Thanks And Acknowledgements

My thanks go to Kent Libraries and Archives - Folkestone Library and also to the archive of the Folkestone Herald. For articles from the Folkestone Observer, my thanks go to the Kent Messenger Group. Southeastern Gazette articles are from UKPress Online, and Kentish Gazette articles are from the British Newspaper Archive. See links below.

Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked

Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.


Welcome

Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.

Core dates and information on licensees tenure are taken from Martin Easdown and Eamonn Rooney`s two fine books on the pubs of Folkestone, Tales From The Tap Room and More Tales From The Tap Room - unfortunately now out of print. Dates for the tenure of licensees are taken from the very limited editions called Bastions Of The Bar and More Bastions Of The Bar, which were given free to very early purchasers of the books.

Easiest navigation of the site is by clicking on the PAGE of the pub you are looking for and following the links to the different sub-pages. Using the LABELS is, I`m afraid, not at all user-friendly.

Contrast Note

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

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Saturday, 14 September 2013

Alexandra Tavern 1900s



Folkestone Chronicle 20-1-1900

Wednesday, January 17th: Before Mr. Fitness.

 A licence to sell until the annual transfer day was granted to George Huish, for the Alexandra, Bridge Street.

Note: No mention of Huish in More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 20-1-1900

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday the following transfer was granted: Alexandra Tavern, to Mr. John Marsh from Mr. George Floyd.
 
Folkestone Express 14-9-1901

Wednesday, September 11th: Before T.J. Vaughan, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs., Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Mrs. Marsh, widow of John Marsh was granted a transfer of the licence of the Alexandra, Bridge Street.

Folkestone Herald 14-9-1901

Wednesday, September 11th: Before Councillors T.J. Vaughan and G. Peden, Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. W. Wightwick, and Lieut. Colonels Westropp and Hamilton.

The licence of the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, was transferred to Mary Ann Marsh, widow of the former holder.

Folkestone Herald 15-2-1902

Monday, February 10th: Before W. Wightwick, W. Salter, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Edward Stephen Gould was charged with stealing a truss of fodder, value 3s. 3d., the property of Mr. F.T. Bricknell, and Arthur Jones, with receiving the same, knowing it to have been stolen.

Albert Victor Marsh, of the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, employed by Mr. F.T. Bricknell, corn and coal dealer, said that about 5.30 on Saturday he took a truss of fodder to Fredk. Grinstead`s stable in a yard at the bottom of Denmark Street. He left the fodder outside as the stable door was locked. He subsequently missed the fodder, and traced it to the top of the street.

F.T. Bricknell identified the fodder as his property, and valued it at 3s. 3d.

Inspector Lilley spoke to having traced the route which had been taken by someone carrying fodder to a stable near the Black Bull Inn, in the occupation of the prisoner Jones and his brother, who were in partnership as carters. In a stall he found the fodder produced.

Gould pleaded Guilty and Jones Not Guilty.

Jones said Gould went to his house on Saturday evening and said he had found the truss of fodder in Canterbury Road. He didn`t offer it for sale. He said “All right – somebody may claim it – here`s an allowance for you”. He knew the man was out of work, and did it for charity.

Gould was fined 40s., or one month`s imprisonment, and Jones £5 or two months.

The Chairman said he hoped it would be a warning to others not to buy stolen property.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Col. Westropp, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Colonel Fynmore, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer, E.T. Ward, and T.J. Vaughan.

The licence of the Alexandra Tap was transferred from Mrs. Marsh to Alfred Chittenden.  

Folkestone Express 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonels Westropp, Fynmore and Hamilton, G.I. Swoffer, W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

The following transfer was granted: The Alexandra Tavern to Alfred Chittenden

Folkestone Herald 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. Colonels Westropp, Hamilton, and Fynmore, Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Pledge, and G.I. Swoffer.

