Updates

11th May, 2013: Southeastern Gazette Reports for 1881 - 1890 Added

Guildhall Hotel/Tavern 1880s

Folkestone Express 4-8-1883

Saturday, July 28^th: Before J. Clark, J. Fitness, J. Holden, and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs., and General Armstrong C.B.

James Edward Hoad was charged with maliciously throwing a stone and breaking a window in the house of the Mayor. Defendant is the landlord of the Guildhall Tavern. Mr. Minter prosecuted. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Minter said the prosecution was instituted under the Malicious Damage to Property Act, and he proceeded to detail the circumstances of the case. The defendant was an innkeeper at the Guildhall Tavern, adjoining the Town Hall. The offence, he thought the Bench would say when they had heard the evidence, was one of a very dastardly character, and one which if proved, as no doubt it would be, would call for exceptional punishment. On the 14^th of July, at midnight, Mr. Sherwood`s window was broken under the circumstances they would have in evidence, by a stone. That stone, they said, was thrown by the defendant from the roof of his house, for the purpose of maliciously injuring Mr. Sherwood`s property. The would wonder why the defendant should be guilty of such a dastardly act towards the Mayor. The motive that he should suggest was gathered from the defendant`s own words. He seemed to have taken it into his head that Mr. Sherwood supported the Salvation Army in Folkestone. Whether or not that interfered with his particular business, he (Mr. Minter) did not know, but he should prove in evidence that defendant was heard to call the Mayor a scamp. At that moment he was not in a position to put in vertain anonymous letters which had been received by the Mayor, therefore he would not further refer to them at that stage. Having detailed the facts of the case given in the evidence, he said he should ask the Bench to say that no person, other than the person that the witness Grimes said broke the window, could have done it, and taking all the circumstances into consideration, although the evidence was presumptive, presumptive evidence was sometimes the very best evidence, and he should ask the Bench to convict the defendant on the ground that no other person could have got access to the premises without the defendant`s knowledge.

He called Mr. John Sherwood, who said: I am Mayor of the borough, and live at No. 5, Sandgate Road. On Saturday, the 14^th July, the windows over my offices were perfect. On Sunday morning I found one of the panes broken. The value of the window is about £1. I know the defendant as landlord of the house opposite. I can see the roof of his house from my dining room on the first floor. There is a skylight in the roof, and a parapet wall in front.

P.C. James Delaney said: I was on duty t 12 o`clock at night on Saturday the 14<sup>th</sup> July. I was standing opposite Mr. Dunsford`s, talking to Mr. Loftus Banks. Whilst talking I heard a stone go against something. The sound came from Mr. Sherwood`s house. I gave some direction to Mr. Banks, and then ran to Guildhall Street into the new building. I blew my whistle for assistance. I entered the building in Guildhall Street, and came out into Sandgate Road. I then went and stood under the porch of the Town Hall, where I found P.C. Smith. Whilst standing there I heard a stone come. In my judgement it came from the direction of Guildhall Street. I went through the passage across the market, and entered the passage leading to Mr. Hoad`s backway. There was a dog barking. Mr Hoad lifted the window up and said “What`s the matter?” I said “Nothing, I am only going my usual rounds”. I then returned to the front of the Town Hall.

Cross-examined: He was dressed as though he was going to bed or getting up. The window is entirely in the rear of the premises. My light was thrown on to the window, and it made the dog bark, and caused Mr. Hoad to throw up the window. From where I stood first I had a view of defendant`s house. I saw no-one on the roof. It was a light night. I did not hear any glass smashed, but heard some stones strike against the building. The window could be struck by a stone coming from several directions. I am not prepared to swear that the first stone came from any particular direction. When I heard the second stone I was standing under the Town Hall porch. The second stone I heard fall into the road. I cannot say it struck the building. I can swer it came from the direction of the Guildhall by the direction the stone took when it fell on the road. The stone was picked up in my presence. I did not see it fall. I am prepared to swear that was the stone thrown. There was no other in the road. The stone travelled towards Mr. Sherwood`s front door. The window broken was the farther one.

Re-examined:  I can swear there was no-one in Sandgate Road, Church Street, or Guildhall Street. Thinking it came from behind defendant`s house, I went round.

