White Lion (2) 1880s/1890s

Folkestone Express 3-9-1881

Local News

On Tuesday afternoon Messrs. Worsfold and Hayward, auctioneers, offered for sale by auction at the Royal Oak Hotel, Dover, the old established brewery known as the West Cliff Brewery, Limekiln Street, Dover, with twenty two freehold and leashold public houses and beerhouses and other property. The brewery, with twelve quarter plant and the Lord Clyde public house constituted the first lot, and this was not sold.

The White Lion, Cheriton, brought £1120, being knocked down to Messrs. Kingsford.

Kentish Gazette 6-9-1881 

On Tuesday Messrs. Worsfold & Hayward held a very extensive sale of public house property in connection with the Westcliffe Brewery (Mr. Satchell`s) at the Royal Oak Hotel, Dover.

Lot 15: A country roadside public house, the White Lion, in the parish of Cheriton, £35 annual rental, sold for £1,120 to Messrs. Kingsford Bros., Dover.  

Kentish Gazette 6-6-1882 

An inquest was held on Whit Monday by T.T. Delasaux Esq., Coroner, at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on the body of Mary Murton, aged 42 years. Deceased, who was a married woman, had during the past three or four years been low-spirited and in a desponding state of mind and on the morning of the 27^th ult. She was discovered by her father in an outhouse suspended by a rope. Verdict “Temporary Insanity”.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-6-1882

Inquest

An inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, by the County Coroner, on the body of Mary Merton, aged 42, the wife of Henry Merton, a labourer, of Tile Kilns, Cheriton. The deceased, who had been in desponding state for some time, was found by her father at eight o`clock on Saturday morning, hanging by a rope to a beam in her own house, quite dead. A verdict of Temporary Insanity was returned.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 1-8-1885

Inquest

An inquest was held by the East Kent Coroner (R.M. Mercer Esq.) on Saturday, at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on the body of Jane Smeed, a single woman, aged 21, who committed suicide under the following circumstances.

Christiana Bridge, a sister of deceased, deposed that she had been staying with her for the last three months. She last saw her alive between a quarter and twenty minutes to eight on the previous evening, when she seemed very low spirited. Deceased had been melancholy, and crying seemingly without cause, while she had been with witness. Deceased went out behind the house and she did not see her until she was brought in dead soon after eight o`clock. Her sister had received a letter on Thursday evening, stating that she must not be surprised to hear of the death of George Cook, to whom she was engaged, and who was in the Brompton Hospital for consumption. Deceased failed in business some three months ago, and that had greatly upset her.

Arthur Henry Bridge, husband of the last witness, stated that a little before eight he saw a slipper on the side of the well on Mr. Bowley`s premises, which he recognised as that of the deceased. He took it and showed it to his wife, and she also recognised it as belonging to deceased. He took a grappling hook and went to the well. Looking down, he saw a dress. Matthew Winser prepared to go down the well, and then witness went away, but came back after deceased had been brought up and laid by the side of the well. He then had her conveyed to his house.

Matthew Winser, a butcher, living at Cheriton Street, said he went down the well, as mentioned by the last witness, and there found deceased lying face downwards in the water. He attached a rope to deceased`s body, and it was with his assistance removed to the top of the well. She must have fell down head first.

The jury returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide whilst temporarily insane.

 

Folkestone Express 1-8-1885

Inquest

Mr. R.M. Mercer held an inquest at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on Saturday, on the body of Jane Smeed, a single woman, aged 21. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased had been staying with a married sister, whose husband is bailiff to Mr. Bowley, for some time past. On Friday morning deceased left the house between seven and eight o`clock, and shortly afterwards she was found in a well at the Fir Tree Farm. Deceased was promptly taken from the well, and life was found to be extinct. The reason assigned for the rash act was that the unfortunate young woman had some misunderstanding with her friends. The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity”.

Folkestone News 1-8-1885

Local News

On Friday morning a distressing case of suicide occurred at Cheriton Street. A young girl of the name of Smeed, aged twenty one, deliberately threw herself head foremost down a well. The only reasons that can be assigned for the sad act are chiefly domestic troubles which had preyed on the poor girl`s mind for some time, although she had never shown any symptoms of attempting to take her own life. The body was discovered in the well a short time after she was missed, when a man descended by a ladder and affixed a rope to her, by which means the body was drawn to the surface. The head was much bruised through coming in contact with the side, and the face was also disfigured. An inquest was held on Saturday at the White Lion Inn before the East Kent Coroner, when the jury brought in a verdict of Temporary Insanity. The funeral took place on Sunday, great sympathy being felt towards the relatives and friends of the deceased.

Folkestone Express 23-10-1886

Hythe Petty Sessions

Thursday, October 21^st: Before Dr. Kirkpatrick, Col. Symes. Mr. Alured Denne, and Mr. H.C. Wildash

Feorge Smith and Thomas Compton were charged with being drunk on licensed premises, and refusing to quit the White Lion, Cheriton. It appeared from the evidence that defendants, in company with four others, were out driving when they called at the public house. Compton asked for half a gallon of beer and was refused. Smith, hearing this, then went and used abusive and threatening language towards the landlord. They had been previously drinking. Compton was fined £1, and Smith £1 10s. including costs.

Folkestone Express 22-10-1887

Hythe Borough Bench

Thursday, October 20^th: Before Major Kirkpatrick, Colonel Symes, J. Du Boulay Esq., Dr. Wildash, and H. Mackinnon Esq.

John Tappenden was charged with assaulting Henry Baldock at Cheriton on the 6^th inst.

The defendant did not appear, his wife stating that he was suffering from a sore throat, but he was ready to submit to any fine the Bench might inflict.

The complainant, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, said that on the occasion in question he was driving in Newington parish, and he met defendant driving in a cart. He made out as if to hit the pony, and instead of that he reversed the whip and struck him, the whip running round his neck. The man was the worse for drink, and he believed the act was an intentional one.

A witness named Golden, who was riding with defendant, gave evidence proving that defendant struck complainant without a cause.

Defendant was also summoned for an assault on an old man named Netley. The complaint in this case was the same as in the last. The cart passed the old man, when he was savagely struck with a whip by defendant.

The defendant`s wife pleaded Guilty on behalf of her husband.

In reply to the Bench, complainants said they did not press for a heavy penalty.

The Bench characterised it as a most wanton assault, and but for the leniency of complainants he would have been very severely dealt with. He would be fined 30s. with costs in each case, the time for payment of the same being a fortnight, or in default a month in each case.

Sandgate Visitors` List 31-7-1891

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Military Hospital on Saturday morning by Mr. Fielder (Deputy Coroner), on the body of Thomas Neal, a corporal in the 5^th Battalion Rifle Brigade, whose body was found in a copse in the Moors on Friday last.

The first witness called was John Hughes, who said he was a sergeant of C Company, 5^th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Militia), and was stationed at Shorncliffe. He last saw him alive on Thursday evening. He (witness) and Corporal Wilson were sitting in teh White Lion public house about 7 p.m., when deceased came in by himself. He was quite sober, and had a glass with them, and kept them company till they left the house at a quarter past nine. They left deceased there. He was then the worse for drink, but was not quarrelsome, nor was he talking to anyone in particular. There were other soldiers there, but there was no quarrelling with any of them. Deceased was addicted to drink, but when drunk was quiet. He was popular among the men, and he knew of no-one having a grudge against him. He again saw deceased at ten minutes to ten in Camp. He then had his sidearms on, and was going up the lines alone as if to answer his name at the staff parade. He was very much the worse for liquor, and staggered. He did not speak to him. He saw no more of him till about half past six next morning, when Private Davis told him there was a man strung up by his neck in the pea field. He went to the place. It was over a fence, and there was an incline of about 16ft. to 18 ft. There was a footpath at the top, but no fence. He found deceased with his head fixed tight between two trees. He was quite dead. The body was twisted round, and the weight of it had apparently strangled him. There was no appearance of a struggle. He ran for a constable, and the body was taken out and conveyed to the Hospital. There was no doctor present. The trees were about 12ft. from the top of the bank. Deceased must have fallen over the bank. His stick or belt were not there, but they were afterwards found. He must have broken out of Camp after answering his name. Hid did not suspect any foul play, or had he any reason to believe there was any.

Robert Davis said he was a private in deceased`s regiment, but did not know him. About six o`clock on Friday morning he met Private Charles, who told him he had found a dead man. There was no appearance of any struggle, and there were none of deceased`s possessions about. He had not heard anything to show that there was any ill-feeling against him.

Edward Charles, another private in the same regiment, said he did not know deceased, but he and Private Connor found him quite dead on Friday morning about six o`clock. He was lying round a bush with his head wedged tightly in between two small branches. There was no appearance of a struggle. They had to lift the boughs to get his head out. He did not think anyone could have placed him in that position. (Witness here described the exact position the body was in.) He naturally thought deceased had fallen down the bank.. It was quite possible to fall between the trees. As soon as he saw deceased he went back to the Camp for assistance, and he was removed to hospital. The Provost Marshal seemed to think deceased had fallen over.

Superintendent Maxted described the place where the body was found, and said it was quite possible for deceased to have fallen over the bank, and in the position in which it was stated he was found. He was not able to give them much information, as no notice was given to the police till the body was brought to the hospital.

Surgeaon J.P.S. Hayes, of the Medical Staff, said he saw the deceased between seven and eight o`clock on Friday morning at the Hospital. He could not give the cause of death. There was froth at the mouth, that looked as if deceased had been strangled. There also seemed to be a fracture at the base of the skull, and there was a wound at the back of the neck, as though the skin had been torn off by nails.

The Deputy Coroner said there must be a post mortem examination.

Private John Connor corroborated the evidence of the witness Charles as to finding deceased. They thought he was asleep. He knew him well at home. He was not a married man, was about 35 years of age, and was quite a respectable chap. He liked a drop of beer, but he never saw him in any row. He had heard of no ill-feeling against him, and had no reason to suspect foul play.

Frederick Melchior Raphael, a lieutenant in the 5^th Battalion Rifle Brigade, deposed to being called to the scene of the accident about twenty five minutes to seven on Friday morning. He described the exact position in which the body was found. Both sides of the neck were compressed. The branches above seemed swept down from the bank.

At this point the inquest was adjourned till Monday.

The adjourned inquest was held on Monday, the jury having previously viewed the spot where the body was found.

Dr. J.P.S. Hayes said he had made a post mortem examination of the body. He examined the lungs and trachea, and found the cause of death was strangulation, and, in his opinion, it was quite possible to be caused by the head being fixed between the two trees. There were some scratches on the face due to thorns, two bruises on the right arm, and one at the back of the neck, and over the right eye. There was no sign of any struggling. Deceased`s clothes were dirty in front, and there was blood on the coat collar. He thought he must have been stunned by the blow over the right eye, and was not able to extricate himself from between the two trees. The marks round his neck, which looked as if he had been strangled by a cord, were due to the collar of his tunic becoming stretched round it. Deceased was a powerful man, and it would have taken a number of men to have strangled him and place him in the position as described, unless he was under the influence of narcotics, but there was nothing in the stomach to lead him to believe that any narcotic had been used. He believed that deceased met his death by falling over the bank, and he did not suspect foul play.

