British Lion 1920s

Folkestone Express 19-3-1927

Local News

On Friday at 7 p.m. the Fire Brigade received a call to the British Lion, The Bayle, where a fire had occurred in the sitting room on the ground floor.

A large wooden beam and some gas piping were burnt, and some brickwork and room decoration were damaged. The outbreak was extinguished with, chemicals and by cutting away the burning material. The fire was caused by an old beam catching fire. The heat melted a composition gas pipe on the chimney breast and the gas caught fire. The flame in the 100m was extinguished by Hr. Pankhurst, the occupier, turning off the gas. The Fire Station was notified that the fire was out, but the firemen were already en route. On arrival, they found that the more serious outbreak of the beam, previously un­known to the occupier owing to smoke and flame going up the chimney, was spreading behind the wall. The damage was estimated at £20.

Folkestone Herald 23-4-1927

Local News

At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday William Ford was summoned for consuming intoxicating liquor on licensed premises after permitted hours, and Harry Pankhurst, landlord of the British Lion, The Bayle, was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. Rutley Mowll defended, and pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Craddock said at 9.38 p.m. on Sunday, April 3^rd, in company with P.C. Simpson, he took up a position near the British Lion public house on The Bayle. They kept observation up to 10.13 p.m., and during that time 11 men and one woman left the passage that led to the side entrance of the public house. The last one to leave was at 10.11 p.m. The front door of the public house was closed. At 10.13 p.m. they took up a position beside the door at the side entrance. After having been there a minute, the side door was opened by Mr. Pankhurst, which gave them a clear view of the interior of the bar. He saw Mr. Ford near the counter in the act of putting a glass of beer to his lips. Witness said to Mr. Pankhurst “This is a late hour to allow intoxicating liquors to be consumed on your premises”, at the same time pointing to Ford, who was then putting the glass on the counter. Mr. Pankhurst replied “I admit it is a bit late. He is a friend of mine, and has been having a chat”. Witness told Mr. Pankhurst that it was 10.15, and the clock in the bar was 10.17 p.m. He picked up the glass Ford had placed on the counter, and said to him “Do you dispute that it was beer you were consuming from this glass?” Ford replied “No, I do not dispute it, but I bought it before 10 o`clock”. He then told Ford he would be reported, and he made no reply. He also told Mr. Pankhurst that he would be reported, and he replied “Make it as light as you can”.

By Mr. Mowll: Mr. Pankhurst and Mr. Ford both seemed very candid with him. When he took up the position in the passage he could see nothing until Mr. Pankhurst opened the door.

Mr. Pankhurst, on oath, said he had been at the British Lion for 40 years, and had held the licence for 14 years. On the day in question Ford stayed behind after the others had left. He was a steward on the boats, and had come to look at a room in the house where there had been a fire. There was no intoxicating liquor supplied after 10 o`clock. He was chatting with Ford. He went to get the shutter and opened the door with the shutter in his hand. When he was putting the shutter up he saw Ford putting the glass down. The police were present then.

By the Magistrates` Clerk: Ford was a regular customer when in Folkestone, and came in about 9 o`clock.

Mr. Mowll said he did not intend to call Mr. Ford.

The Magistrates retired, and on their return the Chairman said the Bench found the case proved against Pankhurst, and also Ford, but on account of Pankhurst having for so long properly conducted the house there would be no penalty. Ford would have to pay a fine of 10/-.

Mr. Mowll: Then against Pankhurst there is no conviction?

The Chairman: That is so, on account of the way in which Mr. Pankhurst has conducted the house in the past.

Folkestone Express 12-10-1929

Local News

A special transfer sessions was held at the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday, when transfers in connection with several well-known licensed houses were made.

Folkestone Herald 12-10-1929

Local News

The transfer of several licences was approved by the Folkestone Magistrates at the Folkestone transfer sessions on Wednesday. A protection order was granted to Mr. Edward David Stannard pending the full transfer of the licence of the British Lion to him from Mr. Harry Pankhurst. A protection order was granted as follows: The British Lion, to Mr. D. Stannard from Mr. H. Pankhurst