BUILDERS ARMS Pub of Canterbury

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Canterbury, December, 2023.

Page Updated Canterbury:- Sunday, 10 December, 2023.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1836-

Builders Arms

Closed 1937

1 Cross Street / Orchard Place (Church & Cross Street 1836)

St Dunstan

Canterbury

Above photo kindly sent by Grahame Dowse, 14 February 2013.

Above picture from Google March 2009 shows number 1 Cross Street, the former "Builder's Arms". The beer delivery hatch can just been seen bottom right.

Above map 1874.

Only information I have to date regarding this establishment is that it was open from between 1840 and 1937 when it unfortunately closed as an inn.

There is a mention in a street directory that in 1925 there was, at 1 Cross Street, a Charles Stace Mission Room.

However, information found showed that this end of Cross Street had many connections with the brewery trade in 1889. That year Charles Spicer, Brewer's servant lived at number 2, Mrs. S. Spicer lived at number 3 which was a general shop. James Newman, bottler, at number 4, and at number 5, George Spicer, Brewer's labourer. At number 13, W. Mannering, another brewer's servant and at number 17, William Martin, yet another brewer's servant. Lastly at number 19 was Edward Fullager, a drayman. Numbers 1 to 10 run on one side of the street and 11 to 30 on the other.

From the Kentish Gazette, 26 November 1839.

TO LET,

A FREE PUBLIC HOUSE, situated in that fast improving part of Canterbury, Orchard Place, Saint Dunstan's. Incoming very low, and satisfactory reasons can be assigned why the present tenant wishes to leave.

Apply in Mr. T. Friend, Broker, Northgate; or on the premises, "Builder's Arms," Cross Street.

Kentish Gazette, 16 January 1844.

New Benefit Club. (From a Correspondent.)

We are gratified to be enabled to state that it is in contemplation to open another of those valuable institutions termed Odd Fellows’ Societies. The one to which we allude is to be opened, we believe, on Friday, the 26th instant, at the "Builder’s Arms," in Orchard-place, near this city, and is a branch of that very serviceable order termed the "Manchester Union of Odd Fellowship," the benefits derivable from which are far beyond those of an ordinary benefit club; there are certain cases in which the widows and orphans of the deceased brothers are in some measure provided for by the members paying but a trifling sum per week; and we understand the contributions to this order and to the widow's and orphan’s fund, will not amount in the month to the sum paid to the Benefit Society. We heartily wish the Society may flourish.

From the Kentish Gazette, 25 November 1845.

An inquest was on Friday evening at the "Builders' Arms," St. Dunstan's, Canterbury, on the body of Elizabeth Taunton, widow, who died suddenly at an early hour in the morning. It appeared that the deceased lived retired with another woman, in Cross-street, Orchard-street, and was in the habit of drinking. Between four and five in the morning, she left her home in a state of nudity, and was discovered exposed in the street, by a policeman, who immediately gained access for her at the "Builders' Arms," and obtained medical assistance; before the arrival of which she expired. Mr. Holttum, surgeon, stated, from a post mortem examination, that the liver was highly inflamed, and gave it as his opinion that she had died a natural death, accelerated by exposure to the cold. A verdict to that effect was accordingly returned. Deceased was 62 years of age. The landlord of the "Builders' Arms" was highly complimented by the coroner and jury for the humanity he had displayed in taking the woman in, and affording every assistance in his power.

From the Kentish Gazette, 18 January 1848.

On Tuesday last, the Canterbury Amateur Serenades gave a Concert, in the splendid room of the "Builders’ Arms," Orchard Place, Canterbury, to a very respectable audience of 200 persons. On their appearance they were received with the greatest enthusiasm. The Programme was very attractive, and several of the Songs and Overtures were given with great effect, and rapturously encored. The "Love Not" and the "Railway" Overtures received deafening encores. At the conclusion of the entertainment the audience expressed their approbation, and promised to pay them another visit.

