared to support the Superintendent of Police, under the instructions of the Watch Committee. The police had given notice of objection to the renewal of this licence on the following grounds: (1) That the claimant was convicted on the 13th August of opening the above premises for the sale of intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours on the 31st July last; (2) That the licensed premises were not required for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Mowll pointed out that in no less than five out of the six cases in which the Superintendent had given notice of opposition, the tenants of the houses had been convicted for the same offence, viz., Sunday trading. The Bench would, therefore, see from this fact that Sunday trading was a class of offence which required to be suppressed.

With regard to the second ground of objection, he might point out that within 85 paces of the Alexandra Hotel there were no less than 13 other houses. This fact spoke for itself without any observation from him.

Sergeant Dawson proved the service of the notice of objection, and Sergeant Swift deposed to measuring the distances between the Alexandra and othe public houses in the neighbourhood.

Mr. Wightwick asked if the other houses mentioned were within 85 inches of the Alexandra.

Mr. Mowll: No, sir, paces!

Mr. Minter opposed the objection, showing that when the claimant committed the offence of which he had been convicted he was almost a stranger to the town and the inhabitants, and therefore was unable to distinguish between a resident and a traveller, and he rebutted the assertion that the house was not required by the fact that the trade of the house had steadily increased ever since the claimant had occupied it. He pointed out that when the claimant was convicted the Bench did not think the offence serious enough to endorse the licence, and this being so, he thought it was a piece of presumption on the part of the Superintendent to apply to the Bench to refuse the licence.

Mr. Mowll asked Mr. Minter to read the notice of objection.

Mr. Minter (reading): “By Order of the Justices”. Surely that did not issue from the Bench. He did not understand that they wished to adjudge the case, and even if they had caused the notice of objection to be issued, he was perfectly certain the Bench would give the matter an impartial consideration. He cordially agreed with what the Chairman said with regard to a reduction of the number of the licensed houses in the town, and he had no doubt at all that the owners would take warning, and next year voluntarily offer to make a reduction, so at to relieve the Bench from the onus of having to take away the licenses themselves. But he contended that the Alexandra was required, and under these circumstances he trusted the Bench would grant the renewal.

The Magistrates briefly conferred together, after which the Chairman said the Bench had decided to renew the licence, but they wished the claimant to understand that it rested with him, as to the manner in which he conducted the house, whether it would be renewed on a future occasion.

The claimant promised to attend to this.

Folkestone Express 1-10-1892

Wednesday, September 28th: Before J. Clark, J. Holden, W. Wightwick, H.W. Poole, and J. Pledge Esqs.

This was the adjourned licensing day, and Mr. J. Clark said: Before the business commences I want to make an announcement. It has been done in other places, and we consider the same should be done here. It is the unanimous opinion of the licensing committee that there are far too many licensed houses in Folkestone, and they would suggest to the owners of houses that they should talk it over amongst themselves and agree as to which houses it would be best to drop. If nothing is done between now and next licensing day, the magistrates will be obliged to suppress some of the houses in the town. So if the owners would talk it over among themselves which houses it would be best to drop, it would save us great difficulty.

The Alexandra Hotel

Mr. Brice applied for a renewal of the licence of this house. Mr. Minter supported the application, and Martin Mowll opposed.

Mr. Mowll said there were two grounds for opposition; one that the holder of the licence had been convicted for selling beer on Sunday, and the second, that the licensed premises were not required for the accommodation of the public. He said there were no less than half a dozen notices of opposition which the Superintendent had served, and it was a lamentable circumstance that in five out of six of them the tenants of the houses had been convicted for the same offence, namely, Sunday trading.

Mr. Minter objected to Mr. Mowll putting on the back of his client something about somebody else.

Mr. Mowll said he did not, but it was necessary for him to say it then, in order that he might not have to keep on repeating himself. As to the second ground of opposition, he said there were within 85 paces no less than 13 other licensed houses. That fact spoke for itself without any observation from him. He then proceeded to call evidence.

Mr. Minter admitted the conviction, the formal register being put in of the fine of 50s. and costs.

