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 19 October 2013

Eagle Tavern 1900s




Folkestone Chronicle 17-10-1903

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

The transfer of the licence of the Eagle Tavern, High Street, was allowed to stand over, as the regulation for sending in the agreement seven days before the application had not been complied with.

Folkestone Express 17-10-1903

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

The transfer of the Eagle Tavern from Mrs. Beaton to William Giles was adjourned as the brewers had not forwarded a copy of their agreement seven days before the application.  

Folkestone Herald 17-10-1903

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

An application for the transfer of the Eagle Tavern, High Street, from Mrs. Beeton to William Giles was adjourned.
 
Folkestone Chronicle 31-10-1903

Saturday, October 24th: Before Alderman Banks, Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. W.G. Herbert, and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Application was made for the transfer of the Eagle Tavern to a man named Giles. Mr. Herbert objected to the transfer, as Giles had been in receipt of poor relief for the past nine months.

Mr. Minter pointed out that the man would remain indefinitely on the parish unless he were allowed this chance of supporting himself.

His son-in-law came forward to guarantee the rent and money enough to carry on the business.

The application, which was only for temporary authority, was then granted.

Folkestone Express 31-10-1903

Saturday, October 24th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Mr. Minter made an application for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Eagle Tavern from Mrs. Beaton to William Giles, and explained that the case was adjourned from the special sessions in consequence of the brewers` agreement not having been lodged with the Justices` Clerk seven days before the sessions. The applicant had for 17 years held the licence of the Gun Tavern, and had never had a complaint lodged against him.

Mr. Herbert: How is Giles in a position to pay £20 a year rent, seeing that until recently he was an inmate of the Elham Union?

Mr. Minter: You have received an anonymous letter, but as a Guardian you ought to be thankful for the relief of the rates. His son-in-law has come forward with money to relieve him of anything that might be against him.

Mr. Bradley: Poverty would not disqualify him if he is a fit and proper person to have charge.

Mr. Herbert: It appears as though the real licensee is Clark.

Mr. Minter: At that rate, then, no licence holder is allowed to borrow money?

Temporary authority was granted by the Bench.

Folkestone Herald 31-10-1903

Saturday, October 24th: Before Aldermen J. Banks and W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Mr. W. Wightwick.

On the application of Mr. J. Minter, the licence of the Eagle Tavern was temporarily transferred from Mrs. Beeton to Mr. William Giles.
  
Folkestone Chronicle 5-12-1903

Wednesday, December 2nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.

The licence of the Eagle Inn was transferred from Eliza Beeton to William Giles (on the application of Mr. J. Minter, solicitor), 

Folkestone Express 5-12-1903

Wednesday, December 2nd: Before Colonel Westropp and E.T. Ward Esq.


The licence of the Eagle was transferred from Eliza Beeton to William Giles

Folkestone Herald 5-12-1903

Wednesday, December 2nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.

The licence of the Eagle Tavern, High Street was transferred from Eliza Beeton to William Giles 
 
Folkestone Chronicle 29-7-1905

Local News

There is a popular idea that a soldier can be had for 1s. (the old recruiting fee), but P.C. Minter can tell an entirely different tale. That astute constable, with the assistance of Lieut. Col. Hamilton, has put the price up to £1. The only difference is this. When the man enlists the country used to present him with a shilling, but when he deserts and is taken back again, the country consider he is then worth £1, and immediately proceed to hand that amount over to the finder of the truant. Only in this case it is not the country, but the man himself who has to pay for the bonus of being arrested.

At the police court on Thursday, William James Nelson was charged with being a deserter from the South Lancashire Regiment, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp. Accused pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Minter said: Shortly before eleven o`clock last night the prisoner passed me in High Street. Noticing he had a military appearance I said to him “What are you doing out, dressed like this for?” He said “Like what?” I said “You are a soldier”. He said “Yes; an officer`s servant”. I said “What officer?” He said “A captain”, and then correcting himself said “A lieutenant in charge of the detail at Shorncliffe”. Knowing that an officer would not let a soldier come out in such clothes (untidy civilian), I said “I do not believe you. We will see the Military Police, and if they are satisfied I will let you go”. On the way to the station we did not see the Military Police, so I took him to the station and charged him. He said “I am a soldier. I am a cook to the detail”. I asked him where he got the clothes from, and he replied “They are those which I was arrested in for desertion last March. I put them on this afternoon as my uniform was dirty. I just came out to get a drink. I left barracks about 2.30 today. I am only absent. You might let me go”. When charged he gave the name of J.W. Dolan, No. 5970.

