Prince Albert 1870s - 1890s

Folkestone Observer 24-2-1870

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before The Mayor, W. Bateman, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

Transfer of License

Stephen F. Foreman applied for a transfer of the license granted to Henry Stay to sell excisable liquors at the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous Street. The license was refused on a former application being made, on account of the bad character of the house. The applicant put in testimonials as to character from several clergymen, churchwardens, farmers, &c., living at and near Cranbrook, and the Bench granted the application.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-2-1870

Wednesday February 22^nd: Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer, John Clark, and John Gambrill Esqs.

This was a special sessions for the transfer of licenses, and for other business.

Stephen F. Forward applied for a license to the Prince Albert, in Rendezvous Street, which had been closed since the last licensing day. He produced a testimonial and certificates of character and respectability, and the Bench granted the license.

Folkestone Express 26-2-1870

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before The Mayor, W. Bateman, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

Special Licensing Meeting

Stephen F. Forward applied for a license for the Prince Albert, Rendezvous Street. This house was closed at the annual meeting, owing to it`s having a bad character. Several testimonials proving the respectability of the applicant were read, and the Bench decided on granting a license.

Folkestone Observer 22-9-1870

Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, J. Clarke and C.H. Dashwood Esqs.

James William Snelling, landlord of the Prince Albert Inn, was summoned for assisting a soldier of the 3^rd Buffs to desert on the 7^th inst.

Mr. Minter defended.

Private Connor, of the 3^rd Buffs, stated that on Wednesday, September 7^th, he went to the defendant`s house where he stopped the night and till the next day evening. He was on pass till 12 o`clock on Wednesday night. When he came to the house he was in uniform, but he left in private clothes he purchased in the town. He left his regimentals in the bedroom, but did not give them into the care of the landlord. He did not think the defendant saw him leave the house.

Cross-examined: Paid 6d. for his bed.

This was all the evidence, and the case was at once dismissed.

There was a second charge of the defendant for receiving the clothes of a soldier in Her Majesty`s service.

Sergeant Richard Ellis deposed to going to the defendant`s house to enquire after the clothes of a deserter. The defendant told him that they were upstairs, and brought them down when he told him to do so. Witness saw by the number they were the last witness`s.

This case was also at once dismissed.

Folkestone Express 24-9-1870

Saturday, September 17^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, J. Clark, and C.H. Dashwood Esqs.

James W. Snelling was charged on the 10^th September with aiding William Collins, a soldier of Her Majesty`s Buffs, with deserting. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty.

Private William Connor, of the 3^rd Buffs, said: I went to the Prince Albert Inn on the 7^th inst., and stopped there the next day until the evening. I was on pass until twelve o`clock Wednesday night. I was in uniform. I did not leave in uniform on Wednesday night. I was in private clothes then. I bought the clothes down town somewhere and I left my uniform in the bedroom. I did not give them into the custody as anyone, and I did not speak to the landlord concerning them. I don`t think he saw me leave the house.

By Mr. Minter: I paid 6d. for my bed.

The Bench dismissed the case.

The same defendant was then charged with having received the clothes of the soldier.

Sergeant Richard Hills of the 3^rd Buffs was called, and deposed that he went to the Prince Albert on the 10^th and saw the defendant and demanded the clothes. He said he had some upstairs, which he found underneath the bed, and he fetched them down and gave them to witness.

Mr. Minter asked the Bench to dismiss the case on the ground that there was no evidence, the charge on the summons being for receiving, not detaining, the clothes.

This case was also dismissed.

Note: Date for Snelling is at variance with information in More Bastions.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-12-1870

County Court

Saturday, December 10^th: Before W.C. Scott Esq.

Snelling v Brockman: This was a claim for £20 arising out of an alleged breach of contract. Mr. Minter appeared for plaintiff. Defendant did not appear, but sent a letter to His Honour admitting his liability. Mr. Minter said plaintiff occupied the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous Street, and he took it off defendant who said he only owed a day or two`s rent, and he paid £48 for entering and for the fittings &c. Some time after, the landlord, through his agent, Mr. Banks, came on him for six months rent, which he refused to pay, and an execution was put in his house.