William Grimes said: I am an assistant to Mr. Sherwood. I sleep in the room over the dining room. From my bedroom I can see the Town Hall and three or four other houses. I can see the roof of the Guildhall Tavern. On Saturday night at eleven o`clock I went to my bedroom. The household generally had retired to rest. I sat down and read for about three quarters of an hour, then washed, turned out the gas, and got into bed. As I laid down I heard something come up against the outside of the house. I immediately jumped out of bed, lifted one of the Venetian blinds and looked out. My line of sight was towards the Guildhall Tavern. I saw a light in the skylight in the roof of the Guildhall Tavern, and saw a head over the parapet. I watched it for about five minutes. Then I saw the body rise up, and I saw his arm raise and move in the action of throwing. I heard a thud against the house. The window being plate glass it would only make a thud. The man was between me and the light of the skylight. I could not distinguish his features. I should not like to say the man was of the size of the defendant. I do not know the depth of the parapet. I saw him go into the skylight. The adjoining houses have no skylights. The light disappeared. I continued at the window. It was about five minutes past twelve when the second thud came. I afterwards saw a person come to the window of the Guildhall Tavern. It was a little more than a minute after the light disappeared in the skylight. The person placed his face to the window and was looking at the policemen below. I cannot identify the person.

Cross-examined: I did not re-light the gas after I put it out. I am not able to distinguish the figure of the person whom I saw on the parapet, or the person who came to the window. I cannot identify either person in any way whatever. I cannot say which arm of the figure moved.

Re-examined: I saw the man at the window several times during 10 minutes.

P.C. Dawson said: On the 17^th July I went to defendant`s house at 20 minutes past eight in the morning. I went again at 7.20, and on the 19<sup>th</sup> I asked defendant if he let beds. He said “I don`t let beds, but I can recommend you to the Shakespeare Inn”. There was a soldier there on the 19^th. The soldier and I talked together.

Mr. Bannon objected to the conversation being given in evidence.

Examination continued: Hoad said “It is only the Mayor, the scamp. Don`t think anything of that. If he put his foot on them he should get rid of them at once”.

Cross-examined: There had been some previous discussion about the Salvation Army. The defendant said some man had been locked up for stealing the flag. I took it that “putting his foot down” had reference to the Salvation Army.

P.C. Smith said he heard a whistle blown and went to the front of the Town Hall. He heard a stone strike Mr. Sherwood`s building. He thought the stone came from the back of Guildhall Street. He had frequently used the house, and Hoad was the only man he had seen there.

Mr. Bannon addressed the Bench on behalf of the defendant, urging that he was perfectly innocent of the offence charged against him.

The Bench retired to consider their decision, and on their return the Chairman said the magistrates were unanimously of opinion that the offence was proved. The defendant was liable to two months` hard labour, but they had decided to deal leniently with the matter. Defendant must pay 20s., the damage, £3 fine, and 15s. 6d. costs, or in default go to prison for one month with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 1-8-1885

Wednesday, July 29^th: Before W.J. Jeffreason, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Mr. Bannon applied on behalf of Mr. Hoad, of the Guildhall Tavern for a licence to sell refreshments at the Conservative Fete at Morehall on Bank Holiday. Granted.

Mr. Quested also applied for a licence to sell outside the grounds, in a field adjoining, but the Bench refused permission.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-12-1887

At the Police Court on Thursday, Thomas Whittington and Henry Grover, privates in the King`s Royal Rifles, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, were charged with having feloniously and burglariously entered the Guildhall Tavern on the 6^th inst., and taking therefrom two bottles of spirits, 7s. 6d. in silver, 5s. in bronze, and 112 foreign bronze coins, the property of James Edward Hoad.

The prosecutor stated he discovered that the fanlight which led to the bar had been broken, and marks were left of someone`s boots on the frame. The fanlight was 3 ft. 6 ins. long and 19 ins. deep.

Thomas William Hogben, a barman in the last witness`s employ, gave corroborative evidence, adding that the chain attached to the fanlight was broken.

Corporal Geralde, K.R.R., proved having given information to Sergeant Lodge, who searched the prisoners and found the coins produced. Major Houssen went to the prisoners` quarters and searched the kits. In that of Whittington`s he found a large number of coins tied up in a sock (produced). On a shelf at the head of his bed he found three boxes of cigars and one bottle of spirits. He then communicated with the civil police authorities, the result of which was that Sergeant Harman took the prisoners into custody. Whittington stated on his way that he knew nothing about the robbery, but found a parcel at the rear of his quarters in the night, which contained the articles in question, and which he intended to keep until claimed.

