Updates

19th January, 2013: Folkestone Herald and Folkestone Up To Date Reports for 1899 Added

Princess Royal 1890s

Folkestone Chronicle 30-8-1890

Annual Licensing Session

Wednesday, August 27^th: Before The Mayor, Major H.W. Poole, Alderman Pledge, Dr. Bateman, and J. Clarke Esq.

Superintendent Taylor raised a complaint against the conduct of the Princess Royal Inn (Mrs. White). On Christmas night a man was seen to be carried out of the house dead drunk. There was no proof that he got drunk on the premises. The house generally was badly conducted, the applicant encouraging boys and girls.

The licence was granted with a caution

Note: No record of Mrs. White in More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 30-8-1890

Wednesday, August 27^th: Before The Mayor, Dr. Bateman, Alderman Pledge, J. Clark, F. Boykett and H.W. Poole Esqs.

The Brewster Sessions were held on Wednesday. Most of the old licenses were renewed, but some were objected to by the Superintendent of Police.

The Princess Royal

Supt. Taylor said on Tuesday night a man was carried out of this house dead drunk and taken on board a collier. There was no proof that he was supplied with any drink in the house, but no doubt he was. The house was very badly conducted generally, and gave the police a lot of trouble. Noisy characters were encouraged, and boys and girls 17 or 18 years of age assembled outside dancing and shouting. The applicant was a widow, and if she was unable to conduct a house like that properly, she should get assistance.

The Mayor said they had had complaints brought to them on Monday night as to the conduct of people in that particular street. The applicant would certainly be punished if she harboured boys and girls, and the police would have their eye upon the house.

Granted.

Folkestone Express 6-9-1890

Letter

The Princess Royal

Dear Sir,

My object in writing this is to vindicate that which to my mind appears a gross injustice. I have been staying at the above house for the past fortnight, and can confidently say during that period none of those unsightly disturbances complained of in your issue of 30^th inst. have taken place.

It is said complaints arise from the conduct of people in that particular street; surely this woman (the proprietress) is not to be held responsible for the whole street merely because she happens to hold a licence on one house.

I trust you will kindly insert the foregoing, especially as the paragraph referred to is calculated to do the house no good.

I am, dear sir,

Yours sincerely,

A Lover Of Justice.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-12-1890

Monday, December 15^th: Before Major Poole and W.G. Herbert Esq.

Arthur Crowley was charged with being a deserter from the 3^rd East Kent Militia.

Inspector Brice stated that he saw the prisoner in South Street on Saturday night. He entered the Princess Royal, and witness followed him and took him into custody on a charge of being a deserter from the 3^rd East Kent Militia (Buffs). He said “I will go with you, but I was cleared off their books last year”.

Prisoner said he was a mariner and was away longer than he thought he should be. When he returned from sea he reported himself to the Regiment at Canterbury. He thought that was the best thing he could do, as he was late.

Mr. Bradley read a document from the post-master at Canterbury, in which he stated that the prisoner`s telegram to the Commanding Officer had not been delivered in consequence of that gentleman not being a resident. A communication was also read from the Adjutant of the Regiment asking the Bench to adjourn the case until Wednesday – a request to which the Bench acceded.

Prisoner asked for bail, but it was refused, Mr. Bradley remarking that the Bench had no power.

Wednesday, December 18^th: Before Major Poole, W.G. Herbert, and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

Francis Crowley (sic) was charged on remand with absenting himself from the East Kent Militia at the annual training of 1890.

Sergeant Stanley put in the authority to prosecute from the Commanding Officer, and proved that the defendant was absent.

Fined 40s. and 7s. costs, or 31 days`.

The money was paid.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-12-1891

Saturday, December 12^th: Before The Mayor, Major Poole, Aldermen Banks and Pledge, W. Wightwick, J. Clarke, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Henry Bailey, a coal lumper, was charged with stealing one hundredweight of coal, value 1s., the property of Messrs. Dunning and Bryant, from the ship Robbie Burns, on the morning of the 12^th inst.

