From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Saturday, 22 October, to Wednesday 26 October, 1768. Price 2d.

TO BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

At the “Star Inn,” at Maidstone, On Friday the 28th of October Instant.

A Freehold new built (Brick Front) Messuage or Tenement two Stories high, consisting of two Rooms on a Floor, with convenient Closets and Sash Windows in the Fore-Rooms, a Wash-House and finall yard and Garden, pleasantly situated in the best Part of the High Street in Maidstone aforesaid; and lately occupied by Mr. John Streatfield, gentleman deceased.

N.B. The sale will begin at Six o'Clock, and the Premises will be put up at £300.

For further Particulars enquire of Mr. Southouse, Attorney at Law at Maidstone, and Mr. Cherry who lives next Door to the Premises will shew the same.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Saturday 13 May to Wednesday 17 May, 1769. Price 2½d.

TURNPIKE

Notice is hereby given, that the first Meeting of the Trustees, appointed for the putting in Execution, an Act of Parliament entitled, “An Act for Repairing and Widening the Road from Maidstone through Debtling to Key-street, in the Parishes of Borden and Bobbing, in the County of Kent,” is, in the said Act, directed to be holden at the House of John Hollingworth, known by the Sign of the “Star,” in Maidstone aforesaid, on Thursday next the 18th of this Instant Month of May, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, being the third Thursday in may 1769.

Kentish Gazette, 10 March, 1781.

March 1, 1781.

"Star Inn," Maidstone.

John Oliver, begs leave to acquaint his friends and the public in general, that he has lately taken the above inn, and hopes for the honour of their company and Commands.

Post Chaises at 9d. per mile.

Kent Gazette, 23 December 1778.

Star Inn, Maidstone.

Richard Comber, (successor to Mr. John Hollingworth). Humbly solicits the commands of the public in general, and particularly those gentlemen and ladies who dealt their favours to his predecessor; assuring them, that nothing shall be wanting to merit their continuance of their obligations, which will be ever gratefully acknowledged, by their dutiful and most obedient humble servant,

R. Comber.

Neat post chasises and abel horses. Good beds, good wines, and excellent larder, &c &c.

N.B. Neat hearse and Morning Coach. Undertakers supplied on the the shortest notice, in affordable terms.

Kentish Gazette, 25 October, 1780.

"Star Inn," Maidstone, October 24, 1780.

Whereas it has been reported that the "Star Inn," in Maidstone, is shut up; this is to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public in general, that it continues open as usual, and is commodiously fitted up with good beds and every other useful and necessary article.

The continuance of their Favours will be gratefully acknowledged.

Kentish Gazette, 10 March, 1781.

March 1, 1781. "Star Inn," Maidstone.

John Oliver, begs leave to acquaint his friends and the public in general, that he has lately taken the above inn, and hopes for the honour of their company and Commands.

Post Chaises at 9d. per mile.

From the Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 26 April 1791.

STAR INN, Maidstone, April 19, 1791.

STEPHEN KENSLEY, having this day quitted the above Inn in favour of Mr. William Spratt, gratefully returns his sincere thanks to the Nobility, gentry, and Public in general, for the honour of their patronage so liberally conferred upon him during the time he possessed the same.

WILLIAM SPRATT, from the "Haunch of Venison," having this day entered upon the above Inn, most respectfully solicits the Nobility, Gentry, and Public in general, who have hitherto honoured Mr. Stephen Kemsley with their commands, will in future confer them upon him, by continuing their favours at the said Inn as heretofore. His unremitting endeavours will be exerted to give general satisfaction to them and his former friends, whom he most gratefully thanks for their past favours during his residence at the "Haunch of
Venison.

"N.B. Neat Post-chaises, with able horses.

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 January 1804. Price 6d.

MAIDSTONE, KENT.

A Very desirable Situation for Trade to be Sold by Private Contract, with immediate possession:— Consisting of A Freehold House, a large Shop, yard and garden, most desirably situated near the “Star Inn,” and the Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone.

The premises are in good repair— The proprietor is leaving off business, and has no objection to give immediate possession.

The land-tax is redeemed, and the greatest past of the purchase-money may remain on security, if required.

For further particular apply to Mr. William Green, Week-street, Maidstone.

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 August 1810.

TO INN AND TAVEKN KEEPERS AND OTHERS.