Mr. Snelling was called and said he took the place believing that defendant only owed a few days` rent. After he had been in the house a short while the execution was put in, and he had witnesses to prove that defendant convinced him that the rent was paid, which statement he took the house, and paid the money required of him

His Honour gave judgement for £16 10s. 6d., and costs.

Notes: This puts Snelling at the Prince Albert earlier than the info in More Bastions. Also there is no record of Brockman.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-5-1872

Monday, May 13^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, J. Clarke, and T. Caister Esqs.

Isaac Berry was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and was fined 5s. and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days imprisonment. Prisoner was also charged with wilfully breaking a pane of glass at the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous Street, whilst being pushed out of the house. He was fined 5s., 3s. 6d. costs, and 3s. 6d. damages, or 14 days.

Folkestone Express 22-8-1874

Monday, August 17^th: Before J. Tolputt and J. Clark Esqs.

There is the usual influx of mendicants during the season, and the police have considerable difficulty in clearing the town of them. Two men who gave names of John Cook and Manus Conway were charged with begging.

P.C. Keeler saw Cook go to Mr. Hart`s and Mr. Tyson`s and beg on Saturday, and Supt. Wilshere saw Conway go into the Prince Albert and Foresters` Arms public houses on Sunday, and followed him. Mr. Wilshere being in plain clothes, prisoner made the blunder of begging of him.

Prisoners were committed for 21 days hard labour each.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-6-1875

Thursday, June 17^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

John Doyle, a Private of the 1^st Battalion, 18^th Royal Irish, was charged with stealing, on the 16^th inst., a box containing 5s. in money, the property of William James Snelling.

Prisoner was remanded until Saturday next.

Folkestone Express 19-6-1875

Thursday, June 17^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

John Doyle, a private in the 18^th Royal Irish, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, was charged with stealing a box containing 5s. in money, belonging to William James Snelling, of the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous Street, on the 16^th inst.

Prosecutor deposed that he kept the Prince Albert public house. On the previous night, about twenty minutes to eight, prisoner and another soldier came into witness`s bar. They called for beer and paid for it. When witness had drawn the beer he went into the wash-house, when he heard a rattling of money and returned to the bar. When he got back no-one was in the bar. The soldiers had gone, leaving their beer untouched. The cupboard in the bar in which witness kept his till was wide open, and the box was gone. By reaching over the bar one could easily get at the box from the place where the prisoner was standing. Witness believed there were between 7s. and 8s. in coppers, and a bunch of keys, on which there was a corkscrew, in the box. Witness ran out, and was told some soldiers had gone towards Cheriton Road, and saw prisoner and another soldier in a field leading to the Camp. (Prosecutor had great difficulty in describing the locality, and appealed to His Worship, the Mayor, as to whether there was not a mill near by where he was. He noticed a public house, the Bouverie Arms, on the road, but could not tell where he went to afterwards)

Witness charged the men with the robbery of his money, when they denied it, saying they had just come from the Camp. Witness talked with them for half an hour, when he sent for a policeman and the other soldier ran off. The prisoner remained talking with witness till P.C. Keeler came up.

Cross-examined by prisoner: You remained talking with me for a long time. You asked me to fetch a policeman. I went out after you about ten minutes after I had served them.

To the Bench: I ran in the direction to which persons told me the soldiers had gone. When  met the soldiers they were not running.

P.C. Keeler deposed that he apprehended the prisoner near the Cheriton Road mill the previous evening on a charge of till robbery preferred by prosecutor. Prisoner said he had come straight from the Camp into Folkestone. He searched the prisoner and found 2s 7½d. on him, in coppers, with the exception of a fourpenny piece. Witness afterwards found the box produced under a form in the bar of the Prince Albert, and the bunch of keys nearby. About half a dozen farthings were amongst the money he took from prisoner.