P.C. Lawrence put in a list of the various distances of the public houses from the Alexandra Hotel.

Mr. Wightwick: Is that inches? (Laughter) – No, yards.

Mr. Minter submitted that there were no grounds for refusing to renew the licence. The house was known to the Bench and was of very considerable size. Mr. Brice took a lease in April, at £130 a year, for 21 years. He was formerly a draper, and at the time of his conviction he had been there three months, so that he was a stranger, and at Bank Holiday time three men called, who he thought were strangers, and they were served with a pint of beer each. The Bench thought the fine of 50s. was sufficient. It was, he thought, a piece of presumption on the pat of the Superintendent, because if the Bench had thought the case merited it, they would have endorsed the licence.

Mr. Mowll referred Mr. Minter to the notice on the objection, “By direction of the justices”. (Laughter)

Mr. Holden: Not this committee.

Mr. Bradley: In all these cases notices of opposition were directed to be served.

Mr. Minter said the applicant had been convicted and fined, and he was sure the Bench would not stultify themselves by saying the man was not entitled to a renewal of his licence. Every right thinking man would cordially agree with what had fallen from the chairman as to the reduction of licenses, and he hoped the owners would voluntarily agree to a reduction in order that some might be taken away to the benefit of those that remained. It might be that some of those other houses within so many inches of the Alexandra were not required, but it was clear that the Alexandra was required by the fact that the trade had considerably increased. The house was conducted admirably in every aspect, and he was instructed to challenge any statement to the contrary.

The Bench decided to renew the licence, but said it would rest with him in future to see that the house was properly conducted.

Folkestone Herald 1-10-1892

Police Court Jottings

Considerable interest was manifested on Wednesday in the proceedings at the adjourned Licensing Meeting for the Borough as the Licensing Committee had instructed the police to serve notices of six objections. Mr. Mowll, of Dover, appeared to support the police in their opposition by instruction of the Watch Committee.

The Chairman, Mr. J. Clark, at the outset said it had been suggested that the same plan adopted elsewhere should be pursued there. It was the unanimous opinion of the Licensing Committee that there were too many licensed houses in Folkestone and they would suggest that the owners of licensed houses should talk it over among themselves and agree, before the next annual meeting, which houses should be dropped out. The Licensing Committee felt compelled to suppress some of the houses in the town, and if the owners would carry out that suggestion it would do away with a great difficulty and relieve the Magistrates of an invidious task.

The licence of the Alexandra Hotel (tenant J.C. Brice) was first objected to by Mr. Mowll on account of a recent conviction for Sunday trading, and secondly on the ground that it was not needed for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Minter appeared for the tenant, and pointed out that if the Bench refused to renew the licence, they would be stultifying a previous decision where the tenant was convicted, and it was decided not to endorse the licence. He agreed that the number of licensed houses required to be reduced, and he had no doubt the owners would follow the suggestions of the Magistrates, and so release them of the onus of having to take away any licenses.

The Bench decided to grant the renewal, but warned the landlord that any future renewal would, in a great measure, depend upon the way in which he conducted his house.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-5-1894

Local News

We regret to have to announce the almost sudden demise of Mr. C.J. Brice, the well known proprietor of the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street. The sad event occurred on Monday morning about six o`clock. The deceased gentleman, it may be remembered, broke his leg some three or four months ago, and he had never quite recovered from the shock. On Sunday morning he was seized with a stroke of paralysis on the left side, rendering him quite unconscious, in which state he continued until his death. Mr. Brice, who was much liked by those who knew him for his genial and unostentatious disposition, had been in business in the town about two years, and was deservedly respected. He leaves a widow and a family.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-6-1895

Local News

At the Borough Police Court on Wednesday the licence of the Alexandra Hotel was transferred to Mr. Hertslet, son of Sir William Hertslet

Folkestone Express 8-6-1895


Wednesday, June 5th: Before C.J. Pursey and W. Wightwick Esqs.

The licence of the Alexandra Hotel was transferred to Mr. B. Hartslet


Folkestone Chronicle 5-9-1896

Thursday, September 3rd: Before Messrs. J. Fitness, J. Pledge, and Col. Fynmore.