P.C. Knowles said he was on duty at the Harbour about half past five that morning when he noticed a sack standing in Mr. Pope`s yard at the bottom of the Parade Steps, and next to the Princess Royal. Witness watched the bag until quarter to six, when the prisoner went to the cellar flap of the Princess Royal and knocked on it with his hand. It was an iron flap let into the pavement. He then went away, and walked up and down for some time. Afterwards he went back to the sack, and witness saw the flap raised. He did not know who raised it. As soon as the flap was raised, the prisoner shot the coal down. He then went round to the door of the Princess Royal, and witness followed. Witness asked him if the sack belonged to him, and he said it did. Witness said “Is that your coal you shot down there?” He said “Yes, it was the sweepings of the ship. That`s our privilege”. He charged him with stealing it, and he replied that the captain gave it to him. Witness took him into the Princess Royal and went into the cellar, where he found a heap of coal on top of some dust. It was immediately under the flap. The landlady said “He asked me to buy some coal, but I have not paid him”.

Thomas Goldsack said he was the captain of the ship Robbie Burns, now lying in Folkestone Harbour. He knew the prisoner, who was employed in unloading the ship. The cargo was the property of Messrs. Dunning and Bryant. The stolen coal was worth 1s. It was the best East Hartlepool coal, and there was no other ship in the harbour with that description of coal. He did not give it to the prisoner, nor had he ever given him permission to take any away from the ship. The men were allowed to have the sweepings after the ship was cleared out. The ship was not finished unloading until half past nine that morning.

Mrs. Sarah Arthur, landlady of the Princess Royal, South Street, said she knew the prisoner by sight. She had not been in the habit of buying coal from him. A few minutes past six that morning he came to the door and asked her if she wanted a bag of fine coal. She hesitated for a moment and then said she did not. He said “There is only about a hundredweight from the Robbie Burns”. She said she would have them, and he walked away. She did not see the coal, but thought the prisoner had come by it honestly.

Mr. Bradley said there was a previous conviction against the prisoner, and he was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 19-12-1891

Saturday, December 12^th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Banks and Pledge, H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert and J. Clark Esqs.

Henry Bailey was charged with stealing one hundredweight of coals from the ship Robbie Burns, the property of James Bryant and another.

P.C. Knowles said at half past five that morning he was on duty at the Harbour, and noticed a sack in a yard outside the house next door to the Princess Royal Inn. He watched until a quarter past six, when he saw the prisoner go to the coal-plate of the Princess Royal and knock on it with his hand. He then walked up and down for some time, and a female came out of the Princess Royal. Prisoner went back to the sack, and witness saw the coal plate raised, but he could not see who it was raised by. Prisoner shot the coal into the hole and hung the sack on the iron fence in front. Prisoner went to the door, and was moving the sack again as witness was coming down the steps. He took the sack from prisoner and asked if it belonged to him. He said “Yes”. He asked “Is that your coal you shot down there?” He replied “Yes, it was the sweepings of the ship. That`s our privilege”. He charged him with stealing it, and he replied “The Captain gave it to me”. Witness then went into the cellar of the Princess Royal, and found a quantity of nubbly coal on top of a lot of fine coal, and Mrs. Arthur was at the top of the stairs when he came up. She said “The man asked me to buy some coals, but I have not paid him”. When charged at the station by Sergeant Harman he made no reply. Witness had previously put the coal into the sack, and prisoner carried it up the street to the station.

Thomas Goldsmith, Captain of the Robbie Burns, said the prisoner was employed in unloading the ship. She was laden with best East Hartlepool coal for Messrs. Dunning and Bryant. There was no other ship in the harbour with the same description of coals. The coals produced were the same kind as his cargo. He had not given any coal to the prisoner, nor had he authorised him to take any from the ship. Men employed in unloading had no privilege to take anything until the ship was unloaded, and then only dust. The ship had not finished unloading until half past nine that morning.

