Royal George, Beach Street c1734 - Present

Royal George, 1978

Royal George, c1920. Credit Alan Taylor

Royal George, May 2012

 

Royal George 1970s. Credit Eamonn Rooney

 

Royal George 1998. Credit Martin Easdown

 

Royal George c1920

English`s Guide, 1856

 

English`s Guide, 1876

Royal George, date unknown. Credit Graham Butterworth (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Royal-George-Folkestone.html)

Royal George c1960. Credit Terry Wheeler, Ramsgate Historical Society (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Royal-George-Folkestone.html)

 

 

Licensees

Elizabeth Jeffrey c1740s 1765
Hunt Jeffrey 1765 1792

John Wingfield 1792 1801

Jacob Farley 1801 1811

Richard Stroud 1811 c1816

Robert Hutchins c1816 c1820 To George

Richard Thorpe c1820 c1824

Richard Godden c1824 1830s

William Hopper 1830s ????

Mark Horlock c1847 1848

Charles Heginbotham 1848 1854

Philip Tweed 1854 1858

William Tweed 1858 ????

J. Denton ???? 1860

William Tweed 1860 1864

C. Plater 1864 1866

Robert Nelson Stratter 1866 1872

Thomas Groves 1872 1874

Hobson Le Butt 1874 1878

Robert Crump 1878 1880

John Mountstephens 1880 1882

Matilda Crump 1882 1887

Thomas Pope 1887 1889

Susan Elgar 1889 1890

Agnes Tritton 1890 1891

Frederick Tritton 1891 1899 (1891 Census)

George Kirby 1899 1914 From Chequers

George Dowson 1914 1930

William Oberman 1930 1934 Ex Clarendon Hotel

Albert Relen 1934 1952

George Prior 1952 1958 Ex George III
Arthur George Darby 1953 ???? (Protection order)

Joe Smith 1958 1966

Bert Morris 1966 1982

James Godden and Michael Webb 1984 1985

Danny Jordan and Anthea Jordan 1985 1988

Danny Jordan 1988 1995

Gary Moffat 1995 1997

Gary Moffat and Thomas Long 1997 2000 Thomas Long From Harbour Inn. To White Lion (2)

Graham Smethers, Linda Smethers and Allen Cornelius 2000 2002

Graham Smethers, Linda Smethers and Constantinos Michael 2002 2002

Constantinos Michael, Alan Goodship and Rosemary Goodship 2002 2002

Ian Jarvis and Maria Jarvis 2002 2004

Maria Jarvis, Allen Cornelius and Christy Taylor 2004 2004 + 

Kentish Post 2-8-1746 

To be sold, together or separately, to the highest bidder, at the George Inn, in Folkestone, on Thursday, the 7^th day of August next: A freehold brewhouse, lately new rebuilt, malthouse, millhouse, storehouses, stable in very good repair, and a large yard thereunto belonging, lying at the upper part of the town of Folkestone.

Also a large old and well-accustomed public house called the Sign of The George, with large and good stabling, all in good repair, yard and garden thereunto belonging and adjoining, lying near to the abovesaid brewhouse.

Also another well-accustomed public house, called the Sign of the Royal George, also in very good repair, lying near the Stade, in Folkestone aforesaid.

Also a large brewing copper, tuns, floats, backs, dray and dray-horse, and other utensils of brewing; a large parcel of stale beer in butts, a parcel of malt, hops, coals, and casks of several sorts, fitting for a common brewer.

N.B. The above estate, utensils, stock-in-trade, &c., may be viewed at any time before the day of sale by applying either to Mr. Inmith Wraight, brewer, in Folkestone aforesaid, or Richard Slodden, attorney at law, in the same town. And if any person be disposed to buy the whole, there are five other well-accustomed public houses now served with beer from the said brewhouse, and, if sold together, may be bought a great pennyworth.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 29-4-1765

Before John Hague (Mayor), Mr. John Jordan, Mr. William Pope, Mr. Thomas Baker, Mr. Thomas Rolfe, and Mr. John Baker.

Neat Ladd, James Francklyn, Chas. Hill, Thos. Wilton, Ambrose Dadd, Ric Boxer, Widow Jeffery, Widow Gittens, Ric Beear, Mary Gittens, and Joseph Trevillon were fined at this Session 3/4 each for having false measures in their houses, which fines were paid into the hands of the Overseers of the Poor.

Neat Ladd, George; James Francklyn, Rose; Charles Hill, White Hart; Thomas Wilton, no record; Ambrose Dadd, Chequers; Richard Boxer, Fishing Boat; Widow Jeffery, Royal George; Widow Gittens, North Foreland; Richard Beear, Three Compasses; Mary Gittens, Privateer; Joseph Trevillon, Crown.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 10-11-1801

Before William Knight (Mayor), Edward Andrews, Thomas Baker, John Castle and John Gill

The licence of the Royal George was transferred to Jacob Farley.

Kentish Gazette 20-5-1803

Advertisement

To be sold by Auction, at the Royal George, Folkestone, on Thursday, the 26^th of May, at Two o`clock: A clinker-built cutter called the Dolly, burthen sixty one tons, with her materials, in one lot. The above vessel is well-found, and may be fitted for sea in a few days.

For particulars, apply to Mr. Thomas Farley, builder, Folkestone.

