Pavilion Hotel 1880s

Southeastern Gazette 5-9-1881

Local News

At the Police Court this (Monday) morning, Ellen Hodges, a servant at the Pavilion Hotel, was charged with stealing a diamond cross, valued at £600, the property of a Mrs. Saunders. £100 had been advertised in the public papers for the cross. Mrs. Saunders had been staying at the Pavilion Hotel and on her return home missed the cross. Every inquiry was made and on a close search being instituted at the Pavilion the cross was found behind a cistern in a paper box. The prisoner was subsequently seen to fetch the box away and when charged with the robbery said she had found it and intended keeping it and claiming the reward. She was remanded till Wednesday.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-9-1881

Monday, September 5^th: Before J. Holden and F. Boykett Esqs.

Ellen Hodges, late a chambermaid at the Pavilion Hotel, was charged with stealing a diamond cross, of the value of £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, a lady who had been staying at this hotel, on the 4^th August.

Mr. Minter, who prosecuted, in opening the case stated that in order to secure the attendance of witnesses from London, he should have to apply for a remand. It appears that Mrs. Saunders and her husband were staying at the hotel on the date named. From Folkestone she went to the Alexandra Hotel, London, when she discovered she had lost the jewel, and a communication was made to Mr. Edwards, who had the hotel searched, but the cross could not be found. Suspicion rested upon a person who was seen to go in and out of another room. The girl was watched, but nothing was found against her. The prisoner was observed to go into this room, and the place was thoroughly searched by a Mr. Tickell, when behind a cistern over the sink, where the knife box was kept, a little paper box was discovered. On opening it, the diamond cross was found there, with a silver spoon and some trinkets, which were no doubt stolen property. The box was taken down to Mr. Edwards, the cross taken out, but the box returned to the place where found in order to lay a trap for the thief. From a window looking into this room Tickell kept watch, and he saw the prisoner come in, raise the knife box, take something out, and she was immediately secured with the box in her possession. The box must have been hidden there by herself or some confederate. He believed she had a confederate whom he thought they could bring to justice. First of all, prisoner denied knowing anything about it, then she admitted she knew the cross was in the box. She said she did not intend to steal it, but wait for an offered reward. Then she told Mr. Spurgeon she was afraid to give it up for fear of being charged with the theft. It looked very much like stealing when she knew that a reward of £100 was offered for it`s recovery, and prisoner admitted seeing an advertisement offering the reward. It transpired that she had intended to wait until the room occupied by Mrs. Saunders was vacant, and then having previously put the cross behind a chest of drawers, to get one of the other servants to pretend to find it, and to claim the reward. These matters would be gone into at the trial, and it would be necessary to ask for a remand, which was granted until Saturday.

Folkestone Express 10-9-1881

Monday, September 5^th: Before J. Holden and F. Boykett Esqs.

Ellen Hodges, late a chambermaid at the Pavilion Hotel, was charged with stealing a diamond cross of the value of £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, a lady who had been staying at the above hotel, on the 4^th of August.

Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecution, and in opening the case, prefaced his remarks by stating that he should have to apply to the Bench for a remand in order to obtain the attendance of witnesses from London. He proposed to relate shortly the facts of the case, and then call evidence sufficient to justify a remand being granted. From Mr. Minter`s statement, it seems that the lady, Mrs. Saunders, and her husband stayed at the hotel for some time, and left on the 4<sup>th</sup> of August. The lady had a diamond cross, the value of which was £600, which she wore while at the hotel, and when she left she placed it, as she thought, in her jewel case. From Folkestone she went to the Alexandra Hotel, London, and on the 10<sup>th</sup> of August, when she wished to wear the cross, she found it was gone. She began to consider when and where she could have lost it, and telegraphed to Mr. Edwards of the Pavilion Hotel on the same day, informing him of her loss and asking him to cause a search to be made, and to make enquiries to see if it could be discovered. Search was made, and notice was given to everybody in the hotel, including the prisoner, of the loss, but the cross could not be found, and Mr. Edwards wrote back informing the lady of the result. Curiously enough, suspicion was raised against another person in the hotel, who was seen to go in and out a certain room. She was watched, but nothing was discovered against her. The prisoner also was seen to go into this room, and this induced Mr. Edwards to have the place thoroughly searched by a Mr. Tickell, when, behind a cistern over the sink, where the knife box was kept, Tickell saw a little paper box. He took it out, and on opening it the diamond cross was found there, with some other articles – a silver spoon, some little trinkets, and so on – which no doubt were stolen property, but with which he (Mr. Minter) need not trouble the Bench then. The box was taken down to Mr. Edwards, who took the cross out, but had the box returned to the place where it was found, in order that it might be ascertained who the thief was. There was a window looking into this room. A ladder was placed against it, and Tickell was instructed to watch. Presently the prisoner went in, raised the knife box, and took the paper box and it`s contents. She was immediately secured with the box in her possession. Of course then they had caught the thief. The box must have been hidden there, either by her or some confederate, otherwise she would not have known it was there. He (Mr. Minter) had his own notion about it, and he believed she had a confederate, whom he thought they would be able to bring to justice as well. First of all the prisoner denied knowing anything about it. Then she admitted that she did know the diamond cross was in the box, but she did not intend to steal it, but to wait for the reward which was going to be offered for it. Then she also stated to Mr. Spurgeon, the manager of the hotel, that when she found it she was afraid to give it up for fear it might be said she had stolen it. Of course that statement would not hold water. It looked very much like stealing, when it was known that a reward of £100 was offered for the recovery of the cross. Prisoner admitted that she had seen the advertisement offering the reward. It appeared that she intended to wait until the room which Mrs. Saunders had occupied had become vacant, and then to get one of the other servants into the room, having previously put this diamond cross behind a chest of drawers, and pretend that she had just found it, and then claim the reward. Those matters would be gone into on her trial. Mrs. Saunders was in London, and also Mr. Streeter, whom it would be necessary to call as witnesses, and therefore he must ask the Bench for a remand.

He called Superintendent Rutter, who said he received the prisoner into custody on Saturday on a charge of stealing a diamond cross. The owner of the cross, Mrs. Saunders, was living at the Alexandra Hotel, London. She was a material witness, and also Mr. Streeter, jeweller, of New Bond Street. From information he had received he anticipated being able to connect the prisoner with the robbery of this diamond cross. She confessed she had the cross in her possession previous to it`s being found behind the cistern. She said she did not intend to steal it. She found it behind the drawers. She said she intended to keep it in order to claim the reward.

The prisoner was remanded till Saturday.

Southeastern Gazette 12-9-1881

Local News

The Alleged Robbery of a Diamond Cross:  At the Police Court on Saturday, Ellen Hodges was charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders.

Mr. Minter again appeared to prosecute, and for the information of those magistrates not present at the former hearing briefly narrated the facts of the case as already reported. He then called the following additional evidence:—

Theodore Sickell, who is employed at the Pavilion Hotel, said: I remember a letter coming from Mrs. Saunders stating that she had lost a diamond cross. The prisoner and another servant named Thomason were among those informed of the loss. I noticed Thomason going very frequently into the housemaid’s pantry. I received instructions in consequence to make a thorough search there, with the result that on Friday morning I discovered a paper box, containing the cross with several other articles, behind the cistern over the sink. I put the box back, and was directed to watch the room from a ladder placed outside a window. On Saturday morning, between 11 and 12 o’clock, I saw the prisoner come in and, getting up on the sink remove, a knife box, and putting her arm between the cistern and the wall take up the box. I immediately got down and questioned prisoner, who denied all knowledge of the box. On taking her to Mr. Edwards he asked her whether she knew what the box contained, and she said she did not. Afterwards she said “If I tell the truth will you believe me?'’ She said “I found the cross four or five days ago, after the people had gone, behind the drawers. I did not intend to steal it, and I was frightened to give it up for fear of being accused of stealing it.”

George Spurgeon, manager at the Pavilion Hotel, said that after the prisoner had been taken into custody he was sent for by her, and she told him she did not steal the cross, nor did she find it as stated to Mr. Edwards, but she saw the cross in her bedroom in the possession of Thomason. She took it in her hand and looked at it and gave it back to Thomason, who took it out of the room. About a week after this time Thomason told her where she had secreted it, and on the Friday on which it was found Thomason and her had agreed between them to get a third party in the bedroom the next time it was vacated, and then she (the prisoner) should take the cross from its hiding place and, taking it into the room, pretend to find it there, and then share the £100 reward which had been offered.

Agnes Thomason was next placed in the witness box, but on the Superintendent making a communication to Mr. Minter, that gentleman declined to question her on the ground that she perhaps might be placed in the dock herself.

Mrs. Saunders, the lady to whom the cross belonged, and Mr Streeter, jeweller, of New Bond Street, were next called, but neither answered to their names, although they had been summoned.