Sarah Arthur, landlady of the Princess Royal, South Street, said she knew the prisoner by sight. Prisoner went to her house a few minutes past six, and asked her if she wanted to buy a bag of fine coal that morning. She hesitated, and he said “It`s only about a hundredweight from the Robbie Burns”. Nothing was said about the price. She did not know he was going to bring them then. The iron plate of the coal cellar was not fastened. She saw the constable, and told him she had bought the coal, but had not paid for them. She knew the prisoner by sight. She had not bought coals of him before. She thought they were the sweepings of the ship. She did not see them.

There was a previous conviction against the prisoner, and he was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

The Mayor said the Magistrates thought the conduct of Mrs. Arthur was very reprehensible in buying coal in that manner.

Folkestone Visitors` List 6-1-1892

Quarter Sessions

The visit of Mr. J.C.L. Coward, the Recorder of Folkestone, to hold the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace of the Borough, took place on Monday at the Town Hall. A new arrangement of the Bench and Jury boxes had been made to try and avoid the cold draughts in the hall, which the Recorder had previously complained of.

Henry Bailey, 30, labourer, pleaded Guilty to stealing one hundredweight of coal, value one shilling, on the 12^th December, 1891. Mrs. Arthur, of the Princess Royal, was cautioned by the Recorder not to buy coal again like that, or she might find herself in a very awkward position; and in passing sentence on the prisoner he said it was most remarkable how great were the facilities in Folkestone for disposing of stolen goods. Prisoner had been previously convicted, but because of the terrible temptation of being able to dispose of the stolen coal, the Recorder now inclined to deal leniently, and he was sentenced to hard labour for two months.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-1-1892

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 4^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Henry Bailey pleaded Guilty to stealing one hundredweight of coal, value 1s., the property of Messrs. Dunning and Bryant, from the ship Robbie Burns. Prisoner was convicted for a felony on the 6^th of Feb. last year, and also on the 20^th October, 1883.

Mr. Matthew prosecuted.

Mrs. Arthur, to whom the prisoner sold the coal, was the called by the Recorder, and asked how she came to buy the coal. She replied that she bought it without thinking.

The Recorder said Mrs. Arthur was greatly to blame – buying coal at six o`clock in the morning. It was a great temptation to people to steal, and he would advise her not to do it again or she might find herself in a very awkward position. There would be no thieves if there were no receivers. The facilities for disposing of stolen goods in Folkestone was a most remarkable thing. He had never heard of any place where greater facilities existed. It put temptation in the way of such men at the prisoner when they could dispose of coal they had robbed from ships by shooting them down the cellars of publicans. The sentence he passed upon him was two months` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 9-1-1892

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 4^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Henry Bailey, a labourer, pleaded Guilty to stealing a hundredweight of coal, the property of Messrs. Bryant and Dunning, coal merchants. He also pleaded Guilty to a previous conviction for felony. Mr. Matthew prosecuted.

The Recorder said he saw there was a previous conviction for resisting the police, in October, 1883.

Mrs. Arthur was called by the Recorder, and asked how it was she came to buy the coal at six o`clock in the morning. She said she did it really without thinking – it was fine coal.

The Recorder said it was a great temptation to people. He advised her not to do the same again, remarking that if there were no receivers there would be no thieves. Addressing the prisoner, he said the facility with which stolen goods seemed to be disposed of in Folkestone was a most remarkable thing. He had noticed ever since he first sat there as recorder; he had never heard of any place where greater facilities seemed to exist. It put temptation in the way of people like the prisoner when they could readily dispose of coal they had robbed from ships by shooting them down into the cellars of publicans. Under the circumstances he would only inflict a sentence of two months` imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 9-1-1892

Week by Week

That if there were no receivers there would be no thieves is, according to our learned Recorder, a matter of established belief with the police. Probably no-one would care to join issue with those astute officials upon the point. Ladies who have hundredweights of coal shot down into their cellars at six o`clock of a December morning by men who are not empowered to dispose of what is now in Folkestone becoming an article de luxe, need not be surprised if the authorities refuse to believe they are quite so innocent in the matter as they wish to be considered. Still, no doubt, people very often buy stolen property under the idea the vendor has come honestly by it. I have had an experience myself od the kind, and although I did not have to undergo a wigging from a Recorder, yet I had cause to remember it for a long time afterwards. Several years ago I bought a couple of brace of trout, not knowing they had been poached. But they were, and the gentleman who had “wired” them received a month for his trouble. On coming out of prison he used to pay me a visit every Saturday, until I refused to be bled any longer, to receive monetary compensation for the trouble and inconvenience he had undergone, as he said “all through them blessed trout you bought”.