The following temporary transfer was confirmed by the Bench: Alexandra Tavern, from Mrs. Marsh to Mr. A. Chittenden 
 
Folkestone Chronicle 19-9-1903

Wednesday, September 16th: Before The Mayor and other Magistrates.

Mr. Haines applied for the temporary transfer of the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street from Wm. Chittenden to Thos. Wm. Mercer. He said that under Section 4 of the Act relating to beer houses a second transfer could not take place within twelve months except under exceptional circumstances, viz., the death of the licensee or the licensee`s bankruptcy. In this case the applicant`s wife was suffering from a very grave disease, and she had been advised to get out of the house at once.

Mr. Haines was about to quote a number of cases in support of his application when he was reminded that the usual notice in writing had not been given, and the present application could not proceed.

Folkestone Herald 19-9-1903

Wednesday, September 16th: Before The Mayor, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Mr. W.G. Herbert.

The Bench refused the application for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, from Wm. Chittenden to Thos. Wm. Mercer, on the ground that proper notice had not been given.

Folkestone Express 3-10-1903

Saturday, September 26th: Before W.G. Herbert and J. Stainer Esqs.

On the application of Mr. G.W. Haines (solicitor), the licence of the Alexandra Tavern was temporarily transferred from Henry Chittenden to Thomas William Mercer.

Mr. Haines intimated to the Bench that though this was the second application within twelve months and that it was against the regulations of the Act, the Magistrates had discretionary powers to grant it provided they were satisfied. The wife of the present holder of the licence had, unfortunately, contracted an illness, which made it necessary for her to leave the premises as soon as possible, and under the circumstances he hoped the Bench would grant the application.

The Chairman said they were willing to grant a temporary authority, but pointed out that it would be subject to the Bench confirming the transfer at the proper time.

Folkestone Herald 3-10-1903

Saturday, September 26th: Before Alderman W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.

On the application of Mr. G.W. Haines the licence of the Alexandra Tavern was temporarily transferred from henry Chittenden to Thomas William Mercer.
   
Folkestone Chronicle 17-10-1903

Wednesday, October 14th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Mr. C.J. Pursey and Mr. G.I. Swoffer.

Application for the transfer of licence of licensed premises was granted for the Alexandra Tavern 

Folkestone Express 17-10-1903

Wednesday, October 14th: Before Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, G.I. Swoffer and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: - The Alexandra Tavern, from Henry Chittenden to Thomas William Mercer

Folkestone Herald 17-10-1903

Wednesday, October 14th: Before Messrs. W. Wightwick, G.I. Swoffer, C.J. Pursey, and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Licence was transferred as follows: Alexandra Tavern, from Henry Chittenden to Thomas Wm. Mercer.

Folkestone Daily News 12-4-1905

Wednesday, April 12th: Before Messrs. Spurgen, Carpenter and Fynmore.

The Alexandra Tavern was transferred from Mr. Mercer to Mr. Fordred.

Folkestone Express 15-4-1905

Wednesday, April 12th: Before Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and W.C. Carpenter Esq.

The Bench considered several applications for the transfer of licences, and granted the following: The Alexandra Tavern from Mr. J.W. Mercer to Mr. J. Fordred.

Folkestone Herald 15-4-1905

Wednesday, April 11th: Before Mr. W.C. Carpenter and Councillor R.J. Fynmore.

A special licensing session was held, when the licence of the Alexandra Tavern was transferred from Mr. F.W. Mercer to Mr. James Fordred.

Folkestone Daily News 5-12-1906

Wednesday, December 5th: Before Messrs. W.J. Herbert, Fymore, Hamilton, Linton, Leggett, Ames, Stainer, and Pursey.

Alexandra Tavern, Alexandra Street.

The licence of these premises was transferred to Mr. Marsh, the former landlord of the Wellington.
 
Folkestone Express 8-12-1906

Wednesday, December 5th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Colonels Hamilton and Fynmore, J. Stainer, C.J. Pursey, T. Ames, and R.J. Linton Esqs., and Major Leggett.