Capital First-Rate Inn, Tavern, Hotel, Posting, and Assembly-House, MAIDSTONE, KENT, With Immediate Possession — Land Tax Redeemed.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. BURTON, ON Wednesday, 19th September, 1810, at 19th o’clock, at the Auction Mart, London, if not sooner disposed of by Private Contract. A singularly Valuable FREEHOLD ESTATE, comprising that respectable and well-established INN — THE "STAR," at Maidstone, the property of Mr. Sprat, who is retiring from business. The premises are rendered particularly convenient to conduct a business with unusual facility, which has been a prominent feature in the concern for 150 years, and from unparalleled advantages of capability and situation mart confidently ensure a continued respectable support. The premises are commodious, well connected, in very excellent repair, and capable of making up 50 beds, numerous dining and drawing-rooms, of good proportion, a spacious handsome assembly-room, a well frequented coffee-room, requisite and well-arranged servants apartments, commodious arches, and other cellaring; at a suitable distance in the yard is a Tap, or Public-house, which may be let to considerable advantage; excellent stalled and open stabling for 71 horses, enclosed coach-house, spacious and well timbered lofts, requisite out-buildings, and a large open yard, &c. with a convenient back carriage entrance. The whole completely enclosed, and secured with folding-gates.

To be viewed till the sale, by application to Mr. Burton, of whom descriptive particulars may be had; particulars at the "Saracen’s Head," Ashford; "Swan," Hythe; "Royal Hotel," Dover; "Three Kings," Deal; "Royal Hotel," Margate; "Fountain," Canterbury; "Rose," Sittingbourne and Rochester; "Rose," Dartford; at the "George," Borough; "Blossoms Inn," Lawrence-lane; "Cross Keys," Wood-street; and at the Auction Mart, London.

N.B. A part of the purchase-money may remain on mortgage, if required.

From the Kentish Gazette 27 February 1838.

ROYAL VICTORIA, AND FIRST-RATE HOTEL AND POSTING HOUSE,

THE "STAR," MAIDSTONE. TO BE SOLD OR LET, BY PRIVATE CONTRACT,

ALL that extensive and valuable FREEHOLD ESTATE, (Land-tax redeemed), known as the "STAR INN," most desirably situate, with a frontage of 54 feet to the High-street of MAIDSTONE, and extending in depth, about 460 feet to Earl-street, with a carriage entrance therefrom, comprising an excellent well-built, and handsomely arranged HOTEL, containing nine good sitting rooms, a large well-fitted coffee room, spacious assembly or banqueting room, billiard room, accommodation for making up 33 beds, a roomy bar, conveniently placed for superintending the business, capital cellaring, kitchen, and all requisite offices.

ATTACHED THERETO IS A LUCRATIVE TAP. Stabling for 60 Horses, Granaries, Lofts, enclosed Coach Houses, Lodges, &c.

For further particulars and to treat for the same, apply (if by letter, post-paid), to Mr. Topping, or to Messrs. Peter and Edward Hussey, Solicitors, Maidstone; to Mr. E. M. Hunt, Solicitor, No. 8, New Boswell Court, Lincoln’s Inn, London, or to Messrs. Gregson and Hewell, Solicitors, Angel-court, Throgmorton-street, London.

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 December 1840.

DEATH.

Dec 8, Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Mr. William Scoones, late of the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, aged 19.

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 February 1842.

DEATH.

Jan. 29, at Maidstone, Elizabeth Barbara, only daughter of Mr. R. Fowler, "Star Inn," aged 19.

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 February 1843.

Maidstone.—Kent and Maidstone Cattle Show.

A general meeting of the subscribers to this society was held at the "Star Inn," on Thursday last, the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Torrington in the chair, when the accounts were passed and the report of the last year’s proceedings was presented and adopted. After some desultory discussion respecting some proposed new premiums, a vote of thanks to his Lordship for his services in the chair, and his zealous efforts on all occasions in support of the society, was passed by acclamation, and the meeting broke up.

From the Kentish Gazette, 25 August 1846.

INQUEST ON THE LATE SIR CHARLES WETHERELL, KNT.

An inquest was held at the "George Inn," Aylesford, on Wednesday afternoon last, before J. N. Pudlow, Esq., one of the coroners for Kent, on the body of the late Sir Charles Wetherell, Knt., whose death on Monday afternoon last, was the result of the melancholy accident already recorded in our paper.