Prosecutor identified the box and keys. There were several farthings in the box.

Prisoner was remanded till Saturday.

Prisoner: My regiment will be gone away on Saturday.

The Mayor: I can`t help what your regiment does. You are remanded.

Southeastern Gazette 21-6-1875

Local News

At the Police Court on Wednesday, before W. Wightwick, Esq. (Mayor), J. Tolputt, and B. W. Boarer, Esqrs., John Doyle, a private in the 18th Royal Irish, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, was charged with stealing a box containing 5s. in money, belonging to William James Snelling, of the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous-street, on the 16th inst.

Prosecutor deposed that he kept the Prince Albert public house. On the previous night, about twenty minutes to eight, prisoner and another soldier came into witness’s bar. They called for beer, and paid for it. When witness had drawn the beer he went into the washhouse, when he heard a rattling of money and returned to the bar, When he got back no one was in the bar. The soldiers had gone, leaving their beer untouched. The cupboard in the bar in which witness kept his till was wide open, and the box was gone. By reaching over the bar, one could easily get at the box from the place where the prisoner was standing. Witness believed there were between 7s. and 8s. in coppers, and a bunch of keys, on which was a corkscrew, in the box. Witness ran out and was told some soldiers had gone towards Cheriton Road, and saw prisoner and another soldier in a field leading to the Camp.

Some other evidence was given, and P.C. Keeler proved that when prosecutor gave prisoner into custody, the latter had 2s. 7½d. in his possession, all but a fourpenny piece being in coppers. There were several farthings amongst the money, and the prosecutor deposed that there were a great many farthings in the cash box at the time of the robbery. The prisoner was remanded.

 

Folkestone Express 26-6-1875

Saturday, June 19^th: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, and J. Tolputt Esq.

John Doyle, private in the 18^th (Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot, was charged on remand with stealing a cashbox containing 5s. in coppers, the property of Wm.James Snelling, of the Prince Albert Inn.

Freeborn, another private in the same regiment, was charged with being concerned in the robbery.

Prosecutor repeated the evidence given on the previous Thursday, which was fully reported in our last impression. Prosecutor added that when he got up to the accused and charged them with the robbery, they denied the charge and wrote names (which proved to be false) on a slip of paper.

Cross-examined by Doyle: You were standing still when I came up.

Re-examined by the Bench: On Thursday afternoon I went up to the Camp, and identified Freeborn as the second man who was in the bar just before the robbery. I will swear to him positively.

P.C. Keeler also repeated the evidence previously given, adding that at one o`clock on Monday he accompanied prosecutor to the Camp. Prosecutor picked out the second prisoner (as did another young man) from several others. Witness searched prisoner and his kit, but found no money on him.

Edward Hickmott, carpenter, deposed that on Wednesday evening about eight o`clock he was on the Cheriton Road. Witness saw two soldiers walking through a field near the mill. Soon after this he saw prosecutor, and at his request stopped the men. Prosecutor charged the soldiers with stealing his till. Witness went for a constable, and when he returned with P.C. Ovenden the second man was gone. Prosecutor gave Doyle into custody. Accompanied prosecutor to the Camp on Thursday and picked out the second prisoner (Freeborn) as the man who was with Doyle. Snelling picked him out first.

P.C. Sharp deposed that he was on duty at the police station on Thursday afternoon. About 5 o`clock he received Freeborn into custody. He put him into a cell at some distance from Doyle. Soon after Freeborn came in he called out to Doyle “Can you hear, Jack?”, and Doyle answered “Yes”, adding “Did they find any money on you?”. Freeborn replied “No, not a copper”. Doyle said “That`s good”. Freeborn continued “You ought to have gone along with me, Jack”. That`s all witness heard, who was betwixt the two. They were obliged to talk loud to make each other hear.

The Mayor: Did they know that you were there?

Witness: Not that I know of. (Laughter)

Cross-examined by Freeborn: You did say, too, in answer to a question of Doyle`s “They searched my kit and me too, but did not find a copper on me”.