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 4^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Henry Paine, 30, labourer, of imperfect education, pleaded Guilty to stealing 1 cwt. of coal, value 1s., the property of Thos. W.F. Dunning and another, on December 12^th, 1891. The prisoner further pleaded Guilty to a previous conviction for felony on the 6^th of February previous. Mr. Matthew appeared for the prosecution.

Calling up Mrs. Arthur, the Recorder asked: How came you to take this coal from the man?

Mrs. Arthur replied: Without thinking, sir. He said it was fine coal.

The Recorder (severely): You are to blame for putting temptation in the man`s way. At six o`clock in the morning you have this coal shot down into your cellar. The police think there would be no thieves if there were no receivers. I advise you not to buy coal again like that, or you will find yourself in a very awkward position, madam. You can go.

Addressing the prisoner, he said, as he had remarked before in that court, he must remark again, that the facility with which stolen goods seemen to be disposed of in Folkestone, was one of the most remarkable things he had noticed since he had sat there as Recorder. He never heard of any place where greater facilities existed. It was putting temptation in the way of such men as the prisoner that led to offences of that description. In this case the coal which was stolen was readily got rid of by being shot down the cellar of a publican. He was inclined to deal leniently on account of the terrible temptations which seemed to exist, and he would give him another chance. He would have to go to hard labour for two months.

Folkestone Express 10-1-1894

Wednesday, January 7th: Before J. Fitness, J.R. Davy and W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Surgeon General Gilborne

Alfred John Pope was charged with being drunk and disorderly in South Street on the 23^rd December. Defendant pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Lawrence proved the case. He stated that at a quarter past eight on the 23^rd of December he saw the defendant in South Street. He was very drunk and rolled against the fence in front of the Princess Royal. Witness helped him up and afterwards got him into the street. Defendant used very bad language, so witness took him into custody.

Defendant said he hadn`t had anything to drink for some time. He had got a drop too much, and could not remember what he said.

The Magistrates fined him 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs, or in default seven days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 24-2-1894

Wednesday, February 21^st: Before J. Fitness, E.T. Ward, and W. Wightwick Esqs.

Provisional Transfer

Authority to draw at the Princess Royal was granted to Mrs. Rebecca Felmingham.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 15-2-1895

Local News

At the Borough Police Court on Wednesday, Arthur Felmingham, late landlord of the Princess Royal, South Street, was summoned for refusing to quit the Victoria Inn when requested to do so.

P.C. Osborne proved the summons and said defendant, who was hurt, was in bed.

The Superintendent said defendant`s wife stated that he had a medical certificate, showing that he was unable to attend.

The case was adjourned for a week.

Folkestone Express 16-2-1895

Wednesday, February 13^th: Before W.G. Herbert and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Arthur Felmingham was summoned by Arthur Smith for refusing to quit the Victoria Inn when ordered, but did not appear.

Supt. Taylor said he had received a doctor`s certificate stating that defendant was not in a fit condition to attend.

The summons was therefore adjourned for a week.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-2-1895

Local News

On Wednesday morning at the Town Hall, Robert Felmingham, formerly of the Princess Royal Inn, South Street, was charged before the Borough Bench, on remand, with being drunk on licensed premises and refusing to quit the same. The offence was committed at the Victoria Inn, South Street, Mr. Hall conducting the prosecution on behalf of the licensee, Mr. Smith. Mr. Watts defended.

According to the opening statement of prosecutor`s solicitor, the offence arose through jealousy on the part of the accused, who had an idea the custom of the house next door, which he had just left, had been taken by the Smiths.

