South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 18 February 1851.

Woolley v. Burford.

Charge for having left a dray and horses in front of the "Chequers Inn," Tunbridge, on the 5th February, in such a situation that he could have no control over them.

Fined 1s., costs 12s.

Kentish Gazette, 28 December 1852.

Tunbridge. County Court, Friday.

There were not more than twenty cases for hearing; the only two of any interest; being Segrave v. Towner, and Segrave v. Pack. Both were cases of assault, the damages in each case being laid at £2 10s. Mr. Edward Carnell was attorney for plaintiff; Mr. Morgan, of Maidstone, for defendants.

John Segrave v. Stephen Towner.

Plaintiff deposed that he was at the "Chequers Inn," Tunbridge, on the evening of the 29th November last, at about half-past nine o'clock. Defendant, with whom plaintiff had previously had a deal for a horse, went up to plaintiff and desired to speak with him. Plaintiff declined entering into conversation with him. He asked plaintiff for £16 10s. alleged to he due on such deal, who replied that he knew nothing about the matter, but if he (defendant) considered he had any claim, the law would see him righted. He then abused plaintiff, and called him very bad names, flourishing his fist in his face, he pushed plaintiff two or three times with his knee; he then became very violent and thrust his fist into plaintiff's face. Plaintiff got up and pushed his fist on one side, when defendant struck him two or three times. Defendant did not appear to be drunk.

The witnesses for plaintiff were Henry Richardson, butcher; Frederick William Brenchley, shoemaker; Sidney Smith, carpenter; James Elliott, foreman; and John Chittenden, saddler; but as their evidence was of a similar description, we shall give Mr. Richardson's and Mr. Brenchley's only.

Henry Richardson deposed that he was at the "Chequers Inn" on the above evening, in the bar parlour. Towner asked Segrave to go out of the room, as he wanted to have some conversation with him about a deal for a horse. Towner was close to Segrave, when the latter put his arm up and pushed him back. Saw Towner swing his fists about. Heard him say he should like to punch his head if he dared. Didn't think Towner was quite sober.

Cross-examined by Mr. Morgan:— When he saw Towner swing his fists about, could not say if he intended to hit Segrave.

Didn't see him strike plaintiff till he (plaintiff] pushed Towner from him. Segrave was quite sober. Heard very bad language used. They were both much excited, and were separated by a person in the room.

Frederick William Brenchley deposed that he was at the "Chequers" on the night in question. Towner used some very violent language towards Segrave. Segrave said he didn't want any piece of work there. There was a scuffle after that, and blows were struck by both. Some person present interfered to try to part them. Heard Towner say he was only sorry he did not let fly and knock Seagrave down.

Cross-examined:— Did not notice defendant holding up his fist in a most menacing manner, nor anything else that was going on, until he heard the bad language. Would not swear who struck the first blow.

The evidence of the other witnesses for plaintiff, proved that Towner shook his fist in Segrave'e face, when Segrave pushed him away, and the scuffle and blows ensued. None of those witnesses could speak positively as to who struck the first blow.

Mr. Morgan contended that his client had not committed the assault complained of until after he had been pushed by Segrave. His client had simply asked Segrave to complete that bargain for the horse which had been before alluded to. Segrave said "I will have nothing to say to you." This excited Towner, and words were the consequence. It was whilst these words were used that Towner threw his fists about, but he was instructed to deny that they were used in a menacing manner until after his client had been pushed. He should be able to show that the assault would never had occurred, but for the conduct of plaintiff.

Defendant said there had been a dealing between him and the plaintiff respecting a horse. The bargain had never been carried out. On the day in question, he had been to Baron Goldsmid's rent feast in Tunbridge; he was quite sober when he left, at about nine o'clock. Went into the bar parlour at the "Chequers," whilst his horse was being got ready. Several persons were in the bar, amongst them the plaintiff. Went up to him and said "How do you do, sir?" Plaintiff replied, "Oh, I have nothing to say to you." Hit his hand on the table several times, but did not shake his fist in plaintiff's face. He then stated that plaintiff jumped up and struck him; that he did not strike again until after he had been struck. In answer to a question from the judge, he said (inadvertently we suppose) "Segrave told me several times to take my fist out of his face," to which he replied "I haven't yet."

The Judge:— You had been to Baron Goldsmid's rent feast. I suppose you had a good dinner, and as good eating deserves good drinking, I suppose you also had plenty to drink?

Towner admitted he had plenty of both.

After six witnesses had been examined on behalf of defendant, his Honour said he had carefully considered the evidence brought forward; he believed that although Towner was not so drunk, but that he was capable of taking care of himself, yet he had it from his own mouth that he was carousing for five hours, and he had no doubt he was a little elevated and excitable at anything that was said. The plaintiff was perfectly justified in pushing defendant, away, if he was in any danger of being struck. Defendant thought he was on the wind side of the law, in shaking his fist at him, which was in itself an assault, and plaintiff was perfectly justified in pushing him from him.

Damages £2 2s.

Segrave v. Pack.

This was a case arising out of the last. Pack, in the struggle between Segrave and his friend Towner, seized Segrave by the throat with such force as to endanger his being suffocated.

Damages £2 2s.

South Eastern Gazette, 18 September, 1860.

On Friday, John Price, a tramp, was charged before Major Scoones and J. Ridgday, Esq., with stealing about 5s. in money, the property of John Luck, of East Peckham. Both parties were lodging at the "Chequers Inn," and on Wednesday night prosecutor lost his money, which was found on prisoner.

Committed for trial.

South Eastern Gazette, 23 October, 1860.

John Price was charged with stealing 4s. 7d., the property of John Luck, at Tunbridge, on the 12th September. Mr. Sharp prosecuted.

The prosecutor, who is a letter carrier at Tunbridge, slept in the same room with the prisoner at the "Chequers Inn," Tunbridge, on the above night, and on prosecutor getting up in the morning he missed some of his money. He communicated his loss to the landlord, who sent for a police-constable. On prisoner being asked whether he had any money he said he did not know, but on his pockets being searched a florin, a fourpenny piece, and a three-penny piece, was found, and the prosecutor identifies the last named piece as his property.

Six months' hard labour.

(Tunbridge was often written instead of Tonbridge by the papers).

From the South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 3 December, 1861.

TUNBRIDGE. St. CLEMENTS.

The anniversary of this saint was celebrated as usual on Monday evening, at Mr. Joy's the "Chequers Inn." About seventy of the principle tradesmen of the town were present, and Mr. Jesse Simes ably discharges the duties of chairman. An excellent supper was provided, and the whole proceedings passed off most satisfactorily.