Thanks And Acknowledgements

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

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

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


Welcome

Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.

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

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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, 3 August 2013

Tramway Tavern 1895 - 1899

Folkestone Chronicle 22-2-1895

County Court

Tuesday, February 19th: Before Judge Selfe.

C.J. Barr and Sons and Mrs. Law v C.H. Burton: Applications under judgement summonses. Defendant was examined by the Judge as follows:-

His Honour: What are you, sir? – I am manager of the Tramway Tavern, Radnor Street, under Beer, the brewers.

What salary do you receive? – I do not get any salary; I am paid by profits on the materials I sell.

Do you pay for what you have? – Yes.

What do you take per week? – I have taken about £50 since May.

What were you before you went there? – An upholsterer.

About how much do you take per week? – About 15s. or 16s.

Is it a fully licensed house? – Yes.

What do you pay for spirits? – You have the receipts there, sir.

Do Beer`s supply you with spirits as well as with ale? – Yes.

Were you in business for yourself as an upholsterer? – Yes, in High Street.

For how long? – For about 18 months.

What were you before then? – Nothing in Folkestone, but I was in business in Euston Road, London, as an upholsterer.

Where did you contract these debts? – In Folkestone.

Were you in debt in London? – No.

Then why did you come here? – Because I was not making money, for one thing; and because I had ill-health, and had been ordered to the seaside by my doctor.

What family have you? – I have none of my own, but my widowed sister and her four children live with me.

Whose is the furniture in the house? – I have none, it belongs to Beer.

Do you pay any rent? – NO.

Who pays the taxes? – Beer has paid for everything up to now, as far as I know.

C.J. Barr: Burton attends sales, as an upholsterer. He is a man who won`t pay anything unless he is made.

His Honour (to defendant): Do you attend sales? – Yes, on commission, but I have made nothing this year.

What are your total average earnings per week? – I have only earned 15s. this year altogether, for a little job I did at the Catholic Church.

What offer do you make as to payment? – I do not see how I can make any offer.

How much do you owe altogether? – Between £40 and £50.

When did you have the goods? – About two years ago; I may tell Your Honour that the landlord at High Street came in and took all I possessed there. I do not see that I can offer to make any payment.

How much do you get paid per week by the brewer? – You can see, sir, I get 6s. in the £, and I have been paying them £2 or £3 per fortnight. Then I have myself and my sister and her children – six of us – to keep out of that. In fact, if it were not for a few friends I have in Folkestone – where I have made more friends than I have done in any other place in my life – I do not know what we should do. Mr. Barton, the auctioneer, only the other day lent me £1.

His Honour: I do not think there is much prospect of either of these plaintiffs getting their money, but I will make a fresh order for payment at the rate of 4s. per month in each case.


Folkestone Express 23-2-1895

County Court

Tuesday, February 19th: Before Judge Selfe

C.J. Barr and Son v J.H. Burton, and Laws Bros. v Same: Defendant said he was manager of the Tramway Tavern for Messrs. Beer and Co., and was paid by commission. He had taken about £50 since May. Before going in he was an upholsterer. The takings at the house were now about 30s. a fortnight. Some time since he was in business in High Street as an upholsterer. He came from Euston Road, London, where he had a business. The debts were contracted in Folkestone. He had bad health in London, and the doctor ordered him to the seaside. He had no family of his own, but kept his widowed sister and her four children. He paid no rent to Messrs. Beer, who paid taxes and everything.

The plaintiff Barr said the defendant attended sales and did upholstery work.

Defendant admitted that he attended sales, but only on commission. He had only earned 15s. this year. His debts altogether were between £40 and £50. He had the goods of Barr two years ago. His landlord in High Street distrained and took everything he had, and the County Court bailiff had been “in” more than once.

Mr. Ward, for the other plaintiff, asked for a small instalment order against the defendant.

His Honour thought there was not much prospect of either of the plaintiffs getting their money. He made orders of 4s. a month in each case. 

Folkestone Chronicle 24-5-1895

County Court

Tuesday, May 21st: Before Judge Selfe

Hyland v Burton: Defendant is the manager of the Tramway Tavern. Committed for 10 days; order suspended for 28 days.


Folkestone Express 25-5-1895

County Court

Tuesday, May 21st: Before Judge Selfe

Hyland and Co. v Burton: Committed for 10 days; order suspended for 28 days.

Folkestone Chronicle 23-8-1895

County Court

Tuesday, August 20th: Before Judge Selfe

Hyland and Co. v J.H. Burton: Amount due £1 0s 9d. Defendant lives at the Tramway Tavern, Radnor Street.

His Honour: Who keeps it?

Defendant: The brewers.

What do you do? – I manage it.

At what salary? – None at all.

How are you paid? – On the profit on the goods I sell.

What does that come to? – Seven or eight shillings a week. I cannot pay this debt off at 5s. per month, as I owe other debts, but if Your Honour will make an order for 2s. 6d. per month I will meet it.