Mr. Minter said that was as far as he could carry the case that day. He rather anticipated that the absent witnesses would not come, from what they said when the subpoenas were served, but he was in hopes that in consequence of what was pointed out to them at the time they would feel it their duty to obey and to attend there. He believed Mrs. Saunders was going abroad. Mr. Edwards, who had directed the prosecution so far, and had now fulfilled his duty, would leave the matter in the hands of the Bench to deal with in such a way as they might think proper. He (Mr. Minter) suggested that it was a case for the Public Prosecutor, who, if he thought fit, could carry on the prosecution and compel the attendance of the witnesses. Mr. Edwards had delivered up the cross to Mrs. Saunders, who no doubt now did not care to trouble further in the matter.

After some further discussion as to the course which should be pursued the Bench adjourned the case until Saturday.

The prisoner wished to make a statement, but was strongly advised not to do so by the Clerk and the magistrates, and she accordingly desisted.

Kentish Gazette 13-9-1881 

On Monday at the Police Court, Ellen Hodges, a servant at the Pavilion Hotel, was charged with stealing a diamond cross, valued at £600, the property of a visitor, Mrs. Saun­ders. It was stated that prosecutrix stayed with her husband at the Pavilion, wearing the cross while there. On arriving in London, and upon looking for the jewel, she discovered that it was not in her jewel case, and inquiries were in consequence immediately set on foot. The servants of the Pavilion were questioned, and eventually suspicion fell upon two maidservants. On a room which they were noticed to frequently visit being searched, the cross was discovered in a box behind a cistern. The cross was re­moved, but the box replaced, and watched by a man through a window. The prisoner was seen by him to come and fetch the box, and she was subsequently given into custody. The prisoner was remanded for a week.

At the Police Court on Saturday, Ellen Hodges was charged, on remand from the previous Monday, with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs Saunders.. Mr. Mintsr again appeared to prosecute.

Tbeodore Tickell said he was employed at the Pavi­lion Hotel. Prisoner was also employed there. He remembered a letter coming from Mrs. Saunders stating she had lost a diamond cross. On Friday morning he discovered a paper box containing the cross and several other articles behind the cistern over the sink. It bad been placed between the cistern and the wall- After seeing what was in it, witness put the box back, and communicated with Mr. Spurgeon, the manager. By the direction of Mr. Edwards, the proprietor, the cross was taken out and the box replaced, a watch being kept from a ladder placed outside the window. On Saturday morning, between eleven and twelve o’clock, witness saw the prisoner came in, and getting up on the sink, remove a knife-box, and, putting her arm between the cistern and the wall, take up the box. On being taken to Mr. Edwards, she said "I found the cross four or five days ago, after ths people had gone, behind the drawers. I did not intend to steal it, and I was frightened to give it up for fear of being accused of stealing it”.

George Spurgeon, manager of the Pavilion Hotel, said that after the prisoner bad been taken into cus­tody he was sent for by her, and she told him she did not steal the cross nor did she find it, at stated to Mr. Edwards, but she saw the cross in her bedroom in the possession of Thomason, who took it out of the room. About a week after this time, Thomason told her where she had secreted it, and on the Friday on which it was found, she said Thomason had agreed between them to get a third party in the bedroom the next time it was vacated, and that she, the prisoner, should take the cross from its hiding place and taking it to the room, pretend to find it there, and then share the reward which had been offered.

Agnes Thomason was then placed in the witness box, but on the Superintendent making a communication to Mr. Minter, that gentleman declined to ques­tion her on the ground that she perhaps might be placed in the dock herself.

Mrs. Saunders, the lady to whom the cross belonged and to whom it had since been handed over, and Mr. Streeter, jeweller, of New Bond Street were next called, but neither answered to their names, an,. after some further discussion as to the course which should be pursued the Bench adjourned the case until next Saturday. 

Folkestone Chronicle 17-9-1881

Saturday, September 10^th: Before Alderman Banks and Caister, A.M. Watkin, M.J. Bell, F. Boykett, and J. Holden esqs.

Ellen Hodges was charged on remand with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders.

Mr. Minter again appeared to prosecute, and for the information of those magistrates not present at the former hearing, briefly narrated the facts of the case as already reported.

He then called Theodore Tickell, who said: I am employed at the Pavilion Hotel, in the service of Mr. Edwards. Prisoner was also employed there. I remember a letter coming from Mrs. Saunders, stating that she had lost a diamond cross. She had been occupying rooms on the first floor. Search was made for it, and the prisoner and another servant named Thomason were among the rest informed of the loss. The cross was ultimately found in the housemaid`s pantry, and into this room I noticed Thomason go very frequently, and I received instructions from the manager to make a thorough search there, with the result that on Friday morning I discovered a paper box containing the cross, with several other articles, behind the cistern over the sink. It had been placed between the cistern and the wall, and I had to reach down to get it. After I had seen what was in it, I put the box back, and communicated with Mr. Spurgeon, the manager, and by the direction of Mr. Edwards, the proprietor, the cross was taken out and the box replaced. I was directed to watch the room from a ladder placed outside a window, and on Saturday morning between eleven and twelve o`clock I saw the prisoner come in, and, getting upon the sink, remove a knife box, and, putting her arm between the cistern and the wall, take up the box. I immediately got down and ran round and asked the prisoner what she had done with the box. She denied all knowledge of it, although I told her I had seen her with it in her hand. I left her in charge of a waiter, and went to report the matter to Mr. Edwards, who told me to bring the prisoner down to him. On taking her to Mr. Edwards, he asked her whether she knew what the box contained, and she said she did not. Afterwards she said “If I tell the truth, will you believe me?”. She said “I found the cross four or five days ago, after the people had gone, behind the drawers. I did not intend to steal it, and I was frightened to give it up for fear of being accused of stealing”.

George Spurgeon, manager at the Pavilion Hotel, said last witness had informed him that he had discovered the cross, and witness took the diamond cross away and instructed Tickell to put the box back again with a watch. After the prisoner had been taken into custody he was sent for by her, and she told him she did not steal the cross, nor did she find it as stated to Mr. Edwards, but she saw the cross in the bedroom in the possession of Thomason. She took it in her hand and looked at it, and gave it back to Thomason, who took it out of her room about a week after this time. Thomason told her where she had secreted it, and on the Friday on which it was found, Thomason and her had agreed between them to get a third party in the bedroom the next time it was vacated, and that she (the prisoner) should take the cross from it`s hiding place, and, taking it into the room, pretend to find it there, and then share the £100 reward which had been offered.

Supt. Rutter, of the borough police, who was present when prisoner made this statement, confirmed the version given of it by the last witness.

Agnes Thomason was then placed in the witness box, but on the Superintendent making a communication to Mr. Minter, that gentleman declined to question her on the ground that she perhaps might be placed in the dock herself.

Mrs. Saunders, the lady to whom the cross belonged, and Mr. Streeter, a jeweller, of New Bond Street, were next called, but neither answered to their names.

Supt. Rutter proved the service of summonses upon both directing their attendance here that day.

Mr. Minter said this was as far as he could carry the case that day, with neither of the witnesses down here. He rather anticipated that they would not come from what they said when the subpoenas were served, but he was in hopes that in consequence of what he pointed out to them at the time that they would feel it their duty to obey and to attend there. He believed Mrs. Saunders was going abroad. Mr. Edwards, who had directed the prosecution so far, and had now fulfilled his duty, would leave the matter in the hands of the Bench to deal with it in such a way as they might think proper. He (Mr. Minter) suggested that it was a case for the public prosecutor, whom he thought could carry on the prosecution, and compel the attendance of the witnesses. Mr. Edwards had delivered up the cross to Mrs. Saunders, who no doubt did not care to trouble further in the matter.

Ald. Banks: If she had not got the cross, she would have come forward to prosecute.

Mr. Minter: No doubt she would.

After some further discussion as to the course which should be pursued, the Bench adjourned the case until today (Saturday).

The prisoner wished to make a statement, but was strongly advised not to do so by the Clerk to the Magistrates, and she accordingly desisted.

Folkestone Express 17-9-1881

Saturday, September 10^th: Before Aldermen Caister and Banks, M. Bell, A.M. Watkin. F. Boykett and J. Holden Esqs.

Ellen Hodges was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, at the Pavilion Hotel, on the 4^th of August.

Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecution, and recapitulated the particulars of the case, which were given in our last. He then called the following witnesses in support of his statements:

Theodore Tickell deposed: I am in the employ of Mr. Edwards, of the Pavilion Hotel. The prisoner was in his service also. I remember a letter about the loss of a diamond cross coming to the hotel from Mrs. Saunders on the 10^th of August. Mrs. Saunders occupied rooms E and F on the first floor when she was staying at the hotel. On receipt of the letter search was made to see if the cross could be found. The prisoner and another servant named Thomason were informed of the loss. The cross was ultimately found in the housemaids` pantry under the following circumstances: I observed Thomason going into the housemaids` pantry very frequently, and I received instructions from Mr. Spurgeon, the manager, to watch the room. In consequence of what I observed I made a thorough search on Thursday morning, and again on Friday. On Friday I got up on the sink. There was a knife box on the top of a housemaid`s box placed on the top of the sink on the left hand side. It was resting in the corner against the cistern and the wall. I removed it and looked down between the cistern and the wall, and found that cardboard box (produced). On taking it out and opening it I found a diamond cross, a spoon, and various other small articles. I put the box back and communicated with Mr. Spurgeon. I did not take the cross out then. By direction of Mr. Edwards it was taken out in my presence and the box placed back again in the position in which I found it, and also the housemaid`s box. There is a window in the pantry, and by direction of Mr. Spurgeon, I placed a ladder so as to be able to get up to the window and watch. I watched on Friday, and again on Saturday. On Saturday I saw the prisoner come in about a quarter or half past eleven o`clock. I saw her get up on the sink, remove the knife box, and put her arm down between the cistern and the wall and take up the box now produced, which had contained the diamond cross. I immediately got down and ran round. The prisoner was still in the pantry, but she had not the box then in her possession. She had dropped it back again behind the cistern. When I got in she was standing still. I asked her what she had done with the box I saw her have in her hand. She said “I have not had a box in my hand”. I said “You have, because I saw it in your hand”. She said “I have not had a box in my hand”. I then went down to Mr. Edwards, leaving her in charge of another waiter who came at the time. Mr. Edwards told me to bring prisoner down to him. I went back to the housemaids` pantry to fetch the prisoner. I got up on the sink and took the box out in her presence When she got down she was asked by Mr. Edwards if she knew what was in the box. It did not then contain the cross. Mr. Edwards asked her if she knew it was in there. She said “I do not”. He asked her again, and she said the same. Then she said “If I tell the truth, will you believe me? I found the cross behind the drawers four or five days after the people had gone. I did not intend to steal it. I was frightened to give it up for fear you should accuse me of stealing it”. Mr. Edwards said it was her duty to bring it to the office.

Prisoner, on being asked if she had anything to ask, said she told Mr. Edwards she found the cross many days after the people had left.

Witness: I understood you to say four or five days. I don`t think you said many days.

George Spurgeon said: I am manager at the Pavilion Hotel. Tickell showed me that box on Friday the 2^nd September. I opened it with him in the pantry, and amongst the articles in it I found a diamond cross. I told Tickell to put it back behind the cistern and went down and told Mr. Edwards. I came back and took the cross out of the box and took it to Mr. Edwards, for fear anyone should take it away. By Mr. Edwards` direction I instructed Tickell to replace the box behind the cistern and to watch. I was not present when the girl was given into custody. Afterwards, when she was at the Town hall, she sent a message saying she desired to make a statement to me. The Superintendent gave her to understand it was a voluntary statement. I believe he cautioned her, but I can`t remember the words he used. She then said “I didn`t steal the cross, and I didn`t find it as I stated to Mr. Edwards. I saw the cross in the bedroom in the possession of Thomason. I took it in my hand to look at it and gave it back to Thomason, who took it out of the room. About a week before this time Thomason told me where she had secreted the cross. On Friday, the day it was actually found, Thomason and I agreed between us that we should get a third party into the bedroom the next time it was vacated, and I should take it from the hiding place behind the cistern, take it into the bedroom, and pretend to have found it there at that moment and share the reward of £100 between us”. On hearing from Mrs. Saunders that she had lost the cross I made it known to the servants and to the prisoner and Thomason. I think the reward was offered on the Monday before the cross was found. It was advertised in several papers.

Superintendent Rutter was called, and said he received the prisoner in custody on Saturday the 3^rd, on a charge of stealing the diamond cross. He received a message from the prisoner on Sunday for Mr. Spurgeon. He was present at the interview between prisoner and Mr. Spurgeon, and cautioned her that whatever she might say would be said voluntary, and would be taken down in writing and might be used as evidence against her on her trial. She then made the statement. He did not take the statement in writing. Mr. Spurgeon`s version of it was quite correct.

Agnes Thomason was then called, and went into the witness box. Mr. Minter, however, said that in consequence of a communication he had received from the Superintendent he would not examine her.

Superintendent Rutter proved serving Mrs. Saunders, at the Alexandra Hotel, Knightsbridge, with a subpoena to appear at this Court, and also with a subpoena to produce the cross. The subpoena for Mr. Streeter`s attendance he left with his manager in New Bond Street.

Mr. Minter said this was as far as he could go with the case that day. Neither of the two witnesses were present, and he rather anticipated they would not be, from what was said when the subpoenas were served. But he was in hopes, in consequence of what was pointed out to them at the time, that they would have felt it to be their duty to attend. He believed Mrs. Saunders was going abroad, and it would of course put her to great inconvenience to attend and prosecute in that case. That, however, had nothing to do with it. They were bound to follow out the instructions given by the prosecution in the case, and they had done all they could in the matter. He must therefore leave it in the hands of the Bench to deal with it in such a manner as they thought fit. There was a public prosecutor who had the power to take up the matter, and to direct and compel the persons who had been robbed to attend and prosecute, if he thought it necessary and proper. It might be that it was not for him to dictate, nor should he presume to do so, but he might suggest to the Bench that they could, if they were satisfied with the evidence placed before them that a robbery was committed – about which he presumed there could be no possible doubt – they had power to remand the case in order that the depositions might be sent up to the public prosecutor, leaving him to take such steps as he thought proper. Mr. Edwards had done his duty to himself and the public by proceeding thus far with the case, but as a private individual he couldn`t proceed any further. There was only one piece of evidence omitted to be given, and he would call Mr. Spurgeon to prove that he delivered the diamond cross into the hands of Mr. Streeter on behalf of Mrs. Saunders, and Mrs. Saunders admitted to the Suprintendent that she had the cross.

Mr. Spurgeon was re-called and said by direction of Mr. Edwards he took the cross he received out of the box to Mr. Streeter, and delivered it up at ten o`clock on Saturday morning.

Alderman Banks: If the lady had not had the cross she would have come forward fast enough.

Superintendent Rutter said when he asked Mrs. Saunders to come as a witness she said “I have got the diamond cross, and I don`t want to trouble any further in the business”.

Mr. Bradley said Mr. Minter could apply for a crown office subpoena.

Mr. Minter said he was afraid it would not be of any use because Mrs. Saunders would be on the Continent. Without her he could not proceed any further. Under those circumstances, it was a matter which he thought might be submitted to the public prosecutor, leaving him to take such a course in the matter as he thought proper. He added that it was only fair to the girl to state that from all the information they had been able to gather from every inquiry they had made, they felt that the prisoner, although guilty as an accessory after the fact, was not the original thief. They had not the slightest doubt about it. She was led into the matter afterwards.

Mr. Bradley said that under the Act of `79 he must report to the Public Prosecutor, and send up a copy of the depositions. It rested with the Public Prosecutor whether he took it up.

Mr. Minter said they had done everything they could and they were met with the refusal of those persons to attend. Having shown to the Bench that a crime had been committed it rested with others to carry on the prosecution.

It was then decided by the Bench to remand the prisoner until next Saturday. She said she could not find bail – she had no friends. She wished to make a statement, but the Magistrates` Clerk advised her to say nothing at this stage.

Southeastern Gazette 17-9-1881

Local News

We understand the Public Prosecutor has taken up the case of the alleged hotel robbery and will be represented at the resumed hearing today (Saturday).

Southeastern Gazette 19-9-1881

Local News

On Saturday, at the Borough police court, Ellen Hodges was again brought up on remand charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders.

Mr. Pollard, the solicitor to the Treasury, appeared on behalf of the Public Prosecutor, and, addressing the Bench, said he was sorry to say he could not complete the case owing to the absence of Mrs. Saunders, who was not well enough to be present. Therefore he would suggest that the evidence should be read over and signed by the witnesses, in order that their presence might not be required again. He had one or two questions to ask the witnesses, and their answers could be added to the depositions. He should then ask for a further remand.

The depositions were then read over by Mr. Bradley.

George Spurgeon, manager at the Pavilion Hotel, said Mr. and Mrs. Saunders came to the hotel on the 4th August, and occupied E and F rooms on the first floor. The prisoner was engaged on that floor, and it was her duty to clean out the rooms after the people had gone. When the cross was found behind the cistern he examined it before taking it to Mr. Streeter in London. He would know it again.

Mr. Pollard here called upon Mr. Saunders, who was present, to produce the cross and that gentleman did so. Mr. Pollard then applied that the cross should be detained for the purposes of the trial, and, although Mr. Saunders objected, saying he would much rather take it back with him, the Bench granted the application and remanded the further hearing of the case until Saturday next, when Mrs. Saunders will attend.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 24-9-1881

On Saturday, at the Borough Police Court, Ellen Hodges was again brought up on remand, charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders.

Mr. Pollard, the solicitor to the Treasury, now appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Public Prosecutor, and addressing the Bench said he was sorry to say he could not complete the case, owing to the absence of Mrs. Saunders, who was not well enough to be present, and therefore he would suggest that the evidence should be read over and signed by the witnesses, in order that their presence might not be required again. He had one or two questions to ask the witnesses, and their answers would be added to the depositions. He should then ask for a further remand.

The depositions were then read over by Mr. Bradley.

Theodore Tickell, re-called, said the place where the housemaid`s box was found above the sink was not the proper place for it.

George Spurgeon, manager at the Pavilion Hotel, said Mr. and Mrs. Saunders came to the hotel on the 4^th of August, and occupied E and F rooms on the first floor. The prisoner was engaged on that floor, and it was her duty to clear out the rooms after the people had gone. When the cross was found behind the cistern, he examined it before taking it to Mr. Streeter in London. He would know it again.

Mr. Pollard here called upon Mr. Saunders, who was present, to produce the cross, and that gentleman did so.

Mr. Pollard then applied that the cross should be detained for the purpose of the trial, and although Mr. Saunders objected, saying he would much rather take it back with him, the Bench granted the application, and remanded the further hearing of the case until Saturday next, when Mrs. Saunders will attend.

Folkestone Express 24-9-1881

Saturday, September 17^th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Banks and Caister, Captain Crowe, R.W. Boarer, F. Boykett, and A.M. Watkin Esqs.

Ellen Hodges was again brought up on remand, charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, a visitor who was recently staying at the Pavilion Hotel.

It will be remembered that the prisoner was remanded in order that the facts of the case might be made known to the Public Prosecutor.

Mr. Pollard, Solicitor to the Treasury, now appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Crown, and stated that his friend Mr. Bradley had made a communication as stated above. He regretted that on the present occasion he should not be able to complete the case. Mrs. Saunders, the lady to whom the cross belonged, was unwell and unable to appear, but her husband was present, and he had brought the diamond cross. He proposed then to have the evidence already given read over, and to add a word or two to the examination of the witnesses so that there would be no necessity to ask for their further attendance, and then Mrs. Saunders would come down and prove the loss of the cross.

The depositions were then read over.

Theodore Tickell, was re-called, and in reply to Mr. Pollard, said he had never seen the box on the cistern before the 2^nd September. It was the top of a housemaid`s box. It was in consequence of seeing it there that he got on the sink.

George Spurgeon was also re-examined. He said: Mr. and Mrs. Saunders came to the Pavilion Hotel on the 13^th of July. They left on the 4^th of August. They occupied rooms E and F, bedroom and dressing room. Prisoner was housemaid on the same floor. Her duty was to keep the rooms clean, and when the visitors left to turn the rooms out and give them a thorough cleaning, removing the furniture. I did not notice that Mrs. Saunders wore any jewellery. When the cross was found I had a good look at it before I gave it to Mr. Streeter. I am sure I should know it again. To the best of my belief that is the same cross. I have no doubt whatever about it. I delivered it to Mr. Streeter himself on the 3^rd of September.

Mr. Pollard said the cross was now produced, and probably seeing the necessity for the production of it at the trial, he did not know whether Mr. Saunders would have any objection to leaving it in the hands of the Superintendent of Police so that it might be produced on the trial.

Mr. Saunders: I would rather take it with me. Having found it, I do not want to lose it again. It can always be produced whenever it is wanted.

The Mayor: Would you have any objection to it`s being deposited at the National Provincial Bank?

Mr. Saunders: I certainly should.

Mr. Bradley said: Mrs. Saunders has been served with a Crown subpoena, which she has treated with contempt, and she was liable to an attachment for her non-appearance. We have had trouble enough already, and I shall advise you to empower the Superintendent to retain it.

Mr. Pollard said if the lady would not attend voluntarily, she would be attached. It was impossible to complete the case without her evidence.

Mr. Saunders said he hoped she would be able to attend on Wednesday.

Mr. Bradley told Mr. Saunders that it was an error of judgement to give up the cross at all. If it had not been given up, they would have got Mrs. Saunders there.

The prisoner was then further remanded until Saturday.

Southeastern Gazette 26-9-1881

Local News

On Saturday Ellen Hodges, a domestic servant, who stands charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, at the Pavilion Hotel, was again brought up on remand, at the Borough Police Court, before the Mayor, Alderman Caister, General Cannon, Capt. Carter, and Messrs. J. Clark, W. J. Jeffreason, J. Holden, and F. Boykett.

Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, again appeared on behalf of the Public Prosecutor.

Mrs. Saunders, to whom the cross belongs, now appeared, and said that in July last she was staying at the Pavilion Hotel, and was there about three weeks, leaving on the 4th August. During that time she wore a diamond cross, and placed it in her jewel box on the drawers in her bedroom. She afterwards left and went to the Alexandra Hotel, London, and having occasion to wear it on the 9th August looked for it in her jewel, ease, but found it not. She communicated with the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, and afterwards, at the suggestion of Mr. Streeter, of New Bond Street, £100 reward was offered for its recovery. On the 5th September she  received the cross from Mr. Streeter, and paid the reward.

Nathan Clayton, manager to Mr. Streeter, proved the receipt by Mr. Streeter of the cross from Mr. Spurgeon, manager at tho Pavilion, and afterwards saw it handed to Mrs. Saunders. He did not know what became of the reward.

This was the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

An application of the solicitor on behalf of Mrs. Saunders for the return of the cross until the trial was refused.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 1-10-1881

Saturday, September 24^th: Before The Mayor, Gen. Cannon, Capt. Carter, Ald. Caister, J. Clark, W. Jeffreason, J. Holden, and F. Boykett Esqs.

Ellen Hodges, a domestic servant, who stands charged with stealing a diamond cros, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, at the Pavilion Hotel, was again brought up on remand.

Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, again appeared on behalf of the Public Prosecutor, and the prisoner was undefended.

Mrs. Saunders, to whom the cross belongs, now appeared, and said: I am the wife of Charles Wickenden Saunders, of Nonning Hall, Penryth, Comberland. In July last I was staying at the Pavilion Hotel, and was there about three weeks, leaving on the 4^th August. During the time I was there, I wore a diamond cross, which I kept in my jewel box on the drawers in my bedroom – F, on the first floor. After wearing it, I put it away in the jewel case, which was kept locked, and the key left in the lock. I afterwards left the Pavilion and went to the Alexandra Hotel, London, and having occasion to wear it on the 9^th August, I looked for it in my jewel case, and found it gone. I communicated with the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, and afterwards, at the suggestion of Mr. Streeter, of New Bond Street, £100 was offered for it`s recovery. On the 5^th September, I received the cross from Mr. Streeter, and paid the reward.

Nathan Clayton, manager to Mr. Streeter, proved the receipt by Mr. Streeter of the cross from Mr. Spurgeon, manager at the Pavilion Hotel, and afterwards saw it handed to Mrs. Saunders. He did not know what became of the reward.

This was the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

An application by a solicitor, on behalf of Mrs. Saunders, for the return of the cross until the trial was refused.

Folkestone Express 1-10-1881

Saturday, September 24^th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, Captain Carter, Alderman Caister, J. Clark, W.J. Jeffreason, J. Holden and F. Boykett Esqs.

Ellen Hodges was again placed in the dock, charged on remand with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mrs. Saunders, late a visitor at the Pavilion Hotel.

Mr. Pollard, Solicitor to the Treasury, appeared to conduct the case on behalf of the Crown Prosecutor. He said that Mrs. Saunders, by dint of much persuasion, had been induced to attend, and he intended to call her and complete the case. He should either ask the Bench to commit the prisoner, or if she should plead Guilty, they might take into consideration whether they would deal with her summarily.

Mrs. Fanny Eliza Saunders was hen placed in the witness box, and in reply to Mr. Pollard she said: I am the wife of Charles Wickenden Saunders, of Nonning Hall, Penrith, Cumberland. In July of this year I was staying with my husband at the Pavilion Hotel for about three weeks. I remember the day we left. It was the 4^th of August. During the time I was there I had a diamond cross, an article of jewellery which I was in the habit of wearing. It was kept in my jewel case, which stood on the drawers in my bedroom, F, on the first floor. I remember wearing it on the 19^th of July. When I took it off, I don`t remember putting it away, but I think I put it in my jewel case. I saw the cross again on the last day of July – the Sunday before we left. It was then in the case. I took it, then replaced it, I think. The case was left on the drawers as usual. It was locked, but the key was in the lock. We left on the 4<sup>th</sup> of August, and on the 9<sup>th</sup> I wanted the cross to wear. We were then staying at the Alexandra Hotel, Hyde Park, London. I looked for the cross in the jewel case, and missed it. I made a communication to the Director of Criminal Investigation, Scotland Yard, and afterwards, by Mr. Streeter`s advice, an advertisement was inserted in the newspapers, offering £100 reward. On the 5^th of September I went to Mr. Streeter`s, and there received the cross I had lost. That is it now produced. I paid Mr. Streeter the reward.

Nathan Claydenn was next called. He said: I am manager to Mr. Streeter, jeweller, of 18, New Bond Street. I know Mr. Spurgeon, manager of the Pavilion Hotel. I saw him in London on the 3^rd of September. He came to 18, New Bond Street. I saw Mr. Spurgeon hand Mr. Streeter the cross produced. I was present on the 5^th September when the last witness came to Mr. Streeter`s, and I saw him give her the diamond cross. I do not know what became of the reward. I was not present when Mr. Streeter gave any of it away.

This was the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner, who pleaded Not Guilty, was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

In reply to the question as to whether she had anything to say, she answered “I had better tell you all that I know about it”.

Mr. Bradley informed her that whatever she might say would be evidence only against herself, and not against any other person, and she decided not to say anything.

An application was made by a solicitor, on behalf of Mr. Saunders, that the cross be handed back to the owner.

Mr. Pollard said it was a question for the Bench entirely, and he did not know whether the fact of Mrs. Saunders having appeared and given her evidence would make any difference in their judgement, or whether, looking to the difficulty they had in getting Mrs. Saunders to come, and that she would not come until they had possession of the jewel, that would deter them from making any further order. There was no doubt any Bench of magistrates had the right, which was invariably exercised, to impound anything produced in evidence to ensure it`s production, and very properly so, because in a case of forgery, for instance, the forged documents might not be forthcoming.

The Bench decided that the cross should not be given up to Mrs. Saunders.

The solicitor then asked that it might be given into the hands of Mr. Clayden, Mr. Streeter`s manager, who was a responsible person, and used to the custody of articles of value.

The Bench, however, refused to accede, and ordered the jewel to be retained by the Superintendent of Police.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-10-1881

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 17^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

The only case for trial was that of Ellen Hodges, a domestic servant, who was charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Charles Richardson Saunders.

Mr. Stuart Sankey, instructed by Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, prosecuted, and the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was undefended.

Fanny Elizabeth Saunders said in July last she was staying at the Pavilion Hotel with her husband, and whilst there wore a diamond cross. She was in the habit of keeping it in her jewel case, which she kept on the drawers in her bedroom. She last saw the cross, now produced, on July 31^st, when she put it away in her jewel case and locked it up, leaving the key in the lock. On August 9^th, at the Alexandra Hotel, London, she discovered that the cross had been taken, and she immediately telegraphed to the Pavilion stating her loss. She also communicated with the authorities at Scotland Yard, and inserted advertisements in several newspapers, offering £100 reward.

Theodore Tickell, a waiter at the Pavilion, said prisoner was employed there as housemaid, and it was part of her duty to keep the rooms occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Saunders in order. He remembered a letter coming to the Pavilion Hotel respecting the loss of the cross, and on Friday, September 2^nd he made a search for it in the housemaid`s pantry. He got up on the sink, and, removing the top of a housemaid`s box, saw between the cistern and the wall a cardboard box, which he took up, and found it to contain the missing cross. He communicated with the manager, who, taking the cross out, caused the box to be replaced. Witness was set to watch through a window, and on the following day he saw the prisoner come in, get up on the sink, and reach the cardboard box down. He then came round to the room and asked prisoner what she had done with the box, but she denied all knowledge of it. On being taken down to Mr. Edwards, the proprietor, she at first denied all knowledge of the box or it`s contents, but afterwards said she found the cross behind the drawers after Mrs. Saunders had left.

George Spurgeon, manager of the Pavilion Hotel, gave corroborative evidence, and added that on being sent for to the police station, prisoner said to him that she did not steal it, nor did she find it. She saw the cross in the possession of Thomason (another servant employed in the hotel), who showed it to her, and arranged to get a third party into the bedroom and then pretend to find it, so that they might get the reward and share it between them. Witness took the cross to London, and left it with Mr. Streeter of New Bond Street.

Easton Clayton, manager to Mr. Streeter, proved the receipt of the cross and Superintendent Rutter gave corroborative evidence as to the prisoner`s statement at the police station.

This completed the case for the prosecution.

Prisoner repeated her story of the cross having been shown to her by her fellow servant Thomason, she denied that she stole it, and said that it was arranged that they should put it in the room where it was lost, and that in the presence of a third party it should be found.

The Recorder, in summing up, strongly put before the Jury the fact that prisoner had told two different stories to account for her possession of the cross; also the fact that in spite of enquiries which had been made about the article, which she must have heard of, she persisted in keeping her knowledge about it to herself.

The Jury acquitted her, and the prisoner left the Court amid applause.

Folkestone Express 22-10-1881

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 17^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Ellen Hodges, 25, servant, was indicted for stealing a diamond cross, of the value of £600, the property of Mr. Charles Richardson Saunders, on the 4^th of August. A second count charged her with receiving the said cross, knowing it to have been stolen. She pleaded Not Guilty. She was unrepresented by counsel.

Mr. Stuart Sankey prosecuted, instructed by Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, and after briefly stating the facts of the case he called the following witnesses, whose evidence in full was so recently reported in our columns, that it is now only necessary to summarise it.

Mrs. Fanny Eliza Saunders, wife of the prosecutor, said in July she was staying at the Pavilion Hotel, and remained there until the 4^th of August. She had in her possession the diamond cross produced. It was usually kept in her jewel case, which was placed on the drawers in her bedroom, on the first floor. She last saw the cross on the last day of July, when she replaced it in the jewel case. The case was locked and the key left in the lock, she believed. From the Pavilion Hotel they went to the Alexandra Hotel, London, and on the following Tuesday, the 9^th of August, the cross was not in her jewel case. She at once telegraphed to the Pavilion, and also communicated with the authorities of Scotland Yard, and Mr. Streeter, the jeweller, and offered a reward of £100 for the recovery of the cross, which she next saw at Mr. Streeter`s on the 5^th of September.

Theodore Tickell, waiter at the Pavilion Hotel, said the prisoner was employed at the hotel as housemaid. It would be her duty to keep the room clean which Mrs. Saunders occupied. He could not say if she did so when Mrs. Saunders left. He remembered a letter coming from Mrs. Saunders on the 10^th of August about the loss of the diamond cross. He searched for the cross on Friday, the second of September, in the housemaids` pantry. He saw a box on the top of the sink in a slanting position. He got up on the sink and removed the box, behind which, between the cistern and the wall, he found a cardboard box (produced). On opening it he saw something that glittered. He went to Mr. Spurgeon, the manager, who returned with him to the pantry, and in witness`s presence took the cross out of the box. The box was then replaced, and also the housemaids` box. There was a window communicating with a storeroom adjoining this pantry, and by standing on the steps a person could see what was going on there. On Saturday, while he was watching, he saw the prisoner go in, and getting on the sink, put her arm down between the cistern and the wall, took out the box. He got down from the ladder and went round into the pantry, and asked her what she had done with the box. She daid “I have not had a box in my hand”. He replied “I know you have, because I saw it in your hand”. Another waiter came in, and witness went to tell Mr. Edwards. He then went back to the prisoner, and in the presence of the prisoner took the box out from behind the cistern. He took the prisoner and the box back to Mr. Edwards. Mr. Edwards asked her if she knew what was in the box. She said “I do not”. Mr. Edwards again asked her, and she made the same reply, but afterwards said “If I tell the truth will you believe me? I found the cross behind the drawers four or five days after the people had gone. I did not intend to steal it, but I was frightened to give it up in case you should accuse me of stealing it”. Mr. Edwards told her it was her duty to take it to the office.

George Spurgeon, manager of the Pavilion Hotel, said he knew that on the 4^th of August prisoner turned ou the room which Mrs. Saunders occupied. On the 10^th of August the fact of the loss of the cross was communicated to the prisoner. On the 2^nd of September he opened the box produced in Tickell`s presence. He found in it several trinkets and a diamond cross. He immediately communicated with Mr. Edwards, by whose direction the cross was taken out, and the box replaced in the position in which it had been found by Tickell, who was instructed to watch. On the 4^th of September he went to the police station at the request of the Superintendent of Police, who cautioned prisoner. She then said “I neither found the cross, nor did I steal it. I saw it in the possession of Thomason”. Thomason was chambermaid and would have access to letter F bedroom. She said Thomason took it out of the room in her pocket, and they afterwards arranged to get a third party in the bedroom and then pretend to find it. She said Thomason had had it in her possession until within a week of that time. They arranged to share the reward between them. Witness took the cross to Mr. Streeter on the 3^rd of September and left it with him.

Nathan Clayden, manager to Mr. Streeter, 18, New Bond Street, remembered seeing Mr. Spurgeon hand to Mr. Streeter the cross produced.

Samuel Rutter said on the 3^rd of September he received the prisoner into custody. On Sunday, the 4^th, she saw Mr. Spurgeon in his presence. He cautioned her that any statement she might make would be used in evidence against her. Mr. Spurgeon`s statement as to what took place was correct.