Accused said that the constable`s evidence was right, with the exception that he first attracted the constable`s attention by asking him the way to The Eagle. He meant to return to barracks, or he would not have been in High Street. He considered he was absent, and not a deserter.

An officer present from accused`s regiment said that he did not know much about the man, who had only been with the detail as cook for about a week. He deserted on the 15th of November, 1903.

The Chairman: The prisoner will be handed over to an escort to be dealt with by the military authorities.

The Chief Constable: I don`t know whether your Worships consider this a case for reward?

The Chair (Lieut. Col. Hamilton): Yes. We recommend that the constable be paid £1.
 
Folkestone Express 30-12-1905

Tuesday, December 26th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, G. Spurgen and T. Ames Esqs.

Henry Minter, of the Buffs, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in High Street on Saturday evening, and further with assaulting P.C. Harry Johnson in the execution of his duty.

P.C. Johnson said at 8.20 on Saturday evening he was called to High Street, where he saw prisoner surrounded by a crowd of people. He was very drunk and in a fighting attitude, and making use of most abusive language. He entered the Eagle public house in High Street, and witness asked him to leave. Prisoner refused, and as witness made an attempt to eject him, he struck witness a violent blow in the mouth. With the assistance of P.C. Kettle, witness handcuffed Minter and brought him to the police station.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days`, for being drunk and disorderly, while the charge of assault was dismissed.

The money was paid by an officer of the regiment.

Folkestone Daily News 28-2-1906

Wednesday, February 28th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward, J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, T. Ames, W.G. Herbert, and Lieut. Col. R.J. Fynmore.

The transfer of the licence of the Eagle Tavern, High Street, was granted to Mr. William Henry White, from Mr. T. Giles. The new tenant had held the licences of the Chatham Arms and the Bricklayers Arms, Ramsgate, the licence of the latter having been suppressed last year.
 
Folkestone Chronicle 3-3-1906

Wednesday, February 28th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lt. Col. Fynmore, Messrs. J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, C. Ames, and W. Linton.

The licence of the Eagle beerhouse, High Street, was transferred from Fredk. Giles to Mr. Wm. Henry White. The new tenant, it was explained, had held licences at Ramsgate, the Chatham Arms beerhouse and the Bricklayers Arms, the latter until it was extinguished under the Compensation Clause of the Licensing Act.

Folkestone Express 3-3-1906

Wednesday, February 28th: Before E.T. Ward  Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and T. Ames, W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

The following licence was temporarily transferred: the Eagle Inn, High Street, from Mr. W. Giles to Mr. W.H. White.

Folkestone Herald 3-3-1906

Wednesday, February 28th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, and Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames.

A special sessions for the transfer of ale house licences was held. The licence of the Eagle Inn, High Street, was transferred to Mr. Wm. Henry White.

Folkestone Daily News 11-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward, R.J. Linton, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Mr. W.H. White was granted the transfer of the licence of the Eagle Tavern, High Street, from Mr. W. Giles.

Folkestone Chronicle 14-4-1906

On Wednesday morning, at the Borough Police Court, Mr. E.T. Ward presiding, the ordinary business was preceded by a special licensing sessions, in which the transfer of the Eagle, High Street, was transferred from Mr. W. Giles to Mr. W.H. White.

Folkestone Express 14-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and R.J. Linton Esq.

The following licence was transferred: The Eagle Tavern, from William Giles to William Henry White.

Folkestone Herald 14-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before The Mayor, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Mr. E.T. Ward and Mr. R.J. Linton.

A special session for the transfer of alehouse licences was held. Application was made and granted as follows: The licence of the Eagle Tavern to Wm. Henry White

Folkestone Express 17-11-1906

Local News

Mr. W.H. White, the landlord of the Eagle Tavern, High Street, and also a gunner in the 1st C.P.R.G.A. (Vols), was on Monday, at Ramsgate Drill Hall, presented with a long service medal.