His Honour: How long have you been at the Tramway Tavern? – Twelve months last May.

What were you doing before? – Working as an upholsterer.

Where? – At different houses. I had to give up because of the rheumatism, but I work for Mr. Barton when he has anything for me to do. My widowed sister, who lives with me, had to pawn her wedding ring to pay off one debt of 16s.

Fresh order at the rate of 4s. per month.

Folkestone Express 24-8-1895

County Court

Tuesday, August 20th: Before Judge Selfe

Hyland and Co. v J.H. Burton: Defendant is an upholsterer and manages the Tramway Tavern. He said his profits were only about 7s. or 8s. a week.

Fresh order for 4s. a month. 

Folkestone Up To Date 24-8-1895

County Court

Tuesday, August 22nd: Before Judge Selfe.

Hyland and Co. v J.H. Burton: Claim 19s 9d. Defendant is an upholsterer, and manages the Tramway Tavern. He said his profits were only about 7s. or 8s. a week.

Fresh order for 4s. a month.

Folkestone Express 8-5-1897

Wednesday, May 5th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., General Gwyn, and J. Fitness Esq.

Joseph Henry Burton, landlord of the Tramway Tavern, was summoned for selling beer at No. 1 Martello Tower without having a licence for the same.

Mr. Worsfold Mowll represented the owners of the Tramway Tavern (Messrs. G. Beer and Co., Canterbury), and Mr. F. Hall appeared on behalf of the defendant.

P.C. Skinner, of the Dover Borough Police, said on Saturday, the 1st of May, in consequence of instructions received, he went to work on the tunnel works in the Warren, Folkestone. At seven o`clock in the morning, in company with a man named Roper, he went into No. 1 Martello Tower. The man Roper called for two pints of beer, which was served by the defendant Burton. Defendant and an assistant were there, and the place was fitted up conveniently for their purpose. There were nine or ten beer barrels there. He gave Roper sixpence to pay for the beer,, which defendant took, and gave 2d. change. There were two other men there at the time. He went back to work and returned again with Roper at a quarter to ten. There was no-one there but defendant and his assistant. He called for two pints of beer, which the defendant served them with. During the time he was there, two or three men from the works came in and were served with beer. Again, accompanied by some men. he went in at half past ten, and defendant served them with another two pints. Five or six more men came in, and were served with pints of beer, which they paid for. He went in again at eleven with Roper, and called for another two pints of beer, which were served by defendant. Several more men came in on this occasion, some of whom were served with beer, and others porter. During this last visit he saw a brewer`s dray standing by the tower, and he saw that the barrels inside had been removed. He could not say how many barrel were taken into the tower. He also heard the defendant say to the drayman “Never mind about putting in the taps. That will all be gone by one o`clock”. They went out and returned at 11.30, and were served with another two pints of beer. They stopped there until the police came at 12.45. During the time he was there, defendant asked them their names and numbers, and all the others that were there. He afterwards put them on a big slate, which was hanging on the wall. He asked defendant what this was done for, and he said it was to bar the police of they came along. From half past eleven to 12.45, over 50 or 60 men went in and were supplied with beer, most of which was supplied by Sparrow, whilst defendant was watching outside the tower. About a quarter to one, defendant came rushing into the tower, saying “Here the b----s come”. Witness left when the police arrived.

Examined by Mr. Hall: Defendant was a stranger to him. On the occasion referred to, he passed as a navvy in navvy`s clothes. Everything was convenient for the accommodation of men. He did not see any bread, but he did see some beef pies. He did not see any plates or cups and saucers. The men had to go all round the inside of the tower before they found the beer. There were forms there and a table. Durning the time he was there only one man was refused – the ganger. The slate was 4ft. long and 2ft. 6in. wide. It was not there before half past eleven. At that time there were three marks on it.

By Mr. Bradley: He did not notice the name on the brewer`s dray.

P.S. Lilley was called, but Mr. Hall said he had no idea that evidence like that of last witness would be given, and he therefore, in order to save the time of the Bench, would advise his client to plead “Guilty”, and there would therefore be no need for any further police evidence. They had already got everything that as needed.

The plea of Not Guilty was withdrawn, and the Bench intimated that they did not require any further evidence from the police.

Mr. Hall then addressed the Bench for the defence.

The Chairman said the penalty was £50, but they would only inflict a fine of £15 and costs, or in default one month`s imprisonment, the liquor seized on the premises to be confiscated.

Two kilderkins of beer and several smaller quantities of ale and porter were ordered to be confiscated.

