From the Sevenoaks Chronicle, 31 August 1852.

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY AT ROCHESTER.

Friday being the day appointed for the general annual Licensing day, and for hearing applications fro granting new licenses, the county magistrates assembled in petty sessions at eleven o'clock. There were present, the Rev. G. Davies (chairman), Capt. Baker, W. M. Smith, Esq., M. P., W. H. Nicholson, Esq., Major Boys, and the Rev. J. J. Marsham.

There were several applications for granting new licenses, and the proceedings were watched with some interest by those concerned.

Mr. Arnold next applied, on behalf of Mr. William Cole, for a license for the "Crown" beer shop, situated at Perry Street, having five bedrooms, five sitting rooms, and two cellars, and being rated to the relief of the poor at £30. The locality, he said, was a place of considerable resource, being on the way to Springhead. Nineteen years ago his client built it, and it was now his own freehold. He handed in a petition in support of the application numerously and respectably signed.

By the Court:- The "Rose" is the nearest licensed house, which is within fifty yards.

The Court was again cleared, and on the re-admission the Rev. Chairman said the Magistrates granted a license for the "Dover Castle," but not for the "Shepherd's Delight" or the "Crown."