Lieutenant Raphael was re-called. He said he was present when the body was removed, and considerable force had to be used to get the head out from between the trees.

Harry Mount, 12 years of age, residing at Enbrook Manor Farm, said he discovered the deceased about a quarter to six on Friday morning. He thought he was asleep, and went up to him to try to wake him. He could not do so, and he then thought he was the worse for drink. He met two other soldiers of the same regiment, and told them, but they did not go to him. He then went home and told his father. He did not see any stick or belt there.

Frederick Peden, a market gardener, of 2, Enbrook Villas, Cheriton, said he was near the scene of the accident about a quarter to eleven on Thursday evening. He saw a soldier of the Rifle Brigade sitting close to the road. When the latter saw him he got up and began to walk, but after going about six yards fell down across a small stream. He got up, but fell down again after going about the same distance. He was drunk and rolled about. He last saw him going through the corner of the hedge, and knowing he was on the right road to the Camp, took no more notice of him. There was no-one else about. The belt was found in the field where deceased had probably taken it off while siiting on the ground.

A few remarks were then made by the Deputy Coroner, and the jury, after a short consideration, gave a verdict of “Accidental Death”, but they added a rider to the effect that the police should have been communicated with before the body was removed from the spot.

The Deputy Coroner quite concurred with the jury, and said if that had been done it would have simplified the case, and there probably would have been no need for any adjournment.

Some of the jurymen remarked that they had been on two or three inquests connected with the Camp during the past year, but neither they nor the police got the help from the military authorities that they ought to have.

Sandgate Visitors` List 9-1-1892

Local News

Andrew Trod, a private in the King`s Dragoon Guards, was charged at the County Petty Sessions at Hythe on Thursday, with assaulting Sarah Baldock, wife of the landlord of the White Lion public house, Cheriton, on the 25^th ult.

Mr. Minter, who appeared for Mr. Baldock, said that the defendant and several companions went into the White Lion on the evening in question and called for drink, but Mr. Baldock refused to serve them as they were the worse for drink. They got very noisy and threatening. Mr. Baldock had occasion to leave the bar, leaving his wife in charge. Defendant asked her to supply him with drink, and on being refused, he insisted on getting behind the bar to serve himself. She refused to let him, and he immediately struck at her head, but she received the blow on her shoulder. Mrs. Baldock struck out at defendant with a pot she had in her hand and “landed him one” between the eyes. He struck at her several times after that, and began smashing the counter, and then left. Mr. Baldock went to the Camp next morning to identify the defendant, but did not get much assistance from the military authorities. Defendant afterwards went to him and apologised, but he would not accept it, as it might be said he was encouraging drunkenness. He wanted to conduct his house in a proper manner, and refused to serve anyone in drink.

Sarah Baldock corroborated what Mr. Minter had said. The defendant used violent language. She felt the blow on her shoulder ever since. On being refused liquor he attempted to break through the bar, and did damage to the bar fittings. Her husband had gone for assistance, but before he got back defendant and his companions had left.

John Shedd deposed to seeing defendant strike at Mrs. Baldock three times, and also damage the counter.

Mr. Baldock said he refused to serve defendant as they had had sufficient. He went to the Camp for assistance. The damage done would cost about 10s. to repair. The next morning he went to the Camp and informed the Military Police of the row. He did not go to the regimental authorities, as he knew it was no good, because if there was a parade the defendant was never there.

Defendant said he did not strike at Mrs. Baldock, but at the engine to get the beer. He was angry at being refused drink. The landlady afterwards let them have the drink. He went to Mr. Baldock the next morning to apologise and pay for the damage, but he said he should show him up.

Two other soldiers corroborated what defendant said, but Mrs. Baldock denied serving them.

Police Sergt. Styles deposed to being called to the White Lion on the 25^th a little before nine o`clock. Defendant was in the house. He did not see Mrs. Baldock serve him with drink. He went away quietly. He was not asked to eject him.

The Sergt. Major of defendant`s troop gave him an excellent character. He was one of the best men in the troop, and previous to leaving India was a teetotaller for three years.

Mr. Minter said after hearing defendant`s character, and considering the time of the year, prosecutor did not wish to press the charge, but merely to get protection.

The Chairman of the Bench (Mr. Du Boulay) said that when the licences were last granted they impressed upon landlords that they must not serve men in drink, and the Bench wished to make it known that they were determined to support the law in this respect.

Defendant was fined 10s. and 17s. 6d. costs.

   

Folkestone Express 16-1-1892

Local News

Mr. DuBoulay, in commending Mr. Baldock, of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, for refusing to serve a soldier with liquor when he showed signs of having had enough, at the last County Petty Sessions, Hythe, has done a good turn to publicans. He has thereby shown that when they do their duty the magistrates appreciate their conduct. A publican wo desires to retain the respectability of his house will unhesitatingly refuse to serve a man in liquor, for, in the first place, such a one is a nuisance to the other customers, secondly, he is a reflection on the credit of the establishment, and thirdly, a just landlord will say, in consequence of the man`s indiscretion something serious might happen, and I, at least, will not be responsible for the consequence. Houses conducted in this fashion deserve the warmest support of the Bench, when an example is sought to be made of an obstreperous and insulting would-be customer.

 

Folkestone Visitors` List 27-7-1892

Inquest

An inquest was held at Cheriton on Monday morning before Mr. Coroner Mercer and a jury, upon the body of a labourer named Frederick Day, who lost his life the previous Friday. Considerable talk had been occasioned in the village, as it was rumoured that the accident was due to the necessary precautions having been neglected in connection with the work in which the deceased was engaged at the time of his death. The evidence of two witnesses (the only ones called), however, effectually disposed of this, and proved that it was due to causes which the most careful foresight could not have prevented. The unfortunate man, who was 35 years of age, and a native of a village near Maidstone, was engaged in laying the pipes in connection with the new Cheriton drainage, of which Mr. Conley is the contractor. The portion in which he was working, in company with a couple of other navvies, was situate in Tile Kiln Lane. It had been sunk to a depth of 7 ft. 3 in., and the width was 2 ft. 6 in. While the three men were at work, the two men named Goldsack and Pain working about six feet from the deceased, the latter noticed the earth giving way, and they shouted out to Day. Goldsack managed to creep into the tunnel, and Pain jumped upon the heading, and both thus escaped, although Goldsack`s arm was badly bruised by the falling mass. Day, however, was unable to get out of the way in time, and he was covered by the debris up to his neck, death being instantaneous. It took about an hour to get the body out. Both of the witnesses – Goldsack having had twenty years` experience as a navvy – declared that when they went down into the pit they considered it quite safe or they would have had the sides shored up, there being plenty of wood lying about for the purpose. The deceased was a man who had also worked at navvying for years, and he made no complaint. They were of opinion that the fall of earth was caused by a “wane” in the clay, which no-one would notice. The Coroner put it to the jury whether they considered there had been any negligence, and they replied in the negative, returning a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-7-1892

Inquest

A shocking accident, resulting in the death of a labourer named Frederick Day, occurred at the new drainage works at Cheriton on Friday afternoon. The work, which is being carried out by Mr. Councillor Conley, had proceeded as far as Foster`s Steam Laundry, and it was at this point that the unfortunate man was engaged, when the earth on the side of the road nearest Rose Cottages gave way and buried him. Three other workmen had very narrow escapes, one man, named Goldsack, receiving slight injuries to his arm. A great many rumours were scattered broadcast reflecting negligence on the part of the contractor for not having strutted the cutting, but, whether or not there was any justification for them, the public can best gather from the proceedings at the inquest, which was held at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, by the County Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer), at the untimely hour of 8.30 on Monday morning.

The jury having viewed the body, which was lying in the adjoining skittle alley, the Coroner remarked that he should want their assistance in this case, as it would require special enquiry, and he trusted the jury would ask any questions they thought necessary.

William Goldsack was then called, and stated that he was a navvy, and lived at 3, Oak Cottages, Cheriton. He had known the deceased for the last four years. He was a general labourer, and lived in Chapel Street, Sandgate, with a man named Trice. During the time he had known him, he had been about the country “navvying”. He had worked with him at Sheerness and Ramsgate, on drainage works and shifting earth. He did not know his age, but he should judge him to be about 35. He told witness that he belonged just about Maidstone. Yalding, he thought he said. He was with the deceased on Friday when the accident occurred. They were working together in the cutting when the earth came in.

The Coroner: What were you doing? – We were digging, sir.

Were you close to him? – Yes, sir.

How close? – About six feet from him.

Were you both down in the cutting? – Yes, sir.

How deep was the cutting? - 7 ft. 3 in.

Both where you were standing, and where the deceased was standing also? – Yes, sir.

Were you working behind or in front of him? – In front, sir; we were working to meet each other.

There were more men there, I suppose? – Two more, sir; there were four men in the trench altogether. One man saw it coming, and jumped into the heading. He got out at the other end. The heading is a little tunnel. The deceased was working with a shovel when the stuff came in.

Did you see the earth fall? – Yes; I saw it coming just in time to jump by it. It only fell on one side – on my right hand side. I jumped on the opposite side to get out of the trench, and the stuff caught my arm. Which way I got out, I can`t say. There was a benching – what we call a benching – in the trench, and I had just got one leg out when it caught my arm. It held me there about a minute. I managed to disengage myself and get out.

Was there any ladder in the trench? – No, sir; I got up on the benching.

And what`s a “benching”? – Well, a part of a trench which is not sunk down so deep as the other. When I got up I saw that the deceased was buried. His head was out. We could see his head. He looked very pale, and we could see that he was dead.

He was buried up to where? – Up to his shoulders.

His head was not hurt, was it? – He was smashed, I think, sir. You see, it was a very narrow place.

How wide was it? – Two feet.

Do you mean to say that when you got up on to the road he was dead? – Yes, sir.

It did not take a minute, then? – No, sir; not half a minute. The man never spoke.

Did you assist afterwards to get him out? – Yes, I did my best. I couldn`t do very much, as my arm got hurt. There were plenty of other men there.

How long was it before the body was rescued? – It took about an hour, sir. His shovel was broken when we dug it out.

Was the deceased standing perfectly erect? – Yes, sir; it being a narrow place, it could not very well knock him down.

How long have you been on this job? – About a fortnight.

With the deceased? – Yes; he was there five days before I was.

How far have you worked in the fortnight? – We were working up the other street before we went down there.

Was that as narrow? – No, sir; that was 3 ft. 6 in.

Is 2 ft. 6 in. the usual width? – That`s the proper width, sir.

Do you go down wider if you are going down 14 or 15 feet than you would if you were only going down four or five feet? – No, sir; 2 ft. 6 in. is the proper width for a 12 in. pipe.

If you were going down fourteen feet you would shore it up with boards, wouldn`t you? – Yes, sir.

Then the timber would take up a little bit of room? – Yes, a little bit.

Did you shore up any of this work? – No, sir, not there.

Why not? – We didn`t think it wanted it amongst that clay.

Was the soil dry? – Yes; it was dry clay. It is for the man in charge to put the timbers in if they are wanted. The contractor generally puts a timber-minder on, if any wants doing.

You are paid by the day. And the deceased and the other men, I suppose? – Yes, sir.

There were four of you doing navvying work, as you call it. Was anyone in charge? – The ganger was not far away. There were 13 or 14 men in the gang. Some of them were working further up the road. The ganger looks after the whole of the work.

Is he the man who would have the looking after the timber? – Yes, sir.

If you had thought it dangerous, should you have asked him to shore it up? – We would have got out of the hole. I should have refused to work in it if I had thought it dangerous.

Was there any timber there if you wanted it? – Yes, it was lying close to the work.

If you want timber at any time, is there any objection to it? – No, sir; there is always plenty of timber if we think there is any danger. They will always put it down if we want it.

Does he never say “I think you had better have the timber down there”? – No, I have never heard him say so.

What made the earth fall in, do you suppose? – There was a wain (seam) about four feet from the bottom, and that caused it to slip. It slipped from the bottom first.

Mr. Conley: How long have you been accustomed to navvy work? – Twenty years – close on it.

William Pain was the next witness. He said he lived at 3, Oak Cottages, Cheriton, and was a labourer in the employ of Mr. Conley. He was working at the drainage works with the deceased, and was about eight feet away from him at the time of the slip. He heard a man shout out and then saw the earth fall. The first piece fell between deceased and Goldsack. He then turned himself round to make for the heading and, as witness could not get up, he went into the heading also. The earth nearly all came in at once. It caught the deceased. His feet seemed to have got entangled with his shovel, as they were twisted under it when they got him out.

The Coroner: Was the heading safe? – Yes, sir; as soon as the earth had done falling, I got a pick, and began to clear it away from the deceased.

Did he speak? – No, he was buried up to the shoulders.

How long were you getting him out? – About twenty minutes, sir.

Did you have to widen the trench? – No, he was killed instantly.

Did you see any movement on his face? – No.

Why didn`t you have the place shored up? – We thought it was safe enough without.

Did you speak about it? – No, sir.

Was there any timber by? – Yes; we could have had it put down if we had spoken about it.

How long have you been used to navvying work? – About four or five years; in places where it has been shored up, and places where it hasn`t.

Have you ever had to ask for cuttings to be shored up? – Never; it has always been put in. I I thought this place was dangerous, I should not have worked there.

Did anyone speak about it? – I never heard anyone, and there were good deal older men than me there.

The Coroner (to the jury): The real question is, gentlemen, whether there was any negligence. Both witnesses state that they did not consider it was dangerous, or they would have had it shored up.

The foreman said it was not usual to put in timber for that depth.

The Coroner: But it seems a big depth?

The Foreman: It is not a very unusual depth to work without timber. Plenty of men work lower without it.

Mr. Kesby asked if there would not be some oscillation from the steam laundry just at that point.

The Foreman: I dare say it might make a difference.

A juror remarked that the occupant of a cottage on the opposite side of the road said the machinery fairly shook the house.

The jury did not consider it necessary to call any further evidence, and returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was accidentally killed by earth falling on him.

Folkestone Express 30-7-1892

Inquest

An inquest was held at the White Lion, Cheriton, on Monday morning, on Frederick Day, 36, navvy, who came to his death under the following circumstances:

Robert Goldsack stated that he was at work on Friday, the 22^nd inst., in Tile Kiln Lane, near Mr. Foster`s Laundry, engaged in excavations for drainage purpose. Deceased was standing in a trench seven or eight feet deep. He saw the earth slip and contrived to get on a ledge and thus managed to escape. The workmen did not think the spot dangerous, for they were asked whether they thought it desirable to shore up the earth, and were of opinion that such a precaution was not necessary. When the earth fell in witness almost immediately saw deceased with his body covered up to his shoulders. He then appeared quite dead.

William Pain, another workman, said he was working within three feet of deceased. He saw a lot of earth fall and managed to step into a hole close by. He did not think at the time when they were on the work that any shoring was necessary.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Herald 30-7-1892

Inquest

Last week we reported the particulars of a fatal accident which occurred on Friday afternoon, whereby a navvy, named Frederick Day, aged 35, who was engaged in the Cheriton drainage works, lost his life. This formed the subject of an enquiry held before Mr. Coroner R.M. Mercer, at the White Lion inn, before a jury.

Only two witnesses were called, William Goldsack and Geo. Payne, both navvies, who were working with deceased at the time of the fatality. Their evidence was very conclusive, and showed that it was a pure accident. It appeared that they had been engaged in digging a trench for the laying of the pipes for the drainage. The part in which the deceased and the other two men were working was about 7 ft. in depth, not 11 ft., as we stated in our report last week. In one portion of the trench, close by, was what is known as a “heading”, which reduced the depth in that particular part to about 4 ft. The width of the excavation was 2 ft. 6 in. At various points the road had not been trenched, but tunnelled for short distances. During the afternoon, whilst the three men were at work in the trench, a fall of earth took place. Goldsack saved himself by jumping on the heading, not before, however, his arm had been severely bruised by the debris. Payne, who had also seen it coming, got into the tunnel, and thus was out of harm`s reach.

The unfortunate man Day, however, seems to have been either unable to get out of the way or not to have seen his danger, for in a moment he was penned in by the earth up to his shoulders. The witnesses stated that his death was instantaneous – in fact he never spoke or moved after the earth had fallen upon him. He was standing upright at the time, and when after an hour`s work the body was got out it was found that one of his legs had been twisted round the spade with which he had been working.

The two men were closely questioned by the Coroner and jury as to whether or not the sides of the excavation ought to have been shored up, but they both agreed – and Goldsack had had 20 years` experience in similar work – that as fas as they could judge there was not the slightest necessity for it. In fact, they both said “We should not have gone down had we thought there was any danger”. They also added that there was plenty of timber lying about close to their work for them to have shored up the sides if they had considered it necessary, and they had only to speak to the ganger to have it done. The fact was, said Goldsack, there was a “wane” there. By a “wane”, which is a term in use among navvies, is meant, we believe, a hidden fissure which has been eaten away by the water, and which would escape the minutest examination. This had weakened the soil, and hence the catastrophe.

The only question, said the Coroner, addressing the jury, is “Was there any negligence?” The jury emphatically replied in the negative and returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

The deceased was an unmarried man, and a native of a village near Maidstone. He was buried on Monday at the expense of Mr. Conley, the contractor of the works, who with Mrs. Conley sent a beautiful wreath to lay upon the coffin. A large number of the poor fellow`s comrades attended the funeral, and after the lesson a short and feeling address was given by the vicar, the Rev. W.B. Buckwell.

Folkestone Herald 3-6-1893

Local News

On Thursday evening last, Mr. Baldock, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, narrowly escaped being gored to death by a bull. He was on his farm at Newington, when, without the slightest warning, the infuriated animal knocked him down, inflicting frightful injuries upon him. Three of his ribs were broken, his face lacerated, and clothing torn to shreds. The bull pinned him with it`s horns to the earth, Mr. Baldock crying for assistance. This was happily soon forthcoming. Mr. Tom Turner, with considerable presence of mind, ran for his gun, which happened to be in a cart close by. He fired a volley of shot at the animal, and this had the effect of frightening it away from Baldock, who was with difficulty rescued. By this time several others had appeared on the scene, and after eight shots had been fired the bull, which was in a terrible rage, was dispatched by Mr. Lipscombe. On enquiry yesterday afternoon we were informed that Mr. Baldock was in a serious condition, consequent on the shock and the injuries he has received.

Folkestone Express 10-6-1893

Local News

A very serious accident happened on Thursday to Mr. Baldock, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, who was gored by a bull on his farm at Newington. The bull is kept for stock purposes. Mr. Baldock went into the enclosure where it was kept, carrying in his hand a pitchfork. The bull rushed at him, knocked him down, trampled upon him, and gored him, with the result, it is said, that three ribs were broken, his face was bruised, and he was otherwise injured. Mr. Thomas Turner, son of Mr. Turner of the Waterworks, was near, and he had a shot loaded gun, but feared to fire at the bull`s head, lest he should injure Mr. Baldock. But he fired at the animal`s side and drove it back. It was, however, despatched by a shot from Mr. Lipscombe, Mr. Brockman`s steward. On Thursday Mr. Baldock was progressing favourably.

Folkestone Chronicle 3-3-1894

Inquest

An inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, on Monday afternoon, before Mr. R.M. Mercer, Coroner for East Kent, on the body of Harriett Sarah Jane James, a single girl, aged 18, who met her death through accidentally treading on a rusty nail.

The deceased, who was, we believe, a native of Battersea, London, was employed at Foster`s Steam Laundry. She was an orphan, but that she was held in good repute is evidenced by the fact that her fellow works, and others employed in adjoining laundries, subscribed to defray the expenses of her burial, which took place at the Cemetery on Tuesday.

The Coroner explained that it was an extraordinary case, and he was compelled to hold an inquest, as neither himself nor the doctor could give a certificate when death had occurred from other than natural causes.

Mr. Pilcher, builder, was the foreman of the jury as the two following witnesses were called.

Dr. Henry Albert Powell stated that the deceased came to him at his office in Cheriton on Monday, the 19^th February, about midday. She complained of stiffness in the jaws after injury to her toe with a rusty nail, which she stated had occurred through running the nail into her foot. She was going to the Post Office when a gust of wind took her, and, in whirling her round she trod upon the nail. He examined her foot. There was a punctured wound on the big toe. She asked if she should go to the hospital, and he told her no. The reason he did so was because the hospital was in want of funds, and could only take urgent cases. She said she had no money, but he told her not to mind; that he would look after her case. He attended her up to the time of her death, seeing her at nine o`clock on the previous evening. She had convulsive seizures, due to contraction of the muscles. There were tetanic symptoms, but she did not die from lockjaw, but from exhaustion, brought about by the fever, induced by tetanus. The nail went right through the leather of the boot, and the wound was about an inch in depth. Deceased was in a very good state of health, but the wound did not bleed, and consequently there was no exit for the poisonous microbe.

Mrs. Elizabeth Denne stated that deceased came to lodge with her at 5, Ashley Villas at the beginning of last July. She was nineteen years of age on the 1^st of last January. On the 12^th February the deceased had been to take a letter to the post for her between eleven and twelve. When she returned in about a quarter of an hour`s time, she complained that she had run a nail in her big toe. She still had it in her foot at the time, having walked home with it, as she could not get it out. Witness helped her to pull it out. It had gone through the boot by a little over an inch. When they pulled it out she nearly fainted, and remarked that her toe felt numbed. She afterwards poulticed it. On Monday, when she saw the doctor, she complained very much of stiffness in her jaws, and was very much afraid of lockjaw. She died on Friday, about seven in the morning. She would take food, except when she had the fits. Then she had to be fed.

The jury returned a verdict that death was due to tetanus, caused by accidentally running a nail into her foot.

Folkestone Express 29-9-1894

Hythe County Sessions

Thursday, September 27^th: Before Dr. Alston, Captain Baldwin, A.S. Jones Esq., and Captain mansell, R.N.