The prisoner then made a statement to the following effect: She was not sure, but she thought it was on the last Tuesday in August, that Thomason called her and said she wanted her to help make the beds in letter E and F bedrooms. It was not her place to help, but she did go, as Thomason asked her. While she was in letter E room, she said to her companion “Oh, Thomason, I wish we could find that diamond cross”. Thomason replied “I wish you could, my girl”. Presently she said “Promise me, Ellen, that you won`t tell any of the girls or the porters what I am going to tell you”. Prisoner replied that she would not, and after cautioning her a second time not to say a word about it to anyone, Thomason put her hand into her pocket and said “Here is the cross”. She said “Oh, Thomason”, and was very much overcome. Thomason said “Don`t you be silly, and don`t say a word to anyone. If you was to say one word you would only be suspected of stealing it”. Thomason then took her downstairs and gave her some brandy to revive her, and in the evening told her she had put the cross where it could not be found, and that she intended to hide it. On Friday evening Thomason went to her and told her that the people were going out of E and F rooms on Saturday morning, and wished her to go and get the cross. Then, so that there might be no blame attached to either of them, she (Thomason) would get one of the ladies` maids into the room to help her make the beds, while she (prisoner) was to pretend to have found the cross under the bed. She went to the pantry to get the cross, and as she was coming out Tickell asked her where the box was. She told him she had got no box, and he replied that he saw it in her hand. She made no further answer. She did not steal the cross.

At prisoner`s request, Mr. Spurgeon stated that she went to the Pavilion Hotel on the 8^th of June, and had conducted herself in a proper manner so far as he knew. They received a good character with her.

The Recorder the summed up, pointing out to the jury that even if there was a doubt in their minds as to the actual theft, there could be none on the second count, that of being an accessory, as her own admission showed that she was privy to the theft.

The jury retired, and after a short consultation returned into court and gave a verdict of Not Guilty.

The verdict was greeted with loud applause, which was repeated when the prisoner left the dock.

Southeastern Gazette 22-10-1881

Quarter Sessions

On Monday the Quarter Sessions for the borough were held at the Town-hall, before the Recorder, J. J. Lonsdale, Esq.

The only case for trial was that of Ellen Hodges, a domestic servant, who was charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Charles Richardson Saunders. Mr. Stuart Sankey, instructed by Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, prosecuted, and the prisoner was undefended.

Mrs. Fanny Eliza Saunders said that in July last she was staying at the Pavilion Hotel with her husband, and whilst there wore a diamond cross. She was in the habit of keeping it in her jewel case, which she kept on the drawers in her bed-room. She last saw the cross, now produced, on July 31st, when she put it away in her case and looked it up, leaving the key in the lock. On August 9th, at the Alexandra Hotel, London, she discovered that the cross had been taken, and she immediately telegraphed to the Pavilion, stating her loss. She also communicated with the authorities at Scotland Yard, and inserted advertisements in several newspapers offering £100 reward.

Theodore Tickell, a waiter at the Pavilion, said the prisoner was employed there as housemaid, and it was part of her duty to keep the rooms occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Saunders in order. He remembered a latter coming to the Pavilion respecting the loss of the cross, and on Friday, Sept. 2, he made a search for it in the housemaid’s pantry. He got up on the sink, and removing the top of a housemaid’s box saw between the cistern and the wall a cardboard box, which he took up and found to contain the missing cross. He communicated with the manager, who, taking the cross out, caused the box to be replaced. Witness was set to watch through a window, and on the following day he saw the prisoner come in, get up on the sink, and reach the cardboard box. He then came round to the room and asked prisoner what she had done with the box, but she denied all knowledge of it. On being taken down to Mr. Edwards, the proprietor, she again denied all knowledge of the box or its contents, but afterwards said she found the cross behind the drawers after Mrs. Saunders had left.

Mr. George Spurgeon, manager of the Pavilion Hotel, gave corroborative evidence, and added that, on being sent for to the police-station, prisoner said to him that she did not steal it nor did she find it; she saw the cross in the possession of Thomason (another servant employed in the hotel) who showed it to her and arranged to get a third party into the bedroom, and then pretend to find it so that they might get the reward and share it between them. Witness took the cross to London and left it with Mr. Streeter, of New Bond Street.

Nathan Clayden, manager to Mr. Streeter, proved the receipt of the cross.

Supt. Rutter gave corroborative evidence as to the prisoner’s statement at the police station.

Prisoner repeated her story of the cross having been shown to her by her fellow servant Thomason, and denied that she stole it.

The jury acquitted her, and the prisoner left the court amid applause. 

Kentish Gazette 25-10-1881 

At the Quarter Sessions held on Monday last week, Ellen Hodges, formerly a domestic servant at the Pavilion Hotel, was charged with stealing a diamond cross, value £600, the property of Mr. Charles Richardson Saunders, who together with Mrs. Saunders, were staying in the hotel in July last. Mt. Stuart Sankey, instructed by Mr. Pollard, solicitor to the Treasury, prosecuted, and the prisoner, who pleaded Not Guilty, was undefended. The facts in connection with this case have already been given in our columns, and the prisoner still persisted in a statement she had previously made to the effect that she first saw the cross in the possession of Thomason, a fellow servant employed at the hotel. The latter showed it to her and they arranged to get another person into the bedroom which had been occupied by Mrs. Saunders, and this third person was to apparently find the cross, claim the £100 reward offered for its recovery, and then divide the money in three equal sums. The jury acquitted the prisoner, who left the Court amid applause.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-5-1882

Local News

We regret to record the death of James Gaby Breach Esq., some years ago proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel. His courtesy and kindness rendered him a gentleman deeply respected by the visitors to the Hotel, whilst his interest in the town was manifested in the large property he acquired here, and his desire when opportunity offered, to promote its welfare in every way. He was buried at the Cemetery this week.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 9-2-1884

Tuesday, February 5^th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Emily Dyer, a married woman, living at Walton Terrace, was charged with feloniously receiving fifteen linen sheets, the property of Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, of the Pavilion Hotel, valued at £10. Mr. Minter prosecuted and Mr. Ward defended.

It appeared from the evidence that the sheets came in the possession of the accused some time ago, and that she had sent, on two different occasions, five of them to be pawned at Mr. Joseph`s, who received them in pledge. A witness named Hoad had pawned them each time, and on Saturday he went again with the remaining five sheets to be pawned, when Mr. Joseph`s suspicions were aroused, and he communicated with Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, who identified the sheets by the texture, &c., the stamp of the hotel which had been upon them having been torn off and rendering them shorter than those in use at the hotel. It is alleged that a French woman named Georgina Miller, who was employed in the Pavilion laundry, and who lodged with the accused, purloined the sheets and gave them to her landlady in discharge of rent, &c., that she owed her. Miller made her escape by taking train to Dover and crossing to Calais on Sunday.

Defendant was committed for trial at the next Quarter Assizes; two sureties of £25 each being accepted, and herself in £25

Folkestone Express 9-2-1884

Tuesday, February 5^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Elizabeth Dyer was charged with receiving 15 linen sheets from George Muller, the property of Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, of the Pavilion Hotel, well knowing them to have been stolen.

Mr. Minter prosecuted, and Mr. Ward defended.

Mr. G. Spurgeon, one of the proprietors of the Pavilion Hotel, said on Friday, February 1^st, in consequence of a communication from Mr. Joseph, he went to his shop and inspected the five single sheets produced. Having examined them, he believed them to be his property. He had compared them with others and found they were of the same make and material. The sheeting was purchased in May, 1883. They were marked in one corner “Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone”, and the date and number of the sheet with a stamp. The five sheets are smaller than those in use. There is a difference in the hem, for on one side there was a narrow hem done by hand, and the other side was machine hemmed. They had a girl named Georgette Muller in their employ. She was at the laundry and had no authority to dispose of any sheets. There are 20 sheets missing of the same texture and quality as those produced. The value of the five sheets is about £3. The girl Muller was in his employ until Saturday morning between seven and eight o`clock, and she had since absconded.

Cross-examined by Mr. Ward: The sheets produced I believe are my property. I could not swear that they are.

Mr. Simeon Joseph said he knew the defendant, Mrs. Dyer, as a customer. The five sheets produced were taken to him by a boy named Alfred Hoad last Thursday. He caused enquiries to be made about them. He saw Alfred Hoad and asked him who sent them, and he said Mrs. Dyer, who was then sent for. She went to him on Friday evening at the pledge shop. The five sheets were in his office, and he asked her where she obtained the sheets which Hoad had left, and if they were her own. She said “No”. He said “Where did you get them from?”, and she said “From my lodger”. He questioned her who her lodger was, and her reply was “Eugenie Muller”. He asked her where Eugenie Muller worked, and she stated at the Pavilion Laundry. He said those sheets belonged to the Pavilion Hotel, and she asked him to give her the sheets back, but he refused. He told her that she had pledged two other lots of sheeting, and she knew they did not belong to the girl Muller. She said she thought they did. She was  French girl, and going to get married, and all French girls were fond of plenty of linen. He communicated with Mr. Spurgeon, who went to his shop and examined the sheeting.

Cross-examined by Mr. Ward: She pawned some sheets before, but it did not excite his suspicion. He had known her as a very respectable woman for some years.