Folkestone Herald 8-5-1897

Notes by Felix

When I advocated that the disused Martello Towers might be put to some use, little did I think that “Burton” beer would be dispensed from within their walls to thirsty navvies. Just think of it! How are the mighty fallen! These isolated and obsolete fortifications were all part and parcel of a coast scheme of defence, erected in anticipation of an invasion of the hosts of the first Napoleon. The nation`s hopes were fixed in this chain of forts, commencing at the Warren and ending at Sussex. Napoleon, however, did not visit us, although he massed an army and a flotilla on the opposite shore for the alleged purpose of visiting our sea-girt isle. Whether it was the knowledge that the Martello Towers, each armed with a single gun (and pop-guns they were, compared to the ordnance of the present day) were ready to receive him, caused him to think twice before he crossed the silver streak we do not know. If this should be the case, then, the towers have been of some use, but there they have stood for close upon one hundred years – monuments of departmental waste, and also of the ever-changing conditions of modern tactics. I have been told on high authority that these same towers – built at the expenditure of a vast sum of money – were condemned ten years after their erection as being practically useless for the purpose of repelling a possible invasion.

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday – Mr. Herbert presiding – Joseph Henry Burton, landlord of the Tramway Tavern, was charged with selling by retail intoxicating liquors at a Martello Tower situated near the Warren while not being licensed to sell the same.

Mr. Hall appeared for the defendant, and Mr. Worsfold Mowll represented Messrs. George Beer and Co., brewers, who supplied the Tramway Tavern, but not the liquor now in question. The defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Skinner, constable in the Dover Borough Police Force, said that on Saturday, May 1st, from instructions he received he went to work upon the tunnel works situated at the Warren, Folkestone. At 7 o`clock in the morning he, in company ith a man named Roper, went into the Martello Tower situated near the works. He called for two pints of beer, which were served by the defendant Burton. In the tower there were the defendant and an assistant named Sparrow, and everything was erected conveniently for the purpose. He saw nine or ten barrels erected on a stage. He gave the man Roper 6d. to pay for the beer, and the defendant took the money, giving Roper 2d. change. Two other men came in while witness was there, and each was served with beer. Witness went to work again with Roper. He went in again at a quarter to 10 with the same man, and found only the defendant and his assistant there. Witness called for two pints of beer, the defendant served him, and he gave him 4d. to pay for it. During the time he was there, two or three men from the works came in, each paying for their beer. He did not know any of them. Witness, again accompanied by the same man, Roper, went in at half past ten and were served with beer, each paying for their own. He again went in at 11 o`clock with Roper and called for two pints of beer, for which he paid, and the defendant served him. During the time he was there, several more men came in, some being served with beer and some with porter, some by the defendant, and some by the assistant, Sparrow. While he was there he saw a brewer`s dray standing at the door of the tower. He could not say how many barrel were put inside, but he saw the barrels had been shifted from the inside of the tower and carried outside, while the full ones were put inside. It was not particularly under his notice at the time. At the 10 o`clock time he heard the defendant say to the drayman “Never mind about putting in the taps, old chap. That will all be gone by 11 o`clock”. He returned again at 11.30, and called for two more pints of beer, which he paid for to the defendant. Witness stopped there until 12.45, when the police came. At 11.30 the defendant asked witness and Roper for their names and numbers, and all the other men besides, and he put the names and numbers on a big slate hanging upon the wall. Witness asked what the names and numbers were taken for, and the defendant said it was to bar the police if they came along. He did not give his own name. Between 11.30 and 12.45 between 50 and 60 people came in and were served. Mostly it was served by Sparrow, while the defendant was watching outside the tower. At a quarter to one the defendant came rushing in, saying “Here they come”. He left the tower in the charge of the police.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hall: The defendant was a stranger to witness, who at the time was not of course in police clothes. He posed as a navvy in the usual navvies` clothes. Roper was not a friend of his, and he had never seen him before. On the fitsy occasion witness asked Roper if he would take a drink.

Mr. Hall: Being a navvy, you so effectively played the part that between 7 and 12.45 you had five pints of beer?

Witness: I did not have it all.

Mr. Hall: You were playing the part to perfection.

Witness said he suggested that everything was convenient for the purpose of accommodation. He did not see any bread there, but he saw some beef pasties, which were on the board near where the beer was. He did not see tea, cups and saucers, or plates. There were nine or ten barrels there, and you had to go all round the tower before finding the beer, which was in the far corner. He did not think it was put there because it was the coolest corner, for he considered it would have been as cool in the doorway. There were no chairs about, but there were forms and a table. There was a partition between the beer and the forms. He suggested that was the “secretest” place for the beer. There was nothing secret or unusual in a brewer`s van standing before the door. On the first occasion Roper asked for the beer and paid, and on the next he stood. Only one man was refused drink by the defendant, and that was the ganger, who he asked for a pint of beer and offered to pay for it. The conversation between the defendant and the drayman was between themselves, but he was close to them. With regard to the slate on which the names and numbers were put down by defendant, its size was about 4ft. long and 2ft. wide. He first noticed it at 11.30, when there were three marks on it. The slate was not out before. He did not notice the name on the brewer`s dray. The slate was opposite the barrels on a rack. Bteween 11.30 and 12.45 he said the sales were mostly by Sparrow, and the defendant was watching outside, and before that the defendant had been serving. The defendant was walking to and fro outside. He might have been taking fresh air as he had been so busy. He was at work during the day and was paid. He was served with five pints of beer.