Robert Gibson Templeton, a private in the Scots Fusiliers, was charged with stealing a quart pewter pot and a glass, the property of a publican named Mr. Baldock, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton.

The prisoner was in the house just before closing time, and the pot was missed after he left. P.C. Patrick went in search of the prisoner and found him in company with others in Risborough Lane. One of the military police found the glass in his overcoat, and the quart pot was discovered in an adjoining garden. When prisoner was brought to the landlady for identification she said she had seen him in the bar drinking, before the articles were missed.

Prisoner declared that the glass had been given to him by a comrade who had gone to India, and that he knew nothing about the pewter pot.

An officer gave prisoner an excellent character, and intimated that he was included in the next draft of the regiment for India.

The Chairman said the charge had been proved. They were inclined to look upon it as one of those foolish drunken freaks of which, unhappily, some young men were guilty. He would strongly advise prisoner to sign the pledge before he went to India. Drink was a curse to the country, ruining body and soul, and was the direct traceable cause of most of the military offences brought before them. They were dealing lightly with prisoner by discharging him, and in binding him over in his own surety of £10 to come up for judgement when called upon.

The Superintendent said there had been great complaints against soldiers taking away glasses from public houses. The landlord of the White Lion had lost several in a week. He hoped that this case would put a stop to the practice.

Folkestone Express 22-6-1895

Hythe Police Court

Thursday, June 20^th: Before J. DuBoulay and A.S. Jones Esqs., Dr. Alston, Captain Mansell R.N., and F.D. Brockman Esq.

Henry Feldwick, a private in the 7^th Dragoon Guards, was summoned for being drunk, and refusing to quit the White Lion, Cheriton, on June 14^th. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty to being drunk.

Mr. Haines, who appeared for Mr. Baldock, briefly stated the case. The hearing occupied a very long time, and in the result defendant was fined 10s. and 41s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 7-12-1895

Local News

Much excitement was caused in Cheriton on Thursday morning when it became known that overnight a burglary had been committed under exceptional circumstances at the White Lion Inn, Cheriton. So many wild rumours have been in circulation in regard to this matter that we at once despatched a representative to Cheriton to find out the true facts of the case, which are as follows;-

Mr. and Mrs. Bladock had retired to rest and the former was soon asleep, whilst the latter lay awake, and in the dead of the night she heard strange sounds below. Mrs. Baldock aroused her husband, who hastily dressed himself, opened the bedroom window gently, crept stealthily along the outside verandah, to the place from whence the sounds proceeded. In the dim light Baldock espied something lying at full length on a bank a few feet off, but it turned out to be a suit of men`s clothes and a pair of boots. These the landlord secured, and creeping round the house he securely locked them up in one of his outhouses. Baldock then entered the house, and the honest watch dog barked loudly. On entering the bar it was found that the place was topsy turvy, that the till had been robbed, and that a pane of glass about 20in. by 10in. had been broken. On further examination, and much to Bladock`s surprise, a man, almost in a state of nudity, bounded out from his place of concealment, and made for the central entrance. Before he could gain this, a terrific struggle took place, and the intruder repeatedly threatened to shoot Bladock with a revolver. Eventually a light was secured, and of all the persons in the world the burglar was found to be no other than Corporal Spicer, of the Military Police, who resides in Cheriton. The landlord being unarmed, and knowing this man, and under further threats, was induced to hand over to the burglar his clothing, and after getting outside, Mr. Baldock allowed the burglar to proceed to his home, and in the meantime communicated with the police.

Two constables at once proceeded to Spicer`s house, one went to the front, the other at the back. Seeing that resistance was futile, the Military Policeman surrendered “hands down”, but not before he had thrown a bag out of the window, which it was subsequently discovered contained £5 in various coins of the realm. Prisoner was at once marched off to Seabrook, and charged with the offence.

Spicer has served in the Army 12 years, and has been married five months. As a guardian of law and order he was much respected in Cheriton, and his capture is the sole topic of conversation in the neighbouring community, the inhabitants of which are naturally considerably alarmed.

  

Folkestone Visitors` List 11-12-1895

Kaleidoscope

Burglars in the district are on the increase. The latest burglary was at the White Lion public house, Cheriton, on Wednesday night or Thursday morning. It appears that when Mr. and Mrs. Baldock retired late at night, they left the premises perfectly secured. It was some time before Mrs. Baldock went to sleep, and she was somewhat startled to hear sounds as though someone was in the rooms below the bedroom.. She awake Mr. Baldock, who made his way to the place from where the sounds came.

He was astonished to see a man almost devoid of clothing. He arrested the man, and after a struggle he was surprised to find that the burglar was none other than a corporal of the military police, who was resident at Cheriton.

Mr. Bladock, previous to finding his man, found his clothes lying outside the premises, and when he made certain that it was Spicer, the corporal, he let him go. In consequence of the threats used by the soldier, however, Mr. Baldock found it necessary to give information to the police, with the result that soon afterwards Corporal Spicer was arrested at his own house. Previous to this, however, he threw a bag out of one of the windows, and this bag was afterwards found to contain a sum of £5 – the proceeds, it is supposed, of Mr. Baldock`s till, which had been ransacked.

Corporal Spicer was married only a few months ago, and during the time that he has resided in the village, he was esteemed and respected by his neighbours, with all of whom he has always been on the most friendly terms. This burglary has caused quite a sensation in the village

Folkestone Express 11-12-1895

Local News

Additional light was thrown upon the extraordinary circumstances connected with the burglary at the White Lion, Cheriton, at the Magisterial proceedings which were conducted before the Hythe County Magistrates on Thursday, when the accused, Richard Lee Spicer, a corporal in the Military Police, was indicted for burglariously breaking into the dwelling of Henry Baldock, and stealing money and articles to the value of £5 5s. 10½d., on the 4^th December.

Sarah Baldock said: I am the wife of Henry Baldock, licensed victualler, and live at the White Lion, Cheriton. I and my husband retired to rest about 10 minutes to 12 on the 4^th of December. The house was properly locked up. I was awakened about 10 minutes to one by a noise as if someone was forcing a door or a window. I listened for a little while, and then heard it again. I called for my husband, who got up, dressed, got out of the bedroom window, and went along the lead to the end of the bar, where there was a lead light. He got down into the garden, and I heard his voice. I dressed and went to the bar, and found the till had been forced open. There was some money on the counter, and different things strewn about. The cardboard box now produced, with money in it, was on the counter. The small cigar box produced was in the till, and contained 3s. 3d. worth of stamps. I had seen money in the till before it was locked up, about £4 or £5 in silver and coppers. I picked up the shirt produced outside the centre door of the house. There was some money in it, about £1 0s. 1¼d. I know the prisoner, and I recognised his voice when he was in the road talking to my husband. I saw him walk up the road with my husband. It was moonlight, and the prisoner had only his trousers and shirt on.

Henry Baldock deposed: I am the landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton. On the 4^th of December I locked my house up at eleven o`clock, and also locked the till, in which there was about £5 worth of silver and copper. I took the gold out. The small cigar box now produced was in there with some stamps in it. About one o`clock my wife woke me up, and I heard a noise, as of someone breaking something. I dressed, got out of the bedroom window, and went along the lead verandah. I saw some clothes, and a pair of jackboots, that seemed to me to be laying in the same way a man might. I took the boots and clothes and put them in a wood lodge. They were laying close to the window, in the garden. I saw the glass of the window was broken. The window, which was fastened overnight, was shut, but not fastened. I went into the yard, and my dog barked, and I heard someone moving in the house. I walked up the road about ten rods, to go for the police. I returned again, and the prisoner came out of the middle door of the house. I heard him unlock it. I heard him drop something in the road, close to the door, and he said “You have captured me, have you. I will give myself up. I have already done 12 years and have lost £40”. I asked him to go with me to the Sergeant of the Police, and he went with me about 10 or 12 yards. He then said “I will not go any further without you give me my clothes. If you don`t, I will blow your brains out with my revolver”. I said “We`ll go back and see”. When in front of the house we had a struggle, and he again threatened me. I took him to where I had put his clothes, and he put on his overcoat and also his boots. He got his cap from near the window. I did not see the revolver. He said “I want to get away”, and as I knew him, I let him go, and gave information to the police. I went back to the house with P.S. Wenham, and found the till and two other drawers had been broken open, and things lying all over the place. I went with P.S. Wenham to the prisoner`s house, and P.C. Wenham arrested him. I then drove them to Seabrook. I saw the tool now produced in the bar. The cigars are my property. When I first saw the prisoner he had a shirt and knee breeches on, but no boots.

By prisoner: I am positive you threatened to shoot me.

Witness: Prisoner threatened to shoot me first about ten yards from the house.

Maria Read, living at Leopold Villa, Cheriton, said the prisoner lodged with her mother. He came in about three minutes past one on the morning of the 5^th inst. She heard him come upstairs.

P.S. Wenham said: About 1.30 on the morning of the 5^th inst., from information I received from Mr. Baldock, I went down to his house and found a window in the bar broken. I examined the place and found the till had been broken open. I found the screwdriver produced on the floor near the till. I also found sixpence on the floor. I saw 6d. and 15 farthings lying on the counter, and 9 farthings and three half-pence on the dresser, 1 cigar in the public bar, 1 cigar in the bar where they served, three on the dresser, a box containing 13 on the dresser, and a cardboard box with copper in it on the counter. The coppers in the bag I received from Mrs. Baldock. I picked 8d. up outside the door. The hole in the window was large enough for a man to get in. It was the top pane. The window was not fastened when I got there. I then went with P.C. Martin and Mr. Baldock in search of the prisoner. I went to Shorncliffe Camp, and afterwards to prisoner`s house at Cheriton. I saw the prisoner, arrested him, and charged him with burglariously entering the house of Mr. Baldock, the White Lion, Cheriton, and stealing money, cigars, and postage stamps. He made no reply, and was then taken to Seabrook. He was searched in my presence; 3s. 3d. in stamps was found on him, and 3s. 9d. in silver. After I returned to Cheriton, I received the handkerchief and £1 3s. 5½d. in silver and coppers now produced from P.C. Martin.

P.C. Martin said: About 5 a.m. on the morning of the 5^th of December, I went with the last witness to prisoner`s house. Sergeant Wenham went inside, and I remained outside. I saw prisoner throw something out of the window. I afterwards searched for it, and found the handkerchief now produced and £1 3s. 5½d. in it. I subsequently handed the same to Sergeant Wenham.

When asked to make a statement, prisoner said “I do not wish to say anything”. He was then committed for trial at the Kent Assizes.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-12-1895

Local News

At the Hythe County Police Court on Thursday, Robert Lee Spicer, a corporal in the Military Police, was charged with breaking into the White Lion Inn, at Cheriton, and stealing therefrom money and goods to the value of £5 5s. 10½d., the property of Henry Baldock.