Folkestone Daily News 7-9-1907

Saturday, September 7th: Before The Mayor, Messrs. Vaughan, Ames, and Carpenter.

Henry Nelson Scrace was charged with stealing a coat.

Edward Williams deposed that he was a labourer, and lodged at the Eagle Tavern in High Street. He gave evidence as to laying his coat on a seat in the bar and then went to have his tea, and on returning about an hour afterwards the coat was gone. He gave information to the police. He valued the coat at 3s.

Winifred Kate White, of the Eagle Tavers, said that prisoner came into the bar and she served him with a half pint of beer, and the coat was then lying on the seat. She then went out, and when she returned the prisoner and coat was gone.

P.C. Allen deposed that from information he went to a lodging house in Radnor Street with Williams, and there saw the coat hanging on a peg, and Williams identified it as his property, and a woman named Stamford stated that prisoner had hung it up with some wire, &c. The constable saw Scrace and charged him with stealing the coat.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty and preferred to be dealt with summarily, and the Magistrates sentenced him to 21 days` hard labour.
 
Folkestone Express 14-9-1907

Saturday, September 7th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, W.C. Carpenter and T. Ames Esqs.

Henry Nelson Scrase, an elderly man, was charged with stealing an overcoat.

Edward Woodhams said he was a labourer, and lodged at the Eagle Tavern, High Street. Between six and seven o`clock on Friday evening he was in the bar. He had his overcoat with him, which was lying on a seat. He remained in the bar for about half an hour, and then went into the kitchen to have some tea. When he returned to the bar the coat which he left lying on the seat was gone. He gave information to the police. Shortly afterwards he accompanied P.C. Allen to 14, Radnor Street, a common lodging house, where he was shown the coat produced, which he identified as his property. The value was 3s.

Winifred Kate White said she lived at the Eagle Tavern, High Street. Her father was the landlord, and she assisted in the business. Prisoner, she believed, came into the bar between six and seven o`clock, and witness served him with a pint of beer. He had some articles like those produced. Witness subsequently left the bar, and the coat was then lying on a seat. When she returned prisoner was gone, and also the coat. About eight o`clock she went to the police station, where she identified prisoner, whom, to the best of her belief, was the man who was in the bar.

Harriett Stamford said about seven o`clock the previous evening she was in the kitchen of 14, Radnor Street, where she saw prisoner. He had the coat produced and some wirework. He hung them on a peg and then went out. While he was gone P.C. Allen came in. She could not say whether the coat was there before prisoner came in.

P.C. Allen said at ten minutes to seven, from information he received from the prosecutor, Woodhams, he went to 14, Radnor Street. In the kitchen he saw a coat hanging on the same peg as the wirework produced. He showed it to Woodhams, who identified it as his property. Witness took possession of the coat, and at eight o`clock he again went to 14, Radnor Street, where he saw prisoner. The witness Stamford, pointing to the prisoner, said “That`s the man that brought that coat in”. Prisoner said he did not know anything about the coat, and had missed a coat himself from the peg during the evening. Witness brought him to the police station, where he was identified by Miss White.

Scrase pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to twenty one days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 14-9-1907
 
Saturday, September 7th: Before The Mayor, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Mr. T. Ames.

Harry Nelson Scrase was charged with stealing a coat from the Eagle Tavern, High Street, the previous day.

Edward Woodhams, a labourer, living at the Eagle Tavern, said that at about six o`clock the previous evening he went into the bar with the coat, and put it down on a seat. He remained in the bar for half an hour, and then went into the kitchen for his tea, leaving the coat on a seat in the bar. He was in the kitchen till about 7 o`clock, and on returning to the bar found his coat gone. He gave information to the police, and shortly afterwards went with a constable to a common lodging house in Radnor Street. He was then shown a coat (produced), which he identified as his property; he valued it at 3s.

Winifred Kate White, daughter of the landlord of the Eagle Tavern, said she assisted her father in the business. Prisoner came into the bar between six and seven o`clock, and witness served him with half a pint of beer. He was in the bar when she went out, but was gone when she came back. The coat was on a seat when prisoner came in, and when she returned it was gone. About 8.30 p.m. she went to the police station, and there identified the prisoner.

