Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 05 November 1833.

Monday se'nnight a walking match between Mr. John skillett and Mr. Hodgskin, of Brompton, took place on the London Road; the distance was 10 miles - they started from the "Star," on Chatham Hill, and walked to Newington, and back again to the "Star." Mr. Skillett accomplished his task in 1 hour 53 minutes and a half, and Mr. Hodgskin came in about 2 minutes and a half afterwards.

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 November 1843.

Walking Match for Ten Sovereigns.

On Saturday a match exciting considerable interest came off an the London-road leading to Canterbury. The spot selected was from the "Star Inn" on the Rainham Road to the mile-stone at Newington and back, being a distance of ten miles. The walk was undertaken by Mr. Friday, jun. of Gillingham, 28 years of age, who was backed by E. Carter, Esq. Two to one was freely taken against him. The feat however was nobly accomplished by Mr. Friday coming into the "Star," as fresh as a lark, six minutes and a half within the given time of two hours. Two persons undertook to walk with Mr. Friday to see all right, and on their return one of them named George Castle, dropped down in so exhausted a state, that it was some time before he could be brought to a state of sensibility. After the match about twenty sporting gentlemen sat down to an excellent supper provided by Mr. Foster the landlord of the "Star," and after regaling themselves separated at a late hour happy and comfortable.

Kentish Gazette,11January 1876.

TRIAL OF PRISONER. ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE.

Two men named John Flynn and John Sullivan were indicted for robbing Henry Hales, with violence, and stealing from his person 17s. 6d., at Rainham, on the 12th December.

Mr. Kingsford prosecuted, and having stated the facts of the case to the Jury, called Henry Hales, who deposed that he was an engine-driver, and lived at Gillingham. On Sunday, the 12th December, he met the prisoners at the "Star" public house, Chatham Hill. Flinn said he was a policemen, and wanted to know the road to Elmley Ferry, where he was going to apprehend a man. Witness was going part of the wagon that road, and offered to show them. They had some beer on the road. As they were on the road near Rainham Sullivan stopped, and said he wanted the bag he (witness) had in his pocket, and at the same time Flinn seized him by the throat and brandishing a knife said to the other prisoner "Shall I give it to him?" Sullivan answered "No; I have got the bag." The bag was taken from his pocket by Sullivan. He had 17s. 6d.in silver in his purse, and among the coins was a new shilling.

By the Court:- Witness was quite sober.

William Kitchingham said he kept the "Rose" beerhouse at Rainham. On the day in question the prosecutors and prisoners were in his house, and they left together between four and five o'clock.

A witness named Howlett Mitchell, an innkeeper at Sittingbourne, proved that the prisoners came to his house, and they left together between four and five o'clock.

A witness named Howlert Mitchell, an innkeeper at Sittingbourne, proved that the prisoners came to his house and had some refreshment, for which Sullivan paid with a new shilling.

Police constable Packman proved apprehending Flinn, who denied being at Rainham. Sullivan cautioned his "chum" not to say anything.

The prisoners, who totally denied the charge, were however found "guilty," and each sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour.