Memories from the pubs in and around Folkestone, with contemporary newspaper reports.
Thanks And Acknowledgements
My thanks go to Kent Libraries and Archives - Folkestone Library and also to the archive of the Folkestone Herald. For articles from the Folkestone Observer, my thanks go to the Kent Messenger Group. Southeastern Gazette articles are from UKPress Online, and Kentish Gazette articles are from the British Newspaper Archive. See links below.
Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked
Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.
Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked
Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.
Welcome
Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.
Core dates and information on licensees tenure are taken from Martin Easdown and Eamonn Rooney`s two fine books on the pubs of Folkestone, Tales From The Tap Room and More Tales From The Tap Room - unfortunately now out of print. Dates for the tenure of licensees are taken from the very limited editions called Bastions Of The Bar and More Bastions Of The Bar, which were given free to very early purchasers of the books.
Easiest navigation of the site is by clicking on the PAGE of the pub you are looking for and following the links to the different sub-pages. Using the LABELS is, I`m afraid, not at all user-friendly.
Contrast Note
Whilst the above-mentioned books and supplements represent an enormous amount of research over many years, it is almost inevitable that further research will throw up some differences to the published works. Where these have been found, I have noted them. This is not intended to detract in any way from previous research, but merely to indicate that (possible) new information is available.
Contribute
If you have any anecdotes or photographs of the pubs featured in this Blog and would like to share them, please mail me at: jancpedersen@googlemail.com.
If you`ve enjoyed your visit here, why not buy me a pint, using the button at the end of the "Labels" section?
If you`ve enjoyed your visit here, why not buy me a pint, using the button at the end of the "Labels" section?
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Friday, 7 June 2013
Updates
7th June, 2013: Folkestone Herald Reports for 1903 Added
London And Paris 1900 - 1904
Folkestone Express
17-5-1902
Monday, May 12th: Before Aldermen S. Penfold, G.
Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan, Colonel W.K. Westropp, and G. Peden Esq.
Vladimir Hausen, a seaman of the Catherine, was charged with
being drunk and disorderly on Sunday in Harbour Street.
P.C. Leonard Johnson said about eight o`clock on Sunday
evening he was called into Harbour Street, where he saw the prisoner opposite
the Paris Hotel, drunk and shouting at the top of his voice “Come out, you
----“ With assistance of another constable he handcuffed him and he was taken
to the police station. On the way he acted like a madman.
George Gray, landlord of the Paris Hotel, said on the
evening in question prisoner asked for a pint of beer, and there was an
altercation about payment, witness being called. Eventually the man paid and
went out, but he returned and brandished a knife. He was turned out by a police
constable, but he again returned, and as he was violent he was taken to the
police station.
A fine of 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs, or seven days` was imposed.
Folkestone Chronicle
28-6-1902
Wednesday, June 25th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick,
Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Alderman Salter, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert and C.J.
Pursey.
Robert Thompson, a private in the North Lancashire Regiment
(Militia), was summoned for being drunk on the licensed premises of the London
and Paris Hotel.
On the case being called, the Chief Constable put in a
letter from the defendant`s commanding officer, in which it was stated that the
man had been dealt with by the military authorities for the offence for which
he was now summoned. Under those circumstances the Chief Constable said it was
not his wish to punish the man twice for the same offence, and he would
therefore ask leave of the Bench to withdraw the summons.
The Chairman said the Bench were quite agreeable that such a
course should be adopted.
George Barclay Gray, proprietor of the London and Paris
Hotel, was then called upon to answer a summons charging him with serving a
drunken person, namely the man Robert Thompson.
The Chief Constable explained that the summons was taken out
under Section 3 of the Licensing Act, 1872.
Mr. Minter (who appeared for the defence): Does this case
refer to that which has just been before the Bench?
The Chief Constable: Yes
Mr. Minter: Then a more disgraceful thing I have never heard
of. However, I`ll speak on that matter later. That letter should not have been
tendered to the Bench.
On behalf of Mr. Gray, Mr. Minter then formally pleaded Not
Guilty, and asked that all witnesses should
be ordered to leave the Court, which request was granted.
The case for the prosecution was then opened by Inspector
Swift, who said: On Wednesday, the 18th inst., at 9.30, I was on
duty in South Street, accompanied by P.C. Thomas Sales, when I saw a soldier of
the North Lancashire Regiment leave the public bar of the London and Paris
Hotel. He was drunk and swayed about. I called P.C. Sales` attention to the
condition of the soldier, who. After about two seconds, returned to the bar. I
followed in after him to prevent him being served with any drink. I called out
to the barmaid who was standing with her back to me and talking to someone in
the other compartment. I said “Don`t serve this man – he is drunk”. The soldier
then said “I`ll have my ---- beer”, and then staggered to the counter, from
which he took a full glass of beer and drank from it. The barmaid saw this and,
as the man drank some of the beer, I said “Have you served him?”, and she
replied “Yes, I have served him with a half pint of beer, but I did not think
he was so drunk as he is”. The barmaid then gave the soldier a penny back, and
took the remainder of the beer from him. I then asked to see the landlord, Mr.
Gray, who came into the bar. I said to him “You see the condition of this
man?”, meaning the soldier, who said “Am I drunk, Mr. Gray?”, and Mr. Gray
replied “Well, you are not sober, and I wish you would leave my premises”. I
then said to Mr. Gray “Your barmaid has already served this man with a half
pint of beer”. The barmaid then said “I did not serve him. I served that one
(pointing to another soldier); two or three of them came in together”. The
soldier then left the bar, and when in South Street he became disorderly, and I
handed him over to the custody of the policeman. He was brought to the station,
his name and number were taken, and he was then handed over to the military
police. I told Thompson that I should prefer a second charge against him, that
of being drunk and disorderly.
Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: I did not see the soldier with
two others go into the house. Two other soldiers did not come out with him.
When the man left I did not demand his name. I asked for his name, and he
refused to give it. I persisted, certainly. I should have had his name under
any circumstances. He denied being drunk. I took him into custody. At the
station I made the charge, but did not enter it in the charge book. I did as I
usually do in such cases, handed the man over to the military picquet. The
picquet were in front of the Town Hall, and came down at my request. I did not
serve a summons upon the man to attend here today. The summons was served on
Monday. I do not know that the Regiment has now gone from the Camp. I think it
is still here. I did not see a drunken civilian go into and come out of the
house. In my opinion that would aggravate the case.
Mr. Minter: We don`t want your opinion.
Witness, in further cross-examination, said: I did not say
to the barmaid “These soldiers are drunk”, neither did I open the door. I
followed the soldiers in as the door was open.
Mr. Minter: Did you see any men in the bar? – Yes.
Did you know any of them? No. I expect I should recognise
their faces again.
Mr. Minter then called forward three witnesses for the
defence.
Witness: I do not recollect seeing them in the bar. They mat
have been there.
Mr. Minter: Perhaps it was not convenient to see them?
Re-examined by the Chief Constable: What first drew your
attention to this man?