Corporal Coleman, K.R.R., deposed that the prisoners were in bed at 10.15 on the night in question, that being the time that the lights were turned out. He saw them again at 6.30 in the morning in bed. It would be possible for them to have gone out in the night as the doors were never fastened.

The Magistrates discharged Grover, and committed the other prisoner for trial at the next assizes.

Folkestone Express 10-12-1887

Thursday, December 8^th: Before Captain Carter, J. Fitness and E.R. Ward Esq.

Two privates of the King`s Royal Rifles, one named Thomas Whittington, and the other Grover, were charged with burglary at the Guildhall Tavern, and stealing the articles named in the depositions given below.

John Edward Hoad said: I am landlord of the Guildhall Tavern, 4, Guildhall Street. On the night of Tuesday I was in the bar till about a quarter past twelve. Before leaving I left the fanlights open about six inches at the top, suspended by a cord and chain. I went into the bar about eight o`clock on Wednesday morning. I examined the bar and found the fanlight cord and chain broken. The fanlight is 3 ft. 6 ins. long and 19 ins. deep. I noticed marks on the glass and on the ledge of the door as if feet had been placed on the ledges. I missed from the till, which was not locked, 7s. 6d. in silver, 2s. 6d. in English coppers, 5s. worth of French coppers from a shelf, and four boxes of cigars from a shelf close to the ceiling. I value the cigars at 32s. I missed two or three bottles of spirits, one brandy and the other rum, value 6s.

Thomas William Hogben, barman to Mr. Hoad, said:  I left the house on Tuesday night between ten minutes and a quarter past eleven. The fanlight over the door nearest the Town Hall was about 6 in. down. I went to work about half past six on Wednesday morning. I went to the front bar and noticed that the fanlight over the door nearest the Town Hall was closed, and the chain and cord was broken. When I took hold of the string, the fanlight fell down. I noticed a stool standing near the door. I saw Mr. Hoad about eight and told him about the fanlights. I had previously noticed that the till was open, and that it was empty.

Corporal Charles Dearlove, of the King`s Royal Rifles, said: About 10 minutes past twelve on Wednesday I saw the two prisoners at the canteen on Shorncliffe Camp. They were in the bar, and from there they went to the taproom. I stood about four yards from them. They produced some coin from their pockets. Whittington had an old fashioned halfpenny or some other coin. That produced is the same. Twenty minutes after a provost corporal came round with the information that a house had been broken into. I went to the taproom and asked Grover if he had any old coins to make away with. He said he had, and pulled from his pocket a lot of silver and English and French halfpence. I could not judge how much. I asked him if he had any old silver coins to put on my watch chain. He said he had at home. I ordered him to be confined. At the Guardroom he was searched by Sergt. Ledge. Some silver coin, foreign coin and English coppers were found on him. I afterwards had Whittington confined to the Guardroom and searched.  Some coin and an old halfpenny were found on him. I made no charge against them, but I told the Sergt. Major and we went and searched the men`s kits. In Whittington`s kit we found a bottle of brandy, and a bag of money with a name on it. In his valise we found two boxes of cigars, and on a shelf over the bed a third box. Those produced are the same. In Grover`s kit we found nothing.

Grover said he had no foreign silver in his possession.

Sergt. Thomas Lodge, K.R.R., said: At a quarter past one on Wednesday, Grover was brought to me in the Guardroom. I searched him in the corporal`s presence. I found in his pocket 4s. 3d. in English coins, and 1s. 10 d. in foreign coins. I told him he would be charged with being concerned in a burglary at Folkestone. He replied “I know nothing about it. I wasn`t out of the barracks, and can prove where I got the coins from”. Shortly after Corpl. Dearlove brought in Whittington, and I searched him. I found 8s. 6d. in silver, and 9½d. in copper, among the latter being the old halfpenny. I told Whittington he would be charged on suspicion of being concerned in a robbery at Folkestone on the previous night.