Edward Charles Plaistow was charged with obtaining £8 by means of false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet on August 21st.

Prosecutor stated that he was in partnership with his brother as proprietors of the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street. He had known prisoner as a customer for about six weeks. He came into the bar on 21st August about half past seven in the evening. He asked witness to change a cheque for him. He said he was staying with Mr. Kemp, who would change it, but that he had no banking account. Witness agreed to change the cheque. Prisoner drew a cheque on the London Bank, signing it Edward Charles Plaistow. The endorsement in the cheque was in the handwriting of witness`s brother and partner. He gave prisoner £6 10s. in change, all he had at the time, and the balance on the Sunday. Prisoner said the cheque was all right. Prisoner had a banking account at the National Provincial Bank in his brother`s name. Witness received the cheque from his brother on 26th, and saw it was endorsed “Account Closed”. On 24th August, prisoner asked witness to cash another cheque, but he told him the other had not gone through, and of course he would not cash another until that was cleared. Witness knew prisoner was lodging at 17, Dover Street.

Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday next.

Folkestone Express 5-9-1896

Thursday, September 3rd: Before J. Fitness, J. Pledge, and R.J. Fynmore Esqs.

Edmund Charles Cranston was charged with obtaining £8 by means of false pretences from Mr. Hertslet, of the Alexandra Hotel.

Prosecutor said he was in business with his brother. Prisoner, who he knew as a customer for six weeks, went to the bar of the hotel about half past seven in the evening on August 21st, and asked witness to change a cheque for him. He said he was staying with Mr. Kemp, who would have cashed it, but he had not a banking account. Witness then cashed the cheque, which prisoner drew, and it was endorsed by witness`s brother, E.C. Hertslet. He gave prisoner £6 10s. – all the change he had at the time, and the balance on Sunday, the 23rd, when he said the cheque was all right. It was paid into his brother`s account at the National Provincial Bank, and returned and handed to witness by his brother on the 26th, endorsed “Account Closed”. On the 24th August, before the cheque was returned, prisoner went to the hotel and asked witness to cash another cheque, but he declined, as the other one had not gone through. He knew prisoner was lodging at 17, Dover Street.

Remanded till Wednesday.

Folkestone Herald 5-9-1896

Police Court Report

Edward Charles Plaistow, giving a London address, was charged on Thursday morning (Mr. Fitness presiding) with having by false pretences obtained £8 from Gerald Spencer Hertslett on the 21st August. The prisoner lodged at the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street, of which prosecutor and his brother are proprietors. On the day named prisoner asked prosecutor to cash him a cheque for £8, saying that Mr. Kemp, with whom he had been lodging, would have changed it, but he had no banking account. Prosecutor ultimately cashed the cheque, handing over £6 10s. to prisoner in the evening, and £1 10s. next morning, prisoner saying that the cheque was all right. On being presented at the National Provincial Bank it was returned, the account having been closed.

Remanded for a week. 
   
Folkestone Chronicle 12-9-1896

Wednesday, September 9th: Before Messrs. J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, J.R. Davy, J. Pledge, and J. Salter, and Colonel Fynmore.

Edward Charles Cranston was brought up on remand charged with obtaining by false pretences the sum of £8 from Bernard Hertslet. He was further charged with obtaining £5 from Harry Jordan. The cases were heard together.

The evidence of Mr. Hertslet was read over, as already reported. He now said when he gave prisoner change for the cheque, some of it was in Postal Orders and a bank cheque.

George Edward Chandos Davies, cashier at the Folkestone branch of the National Provincial Bank, said Mr. Hertslet was a customer of the bank. He paid in the cheque produced on Aug. 22nd. It was sent to the clearing house and returned on Aug. 26th, marked “Account Closed”.