Kentish Gazette 5-7-1808

Advertisement

To be sold by Auction: 

At the Royal George, in Folkestone, on Friday, the 15^th instant, between four and five o’clock,

Lot 1: All that substantial Freehold messuage or tenement  and the washhouse now used therewith, joint use of the yard with the next Lot, well therein, passage thereto, and appurtenances, in Dover Street, in Folkestone, and now in the occupation of Mr. William Moon.

Lot 2: All that other substantial Freehold messuage or tenement adjoining the above premises, with the like use of the yard, well, passage, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, and now in the occupation of Mr. Paul Rayner; and also the stable at the back part of this Lot, in the occupation of Mr. William Knight, surgeon, as undertenant to said William Moon.

The tenants have notice to quit at Michaelmas next. Further particulars may be had of Mr. Knocker, attorney at law, Dover.

Note: This sale was subsequently twice advertised as being at the George.

Kentish Chronicle 15-5-1827 

Married: May 7, at Folkestone, Mr. Richard Abbott, mariner, to Martha Jacob, eldest daughter of Mr. Richard Godden, landlord of the Royal George public house.

Kentish Chronicle 11-11-1828 

On the evening of Sunday last, a fine boy, eight years of age, the son of Mr. Richard Godden, of the Royal George public house at Folkestone, fell into the harbour, and from the darkness of the evening nearly twenty minutes expired before the body could be found. Every exertion that medical talent could suggest was tried for a considerable time, but unfortunately without effect.

Maidstone Gazette 11-11-1834

The Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors: The Matters of the Petitions and Schedules of the Prisoners hereinafter named, (the same having filed in the Court) are appointed to be heard as follows: At the Court House at Maidstone, in the County of Kent, on the Third day of December, 1834, at Nine o`clock in the morning precisely; William Hopper, formerly of the Royal George public house, Folkestone, Kent, publican, and part time dealer in fish, since of Alkham, Kent, out of business, and late of Hougham, near Folkestone, Kent, labourer.

Note: No mention of Hopper in More Bastions  

Kentish Mercury 12-10-1844

Our town still continues to improve rapidly; buildings are springing up in every quarter, amongst the most prominent of which is the Royal George Hotel, which, when finished, will be one of the most splendid buildings we have in the place.

Maidstone Gazette 14-1-1845

The new Royal George Hotel is completed, and will soon be open.

Maidstone Gazette 1-4-1845

It creates a general surprise here that the new Royal George hotel, which has been erected at a considerable expense, near the harbour, has remained untenanted and closed ever since its completion, which is now nearly four months, and particularly at a time when our increasing traffic demands more accommodation.

Maidstone Gazette 22-4-1845

The Royal George hotel, we have heard, will be occupied in May next. This has now become absolutely necessary, the Pavilion Hotel, large as it is, being frequently obliged to “billet” travellers on its neighbours.

Maidstone Gazette 12-8-1845

The Royal George hotel is at last completed and was opened for business on Thursday last. It is handsomely appointed, and is precisely the description of house required, being close to the place of embarkation to the Continent, and conveyances continually passing to and from the railway station. Travellers will now have no occasion to hunt half over the town for accommodation, which has frequently been the case of late, the Pavilion and the other inns not being found sufficient to accommodate all comers.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 16-8-1845 

The Royal George Hotel is at last completed and was opened for business last week It is handsomely appointed and is properly the description of house required, being close to the place of embarkation for the Continent, and conveyances are continually passing to and from the railway station. Travellers will now have no occasion to hunt half over the town for accommodation, which has frequently been the case of late.

Note: Suggests a rebuilding of the Royal George

Maidstone Gazette 9-9-1845

Petty Sessions, Tuesday; Before John Bateman Esq., Mayor, William Major Esq., and Capt. Sherren.

Christophe Lindner and Louis Buttner, foreigners, were placed at the bar under the following circumstances:-

Henry Davis deposed: I am the manager of the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone. About a quarter before eleven last Monday night I was in the hotel, and Christophe Lindner came in smoking a cigar, apparently very tipsy. In the part of the house where Lindner was I do not allow smoking, and I told him so. He persisted in smoking, refused to go out of the house, and I therefore put him out. I then went into my coffee room and Louis Buttner came in with Lindner, said to me “Why did you insult my friend?”, threw me down, and struck me several times with his fist upon the head and other parts of the body.

John Brown, servant to Mr. Davis, corroborated this evidence.

Thomas Burrill, police constable, deposed: Between eleven and twelve o`clock last Monday night I was passing the door of the Royal George Hotel. I heard a noise in a room there, someone called me, and I went into the coffee room, where I saw Mr. Davis lying on the floor, and on his getting up Buttner went to him and offered to strike him, but I prevented him.

The defendant Buttner, by John Brown, his interpreter, stated that Mr. Davis fell against the corner of a table and hurt his head, and that he did not strike him on the head. He was ordered to pay 15s. 6d., including costs, which he paid. Lindner, the other defendant, was discharged.

This penalty appears scarcely sufficient to deter others from committing the like offence. The Royal George Hotel is fitted up with every species of comfort, and is patronised by the nobility and gentry passing to and from the Continent, and if persons are to be allowed to access any part of the house they choose (inebriated and smoking) the proprietor would be a serious loser. When parties have been to a great expense in making a house complete in every respect for the accommodation of travellers they have a right to receive every protection.

Kentish Gazette 23-9-1845 

Folkestone, Sept. 22: The traffic between this place and Boulogne during the past week has been immense, and notwithstanding the violent gales, only on one day interrupted. We hear that it is contemplated to erect increased accommodation for the public by extending considerably the Pavilion Hotel, for although the Royal George Hotel is opened and in full business there is yet a want of means to meet the tide of demand, which is daily increasing here.  

Maidstone Gazette 7-10-1845

Advertisement: Boulogne and Paris, via Folkestone. The advantages of travelling via this route are apparent from the great increase in traffic at this port, which is mainly attributable to the time saved by the shortness of the passage, and the superior and splendid fast steamers that leave Folkestone daily.

H. Davies has recently fitted up and opened the Royal George Hotel des Etrangers, replete with every species of comfort, which he flatters himself is not to be surpassed between London and Paris.

From the experience of H. Davies, as a well-known caterer for the public comfort, and his extremely moderate scale of charges, he hopes to ensure a continuance of the patronage he has already been honoured with; his sole aim being to give such satisfaction to the traveller as will induce him to revisit the Royal George, and to recommend his friends. It is situated near the harbour and the custom house, and conveyances pass to and from the station every day.

To prevent trouble it is requested that the passengers upon disembarkation, or leaving the railway station, should ask for “the Royal George Hotel”, servants of the house being in attendance to conduct them.

Restaurant a la carte. On parle Français, Allemagne et Italien.

Note : It appears from the above that Mr. Davies was more than just the manager.

Maidstone Gazette 18-5-1847, Dover Chronicle 22-5-1847

A purse, containing five pounds and some silver, was stolen from a room in the Royal George Hotel, on Thursday last, belonging to the landlady.

Maidstone Gazette 31-7-1849, Dover Telegraph, West Kent Guardian 4-8-1849

Assizes, July 27, before the Lord Chief Baron and a special jury.

Heginbotham v South Eastern Steam Packet Company

An action against the company by the Landlord of the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone, for a nuisance in establishing a manufactory for steam boilers within 60ft. of the hotel.

Mr. Sergeant Channell stated the case for the plaintiff. 

Charles Heginbotham, son of the plaintiff, conducted the business of his father at the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone.  The rent he believes is £300 a year. Knows the workshop belonging to the South Eastern Steam Packet Company. It is a wooden shed about sixty feet from the hotel.  It is used for manufacturing and repairing boilers for the steamboats, which occasions a very loud noise and almost incessant hammering, in rivetting the boilers, so loud that it is hardly possible to hear one another speak from six o'clock in the morning till six in the evening. Their customers have frequently complained that they could not sleep or rest in consequence of it. The noise renders the premises uncomfortable and in a sensible degree inconvenient.

Gotliff Graf, waiter at the hotel, gave similar evidence.

His Lordship - Do you think it would do any good to persons coming there for the benefit of their health?

Witness - No. 

His Lordship - Except to get them up in the morning (a laugh). 

Witness - They cannot hear one another speak. 

His Lordship - Well, that would only compel them to go out into the fields to converse.

Mr. Drury, who lived next door to the hotel, gave similar evidence, and stated that he considered the value of the hotel greatly diminished in consequence of the noise.

There being no defence, a verdict was given for plaintiff. Damages £15, being at the rate of £5 a week.

Maidstone Journal 31-7-1849

Assizes, July 27, before the Lord Chief Baron and a special jury.

Heginbotham v South Eastern Steam Packet Company

For plaintiff Mr. Serjeant Channell and Mr. Peacock. No-one appeared for the defendants, the learned gentleman entrusted with their case having declined to act, in consequence of some alleged irregularity in the pleadings, preferring to let judgement go by default in this instance and take the case before a superior court on the point of law.

The plaintiff sought damages for injury sustained by him, as landlord of the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone, in consequence of the intolerable noises proceeding from the steam-boiler manufactory of the defendants, erected a short distance from his premises.

The following evidence was given:-

Charles Heginbotham, son of the plaintiff, conducted the business of his father at the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone.  The rent he believes is £300 a year. Knows the workshop belonging to the South Eastern Steam Packet Company. It is a wooden shed about sixty feet from the hotel.  It is used for manufacturing and repairing boilers for the steamboats, which occasions a very loud noise and almost incessant hammering, in riveting the boilers, so loud that it is hardly possible to hear one another speak from six o'clock in the morning till six in the evening. Their customers have frequently complained that they could not sleep or rest in consequence of it. The noise renders the premises uncomfortable and in a sensible degree inconvenient.

Gotliff Graf, waiter at the hotel, gave similar evidence.

His Lordship - Do you think it would do any good to persons coming there for the benefit of their health?

Witness - No. 

His Lordship - Except to get them up in the morning (a laugh). 

Witness - They cannot hear one another speak. 

His Lordship - Well, that would only compel them to go out into the fields to converse.

Mr. Drury, who lived next door to the hotel, gave similar evidence, and stated that he considered the value of the hotel greatly diminished in consequence of the noise.

His Lordship said it was for the jury to say if they were satisfied this was a nuisance. It seemed there was this incessant noise going on, such as the Cyclops was said to make somewhere or other. And although it might be very pleasant to be called at six in the morning, one would rather it would be by the crowing of a cock or some other rural sound than by this very abominable clamour. It was likewise not very pleasant for visitors to be obliged to go down into the cellar to hold a conversation.

There being no defence, a verdict was given for plaintiff. The damages given, as the nuisance had only existed three weeks before the commencement of the action, and the action being only brought to try a right, were £15, being at the rate of £5 a week.   