Sergt. Major Job Hounsell, K.R.R., said: In consequence of a communication made to me by Corp. Dearlove I went with him to the room which prisoners occupied. I searched their kits. I Whittington`s kit we found a bottle of brandy with J.E. Hoad`s name on, and three boxes of cigars, and in the bed a sock containing copper coins, a piece of candle, and a small paper bag with Mr. Hoad`s name on it. I did not count the money till the Sergeant of the police came. In Grover`s kit I found nothing relating to the robbery. At the Guardroom I asked Whittington where he got the brandy, cigars, and foreign coins from. He said he bought them off a “civi”, meaning a civilian. I told him I should report it to the police. I asked Grover when he got the coins taken from him, and he replied that he bought them off Private Whittington. Whittington made no reply to that. Police Sergt. Harman came to the Camp about four the same afternoon, and the prisoners were given into his custody. The property found in Whittington`s bed and kit was handed over to him. The prisoners were present at tattoo at ten o`clock on Tuesday night. Corp. Coleman certified that they were present in the room. It is quite possible for a man to leave barracks after tattoo and be absent till six the next morning without being missed. Prisoners were on parade at half past seven on Wednesday morning. The Corporal slept in the same room.

Police Sergt. Harman said: I went to the Camp and received the prisoner into custody, and also the property now produced. I charged the prisoners with breaking and entering the Guildhall Tavern, Folkestone, between the hours of twelve and six that morning, and stealing 7s. 6d. in silver, 2s. 6d. in English bronze, 5s. in French bronze, 1s. 6d. in old English copper coins, two bottles of spirits and three boxes of cigars. Whittington said “I know nothing about it. I was in my hut at the time”. Grover replied “I bought 14d. of French coppers off Whittington this morning. I gave him 6d. and a pot of porter for them. I have plenty of witnesses to prove that”, and called out several names to the Sergeant Major to produce as witnesses. He also said “A few days ago I bought eight pennyworth of French bronze from Private Callaghan, and gave 4d. for them”. I had Callaghan produced, made the enquiry, and found that was correct. I brought the prisoners to the police station, and when near the end of the lines Whittington said “That is where I got them from, round behind there, from a man I have often seen when I have been on pass”.

Supt. Taylor said: I read the charge to the prisoners. Whittington made a statement, which I took down. This was to the effect that he found the articles in a latrine. Grover said “The Sergeant has got all I want to say”.

Corporal Alfred Joseph Colman said he was corporal in charge of the room in which the prisoner slept, and was present at tattoo on Tuesday night – 10 o`clock. Both prisoners were there, and in bed. Lights were put out at a quarter past ten. He saw them next morning at half past six in bed. The room was in darkness during the night. The door of the room was not locked at night time. He saw Grover buying some coins off Whittington about half past eight on Wednesday morning. Grover gave Whittington 6d. for some French coins.

Mr. Hoad was re-called, and said he could not recognise either of the prisoners. Among the oins he missed there were some Indian ones.

The depositions being read over and signed, the prisoner Grover was dismissed, there being no evidence against him.

Whittington made a statement to the effect that he went to the latrine about half past five in the morning, and there found all the articles and money.

The Bench decided to commit this prisoner for trial at the next assizes.

Southeastern Gazette 10-12-1887

Local News

On Thursday two privates in the King’s Royal Rifles, at Shorncliffe, named Grover and Whittington, were charged with burglariously entering the Guildhall Tavern, Folkestone, on the previous day. The burglar or burglars entered the house through a fanlight 3ft. 6in. in width by l9in., and succeeded in taking away 112 foreign coins, a quantity of silver money, two bottles of spirits, and three boxes of cigars. When Whittington’s kit was searched most of the money was found tied up in his socks. The prisoner Grove was discharged, his statement that he bought the coins from the other prisoner being found correct. Whittington was committed to take his trial at the next Kent Assizes.

 

Holbein`s Visitors` List 14-12-1887

Thursday, December 8^th: Present Capt. Carter (in the chair), John Hoad Esq., John Fitness Esq., and E.W. Ward Esq.

Thomas Whittington and Frederick Grover, privates in the King`s Royal Rifles, were charged with having burglariously entered the premises known as the Guildhall Tavern, Guildhall Street, and stealing therefrom three bottles of spirits, five boxes of cigars,and a quantity of silver and bronze money, the property of James Hoad.

Mr. Hoad said that he locked up the house as usual on the night of the 6^th December and saw that the fanlights were fastened. When he came down on Wednesday morning the barman made a communication to him, and he then found that the fanlight nearest the Town Hall was open. He identified the bottle of brandy produced as his property – it bore his label – and he also identified the three boxes of cigars. There were no marks of his own on the boxes, but he identified them by the brands. Of one brand, no person in Folkestone but Mr. Starr and himself had purchased any. He produced the invoice for one lot of cigars – he had 24 boxes, but had only 21 left now. The other spirits taken were another bottle of brandy, and he thought a bottle of rum. There was also a quantity of bronze money missing, including French, Indian, English, and old English coins and some silver.

