Kentish Gazette, 3 June 1851.

MAIDSTONE.

The "Duke of Marlborough Inn," in Union Street, was discovered in flames on Tuesday morning last, and the house, together with the stabling, were entirely destroyed. Fortunately no lives were lost.

Kentish Gazette, 3 June 1851.

MAIDSTONE.

The "Duke of Marlborough Inn," in Union Street, was discovered in flames on Tuesday morning last, and the house, together with the stabling, were entirely destroyed. Fortunately no lives were lost.

South Eastern Gazette, 29, November 1853.

FOR SALE.

About sixty fine turkeys. For particulars inquire of Mr. Clifford, "Duke of Marlborough Inn," Union Street, Maidstone.

Thomas Clifford, landlord of the "Duke of Marlborough," Union Street, was charged with having refused to admit the police on tha 23rd ult.

Mr. Goodwin appeared for defendant.

Police-constable Beale stated that having reason to suppose that there were persons in defendants house during divine service, he went there about 11 o'clock in the morning and demanded admission at the front door. Defendant came to the door and refused to admit him. About 10 minutes to 12 witness returned, with Sergeant Hills, who went to the front door while witness went to the back, and found defendant in the yard with a butcher named Pattenden. Witness asked defendant why he refused to open the door, and the latter replied that he should not open it to any one.

In defence Mr. Goodwin stated that his client had directed the police to go round the house and enter by a side door. This was denied by the constable.

Sergeant Hills deposed that in consequence of the information he received from the former witness, he went to the "Duke of Marlborough at ten minutes to 12, and demanded admittance. Witness heard some one inside but could not make out exactly who it was.

By Mr Goodwin:— I would not enter by the beck door; I have often been abused for so doing. I prefer getting in by the front door, and not sneaking in by the back.

Mr. Goodwin said that defendant invariably preserved good order in the management of his business, and called Robert Pattenden, butcher, ot King-Street, in order to prove that no obstacle had been offered by defendant to the entry of the police. Witness stated that he had gone to defendant's house for the purpose of hiring a horse and gig, and that he was in the yard when police-constable Beale came there. Had heard defendant request the constable to enter the house by a side door. No obstacle whatever was offered.

In reply to a question from the Bench, Sergeant Hills stated that persons on a former occasion had been found in defendant's house, but that the offence had been passed over.

Fined 10., costs 10s., the Mayor observing that whenever the police demanded admittance to any public house they were not to be obstructed.