Mr. Hall: I suppose you would not mind another job of that description on the same terms.

P.S. Lilley then entered the witness box.

Mr. Hall said he did not think this evidence was necessary. He was not aware that evidence of this description would be brought before the Bench. He advised the defendant to plead Guilty.

The defendant pleaded Guilty.

Superintendent Taylor said he would prove the extent to which this had been carried on.

Mr. Hall said he thought the Bench had had sufficient evidence, and he had withdrawn the plea of Not Guilty to save the time of the Bench and the public.

Mr. Herbert: The Bench is of opinion that we have heard quite enough.

Mr. Hall, in defence, said that it really read like the chapter of a romance to think that in the nineteenth century sales of beer could go on of the nature described by the constable under the very eyes of the police. It seemed most extraordinary. The Bench were perfectly well aware that certain works were in progress at the Warren, and there were 2, 3, or 400 men employed there. There was a arren Inn there two or three years ago, but the Magistrates removed the licence, and there was no licensed house nearer than Radnor Street or North Street. The navvies were human, and they used their muscles and worked hard, so it was only natural that they should require beer. There was no facility for the navvies having beer. The defendant had been the licensed holder of the Tramway Inn for upwards of three years, and there was nothing of any description against his character. He had been led entirely from mistaken notions as to what the law allowed him to do, and had been under the impression until then that the licence he held justified him in doing the act for which he was now summoned. There was no concealment at all about the sales, and the defendant thought as a tradesman that he would be doing good to the navvies and to himself, and hired the Martello tower from the Government, paid a small rent, and utilised it as a store for the supply of goods to the navvies. The constable said there were beef patties, and undoubtedly there was bread, cheese, and ordinary eatables, in addition to the beer. There was absolutely no concealment on the defendant`s part, or could they imagine a brewer`s dray would stand there in broad daylight in front of unlicensed premises? After having quoted two cases from the “Law Times”, 1896, bearing on the question, Mr. Hall said that at the initial stage no beer was sent out unless it had been previously ordered and paid for. That was the origin of the whole transaction. The defendant thought he was justified in doing what he did.

Mr. Worsfold Mowll said he wished to say one or two words. That it was not Messrs.George Beer and Co.`s beer. The Magistrates might think it a very important thing for the brewers to deliver beer up at the Martello tower, but it was not Messrs. Beer and Co,`s beer. In confirmation of the appeal by Mr. Hall to let the man off with a small fine, the Superintendent of Police representing the owners had intimated to him that the man must leave the house, and therefore they must get him out as quickly as they could.

The Chairman (Mr.Herbert) said the Bench had listened very carefully to what Mr. Hall had said, but the offence to which the defendant had pleaded Guilty was very, very serious. They could not believe for a moment that he, a licence holder, could have been in ignorance, and the fact that he did not get the beer direct from his own brewers showed he knew what he was doing. The penalty was £50, but he would be fined £15, or one month`s imprisonment. The Bench understood that there was a seizure of beer, which would be confiscated.

P.S. Lilley gave evidence that on May 1st he received the warrant produced, and in company with P.S. Swift, P.C. Burniston, P.C. Johnson, and P.C Lawrence, went to No. 1 Martello Tower, entering at 12.45 p.m. No. 1 was the further tower. He found a hole had been cut in at ground level, and inside there were a number of men drinking, and in a recess were seven barrels of beer, which he seized and conveyed to the police station. The barrels were marked “Chapman, Ashford”.

Cross-examined: There were a good number of navvies in the place, but they did not give any trouble, and the defendant did not say “Oh, leave the police alone”.

Mr. Hall asked the Bench to consider the circumstances of the defendant, and not confiscate the beer, as the man had been punished enough.

Mr. Fitness said they had considered the matter in the reduction of the penalty.

The Clerk to the Magistrates (Mr. H.B. Bradley) pointed out that the Bench had no alternative.

The defendant was detained until the fine was paid.

Folkestone Up To Date 8-5-1897

Police Court Proceedings

Joseph Henry Burton, landlord of the Tramway Tavern was summoned for selling beer at No. 1 Martello Tower without having a licence for the same.

Mr. Hall addressed the Bench for the defence.

The Chairman said the penalty was £50, but they would only inflict a penalty of £15 and costs, or in default one month`s imprisonment, the liquor seized on the premises to be confiscated.

Two kilderkins of beer and several smaller quantities of ale and porter were ordered to be confiscated.
     