Thomas William Hogben said that he was barman in the employ of Mr. Hoad at the Guildhall Tavern. He left there about 11.15 on Tuesday night. He did not lock up the house, as Mr. Hoad always did that, but he noticed that both the fanlights were shut. They were fastened with chains and cords. He went to business at 6.30 on Wednesday morning, letting himself in as usual by the back door, of which he had the key. He then went into the front bar and noticed that the fanlight next the Town hall was closed, but he noticed that the cord was broken, and when he went to open it as usual, it fell down. He also noticed that one of the water bottles and a tray were moved to the opposite side of the bar from where he had left them the previous night. He saw Mr. Hoad about eight o`clock and made a communication to him about the fastenings. The first thing he noticed on going round the bar was that the till was wide open. He served the customers who came early in the morning.

Corporal Charles Dearlove, of the K.R.R., said that about 12.10 on Wednesday afternoon he saw the prisoners in the Canteen of the Regiment. They were together at the bar for three or four minutes and afterwards went into the taproom with their beer. He heard no conversation between them and the waiter. They both had money while in the bar, silver and bronze mixed. Whittington had an old fashioned bronze coin which he was showing to other people at the bar. Witness did not know if it was a halfpenny or a penny, but should know the coin again. (Witness identified it from several shown him). Prisoners then went into the taproom. He did not follow them for nearly half an hour, but when Corporal Hood brought round papers certifying that a house in Folkestone had been broken into he made it his business to go into the room, and asked Grover if he had any old coins to make away with. Grover said yes, he had, and pulled out a handful of coins, silver and bronze mixed. They were both English and French, but he could not say what was the worth of them. He asked if Grover had got any old silver coins, as he wanted one for his watch chain. Grover said he had some at home. Witness then ordered him to be confined, and he was taken to the guard room. The Sergeant of the Guard searched him in presence of witness and found a number of coins, English and French, on him, but he did not know how many. Shortly after he found Whittington walking towards the guard room with Grover`s dinner. He was also arrested, by witness`s instructions, and was searched by Sergeant Lodge in witness`s presence. Some silver and bronze coins were found on him, including the old bronze coin of which he had already spoken. He made no charge against the prisoners, but went to the Sergt. Major, who went with witness to the barrack room and searched the prisoners` kits. They found in Whittington`s kit a bottle of spirits, three boxes of cigars, and a bag (or sock) containing money. Both prisoners slept in one room. They found two boxes of cigars in Whittington`s kit and one on the shelf above his bed. He identified the spirits and cigars as those found. They searched Grover`s kit but found nothing in it. Grover said that he had no questions to ask, except that he had no foreign silver, only coppers.

Sergt. Thomas Lodge said that he was on duty at the guard room about 1.15 on Wednesday when Corporal Dearlove came there. He searched the prisoners in the presence of the Corporal. He found 4s. 3d. in English coins, and some foreign coins in Grover`s pockets. He took the money from him and placed him under arrest, saying that he would be charged with burglary in Folkestone on the previous night. Grover said he knew nothing about it and could prove where he got the coins from. About three minutes after another Corporal brought in Whittington. Witness searched him and found 8s. 6d. in silver, 8½d. in English bronze and an old English coin. The silver was made up of one shilling and the rest in sixpences. He told Whittington that he would be charged with being concerned in a burglary at Folkestone, and ordered him to be detained.

Sergt. Major Hounslow deposed that in consequence of what Corporal Dearlove told him shortly after one o`clock on Wednesday he went with the Corporal to the hut in which the prisoners lived. They both slept in one room. They searched Whittington`s kit and bed and found one bottle of brandy and three boxes of cigars in the kit. In the bed they found a sock containing a number of coins, a piece of candle, and a small paper bag with Mr. Hoad`s name on it. They did not count the money then, but did so when the Police Sergeant arrived. Witness also took some money which had been found on the prisoners from the Sergeant of the Guard. They then searched Grover`s kit but found nothing relating to the present charge. Witness then went to the guard room and told the Sergeant that he wished to see the prisoners. He asked Whittington where he got the brandy, the cigars, and the foreign coins. Witness had them in his hand at the time. Whittington said he bought them off a “civi” – witness supposed he meant a civilian. Witness then told him that he should sent to the Superintendent of Police at Folkestone and say that he had found the property which had been stolen.