Sarah Baldock said: I am the wife of Henry Baldock, licensed victualler, and live at the White Lion, Cheriton. I and my husband retired to rest about 10 minutes to 12 on the 4^th of December. The house was properly locked up. I was awakened about ten minutes to one by a noise, as if someone was forcing a door or a window. I listened for a little while, and then heard it again. I called my husband, who got up, dressed, got out of the bedroom window, and went along the lead to the end of the bar, where there was a lead light. He got down into the garden and I heard his voice. I dressed and went to the bar, and found the till had been forced open. There was some money on the counter, and different things strewn about. The cardboard box now produced, with money in it, was on the counter. The small cigar box now produced was in the till the night before, and contained 3s. 3d. worth of stamps. I had seen money in the till before it was locked up, about £4 or £5 in silver and coppers. I picked up the shirt produced outside the centre door of the house. There was some money in it, about £1 0s. 1¼d. I know the prisoner, and I recognised his voice when he was in the road talking to my husband. I saw him walk up the road with my husband. It was moonlight, and the prisoner had only his shirt and trousers on.

Henry Baldock deposed: I am the landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton. On the 4^th of December I locked my house up at eleven o`clock, and also locked the till, in which there was about £5 worth of silver and copper. I took the gold out. The small cigar box now produced was in there with some stamps in it. About one o`clock my wife woke me up, and I heard a noise as of someone breaking something. I dressed, got out of the bedroom window, and went along the lead verandah. I saw some clothes, and a pair of jackboots that seemed to be laying in the same way a man would. I took the boots and clothes and put them in a wood lodge. They were laying close to the window, in the garden. I saw the glass of the window was broken. The window, which was fastened overnight, was shut, but not fastened. I went into the yard, and my dog barked, and I heard someone moving in the house. I walked up the road about ten rods to go for the police. I returned again, and the prisoner came out of the middle door of the house. I heard him unlock it. I heard him drop something in the road, close to the door, and he said “You have captured me, have you. I will give myself up. I have already done 12 years, and have lost £40”. I asked him to go with me to the sergeant of the police, and he went with me about ten or twelve yards. He then said “I will not go any further with you. Give me my clothes. If you don`t I will blow your brains out with my revolver”. I said “We`ll go back and see”. When in front of the house we had a struggle, and he again threatened me. I took him to where I had put his clothes, and he put on his overcoat, and also his boots. He got his cap from near the window. I did not see the revolver. He said “I want to get away”, and as I knew him, I let him go, and gave information to the police. I went back to the house with P.S. Wenham, and found the till and two other drawers had been broken open, and things lying all over the place. I went with P.S. Wenham to the prisoner`s house, and he arrested him. I then drove them to Seabrook. I saw the tool now produced in the bar. The cigars are my property. When I first saw the prisoner he had a shirt and knee breeches on, but no boots.

By prisoner: I am positive you threatened to shoot me.

Witness: Prisoner threatened to shoot me first about ten yards from the house.

Maria Read, living at Leopold Villa, Cheriton, said the prisoner lodged with her mother. He came in about three minutes past one on the morning of the 5^th inst. She heard him come upstairs.

P.S. Wenham said: About 1.30 on the morning of the 5^th inst., from information I received from Mr. Baldock, I went down to his house and found a window in the bar broken. I examined the place and found the till had been broken open. I found the screwdriver produced on the floor near the till. I also found sixpence on the floor. I saw 6d. and 15 farthings lying on the counter, and 9 farthings and three half-pence on the dresser, 1 cigar in the public bar, 1 cigar in the bar where they served, three on the dresser, a box containing 13 on the dresser, and a cardboard box with copper in it on the counter. The coppers in the bag I received from Mrs. Baldock. I picked 8d. up outside the door. The hole in the window was large enough for a man to get in. It was the top pane. The window was not fastened when I got there. I then went with P.C. Martin and Mr. Baldock in search of the prisoner. I went to Shorncliffe Camp, and afterwards to prisoner`s house at Cheriton. I saw the prisoner, arrested him, and charged him with burglariously entering the house of Mr. Baldock, the White Lion, Cheriton, and stealing money, cigars, and postage stamps. He made no reply, and was then taken to Seabrook. He was searched in my presence; 3s. 3d. in stamps was found on him, and 3s. 9d. in silver. After I returned to Cheriton, I received the handkerchief and £1 3s. 5½d. in silver and coppers now produced from P.C. Martin.

P.C. Martin said: About 5 a.m. on the morning of the 5^th of December, I went with the last witness to prisoner`s house. Sergeant Wenham went inside, and I remained outside. I saw prisoner throw something out of the window. I afterwards searched for it, and found the handkerchief now produced and £1 3s. 5½d. in it. I subsequently handed the same to Sergeant Wenham.

When asked to make a statement, prisoner said “I do not wish to say anything”. He was then committed for trial at the Kent Assizes.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-1-1896

Winter Assizes

Monday, January 20^th: Before Mr. Justice Cave.

The prisoner Spicer, soldier, who had pleaded Guilty on Saturday, was now brought up, and bound over in his own recognisances to come up for judgement when called upon.

Folkestone Express 25-1-1896

Local News

At the Assizes Richard Ley Spencer pleaded Guilty to burglary at the White Lion, Cheriton. He received a good character, and was bound over to come up for judgement if called upon.

Folkestone Herald 25-1-1896

Local Jottings

At the Kent Assizes, before Mr. Justice Cave, Richard Ley Spicer, 26, soldier, pleaded Guilty to burglariously entering the dwelling house of Henry Baldock, and stealing £4 9s. 10½ d. in money, and various articles, belonging to the said Henry Baldock, at Cheriton, on the 5^th December. It appeared that prisoner had served about five years in the Dragoons, and also about five years in the Mounted Military Police. The articles stolen by prisoner had, it was stated, been recovered. Prisoner was given a good character by a sergeant-major of the Military Police. He was bound over to come up for judgement if called upon.

   

Folkestone Visitors` List 29-1-1896

Notes

The military policeman who broke into the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, got off very lightly at the Court of Assize. He was bound over to come up for judgement when called upon. This was because he had previously borne a good character. Doesn`t this show the importance of always maintaining a good character?

Folkestone Express 7-11-1896

Local News

Stephen Tutt was charged at Hythe on Thursday last with being disorderly and refusing to quit the White Lion, Cheriton. Mr. Haines prosecuted on behalf of the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers` Association, and the Bench inflicted a fine of £1 and 9s. costs, or in default one month`s hard labour. He was afterwards charged with being drunk and disorderly in Cheriton Street on the same date, and a further penalty of 10s, including costs, was imposed. P.C. Wenham proved the cases.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-1-1897

Inquest

An inquest on the body of Michael Reilley, a private in the Army Service Corps, who was run over and cur to pieces by a goods train on Saturday morning, was held at the Red Lion (sic), Cheriton, on Monday afternoon, before the County Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer).

Charles Uden, living at 24, Longfield Road, Dover, said he was the driver of a goods train on the South Eastern Railway from Ashford to Dover, which left Ashford at 4.05 a.m. on Saturday.

The Coroner: I don`t understand. It has been reported to me that this train left London at ten minutes to eight the night before.

Witness: I can explain how that mistake arose, sir. A London man works the train from London to Ashford, and I take the train from Ashford to Dover.

Continuing, he said about six a.m. on the morning of 2^nd January they ran over something between Cheriton Junction and Shorncliffe Station, but could not see what it was as it was quite dark. On arrival at Shorncliffe Station he reported the matter to the signalman there.

P.C. Drury, stationed at Cheriton, said about a quarter to seven on the morning of the 2^nd he received information that a man had been run over up the line, and he proceeded to the spot where he had been told the occurrence took place. He found deceased, in uniform, lying in the six foot way. He was quite dead. His skull was smashed, his left foot cut off, and his right limbs and side smashed. He got assistance and brought the remains to the White Lion. From enquiries he subsequently made he found he was in the Army Service Corps, and he been on guard all night. He could find no trace of him from the camp to the spot where the accident took place.

Corporal George Reeves, of the 2^nd West Yorkshire Regiment, said he knew deceased. His name was Michael Reilley, and he was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps. He was twenty two years of age. He last saw him at three minutes to five on the morning of the 2^nd. He was in command of the picquet, and ordered him to go and call the cook. Deceased had been on duty since 6.30 the previous evening, but had been relieved twice. He told him to return to the guard room to attend to the early morning stable duties at five, so he only had three minutes. He did not see him alive after that, but he did not know he was missing till 5.30, when he was told a man had been found on the line. No-one saw him leave the Camp, although the place where he was found was more than 600 yards away.

The soldier who relieved him during the night incidentally told the Coroner that when he gave deceased his supper he remarked “I don`t suppose you`ll get it in for me any more”. He was quite sober.

Lieut. Atkinson, the officer in command of the Army Service Corps, said deceased was a native of Black Rock, Dublin. He was 22 and single. He was usually a very quiet and perfectly sober man, he had only one case of drunkenness marked against him in 1895. Prior to their arrival at Shorncliffe he had been very ill, and had laid six weeks in the hospital at Aldershot suffering from pneumonia. He had never been on foreign service.

Mr. R. Hill (a juror): Were any letters found upon him?

The Coroner: Nothing of any kind.

Mr. Hill: Had there been any row or disagreement that night?

Lieut. Atkinson: Not that I am aware of.

The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Folkestone Express 9-1-1897

Inquest

About 8.30 a.m. on Saturday morning the body of a soldier in the uniform of the Army Service Corps was discovered, horribly mangled, on the line near Cheriton. An inquest was held at the White Lion, Cheriton, on Monday afternoon, before Mr. R.M. Mercer (the County Coroner), when the following facts were elicited:-

Charles Uden, living at 24, Longfield Road, Dover, said he was the driver of a goods train on the South Eastern Railway from Ashford to Dover, which left Ashford at 4.05 a.m. on Saturday.

The Coroner: I don`t understand. It has been reported to me that this train left London at ten minutes to eight the night before.

Witness: I can explain how that mistake arose, sir. A London man works the train from London to Ashford, and I take the train from Ashford to Dover. Continuing, he said about 6 a.m. on the morning of the 2^nd of January they ran over something between the Cheriton Junction and Shorncliffe Station, but could not see what it was as it was quite dark. On his arrival at Shorncliffe Station, he reported the matter to the signalman there.

P.C. Drury, stationed at Cheriton, said about a quarter to seven on the morning of the 2^nd he received information that a man had been run over up the line, and he proceeded to the spot where he had been told the occurrence took place. He found deceased in uniform lying in the six foot way. He was quite dead. His skull was smashed, his left foot cut off, and his right limbs and side smashed. He got assistance and brought the remains to the White Lion. From enquiries he subsequently made, he found that he was in the Army Service Corps, and had been on guard all night till five o`clock. He could find no trace of him from the Camp to the spot where the accident took place.

Corporal George Reeves, of the 2^nd West Yorkshire Regiment, said he knew the deceased. His name was Michael Reilley, and he was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps at Shorncliffe. He was 22 years of age. He last saw him at three minutes to five on the morning of the 2^nd. He was in command of the picquet, and he ordered him to go and call the cook. Deceased had been on duty since 6.30 the previous evening, but he had been relieved twice. He told him to return to the guard room to attend the early morning stable duties at five, so he only had three minutes. He did not see him alive after that, but did not know he was missing till 8.30, when he was told that a man had been found on the line. No-one saw him leave the Camp, although the place where he was found was more than six hundred tards away.