Maidstone Gazette 25-12-1849

Petty Sessions, Tuesday; Before David Major Esq., Mayor, W. Major, C. Golder, and S. Mackie Esqs.

William Atkins, a constable in the employ of the South Eastern Railway, stationed on this harbour, appeared to answer the information of John Transom Boult, landlord of the Victoria Inn, for unlawfully assaulting and beating him.

Complainant deposed: On Thursday last, at about half past nine o`clock, I went to the station for the purpose of looking out for passengers by the half past nine down train. The defendant came up to me and told me to go off; I told him I would not go, as I was not on the Company`s premises; he then pushed me. I told him if he did so again I would knock him down; he then pushed me again, and I struck him in self-defence. The defendant then took me by the shirt collar and carried me into the waiting room, and there ne nearly strangled me, so much so that when they put me on a chair I fell down, and I heard some of the persons present say “For God`s sake go and fetch his wife, for the man is dead”. Mr. Lockhart, the station master, said to the defendant “D--- your eyes. Do your duty”, and then I recovered. I made for the doorway, when they kept me locked in for more than fifteen minutes. I then asked the policeman if he considered that I was his prisoner, when he replied that I was and that I should be kept there.

Thomas Hawkins, porter at the Royal George, corroborated all that complainant has stated, and further said that he started to fetch the complainant`s wife, as they all considered when the defendant brought him in he was dead.

Stephen Gutland, another porter of the Royal George, corroborated the last witness`s testimony.

Jesse Holdsworth, for the defendant, deposed that he saw the defendant strike the complainant first, and then a scuffle ensued. Complainant was standing about five yards inside the turntable, which is on the harbour, near the station.

Charles Lockhart, station master, deposed that he heard a scuffle, and heard that the defendant was running after some person, but he did not know who, but he thought it was a thief; he denied making use of the bad language attributed to him by the complainant.

The defendant made a long speech, and also stated that he had been a policeman in London nine years, when the Magistrates said that he ought to be better acquainted with his duty, and fined him 50s. and costs, or one month`s imprisonment.

The fine and costs, £3, were paid.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-7-1855

Advertisement: Royal George Hotel, Beach Street, Folkestone.

P. Tweed begs to inform all the inhabitants and visitors that he supplies all kinds of the finest wines and spirits, at London prices. London Stout and Porter on draught and bottled. Bass and Allsopp`s ales bottled and on draught.

Southeastern Gazette 11-12-1855, Canterbury Journal 15-12-1855, Kentish Gazette 18-12-1855 

Mr. Philip Tweed, of the Royal George Hotel, has been appointed a Custom-house agent for this port.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 24-5-1856

Wednesday May 21^st :- Before James Tolputt Esq., Mayor, W. Major and J. Kelcey Esqs.

Ellen Ovendon appeared on summons charged with committing an assault on Ann Davis.

It appeared that on Saturday night last, the 17^th inst., about 11 o`clock, the complainant, in company with another woman, went into the Royal George spirit stores. At the bar stood the defendant, and immediately upon the complainant`s entrance, (to use her own words), she “flew at me, boxed my ears, and tore my bonnet”. The barman however interposed to prevent further hostilities.

The barman proved that the bonnet was torn by the defendant, but that no blows were struck, as he prevented it. Bad language was bandied from one to the other; and in his opinion there was hardly any choice as to which was the worst.

The defendant admitted the charge, but pleaded the provocation she had received by the complainant calling her names. Convicted in the penalty of 1s. fine and 13s. costs. The money was paid.

Folkestone Chronicle 29-8-1857

Wednesday August 26^th: - Before G. Kennicott and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Henry Lovell was committed for seven days imprisonment for being drunk and very disorderly, and using obscene language, in the middle of the day, in the vicinity of the Royal George Hotel, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants.

Folkestone Chronicle 10-10-1857

Quarter Sessions

Thursday October 8^th :- Before C. Harewood esq., Judge of the County Court, the Mayor, W. Major, J. Kelcey, G. Kennicott and W. Bateman Esqs.

Matthew Marsh pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing a purse containing £1 2s, the property of John Martin, on 31^st July.

Mr. John Minter appeared for the prisoner.

The short facts of the case were that the prosecutor, a superannuated coastguardman, employed the prisoner, a coal carrier, to bring him some coke. The prisoner in going to the cellar, had occasion to pass a door on which hung the jacket of the prosecutor, with the purse in the pocket. The purse (empty) was later found among the coke.

Upon cross-examination by Mr. Minter, the prosecutor admitted that he had gone to the gas works to see if he could find the purse, and also to the Royal George.

Mr. John Minter made a forcible appeal to the jury, and called a witness, who stated that the prosecutor said at the Royal George that he had left the purse on the corner of the counter.

The Judge then summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

Southeastern Gazette 10-11-1857

Local News

Monthly Meeting of the Town Council.—Present, the Mayor; Aldermen Kennicott, Tolputt, Gardiner; Councillors, Jinkings, Caister, Baker, Gambrill, Cobb, Banks, Meikle, Pledge, Major, Baker, Hunt Jefferey (Walton,) Hunt Jefferey (Coolinge,) Tite, and Boorne.

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, Messrs. John Banks, John Boorn, Meikle, and Jinkings, the newly-elected councillors, were sworn in.

The purchase of the premises once used as a brewery belonging to Messrs. Calvert and Co., London, was considered. The Mayor reported what had taken place in reference thereto, and the sum which Mr. Tweed, of the Royal George, would take for his interest therein, but as notices had been served by the town-clerk on those parties, the further consideration of this business was postponed. 

Canterbury Weekly Journal 14-11-1857 

Council Meeting Extract

The purchase of the premises once used as a brewery belonging to Messrs. Calvert and Co., London, was considered. The Mayor reported what had taken place in reference thereto, and the sum which Mr. Tweed, of the Royal George, would take for his interest therein, but as notices had been served by the town-clerk on those parties, the further consideration of this business was postponed.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-2-1858

Death:

Feb. 25^th, at Folkestone, Mr. Philip Tweed, of the Royal George Hotel, aged 36, deeply regretted.

Kentish Gazette 3-3-1858 

Death: Feb 23, at Folkestone, Mr. Phillip Tweed, of the Royal George Hotel, aged 36 years.

Canterbury Weekly Journal 6-3-1858 

Death: Feb. 25, at the Royal George Hotel, Mr. Phillip Tweed, aged 36.

Dover Telegraph 6-3-1858 

Death: Feb. 25, at the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone, Mr. Phillip Tweed, proprietor, aged 36 years.

Kentish Independent 6-3-1858 

Death: On the 25^th ult., at the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone, Mr. Philip Tweed, proprietor, aged 36 years.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-3-1858

Notice

Royal George Hotel, Folkestone

All persons having claims on the estate of the late Mr. Philip Tweed are requested to send in their accounts, and all persons indebted to the estate are requested to settle their accounts on or before the 14^th of April next.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 17-4-1858

Wednesday April 14^th: - Before R.W. Boarer Esq., Mayor, James Kelcey and W. Bateman Esqs., and Capt. Kennicott.

Transfer of licences. The licence of the Royal George Hotel was transferred from the late Philip Tweed, to his brother, William Tweed, the administrator under the will.

Folkestone Chronicle 12-11-1859

Wednesday November 9^th:- Before W. Browell and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Warning to Carters, Higglers and Others –

Charles Read and George Gibbs, the former an inhabitant of Sandgate, and the latter of Dover, severally appeared on summonses, charged by police constable Swain, with leaving their carts and horses for upwards of three quarters of an hour standing in the public thoroughfare, opposite the Royal George Hotel, without anyone to take care of them. This being an offence under one of the clauses of the Folkestone Improvement Act, 1855.  The constable having been sworn proved that on Thursday, November 3^rd, the defendants` carts and horses were standing for the time named in the summons, with no person to take care of them.

The defence in both cases was that they were waiting for herrings, and had no intention of breaking the law.

In the case of Read, the magistrates inflicted a nominal fine of 6d and costs 9s. which was paid at once.

As George Gibbs had taken off his horse`s reins the magistrates considered this an aggravation of his offence, and sentenced him to pay a fine of 1s. with costs 11s., or in default of paying seven days hard labour; the prisoner was committed to Dover Gaol in default.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-9-1860 

Advertisement: Royal George Hotel, near the harbour, Folkestone. J. Denton begs to inform the inhabitants and visitors they may rely on being supplied with wines and spirits of every description, of the best quality; also bottled bitter and other ales and stout at the very lowest prices.

Note: Denton is previously unknown

Folkestone Chronicle 6-10-1860

Advertisement

Royal George Hotel

W. Tweed begs to inform the inhabitants of Folkestone and its vicinity that he has re-taken the above house, and will continue to supply articles of the first quality, at the lowest possible prices.

Folkestone Observer 2-2-1861

Tuesday January 29^th:- Before the Mayor, R.F. Browell, R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.

The First Charges Of Drunkenness This Year

Edward Loach, 28, and George Phillips, 21, were charged with being drunk in Queen Square on Monday night. P.C. Reynolds said that about 12 o`clock on the previous night he was on duty in Queen Square, when he saw the two prisoners and another man, who were drunk and making a disturbance outside the Royal George Hotel. He ordered them away and they went to the corner of Kingsbridge Street and commenced again to make a disturbance – Loach and his brother apparently quarrelling. Being again ordered away, they came round once again to Queen Square, and recommenced their disturbance, knocking on the door of the Royal George. Being again ordered away, they became insolent, and Loach was taken into custody; but fell on the pavement, and Phillips then struck witness, when he also was taken into custody. There was no other person present. Being cautioned with the remark that Mr. Caister was ill, Phillips replied, “---- old Caister, he would not give us any beer at Christmas”. Fined 5s each with costs 4s 6d., to be paid within a week.

Note: Was Caister Manager at Royal George? Was not licencee according to More Bastions

Resisting The Police

George Phillips was then charged with resisting P.C. Reynolds in the execution of his duty. P.C. Reynolds deposed that when taking Loach into custody, Phillips struck him (witness) on the mouth, making his gums bleed, and causing his lips to swell. He then seized witness by the collar and tore his coat, and kicked and resisted violently. Calling on Mr. Kent and Mr. Iverson for assistance, witness secured him, handcuffed him, and brought him to the station. In reply to the Mayor, witness said prisoner resisted so much that he was obliged to handcuff him. No defence was offered. Prisoner was then committed to prison, with seven days` hard labour.

A third charge, of wilful damage to the policeman`s coat, was not entered on, the prisoner agreeing to pay the cost of repair.