The following licence was transferred: The Alexandra Tavern, from Mr. J. Fordred to Mr. Marsh.

Note: This is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 8-12-1906

Wednesday, December 5th: Before Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Major Leggett, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, and Messrs. T. Ames, J. Stainer, C.J. Pursey, and R.J. Linton.

Mr. John Marsh applied to have the off-licence of the Alexandra Tavern, Alexandra Street, temporarily transferred to him from Mr. James Fordred. Granted.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.
 
Folkestone Daily News 8-12-1906

Saturday, December 8th: Before The Mayor, Messrs. Herbert, Linton, Stainer, Leggett, and Ames.

James Fordred was summoned for serving a child with beer in an unsealed vessel.

P.C. Minter deposed that at 8.30 a.m. on the 30th November he saw the little boy leave carrying a bottle containing porter. He took the lad back into the tavern, and asked defendant and his wife if they thought the child was 14. Defendant`s wife said she served it in her husband`s absence and was entirely to blame.

Defendant said he was ill and his wife was in charge.

Fined 10s. and 9s. costs, or 14 days`.

He had no money, and was taken down below.

Susan Baker was charged with sending the boy for the beer, but the Chief Constable said she was a cripple and had not been out of door for eight years, and asked leave to withdraw the summons, which was granted.
 
Folkestone Express 15-12-1906

Saturday, December 8th: Before The Mayor, Major Leggett, and J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames Esqs.

James Fordred, the holder of the Alexandra Tavern off licence, was summoned for selling beer in an unsealed vessel to a child named James Baker, who was under 14 years of age. Defendant, in answer to the charge, said he knew nothing about it.

The Chief Constable explained that the licence had been transferred from the defendant since the date of the offence.

P.C. Minter said at 8.30 in the evening of the 30th November he was near the Alexandra Tavern, where he saw a little boy carrying a bottle in his arms. The cork was loosely put in. The bottle contained one pint of porter. Witness asked the boy his name, when he commenced to cry. He then took him to the Alexandra Tavern, where he saw defendant and also his wife. Witness asked them if they thought the child was old enough to be served with a pint of intoxicating liquor in a bottle not properly corked and sealed. Mrs. Fordred replied “No”, and also said she had served the boy in her husband`s absence. She was very sorry, but being busy she forgot to seal it. She was to blame. Witness told defendant he should report him. He made no reply.

Defendant persisted in saying that he knew nothing about the offence.

The Mayor said defendant was responsible for the actions of his wife, and he would be fined 10s. and 9s. costs, or 14 days`.

Defendant said he had got no money and was taken below.

Susan Baker was summoned for sending her son, John Baker, to fetch one pint of porter in an unsealed vessel. Defendant did not appear.

The Chief Constable said they saw the condition of the bottle produced, and he had proceeded against defendant. He had since learned that she was a cripple, and had been so for some considerable time. Her husband was away on board one of the colliers, and she had written him (the Chief Constable) a letter. If the Bench agreed after seeing the letter, he would ask for the case to be withdrawn.

The Bench agreed, and hoped it would be made generally known it was an offence to send a child under fourteen for beer in an unsealed bottle.

The Chief Constable said there was one point that was not generally known – that the sending of a child under fourteen for any quantity under an imperial pint was an offence. He hoped the Act would be strictly enforced in the town.


Folkestone Express 26-1-1907

Wednesday, January 23rd: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Hamilton, Major Leggett, and W.C. Carpenter, W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: The Alexandra Tavern, from James Fordred to John Marsh.


Folkestone Herald 26-1-1907

Wednesday, January 23rd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, Colonel Hamilton, and Messrs. T. Ames, R.J. Linton, and R.J. Fynmore.

The licence of the Alexandra Tavern was transferred from R. Fordred to J. Marsh


Folkestone Daily News 5-2-1907

Annual Licensing Sessions

Tuesday, February 5th: Before Messrs. Ward, Hamilton, Linton, Fynmore, Herbert, Pursey, and Carpenter. Mr. Stainer, Mr. Wells, and Mr. Boyd, the two latter being the new Magistrates, occupied seats on the Bench, but did not adjudicate.