The soldier who relieved deceased during the night incidentally told the Coroner that when he gave deceased his supper he remarked “I don`t suppose you`ll get it for me any more”. He was quite sober.

Lieut. Atkinson, the officer in command of the Army Service Corps, said deceased was a native of Black Rock, Dublin. He was 22, and single. He was usually a very quiet and sober man, and he only had one case of drunkenness recorded against him. That was in 1895. Prior to their arrival at Shorncliffe he had been very ill, and had laid six weeks in the hospital at Aldershot, suffering from pneumonia. He had never been on foreign service. No letters were found upon deceased, and witness was not aware that there had been any disagreement.

The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of “Suicide while temporarily insane”.

Folkestone Herald 9-1-1897

Inquest

Last Saturday morning a very sad affair occurred on the South Eastern Railway line, near the Cheriton Junction, in the vicinity of the Shorncliffe Camp. It appears that at about six o`clock that morning as the goods train from Ashford to Dover was passing that spot, the driver felt a jerk, denoting that the engine had run over some obstacle on the line. On reaching the Shorncliffe railway station he reported the matter to the station master, Mr. Butler, and the local police were at once communicated with. On the search party going along the line to the place indicated, the dead body of a soldier who had belonged to the Army Service Corps was found in the six foot, clothed in his military uniform. The man had sustained very severe injuries, the head having been battered in, one of the thighs smashed, one foot completely severed, and the second almost cut off. The body was taken to the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, to await the Coroner`s inquest. Inquiries made by the authorities led to the discovery that the deceased was named Michael Riley, and that he was a native of Blackrock, a pretty coast town near Dublin. He was only 22 years of age, single, and had a reputation of being a very steady young man. It was also elicited that he had been suffering from an attack of pneumonia, at Aldershot, and that he had been discharged from the Military Hospital. An inquest was held on the afternoon of Monday last at the White Lion, before Mr. Mercer, Coroner for East Kent. Mr. R. Pilcher was foreman of the jury, and the proceedings were watched on behalf of the South Eastern Railway Company by Mr. Butler, the excellent Station Master at Shorncliffe. Lieutenant Atkinson attended the Court on behalf of the military authorities. Appended is a report of the evidence taken at the inquiry, which opened at 4 o`clock:-

Charles Wesley Uten, engine driver, 24, Longfield Road, Dover, said he was the driver of a goods train for the South Eastern Railway Company between Ashford and Dover. Another driver took the train from London to Ashford, and thence he took it to Dover. He left Ashford on Saturday morning, January 2^nd, at 4.05, and at 6 a.m. reached between Cheriton Junction and Shorncliffe Station. There is no station at Cheriton Junction. It was quite dark at the time. The train ran over something, but he could not tell what it was. He reported this on arriving at Shorncliffe to the station master there.

P.C. Drury, stationed at Cheriton, who had charge of the case, said that on Saturday, 2^nd January, at about a quarter to seven, he received information and went to the spot, where he found deceased lying in the six foot way. He was in uniform and quite dead. The skull was smashed, the left foot cut off, and the thigh smashed. Witness obtained assistance and brought the body there. He had since made inquiries and found that  the deceased was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps, and had been on duty all night till five o`clock in the morning when he was found dead. Witness had found nothing on looking between the spot and the Camp.

Corporal George Reeves said he was in the West Yorkshire Regiment. He knew the deceased, who was 22 years old. He last saw him alive at about three minutes to five on Saturday morning. The deceased had been on guard that night, and witness dismissed him and sent him to call the cook, Driver Johnson. The deceased had also been on guard on the previous night. When witness told him he had just time to go and call the cook and be at the stables at five o`clock, and he ought to have gone to stables. That was the last time witness saw him. He did not know deceased was missing until half past eight, when he was sent for and told. He had not heard anything from anyone about the deceased going in the direction of the railway. It was about 600 yards from the Camp to the railway.

Driver Randall said that he spoke to the deceased for five minutes at about a quarter to nine on the night before he was killed.

The Coroner said he would not require this evidence. Ten or twelve people had seen the deceased in the Camp, but no-one appeared to have seen him when he left it.

Lieutenant Atkinson, in reply to the Coroner, said the deceased was a native of Blackrock, Dublin. The deceased was aged 22, and unmarried. He was a sober man, and not quarrelsome, and had not been on foreign service. He had suffered from pneumonia, but had been discharged from the hospital at Aldershot.

Mr. Butler: May I be allowed to say ... ?

The Coroner: Do you want to give evidence?

Mr. Butler: I am the Station Master at Shorncliffe, and ....

The Coroner: I do not think I need trouble you. It is not a question of the Company.

A Juryman: Has any letter been found on the deceased?

The Coroner: Nothing, I understand.

The Coroner asked the constable if he had made the further inquiries he told him to make.

P.C. Drury said he had, but could only find that the deceased was dismissed at 5 o`clock and told to call Driver Johnson, which he did.

Mr. Butler explained that there was no crossing on the railway at that place, and it was fenced in, but not far away there was a footbridge over the railway, so that deceased was a trespasser on the line.

The Coroner said he had not come there without viewing the locality, and most of the jury were also acquainted with it.

The jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Sandgate Weekly News 9-1-1897

Inquest

An inquest was held at Cheriton on Monday by the County Coroner, touching the death of Michael Reilly, a private in the Army Service Corps, who was run over and cut to pieces by a goods train on Saturday morning at Cheriton.

Charles Uden, the driver of the train, said that at about six o`clock on Saturday morning they ran over something between Cheriton Junction and Shorncliffe Station. It was dark and he could not see what it was, and he reported the matter to the signalman at Shorncliffe Station.

P.C. Drury, stationed at Cheriton, said about a quarter to seven on Saturday morning he received information that a man had been run over up the line, and he proceeded to the spot where he had been told the occurrence took place. He found deceased in uniform, lying in the six foot way. He was quite dead. His skull was smashed, his left foot cut off, and his right limbs and side smashed. He got assistance and brought his remains to the White Lion. From enquiries he subsequently made he found that he was in the Army Service Corps, and had been on guard all night. He could find no trace of him from the Camp to the spot where the accident took place.

Corporal George Reeves, of the 2^nd West Yorkshire Regiment, said he knew deceased, who was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps at Shorncliffe. He was twenty two years of age. He last saw him at three minutes to five on the morning of the 2^nd. He was in command of the picquet, and he ordered him to go and call the cook. Deceased had been on duty since 6.30 the previous evening, but had been relieved twice. He told him to return to the Guard Room to attent to early morning stable duties at five, so he only had three minutes. He did not see him alive after that, but he did not know he was missing till 8.30, when he was told that a man had been found on the line. N o-one saw him leave the Camp, although the place where he was found was more than 600 yards away.

The soldier who relieved him during the night incidentally told the Coroner that when he gave deceased his supper he remarked “I don`t suppose you`ll get it for me any more”. He was quire sober.

Lieut. Atkinson, the officer in command of the Army Service Corps, said deceased was usually a very quiet and perfectly sober man. Prior to their arrival at Shorncliffe he had been very ill, and had laid six weeks in the hospital at Aldershot, suffering from pneumonia. He had never been on foreign service. No letters were found on him, and so far as he was aware there had been no row or disagreement that night.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide while temporarily insane”.

Southeastern Gazette 12-1-1897

Inquest

Mr. R. M. Mercer (the East Kent Coroner), held an inquest at the White Lion, Cheriton, on the 4th inst, touching the death of Private Miohael Reilly, of the Army Service Corps, stationed at Shorncliffe, who met his death by placing himself in front of a goods train on the previous Saturday.

Charles Wesley Uden, an engine driver of Dover, stated that he was driving a goods train on the South Eastern Railway from Ashford to Dover on Saturday at 4.05 a.m. and when going from Cheriton to Shorncliffe he ran over something. It was quite dark, and he reported the circumstances on arrival at Shorncliffe, He heard no cry.

P.C. George Edward Drury deposed that on Saturday morning he was called about seven o’clock and told about the affair. He went at once to the place, where he found the body of deceased in uniform, lying on his back quite dead. His skull was smashed and his left foot was cut off and lying in the four-foot way on the down side of the line. His right thigh was fractured and his right foot nearly cut off. On making inquiries he found that deceased was a shoeing smith in the Army Service Corps stationed at Shorncliffe camp. He had been on duty all night till five in the morning, when relieved by Private Greensmith, of the West Yorkshire Regiment. The deceased was sent on an errand and nothing more was heard of him. The deceased was a native of Black Rock, County Dublin, and was a married man aged 22.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane.”

Sandgate Weekly News 13-3-1897

Inquest

The East Kent Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer) held an inquest at the White Lion on Monday, touching the death of Richard John Shorter, a little boy, aged seven.

The evidence went to show that deceased and another little boy were playing together on Saturday, February 27^th, when they both fell down, the other boy stepping on deceased`s ankle. The leg did bad, and deceased was kept in bed on account of the pain in the leg. Medical evidence stated that the leg was much swollen, enlarged, and tender, with signs pointing to inflammation of the bone. Fever intervened, which brought on violent delirium. The leg subsequently did better, but symptoms of brain fever were marked. He died on March 6^th from exhaustion, consequent on meningitis, which was set up by the injury to the bone of the leg.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

 

Folkestone Express 5-6-1897

Hythe Petty Sessions

Thursday, June 3^rd: Before J. DuBoulay and W. Wightwick Esqs.

William Waller and George Barton were charged with being drunk and disorderly and refusing to quit at the White Lion, Cheriton, on May 24^th.

Mrs. Baldock, wife of the landlord, who appeared for the prosecutor, said on the day in question, defendants were disorderly, and on being asked to go, said they would not go for anyone. She then called in Sergeant Wenham, who ejected them.

P.S. Wenham said about half past eight on May 24^th he was called in by Mrs. Baldock to eject the prisoners. He had to use force to get them out. They were the worse for liquor.

Barton, who was fined 10s. and 19s. 3d. costs, remarked on hearing the decision of the Bench “I think this is thick”. Waller, who had been four times convicted under the Highway Act, and once for cruelty to a mare, was fined 5s. and 19s. 3d. costs.

Folkestone Up To Date 5-6-1897

Hythe Petty Sessions

Thursday, June 3^rd: Before J. DuBoulay and W. Wightwick Esqs.

William Waller and George Barton were charged with being drunk and disorderly and refusing to quit the White Lion, Cheriton, on May 22^nd.

Barton, who was fined 10s. and 19s. 3d. costs, on hearing the decision of the Bench, said “I think this is thick”. Waller, who had been four times convicted under the Highway Act, and once for cruelty to a mare, was fined 5s. and 19s. 3d. costs.

  

Folkestone Chronicle 31-7-1897

Tuesday, July 27^th: Before The Mayor and Mr. Herbert.