Harry Jordan, landlord of the South Foreland Hotel, said he had known prisoner as a customer since the last season on and off. On 21st August he came into his house and asked if he would cash him a cheque for £5. Witness said he would if he had money enough to meet it. He replied “That`s alright, Mr. Jordan, you need not be afraid of that”. He asked for pen and ink, and pulled out his cheque book and wrote a cheque (produced) for £5, drawn on a Huntingdon Bank. Witness endorsed the cheque, and paid it to a customer, a tradesman in the town. It was returned through their bank marked “Account Closed”. It was paid to Salmon and Gluckstein. Witness saw the prisoner, and asked him what he meant by giving a cheque when he had no money to meet it. He replied “That will be all right, Mr. Jordan, you need not trouble about that. My sister has plenty of money – she keeps an hotel. I`ll wire to her”. Witness accompanied him to the telegraph office, and then he sent a telegram in his (Witness`s) presence. Witness had not received his money.

Samuel Elliott Armstrong said he was a clerk in the bank of Messrs. Vesey and Co., of Huntingdon. They formerly had a customer named Edward Cranston. He recognised the prisoner as that man. He produced a copy of prisoner`s account. The account was opened May 5th, 1894, and £414 10s. was paid in. Thirty cheques were issued to him. This account was closed May 25th, 1895. No other cheques except those produced had been presented for payment. Thirty eight cheques in all were drawn by prisoner. There had not been a second issue of cheques so far as witness knew.

By Mr. Davy: The cheques produced were issued to prisoner`s sister.

Harry Frederick Carpenter, clerk in Lloyd`s Bank, Folkestone, said they had customers named Salmon and Gluckstein. They paid in the cheque (produced) for £5 on 22nd August. It was returned marked “Account Closed”

Prisoner, who said he had nothing to say, was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions for the Borough.

Folkestone Express 12-9-1896

Wednesday, September 9th: Before J. Fitness, J.R. Davy, T.J. Vaughan, J. Pledge, R.J. Fynmore, and W. Salter Esqs.

Edmund Charles Cranston was charged on remand with obtaining £8 from Mr. Hertslet by false pretences.

Gerald Spencer Hertslet`s evidence, given on the last occasion, was read over. It will be remembered that it was to the effect that he cashed a cheque for prisoner for £8, which was returned marked “Account Closed”. He added that the money he gave prisoner included two or three postal notes, a bank cheque for 10s., and the balance in gold.

George Edward Chandos Davis, cashier at the National Provincial Bank, said Mr. Bernard Carr Hertslet, a customer at the bank, paid the cheque produced into his account on the 22nd August, and it was passed through the Clearing House in the usual way. On the 26th it was returned endorsed “Account Closed”.

Henry Phillips Jordan, landlord of the South Foreland, Seagate Street, said he had known prisoner since last season as a customer. On the 21st August he went to the house about three o`clock in the afternoon, and asked if he would cash a cheque for £5. He said he would if it was all right, and he (prisoner) had money enough to meet it. Prisoner said “Oh, that`s all right – you need not be afraid of that”. He asked for pen and ink and took out a cheque book and filled up the cheque produced for £5. (This cheque was on a bank at Huntingdon.) Witness endorsed it, and paid it away to Salmon and Gluckstein, in the town, in the evening. It was returned to Salmon and Gluckstein, who took it back to him. It was marked “Account Closed”. He paid the £5, and afterwards saw prisoner, whome he asked what he meant by giving him a cheque when he had no money to meet it. Prisoner replied “That`ll be all right, Mr. Jordan; you need not trouble about that. My sister has got plenty of money. She keeps an hotel, and I`ll wire to her”. They went together to the telegraph office, and prisoner wired to his sister. The money had not been paid. He parted with his money believing the cheque was good for the amount for which it was written.

Sam Elliott Armstrong, clerk in the bank of Messrs. Vesey and Co., Huntingdon, said the bank had once had a customer named Edward Charles Cranston, and he recognised prisoner as the man. He produced a copy of the prisoner`s account in the Bank books. The account was opened May 5th, 1894, and £414 10s. was paid in. A book of 30 cheques was issued to him. The account was closed May 25th, 1895. He could not say positively whether notice was given to prisoner of its being closed, but undoubtedly it was given. Thirty eight cheques had been drawn. He did not think a second cheque book was issued to prisoner. (The cheques produced were not taken from the book first issued to him.) Witness said the cheques were taken from a book issued to prisoner`s sister, who had an account at the Bank.