The Chief Constable read his report as to the number of houses and convictions, which showed a decrease last year. He recommended that the Bench should still continue to take advantage of the Act and refer some of the licences to the Compensation Committee at the Canterbury Quarter Sessions. He then went on to say that although he did not oppose the renewal of any licences on the ground of misconduct, there had been five convictions during the last year, and he had had to warn one licence holder against allowing betting and taking in slips. He also wished to caution all licence holders that these practices would not be allowed on any occasion, and after giving this public warning he should take steps to detect and prosecute for any such offences.

The Chairman, before commencing, stated that the Licensing Bench had visited a large number of houses, and they had seen in various places automatic machines, into which people put pennies, and in some instances got their penny back or a cigar, &c. The having of these machines was practically permitting gambling, and it had been decided that they were illegal. Every licence hiolder must understand that they were to be immediately removed, otherwise they would be prosecuted for having them. As regards the automatic musical boxes, gramophones, &c., if licensed victuallers had them on their premises, they were to be used in such a way as not to be a nuisance to the neighbourhood, and if complaints were made they would have to be removed.

The renewal licences for the Black Bull Hotel, the Railway Inn, the Chequers, Queen`s Head, Channel Inn, Alexandra Tavern, Perseverance, and Railway Hotel at Shorncliffe, were adjourned  till the 4th March, some on account of convictions, and some for the consideration of closing them under the Licensing Act. The other applications were granted, a full report of which will appear in our next issue.

Folkestone Express 9-2-1907

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 6th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, C.J. Pursey and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

The Chief Constable read his report as follows:

Chief Constable`s Office, Folkestone, 6th February, 1907.

Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 128 places licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.:- Full licences, 80; beer “on”, 9; beer “off”, 6; beer and spirit dealers, 14; grocers, 12; chemists, 4; confectioners, 3; total 128. This gives an average, according to the census of 1901, of one licence to every 239 persons, or one “on” licence to every 344 persons. This is a reduction of 8 licences as compared with the return presented to you last year, as the renewal of 3 “off” licences was not applied for at the last annual licensing meeting, and at the adjourned licensing meeting the renewal of one full licence was refused on the ground that the premises had been ill-conducted, and four other full licences were referred to the Compensation Committee for East Kent on the ground of redundancy. These four licences were subsequently refused by the Compensation Committee, and after payment of compensation, the premises were closed on 31st December last. Since the last annual licensing meeting 22 of the licences have been transferred, viz:- Full licences, 15; beer “on”, 5; off licences, 2; total 22. During the year three occasional licences have been granted by the justices for the sale of intoxicating liquors on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and thirty extensions of the ordinary time of closing have been granted to licence holders when balls, dinners, etc., were being held on their premises. During the year ended 31st December last, 131 persons (106 males and 25 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness. 114 were convicted and 17 discharged. This, it is most satisfactory to find, is a decrease of no less than 52 persons proceeded against as compared with the preceding year, when 164 were convicted and 19 discharged. Six of the licence holders have been proceeded against, and five of them convicted, for the following offences: Selling adulterated whiskey, 1; permitting drunkenness, 1; delivering beer to a child in unsealed vessels, 2; supplying drink to a constable when on duty, 1; total, 5. In the latter case notice of appeal against the conviction has been given by the licensee. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquor is sold are registered in accordance with the Act of 1902. There are 16 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard playing. I offer no objection to the renewal of any of the present licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally having been conducted during the past year in a satisfactory manner, but on one occasion one of the licence holders was cautioned (as the evidence was insufficient to justify a prosecution) for receiving slips and money relating to betting, which practice he immediately discontinued, bit I desire to intimate to all the licence holders that if in future any such practice is allowed, or any illegal gaming whatever is permitted on their premises, I shall take such steps as may be necessary to detect and prosecute the offenders. I beg to submit a plan showing the situation of all “on” licensed premises within the congested area, which I have marked on the plan, and would respectfully suggest that the Committee again avail themselves of the powers given by the Licensing Act, 1904, and refer the renewal of some of the licences within this area to the Compensation Committee to deal with under the Act. Within this area there are 920 houses, with a population approximately of 4,600, with 37 “on” licensed houses and 8 other licences, giving a proportion of one licence to every 20 houses or every 102 persons, and one “on” licence to every 24 houses or every 124 persons. This number of licences I consider excessive for the requirements of the neighbourhood. I have received notices from eight persons of their intention to apply at these sessions for the following new licences, viz.,:- Full licence 1; beer off 1; cider and sweets off 1; wine off 3; music, etc., 2; total 8.