John Baldock, landlord of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton, applied for a licence to sell intoxicating drink on the football ground on Monday next, on the occasion of some sports in connection with a sick club. As he was not able to give any further particulars respecting the meeting, he was told by the Bench to renew his application on the following day, and in the meantime Superintendent Taylor would make some enquiries. The application was granted on Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 31-7-1897

Local News

On Wednesday an occasional licence was granted to Mr. Baldock, of the White Lion Inn, Cheriton to sell liquor at the fete to be held in the football field on Bank Holiday.

Folkestone Chronicle 29-1-1898

Local News

The East Kent Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer) held an inquest on Tuesday at the White Lion on the body of a female child, which was found on the 23^rd inst. in a well near Shorncliffe Camp, by Corporal W. Hunt, of the Military Mounted Police.

It appeared that he was lowering his bucket on the rope when he noticed something floating on the water. He obtained a drag hook to get the body up. It had on a flannel petticoat, fastened by a safety pin and some small pins. The well was open to the public.

Mr. Herbert Henry Powell, surgeon, of 44, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, made a post mortem on the body, and gave it as his opinion that the child was fully developed, and had been dead at least a week. The cause of death was asphyxia, which might have happened naturally, or been caused by accident or design.

The inquest was adjourned.

Folkestone Herald 29-1-1898

Local News

On Wednesday an inquest was opened at the Lion, Cheriton, on the body of a child which had been found in a well by one of the military police. The Coroner adjourned the inquiry until February 15^th, in order that inquiries may be made by the police.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 19-2-1898

Local News

The East Kent Coroner, on Tuesday last, resumed his enquiry at Cheriton into the cause of death of an unknown female child, whose body was found in a well at Risborough Lane, Cheriton.

Charles Pettett, a baker, deposed that he had drawn water from the well daily since November 28^th last. He drew water on the morning of the 23^rd ult., and noticed what he thought to be a piece of deal board in the water in the well. He did not bring it up, but later he heard of the child`s body being found.

The jury returned an open verdict.

Folkestone Herald 19-2-1898

Local News

On Tuesday afternoon at the White Lion, Cheriton, the inquest touching the death of a female child found in a well at Cheriton on the 23^rd January was resumed by the East Kent Coroner (Mr. R.M. Mercer).

Charles Pettett, baker, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, deposed that on Sunday, 23^rd ult., he went to the well shortly before the child was found. The pail was one-sided, and on looking down the well he noticed what he thought to be a bit of deal board. He had been drawing water since the 28^th November. The water drawn up was used for drinking purposes, and they drank it the morning the child was found.

Dr. Powell stated that he said the baby was put in the water when it was dead, it was not drowned.

The jury returned a verdict that the child was found, it died of asphyxia prior to having been placed in the well, but how the child was asphyxiated, or by whom, there was no evidence to show.

Folkestone Herald 9-4-1898

Hythe Divisional Sessions

On Thursday morning – before Messrs. DuBoulay, Wightwick, F.A. Mackinnon, Sir Charles Maclean, Captain Mansell, and Captain Smythies – the Bench approved of plans put before them on behalf of the owners of the White Lion, Cheriton, of a proposed new house.

Folkestone Herald 28-5-1898

Felix

I understand that the locality of Cheriton Road will be shortly brightened up by some grand alterations to the Bouverie Arms, the appearance of which is to undergo a complete transformation.

I further hear that the well-known White Lion at Cheriton is shortly to be pulled down, and rebuilt at a cost of £5,000. Our old friend Mr. Baldock, the present proprietor, will retire in the near future, and his place will be filled by Mr. Sid Saunders, of the East Cliff, Folkestone.

The cause of the brewers does not appear to be languishing in these parts, that is if one may judge of the number of licensed premises in the town that have lately been re-built or undergone alterations. There appears to have been quite an epidemic amongst the owners in this direction. Whether it is palatable or not it may safely be taken, I think, that prosperity continues to shine on this favoured and beautiful district.

 

Folkestone Up To Date 16-7-1898

Hythe County Bench

Thursday, July 14^th: Before J. Du Boulay, W. Wightwick, E.S. Thompson, and A.S. Jnes Esqs., and Captain Mansell.

Mr. Saunders, who for thirteen years has been the tenant of the East Cliff Tavern, Folkestone, was granted a temporary authority to sell at the White Lion, Cheriton.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.
 

Hythe Reporter 16-7-1898

Hythe County Sessions

Before Messrs. Du Boulay, A.S. Jones, E.S. Thompson, W. Wightwick, and Capt. Mansell

Mr. Saunders applied for the transfer of the White Lion, Cheriton. The Magistrates expressed a wish that Mr. Saunders would carry on the house in the same orderly manner as his predecessor, Mr. Baldock, had done.

The transfer was granted.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Hythe Reporter 17-9-1898

Hythe Police Court

Monday, before Mr. F.D. Brockman and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Roland Bailey and Charles Cooper were charged with stealing a quantity of road lead, valued at 8s. The lead had been taken down from the White Lion, Cheriton, which house was being rebuilt. The lead had been left in the open, and the two prisoners had taken it away in a sack. P.C. Drury proved the case. The Bench took into consideration the fact it was a first offence, so gave prisoners the option of a fine of £2 each. A week was allowed to pay in each case.

On the conclusion of the case the Magistrates expressed to P.C. Drury their admiration of the way in which he had traced the offenders, and thanked him on behalf of the public.

Folkestone Herald 24-9-1898

Hythe Licensing Sessions

The Adjourned Licensing Meeting for the Elham Division of Kent was held at Hythe on Thursday before Captains Baldwin (Chairman), Mansell, and Smythie.

Mr. Saunders applied for a transfer of the licence held by Mr. Baldock for the White Lion, Cheriton. This was allowed.

Folkestone Herald 22-10-1898

Hythe Divisional Sessions

On Thursday – before Mr. Du Boulay, Captain Smythies, Captain Mansell, and Mr. Brockman – Stephen Tutt was summoned for doing damage to nine glasses, the property of Joseph Sidney Saunders, to the value of 3s. He pleaded Guilty.

Prosecutor, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, deposed that on the day in question defendant was in the house, and made a complaint that he had given half a sovereign instead of 6d. He saw that was untrue. Defendant was sober. He knocked the glasses off the counter, the damage amounting to 3s. He was in the bar.

Mr. Minter said it was felt by the landlord, and the Society of which he was a member, the Licensed Victuallers` Society, that it was a case that ought to be brought forward. Defendant was a notorious character, the terror of every landlord in the neighbourhood. In some cases they refused to serve him.

The defendant further pleaded Guilty to using profane and obscene language, contrary to the bye-laws.

P.C. Poole deposed that the defendant was ejected from the White Lion, and used the expression complained of, just before he heard the smashing of glass. Defendant appeared greatly excited, but witness did not think he was the worse for drink.

The defendant said he did place half a sovereign on the counter. He knew what it was, and wanted to change it. The door of the till was blocked open. During the time they were talking, three or four of the barmen went to the till. He said he wanted them to search the till, count the money, and look at the register. He lost his temper, and some glasses were broken. He was requested to go, and did so. Outside he stopped two or three minutes till the police came. He did not use the expression mentioned.

Mr. Saunders, re-called, said he counted the money. There was no half sovereign. There was a separate till for sixpences. There might have been half sovereigns in the till, but they would have gone in the half sovereign department. The money balanced within 1s. 7½d. The drawer was open, and there was room enough for someone to have picked it out of the till.

Superintendent Waghorn, in answer to defendant, said he was told frequent disturbances were caused in Cheriton Street by defendant.

The Bench inflicted a fine amounting, with costs, to £3 2s. altogether; in default, one month`s imprisonment in one case, and 14 days in the other.

Hythe Reporter 22-10-1898

Hythe County Sessions

There were a large number of cases to hear at the Sessions on Thursday last. But they mostly emanate from Cheriton, which seems to be in a constant state of civil war, if we may judge of the evidence in such cases. Even the Chairman of the Magistrates was appalled and asked if there had been a Carnival at Cheriton.

One worthy had distinguished himself at the White Lion by declaring he had given a sovereign, while the barman only received 6d. To compensate matters the customer commenced to sweep all the glasses off the counter. The barman, however, stopped further proceedings by ejecting him.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-4-1899

Local News

We regret to have to record the death of Mr. T. Baldock, of Cheriton, one of the most respected men of the township, which occurred on Easter Sunday morning. Mr. Baldock has never been the same man since he was so severely mauled by a young bull at Newington five or more years ago, and received internal injuries. The bull had broken loose, and fearing it might  in its mad condition be the cause of serious danger both to life and limb if it got away, he attacked it with a pitchfork, and a desperate struggle ensued, and had not Mr. Lipscombe succeeded in shooting the bull, things would have gone very differently with Mr. Baldock. As it was, he received fearful injuries, but, thanks to a strong constitution, he survived them. Mr. Baldock was landlord of the White Lion for nearly nineteen years, and was the largest employer of labour in the parish, having a large carrier`s business in addition to the public house. In addition he rented farms at Hemsted, Newington, and Saltwood. On leaving the village inn he still continued the carrier`s business and the farms, and his death will be the means of throwing many out of employment. At the election for the first Parish Council Mr. Baldock headed the poll, and he also represented Saltwood on the Rural District Council. The Cheriton Brass Band owe much to him for the position they hold today. The Cheriton Benefit Society also received every encouragement at his hands, and in him the Carnival Society have lost a strong supporter.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-5-1899

Local News

The old White Lion Inn has been this week demolished, and the new White Lion Hotel opened. The street needed widening at this point, and a great improvement has been effected. The bars of the new White Lion are capable of accommodating over 100 customers at one time. It is said no other public house in East Kent is able to find room for so large a number.

Folkestone Herald 17-6-1899

Felix

Whether it is a sign of general prosperity or otherwise there is quite a “boom” in local public houses. There is scarcely a place which is not being rebuilt or smartened up. I note in this connection that the Shorncliffe Hotel, which for years was tenanted by the late Mr. Quested, has now passed into the hands of Mr. Bull, of Folkestone, and that the Globe Hotel, on The Bayle, is now held by Mr. Faber, who for a long period of time was head waiter at the Queen`s and also at the Lord Warden and the Dover Castle Hotel, Dover. Mr. Faber ought to know something of the business, and I shall be very much surprised if he does not make things hum all round. The new White Lion at Cheriton, too, admirably conducted by Mr. Sid Saunders, is a grand improvement to the locality. Of course there are those in the world that would raze all public houses to the ground, but when a publican conducts his business in an honourable and respectable manner, then he is entitled to the highest esteem. Mr. Saunders is one of these. He is essentially the right man in a difficult place. His new bar is one of the largest in the country, and is capable of accommodating a large number of customers. The house is well fitted from top to bottom, and is a credit to the builders. I note that Mr. Cliff Willars, the upholsterer of Folkestone, has been entrusted with furnishing the bars, etc., and right well he has carried out his work.