The evidence was read over, when Doyle pleaded Guilty.

The Mayor read the usual caution, when Doyle withdrew his plea.

Freeborn pleaded Guilty, as did Doyle, when Freeborn said he admitted that he was with Doyle on Wednesday night. He had nothing to do with stealing the till. He was at the Camp by eight, and was in the Crown And Anchor, Dover Street, at the time the robbery was said to have been committed.

Prisoners were committed for trial, the prosecutor and witnesses being bound over to appear and give evidence at the Quarter Sessions.

Southeastern Gazette 28-6-1875

Local News

John Doyle and James Freeborn, privates in the 18th Royal Irish, were charged on remand on the 19th inst. at the Police Court, with stealing a till, containing 7s., from the Prince Albert Inn.

After evidence, the prisoners’ pleading stood as follows: Guilty, not guilty, guilty, not guilty, and on the last-named plea they were, committed for trial.

Folkestone Express 31-7-1875

Quarter Sessions:

Friday, July 30^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

John Doyle, 28, and John Freeborn, 20, private soldiers in the 18^th Regiment of Foot, recently stationed at Shorncliffe, were indicted for stealing 7s., the property of Wm. James Snelling, landlord of the Prince Albert Inn, on the 16^th June.

Mr. Herbert Croft, instructed by Mr. Till, prosecuted.

Prosecutor deposed that he was landlord of the Prince Albert Inn, Rendezvous Street. On the evening of the 16^th June, about twenty minutes to eight, two soldiers, whom he identified as the prisoners, came to the bar and asked for two glasses of beer. Witness supplied them and took the money and stepped back into his wash house. A minute afterwards prosecutor heard some coppers rattle in the bar, and came back directly. Prosecutor found no-one there, and the beer stood in the glasses on the counter. Prosecutor saw that the cupboard under the counter was open and the till had disappeared. Anyone could have reached over the counter and taken the till. In the till was about 7s. or 8s. in coppers, including some farthings. Witness ran as fast as he could in the direction he was told some soldiers had gone. He came up with the prisoners near the mill on the Cheriton Road. Witness accused the prisoners of the robbery, when they denied it and said they had just come from the Camp. They were then going towards the Camp. The prisoners were asked for their names; Doyle wrote a name (not his own) on a piece of paper; Freeborn walked away. Witness sent for a policeman, and Doyle waited till P.C. Keeler came in.

P.C. Keeler deposed to apprehending the prisoner Doyle on the 16^th June. Witness took the prisoner to the police station. When searched, prisoner has 2s. 7½ d. upon him, all in coppers, including some farthings and a fourpenny piece. Witness afterwards found the empty till in front of the bar. Witness saw two glasses nearly full of beer on the bar table. On the following day witness went to Shorncliff Camp with the prosecutor, when Freeborn was taken into custody.

Cross-examined by Freeborn: Hickmott did not identify you at that time.

Edward Hickmott, carpenter, of Grace Hill, saw two soldiers on the evening of the 16^th June going towards the Camp. Could positively identify the prisoners as the men. On the following day witness went up to Shorncliffe Camp with prosecutor and saw some soldiers paraded, but could not then identify Freeborn.

On Freeborn`s application, the witness`s depositions were read over, when it appeared that when before the Magistrates witness swore that he identified Freeborn at Shorncliffe Camp.

The Recorder ordered Hickmott to stand down, telling him that his evidence was worthless.

P.C. Sharp said on the night of the 17^th June prisoners were confined in separate cells, and witness sat in a reserve room nearby. Witness detailed a conversation which took place between the prisoners, Doyle asking Freeborn if they had found any money on him. Freeborn replied that they had not although they had searched him, when Doyle replied that that was right. There was no other prisoner in the range.

Cross-examined by Doyle: There was another prisoner in a cell close by, but not in the same range.

Superintendent Wilshere, called by the Recorder, said there were four prisoners in the cell on the night in question.

