From the Kentish Gazette, 8 September 1857.

This was the annual licensing day. There were 129 applications for renewal of licences all of which were granted.

Six beer-house keepers applied for licenses. They were — Edward Godden, "Pineapple," St. George’s;

John Ratcliffe, "Laurel-tree," Northgate;

J. Stevens, "Dolphin", St. Radigund’s;

T. Rogers, "Sir Robert Peel," High-street;

W. O. Carter, "True Briton," Northgate;

W. Friend, "Eagle Tavern," Ivy-lane.

Mr. Eaden opposed the granting a licence to the "Laurel Tree," Northgate, on behalf of the landlord and tenant of the "Providence," and read a memorial — signed by a number of the neighbours, in which it was stated that there were already five licensed houses within a hundred yards of the applicant’s house.

A counter memorial was presented by Mr. Ratclitffe - signed by about 150 of the neighbours in support of his application, on the ground that the defendant had kept his beer house in an orderly manner for the last five years. This, Mr. Eaden declared, was no ground whatever for granting the application.

The Court was then cleared. Upon the re-admission of the public it was announced that the license would be granted to the "Laurel Tree," as also to the "Sir Robert Peel," to the "Eagle Tavern," and to the "Pine Apple." The applications of the "True Briton" and of the "Dolphin" were refused.