Mrs. Smith, wife of the prosecutor, said on Monday, February 11^th, while her husband was away at Ashford, defendant came to the Victoria Inn, and used indecent language to her sister, who was in charge of the bar. He was drunk. He went out eventually, only to return and make trouble by knocking over glasses and quarrelling with customers. Although asked five times by her to leave the premises, he refused to do so. He struck a man named Mackay, and a young fellow named Marshall.

Cross-examined by Mr. Watts, witness said she saw Mackay strike defendant, but he did so in self defence. She did not hear men say to defendant that they would “do” him. No-one knocked defendant down, he fell on the floor.

Annie Turner, the barmaid, was the next witness, and she corroborated the former testimony.

In answer to Mr. Watts, she said defendant was neither insulted, assaulted, or knocked down in the Victoria Inn.

A man named Onslow was called to prove defendant was drunk and fighting before he went into the public house. Witness saw defendant in the house challenging people to fight, and breaking glasses. He saw defendant put out of the house, and the door bolted against him.

To Mr. Watts: Defendant was knocked down twice by Mackay, who was compelled to do so in self defence. He did not consider defendant was drunk.

A further witness, named Bricknell, testified as to the determination of the defendant to fight while in the Inn, and said defendant took his coat off, and struck out right and left, knocking several people down. He refused to quit, except at the bidding of a constable, and said he would not leave for twenty constables.

For the defence, Mr. Watts urged that defendant was assailed when in the house, and got excited thereby; he was not responsible for the row.

The Bench convicted and imposed a fine of £1 10s., and £1 0s. 6d. costs. The money was paid by the wife of the defendant.

Folkestone Express 23-2-1895

Wednesday, February 20^th: Before J. Fitness Esq., Aldermen Pledge and Sherwood, J. Brooke, T.J. Vaughan, and Geo. Spurgen Esqs.

Robert Felmingham, whose wife until recently was the holder of the licence of the Princess Royal, was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit the Victoria Inn on the 11^th February. Mr. F. Hall appeared for the complainant, and Mr. H.W. Watts for the defendant.

Caroline Louisa Smith, wife of Ernest Victor Smith, the holder of the licence of the Victoria Inn, South Street, said: On Monday the defendant came into our house. I heard him using bad language, and went down and requested him to leave. My sister had previously asked him to leave. He left after a few minutes, and the door was bolted to prevent him returning. He came back again when somebody else entered and was again requested to leave. I was afraid he would smash the windows. He went out and returned a second time. He put out his arms and knocked all the glasses over – two grog glasses and two pints of beer. I requested him to go out the third time, and he would not, and I sent for a policeman. In the meantime defendant commenced to fight. He said he had got no licence, and he was going to cause a disturbance in my house. His wife was the licence holder of the Princess Royal. When I went downstairs, defendant had blood on his face, and I saw that he was intoxicated. During the time he was there he was not served with any intoxicating liquor. He had been served with some soda water. He asked for whisky and soda, but we refused to serve him. A customer came in and asked for a pint of beer. Defendant took out his tester and tested it. When I went downstairs he asked me if I was the landlady. He tested the beer in front of my face, and asked where the landlord was. I asked him four or five times to leave, and after a time he went out. I saw him strike a man named McKay. He struck a man named Marshall as well. Defendant was the aggressor.

In reply to defendant, witness said: I requested you to leave four times altogether. I did not serve you with whisky and soda – only plain soda. I saw the blood on your face when I came down. It was here (pointing to her lips).

Mr. Watts, who came in rather late, took up the cross-examination at this point, and in answer to him she said: I did not hear anyone say to defendant “We`ll do you”. I saw McKay strike defendant, but it was in self defence. I sent for Charles Caggett, a constable, between four and five. In the meantime another constable was fetched by a friend of defendant`s.

Annie Louise Turner, sister of the first witness, and barmaid at the Victoria Inn, gave similar evidence as to defendant`s behaviour.