Folkestone Herald 15-7-1899

The New White Lion

At the expense of many thousands of pounds, Messrs. Beer and Co., the well-known Kentish brewers, of Canterbury, have latterly altered the appearance of Cheriton Street by the erection of a palatial building, known as the White Lion. Readers will recall the old, low-pitched building, with its inadequate accommodation, and non-attractive appearance. Cheriton is growing by leaps and bounds, and the population has more than doubled itself in a few years. With the exception of the Unity Inn, which, by the way, has just been purchased by the Government, no fully licensed house, with the exception of the Lion, is to be found in the place. Applications have been made to the Magistrates from time to time by various brewers for full licences, but these have ultimately been refused, whether at the local court or on appeal. The logic of facts pressed it home to Messrs. Beer and Co. that if the White Lion was to continue to exist it must either be enlarged or rebuilt. Things were coming to such a pass that the old house was fast becoming a centre of disturbance and trouble. It was a case of trying to squeeze a bushel of wheat into a gallon measure. It was eventually decided that a new hotel should be erected, and the fine red brick building that has only recently opened its doors to the public is the result. The new Lion is from the designs of Mr. Jennings, of Canterbury, and was built by Mr. Adcock, of Dover, who, it will be recollected, built the Hotel Metropole.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Sid Saunders, I was enabled a few days ago to explore the new hotel from cellar to ceiling. The builder`s name is sufficient guarantee that the thing has been done well. No expense or thought appears to have been spared in bringing about so grand a result. In every way the comfort and general convenience of the public appears to have been studied. Deplore the fact as we may, Englishmen will have their beloved national beverage, and this fact was brought home to my mind when, “down in the cellar cool”, I noticed the scores of huge barrels of “Kentish sherry” ready waiting to slake the thirst of thirsty Cheritonians. I understand this cellar is generally admitted to be a model one for keeping “John Barleycorn” in splendid condition. It is spacious, cool, and airy, with a concrete flooring. Bottling is also carried on here. Ascending the stairs, my cicerone conducted me through the various public rooms. There is a friendly club connected with the house, and for this and other similar organisations there is a very fine apartment, which can easily be doubled in size by the removal of a partition. There are other cosy little rooms on this floor, to which access can be had by entering at the private entrance of the hotel. Mr. Sauders intends to cater largely for cyclists, and is determined that his accommodation in this respect shall be acceptable to any lady or gentleman, irrespective of social position. After inspecting the thoroughly up to date kitchen and culinary departments, which appear to be capable of meeting any demands put upon them, Mr. Saunders conducted me to the interior of the bar, which is allowed to be one of the largest in the county, as many as 400 people having been served here at one time.

Similar to the policeman`s, the licensed victualler`s life is not all honey. His path is not always bestrewn with roses. Said Mr. Saunders, “When I first took over this place, and been in possession about a week, I was fairly sick at heart. The place appeared to be so rough, and it appeared to be a hopeless task to enforce any sort of order. I can tell you, I felt like throwing it up, as the conduct of the house was a source of great anxiety to me. However, I made up my mind to stick to the guns, and by the exercise of a little tact and forebearance, I think I may claim that I have effected some improvement in establishing comparatively good order. You will note that in the arrangement of the bars, I have had a compartment specially fitted for a bottle and jug department. No men are served here. On the other hand, I have a compartment for men only. Of course there is the main public bar, which is open to all. Working hand in hand with the police, with the object of having the licensing laws obeyed, I am hoping to make the Lion a credit to the neighbourhood. I have one rigid rule, and of which all my employees are made aware, that no man who is suspected of having imbibed too freely is to be served. You will appreciate my position. Surrounded with the military element, and a large working population which numbers many women, I have to exercise great watchfulness. However, it is my one desire to serve my customers well, and be loyal to the law and the general public in the bargain”.

The bar is splendidly fitted with polished pine and cathedral glass, and is a credit to the decorators.

Mr. Saunders then led me to the rooms above, which are very spacious, lofty, and airy. One of the apartments is a billiard room. The table is by Thurston. It is in splendid condition, and has already earned a famous name at the old Pavilion Hotel.

Of course our genial proprietor and his amiable partner have not been able to get everything in apple-pie order. This is a work of time, but from a further inspection of the hotel, I have come to the conclusion that in all departments the new Lion is bound to succeed. “Give a dog a bad name and it will stick” is the old proverb. There is no doubt about it, the White Lion of other days did not smell particularly sweet in the nostrils of the public. That is a chapter of the past. The house was always worked under difficulties, but I firmly believe with perseverance and with a laudable desire to do his duty to all, Mr. Saunders will make the Lion worthy to rank with the best of the licensed houses in this neighbourhood. Our old friend kept the East Cliff Tavern, Folkestone, for many years, and the manner in which he conducted that establishment is yet the theme of general praise in the neighbourhood.

   

Folkestone Express 4-11-1899

Hythe County Petty Sessions

Thursday, November 2^nd: Before J. DuBoulay Esq., Capts. Mansell and Baldwin, and E.S. Jones and J. Quested Esqs.

William Gower, a private of the Dorset Regiment, was charged with stealing four glass tumblers, value 1s., from the White Lion, Cheriton, and also with stealing a bridle and bit, value 15s., from the same house, the property of Timothy Coltham, Royal Artillery.

P.S. Amos Stone said about ten p.m. on Tuesday he was on duty outside the White Lion, when he saw prisoner putting something into his pockets. He afterwards went towards Folkestone. As he was passing by witness, he noticed his pockets were bulky/ Accompanied by a military policeman he followed him, and they caught him up. Just before doing so, the sergeant heard a ring of glass over a wall. He went round and found a glass. He then searched prisoner`s pockets and found three more glasses. In another pocket he found a bridle and bit.

Walter Ashby, servant to Timothy Coltham, R.A., proved that the bridle was stolen from him while he was having a drink.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty to the first charge, but not to the second.

The Bench found prisoner Guilty of both charges, and sentenced him to two months` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 4-11-1899

Hythe Divisional Sessions

William Gower, a private in the Dorset Regiment, was charged with stealing, taking, and carrying away four tumblers, value 1s., at Cheriton, the property of Joseph S. Saunders.

Mr. Joseph Sidney Saunders, the landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton, deposed: On Tuesday night, between ten and eleven, P.S. Stone brought the defendant to my place, and asked me if I could identify four glasses. I did so. We often miss glasses. It is the first time we have found it out.

P.S. Stone deposed: At ten p.m. on the 31^st I saw defendant standing outside of the bar doors of the White Lion, apparently putting something in his pocket. He left the door in company with other soldiers. As he passed me going down the road towards Folkestone, I noticed that his pockets were bulky. I got the assistance of one of the Military Police and stopped defendant 100 or 150 yards away from the house. I hear the ring of a glass as though it left defendant`s hand. Believing one was thrown in the garden behind, I found the tumbler there. I then searched the defendant and found three glasses in a pocket of his overcoat. I took him back to the White Lion, and in his presence prosecutor identified the glasses. I charged him and he made no reply. As I was leaving the house with the defendant, he bolted, and after about a quarter of an hour I found him again, with the assistance of the Military Police. He was sober.

Defendant pleaded Guilty.

P.S. Stone deposed: Whilst searching defendant on the night in question, I found a bridle and bit in his pocket. I told him it would save me some trouble if he would tell me where he got it from. He said “You find out”. I did so. He since told me that he was taking care of it for the prosecutor. I searched the other two men with defendant. Defendant said that they had nothing to do with it. I found this at the same time as the glasses.

Defendant pleaded Not Guilty, and elected to give evidence on oath. He deposed: On Tuesday night I saw Driver Ashby in the White Lion with the bridle and bit produced. I saw him place it under a seat. I saw him leave without them. I said to the party that I was with that “that young fellow has gone off without the bit and bridle”. I knew the fellow by sight. I thought that I had better take charge of it until I saw him again. I went out at 10.10 down the street. I told the Sergeant, when he stopped me for the glasses, that the bridle belonged to a man in the Artillery. The corporal of the picket took the bridle. About twenty past ten I saw the Artillery party come up, and he said “That`s mine”. I was going to return it to him. I had drunk beer, but I could not tell you how many quarts I took. There were three in the company. Between 7.15 and 10.15 I went out once.

Lieutenant Hysslop produced the defaulter`s sheet, and said that defendant`s character was indifferent.

It appeared that the Regiment was not ordered abroad, but a draft would be going out shortly.

The Bench sentenced him to 30 days` imprisonment.

 

Folkestone Up To Date 4-11-1899

Hythe County Police

Thursday, November 2^nd: Before J. Du Boulay Esq., Captain Mansell, Captain Denne, A. Jones and G. Thompson Esqs., and Colonel Frewin.

William Garr, of the Dorset Regiment, was charged with stealing four tumblers, the property of Joseph Sydney Saunders, landlord of the White Lion, Cheriton.

Saunders said Sergeant Stone brought the glasses to him between 10 and 11 at night, and asked him if he knew them. He had often missed glasses, including these. He had not seen the prisoner in his house.

Sergeant Stone said that at 10 p.m. on the night of the 31^st he saw prisoner standing outside one of the bar doors of the White Lion, putting something in his pocket. He went off towards Folkestone with other soldiers. Witness noticed his pockets were bulky, so he got the assistance of the military police and stopped prisoner, who threw a glass into a garden. Witness searched the prisoner and found three glasses in his overcoat pocket. He took the prisoner back to the White Lion, and Mr. Saunders gave him in charge. Prisoner bolted, and Stone recaptured him with the assistance of the military police.

There was a further charge against prisoner of stealing a bridle and bit, value 15s., the property of Mr. Timothy Cong, riding master, Royal Artillery, Shorncliffe Camp.

Artillery Driver Walter Ashby said he went into the White Lion and put down the bridle and bit under a seat while he had his drink. He saw the prisoner in the bar, and when he finished his drink and looked round the prisoner and the bit and bridle had gone.

Sergeant Stone said while searching the prisoner on the night mentioned he found the bridle in one of his pockets. He said to prisoner “If you tell me where you got this it may save trouble”. Prisoner replied “Find out”. Later prisoner said he was minding the bridle for the prosecutor.

Prisoner gave evidence in his own behalf, and said he saw the driver Ashby in the White Lion place the bit and bridle under a seat. He saw Ashby leave without the things, so he said to a friend “I`ll take care of that till I see the bloke again, or he`ll get into trouble. I know him and will meet him again”. When the Sergeant asked him about the bridle he replied that he didn`t know the artillery man`s name, but he knew him by sight, and would be sure to meet him. He had no intention of stealing the bridle, but intended to return it to the man it belonged to. He had been drinking, he admitted. He had looked for the artilleryman, but could not find him, so decided to take the bridle to barracks with him. He was in the bar from 7.30 to 9.45. He did not know how many quarts he had.

Robert Maxwell Hislam, second lieutenant in the Dorset Regiment, produced the prisoner`s sheet, which showed he had been in regiment since August, 1893, and his character had been indifferent. The regiment was not ordered abroad, but there would be a draft from it going to India, and prisoner would be in that draft.

The Chairman of the Bench: I don`t know what you called your officer for, for your report sheet shows you to be a very serious defaulter. Perhaps you wanted to make your case very black, as you are likely to be ordered to go to India.

Prisoner was found Guilty, and sentenced to two months` imprisonment with hard labour.