I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeve, Chief Constable.

The Chairman said the report seemed to be highly satisfactory. The Magistrates were very pleased to see the diminution in the number of cases of drunkenness brought before the Bench. One point about the report he wanted to make a remark upon, and that was the prevalence of gaming in public houses. In several houses the Committee visited they saw automatic machines, in which customers placed pennies and pulled a trigger. Occasionally they got something out for their pennies. That was gaming. It had been decided to be illegal, and they warned all licence holders that they would be watched, and that the machines would not be allowed, and proceedings would be taken against the offending publicans, whose licences would be jeopardised next year. There was one other point of a similar nature with regard to musical instruments, which were reported to be a great nuisance. They warned all licence holders to be careful not to create a nuisance with those pianos and other instruments, which were now very common indeed in public houses.

Adjourned: The Black Bull Hotel, the Alexandra Tavern, the Imperial Hotel, Black Bull Road, and the Railway Hotel, Coollinge.

Folkestone Herald 9-2-1907


Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 6th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Major Leggett, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, and Messrs. R.J. Fynmore, R.J. Linton, and C.J. Pursey

The Chief Constable presented his annual report (for details see Folkestone Express report).

The Chairman: The report seems to be very satisfactory, and we are very glad to see the diminution in the number of cases of drunkenness brought before the Bench. One point about the report I should like to make a remark upon, and that is about gambling in public houses. In every house we have visited we saw automatic machines in which you put a penny, pulled a trigger, and occasionally you get something out, either your penny back, or a card for a cigar. That is gaming, and it has been decided as illegal, and we warn all licence holders who have these machines that they must be removed or otherwise proceedings will be taken against them for gaming, and their licences may be in jeopardy next year. There is another thing. In the same way, with regard to these musical instruments, which have been reported to the Bench as a great nuisance, we warn all the licence holders to be careful, and not create nuisances with these machines.

The renewals of the licences of the Black Bull Hotel, Alexandra Tavern, Imperial, and Railway Hotel were all adjourned till the adjourned sessions for reasons not given

The Justices fixed the 4th March as the date of the adjourned licensing meeting.

Folkestone Express 9-3-1907


Adjourned Licensing Sessions

The adjourned licensing sessions were held on Monday at the Police Court, when the principal business to be considered was whether or not the five licences should be referred to the East Kent Licensing Committee for compensation. The Licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., while other justices present were Major Leggett, Mr. G. Boyd, and Mr. J. Stainer.

Alexandra Tavern

The licence of the Alexandra Tavern was also renewed, the Chief Constable explaining that the licence was withheld at the annual meeting owing to a conviction having been recorded against the previous tenant. He had, however, no objection to make to the renewal.

Folkestone Herald 9-3-1907

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

Monday, March 4th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Councillors W.C. Carpenter and G. Boyd, and Messrs. R.J. Fynmore, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton, and J. Stainer.

Alexandra Tavern

The renewal of this licence was adjourned from the last Council owing to a conviction against a previous tenant. It was now renewed.
 




 
 
 
 
 

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