South Eastern Gazette, 21 February, 1860.

Highway Robbery by Soldiers.

At the Friday’s sitting of the city justices, three privates of the 90th regt., named respectively John Hilton, William Smith, and John Wayland were charged with having committed a highway robbery on the person of Robert Davison, of Cross-street, St. Dunstan’s.

Prosecutor deposed that about 20 minutes before 12 on Wednesday night he was returning from the "Monument," in St. Dunstan’s-street, and had reached the corner of the street in which he resided, when the prisoner Smith seized him by the throat, threw him on the ground, and held him tightly down. The other prisoners then searched his pockets, but not finding any money, they took off his boots, and his pocket handkerchief from his pocket, and then ran away, He could not call for assistance, as he was held so tightly. He identified Smith, but could not speak positively to the other two men. He also identified the boots produced as his property. The landlady of the "Builders Arms," Cross-street, spoke to the three prisoners leaving the house about half-past 9 on Wednesday night, and returning about 10 the next morning, P.C. Towler saw the prisoners in the High-street at 12 o’clock on Wednesday night, and one of them remarked, "Look out, and you will have us before morning." Henry May spoke to seeing Smith and Hilton going down North-lane on Thursday morning, and a short distance further on he found the boots produced.

Prisoners pleaded their ignorance of the robbery, and asserted that they had never seen the prosecutor before.

They were committed for trial.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 7 April, 1860.

CANTERBURY CITY AND BOROUGH SESSIONS.

These Sessions look place on Wednesday in the Guildhall before J, Deedes, Esq., Recorder.

The grand jury, of which Mr. F. Bellingham of Saint George’s street was appointed foreman, having been empanelled, the Recorder addressed them with a few remarks on the two cases before them and dismissed them to their duties. True bills were found in each indictment.

The petty jury having been called over the first 12 who answered to their names were sworn, Mr. Wood of Sun-street, being appointed foreman.

John Hilton, William Smith, and John Wealand, three soldiers, were indicted for stealing one handkerchief and one pair of shoes, value 5s. 4d., the property of Robert Davison, at the parish of Saint Dunstan, on the 15th day of February, 1860.

The circumstances deposed to on their trial, were precisely the same as given when the prisoners' were committed, and all three prisoners had been seen in company together in the "Builder’s Arms," in Saint Dunstun's both before the robbery, and on the following morning. Still the evidence of the prosecutor who could swear to Smith only, induced the jury to acquit Hilton and Wealand.

Smith was sentenced to three years’ penal servitude.

South Eastern Gazette, 10 April, 1860.

CANTERBURY. CITY QUARTER SESSIONS.

These sessions were held on Wednesday last, at the Guildhall, before the Recorder, J. Deedes, Esq.

John Hilton, William Smith, and John Wealand, three soldiers, were indicted for stealing one handkerchief, and one pair of shoes, value 6s. 4d., the property of Robert Davison, at the parish of Saint Dunstan, on the 16th day of February, 1860.

Mr. Barrow prosecuted, and opened the case as one of highway robbery.

Robt. Davidson, a resident of St. Dunstan's, in this city, deposed that on the night of the robbery he was going home at a quarter before twelve o'clock. At the corner of Church-street he saw three soldiers, who had followed him. He heard one say, "Now," and then one of the soldiers came behind him, caught hold of him, and threw him to the ground, where he held witness by the throat and face. It was the prisoner Smith who did that. He was quite sure as to his identity. While so held, the other soldiers searched his coat and trousers, and took a cotton handkerchief from him. They also untied his boots, took them off his feet, and ran off with them. Witness was unable to make a noise in consequence of the way in which Smith held his throat, and pressed against his nose. Before Smith ran off, he struck witness with his fist across the left eye, which caused it to be black for three or four weeks.

Cross-examined by Hilton and Wealand:— Could not swear to their being present when he was robbed.