Prisoner Doyle said the case was a mass of contradictions throughout. He drew attention to the several inaccuracies in the evidence.

Freeborn also laid stress on the mistakes made by the witnesses.

The Recorder having summed up the case, the jury found both the prisoners Guilty, and the Recorder sentenced them each to six calendar months` imprisonment with hard labour.

Southeastern Gazette 2-8-1875

Quarter Sessions

John Doyle, 23, and James Freeborn, 20, private soldiers in the 18^th Regiment of Foot, recently stationed at Shorncliffe, were indicted for having stolen 7s., the property of Wm. James Snelling, landlord of the Prince Albert Inn, on the 16th June. Mr. Herbert Croft prosecuted.

The prisoners called for some beer at prosecutor’s house, and while his back was turned took several shillings worth of coppers from the till, and ran off, leaving their beer on the counter.

They were found guilty, and each sentenced to six months’ hard labour.

Folkestone Express 28-7-1883

Saturday, July 21^st: Before R.W. Boarer and F. Boykett Esqs., and Alderman Banks

Henry Webb was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse, and George Sider with being drunk. Sider pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Knowles said on the 12^th inst. he saw the two defendants in a pony and trap at the bottom of Shellons Street. They were both drunk. They drove on to Rendezvous Street and stopped opposite the Prince Albert. He followed them with Sergeant Pay. Sider either got out or fell out of the cart. He took him into custody, and afterwards went back to help Sergt. Pay bring Webb to the station. He had received complaints previously about them. They were both incapable of taking care of a horse and cart.

Sergt. Pay said he saw Sider come out of the Gun Inn, get into a cart, and drive up the Bouverie Road, and afterwards return. He stayed about five minutes, and then went to the Shakespeare Inn, leaving his cart outside the Gun. He saw the two defendants afterwards, about nine o`clock, in the cart, coming up Grace Hill. They were both drunk.

Sider was fined 5s. and 8s. costs, and Webb 10s. and 10s. costs.

Folkestone News 14-8-1886

Council Meeting exctract: A report from the Committee was read, from which it appeared that they had dealt with Mr. Snelling`s lease of the Prince Albert Inn. A letter had been sent by Snelling to the Mayor offering the lease for £250. The Committee had deputed the Mayor to deal with the purchase, if it could be obtained for a sum of £160 to £200, and the Mayor had obtained a memorandum of agreement to sell from Mr. Snelling for the sum of £175, which the Committee had now accepted, the house to be given up at Michaelmas.

Folkestone News 6-11-1886

Council Meeting extract: In reply to Mr. Pledge, the Mayor said it had been thought advisable not to sell the old material of the Prince Albert Inn during the excitement of the elections.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 24-11-1886

Local News

So, the dear old Prince Albert, in Rendezvous Street, has been pulled down at last! I hear that the venerable structure was sold “all standing” for £9 – doubtless as much as it was worth, considering the cost of demolition and cartage.

Folkestone Express 26-3-1887

Notice

TO CONTRACTORS

Persons willing to tender for the erection on the old site, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, of the Prince Albert Inn for Messrs. Nalder and Collyer, are requested to send their names at once to me.

The Plans and Specifications may be seen, and particulars and Bills Of Quantities obtained at my office on or after Thursday next, the 31^st inst.

Tenders are to be sent in to me not later than 5 o`clock p.m., on Thursday 7^th April next, endorsed “Tender for The Prince Albert”.

Messrs. Nalder do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender.

JOSEPH GARDNER,

Architect.

March 24^th, 1887.

2, Cheriton Place,

Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 28-5-1887

Wednesday, May 26^th: Before H.W. Poole, J. Fitness and J. Holden Esqs.