A woman named Stamford, who had been staying at the common lodging house, 14, Radnor Street, said that defendant came into the kitchen of the house about 7.30 p.m. the previous evening with some wire work and the coat; afterwards he went out. While he was gone P.C. Allen came in, and she saw him take the coat. In answer to prisoner, witness said she could not say whether prisoner merely shifted the coat from one peg to another.

P.C. Allen deposed that at 6.50 p.m. the previous evening, from information received, he went to the kitchen of 14, Radnor Street, and saw the coat hanging on the same peg as the wire was. He showed Woodhams the coat, and he identified it as his property. He took possession of it, and at 8 o`clock again went to the kitchen of the house, where he saw the prisoner. The last witness said to him, in prisoner`s presence “That is the man (pointing to prisoner) that brought that coat in and hung it upon the peg, the same coat as you took away just now”. Prisoner said “I don`t know anything about the coat”. Witness said “The coat has been identified as one stolen from the public bar of the Eagle Tavern this evening”. Before that the prisoner had said that he had missed a coat from his peg during the evening. He brought him to the police station, where he was identified by Miss White as the man she saw in the bar of the Eagle Tavern. When charged prisoner again said he did not know anything about the coat.

Scrase elected to be dealt with summarily, and on being formally charged, pleaded Guilty, although he did not seem to know the significance of this admission. He was sent to prison for 21 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Daily News 5-2-1908

Annual Licensing Sessions

The Annual Licensing Sessions were held on Wednesday. The Magistrates present were Messrs. Ward, Herbert, Stainer, Linton, and Leggett.

The Chief Constable read his annual report, which the Chairman said was very gratifying and satisfactory.

The following licences were under consideration: Railway Inn, Bricklayers Arms, Eagle Tavern, Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, and Packet Boat.

The licences of the Bricklayers Arms, Eagle Tavern, Packet Boat, and Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, were adjourned till March 2nd.
 

Folkestone Express 8-2-1908

Annual Licensing Meeting

Wednesday, February 5th: Before E.T. Ward, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, and R.J. Linton Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Superintendent`s Report

This report was read by Mr. Harry Reeve, as follows: Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 129 premises licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.; Full licences, 78; beer “on”, 9; beer “off”, 6; beer and spirit dealers, 15; grocers &c., 11; chemists, 7; confectioners, 3; total 129. This gives an average, according to the census of 1901, of one licence to every 237 persons, or one “on” licence to every 352 persons. At the last annual meeting, one “off” licence for the sale of wines and spirits was not renewed as the business had been discontinued by the licence holder. One new licence for the sale of cider and sweets was granted, and three new licences for the sale of wines were granted to chemists. At the adjourned annual licensing meeting, held in March, five “on” licences (four full and one beer) were referred to the Compensation Committee on the ground of redundancy. One full licence was renewed at the preliminary meeting of the Committee, and at the principal meeting three of the licences were refused and one renewed. The licences which were refused were the Queen`s Head, Beach Street, Channel Inn, High Street, and the Perseverance beerhouse, Dover Street. Compensation was paid in the cases of the Queen`s Head and Channel Inn, and the premises were closed on the 28th of December last. In the case of the Perseverance Inn, the amount of compensation has not yet been settled; a provisional renewal of the licence will, therefore, be required until the amount of compensation has been determined. There are two houses licensed by the Inland Revenue authorities for the sale of beer in quantities not less than 4½ gallons, also to sell wines and spirits in single bottles. These licences can be granted by the Inland Revenue authorities without a Magistrates` certificate, but only for premises used exclusively for the sale of intoxicating liquors. Since the last annual licensing meeting 13 of the licences have been transferred; one licence was transferred twice. Eleven occasion licences were granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and 31 extensions of the usual 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, 125 persons (110 males and 15 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness; 113 were convicted and 12 discharged. This is a decrease of six persons proceeded against, as compared with 1906, and a decrease of 58 persons when compared with 1905. Three licence holders have been proceeded against for permitting drunkenness on their licensed premises; only one conviction was recorded by the Magistrates, but this was afterwards quashed on appeal by the Recorder at Quarter Sessions. One licence holder, who was convicted just previous to the last annual licensing meeting for an offence under Section 16 of the Licensing Act, 1872, appealed to Quarter Sessions, but the conviction was affirmed at the Borough Sessions held on the 5th April last. I beg to suggest that the consideration of the renewal of this licence, the Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, be deferred till the adjourned meeting. I have no objection to offer to the renewal of any of the other licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally being conducted in a satisfactory manner. The order made by the Bench at the last annual licensing meeting, that all automatic gaming machines were to be removed from licensed houses, was at once complied with by the licensees. 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 would respectfully suggest that the Committee again refer the renewal of some of the licences in the congested area to the Compensation Committee to be dealt with under the provisions of the 1904 Act. I have received notices of four applications to be made at these Sessions for new licences, viz.; one full licence and three beer “off””.