Witness: He was swaying and swinging about. I deliberately
say that when I spoke to the barmaid she said that she did not know that the
man was as bad as he was.
P.C. Thomas Sales said: About 9.30 in the evening of the 18th
inst., I was in the company of Inspector Swift, when I saw a soldier who was
drunk go into the bar of the Paris Hotel. The Inspector followed him into the
bar, and I stood in the entrance. I heard the Inspector say to the barmaid
“Don`t serve this man, miss; he is drunk”. At the same time the soldier picked
up a glass from the counter which contained liquor and drank from it. The
Inspector then said “Have you served him?” and the young lady said “Yes, he
came in quietly”. The Inspector then asked to see Mr. Gray, who came into the
bar, and Inspector Swift said “You see this man`s condition?”, and the soldier
said to Mr. Gray “Am I drunk?” Mr. Gray replied “You certainly are not sober”. Mr.
Gray then took a glass containing some liquor from the counter and the barmaid
handed the soldier some money. In reply to a question put to the barmaid she
said she had served the other soldier. The Inspector asked the soldier for his
name and number. The man refused to give them and was taken into custody and
subsequently handed over to the Military Police.
By Mr. Minter: I did not see any drunken civilian go into
the bar and come out again. I was not watching the house. I saw this particular
soldier go in. Another soldier went into the bar after him. When appealed to by
the soldier, Mr. Gray did not say “No, you are not drunk”. The coin was not
handed to another soldier. I saw it handed to this particular one. The
Inspector was between me and the barmaid, so I could not say whether it was one
or more coins. The soldier did protest that he was not drunk.
P.S. Lawrence said: I was on duty at the station on
Wednesday evening, the 18th inst. About 8.40 the soldier was brought
in by Inspector Swift and P.C. Sales for the purpose of obtaining his name and
address. He was afterwards handed over to the Military Police.
Mr. Minter: Was the charge taken down in a book? – Yes, sir.
Be careful. Was the charge taken down in a book? – Yes.
Let us have the book then.
The witness produced the book, which was inspected by Mr.
Minter, who handed it to the Magistrates with the remark “Yes; I think that`ll
explain it all”.
Witness, in further cross-examination, said: Two or three
companions followed the man to the station. The man gave me his name and number
willingly.
Mr. Minter: Just so!
Sergt. Elfick (6th Dragoon Guards) said: I saw
Thompson on the night of the 18th of June about 9.50. The man was
drunk and rolling all over the street. He was being marched to the Camp by the
picquet.
By the Chief Constable: I had no doubt whatever as to the
man`s condition.
Mr. Minter: Where were you? – On the Cheriton Road.
Were you in charge of the picquet? – No; a corporal was in
charge of the picquet. I passed them and went on to Cheriton.
Mr. Minter, in opening the defence and in the course of a
long speech, said: Mr. Gray has of course to answer this charge, and you will
see from the evidence that I am going to call that he really has nothing to do,
or knew nothing whatever about the charge until the dispute arose.
Unfortunately the law says that the landlord is responsible for his servants. I
know, but from the evidence I am going to call before you I shall show you that
the landlord is a perfectly innocent person. I said just now “The disgraceful
thing the Superintendent did at the opening of this case”, and I now repeat it.
It was done to prejudice Mr. Gray`s case, and I say now, a more disgraceful
thing I never heard of. Even a common criminal, if 50 times convicted, is at
times protected. Take a case at the Quarter Sessions. The knowledge of previous
convictions is kept carefully from the minds of the jury, and here before you,
the Superintendent, who thoroughly appreciates what he is doing, instead of
holding back this information purposely brings it before you. I dispute that
the man was drunk.
Mr. Minter then referred to the charge book, which mentioned
that one corroborative witness was present. That witness, however, was not
there that morning. Again, the charge in the book amounted to “permitting”. Yet
to secure a conviction he would suggest that permitting had been converted into
selling when the summons was made out. It was a curious thing that this
hawk-eyed, intelligent person (the Inspector) did not see a civilian that was
drunk refused drink, but he did manage to see a soldier who was not drunk
served. (Laughter) Was it likely that the landlord of a respectable hotel would
imperil his licence by selling a penny glass of beer? He would ask the Bench to
dismiss from their minds the Superintendent`s preliminary remarks, and to say
after hearing the evidence that no ofence against the licensing laws had been
committed.
George Barclay Gray, the defendant, said: The barmaid, Miss
Hookham, has been in my service about three or four months. She served in the
bar. I knew nothing of this case until called by Miss Hookham, when I saw three
soldiers, among them being the man referred to. I went to the Camp to bring him
here as a witness today, but his regiment went away the next morning. Inspector
Swift spoke to me on the night of the 18th, and said “Your young
lady has served these men with beer”, and I said “Quite right”. At the time
there were three glasses in front of them. Inspector Swift did not say anything
else. The soldier said to me “Am I drunk?”, and I replied “As far as I am
concerned, no, but Mr. Inspector thinks that you are, so I will give you your
money back”. My barmaid gave the pence back to one of the other soldiers, but
not to Thompson. The glasses were then collected up. My instructions to my
barmaids are that upon no consideration whatever are they to serve intoxicated
persons, under pain of instant dismissal.
By the Chief Constable: I admit that the man was served in
my house with a glass of beer. I could not tell you how long the men had been
in the house previously to the Inspector coming in. I did not see the man walk,
neither did I see one of the soldiers go out and come back in again. As far as
my judgement goes the man was perfectly sober. I cannot give you a single
instance of a policeman on any other occasion following a man in and making a
mistake. The police have been to the house on a former occasion and cautioned
the barmaids not to serve persons whom they alleged to be drunk.
Miss Hookham said: On the evening of Wednesday, the 18th,
I had several civilians in the bar. One asked for a glass of stout. The stout
not being kept in that department, I left the bar to get it. At that time there
were no soldiers in the bar. As I came back a drunken civilian came in, and I
refused to serve him. Three soldiers came in before the civilian and stood at
the counter and ordered three glasses of beer. A companion of Thompson`s paid
for the beer. The Inspector came in and said “Have you served these men? Can you
see they are drunk?” Mr. Gray came in, and the man Thompson said “Am I drunk?”,
and Mr. Gray said “No”. Mr. Gray added “If the Inspector thinks you are drunk
I`ll have no bother here” and directed me to return the money. It is not true
that I said to Inspector Swift that I did not think the man was as bad as he
was. The soldier Thompson was sober, or he would not have been served.
Occasionally we get people in a state of intoxication, and I refuse to serve
them. I do not suppose the soldiers had been in the house four or five minutes.
By the Chief Constable: I admit serving drink to the
soldiers. They were in the house about four or five minutes altogether. I could
not say whether one of the soldiers went out and then followed the Inspector
in. Thompson was perfectly sober. On one occasion I have had a policeman call
my attention to a man who was drunk. On that occasion the man went out without
being served.
Leslie Edwards, an employee on the Harbour extension works,
corroborated the last witness. In his opinion the man Thompson was perfectly
sober.
By the Chief Constable: The police did not accuse more than
one man of being drunk. He could not give any reason why this particular man
should be picked out. He had no conversation with the soldier, but saw him come
into the bar and go out.
Re-examined: He saw a drunken civilian come in.
Frederick Pettifer and William Martin (both harbour
employees) also gave corroborative evidence.
This concluded the case for the defence, and the Bench
retired for private deliberation.
After seven minutes` absence the Magistrates returned, and
the Chairman said that after a long hearing, the Bench had come to a unanimous
decision. They found that the soldier Thompson was drunk and was served upon
Mr. Gray`s premises. He would mention that the full penalty was £10, but in
this case it would be reduced to £1 and 19s. 6d. costs. The police having been
attacked in the course of the case, the Bench wished to say that they did quite
right in bringing the case forward, and that they had behaved in a very proper
manner in the conduct of the case. Finally, the licence would not be endorsed.
Folkestone Express
28-6-1902
Wednesday, June 25th: Before W. Wightwick, C.J.
Pursey and W.G. Herbert Esqs., Alderman Salter, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.
Robert Thompson, a private in the 3rd Militia
Battalion of the North Lancashire Regiment, was summoned for being drunk on
licensed premises.
The Superintendent said this charge had been dealt with by
the officer commanding the regiment, and as he had no wish to punish a man for
the same offence twice he would ask the Magistrates to dismiss the case. This
was done.
George Barclay Gray, landlord of the London and Paris Hotel,
was summoned for selling liquor to Robert Thompson while he was in a drunken
state. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant.
Inspector Swift stated that about 9.30 p.m. on the 18th
inst. he was in South Street at the junction with Harbour Street, in company
with P.C. Sales. He saw a soldier come out and hold on to the knob of the door.
He swayed to and fro and went inside again. Witness went inside and said to the
barmaid “Don`t you serve that man – he is drunk”. The soldier exclaimed “I will
have my ---- beer”, and took a full glass from the counter and drank some of
it. Witness asked the barmaid if she served the soldier, and she replied “Yes.
I served him with half a pint, but I did not think he was as bad as he is”. She
then gave him back a penny and took away the remainder of the beer. Witness
asked for Mr. Gray, who came into the bar. Witness said “You see the condition
of this man?” The soldier said “Am I drunk?” Mr. Gray replied “You are not
sober. I wish you would leave my premises”. The soldier went into South Street,
and as he refused to give witness his name and number he took him to the police
station, and after having ascertained his name and number, handed him over to
the Military Police.
Mr. Minter spent some time in cross-examining the witness.
P.C. Sales corroborated.
Mr. Minter: You were watching the house? – No.
Sergt. Lawrence deposed to taking the charge.
Sergt. Elphick, of the garrison police, said he
superintended the pickets. About 9.50 p.m. on the 18th inst. he
overtook a picket in Cheriton Road. They had Robert Thompson with them; he was
drunk and rolling about.
Mr. Minter addressed the Bench and said he would bring
witnesses to prove the soldier was not drunk. He referred to the evidence of
the police, and spoke of that body in the most offensive way. He would bring
honest witnesses who would speak the truth.
Alice Hookham, a barmain, said that one soldier ordered beer
for three, and it was the same man who she gave the money back to. When the
soldier said to Mr. Gray “Am I drunk?”, Mr. Gray replied “No”.
Leslie Edwards corroborated.
In reply to the Superintendent, he said he had no conversation
with the soldier, but only inferred he was sober because he did not stagger on
going in or coming out of the door. The distance was about three or four steps.
Frederick Pettifer and W. Martin also gave evidence for the
defence.
The Chairman said the Magistrates had given the matter a
great deal of consideration, and they had no doubt as to the soldier`s
condition. A fine of £1 and 19s. 6d. costs would be imposed, but the licence
would not be endorsed. The Chairman also remarked that the police had behaved
uncommonly well and they did not deserve the censures which had been passed
upon them by the defendant`s solicitor.
Folkestone Herald
18-10-1902
Thursday, October 16th: Before Alderman Banks,
Mr. Wightwick, and Mr. Swoffer.
Alfred John Pope, in khaki, was charged with unlawfully
wearing a military uniform, he not being a soldier. Prisoner pleaded Guilty,
and said he did it as a joke.
P.C. Lemar deposed that he saw prisoner in Harbour Street,
and turning into South Street. Witness followed him into the bar of the Paris
Hotel, and, calling him out, said “What is the meaning of this, going about as
a soldier?” Witness knew prisoner personally, as he was a resident of the town,
and not a soldier. He replied “Oh! It`s only a joke. I am just going aboard to
take it off”. Prisoner sometimes went to sea, and worked also at the harbour.
He said the tunic and trousers were given to him by a reservist of the Royal
Engineers, and the puttees and spurs were lent to him by a man named Godfrey,
of the Colonials. This witness subsequently found to be correct.
The Chairman said it was a very serious offence. It was not
a joke. They had the power to inflict a fine of £5, or a month`s hard labour.
Prisoner had no right to wear the uniform. Prisoner would be fined 10s. and 4s.
6d. costs, or 7 days` hard labour.
Prisoner asked for a couple of hours in which to get the
money, which was granted. However, a friend in Court stepped forward and paid
the amount.
Folkestone Chronicle
14-2-1903
Saturday, February 7th: Before Messrs. W.
Wightwick and W.G. Herbert.
Mary Graham was charged with having been drunk and incapable
on Friday night. On being called upon to plead the lady said she supposed that
she was Guilty, but could not remember anything about it.
P.C. Kettle said at 8.45 p.m. on Friday he saw defendant
lying on the path near the London and Paris Hotel. Having lifted her up and
found that she was drunk and incapable, he, with the assistance of P.C. Watson,
took her to the police station.
Mary had no defence, except that she had recently been
unwell.
The Chief Constable proved a conviction for a similar
offence in 1893.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days`.
Folkestone Express
14-2-1903
Saturday, February 7th: Before W. Wightwick and
W.G. Herbert Esqs.
Mary Graham was charged with being drunk and incapable.
P.C. Kettle said about 9.45 the previous evening he was in
South Street, where he saw prisoner lying on the pavement outside the London
And Paris Hotel. Witness picked her up and found she was drunk and incapable.
He obtained the assistance of P.C. Watson and conveyed her to the police
station, where she was formally charged.
Prisoner was charged with a similar offence in 1893.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs; in default seven days` hard
labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
7-3-1903
Saturday, February 28th: Before Messrs. W.
Wightwick, C.J. Pursey, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer.
William Frederick Godfrey, on bail, was charged with being
drunk and incapable.
P.C. Nash said on Saturday night he was called by Mr. Gray,
of the Paris Hotel, where he found Godfrey drunk. He had not been served by Mr.
Gray, who requested the man`s removal. Witness persuaded defendant to go, and
then he tried to get drink at the Harbour Inn and the Prince Arthur (sic). In
both cases defendant was refused, and he then made his way back to the Paris
Hotel. Witness took him to the police station.