Dover Express, Kentish Express 7-12-1861 

About 7 o`clock on the evening of the 18^th ult., two privates of the 2^nd battalion, 21^st Fusiliers, lying at Shorncliffe, and who were returning from the Fleetwood School of Musketry, went into the bar of the Royal George Hotel in this town, and called for rum. The barmaid, seeing they were already the worse for liquor, refused to supply spirits, but offered any sort of malt liquor. This offer they refused, and Private Cox then drew his bayonet, fixed it to his rifle, and told the girl he would give her that; or if she did not like that he had some ball cartridge he would give her. The other soldier took up his belt and attempted to strike the civilians present, but P.C. Swain, who had been sent for, after long persuasion at personal risk, persuaded them to go off to the Camp. They are now in custody for trial by district court martial.

Folkestone Observer 11-3-1865

Wednesday March 8^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Alfred Titmarsh appeared in answer to a summons charging him with having assaulted and beaten a young woman named Sarah Jordan, on Saturday night.

Complainant said that soon after 12 o`clock on Saturday night she went up High Street, and saw Mrs. Titmarsh at the top of Mill Bay steps, and spoke to her. They both went down the steps and into the home of Mrs. Sacery, of Norwich Place, where they had a few words, but “nothing out of the way”, and then Mr. Titmarsh came and called his wife out, when he asked what the row was all about. His wife told him complainant had been quarrelling with her all the night; complainant then had her say, told him not to believe what she said, and tried to reason with him, but he wouldn`t listen and struck her on the mouth with his fist, and kicked her in the chest, saying “You b----, I`ll jaw-lock you”. This was not the first time he had ill-used her by a great many; he didn`t knock any of her teeth out this time, but he had done so on previous occasions. The defendant was not drunk; the blow which he gave her knocked her into Mrs. Sacery`s house. A young man named Banks took the defendant away, and she went out of the house to go home when Mr. Titmarsh again struck her on the face with his fist, kicked her in the stomach, and ran up the steps to call a policeman.

By the Bench: What did he call a policeman for?

Defendant: To have her locked up, gentlemen, for scratching my face.

Complainant went on to say that Mr. Sacery fetched a policeman, and when defendant saw him he ran away. In answer to defendant she did not deny she had been to the Royal George that night, or that she had some drink with some men there, but denied that she ran at defendant and threatened and tried to scratch his eyes out, and that she was so drunk that she fell into Mrs. Sacery`s house.

She called Mrs. Sacery, who said she lived at Norwich Place, Mill Bay, and saw the assault complained of. Mrs. Titmarsh and Mr. Jordan came into her house and began to quarrel and make a noise, and her husband tol them if they were not quiet he would turn them out of the house, as his child was lying ill in bed. Mr Titmarsh came down and called his wife out; the complainant also went out , and witness saw him hit her in the face with his fist and knock her down. Witness`s husband`s brother picked her up, took her into the house, and shut the door. Mrs. Jordan was not drunk; no more were Mr. And Mrs. Titmarsh. After defendant had struck complainant, he kicked her right into the house, and she fell over the steps.

Defendant said he went to the play on Saturday night, and after he left he went down to the Royal George and had two or three pints of ale, and saw Mrs. Jordan there and a man with whom she had been quarrelling. Mrs. Jordan had threatened to do for his wife, and when he went down the steps he found them quarrelling and Mrs. Jordan rushed at him and threatened to scratch his eyes out, but he didn`t strike her or kick.

A lad named Banks, who lives in Mill Bay, said that on Sunday morning between twelve and one o`clock he was leaving home to go on board a collier belonging to Mr. Page, when he saw Mr. Titmarsh coming down the steps, and Mrs. Jordan rushed out of Mrs. Sacery`s house at defendant, just like a dog, and tried to scratch his face, saying “You b---, I`ll scratch your eyes out”, when Mrs. Titmarsh got between them and said “You shan`t hit him, you shall hit me”, and then the two women went on fighting. He held Mrs. Titmarsh`s bonnet and shawl and Mrs. Jordan told him that if he didn`t put them down she would pitch into him. Mrs. Jordan was beastly drunk, and indecently exposed herself.

Mrs. Sacery was recalled, and said she did not see the young man near the place at the time the assault was committed.

The Chairman said the magistrates considered the assault proved, although they believed it arose out of the women`s quarrel. It used to be considered a cowardly thing to strike a woman, but from the number and frequency of assaults of this kind, which had now become quite common, it might be inferred that a great many men had become cowards. The defendant had admitted that he had been to the play on Saturday night, and that he had been to a public house and had two or three pints of beer, while at the same time his wife and family were going about the town begging and telling people they were starving.

The defendant was ordered to pay a fine and costs amounting to 16s., in default, 14 days` imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Observer 8-7-1865

Saturday July 1^st:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

James Baker was charged with being drunk and incapable, and using obscene language in High Street, on June 30^th. He was also further charged with having assaulted police constable Smith in the execution of his duty.

Police constable Smith said that last night about half past eight o`clock he was on duty in High Street, when he was sent for to the Royal George in Queen`s Square, where he found the prisoner with his horse and truck, and some bobbins. He was very drunk, and incapable of taking care of his horse and cart. Witness ordered prisoner to move on, but he said he should move on when he liked, and two persons offered to take care of the cart whilst he went to lay down. Defendant used very abusive language to witness and then went away up High Street. Witness followed and took him into custody, and on the way to the Station House defendant was violent, made use of obscene language, tried to trip him up and kick him, and struck him on the chest with his fist.