He then asked Grover where he got the coins taken from him and Grover said that he bought them off Private Whittington that morning. P.S. Harman came to the barracks about five o`clock and witness handed over the prisoners to his custody. He also handed over the property which had been found in Whittington`s kit and bed. The prisoners were present at tattoo, and the Corporal of the room reported them as present after “lights out”. It was quite possible for a man to leave Camp after tattoo and not be missed until six in the morning. He knew of his own knowledge that prisoners were on parade at 7.30 next morning.

P.S. Harman gave corroborative evidence as to having the prisoners and the property from last witness. Whittington, after being cautioned, said he knew nothing about the money – he was in bed. Grover said he bought 1s. 2d. in French coppers off Whittington, and gave him sixpence and a pot of porter for them. He had plenty of witnesses to prove that. A few days before he had bought eight pennyworth from Private Flanagan and had given fourpence for them. Witness found that Grover`s account of this transaction was perfectly correct, as he had Private Flanagan and the Sergeant who gave him the coins both called. As witness was bringing the prisoners to the station, Whittington pointed to sume huts and said “That`s where I got `em, round there”, meaning behind the huts.

Superintendent Taylor gave evidence as to having received the prisoners at 6.30 and having charged them with the offence. He also cautioned them that anything they might say would be used in evidence against them. Whittington made a statement, which witness took down in writing and now produced. (This was put in). Grover said “The Sergeant has got all I want to say”.

Corporal Coleman said that he was in charge of the room in which prisoners slept. Both prisoners were present at tattoo – he saw them. He also saw them when “lights out” was sounded. They were both in bed then. He saw them again about 6.30 next morning, when they were both in bed. In reply to questions, the witness said that the room was in darkness between “lights out” and reveille. The door was shut but not fastened. He saw Grover buy some foreign coins from Whittington after breakfast. Could not say how man coins, but Grover paid sixpence for them. That was in the room where they slept.

Mr. Hoad, re-called, said that he did not know either of the prisoners. They might have been in his house, but not often enough for him to remember their faces. He could not positively swear to the coins, but he had a number of Indian, French, and other coins of the same character as those produced,

In reply to the Bench, the Superintendent said that it would be quite easy to walk from the Guildhall to the Camp in half an hour.

The Chairman (after a long consultation) said that the evidence with respect to Grover was not sufficient to convict him, although the case was one of very strong suspicion. He would be discharged, but he must understand that if the police obtained any new evidence he would be liable to be again brought before them.

In reply to the Bench, the prisoner Whittington elected to make a statement, which was, of course, duly taken down. In the main it did not contradict the evidence given for the prosecution, except that prisoner declared he did not leave the Camp all night, and that he found the brandy, cigars, and money in two parcels in a certain building on the Camp. He took the goods to his hut and put the money in his pocket, meaning to give it up if he could find out who lost it.

The Chairman said they had carefully considered the case, and the evidence was very strong against the prisoner. He would be committed for trial at the next Assizes for the County of Kent, wherever they might be held.

The witnesses were then bound over to appear and give evidence, and the case, which had caused great interest, and had occupied two hours, was concluded – at any rate so far as our Police Court is concerned.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-8-1888

Inquest

The Borough Coroner (J. Minter Esq.) held an inquest at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, touching the death of James Edward Hoad, late landlord of the Guildhall Tavern, whose death occurred under circumstances detailed in the evidence below.

James Kennett Boorn, Town Sergeant, identified the body.

Eleanor Hoad, widow of deceased, said her husband was 39 years of age. On Sunday week witness was lying in bed in the back room above the bar with a child who was ill, when she heard a crash of glass downstairs. She looked over the banisters, but saw nothing. She called out, but got no answer, so therefore went back to bed again. When deceased left her she thought he went to bed. She did not pursue her enquiries, as she thought it was merely a glass knocked down. She was nervous about the child, and did not go down. Next morning about half past eight she went into the bedroom where deceased slept. He was lying on the bed, dressed and smothered in blood. He told her that he missed his footing and fell down the stairs and through the glass of a door at the foot of the stairs. He had a cut on the eyebrow and two smaller ones above. He got up and bathed his face. After he had bathed his face he laid on the sofa in the drawing room. Next day he went to a chemist`s and had his head strapped up. At eleven o`clock one evening, about three days before his death, she found him in a sort of fainting fit and sent for Dr. Eastes.