Defendant pleaded Guilty to being drunk, but took exception
to the statement that he was incapable.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days`.
Adjourned Licensing Sessions.
On Wednesday morning the large hall at the Folkestone Town
hall was crowded to excess by temperance people, publicans, “trade”
sympathisers, and some hundreds of the neutral public, to witness the
anticipated legal combat over licensing matters in the borough. The Court
presented a very animated appearance. On the Bench were Mr. W. Wightwick,
Colonel Hamilton, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col.
Westropp, and Mr. C.J. Pursey. Facing the Bench were a noble array of legal
luminaries, including Mr. Lewis Glyn K.C., and Mr. Percival Hughes, instructed
respectively by Mr. Martin Mowll and Mr. G. Haines, to represent the applicants
in the cases of opposed old licences; Mr. Thomas Matthew and Mr. Thorn Drury,
instructed by Mr. Minter, representing new applicants; and Mr. Montague
Bradley, solicitor, who held a watching brief for the Temperance Council. The
Chief Constable, Mr. Harry Reeve, was present conducting the opposition. These
gentlemen were flanked by the Press on one side, and on the other by either the
principals or representatives of the various breweries having interests in the
town, such as Messrs. Leney, Mackeson, Nalder and Colyer, Flint, G. Beer, etc.
The Chairman, in opening the Court, said that 23 full
licences stood adjourned since the previous Court. Since the adjournment,
enquiries had been made, and from those enquiries the Chief Constable was
instructed to persevere in the objection against nine houses, viz.: The
Providence, Mr. Arthur F. East; Marquis Of Lorne, Wm. R. Heritage; Granville,
Charles Partridge; Victoria, Alfred Skinner; Tramway, Fredk. Skinner; Hope,
Stephen J. Smith; Star, Ernest Tearall; Bricklayers Arms, Joseph A. Whiting;
and Blue Anchor, Walter Whiting. From a recent inspection of those houses,
however, the Bench had decided to withdraw the objections against the Victoria,
the Hope, and the Blue Anchor, and proceed with the remainder. Regarding the 17
houses which would that day have their licences renewed without opposition, the
Bench had decided to deal with them at the 1904 Sessions according to the then
ruling circumstances. The Bench desired to warn Mrs. Brett, of the Swan Hotel,
as to her husband`s conduct of the business. In the cases of the London And
Paris, the Imperial Hotel, the Mechanics Arms, and those houses against which
convictions were recorded, it was the desire of the Bench to warn the various
landlords that any further breach of the licensing laws would place their
licences seriously in jeopardy. With respect to the Imperial Tap (sic), the
Castle, and those houses which had been originally objected to for structural
alterations to be made, the Bench now renewed the licences on the condition
that the order made as to the various alterations should be carried out in 14
days. It was the wish of the Bench that the general warning should also apply
to the beerhouses under the Act of 1869.
Coming to the licences in the old portion of the town, the
Bench were of opinion that they were out of all proportion to the population,
and it was the purpose of the Bench to obtain information before the 1904
Sessions which would lead to their reduction. In the meantime, the Bench
invited the brewers and owners to co-operate with the Magistrates in arriving
at the mode of the reduction. Failing that, the Justices would take the matter
into their own hands, and, he hoped, arrive at conclusions on a fair and
equitable basis. (Hear, hear)
Mr. Lewis Glyn K.C. at once asked the Bench to withdraw
their opposition to all the opposed licences this year. With the whole of his
learned friends, he thought he was right in saying that in view of legislation
in the coming year it would be fairer to the Trade to wait until 1904 before
taking any drastic action. He would submit that because a neighbourhood
happened to be congested, it was hardly fair to take away one man`s living and
to hand it over to another, which such a proceeding practically meant.
The Chairman said the Bench would note Counsel`s
observations, but the applications must proceed in the usual way.
Folkestone Express
7-3-1903
Monday, March 2nd: Before W. Wightwick, C.J.
Pursey, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.
William Fredk. Godfrey was charged with being drunk on
licensed premises.
P.C. Nash said about 6.20 on Saturday evening he was called
to the London And Paris Hotel, and there saw prisoner. At the request of the
landlord witness turned him out. Prisoner then went to the Princess Royal
Hotel, where he was refused drink. He then went to the Harbour Inn, where he
was again refused drink. About 7.20 p.m. witness was again called by Mr. Gray
to eject prisoner. On getting him outside, witness found he was drunk, and
consequently arrested him.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs.
Folkestone Herald
7-3-1903
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
The Adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough of
Folkestone were held in the Town hall on Wednesday. In view of the opposition
by the police to a number of the existing licences extraordinary interest was
evinced in the meeting, and when the proceedings commenced at eleven o`clock in
the morning there was a very large attendance, the “trade” being numerously
represented. Representatives of the Folkestone Temperance Council and religious
bodies in the town were also present, prominent amongst them being Mr. J. Lynn,
Mrs. Stuart, and the Rev. J.C. Carlile. Prior to the commencement of business
the Licensing Justices held a private meeting amongst themselves. When the
doors were thrown open to the public there was a tremendous rush for seats. The
Justices present were the following:- Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. W.G.
Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Mr.
C.J. Pursey.
Before proceeding with the business, the Chairman announced
that at the Annual Licensing Meeting the Justices adjourned the renewal of 23
full licences and five on beer licences, and directed the Chief Constable to
give notice of objection to the owners of the licences of the following nine
houses:- Providence (Arthur F. East); Marquis Of Lorne (William R. Heritage);
Granville (Charles Partridge); Victoria (Alfred Skinner); Tramway (Frederick
Skinner); Hope (Stephen J. Smith); Star (Ernest Tearall); Bricklayers Arms
(Joseph A. Whiting); and Blue Anchor (Walter Whiting). Since the former
sessions the Justices had inspected all the houses objected to, and considered
the course which they ought to pursue with respect to the same, with the result
that they had directed the Chief Constable to withdraw the notices of objection
served by him with respect of the Victoria, Hope, and Blue Anchor, and to
persist in the opposition to the following:- Providence, Marquis Of Lorne,
Granville, Tramway, Star, and Bricklayers Arms. As regarded the remaining 15
full licences and five beer licences they would renew the same this year, and
deal with them next year according to the circumstances.
They warned the holder of the licence of the London And
Paris Hotel, who was convicted on the 25th of June last year for
selling beer to a drunken man, that any future breach of the licensing laws
would jeopardise his licence.
Folkestone Chronicle
31-10-1903
Wednesday, October 28th: Before Mr. J. Ward and
Lieut. Colonel Fynmore.
P.C. Sales deposed that at 9.30 p.m. on the 24th
inst. he saw Harry Johnson and William Quintet drunk in Tontine Street. He
spoke to them for using bad language. Ten minutes later he saw them go into the
London And Paris Hotel. He followed them in and told the barmaid not to serve
them. He took their names and addresses. Neither of the defendants appeared.
Fined 5s., costs, 9s, in default seven days`.