The consideration of granting licences to the following licensed houses was referred to the adjourned licensing sessions; Railway Inn, Beach Street; Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, and Eagle Tavern, High Street, which are to be opposed. The licences of the Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, and the Packet Boat, Radnor Street, were adjourned.

Folkestone Herald 8-2-1908

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 5th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Councillor G. Boyd, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, Messrs. J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, and R.J. Linton.

The Chief Constable (Mr. Harry Reeve) read his report. (For which see Folkestone Express).

The Chairman said that it was a very satisfactory report. The Bench were glad that there was a decrease in drunkenness in the borough, and also that as a rule all the houses in the borough were well conducted.

The various licensees then came forward for their renewals.

The Magistrates formally gave notice that the granting of the following licence would be deferred till the adjourned licensing meeting, and that in the meantime notice of opposition would be served:-

The Eagle Tavern, High Street, Folkestone; lessee Mr. William Henry White.

Folkestone Daily News 2-3-1908

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

Monday, March 2nd: Before Messrs. Ward, Carpenter, Herbert, Leggett, Fynmore, Linton, Boyd, and Stainer.

The Eagle Inn, High Street.

Mr. De Wet appeared for the owners and tenant (William Henry White).

The Chief Constable said the house was a fully licensed one, and had held a licence since 1869. The owners were Messrs. Style and Winch, of Maidstone, and the rateable value was £35. His objection to the licence was that it was not required. The house was badly adapted for the convenience of customers. The nearest licensed house to the Eagle was the Earl Grey, 82 yards away. The pavement in front of the Eagle was only 2ft. to 2ft. 3in. wide, and there was really no trade to the house. Within a radius of 200 yards there were 25 other fully licensed houses. He visited the house on the 27th February last, and the landlady told him her husband had gone out to earn a few shillings, and although the house had been open from 7 in the morning till 12.30 she had taken only 3½d.

In reply to Mr. De Wet, the Chief Constable said that he did not see how any other accommodation could be provided.

P.C. Simpson said he had visited the house on several occasions. On the last occasion he served the landlord with a summons for not paying his Poor Rate. When the summons came on for hearing, the tenant was allowed a month to pay, but eventually a distress warrant was issued. Witness had also served him with a summons for the non-payment of the General Rate, and an order was made for payment forthwith. On the 28th January of this year Mrs. White called at the police station and asked for the total amount of rates owing, as the owners of the house were going to pay them.

In reply to Mr. De Wet, witness said trade was better before the present tenant took over the house.

Mr. De Wet said the trade had fallen off simply owing to Mr. White not being a suitable tenant. Mrs. Beeton was prepared to take the licence.

The Chairman said the objection was on the grounds of redundancy.

Mr. De Wet said this was the only house the owners had in Folkestone.

The Chairman said they could not help that.

The Bench decided to refer the case.
 
Folkestone Express 7-3-1908

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

The adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough took place on Monday, when the licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Hamilton, and J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, R.J. Linton and G. Boyd. At the annual sessions the granting of five licences was adjourned; The Railway Tavern, the Eagle Tavern and the Bricklayers Arms on the ground of redundancy, the Railway Hotel, Coolinge, because a conviction had been recorded against it, and the Packet Boat, so that plans for alterations could be submitted to the Justices.

The Eagle Inn

The Eagle Inn, the tenant of which was William Henry White, was next considered.