The magistrates fined the defendant 5s. and costs for assaulting and resisting the constable, and dismissed the other two charges.

Folkestone Observer 15-7-1865

Saturday July 8^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Thomas Hart, a fisherman, was charged with being drunk and riotous in Queen`s Square on the 7^th instant.

The defendant admitted the charge.

He was further charged with using obscene language at the same time and place.

Defendant denied this charge.

He was also further charged with resisting police constable Henry Hills in the execution of his duty.

Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

Police constable Hills said that on Friday night last, about ten minutes past eight o`clock, he was on duty in High Street, where he received information which induced him to go to Kingsbridge Street, where he found the defendant fighting with a young man named Pettit, but they parted when witness went up to them, and Pettit went away. Defendant did not go away, but “pitched into” a man named May and knocked him down. Hills parted them, and told defendant that if he started again ge should lock him up. Defendant was very drunk and riotous, and halloed and saif if he wanted to fight he would fight, and made use of obscene language. A crowd of between 100 and 200 people had collected round the defendant, whe went into the Royal George, but came tumbling out a few minutes afterwards with a man named James May, when Hills took him into custody. Defendant resisted very much, and a young man named Newman tried to rescue him. In coming up High Street the defendant tried to trip him, when both fell down and Hills tore his trousers at the knee, but he succeeded in getting him to the station house.

The bench ordered defendant to pay a fine of 10s. and costs. In default, to be imprisoned for 14 days.

Folkestone Observer 22-7-1865

Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Kelcey Esq.

Richard Mercer, father of the last prisoner, was charged with assaulting police sergeant Newman.

P.S. Newman said – Last night about a quarter before eleven the prisoner came to the station to admit his son to bail. On looking over the charge I said I did not think I should be justified in taking bail; as he had been fighting he might be fighting again. It was better he should remain till the morning. He then left the station but about half past eleven he came again, with Mr. Wilson of the (Royal) George public house, and he produced a written order from the Superintendent that his son was to be admitted to bail with two sureties. I said “Very well; if it is the Superintendent`s wish to admit him to bail, I must admit him”. I went upstairs to get the bail-book and I brought it down and put it on the table, and as I did so the prisoner said “I shan`t stop here. I`ve had enough of it. I shall go”. And he went out, followed by Mr. Wilson, so I took up the book and went to shut the door. As I did so, he pushed the door and tried to get in again. I said “What do you want here now?”. He said “I want to come in again”. I said “No, you don`t come in here tonight”. He said “Yes, I will”, and pushed open the door about half way, and forced his way into the station. I went towards him to stop him coming in, and he got hold of me by the collar with his right hand. I got hold of him and tried to release myself from him, but he dragged me out into the market. He then kept hustling me about and I kept hold of him, and we pulled each other about till another son came up to his assistance. The two of them together hustled me out of the market and tried to force me down the steps at the back of Mr. Fagg`s house. I caught hold of the iron railing and shouted “Police!”. Mr. White, who lives in the court, came up and took away the son. I then brought the defendant into the station and locked him up. I dropped the bail-book in the market place. The son was as bad as the father. No blows were struck. It was only hustling.

The prisoner said it was about a quarter to ten o`clock when he first came up to the station and he asked the sergeant to bail his son, but he said he did not think he could unless he (prisoner) saw the Mayor or the Superintendent. He went down and saw Mr. Doridant and he said he did not know whether or not it was in his power, he had better see the Superintendent, so he saw the Superintendent, who gave him an order, and he came to the station and gave the sergeant the order. He said “How did you get this?”. I said “From the Superintendent”. He said “You are a liar”. I said “You ought to know the Superintendent`s handwriting”. He looked at it for a minute or two and then said “If it is the Superintendent`s, I am not justified in taking bail”. He (prisoner) then said “Well, then, I`m off”, and he had got half way across the market when the sergeant called him to come back again. He went back, and when he got in the doorway the sergeant pinched his (prisoner`s) foot with the door. He got his foot out, and the sergeant came after him, and said “I shall not give him bail, and I will lock you up”. He (prisoner) went down the steps, and the sergeant took him and locked him up. That was all that was done.

At the request of the bench Charles White, cordwainer, was sworn, and he said he was taking his supper about half past eleven o`clock, and went to the door when he heard a scuffle. He went up the steps, and when he got to the top there were the prisoner, and his son and sergeant Newman struggling together. Sergeant Newman, on seeing witness, shouted out “Police!”, and charged him to assist, and he went and took the son away. They had hold of sergeant Newman. When witness took the son away sergeant Newman took the prisoner to the lock-up. They both had hold of sergeant Newman somewhere about the collar.

The prisoner here fainted, and was removed from the dock to the outer hall. After a few minutes he was brought back into court, when he said he did not intend anything – only to bail his son out.

The bench then sentenced him to a fortnight`s hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-11-1865

County Court

Wednesday 15^th November:- Before C. Harwood Esq.

Edward Hayward v William Tweed – In this case the claim was for £2 3s 2d. The defendant, who formerly kept the Royal George Hotel did not appear, and an order was made for payment forthwith.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-4-1866

County Court

Wednesday April 18^th:- Before C. Harwood Esq.