Folkestone Programme 10-5-1897

Notes

It is said that it is not wise to “make haste to be rich”. At any rate a gentleman, named Burton, has had his way to fortune rudely checked. Mr. Burton was the defendant in proceedings at the police court on Wednesday, the charge having been that he was selling beer without having a licence. The defendant is the proprietor of a tavern in the Tram Road (sic), but he had been granted leave to make use of No. 1 Martello Tower in order to provide refreshments for the navvies employed at the tunnel works in the Warren. No doubt the navvies found that when they could procure cooked foods and refreshing beverages, which do not inebriate, they found it very convenient, but whether Mr. Burton found it a paying concern is another question. Whether the serving out of bread and beef and tea and coffee paid or no, the defendant was no doubt desirous of developing his business. But he proceeded to work in an illegal manner, for he brought to No. 1 Tower a quantity of beer, and this he retailed to the navvies without having the necessary licence to enable him o do so in a legal manner.

On May Day a police constable was sent off for special duty at the tunnel works. He was not dressed in the well-known blue, with bright buttons, but as a navvy, and he worked with a will that made some of his fellow labourers think that were they all to work so cheerily as he, the job would not last long. This navvy-policeman and his mate had to pass No. 1 Tower at frequent intervals in the course of their work, and they never passed without entering the tower and having “a couple of pints of beer”; nor did they enter without giving a good look round, so that the “ganger” might not see them. About one o`clock in the day other policemen arrived, and the tower was cleared. Then it was that the men on the “job” knew that the “new hand” was a policeman.

At the police court the defendant was represented by Mr. Frederic Hall, and pleaded “not guilty”, but after hearing the evidence of the navvy-policeman he felt that it would be better for his client to plead “guilty”, which he eventually did. The Bench ordered the defendant to pay £15 with costs, or in default one month, and they also ordered the confiscation of two kilderkins of beer and several smaller quantities of ale and porter. It was an unlucky day for Mr. Burton, last May Day.

Folkestone Visitors` List 12-5-1897

Editorial Quips

The solicitors who defended in our Police Court last week the case of beerselling without a licence to navvies from one of the Martello Towers between Folkestone and Dover, very truly remarked that “the evidence reads like a chapter from a romance; seeing that large sales of beer can go on like this under the very eyes of the police”. I entirely agree with our popular solicitor and Town Councillor. And it is a remarkable fact that the offender was not “brought to book” until a police constable, disguised as a navvy, had partaken of five separate pints of beer in one morning.

It was not at all an inappropriate remark made by the same solicitor that the policeman effectively acted his part as a navvy, for it is a well-known fact that the “navvy”, whose work is very heavy and laborious, is generally recognised as a large consumer of beer, and it is thus obvious that our national and popular beverage of malt and hops has been proved by these hardy workers of the ground to be a good, strengthening “medicine”, so to speak. But one would hardly expect that this good old English drink would need sampling in quantities of pints on five occasions in one morning to “prove” a case. Not only that, our navvy-policeman could hardly have earned the money he was paid as a navvy while spending such an enjoyable morning in the consumption of “John Barleycorn”, whose “praises have been sung by old and young”.

It would be difficult to prove with what part of our population “John Barleycorn” is most popular; the Civilian, the “Bobby”, or “Tommy Atkins”. I have just heard of a funny incident which happened not many hundreds of yards from the Town Hall the other evening. It seem that at one of our large local places of business two of the maid-servants became increasingly enamoured of two strapping soldiers from the Camp, and to prove their love for these warriors, had been in the habit of handing up, from the basement of the house at a given hour on certain evenings, a jug of noble dimensions, belonging of course, to the master of the house.

This went on for some little time until the “master” began to have suspicions as to whether his beer barrels were “lasting out” long enough, and, on keeping watch, discovered the fact that a goodly proportion of his “nut brown ale” was being consumed at the evening hour on the pavement outside. He said nothing, but one evening, just as Messrs. “T. Atkins” and Co. were giving the old familiar signal to the maids “below stairs” to pass up the foaming jug from the basement window, down came a torrent of water from the room above them, ejected by the hands of the proprietor himself with an unerring aim, right over their heads and ears. This was sufficient for these warriors. They have not appeared at that particular window since!

Folkestone Chronicle 22-5-1897

County Court

Tuesday, May 18th: Before Judge Selfe.

The Army and Navy Breweries Co. Limited v J.H. Burton: Mr. Richards, traveller for the plaintiffs, stated that the defendant was formerly a publican and kept the Tramway Tavern. He got notice and had left now, the brewers having found another tenant. He was not paid by salary, but merely received a percentage on the profits of the drink sold. The previous week he had drawn 18 shillings. At the time the spirits, for which the debt had been incurred, were supplied, defendant was getting 15 shillings weekly by letting lodgings, and had four or five men “snobbing” for him. He paid no rent. An order for 5s. a month was made.

Folkestone Express 22-5-1897

County Court

Tuesday, May 18th: Before Judge Selfe.

Army and Navy Co-Operative Brewery Company v J.H. Burton: Defendant is a publican at the Tramway Tavern, and has notice to leave. He said he was paid by profit on what he sold. He took 18s. last week. An agent of the plaintiffs said defendant told him he took 14s. or 15s. a week for beds, and he had four or five men “snobbing”.

Defendant said the debt was for spirits, which ought to have been supplied by his own brewer.

Fresh order 5s. a month.