Mr. W. Mowll applied on behalf of Messrs. Collyer to apply for permission for John Errington to draw on the site of the Prince Albert in Rendezvous Street. He alluded to the sale of the land by the Corporation, and said that his contention was that Snelling`s licence had not ceased to exist, inasmuch as the whole of the building had not been pulled down. The application was made under the 1^st sec. 5 and 6 Vic., cap. 44. He called William James Snelling, at present the holder of the licence at the Blue Anchor Inn. The licence of the Prince Albert Inn was in his name, and he had transferred his interest in the house to the Corporation.

John Errington, late landlord of the Black Bull, said he applied for permission to draw at the Prince Albert. He had held a licence in Folkestone for two years.

Mr. Joseph Gardener, architect, produced the plans which he had prepared for the new building. The whole of the old building had not been pulled down. There was a wall and doorway left standing. A shed had been erected, wherein they intended to sell during the building.

Mr. Holden said the Bench did not for one moment intend opposing the granting of the licence, as the property was sold with the understanding that the licence would be granted, but they did not wish to break the law, and the place where they wanted to sell was merely a shanty, and the law said they should have a room of certain dimensions.

Mr. Mowll thanked the Bench, and said he would renew the tenant`s application in another form.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 3-8-1887

Local News

The Prince Albert has secured it`s licence. You know, of course, that the Prince Albert is the new public house which Messrs. Nalder and Collyer are erecting on Grace Hill, next to the Central Stores. It will undoubtedly be a good addition to the many important buildings that are being erected along Grace Hill, and both the proprietors and the builders (Messrs. Prebble and Son) are to be congratulated upon the celerity with which the work has been pushed on, so as to warrant the Magistrates in granting a licence.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-8-1887

Wednesday, August 3^rd: Before General Armstrong, Surgeon General Gilbourne, and J. Banks Esq.

Mr. Worsfold Mowll applied on behalf of the firm of Messrs. Nalder and Colyer that a licence to sell beer and spirits at the Prince Albert, Grace Hill, might be granted. Mr. Mowll said he had applied before, and the Bench held that they could not grant the licence, but he showed the Bench that by Act of Parliament it was perfectly legal.

Joseph Gardner, architect, said he had been instructed by Messrs. Nalder and Colyer to take charge of the Inn. The plans had passed the Corporation. There were two rooms for the accommodation of the public, and the rent was £30 a year.

Mr. George Terry, the landlord, said he resided at Croydon. He had not held a licence for some time. He had formerly kept a licensed house in Folkestone.

Superintendent Taylor said he did not know anything against the man, and the licence was granted.

Note: No mention of Terry at the Prince Albert – or anywhere in Folkestone, according to More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 6-8-1887

Wednesday, August 3^rd: Before General Armstrong, Alderman Banks and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

Mr. Mowll appeared on behalf of Messrs. Nalder and Collyer for a licence for the Prince Albert. He applied some time back for permission to sell from a hut, but the Bench thought that there was not sufficient premises, but since then the building had been nearly completed, and arrangements had been made for selling.

The Bench granted the licence to Ernest Charles Terry Hand.

Folkestone Express 17-12-1887

Wednesday, December 14^th: Before Capt. Carter, J. Hoad, J. Fitness and E.R. Ward Esqs.

The licence of the Prince Albert, Rendezvous Street, was transferred to Mr. D. Jeffery

Note: Date for change is at variance with information in More Bastions.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 15-2-1888

Saturday, February 11^th: Justices Present: The Mayor, Messrs. Holden, Fitness, Hoad, Penfold and Ward.

Mr. Dudley Jeffrey, of the Prince Albert Hotel, applied for permission to sell until five a.m. on the occasion of a ball at the Masonic Hall. The Mayor said the Bench were not disposed to grant the extension beyond four o`clock, and with this concession Mr. Jeffrey expressed himself satisfied.

Holbein`s Visitors` List 22-2-1888

Local News

On Monday evening, while the Salvation Army was passing, the large lamp outside the new Prince Albert Hotel fell with a crash on the pavement. This is the second large lamp that has fallen in Folkestone; the last one was that outside the Alexandra Hotel about two years ago. For my part I shall carefully avoid walking under these things in future. It`s not worth the risk.