Edward Henry Anslow, a labourer, said he saw defendant outside the Princess Royal on the 11^th inst. He spoke to a young fellow, and asked him if he wanted a pint of beer, and he declined. He then asked witness if he wanted a pint, and he said “Yes”, but did not get it. (Laughter) Defendant offered him half a sovereign if he would hold his coat, as he wanted to fight a young man in the road, but he did not fight with him. Instead, he went and interfered with Mr. Tolputt`s waggoner, and his nose was cut. When defendant returned he went into the Princess Royal, and the company there dispersed. Then he followed them into Swift`s house. Witness went in after, and saw defendant with his clothes off. He said he was the best man in Folkestone, and no-one could take it out of him. He was served with some soda water – nothing else. He refused to quit the place three times. The second time he knocked over all the glasses – one pint of beer belonged to witness. He was not what witness would call drunk. He seemed to know what he was about. With regard to the row that took place between McKay and defendant, defendant kept saying he was the best man, and he struck McKay, and got knocked down.

In reply to Mr. Watts, witness said Mrs. Smith sent for a policeman before defendant was knocked down. When the constable came he was standing up.

Edward George Bricknell gave similar evidence. He said defendant wanted to fight with him.

Mr. Hall had other witnesses, but did not think it necessary to call them.

Mr. Watts said it must be admitted his client had a certain amount of liquor, but he was not responsible for the disturbance.

The Bench, however, held that the charge was fully proved, and fined defendant 30s. and 20s. 6d. costs, or a month`s imprisonment.

Mr. Hall asked for the costs of his witnesses, but the Bench declined to allow them.

Folkestone Herald 23-2-1895

Local Jottings

Arthur Felmingham, late landlord of the Princess Royal, was charged on Wednesday with having been drunk and disorderly on February 11^th at the Victoria Inn, South Street. He had ultimately to pay a fine of 30s. and 20s. 6d. costs        

 

Folkestone Up To Date 23-2-1895

Hall of Justice

On Wednesday a publican was charged with refusing to quit licensed premises.

Fined 30s. and 21s. 6d. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-3-1895

Local News

On Wednesday the Borough Magistrates granted a transfer of the licence of the Princess Royal, South Street, to Mr. Walter Young.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-12-1897

Wednesday, December 8^th: Before The Mayor, Messrs. J. Fitness, and W.G. Herbert.

Mr. Andrew Adams applied for temporary authority to sell at the Princess Royal. The applicant handed in a number of testimonials, one being from the Mayor of Croydon.

The Superintendent opposed, as he had received a communication from the Metropolitan Police, stating that when applicant held a licence at Thornton Heath, he was fined for permitting betting. The licence was not endorsed.

Mr. Herbert was against granting the application, but Mr. Fitness and Mr. Wightwick thought perhaps the man would be careful in the future. Mr. Fitness said the police would have instructions to keep a strong look out.

The application was granted.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

   

Folkestone Express 11-12-1897

Wednesday, December 8^th: Before The Mayor, J. Fitness, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Temporary authority was granted to sell at the Princess Royal Inn to Andrew Adams.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Herald 11-12-1897

Local News

The following licence was transferred on Wednesday at the sitting of the Folkestone Justices: Princess Royal to Mr. Andrew Adams (temporary).

Note: Date for transfer is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Up To Date 22-1-1898

Wednesday, January 19^th: Before J. Fitness, C.J. Pursey, and W. Wightwick Esqs.

The licence was transferred to Mr. Adams of the Princess Royal Hotel.

Folkestone Chronicle 2-12-1899

Local News

At the Petty Sessional Court on Wednesday, the licence of the Princess Royal public house was transferred temporarily from Andrew Adams to Henry Stuart Williams.

Note: More Bastions gives John Stewart Miller

Folkestone Herald 2-12-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday a temporary licence was granted to Mr. John Stewart Miller for the Princess Royal.

 

Folkestone Up To Date 2-12-1899

Wednesday, November 29^th: Before Colonel Penfold, and Messrs. Medhurst, Stainer, and Pledge.

A temporary licence of transfer was granted to John Stewart Miller for the Princess Royal Hotel, South Street.

Folkestone Herald 9-12-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday transfer was granted to Mr. J.S. Miller, Princess Royal