Folkestone Herald 22-5-1897

County Court

Tuesday, May 18th: Before Judge Selfe

The Army And Navy Co-operative Brewery Company Limited v J.H. Burton: This claim was for spirits supplied.

The defendant was out of business now, but he had been a publican – landlord of the Tramway tavern. He had notice to leave now as soon as the brewers could find another tenant. He was there yet, but might have to go the next day. He had no salary at all, merely the profits on what he sold, and this came to about 18s. the previous week.

A traveller for the company, named Richards, said that at the time when the goods were supplied the defendant said he was taking 15s. or 16s. a week by lodgers, and he employed four or five men.

His Honour made an order for 4s. a month.
   
Folkestone Chronicle 10-7-1897

Wednesday, July 7th: Before Messrs. Holden, Fitness, and Salter.

Alfred Skinner applied for authority to supply customers with drink at the Tramway Tavern on the Warren, the licence of the house having previously been in the name of J.H. Burton.

Sergt. Butcher gave applicant a good character, and his previous testimonials being satisfactory, the Bench granted the application, the Chairman, however, remarking that he would have to be very careful, as the eyes of the police were on the place after the previous infringement.

Folkestone Herald 10-7-1897

Police Court Report

On Wednesday – Mr. Holden presiding – Mr. Alfred Skinner made an application for a temporary authority to sell under a licence granted to Mr. John Henry Burton at the Tramway Tavern.

After a short discussion the Chairman said that it would be granted, but the house had a very shady reputation, and he would have to be very careful to keep it respectably, as the eyes of the police were upon it.

Folkestone Herald 7-8-1897

Police Court Record

On Wednesday – Captain Willoughby Carter presiding – a transfer licence was granted toMr. Alfred Skinner, Tramway Inn, Radnor Street

Folkestone Chronicle 27-8-1898

Monday, August 22nd: Before Messrs. J. Banks, J. Pledge, W. Wightwick, J. Holden, W.G. Herbert, and C.J. Pursey.

Two men, named Cooper and Phillips, were charged with stealing three mackintoshes and a covert coat, the property of someone unknown.

P.S. Lilley said that having received certain information he proceeded to 58, Dover Street, occupied by Robert Downey. Mrs. Downey showed him a bedroom in which were a lady`s and gentleman`s mackintosh under the bed, and a gentleman`s mackintosh rolled up behind a door, and a gentleman`s covert coat. Witness kept the prisoners under observation, and at 7.30 that morning he saw Cooper leave the house with a gentleman`s mackintosh wound round him under his coat. In Dover Street he went into a passage and, unrolling the mackintosh, put it on his arm. Witness followed him into the Tramway Tavern. Cooper was alone. In reply to a question, he said “What mackintosh? I haven`t one”. Witness then saw it rolled up on a shelf behind the counter. The manager came in and, in reply to witness, said he had seen no mackintosh, only having just come in. Witness said “I am a police officer. Where did you get this mack?” He replied “I got it from a man outside to sell for him. He is up the hill. I`ll show him to you”. They both went out and in Seagate Street they met Phillips with a gentleman`s mackintosh on his arm. P.C. Ashby, who had Phillips under observation, then joined them, and witness said “We are police officers. Where did you get that mackintosh?” Cooper said to Phillips “Has he given you one, old man? They say it has been pinched”. Phillips said it was given to him by a man up the street to sell. Cooper said he bought his the previous night. They were taken to the station and charged by P.S. Swift, and made no reply. On Phillips was found one shilling and three farthings; a letter addressed to “Mr. Howard, care of Mrs. Downey, Dover Street, Folkestone”, one pair and two odd gloves.

Mrs. Ellen Downey said the prisoners had lodged with her for a week. They said they had come to work at the harbour. They brought no luggage, but said it would be sent down. In the evening Cooper brought in a mackintosh – one of those produced. He said he had no money, and asked her to take the coat as a deposit. She agreed to do so, as they said they were going to work in the morning. She saw the other coats on Friday morning in the prisoners` bedroom, and gave information to the police. She did not think they went to work, as they did not leave the house until eleven, and returned in the evening to wash.

On the application of P.S. Butcher a remand was granted.

Folkestone Up To Date 27-8-1898

Monday, August 22nd: Before J. Banks, W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, C.J. Pursey, J. Pledge, and J. Holden Esqs.

George Cooper and a young man named Phillips were charged with stealing a quantity of wearing apparel, the property of some person unknown.

It appeared that one of the prisoners described himself as a fitter`s mate and the other as a labourer. Inquiries were made into the matter on Saturday, and the prisoners were apprehended that (Monday) morning.