Harry Frederick Carpenter, cashier in Lloyd`s Bank, said the cheque produced was paid into the Bank by Salmon and Gluckstein on the 22nd of August, and it was returned on the 26th marked “Account Closed”

Prisoner was then formally charged with obtaining money by false pretences both from Mr. Hertslet and Mr. Jordan, and in answer said he had nothing to say.

He was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Herald 12-9-1896

Police Court Report

On Wednesday – Mr. Fitness presiding – Edmund Charles Cranston was charged on remand with having, by false pretences, obtained £8 from Gerald Spencer Hertslett, in the 21st August. It will be remembered that the prisoner lodged at the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street, of which prosecutor and his brother are the proprietors. On the day in question the prisoner asked the prosecutor to cash him a cheque for £8, which prosecutor at length did, prisoner saying the cheque was all right. When presented at the National Provincial Bank the cheque was returned, the account having been closed.

Mr. H.P. Jordan, of the South Foreland, Seagate Street, gave evidence as to the prisoner having been a customer. On the 21st ult. he asked witness to cash a cheque for £5, which he did, after asking prisoner if it was all right. He paid it to Salmon and Gluckstein, Folkestone, who afterwards returned it to him, marked “Account Closed”. Prisoner said his sister would pay the money, but it had not been paid.

The Bench committed prisoner for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Visitors` List 14-10-1896

The Court of Quarter Sessions was held on Monday. Mr. Lewis Coward was the Recorder.

There were two counts against Cranston, who presented “cheques” to two tradesmen in Folkestone, and who had no means to meet them. Such gentlemen do “show up” now and again, perhaps in order to remind foolish tradesmen of what the List has reminded them over and over again.

The prisoner was charged with having received money by false pretences, or in other words, with having presented cheques and “got the cash” on account of cheques which had no backbone – that is to say, there was no money in the bank to meet them.

And he committed the crime in such a simple way. He merely presented his cheques and got his “change”. After all that has been stated regarding persons changing cheques and postal orders, it is difficult to conceive who is most to blame, the person who passes the cheques, or the one who accepts it. Locally we have given warnings so often that we cannot sympathise with the losers.

It would, perhaps, be out of place were we to criticise the Recorder`s sentence, but Mr. Lewis Coward has in this case erred on the side of leniency, if at all. Three months on each count against Cranston was not an excessive sentence against a man who deliberately represented that he was a man of means, and had not even an account at the bank. But the learned Recorder, we have no doubt, took the view we have taken all along in cases of the kind, and if tradesmen cannot bear in mind what the Bench and the Press have hitherto taught them, perhaps they will learn by experience. It is said that experience is the best schoolmaster.


Folkestone Chronicle 17-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

The Grand Jury having found a true bill on two indictments, Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, imperfectly educated, described as a trimmer, was first indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences, from Gerald Spencer Hertslet, a cheque, value 10s., three postal orders, £1 each, and £4 10s. in cash, on Aug. 21st. He pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Matthew, who appeared to prosecute, briefly went over the facts of the case, which we fully reported at the time.

Prisoner was then indicted for obtaining the sum of £5 from Henry Phillips Jordan on the same day. Mr. Bowles prosecuted. Prisoner pleaded Guilty to this charge also.

Superintendent Taylor said the prisoner was connected with very respectable people in St. Neots, where his mother formerly kept an hotel. He was first apprenticed to an ironmonger, but was lazy, and would not work. His mother then sent him to America for two years in the hope he would alter. On his return he was employed as an engineer`s trimmer. At his mother`s death he received £400. He was in Folkestone twelve months ago, and that was how he was known. None of his relatives were present, as they would have nothing to do with him. He had tired their patience out. He was in very bad health.

The Recorder told the prisoner unless he pulled up he would find himself in a very awkward position. He had had a very good chance. He (the Recorder) saw by prisoner`s pass book that in less than a year he had expended the £400. He knew perfectly well when he gave the cheques that he had no money to meet them. He would be sentenced to three months` hard labour on each charge, the terms not to run concurrently.