The Chief Constable said the opposition was on the ground that it was not necessary for the requirements of the neighbourhood. He put in the figures dealing with the congested area. The house was an ante-69 beerhouse, with a wine licence, situate in High Street. The present tenant obtained a transfer of the licence on April 27th, 1906, and the registered owners were Messrs. Style and Winch, Maidstone. The rateable value of the house was £32. There were two entrances to the house from High Street. The bar was divided into two compartments, with one entrance to each compartment. There was no other accommodation for the public. There was a small room behind the bar, which was used as a living room by the licensee. That room was dark and required artificial light. There were three licensed houses in High Street, the nearest being the Earl Grey, 82 yards away. The pavement in front of the house was only from two feet to two feet three inches wide. The urinal opened directly off the footpath. The accommodation for the public was inferior to that of the nearest licensed houses, and as he passed the house several times a day he had noticed there was really no trade to the house. Within a radius of 200 yards there were 25 other licensed houses. He visited the house at 2.30 p.m. on February 27th, and there was no-one but the landlady on the premises. She informed him that her husband had gone out to get some work to earn a few shillings, and although the house had been opened since seven o`clock, up to the time of his visit she had taken 3½d. He had no doubt that the licence was unnecessary.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet, Mr. Reeve said he could not see where any further accommodation could be provided on the premises. The bar was well lighted. No-one could use the urinal without obtaining the key from someone in the bar. He had seen Mrs. Beeton, who had previously had the licence, and who said she was going to apply for the transfer of the licence, but was going to wait to see the result of the proceedings.

P.C. Simpson said he had had occasion to visit the house many times since White had been the tenant. On November 11th last he visited the house for the purpose of serving the tenant with a summons for poor rate. On November 21st he was in the Court when White appeared in answer to the summons. He complained to the Magistrates that he was unable to pay it, and also that the collector would not take it by instalments. He was allowed a month for payment, and afterwards a distress warrant was to be issued. On November 23rd he served the tenant with a summons for non-payment of General Rate. On December 12th an order for payment forthwith was made by the Magistrates, as no-one appeared in answer to the summons. On December 20th he served the order, and in that case a distress warrant was afterwards issued. On January 28th Mrs. White called at the police station and asked him if he would tell her the amount owing on the General Rate, as her husband was going to Maidstone to see the brewers, who would pay the rates for him. She had previously got the amount of the Poor Rate owing from the collector. On February 1st he went to the house with Mr. Cooper to levy the distress for the Poor Rate and the tenant paid the money. He particularly wanted a receipt, so that he could send it on to the brewers. He then produced the distress for the General Rate, and told him that the amount for which he was going to levy was £1 13s. 2d. He said he would pay him if he would give him a receipt, so that he could show it to the brewers. On one occasion White said trade was pretty bad. He (witness) knew the house, and considering the requirements of the neighbourhood, he did not consider it necessary. So far as his observations were concerned, there was really no trade to the house.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet, witness said that Mrs. Beeton did a much better trade than what the present tenant did. Possibly Mrs. Beeton was more attractive to her customers than what Mr. White was.

Mr. De Wet said there was no doubt Mr. White was not well fitted for the particular trade of the house. Mrs. Beeton, who was the holder of the licence of the Lifeboat, was willing to take the house again.


The Magistrates retired for a short time. On their return into Court the Chairman announced that they had decided to refer both the Railway Tavern and the Eagle Tavern to Canterbury.

Folkestone Herald 7-3-1908

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

Monday, March 2nd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, Councillor G. Boyd, Col. Fynmore, Col. Hamilton, Messrs, W.G. Herbert, and J. Stainer.

The adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough of Folkestone were held at the Town Hall on Monday morning, when the licences of three houses, the Railway Inn, Beach Street (Beer and Co.), the Eagle, High Street (Style and Winch), and the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street (Ash and Co.), were referred to the Compensation Authority for East Kent.

The Eagle Inn

The case of the Eagle Inn, High Street, was next taken. Mr. De Wet appeared for the owners.