P.S. Lilley said that from information received he went to a bedroom occupied by the prisoners at a house of a Mr. Robt. Downey, No. 58, Dover Street. Underneath the bed he saw a gentleman`s mackintosh rolled up, and behind the door were a gentleman`s and lady`s mackintosh, and a gentleman`s coat. He afterwards saw the prisoner Cooper leave the house with a gentleman`s black mackintosh rolled round his coat and he followed him down into a passage. He subsequently went into the Tramway public house, in Radnor Street, and saw Cooper and asked him about a mackintosh. Cooper said “What mackintosh? I have not had one”. Witness saw one wrapped up and placed behind the counter, and spoke to the landlord and said “Where is the mackintosh this man has brought in?” The landlord replied “I haven`t seen the mackintosh, and did not know the man was here. A man has just been upstairs and told me that there was a man behind the bar”. Witness then took the mackintosh from a shelf behind the bar and asked the prisoner where he had got it from, and he replied “From a man named Phillips”. I asked him “Where?” and the prisoner said “Come this way and I`ll show you”. Witness afterwards saw Phillips and asked him “Where did you get this from?” Phillips replied “It was given me by a man”. I then took both prisoners into custody on a charge of stealing coats, the property of some person unknown. The name on one of the mackintoshes is “H. Booth Esq”.

Ellen Downey said: I am the wife of Robert Downey, 58, Dover Street. The prisoners had been lodging with me for a week. When they came they said they were strangers come to work at the harbour. They occupied one bed and slept together, and informed me that their things would be sent down. I afterwards found a black mackintosh and other things under the bed. During the week they would leave the house about 11 or 12 a.m., and return in the evening to was about six o`clock. They afterwards went out and returned about 11 p.m., when they went to bed. I am not aware that they did any work. On the Monday they told me they were going I gave information to the police.

P.S. Butcher applied for a remand to make further inquiries.

The prisoners were then duly remanded.

Folkestone Herald 27-8-1898

Police Court Report

On Monday – Alderman Banks presiding – two men, named Phillips and Cooper, were charged with stealing some mackintoshes and a coat.

P.S. Lilley deposed that on the previous Saturday, from information received, he went to a bedroom occupied by the defendants, 58, Dover Street. The landlord`s name was Downey. Underneath the bed witness saw the mackintosh produced. Rolled up behind the door were two mackintoshes and a coat, one gentleman`s and one ladies`. Since then witness had kept the defendants more or less under observation. On one occasion he saw the defendant Cooper leave the house with a gentleman`s mackintosh rolled round him under his coat. Witness saw him go round the corner, and followed him. The defendant rolled up the mackintosh. He went into the Tramway public house in Radnor Street. After a few moments witness followed him. Witness said to him “Where is the mackintosh you brought in?” He said “What mackintosh? I have not had one”.

One of the defendants: That`s a falsehood.

Witness, continuing, said that he then saw the mackintosh rolled up on a shelf behind the counter. Witness said to the manager “Where is the mackintosh this man brought in?” He said “I have seen no mackintosh, and I did not know the man was here”. Witness took the mackintosh and said “I am a police officer. Where did you get this from?” He said “I got it from a man outside to sell for him”. Witness said “Where is he?” He said “Up the hill. I will show you”. Witness brought him outside, and on coming through the Radnor Arches, witness saw the defendant Phillips coming down with the mackintosh produced under his arm. He was coming down Seagate Street. When opposite the Wonder Tavern, witness stopped him and said “We are police officers. (He meant P.C. Ashby, who joined him, and himself) Where did you get this mackintosh from?” Before Phillips could reply, Cooper said “What, has he given you one, old man? Here, I have been pinched”. After some hesitation, Phillips said “It was given to me by a man up the street to sell”. Witness then said to them “I shall charge you with being concerned together in stealing two gentlemen`s and one ladies` mackintoshes, and a gentleman`s covert coat, the property o some person or persons at present unknown”. Cooper said “I bought them last night”. Phillips made no reply. Witness brought them to the police station, and they were charged by P.S. Swift. On one of them was found a letter addressed to Mr. F. Howard.

Mrs. Ellen Downey deposed that she lived at 58, Dover Street. Defendants had lodged with her a week that day. They were strangers to her when they came. They said they had come to work at the Harbour. Defendants occupied one room, sleeping together. They brought nothing with them, but said their things would be sent down. In the evening they brought a coat, a grey mackintosh. One said they had no money, and asked if she would take the coat as a deposit. They were going to pay 3s. each for the lodgings. She gave information. During the week they had not left the house until between 11 and 12 in the morning.

P.S. Butcher asked for a remand until today (Saturday), that the police might try to ascertain where the goods came from.

One of the defendants said they were not guilty of stealing the clothes.

The Bench remanded the defendants accordingly.

Hythe Reporter 27-8-1898

Folkestone Police Court

On Monday morning, at the Folkestone Police Court, before a full Bench of Magistrates, the Deputy Mayor being in the chair, two men named respectively Cooper and Phillips, were charged with stealing several articles of clothing, to wit two gentlemen`s mackintoshes, one lady`s mackintosh, and a gentleman`s covert coat, the property of persons unknown.