The jury having returned from Preston Hall, the seat of C. Milner, Esq , where the body was lying, the following evidence was taken:—

Joseph Rudge deposed he was returning to the deceased, who was about 76 years of age. Sir Charles had been to Smarden to view an estate he had thought of purchasing, and slept at the "Star Inn," Maidstone, on the night of Sunday the 9th. On Monday morning he ordered an open fly to proceed to Rochester, expressing his desire to be driven by the lower road, through Wouldham, &c. On arriving at the top of Rocky Hill, Sir Charles changed seats with witness, who was on the box, and witness sat inside. On reaching the back entrance gate of Mr. Milner's park, he felt the horse start forward, and heard Sir Charles say, "Whoa, whoa," when immediately the carriage upset. Witness sprung to his feet immediately, when he found Sir Charles on his back, apparently insensible. A woman having been despatched for a surgeon, he was conveyed to Mr. Milner’s house, Preston Hall, where he remained till his death. The driver was perfectly sober.

Eliza Jones examined:- Was coming from Mr. Milner’s lodge on the day in question, when a carnage passed her. Immediately it had passed her the horse took fright, and the carriage was overturned. By desire of the coachman she fetched Mr. Dennis, surgeon, of Aylesford.

John Brazier, of Maidstone, postboy, stated:— On the rooming of Monday, the 10th, he was ordered out with an open fly to convey Sir Charles Wetherell to Rochester. Sir Charles got outside on reaching Rocky Hill, and witness turned down the lane to Aylesford, and on approaching the back entrance to Sir. Milner’s, the flies being troublesome, the mare got her tail over the reins, and on witness loosening them to disentangle them, the mare naturally slightly increased her pace. This apparently frightened Sir Charles, who caught hold of the off rein, and immediately the horse started, and drew the carriage over a heap of stones lying at the side of the road, when the wheel ran up an iron which supported the railings, and overturned the carriage. Witness fell upon Sir Charles who fell on the side of his head, and upon his back. He appeared insensible, but slightly recovered, and walked across to the lodge gate, when he said, "Let’s go on." He, however, got worse, and was placed on cushions till a surgeon arrived. Witness was confident the accident would not have happened had not Sir Charles taken hold of the reins. Had driven the mare nearly two years; she was perfectly quiet, and stopped on the carriage overturning, though the harness was cut entirely away.

Ralph Dennis, surgeon, of Aylesford, stated he was sent for shortly after nine o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 10th, and on arriving at the Preston Hall back gates, found Sir Charles sitting in the road, supported by cushions—he appeared insensible. There was a considerable wound on the lip, and contusion on the left side of the head and the back. Witness proceeded to Preston Hall, where by the consent of Mr. Milner he was removed. Sir Charles partially recovered sensibility on the fourth day, but subsequently relapsed, and died at twenty minutes past five on Monday the 17th. Considers death to have ensued from concussion of the brain—no bones were broken. Sir Benjamin Brodie, Dr. Taylor, and Mr. Golding attended Sir Charles, but slight hopes were entertained of his recovery.

The Jury without hesitation, returned a verdict of "Death from Conclusion of the Brain, from an accidental fall."

The Jury expressed their high sense of the kindness of C. Milner, Esq., of Preston Hall, whose conduct towards the unfortunate deceased gentlemen was most hospitable.

Kentish Gazette, 23 January 1849.

Hop Dinner.

The annual hop dinner at the "Star Hotel" took place on Wednesday last, when, between 40 and 50 assembled to partake of the good things provided by the worthy landlord, Mr. Muruss. Mr. W. J. Epps was in the chair, and was supported as vice-president by Mr. George Clifton, of London. The winner of last year's sweepstakes was Mr. Hollings. The lowest set for the present year was £80,000, and the highest £230,000. The average betting was about £145,000. In the course of the evening some excellent glees were sung by Messrs. Mason, Lancefield. Kentish, and Tolhurst, and Messrs. G. Hodges and T. Bennett sang some good solos.

Kentish Gazette, 12 June 1849.

MAIDSTONE. Accident.

On Monday last, an accident happened to the head waiter of the "Star Hotel," named Briggs, while playing at cricket, at the "Gibraltar." He was in the act of striking the ball, when his foot slipped and he fell, the small bone of his left leg being broken.

Assistance was immediately afforded him, and on being conveyed to Maidstone, he was attended by Dr. Power, under whose treatment he is going on favourably.

Kentish Gazette, 21 May 1850.

Fatal Accident.

An inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the West Kent infirmary before F. F. Dally, Esq., on the body of John Shoobridge, aged 40 years. William Capon, ostler to Mr. Shirley, of the "Star Tap," stated that deceased was also in Mr. Shirley's employ as labourer.

On Tuesday, the 7th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning, I saw deceased go up a ladder in the yard, to a granary where corn and potatoes were kept. Shortly after I saw the ladder lying on the ground, but not seeing deceased, I called "Flower Pot," a name by which deceased went, several times very loud but received no answer. I then went into a stable near the ladder, and found deceased lying there and very sick, I asked him if be had hurt himself, and deceased said he thought he had broken some of his ribs. Witness immediately fetched some brandy and gave him, which seemed to revive him, and he got up and said he seemed a little better.

Dr. Plomley was then sent for, who recommended his being taken to the infirmary, which was done. Deceased said the ladder had slipped. The morning was very wet, which, in witness’ opinion would have caused the ladder to have slipped. Mr. John Edward Elam, house surgeon to the infirmary, stated the deceased was brought there on the 7th inst. He gradually sank after that, and died about 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning.

Verdict " accidental death.”

Kentish Gazette, 17 September 1850.

On Saturday night week, between ten and eleven, a young man named Thomas Abnett, an occasional waiter at the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, was returning from Chatham, when he was stopped by five men, who threw him down and robbed him of his bundle, his cap, and fifteen shillings.

South Eastern Gazette, 8 November 1853. Maidstone

Friday. (Before H. W. Joy, Esq., and C. Ellis, Esq.)

The newly-elected Town-councillors were this morning duly sworn into office.

John Dale, waiter, was charged with felony:— Wm. Shirley, who keeps the "Star Tap," stated that on Sunday night he locked up his premises at about half-past ten o’clock. There was then a gun standing in the corner of his living-room. The gun produced was the same, which he had had for the last twenty years. His son came down about half-past six o’clock the next morning, and found one of the windows partly open. He missed the gun, which was in a case, on Tuesday. The window opened by a slide into the Star-yard, and as the fastenings were worn it was not made secure. Had known the prisoner many years. He (prisoner) was often about the house and knew where the gun was kept.

By prisoner:— You had cleaned the gun many times.

Prosecutor’s son stated that he came down stairs on Monday morning at about twenty minutes to seven o’clock, and found the window of the room in which the gun was kept partly open.

William Bridgland, landlord of the "Red Lion," stated that the prisoner came into his house at about four o’clock on Monday morning, and called for some coffee. Witness saw a gun behind the settle, and took it up and examined it. About an hour afterwards prisoner asked him if he had a charge of powder and shot to give him. Witness said he had none, and prisoner then said he must stop till the shops were open. Witness understood him that he was going out shooting. He afterwards asked witness to take care of it, with a small packet which he said contained silver, for a few minutes. Witness took the gun into the bar, and on Wednesday gave it to police-constable Russell.

Police-constable Russell deposed to receiving information of the gun being missing on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday morning obtained it from the last witness. Afterwards took the prisoner into custody and told him the charge, when he said it was his property and he had got it to clean.

By prisoner:— You did not say the gun belonged to Mr. Shirley.

The prisoner said he took the gun on Sunday afternoon to clean, as he had often done before, and was going to Rochester on Monday, intending to return it when he came back. He took it into the "Red Lion" and asked the landlord to take charge of it while he went to book two places on the omnibus, and told him to take care of it as it was a valuable one, and belonged to Mr. Shirley. This latter assertion Bridgland denied.

The prisoner was remanded till Tuesday (to-day).

From the South Eastern Gazette, 22 January 1856.

Maidstone catch club.

The ordinary fortnightly concert of the society was held at the "Star Hotel" Assembly Room, on Thursday evening last, when the large room was filled by the members and country friends. The singers were Miss Ross, and her father, the well-known comic vocalist, whose songs have nearly split the sides of half London with laughter. The young lady acquitted herself creditably; but the attraction of the evening was the mimic and burlesque presentments of low life for which Mr. Ross is distinguished, and which were as successful in Maidstone as elsewhere. The music was good, and afforded entire satisfaction.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 08 April 1856.

Royal Star Hotel. High Street, Maidstone.

Mr. W. R. Pine, having taken the "Royal Star Hotel," thanks to inform the nobility, gentry, and inhabitants of Maidstone, and the neighbourhood, that he has made considerable alterations and improvements, and trusts, by strict attention to the wishes of those who may honour him with their patronage is, to secure that support which it will always be is endeavour to serve.