Folkestone Express 17-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 12th: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet a banker`s cheque, value 10s., and three postal money orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s. in money, the money and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Hertslet and another, with intent to defraud, on 21st August, 1896, at Folkestone. He was further indicted for obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 in money from Henry Phillips Jordan with intent to defraud, on the day, year and place last before written. He pleaded Guilty.

It will be remembered that the prisoner induced the prosecutors to cash cheques for him, and when they were presented it was discovered that the account was closed, and had been for a long time.

Superintendent Taylor, in answer to the Recorder, said the prisoner was connected with some very respectable people in St. Neots. His mother formerly kept a large hotel there. Prisoner had been apprenticed to a trade, but was lazy, and would not follow it, and his mother sent him to America, but when he came back he was just the same as ever. He was then employed as a coach trimmer. At the death of his mother about £400 came to him, with which he opened an account at the Bank. He appeared to have lived on that money ever since. He was down at Folkestone twelve months ago, and that was how he came to know the Alexandra and Mr. Jordan`s house.

The Recorder: Is he quite right in his mind?

Superintendent Taylor: I think so. He is in very bad health, I must say.

The Recorder: Any relatives here?

Superintendent Taylor: No, sir. They will not have anything to do with him. They are people in good positions, but he has tired their patience out.

The Recorder, in addressing the prisoner, said he had pleaded Guilty to an offence which the law regarded as a serious one for a man 25 years of age. If he did not pull himself up short, he would find himself in a very awkward place at some time or other in his life. He appeared to have had a good chance, which he had thrown away. His Bank book showed that less than two years ago he had over £400, and on the 25th of May last his account was balanced, and he drew out £2 4s. 9d. – the very last farthing, and he knew perfectly well there was not a farthing left. Yet he defrauded those tradesmen by drawing cheques while he had not a penny piece to meet them. The sentence of the Court was that he be imprisoned for three months with hard labour – the sentences not to run concurrently – that would be six months hard labour.

The Court then rose, the proceedings having lasted just an hour.


Folkestone Herald 17-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Edmund Charles Cranston, aged 25, of imperfect education, described as a trimmer, was indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences, from Gerald Spencer Hertslet, a bankers` cheque, value 10s., and three postal money orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s. in money, the monies and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Hertslet and another, with intent to defraud, on 21st August, at Folkestone, and also for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 from Henry Phillips Jordan, with intent to defraud, on the same day at Folkestone.

Mr. Matthew prosecuted in the first case, and Mr. Bowles on the other. The prisoner pleaded Guilty to both charges.

Mr. Matthew said the prisoner stayed at the Alexandra Hotel, kept by Mr. Hertslet and his brother,, and Mr. Hertslet cashed a cheque on a bank at Huntingdon for £8, and it was afterwards found that the prisoner`s account at the bank was closed.

Mr. Bowles said in the second case, Mr. Jordan, proprietor of the South Foreland, cashed the cheque, the prisoner having been a customer of his. Mr. Jordan first asked whether prisoner had an account at the bank, and prisoner said it was all right.

Mr. John Taylor, Superintendent of the Borough Police, said that the prisoner was connected with some very respectable people at St. Neots. His mother kept a large hotel, and the prisoner was apprenticed to an ironmonger, but he was lazy and did not get on, so he was sent to America, but when he came back he was the same, and turned his mind to coach trimming. On the death of his mother £400 came to him, and he then opened an account at the bank. He appeared to be living on it ever since,, and he was at Folkestone 12 months before. He seemed to be in his right mind, but was in bad health. His relations would have nothing more to do with him.

The Recorder said the prisoner had pleaded Guilty to a very serious offence. He appeared to have a good chance of pulling up, which he had thrown away. On My 25th last there was only a balance at the bank of 4s. 9d. to the prisoner`s credit, and notice was given to him, so he knew perfectly well when he drew the cheques that he was defrauding these tradesmen. He would be imprisoned on each of the two indictments to three months with hard labour, the sentences not to run concurrently.
 