Alfred John Hoad, a boy living at 27, Walton Terrace, said Mrs. Dyer went to his house and asked him if he would take a parcel down the street, and she would give him sixpence. Mrs. Dyer told him there were five sheets packed up in a towel. She told him to take them to Mr. Joseph`s and get £1 on them; if he could not get that, he was to take 15s. He took them to Mr. Joseph`s and delivered them into the pawn shop. When the parcel was opened, Mr. Joseph went into the shop. He left the sheets there and went back to Mrs. Dyer and told her that Mr. Joseph wished to see her about the sheets, and she said she would go and see him. He had taken sheets and other articles for Mrs. Dyer before. He had taken four lots of sheeting for Mrs. Dyer. They were all wrapped in towels.

Cross-examined by Mr. Ward: He did not know that Mrs. Dyer dealt in that sort of thing. When he took the other sheets he got what he asked for them.

Sarah Morgan, a deaf and dumb woman, who was interpreted by a boy named Edward Phillips, said she had lodged at Mrs. Dyer`s one year and six months. She knew the girl Muller, who had also lodged there for about three or four months, and left last Saturday. She had seen some sheeting at Mrs. Dyer`s and had seen Mrs. Dyer sewing the sheets. She did not know how many sheets there were. She saw them picking the hem. She produced a piece of sheet which she found in her room, left there by Mrs. Dyer to make pillows of.

Cross-examined by Mr. Ward: It was a part of a sheet. She did not know what Mrs. Dyer`s business was.

Mr. Spurgeon, re-called, said he had examined the sheets in the parcel with the ticket number 57. There were five sheets but they were not full sized. In his judgement those five sheets belonged to him, and were marked in the same way as the last five sheets. The hemming on one side was machine, and on the other, hand. They had been dealt with in a similar manner to the other sheets. They were wrapped in a towel, which he also believed to be a part of his property. The name was on the towel, which had been cut down. Another parcel, 2,087, containing five sheets wrapped in a towel, he also identified as his property. He compared the pieces of linen produced by the last witness, which he believed were portions of sheets. The pieces showed the width of the linen which corresponded with the width of the hem on the sheets. He believed that a piece the width of that produced would take off the mark on the sheets. The value of the 15 sheets was about £10.

Mr. Joseph, re-called, said the parcel No. 57 was taken in pledge on the 22^nd December from Alfred Hoad for Mrs. Dyer. The parcel No. 2,087 was taken in pledge from Alfred Hoad for Mrs. Dyer on the 20^th December. He advanced 15s. on No. 57, and 10s. on the other parcel.

Mr. Ward said that he reserved the defence on the part of the prisoner.

The prisoner was committed for trial.

Southeastern Gazette 11-2-1884

Local News

At the Police Court on Tuesday, Emily Dyer, a married woman living at Walton Terrace, was charged with feloniously receiving fifteen linen sheets, the property of Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, of the Royal Pavilion Hotel, valued at £10. Mr. Minter prosecuted and Mr. Ward defended.

The sheets came into the possession of the accused some time ago, and she had sent, on two occasions, five of them to be pawned at Mr. Joseph`s. A witness named Hoad had pawned them each time, and on Saturday he went up with the remaining five sheets to pawn, when Mr. Joseph`s suspicions were aroused, and he communicated with Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, who identified the sheets, the stamp of the hotel which had been upon them having been torn off, thus rendering them shorter than those in use at the hotel.

It is alleged that a French woman, named Georgina Miller, who was employed in the Pavilion laundry, and who lodged with the accused, purloined the sheets and gave them to her landlady in discharge of rent owing. Miller made her escape by taking train to Dover and crossing to Calais on Sunday.

Defendant was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions, two sureties of £25 each being accepted, and herself in £25.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 12-4-1884

Quarter Sessions

Thursday, April 10^th: Before F.W. Maxton Esq.

The jury returned a true bill against Elizabeth Dyer, charged with receiving 15 sheets, value £7 10s., the property of Messrs Spurgeon and Waite, of the Pavilion Hotel, knowing them to have been stolen. Mr. Denman prosecuted. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Spurgeon, sworn, said that on the 1^st of February he received a communication from Mr. Joseph about some sheets. The sheets produced were the same as those in use at the hotel. There was a piece short in the sheet – a width and a length – on one side, on which the mark of the Pavilion Hotel would be put. The piece cut off would about cover the stamp. They had missed twenty sheets from their establishment. There was a girl named Miller in their laundry, and the girl left the establishment on the day when the sheets were pawned at Mr. Joseph`s. When the sheets were shown to him they were wrapped in a kind of towelling, similar to that produced. The value he put on the sheets was £7 10s.

Alfred Hoad said he lived in Walton Terrace, next to Mrs. Dyer, and on the day in question he was asked by her to take a bundle to Mr. Joseph. He went back and said Mr. Joseph wanted to see her. He had been to Mr. Joseph on previous occasions  and pawned things for her, and gave prisoner the money.

Mr. Simon Joseph deposed to the last witness coming to him with the sheets. The prisoner was known to him as a customer. He sent for her and asked her where she got the sheets from. She said she had them from a girl named Miller, who had lodged with her, and worked at the Pavilion laundry, and he told her she had no business to take them. She told him that the sheets were given to her as a security by her lodger, and as she could get no money from her she wished to pawn them. He then informed the proprietor of the Pavilion. He had advanced money on two lots of sheets before.

Alice Morgan, who is deaf and dumb, was examined. Edward Phillips, acting as an interpreter to witness, said she lodged with prisoner, and knew a girl named Miller, who in January last lodged at the same place. She had often seen prisoner and Miller together. She had seen tablecloths and sheets there, and prisoner had given her the pieces produced, which had been torn off the sheets. Prisoner was cutting the pieces in the kitchen when she gave them to her. She had seen prisoner sewing the sheets.

Cross-examined by prisoner: Was it not new unbleached sheets you saw me sewing, and not the ones produced?

Witness said it was the sheets produced.

Prisoner: I beg pardon; it was not.

In answer to a further question witness said that she did not know that Miller had given the sheets to prisoner.

Prisoner, in defence, said that the French girl, Miller, lodged with her, and asked her to give to the witness the pieces from the sheets, but the sheets witness saw her cutting up were her own. She denied that she was aware that the sheets had been stolen.

The Recorder summed up, and pointed out that the pieces cut off showed that whoever did that wanted to hide the identity. Prisoner alleged that she took them from Miller, but they must consider that she knew that Miller was employed at the Pavilion. Then she pawned them for a small sum, and sent someone else to do it.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty.

The Superintendent said prisoner had been in the town about seven years, and nothing was known against her.

The Judge, in passing sentence, said that perhaps she had yielded to a sudden temptation, but hearing there was nothing against her, and that she was 54 years of age, he should sentence her to only three months` imprisonment with hard labour.

The Judge warmly praised Mr. Joseph for the assistance he had rendered to the police in the information he had given.

The Superintendent said it was not the first time that Mr, Joseph had assisted him in the recovery of stolen property.

Mr. Joseph thanked His Honour, and said he had always endeavoured to be most particular in his business transactions.

Southeastern Gazette 14-4-1884

Quarter Sessions

The Quarter Sessions were held on Thursday, before the Deputy-Recorder, Mr. W. F. Laxton. The cases were more important than usual, and excited much interest.

Elizabeth Dyer, a married woman, was indicted for stealing a quantity of table linen from the Pavilion Hotel. The prisoner had received the goods from a servant named Muller, who was engaged in the laundry, and who has absconded.

Prisoner was sentenced to three months’ hard labour.

 

Folkestone Express 19-4-1884

Quarter Sessions

Thursday, April 10^th: Before F.W. Laxton Esq.

Elizabeth Dyer surrendered to her bail, charged with receiving 15 linen sheets, value £10, the property of Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite of the Pavilion Hotel, knowing them to have been stolen. She pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Denman prosecuted. The prisoner was undefended.

In this case it appeared that there was a woman named Georgina Muller, employed at the Pavilion Laundry, and who lodged at the prisoner`s house. This woman had absconded, but the sheets were sent by Mrs. Dyer to a pawnbroker, whose suspicions being aroused, he communicated with the police, and the prisoner was subsequently taken into custody.

Mr. George Spurgeon, one of the proprietors of the Pavilion Hotel, said on Friday 1^st February he received a communication from Mr. Joseph, and in consequence went to his shop, where he was shown some sheets, of the kind in use at the hotel. He found that on one side the machine hem had been cut off and hemmed by hand. There was a difference also in the width of the sheets. Their sheets were always marked in one corner, and the portion which appeared to have been cut off the sheets produced would have the effect of removing the stamp. The difference in the length was about six inches. They had missed 20 sheets from the hotel. They had a girl named Muller employed at the laundry. She left on the day the sheets were taken. The towelling in which the sheets were wrapped was similar to others which they used. He had been shown some strips of linen by a woman named Morgan, and if those strips were added on they would make the sheets the same length as those missed from the hotel. He valued the 15 sheets at £7 10s.