Dr. Thomas Eastes said the deceased called him early on Sunday morning, July 29^th, to attend his child. He went immediately and saw the child in the presence of the deceased and his wife. He was called to see deceased on Thursday night, the 2^nd of August. He seemed to have fainted and he found he had three wounds on his forehead, and erysipelas in those wounds, which was spreading over the forehead, and he was delirious. He attended him from that time until his death, which took place early on Monday morning, the 6^th inst. The cause of death was exhaustion from delirium tremens and erysipelas supervening in the wounds. The child was suffering from rheumatism, but deceased did not wish to see him. He was not sober when he called witness to attend his child. The real cause of the erysipelas was strapping the wounds up. The fainting fit was no doubt the commencement of a severe illness.

Frederick Henry Darley, watchmaker, said he was sent for by Mr. Hoad on Thursday or Friday at midday. He went, and found deceased in the back room on the ground floor. He said “See what an eye I`ve got. I have sent for some leeches as I want to get the colour out. I want you to hold the glass until the leeches bite”. He put on three leeches. He told witness how the fall occurred. On Saturday afternoon Mrs. Hoad sent for him. She told him her husband was very strange, and they could not keep him in bed. He went up into his bedroom, and found deceased sitting on his bed. Only Mrs. Hoad was with him. He induced him to get into bed and then went away, telling Mrs. Hoad he would return as soon as his business was closed. He went again at half past nine, but did not see deceased. At half past eleven Mrs. Hoad sent for him again. He was then very excited, and he told her he would want more than one man to take care of him. Two other men were obtained, and witness stayed until six o`clock next morning. He went again at ten o`clock, and remained with deceased until the time of his death, excepting about two hours. Deceased died at a little past three on Monday morning. At ten o`clock on Sunday night he had a sleeping draught, and about twelve he became insensible. He knew deceased had been drinking hard for several weeks, and he remonstrated with him about it, and he promised to give it up.

Thomas Hogben, a barman who was in the employ of the deceased, said deceased told him how the wound on his face was caused. A day or two after he said he thought he should go to Goodliffe`s and witness advised him to do so. He saw deceased on Wednesday morning, and he then had his eye strapped up. He saw him again on Thursday morning. He then said he was queer and should go to bed. On Friday morning deceased sent for him. He went to his bedroom, and deceased gave him some instructions about the beer. On Friday night he saw him again, and by his direction did several acts of business, paying rates and so on. He saw him again on Saturday morning, and again on Sunday night. On Sunday night he was very delirious. Deceased had been drinking very hard for a month past.

The Coroner said there had been so many absurd reports about that he thought it was necessary to take the evidence at considerable length. But there was no doubt that the deceased`s death was caused by his own folly and imprudence in drinking to excess, and his own neglect.

The jury returned a verdict that death was caused by exhaustion from delirium tremens and erysipelas.

Folkestone Express 11-8-1888

Inquest

On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held by the Borough Coroner at the Town Hall, Folkestone, on the body of James Edward Hoad, late landlord of the Guildhall Tavern, Guildhall Street, who died on Monday morning.

James Kennett Boorn, Town Sergeant, identified the body. He said he last saw deceased alive on Saturday week, when he called at the Town Hall. He seemed then to be in a pretty good state of health. He had a cut on his left eye, and told witness that he missed his footing at the bottom steps of the stairs, and fell with his head through the glass. He said he thought he was on the last step, but there were two. He complained of his head, and said he could not go into the bar with his head cut, so he went to have a chat with witness.

Eleanor Hoad, widow of deceased, said he was 39 years of age. On Sunday week he had a fall. Witness was lying in bed in the back room above the bar with a child who was ill when she heard him fall. Before he fell he had been for a doctor to attend his child. Dr. Eastes attended about one o`clock, she thought. It was some time after Dr. Eastes had gone that she heard a crash of glass downstairs. She looked over the banisters, but saw nothing. She called out, but got no answer, and she went back to bed again. When deceased left her she thought he went to bed. She did not pursue her enquiries, as she thought it was merely a glass knocked down. She was nervous about the child, and did not go down. Next morning about half past eight she went into the bedroom where deceased slept. He was lying on the bed, dressed, and smothered in blood. He told her that he missed his footing and fell down the stairs, and through the glass of the door at the foot of the stairs. He had a cut on the eyebrow, and two smaller ones above. He got up and bathed his face. After he had bathed his face he laid on the sofa in the drawing room. Next day he went to a chemist`s and had his head strapped up. At eleven o`clock one evening about three days before his death she found him in a sort of fainting fit and sent for Dr. Eastes. He was slightly delirious, and she had two men to attend to him.