Folkestone Express
31-10-1903
Wednesday, October 28th: Before E.T. Ward and
Lieut. Col. Fynmore.
Harry Johnson and William Quintet, who did not appear, were
summoned for being drunk on licensed premises.
P.C. Sales deposed that about 9.30 p.m. on the 24th
inst., he was on duty in Tontine Street, where he saw defendants in company
with several other men in a drunken condition. He had occasion to speak to
Johnson for using bad language. The men then went to the Brewery Tap, but were
refused drink. About 9.40 they went to the London and Paris Hotel. Witness
followed and told the barmaid not to let the men have drink. He then took their
names and told them that he should report them. They were both drunk when
served with the summons.
Fined 5s. and 9s. costs, or seven days` hard labour.
Folkestone Herald
31-10-1903
Wednesday, October 28th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward
and C.J. Pursey.
Harry Johnson and William Quintet were summoned for being
drunk on licensed premises, viz., the London And Paris Hotel, Tontine Street.
Defendants, who did not appear, were fined 5s. and 9s.
costs; in default, seven days`.
Harbour Inn 1900s
Folkestone Express
7-4-1900
Saturday, March 31st: Before The Mayor, J.
Fitness, S. Penfold, J. Stainer, J. Hoad, J. Pledge, and G. Spurgen Esqs., and
Col. Westropp.
Miss Sarah Lovegrove was granted a transfer of licence for
the Harbour Inn.
Folkestone Herald
7-4-1900
Folkestone Police Court
On Saturday last a temporary transfer was granted to Miss
Sarah Lovegrove for the Harbour Inn.
Folkestone Express
14-4-1900
Auction Advertisement
By Order of the Trustees of the late Mr. James Golder,
Folkestone.
Banks and Son
Will sell by auction at the Queen`s Hotel, Folkestone, on
Wednesday 25th April, 1900, at three o`clock in the afternoon, the
following valuable fully-licensed, COPYHOLD PUBLIC HOUSE, known as the Harbour
Inn.
Lot 1: All that well and substantially brick built, with
slate roof, Copyhold, Fully-Licensed Public House, known as the Harbour Inn,
situate in Harbour Street and South Street.
Containing on Ground Floor: Two smoking rooms, large bar,
two entrances, W.C. and urinal.
First Floor: Club Room with embayed window, 2 bedrooms,
landing, and W.C.
Second Floor: Six bedrooms.
Basement: Kitchen, Scullery, Beer, Ale, and Coal cellars.
Held under a repairing lease for a term of 14 years from the
11th October, 1890, at the annual rent of £65, payable quarterly.
Folkestone Express
28-4-1900
Local News
On Wednesday Messrs. Banks and Son offered by auction at the
Queen`s Hotel several lots of property. The Harbour Inn was purchased for £1,300.
Wednesday, April 25th: Before J. Pledge, G.
Spurgen, T.J. Vaughan and J. Stainer Esqs., and Kieut. Col. Westropp.
Mrs. Lovegrove was granted a transfer of licence for the
Harbour Inn.
Folkestone Herald
28-4-1900
Folkestone Police Court
On Wednesday a transfer was granted to Mrs. Sarah Lovegrove
for the Harbour Inn.
Folkestone Chronicle
23-6-1900
Saturday, June 16th: Before Mr. J. Pledge and Mr.
Vaughan.
Charles Newman, a private of the 4th Suffolk
Regt., appeared to answer a charge of breaking a pane of glass at the Harbour
Inn on the previous day.
Mrs. Lovegrove, the landlady, said the prisoner came into
the bar and asked for some liquor. She would not let him be served, and he took
off his coat and wished to fight someone. She called her brother, who
accompanied the prisoner to the door, when Newman deliberately put his hand
through a pane of glass, value 5s. He was quite sober.
An officer of the prisoner`s regiment informed the Bench
that Newman`s character was good.
The Bench inflicted a fine of 6d., damage 5s., and 4s. 6d.
costs.
Folkestone Express
23-6-1900
Saturday, June 16th: Before J. Pledge and T.J.
Vaughan Esqs.
Charles Newman, a private of the 4th Batt.
Suffolk Reg., was charged with doing wilful damage to a pane of glass in the
Harbour Inn to the amount of 5s.
Mrs. Lovegrove stated she was landlady of the Harbour Inn,
and on the 15th inst. the prisoner went in and asked for some
liquor. As he was not served he took off his coat and wanted to fight. Witness
called her brother, and when they were near the door of the bar the defendant
deliberately put his hand through the pane of glass. The amount of damage was
5s. He was quite sober. An officer who was present said the defendant`s
character was quite good.
The Bench fined him 6d., the amount of the damage 5s., and
4s. 6d. costs.
Folkestone Herald
23-6-1900
Folkestone Police Court
Charles Newman, a private in the 4th Suffolk
Regiment, was convicted on Saturday of having wilfully broken a pane of glass
at the Harbour Inn on the 15th. The landlady, Mrs. Lovegrove, having
refused to serve him with drink, he smashed a pane of glass.
To pay 10s., including 5s. damage.
Folkestone Chronicle
19-1-1901
Monday, January 14th: Before Messrs. Wightwick,
Pursey, Herbert, Fitness, Swoffer, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.
William Spearpoint is a notable character in the Fish
Market, and, like all the market celebrities, has been re-Christened. Mr.
Spearpoint`s pseudonym is Seaweed, and he managed to get locked up on Saturday
night. Consequently those fisherfolk who were not at sea attended the “levee”
on Monday morning. As he had been up five times previously, his friends
anticipated a term of seclusion without the option.
P.C. Johnstone deposed to being called to the Harbour Inn to
eject the prisoner, who was drunk and disorderly on Saturday evening about
eight o`clock. Prisoner raised a rumpus and refused to go away, so was locked
up.
Fined £1 and 4s. 6d. costs.
The
licence of the Harbour Inn was transferred to Mr. Cornelius Hall.
Folkestone Herald
19-1-1901
Monday, January 14th: Before Messrs. W.
Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, J. Fitness, and G.I. Swoffer, and Lieut.
Colonel Hamilton.
Wm. Spearpoint was charged with having been drunk and
disorderly in Harbour Street on the 12th January.
P.C. Johnson said at the request of Mrs. Spearpoint he
ejected prisoner from the bar of the Harbour public house on Saturday night.
When in the street prisoner became disorderly and refused to go away.
Five previous convictions were proved against prisoner, who
was fined £1 and 4s. 6d. costs.
Folkestone Express
2-2-1901
Monday, January 28th: Before J. Hoad, E.T. Ward,
J. Pledge, T.J. Vaughan, J. Stainer, W.C. Carpenter, and George Peden Esqs.,
and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.
Mr. Thomas C. Hall, part owner of the Harbour Inn, applied
for a temporary transfer of the licence. Mr. F. Hall represented the applicant,
who was granted the transfer.