Matilda Waight, landlady of the "Builders’ Arms," Cross-street, St. Duntsan's, spoke to the three prisoners being at her house, and drinking together, from half-past nine till about half-past ten, on the night of the robbery. The next morning Hilton and Smith came again to her house.

P.C. Fowler was on duty on the night of the 15th January in the neighbourhood of St. Dunstan's. He saw the three prisoners together, about eleven o'clock, coming from the direction of the prosecutor’s house. About twelve o'clock he saw them going back towards St. Dunstan's. Smith said "you had better get something ready for me; you will have me before morning." That was said at a place about a quarter of a mile from where the robbery was committed.

Henry May, a sweep, living in Knott’s-lane, proved seeing Smith and Hilton together in Cotton Mill-lane, about half-past ten in the morning following the robbery. They were turning round into North-lane when be saw them. After the prisoners had passed, witness found the boots produced, one in Cotton Mill-lane, and the other in the field adjoining.

The three prisoners protested that they were innocent of the charge preferred against them.

The Recorder summed up very carefully, and the jury found Smith guilty, but acquitted the other prisoners. Smith was sentenced to three years’ penal servitude. On his removal the prisoner affirmed his innocence, and threatened the officer in charge of him.

From the Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, 12 July 1884.

CANTERBURY POLICE COURT. THURSDAY. TRANSFERS.

Before the Mayor (H. B. Wilson, Esq.), and J. G. Drury, Esq.

The licences of the following house was transferred:— The "Builders' Arms," St. Dunstan's, from George S. Kennett to Edward Challen.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 26 January 1901. Price 1d.

DEATH FROM A FALL WHILE WALKING.

An inquest was held by the City Coroner (Dr. T. S. Johnson) on Tuesday, at the “Builders' Arms,” Church Street, Canterbury, respecting the death of Charles Spicer, an employee of Messrs. Flint and Sons, brewers, St. Dunstan's, who slipped and fell, while walking down Ruttington Lane on the previous day. Mr. T. Russell watched the proceedings on behalf of Messrs. Flint and Sons.

George Spicer, labourer, stated that be was a son of the deceased, who had been in the employ of Messrs. Flint and Sons for the past forty-three years and three months. He lived at 5, Cross Street, St. Dunstan's. On Sunday, at about 12.30 deceased sent for witness as he had just got home after having had a fall while in Ruttington Lane. He said he was getting on the footpath when be slipped and fell on his stomach but he did not think he was hurt. About ten minutes afterwards the deceased was sick. Witness's sister then went for Mr. Greaslay, who came immediately and prescribed for deceased. As deceased was worse in the afternoon witness again went to Mr. Greasley, who came a second time. Witness stayed with deceased from that time until he died with the exception of while he was at work.

Elizabeth Partridge, a widow, living at 2, Crow Street, Northgate, stated that at 11.30 on Sunday morning she was in her front room when she saw deceased come down Ruttington Lane, slip and fall down. He got up before witness could go to his assistance. She asked him if he had hurt himself and he said he had shaken himself very much. She then asked him into her house to sit down and he stayed there sometime. He then left and thanked her for her kindness in allowing him to stay there.

Mr. J. Greesley, surgeon, Canterbury, stated that at 1.30 on the previous Sunday the deceased's daughter came to his house and asked him to go and see the deceased at once. On going to the house the deceased complained of having had a very heavy fall and of pain over his abdomen. He was very much collapsed. Witness advised the deceased should be put to bed. Ha prescribed for him and promised to see him again in the evening. He saw him again at eight o'clock in the evening. He was then in a very collapsed condition—in fact very critical. He saw him again between seven and eight o'clock the following morning. The deceased died, witness was told, at about ten o'clock. Death was caused by the injuries from the fall and shock.

The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

From the Whitstable Times, 11 October, 1902.

APPEAL AGAINST THE RATING OF A PUBLIC HOUSE.

THE BLEAN ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE WIN.