Dr. Thomas Eastes said the deceased called him early on Sunday morning, July 29^th, to attend his child. He went immediately and saw the child in the presence of deceased and his wife. He was called to see deceased on Thursday night, the 2^nd of August. He seemed to have fainted, and he found he had three wounds on his forehead, and erysipelas in those wounds, which was spreading over the forehead, and he was delirious. He attended him from that time until his death, which took place early on Monday morning, the 6^th inst. The cause of death was exhaustion from delirium tremens, and erysipelas supervening in the wounds. The child was suffering from rheumatism, but deceased did not wish to see him. He was not sober when he called witness to attend his child. The real cause of the erysipelas was strapping the wounds up. The fainting fit was no doubt the commencement of a severe illness.

A brother of deceased asked Dr. Eastes if deceased had been attended by a physician at first, whether he would not have been saved.

Dr. Eastes replied that he could not say. Some cases did badly from the first. Deceased always avoided him when he went into the house. It was certainly by his own free will that he did not see him. Deceased`s general state of health no doubt accelerated his death. Had he been in better health, the probability was that erysipelas would not have ensued.

In reply to a question by a juror, the Coroner said that no doctor had a right to give a certificate of death when it followed upon injuries received by falling.

Frederick Henry Darley, watchmaker, said he was sent for by Mr. Hoad on Thursday or Friday at midday. He went, and found deceased in the back room on the ground floor. He said “See what an eye I`ve got. I have sent for some leeches as I want to get the colour out. I want you to hold the glass until the leeches bite”. He put on three leeches. He told witness how the fall occurred. On Saturday afternoon Mrs. Hoad sent for him. She told him her husband was very strange and they could not keep him in bed. He went up into his bedroom, and found deceased sitting on his bed. Only Mrs. Hoad was with him. He induced him to get into bed, and then went away, telling Mrs. Hoad he would return as soon as his business was closed. He went again at half past nine, but did not see deceased. At half past eleven Mrs. Hoad sent for him again. He was then very excited and he told her he would more than one man to take care of him. Two other men were obtained, and witness stayed until six o`clock next morning. He went again at ten o`clock, and remained with deceased until the time of his death, excepting about two hours. Deceased died at a little past three on Monday morning. At ten o`clock on Sunday night he had a sleeping draught, and about twelve he became insensible. He knew deceased had been drinking hard for several weeks, and he remonstrated with him about it, and he promised to give it up.

Thomas Hogben, a barman who was in the employ of the deceased, said deceased told him how the wound on his face was caused. A day or two after he said he thought he should go to Goodliffe`s, and witness advised him to do so. He saw deceased on Wednesday morning, and he then had his eye strapped up. He saw him again on Thursday morning. He then said he was queer and should go to bed. On Friday morning deceased sent for him. He went to his bedroom, and deceased gave him some instructions about the beer. On Friday night he saw him again, and by his direction did several acts of business, paying rates and so on. He saw him again on Saturday morning, and again on Saturday night. On Sunday night he saw deceased again, and he was then very delirious. Deceased had been drinking very hard for a month past.

The Coroner said there had been so many absurd reports about that he thought it was necessary to take the evidence at considerable length. But there was no doubt that the deceased`s death was caused by his own folly and imprudence in drinking to excess, and by his own neglect. He could have gone himself to a doctor, but did not have surgical attention until his wife sent for Dr. Eastes.

The deceased`s brother said all the relations were refused who went to see him.

Dr. Eastes said he gave strict orders that no-one was to be allowed to see deceased, and Mr. Darley said he carried out the doctor`s orders. No-one was admitted except those who were in attendance upon him.

The jury returned a verdict that death was caused by exhaustion through delirium tremens and erysipelas.

Southeastern Gazette 13-8-1888

Inquest

On Tuesday an inquest was held at the Town Hall on the body of James Edward Hoad, late landlord of the Guildhall Tavern. The evidence showed that deceased fell down some stairs and cut his head against a glass door. He suffered from delirium tremens, and erysipelas supervened in the wounds, from the effects of which deceased died. A verdict to that effect was returned.