Folkestone Up To Date 17-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

Monday: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet a bankers` cheque, value 10s., and three postal orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s. in money, the money and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Herslet and another, with intent to defraud, on 21st August, 1896, at Folkestone. He was further indicted for obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 in money from Henry Phillips Jordan with intent to defraud “on the day, year and place last before written”. He pleaded Guilty.

It will be remembered that the prisoner induced the prosecutors to cash cheques for him, and when they were presented it was discovered that the account was closed and had been for a long time.

Superintendent Taylor, in answer to the Recorder, said the prisoner was connected with some very respectable people at St. Neots. His mother formerly kept a large hotel there. Prisoner had been apprenticed to a trade, but was lazy and would not follow it, and his mother sent him to America, but when he came back he was just the same as ever. He was then employed as a coal trimmer (sic). At the death of his mother about £400 came to him, with which he opened an account at the bank. He appeared to have lived on that money ever since. He was down at Folkestone twelve months ago, and that was how he came to know the Alexandra and Mr. Jordan`s house.

The Recorder: Is he quite right in his mind?

Superintendent Taylor: I think so. He is in very bad health, I must say.

The Recorder: Any relatives here?

Superintendent Taylor: No, sir. They will; not have anything to do with him. They are people in good positions, but he has tired their patience out.

The Recorder, in addressing the prisoner, said he had pleaded guilty to an offence which the law regarded as a serious one, and it was a serious one for a man 25 years of age, If he did not pull himself up short, he would find himself in a very awkward place at some time or other in his life. He appeared to have had a good chance, which he had thrown away. His bank book showed that less than two years ago he had over £400, and on the 25th of May last his account was balanced, and he drew out £2 4s. 9d. – the very last farthing – and he knew perfectly well there was not a farthing left. Yet he defrauded those tradesmen by drawing cheques while he had not a penny piece to meet them. The sentence of the Court was that he be imprisoned for three months with hard labour – the sentences not to run concurrently – that would be six months` hard labour.


Sandgate Weekly News 17-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

Monday: Before J.C, Lewis Coward Esq.

Edward Charles Cranston, described as a trimmer, was indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet, a cheque, value 10s., three postal orders, £1 each, and £4 10s. in cash, on August 21st, and for obtaining the sum of £5 from Henry Phillips Jordan by false pretences on the same day. Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to three months` hard labour on each charge, the terms not to run concurrently.

Southeastern Gazette 20-10-1896

Quarter Sessions

The Borough Quarter Sessions were held at the Town Hail on the 12th inst. before the Recorder (Mr. J. C. Lewis Coward).

Edmund Charles Cranston was indicted for obtaining, by false pretences, from Gerald Spencer Hertsed the sum of £6, and from Henry Philip Jordan £5 with intent to defraud.

Prisoner, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three months’ hard labour for each offence, the sentences not to run concurrently.
 

Folkestone Chronicle 26-12-1896

Saturday, December 19th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert and General Gwyn.

The licence of the Alexandra Hotel was temporarily transferred to Mr. Crackwell (sic) from Mr. Hertslet.

Note: This date is at variance with More Bastions.
 
Folkestone Chronicle 23-1-1897

Local News

On Wednesday Mr. Trapnell was granted the transfer of the licence of the Alexandra Hotel

Folkestone Express 25-2-1899

Saturday, February 18th: Before The Mayor, J. Holden, T.J. Vaughan, G. Spurgen, and J. Hoad Esqs.

Mr. Arthur Thorp applied for temporary authority at the Alexandra Hotel, which was granted.
 
Folkestone Express 11-3-1899

Wednesday, March 8th: Before J. Fitness and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The licence of the Alexandra Hotel was transferred to Mr. Arthur Thorp from Mr. Trapnell.

Folkestone Herald 11-3-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Monday, transfer was granted to Mr. Thorpe (Alexandra), 

Folkestone Up To Date 11-3-1899

The following licence was transferred:

Alexandra Hotel, to Mr. Thorp from Mr. Trapnell.
 
 

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