Folkestone Herald
2-2-1901
Monday, January 28th: Before Messrs. J. Hoad,
E.T. Ward, Pledge, Vaughan, Peden, Carpenter, and Stainer, and Lt. Col.
Westropp.
Thomas Cornelius Hall, formerly a steward on one of the S.E.
Packets, was granted temporary authority to carry on business at the Harbour
Inn until the next licensing day.
Folkestone Chronicle
9-3-1901
Wednesday, March 9th: Before Messrs. Wightwick,
Pledge, Pursey, Stainer, and Salter.
Folkestone Express
9-3-1901
Wednesday, March 6th: Before W. Wightwick, W.
Salter, G.I. Swoffer, C.J. Pursey, and J. Pledge Esqs.
Licence
Mr. Hall, landlord of the Harbour Inn, who was granted
temporary authority in January, was granted the licence. Mr. F. Hall
represented him, and submitted plans for alterations to the amount of £1,100,
and they were approved.
Folkestone Express
7-3-1903
Monday, March 2nd: Before W. Wightwick, C.J.
Pursey, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.
William Fredk. Godfrey was charged with being drunk on
licensed premises.
P.C. Nash said about 6.20 on Saturday evening he was called
to the London And Paris Hotel, and there saw prisoner. At the request of the
landlord witness turned him out. Prisoner then went to the Princess Royal
Hotel, where he was refused drink. He then went to the Harbour Inn, where he
was again refused drink. About 7.20 p.m. witness was again called by Mr. Gray
to eject prisoner. On getting him outside, witness found he was drunk, and
consequently arrested him.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs.
Folkestone Chronicle
22-8-1903
Thursday, August 20th: Before Aldermen Banks and
Salter, Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.
Arthur Jones and James Allen were charged with being
concerned in uttering a gilded sixpence, representing it to be a half
sovereign.
Mary Fisher, a barmaid at the Harbour Inn, said: I recognise
Jones, who came to the bar about 8.30 p.m. yesterday, and asked for a mild and
bitter. I served him, and he offered me a sovereign in payment. I went to the
place where the money is kept and took half a sovereign and 10s. worth of
silver. I then, from the till, changed 1s. for a mild and bitter, and, having
taken 1½d., I placed the 19s. 10½d. before Jones upon the counter. He picked up
the silver, put his hand over the half sovereign, as if to pick it up, then
drew his hand back, and suddenly put it out again, asking me to give him the
half sovereign in silver. I took a coin up, thinking I had the same half
sovereign I had put down, and went to the cupboard and changed it. After the
prisoner had gone, Mr. Hall spoke to me, and then went to the cupboard and
brought to me the coin for which I had given Jones 10s. in exchange.
Thomas Hall, landlord of the Harbour Inn, proved watching
the transaction just spoken to, and said that as Jones left the house he
(witness) went to the cupboard and found a genuine half sovereign he had put
there earlier, and also the coin produced (a gilded sixpence). He went in search
of prisoner, and found him with another man at the bottom of High Street,
counting money. Witness said to Jones “I want you. You have been passing bad
coin with my barmaid”. Jones replied “Where do you mean? What house do you
mean?” Witness said “You know whose house it is; you have just left it”. I told
a cabman who stood by to call a policeman, when Jones said “Don`t call a
policeman”, and the other prisoner said “How much do you want?” Just then a
policeman came up and witness gave prisoner in charge. The other man was
brought to the house later on, and witness identified him as the one who was
with Jones.
James Butland, a cab driver, deposed to seeing the prisoners
acting suspiciously, and then walk away from the Harbour Inn in company, going
down South Street. Following them, witness, at the bottom of High Street, saw
them stop and share out some money. Jones handed it to the other man. Mr. Hall
came along, and witness gave him information.
The Chief Constable asked for a remand, as there would be
one additional case to prefer next week.
Jones, who had previously said that he took the half
sovereign at the Folkestone Racecourse, now said that he was Guilty, and that
he had had some drink when he passed the coin. He would like the Magistrates to
deal with the case at once.
The Chief Constable: No doubt he has very good reasons for
that wish.
The Chairman said the prisoners would be remanded for seven
days.
Folkestone Express
22-8-1903
Thursday, August 20th: Before Aldermen Banks and
Salter, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.
Arthur Jones and James Allen were charged with being
concerned together in uttering a gilded sixpence for half a sovereign.
Mary Fisher, barmaid at the Harbour Inn, identified the
prisoner Jones as a person who came to the bar about 8.30 p.m. the previous evening
and asked for a mild and bitter. Witness served him and prisoner offered a
sovereign in payment. She then went to a cupboard for change and placed 19s.
10½d. on the counter. Prisoner placed his hand over the half sovereign as
though he intended to pick it up, but drew it back, and then put it suddenly
forward, at the same time asking witness to give him the half sovereign in
silver. Witness took it up, thinking it was the same half sovereign that she
had put down. She took 10s. worth of silver and placed what was supposed to be
a half sovereign in the cupboard. Prisoner finished his glass and then went
out. In consequence of something said by the landlord witness went to the
cupboard, and then discovered that the supposed half sovereign was a counterfeit.
Thomas Hall, landlord of the Harbour Inn, said that about 8
o`clock the previous morning he placed two half sovereigns and 10s. worth of
silver in a cupboard. At 8.30 he was in the saloon bar when the prisoner Jones
came in, and he saw the barmaid go to the cupboard for change and afterwards
hand it over the counter; she then went back and took further change from the
cupboard. Prisoner then left the house. In consequence of something said by the
barmaid witness went to the cupboard and there found one of the coins which he
had placed there in the morning, but discovered that the other was not a half
sovereign. On going outside witness met a cabman, and in consequence of his
statement proceeded along South Street and found the two prisoners at the bottom
of High Street counting money. Witness caught hold of Jones and said “I want
you for passing a bad coin to my barmaid”. He replied “What house do you mean?”
Witness said “You know which house it is; you have just left it”. Allen said
“Don`t call a policeman. How much do you want?” Just then a policeman came up.
Witness informed prisoner that he required nothing. He then gave Jones into
custody. Allen was brought to the bar later on and witness identified him as
the person he had seen with Jones.
John Butland, a cabman, said that he was on the stand close
to the Harbour the previous evening when he saw prisoners at the corner of
Barton`s Wall. They walked across the road and had a conversation, at the same
time watching the Harbour Hotel. Jones looked through the window, spoke to
Allen and then went into the bar and called for a drink. The other prisoner
then went in the bar and they both came out together. Witness followed them.
When outside Maestrani`s shop in South Street they shared some money. Mr. Hall then
came up and witness went for a policeman who took Jones into custody.
The Superintendent applied for a remand in order that
further enquiries might be made.
Mr. Bradley advised the prisoners not to make any statement,
but the prisoner Jones said that he had the half sovereign passed on to him at
the Folkestone Races. Allen said the coin was not a counterfeit.
Prisoners asked to have the case settled at once, but the
Magistrates decided to remand them for a week.
Folkestone Herald
22-8-1903
Thursday, August 20th: Before Aldermen Banks and
Salter, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Messrs. W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer.