James Worsell v William Tweed – A claim of £1 2s 7d. The defendant is the landlord of the Spread Eagle, near the Middlesex Hospital. To be paid forthwith.

Folkestone Chronicle 23-6-1866

County Court

Tuesday June 19^th:- Before Mr. Biron

Shrewsbury v Tweed – Plaintiff is a pipemaker at Folkestone, and sued the defendant, who keeps the Spread Eagle, Charles Street, near the Middlesex Hospital, to recover £1 13s 11d, for pipes supplied to him while tenant of the Royal George. Defendant did not appear, and an order for immediate payment was made.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-10-1866

Wednesday October 24^th: Before the Mayor, Captain Kennicott R.N., J. Tolputt and R. W. Boarer Esqs.

Temporary license was granted to Robert Nelson Stratton for the Royal George

Note: Date for Stratton and is at odds with that given in More Bastions.

Folkestone Observer 28-3-1868

Monday, March 23^rd: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., and J. Tolputt Esq.

James White, 28, a private of the 7^th Dragoon Guards, charged with being a deserter, pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Ingram Swaine said: This morning, between twelve and one o`clock, I was on duty near the Royal George, on the Backway, and met the prisoner in an undress state. He had no jacket and no cap. He was very wet. He did not know where he was or where he was going. He was the worse for liquor. I charged him with being a deserter. I took him into custody. He said he did not wish to desert, but to find his clothes. He said he belonged to the 7<sup>th</sup> Dragoons, but had no pass. He was not troublesome at all. I found his cap, stock, and jacket this morning, in the lower part of the town, at the Queen`s Head. I found the door unfastened, and went in, rousing the landlord. Prisoner seemed to be stupefied, but he could walk very well.

Prisoner said he was sorry he had been overcome by liquor. He had been a soldier for eight years, and had a good conduct stripe.

The Chairman said he was sorry to see a man in such a position, but he ought to have known better. Ordered to be sent to the depot of his regiment at Shorncliffe.

Folkestone Express 28-3-1868

Monday, March 23^rd: Before Captain Kennicott and Alderman Tolputt

James White, 28, was charged with being a deserter from the 17^th Dragoon Guards.

P.C. 6F deposed: That morning about 25 minutes to one o`clock he was on duty in the lower part of town, near the Royal George, when he met the prisoner without jacket and cap, and he was very wet. I asked him where he was going to; he said he did not know. I then asked him whence he came from, and he said he did not know. I then charged him with being a deserter. He said he did not want to desert – he wanted to find his clothes. At the police station he said he belonged to the 17<sup>th</sup> Dragoon Guards. I asked him if he had a pass, when he said he had not. He was the worse for liquor, but not so drunk but what he knew what he was about. I found his jacket, stock, and cap at the Queen`s Head beerhouse, where he had been allowed to sleep in the tap room.

The Clerk said that according to the Articles Of War the prisoner would be liable to be charged with being a deserter.

The prisoner said he hoped the Bench would look over this case as he was drunk.

Captain Kennicott said that to look over one would be to look over a hundred.

The prisoner was ordered to be returned to the Camp, to be dealt with as his Commanding Officer may think fit.

Folkestone Express 28-11-1868

Assault on the police

William Saccrey was charged with assaulting P.C. Ovenden on the 5^th of November.

P.C. Ovenden deposed that he was on duty at the bottom of the town on the 5^th, and was standing under the arches, opposite the Royal George Hotel when the defendant passed him and went towards the fish market. He shortly afterwards returned and, standing with his back to the Royal George, he threw a lump of fish offal, which struck witness on the left arm. He then walked into the crowd. Several people were in that neighbourhood at the time larking about and squibbing, and several others were throwing offal about. The defendant could see witness plainly. He had given him no provocation. The police are generally speaking pelted with stones and offal on these occasions.

The defendant stated he did not see the police constable on that evening, nor was he “firing” offal. He was not sober, or he should not have done it.

The Mayor said the Bench were of opinion that the defendant committed the offence, and they fined him 6d. and 10s. costs, or seven days` imprisonment.

Southeastern Gazette 1-3-1869

County Court

This court was held at the Town Hall, on Monday, before W. C. Scott, Esq.

G. Worsell v. G. Plater. Mr. Minter appeared for the plaintiff, who claimed £7 2s. for a debt incurred when the defendant was residing at No. 4, Marine Terrace.

The defendant put in a deed of assignment for the benefit of his creditors, as an answer to the claim. He was formerly the keeper of the Royal George Hotel, Folkestone.

Plaintiff sworn, said he supplied the defendant with the meat, and had applied for the money several times, and received a letter promising to pay. The debt was incurred in May, 1867.

 Mr. Minter then examined the defendant as to the accuracy of the signatures to the deed. He said he had paid £600 for a business in Southampton Row, Holborn. The brokerage and lawyer’s fees amounted to £30 and he owed £225 to Mr. Wm. Holdness, a bill discounter, which was for bills and money lent. He had not got the consent notes.

Mr. Minter criticised the conduct of the defendant in producing a document of this sort, and urged that as the defendant had not properly proved it, it was not a sufficient answer to the action. There was a great improbability of its being of a genuine character, as it was not likely the broker and the bill discounter would accept a composition of Is. in the £.

The defendant here applied to have the case adjourned for a month to enable him to obtain legal assistance.

After a discussion between his Honour and Mr. Minter, the case was adjourned, on the defendant paying the costs of the adjournment.