Alfred Hoad, a lad, said he took a bundle of sheeting down to Mr. Joseph`s at Mrs. Dyer`s request. She asked him to get 15s. or 20s. on them. He returned and told Mrs. Dyer Mr. Joseph wanted to see her. He had been on three or four occasions previously with parcels to Mr. Joseph for Mrs. Dyer, and had given the money he obtained to her.

Mr. S. Joseph, pawnbroker, said he knew the prisoner as a customer. On the 31^st January the last witness took a parcel to the shop, and he directed him to tell Mrs. Dyer to come and see him. She went. He asked her where she got the sheets from. She said from a girl of the name of Muller. He asked her where Muller lived. Prisoner said she lodged with her. He then asked where Muller was working, and she replied “At the Pavilion Laundry”. He told her she had no business to take the sheets to pledge. She said they were given to her as security for money her lodger owed her. He went to the Pavilion Hotel, saw Mr. Spurgeon, and asked him to look at the sheets. Mr. Spurgeon examined them and said he thought they were his. On two former occasions he had advanced money to the boy Hoad for Mrs. Dyer. He advanced 10s. on one lot and 15s. on another.

Sarah Alice Morgan, a deaf and dumb woman, whose evidence was interpreted by Edward Phillips, said she lodged at Mrs. Dyer`s. She knew Muller, who in January last lodged at Mrs. Dyer`s, 28, Walton Terrace. She had seen some sheeting at that house, and had seen Dyer and Muller together, working at table cloths and sheets.The pieces of linen produced, Mrs. Dyer gave to her. She cut them from some sheets in the kitchen, but witness did not see them cut off. She had seen Dyer sewing sheets.

In answer to the prisoner, witness said they were not new unbleached, but those produced. She did not know Muller gave them to Mrs. Dyer.

Prisoner said the sheets were taken to her by Muller in the condition in which they were now produced. The pieces produced were given to Morgan to make pillow slips.

The Recorder having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.

Superintendent Taylor said nothing was known against the prisoner previously. She had lived seven or eight years in the town. Her husband was in bad health, and the prisoner obtained the living.

The Recorder sentenced the prisoner to three months imprisonment without hard labour.

The sheets were ordered to be given up to Mr. Spurgeon, and the Recorder complimented Mr. Joseph on the manner in which he had acted. There was, he said, no imputation on him, but having his suspicion aroused he at once communicated with the prosecutor.

Superintendent Taylor remarked that on several occasions Mr. Joseph had rendered great assistance to the police.

Kentish Gazette 24-3-1885 

A spacious winter garden has just been erected by the South Eastern Railway Company at their Royal Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone. The building, which is now completed, is a spacious one, having a frontage of about 168 ft., and a width of 51 ft. The winter garden has three entrances, each of which has a vestibule, one being connected with the hotel by a glass corridor, enabling visitors to enter the winter garden from the hotel without exposure to the weather. The work has been carried out by Messrs. Weeks & Co., horticultural builders and heating engineers, of Chelsea. The gardens will be open for the use of residents in the hotel on Wednesday, the 1^st of April.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-6-1885

Obituary

We regret to record the death of Mr. Charles Doridant, at the age of 71, formerly proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel, and for many years member of the Town Council, which took place at Paris, after a long illness. Mr. Doridant was four times Mayor of Folkestone, 1864-65-66, and again in 1869. He presented to the town the gold chain of office, to which successive Mayors are expected to add a link. No public man was more esteemed. His hospitality was unbounded, and he was most energetic in promoting every movement for the interest of Folkestone, in which he was much assisted by his respected wife. Mr. Doridant was a Nationalised Frenchman, but he had lived so long in England as to share our insular tastes and prejudices. He was an ardent Conservative. He had seen so much of the evil effects of Revolution in his own country as to dread the tendency of Liberal doctrines in England, in the commercial prosperity of which country he had a great interest. In the contest of 1868 he rendered great service to the Conservative cause, and his warm advocacy of Mr. Nugent`s candidature secured for that gentleman considerable support. Then the Conservative Party were thoroughly united, having as their agent and legal advisor that astute and able organiser, Mr. John Minter. The pluck that fought an opposition against the enormous influence of Baron Rothschild, who was supported by the late Mr. R. Hart, can readily be appreciated by those who have a knowledge of the influences at work at the time. The unity of the Party; the abandonment of all petty and personal motives; the open and confidential dealings of the leaders of the Party with the rank and file, contributed to the respectable defeat the Conservatives received, and the enthusiasm, and energy displayed. It was Mr. Charles Doridant who helped to infuse this spirit into the Party, aided by the gentlemanly tact and courtesy which distinguished all the actions of his public life. With the approach of a general election, his death reminds us of the great loss the Conservative Party sustained when he separated his connection with Folkestone, by the inhabitants of whom, whether Liberal or Conservative, he was so greatly respected.

Kentish Gazette 16-6-1885 

News has been received of the death at Paris of Mr. Charles Doridant, formerly the proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel, and for many years a member of the Town Council, and Mayor of Folkestone for three years in succession.

Folkestone Express 1-8-1885

Tuesday, July28th: Before J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Frederick Arthur King was charged with being drunk at the Pavilion Hotel, and with resisting the police in the execution of their duty.

P.C. Bean said he was called to the Pavilion Hotel. The prisoner was there drunk and making a disturbance. Mr. Spurgeon requested the prisoner to leave, but he refused, and witness had to obtain assistance to remove him as he was very violent.

There was a previous conviction for being drunk and disorderly.

The Bench commented strongly upon the defendant`s misbehaviour, when n the service of so excellent an employer as Mr. Spurgeon, and fined him 2s. 6d., and 3s. 6d. costs for the first offence, and 5s. and 3s. 6d. costs for the second.

Superintendent Taylor said there was a summons for sureties issued against the defendant, who had previously used threats against the head porter at the Pavilion.

Kentish Gazette 12-1-1886 

The Quarter Sessions were held on Thursday before the Recorder (J.J. Lonsdale Esq.).

Thomas Bailey was indicted on a charge of stealing 12 lbs. of linseed meal, value of 3s., the property of Messrs. Spurgeon and Waite, of the Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone, his employers; and a true bill was also returned against a woman named Emily Dyer, on a charge of receiving the same, knowing it to be stolen. The Recorder sentenced both of the prisoners to three calendar months` hard labour, a previous conviction being put in against the female prisoner. 

Folkestone Express 14-8-1886

Saturday, August 7^th: Before The Mayor, H.W. Poole Esq., General Armstrong C.B., Captain Crowe, and A.M. Watkin Esq.

George Richardson was charged with begging on Sunday outside the Pavilion Hotel. He was dismissed on promising to leave the town.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 9-2-1887

Obituary

It is with regret that we have to record the death of Mr. J.B. Edwards, late proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel. He died of paralysis at his residence in Augusta Gardens, Folkestone, on Monday afternoon, after a lingering illness, at the age of 62.

John Bowen Edwards, like most successful hotel proprietors, commenced life as a chef. While still young in his position his talents were such that he was appointed maitre-de-cuisine to Queen Adelaide. Resigning this post after some time, he acquired Rider`s Hotel (now the Salisbury Hotel) in Fleet Street. This business he successfully carried on until the acquirement of the premises by the Board of Works for street improvements. In February, 1868, he succeeded Mr. Doridant as the proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone, and this hotel he kept until his retirement from business at Christmas, 1882. As an hotel proprietor Mr. Edwards was probably second to none, being possessed of remarkable industry and assiduity, indeed, during the 14 years he retained the proprietorship of the hotel, he only took one holiday.

The funeral is to take place at the Folkestone Cemetery on Thursday afternoon at 2.30.

Folkestone Express 24-9-1887

Friday, September 9^th: Before J. Clark, J. Fitness, and S. Penfold Esqs.

William Davison was charged with being drunk on licensed premises, and with being drunk and disorderly in Lower Sandgate Road.

Charles Horton, hall porter at the Pavilion Hotel, said he saw the defendant in the corridor at the Pavilion Hotel on Thursday evening about nine o`clock. He had no boots, shoes, or coat on, but he appeared to have a pair of bathing drawers on. He ran into one of the sitting rooms and out of the window into the garden.

Richard Burchett, watchman, said he was on duty at the pier about ten minutes past nine on Thursday, and saw the defendant on the works. He “made for him”, but he got away, but he subsequently caught him behind some iron. He had a shirt, waistcoat and cap on. He was very drunk and did not appear to know what he was doing. He did not shout or make any disturbance. Witness took him to the police station.

Supt. Taylor said the defendant`s clothes were found on the Pavilion lawn.

The charge of being drunk and disorderly was dismissed, but for being drunk on licensed premises the defendant was fined 10s. and 5s. 6d. costs, or 14 days`.

Folkestone Express 5-11-1887

Monday, October 31^st: Before F. Boykett and H.W. Poole Esqs.

Benjamin Parsons, a respectable looking man, was charged with begging on the harbour.

Wm. Brice, boat inspector, said he saw the prisoner on the harbour, and heard him ask several people between the clock tower and the Pavilion Hotel. He went into the Pavilion Hotel and was ordered away.

He was sent to prison for seven days.