Arthur Jones and James Allen were charged with being
concerned together in uttering a gilded sixpence for a half sovereign.
Mary Fisher, a barmaid at the Harbour Inn, recognised Jones
as the man who, about half past eight the previous day, came into the bar and
asked for a “mild and bitter”. Prisoner offered a sovereign in payment, and
witness gave him the change, 19s. 10½d.,
a half sovereign and the rest in silver. She saw prisoner put his hand
over the piece of gold as if to pick it up, but drew it back and then put it
suddenly forward, at the same time asking her to give him the half sovereign in
silver. Witness thought it was the same half sovereign she had put down, and
complied with his request. Prisoner then left.
Thomas Hall, landlord of the Harbour Hotel, said that he saw
the two prisoners at the bottom of High Street counting some money between
them. He caught hold of Jones and said “You have been passing a bad coin
through my barmaid”. Prisoner said “What house do you mean?” A policeman coming
up at the time, he gave prisoners in charge.
John Butland, a cabman, stated that he was on the stand near
the harbour about eight o`clock the previous evening, when he saw the two
prisoners standing near the wall. They afterwards went across the road. He saw
Jones go into the Harbour Hotel, followed shortly afterwards by Allen. He saw
them come out, and go together to South Street, and also saw them sharing the
money. He went for the police.
Prisoners, who pleaded Guilty, were remanded for a week.
Folkestone Chronicle
29-8-1903
Thursday, August 27th: Before Aldermen Banks and
Salter, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, and Mr. G.I. Swoffer.
Arthur Jones and James Allen were charged on remand with
passing a Jubilee gilded sixpence as a half sovereign. Additional evidence was
called, and a second charge was gone into. In this case, as in the first, it
was alleged that the accused “rang the changes” with a gilded sixpence upon
Thomas Philip Jordan at the Red Cow public house.
On the application of Chief Constable Reeve, both prisoners
were committed to take their trial at the next Quarter Sessions of the Borough,
bail being offered in prisoners` own sureties of £100 and two sureties of £50
in each case.
Folkestone Express
29-8-1903
Local News
At the Folkestone Borough Police Court on Thursday, Arthur
Jones and James Allen were brought up on remand charged with being concerned
together in uttering gilded sixpences as half sovereigns, and further evidence
having been given, the prisoners were committed for trial.
Folkestone Herald
29-8-1903
Thursday, August 27th: Before Aldermen Banks and
Salter, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Mr. G.I. Swoffer.
Arthur Jones and James Allen were charged, on remand, with uttering
a counterfeit coin, viz., a gilded sixpence.
The evidence given at the previous hearing was repeated.
Both prisoners were committed to take their trial at the
next Quarter Sessions for the borough, bail being fixed at £50 each.
Folkestone Chronicle
17-10-1903
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 12th: Before John Charles Lewis
Coward.
Arthur Jones, 29, labourer, and James Allen, 49, hawker,
both described as of imperfect education., were charged with unlawfully and
knowingly uttering one piece of false and counterfeit coin at Folkestone, on
the 19th of August, 1903. Both prisoners pleaded Guilty.
The indictment, as well as that referring to the Harbour
Inn, or “Mary Fisher” charge, included that of Thomas Philips Jordan, of the
Red Cow, upon whom the same false pretence was practiced.
Counsel for the Crown, Mr. T. Matthew, in opening, repeated
the facts as detailed in our issue of October 5th, and mentioned
that the prisoners, London men, came down to the Folkestone Racecourse on the
19th of August, and then into the town, where, according to the
evidence, they had been “ringing the changes”.
The Recorder: Wait a minute. I think “ringing the changes”
is another thing.
Concluding the outline of the offence, Counsel said he would
like to draw the learned Recorder`s attention to the provisions under 34 – 35,
Victoria, Chap 112, Sec. 8 (Prevention of Crimes Act), which gave the judge
power to add to his sentence a term of police supervision, the maximum term
being seven years.
Detective Sergeant Samuel Lee, of the H Division,
Metropolitan Police, then proceeded to give an account of the prisoners`
criminal career, which showed four convictions within the last four years. Allen`s
course of crime was then established by the witness and Chief Constable Reeve.
A written statement was then handed in by the prisoner Jones, who attributed
his fall to the influence of bad company and to his giving way to drink. He
promised to leave the country as soon as he had served his sentence.
Allen created a smile on the Bench when he said that this
was his first visit to Folkestone, and he hoped it would be his last.
The Recorder then passed sentence. He said: You two men have
the worst records I have had before me during the period I have sat at this
Court. You do not seem to have many friends among the police, and there is no
doubt from the evidence that you are the worst scum of the racecourse. I must
pass a sentence that will keep both of you from visiting this borough for some
time to come, and I feel it my duty to accede to the request of Counsel for the
Crown that you should be placed under police supervision. If Jones is making a
true statement about going to America that will not affect him. You will both
be sentenced to 12 months` hard labour, to be followed by three years` police
supervision.
Both prisoners (who seemed much relieved): Thank you, my
Lord.
Folkestone Express
17-10-1903
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 12th: Before John Charles Lewis
Coward Esq.
Arthur Jones (29), described as a labourer, and James Allen
(49), a hawker, were indicted for unlawfully and knowingly uttering counterfeit
coin on the 10th August at Folkestone. Prisoners pleaded Guilty.
Mr. Matthews, who prosecuted, said the prisoners were
carrying out a trick called “ringing the changes”.
The Recorder: I don`t think it is a trick. They uttered
counterfeit coins.
Mr. Matthews: Then I am misinformed.
Counsel then intimated that he was desired to call attention
to the provisions of the 34th and 35th Vict., chapter
112, which enabled the Recorder to say that there should be a period of police
supervision in addition to any sentence passed. If there was an order that
there should be a supervision for a certain period, the police would be able to
keep an eye upon such men as prisoners, and prevent anything occurring again.
Detective Sergt. Lee, H Division (Metropolitan Police)
proved that on Dec. 16th, 1901, at the Central Criminal Court,
Jones, in the name of Edward Connell, was sentenced to twenty months hard
labour for stealing £3 13s. 6d. from a till.
The Recorder: A rather stiff sentence, was it not?
Sergt. Lee: Hardly, after his “previouses”.
The Recorder: Oh, I see!
Continuing, Sergt. Lee said that Jones`s criminal career
commenced on the 18th of Oct., 1899, at the Southwark Police Court,
where he was fined 40s. or one month`s hard labour for stealing money from a
public house. On the 23rd March, 1900, he was charged at the
Guildhall Police Court with “ringing the changes”, and on that occasion,
because his previous convictions were not proved, he was bound over. At the
time he was in company with two old convicts. At Epsom Petty Sessions, on April
26th, 1900, he was charged with stealing a pair of opera glasses off
the racecourse, and received five weeks` hard labour, while on July 11th,
1900, at the South London sessions, he was sentenced to 15 months` hard labour
for attempted larceny. On this occasion prisoner was working in concert with
others, using a sticky substance at the end of a stick and pocketing money from
shelves in public houses.