The Chief Constable said that the house was objected to for the same reasons as the previous ones. The licence in question was an 1869 beerhouse, and had a wine licence. It was situated in High Street, and the present tenant was Mr. Henry White, who obtained the transfer in April, 1906. The registered owners were Messrs. Style and Winch, and the rateable value was £32. There were two entrances from the High Street, but only one bar, which was divided into two compartments. There was no other accommodation for the public. A small room behind the bar was used by the licensee as a living room. That room was dark, and required artificial light. There were three licensed houses in High Street, the nearest being the Earl Grey, which was 82 yards away. The pavement in front of the house was 2 ft. to 2 ft. 3 in. wide. The urinal opened directly off the footway. The public accommodation was inferior to that of the nearest licensed houses, and as he passed the house several times a day all the year round, he had noticed for some time past there was little or really no trade to the house. Within a radius of 200 yards there were 25 other on licensed houses. He visited the house at 12.30 p.m. on the 27th February, and there was nobody but the landlady on the premises, and she informed him that her husband, who was the landlord, had gone out to get some work to earn a few shillings, and although the house had been opened from 7 a.m. that day, until the time of witness`s visit she had taken only 3½d. He had no doubt in his mind that the house was unnecessary.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet: He could not suggest any way by which sufficient accommodation could be obtained. He thought teh actual front bars were properly lighted. The pavement varied in width from two feet to 2 ft. 3 in., and he thought that belonged to the public. The urinal could not be used by anybody but a customer. He was aware that a Mrs. Beeton was at one time landlady of the premises, and she had said that she was anxious to make an application for a transfer to her again, but she would wait till the result of those proceedings.

Detectice Simpson deposed that since the premises had been in the occupation of Mr. White he had had occasion several times to visit them. On the 11th November he entered to serve the landlord with a summons for non payment of the poor rate. On the 21st November witness was in Court when the defendant told the Bench, in answer to that summons, that he was unable to pay the amount, and complained that the collector would not take it by instalments. The result was that a month was allowed for payment, and afterwards a distress warrant was issued. On the 23rd November witness served him with another summons, that time for non payment of the general rate. On the 12th December the landlord did not appear in answer to the summons, and an order for payment forthwith was served on the 30th December. In that case a distress warrant was afterwards issued. On the 28th January Mrs. White called at the police station, and asked what amount was owing on the distress warrant for the general rate, as her husband was going to Maidstone to see the brewers, and they were going to pay the rates. He told her the amount that was owing. On February 1st witness went with the Overseer to levy a distress. He saw the tenant, who paid the money, and wanted a receipt from the Overseer, saying that he had to send it on to the brewers. When the distress warrant for the general rate was served on him for £1 13s. 2d., he said he would pay witness if he would give him the receipt , as he had to show the brewers that it was paid. On one occasion White said that trade was very bad. Witness did not think the house necessary for the requirements of the neighbourhood, while there was practically no trade there at all.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet: He had known the house for 15 years, and during the time of the last tenant a better trade was being done as was the case now. He could not say that it was due to the personality of the licensee.

Mr. Bradley: It means that Mrs. Beeton was more attractive to her customers than Mr. White. (Laughter)

Witness could not provide a reason, and added that Mr. White was not the only tenant of the house since Mrs. Beeton left.

Mr. De Wet asserted that Mr. White was not fitted for the trade. When Mrs. Beeton had the house the trade was good, and she was quite prepared to go back into the house, and, if the licence was renewed, she would take the house on.

No evidence was called.

The Bench then considered the cases of the Railway Inn and the Eagle, and on their return the Chairman announced that the cases would be referred to the Compensation Authority at Canterbury.

Folkestone Express 11-7-1908

East Kent Licensing

At the Licensing Committee`s sitting at Canterbury on Thursday, the three licences referred by the local justices, namely the Eagle Tavern, High Street, the Railway Tavern, Beach Street, and the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, were considered, and the Court decided not to renew any of them. They will be dealt with by the Compensation Committee.

Folkestone Herald 11-7-1908

Local News

The principal meeting of the East Kent Licensing Committee was held at Canterbury on Thursday, when Lord Harris presided.

The following Folkestone houses came up for decision: The Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, Folkestone, an alehouse, belonging to Messrs. G. Beer and Co. Mr. Joseph Wormold tenant; the Railway Inn, Beach Street, Folkestone, alehouse, belonging to Messrs. Ash and Co. Mr. William Hopkins tenant; The Eagle, High Street, Folkestone, a beerhouse (ante 1869), belonging to Messrs. Style and Winch. Mr. William Henry White tenant.