P.S. Lilley deposed that “from information received” he went to a bedroom occupied by prisoners at 58, Dover Street. Mrs. Downey, the landlady, pointed out the room to him. Under the bed he found a mackintosh, and behind the door two more mackintoshes and a gentleman`s coat. Since that time he had kept prisoners under observation, and on Monday morning at 7.30 he saw Cooper leave the house in Dover Street with a mackintosh wrapped around him under his jacket. He followed him down into a Dover Street passage, where he (Cooper) unrolled the mackintosh from about him, put it on his arm, and went into the Tramway public house. He followed him in, and asked him “Where is the mackintosh you brought in?” He said “I didn`t have one”. (Here the prisoner interposed with the brief remark “That`s a falsehood”.) He looked around and found the mackintosh on a shelf. He took it, and said to prisoner “I am a police officer. Where did you get that from?” The reply was to the effect that he had it to sell, on behalf of a friend. He took him outside to find his “friend”, and beheld Phillips coming down Dover Street with a mackintosh on his arm. The question “Where did you get this mackintosh from?” being put, equivocal answers were made, until he, with the assistance of a police constable, took him into custody, when Cooper said “I bought them from a gentleman last night” Phillips had on him a pair of kid gloves and two odd ones.

Mrs. Downey, the landlady of the house, 58, Dover Street, deposed that prisoners had lodged with her for a week. They were strangers and said they had come to work at the harbour. They occupied a top bedroom together. They brought no luggage, but the same evening when Cooper came in, he had one of the mackintoshes produced on his arm, and left it at the bedroom, saying he would leave that until they had paid the week`s rent. On Friday last her suspicions were aroused as to their being workmen, as she found they did not get up until very late in the morning, and she found the additional coats in the bedroom.

After this evidence, Sergeant Butcher, representing Superintendent Taylor, asked for a remand until next Saturday morning, when additional evidence will be forthcoming. The Magistrates granted the remand, and the prisoners were removed in custody. The following is a description of the clothing which the prisoners are charged with having stolen from persons at present unknown: Two men`s mackintoshes, 1 black, 1 grey; one lady`s mackintosh, navy blue; and one gent`s covert coat, fawn-coloured.
 
Folkestone Chronicle 3-9-1898

Saturday, August 27th: Before Messrs. J. Banks, J. Fitness, C.J. Pursey, and W.G. Herbert.

George Cooper and John Phillips were charged on remand with stealing three mackintoshes and a covert coat, the property of some person unknown.

The Superintendent of Police said he had been unable to trace the mackintoshes. The owner of the covert coat had been found, and had telegraphed that he did not desire anything done in the matter.

The prisoner Cooper had been sentenced to two months` imprisonment.

The Bench discharged the prisoner, retaining the mackintoshes in the hope of finding the owner or owners.

Folkestone Up To Date 3-9-1898

Saturday, August 27th: Before Ald. Banks, W.G. Herbert, J. Fitness, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Two young men, named George Cooper and John Phillips, were charged on remand at the instance of P.S. Lilley with stealing a number of mackintoshes and other coats, the property of some person unknown.

It appeared that a detective had traced the owner of one of the coats alleged to have been stolen, but as there was no prosecutor in Court to give evidence against the prisoners, they were discharged.

Folkestone Herald 3-9-1898

Police Court Record

On Saturday George Cooper and John Phillips were charged on remand with stealing mackintoshes and a coat.

Superintendent Taylor said that the coat referred to had the name of Booth upon it. He traced the owner of the coat and telegraphed to him. The reply was that Mr. Booth gave the coat to someone who had since been to Folkestone, and did not wish to take further steps. He also got a report saying that the man Cooper was a convicted thief.

A statement from Cooper was read to the Bench.

The Bench dismissed the case, but made no order as to the clothes.

Folkestone Chronicle 5-8-1899

Police Court

Alfred Skinner, of the Tramway Tavern, applied for the licence of the Victoria, South Street, to be transferred to him from his brother, Frederick Skinner, and Frederick Skinner applied for the licence of the Tramway Tavern, Radnor Street, to be transferred to him. The case was simply one of exchange of premises. Mr. Minter, solicitor to the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Protection Society, appeared for both applicants. The Bench would remember, he said, that a few months back both were fined for serving drink off the premises to the workmen at the Pavilion new works. The offence, however, was a purely technical one, arising out of a practice which had prevailed for a long time and had been carried on under a misunderstanding of the proper interpretation of the law. The prosecution had resulted in the misapprehension being removed, but had left no stigma upon the Skinners, and there had been no endorsement of the licence. The Chief Constable had no objection to the transfer, and the Magistrates granted the request of the applicants without raising any question.

Folkestone Herald 5-8-1899

Wednesday, August 2nd:

The following transfer of licence was allowed: Frederick Skinner, Victoria Inn, South Street
 
Note: Frederick Skinner actually transferred to Tramway Tavern
 
Folkestone Herald 11-11-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Saturday last plans were submitted to the Bench for alterations to the Tram Tavern (sic).
 
 
 

 
 
  

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