P.C. Gosling, 632Y (Metropolitan), stated that on the 6th
Feb., 1901, he was present at the North London Sessions when the prisoner Allen
was convicted, in the name of James Slade, for attempted larceny and “ringing
the changes”. He received 12 months` hard labour. There were other convictions
against Allen, but witness was not in a position to state thm.
Supt. Reeve produced a further list against Allen. It was as
follows:- April 22nd, 1896, three weeks` hard labour at Epsom for
stealing an overcoat; April 19th, 1898, at the North London
Sessions, six months` hard labour for stealing a purse and money.
In a written statement to the Recorder, Jones said he was 33
years of age, and up to four years ago he always held a good character.
Unfortunately he fell in with bad company and gave way to drink. Since his last
discharge he had been leading an honest life, and worked for a Mr. Southwood
until the day when the Folkestone Races came off. He begged the Recorder to
give his defence consideration and to deal with him mercifully, as, with God`s
help, he should promise not to touch drink again. Since he had been in
Canterbury Gaol awaiting his trial, his brother had written offering to pay his
fare to America in order to get him away from bad company.
Prisoners were sentenced to twelve months` hard labour, and
three years` police supervision.
Jones: Thank you, my Lord.
Folkestone Herald
17-10-1903
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 12th: Before J.C.L. Coward Esq.
Arthur Jones (29), labourer, and James Allen (49), hawker,
pleaded Guilty to “unlawfully and knowingly uttering one piece of false and
counterfeit coin, apparently intended to pass for certain of the King`s current
gold coin, called a half sovereign, on the 19th August, 1903, at
Folkestone”.
Counsel for the Crown, Mt. T. Matthews, said he was
instructed that prisoners were both London criminals who had come down to
Folkestone for the race meeting at Westenhanger in August last. By a trick
known as “ringing the changes”....
Here the Recorder interposed with the remark that “ringing
the changes” had nothing whatever to do with uttering counterfeit coins. It was
an entirely different trick.
Continuing, Counsel pointed out that, whatever the process,
the prisoner Jones went into the public house, called for a drink, handed a
sovereign in payment, and received in the change half a sovereign, and the rest
in silver and bronze. Having got a good half sovereign, prisoner substituted
for it a gilded sixpence, and then asked for the whole of the change to be
given him in silver, thus receiving 10s. for the counterfeit coin. This was
done twice, though in both cases ultimately unsuccessful. In the first case it
was seen to be a bad coin and the men were pursued. Jones denied having given
the gilded sixpence, but he handed back the money he had received for it. Then
they went to the Harbour Inn, where the same process was repeated. The landlord
again had suspicions, and declined to accept any explanation, giving the man
Jones in charge. Allen was subsequently arrested, and when searched another
gilded sixpence was found upon him, which no doubt he intended to pass off in
the same manner. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Mr. Matthews
asked the Recorder, under powers which he was enabled to exercise, to say that
there should be a period of police supervision, as it would then enable the
police to keep their eye upon the men, so as to prevent them doing anything
further of the sort, at any rate in the direction of making counterfeit coins.
With regard to the first case, the publican victimised, as
stated in our report of the Police Court proceedings, was the landlord of the
Red Cow, Foord.
Particulars concerning previous convictions against the two
men were then given. Detective Sergeant Lee, of the London Force stated that on
the 16th December, 1901, he was present at the Central Criminal
Court when the prisoner Jones, in the name of Edward Connell, was sentenced to
twenty months` hard labour for stealing £3 13s. 6d. from a till.
The Recorder: A stiff sentence for that.
The Detective: Hardly, after his “previouses”.
Proceeding, he said that Jones`s criminal career commenced
on the 18th of October, 1899, when, at the Southwark Police Court,
he was fined 40s. or one month`s hard labour for stealing money from a public
house; on the 23rd of March, 1900, he was charged at the Guildhall
Police Court for “ringing the changes”. On that occasion his previous
convictions were not proved against him, and he was bound over.
The Recorder: “Ringing the changes” is one thing, and
counterfeit coin another.
Witness: That is so.
Continuing, the detective said that prisoner Jones was at
the time in company with two old convicts. At Epsom Petty Sessions, on the 26th
of April, 1900, he was charged with stealing a pair of opera glasses from the
racecourse, and was sentenced to 5 weeks` imprisonment with hard labour.
Charged with attempted larceny at the South London Sessions on the 11th
of July, 1902, he received fifteen months` hard labour. On that occasion he was
working in concert with others, and was using a stick with some sticky
substance at the end. Whilst his companion attracted the attention of the person
in charge of the bar, the man with the stick picked up the gold.
With regard to Allen, Police Constable Gosling, of the
Metropolitan Police stated that on the 6th of February, 1901, he was
present at the North London Sessions when the prisoner Allen, in the name of
James Slade, was convicted of attempted larceny and “ringing the changes”,
receiving twelve months hard labour. There were other convictions recorded
against him which he was not in a position to prove.
Chief Constable Reeve informed the Recorder that Allen`s
proper name was James Slade. On the 22nd of April, 1896, at Epsom,
he was sentenced to three weeks` hard labour for the theft of an overcoat,
whilst at the North London Sessions on the 19th April, 1898, he was
given six months` hard labour for stealing a purse and money. One summary
conviction, for unlawful possession, was recorded against him, as well as the
conviction spoken to by the last witness.
In a written statement which he handed to the Recorder,
Jones said he was 33 years of age, and up to four years ago he held a good
character. Unfortunately at that time he fell into bad company and gave way to
drink. Since then he had served three terms of imprisonment. Since his last
discharge from prison he had led an honest life until he went to the races at
Folkestone. He had been drinking heavily, and in the evening uttered the gilded
sixpence. He begged for another chance, promising never to touch drink again.
His wife`s brother had promised to pay his fare to America, and he asked the Recorder
not to let his past character weigh heavily against him. His correct name was
Edward Connell, but being in drink he gave the name of Jones. He promised to
leave the country at the expiration of the sentence passed upon him, and also
to lead a sober and industrious life in the future. Under those circumstanced
he begged the Recorder to grant him mercy.
Allen`s defence was that this was the first time he had ever
been in Folkestone, and he hoped it would be his last. He was fifty years of
age, and had four children to support. Taking into consideration the time he
had been waiting for his trial, having expressed his guilt in the first
“onset”, he pleaded for the Recorder`s mercy.
The Recorder, addressing the prisoners, said they had the
worst record he had ever had before him since he had sat in that Court. They
were the scum of the racecourse. He must pass a sentence upon them to keep them
away from this sort of thing for some time to come, and he felt it his duty to
accede to the request of Counsel for the Crown that they should be placed under
police supervision. If Jones was allowe to go away the punishment would not act
harshly upon him, and the sentence he passed upon each of them was imprisonment
for twelve calendar months, with hard labour, with police supervision for three
years.
Jones: Thank you.
They were then removed below.
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