Of these the following were allowed to go to compensation without opposition: The Bricklayers Arms and the Eagle.

Folkestone Express 24-10-1908

East Kent Licensing

At a meeting of the East Kent Licensing Committee on Monday, many cases were dealt with.

In the case of the Eagle, High Street, Folkestone, and ante 1869 house, of which Mr. W.H. White is the tenant, and Messrs. Style and Winch Ltd. the registered owners, the parties asked for £633, but the Committee could not see any justification for allowing such a large sum, and they referred the matter to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for adjustment. Mr. Cobb, the Committee`s advisor, offers £300 as a reasonable amount for compensation.

Folkestone Herald 24-10-1908

East Kent Licensing

A supplementary meeting of the East Kent Licensing Committee was held at the Sessions House, at Canterbury, on Monday, when Lord Harris presided. The following Folkestone houses were considered for compensation:-

The Eagle

An ante 1869 beerhouse in High Street; Mr. William Henry White, tenant; Messrs. Style and Winch Ltd., owners.

The representative of the brewers said that a total of £633 had been suggested as compensation

Lord Harris: I don`t think we can agree to your figures.

Mr. W.E.R. Randall, valuer, of Chatham, said he had valued this property. The average trade for the past five years he put at 105. This, at 11s. a barrel, made £57 15s. He had calculated that on a twelve years` purchase, and this came to £693. In regard to trade fittings, he had included certain fittings belonging to the owners at £120. The cost of conversion of the house he put at £180, and he put an eighteen years` purchase of the rental (£20 a year) at £360. This was High Street property, and not in the slums. This made a grand total of £1,353. He put the estimated value, after conversion, of the gross assessable value at £40 per annum; and this, on an eighteen years` purchase, produced £720. Therefore he considered the amount payable for compensation should be £633 to the owners and tenant combined.

The Chairman: Why have you taken a twelve years` purchase at 11s. per barrel – both top prices?

Mr. Randall: This, my Lord, is a first class house in the High Street of Folkestone. It was a house not likely to get into trouble. If it had been a house in the slums I should have put it at 10s. a barrel, on about an eight years` purchase, but this is a house in a very respectable neighbourhood. I might mention also that there is a wine licence attached.

Later in the sitting Lord Harris said the Committee could not award what was claimed.

The Clerk (Mr. Prosser): Mr. Cobb says £300.

The representative of the brewers said they were willing to take £500.

Lord Harris: We cannot award that, or see any justification for it. You must fight it out with the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.

Folkestone Express 6-2-1909

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 3rd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Major Leggett, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Messrs. J. Stainer, W.C. Carpenter, W.G. Herbert, C. Jenner, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

The granting of the licences to the Wonder Tavern and the Eagle Inn were referred to the adjourned licensing sessions to be held on March 3rd.

Folkestone Herald 6-2-1909

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 3rd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Major Leggett, Councillor C. Jenner, Messrs. J. Stainer, W.C. Carpenter, W.G. Herbert, G. Boyd, R.J. Linton, and R.J. Fynmore. Messrs. Boyd, Stainer and Jenner did not adjudicate.

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

The applicants for the renewal of old licences then came forward, and received their certificates. All were granted with the exception of the Wonder Tavern, Beach Street, held by Mr. Coln (sic), and the Eagle Inn, High Street, held by Mr. W.H. White. Both there were referred to the Adjourned Licensing Sessions, which will take place on Wednesday, March 3rd. In the case of the Eagle Inn the licence was refused last year by the Committee, and the presentation in referring to the adjourned sessions is simply to enable the amount of compensation to be fixed.

Folkestone Herald 10-4-1909


East Kent Licensing Authority

Among the awards that came before Lord Harris and other Licensing Justices sitting at Canterbury on Tuesday, and made by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, was that in respect of the Eagle, Folkestone.

In this case the Commissioners fixed the award at £300, as compared with Mr. Cobb`s recommendation of £370.

Mr. Prosser stated that there was an agreement between all parties concerned that the owners should receive £210, and the tenant £90.

The Committee confirmed the agreement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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