At a sitting of the Canterbury Magistrates on Friday an appeal by Mr. Hopkins against the rating of his licensed premises by the Assessment Committee of the Blean Union was heard.

Mr. W. C. Ryde, barrister instructed by Mr. J. E. Burch (clerk to the Blean Board of Guardians) appeared for the Assessment Committee, while the appellant was not legally represented.

The appeal was in respect of the “Builders Arms,” St. Dunstans Within, and was against the assessment of the premises at £48 gross and £40 15s. rateable.

Appellant stated that in his estimation £30 would be a fair figure and nothing more.

Mr. H. Mead Briggs, auctioneer and valuer, Canterbury, stated that he went over the premises, but made no notes. He thought the rating too high for so small a house.

Mr. Hyde contended that the assessment of appellant's home was the same as had been made in respect to houses of a similar character in the Blean Union and that was the only appeal that had been made. The assessment was arrived at in accordance with recent decisions and the law applicable to this class of property.

Expert witnesses were called on behalf of the Assessment Committee and included Mr. Charles F. Jones, of 30, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Mr. A. L. Ride, and Mr. H. T. Eve, of Bedford, rating valuers. Mr. Frank Amos, valuer, of Canterbury, who was also called by the respondents, said he considered the rating quite fair and was based on the recognised system.

The Magistrates (Messrs. J. Cox, G. J. Drury, J. Hunt, and T. Wacher) gave Judgment for the respondents with £5 5s. costs.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 15 July 1905.

THE BURGLARY AT A CANTERBURY PUBLIC HOUSE.

William Jeffrey, 23, and Walter Kempster, 36, labourers, were found guilty, at the Kent Assizes on Monday, of burglariously breaking and entering the "Builders' Arms," Canterbury, on June 21st., and stealing two bottles of whiskey, a bottle of brandy, some cigarettes, and a number of cigars.

Mr. H. C. Dickens appeared for the prosecution.

Richard Hopkins, landlord of the "Builders' Arms," Canterbury, found, when he got up in the morning, that his premises had been entered, and on making a search, missed the property in question. Prisoners were arrested the same day by Police Constable Jury and at their lodgings and about their person were discovered portions of the stolen goods.

Jeffrey gave evidence o oath and stated that Kempster left him a for a short time, and when he returned witness asked him where he had been, Kempster replies: "Across the fields for something." Kempster and he afterwards went to their lodgings, where witness fell asleep. When he awoke he found a bottle of whiskey in front of him, and he had some of it.

Mr. Dickens:- Were you sober when you went to sleep?

Jeffrey:- No. I was drunk.

Mr. Dickens:- What woke you up?

The sun, I believe. (Laughter.)

You thought, whoever brought the whiskey there, it had been honestly come by?

I don't look at things in that light sir. (Laughter.)

Kempster stated that Jeffrey woke him up at the lodgings and asked him to have a drink of whiskey. He could not say how the whiskey got there. He did not recollect anything more until he found himself locked up.

Cross-examined:- It was a great surprise to him then ten packets of cigarettes and some cigars were taken from his pockets by the police.

It was stated that both prisoners were drunk when arrested.

Upon the jury finding the prisoners guilty, Jeffrey contested to a previous conviction.

Kempster was given a good character, Chief Constable Farmery, of Canterbury, stating that he was formerly in the 18th Hussars, and for a time in the military police. He was employed for two years at the Canterbury Gas Works, but for some time past he had been drinking rather heavily.

A detecting at the Brighton police proved several previous convictions against Jeffrey, who had also been confined in a reformatory for two years.

It was stated that there was a warrant out against Jeffrey at the present time for breaking into a house at Brighton on Sunday, 26th February, and stealing cigars.

His Lordship asked prisoner whether he wished him to take that case into consideration in passing sentence.

Jeffrey:- It is rather hard, sir.

His Lordship:- It is for your benefit. otherwise you may be re-arrested for this offence at Brighton and tried.

Jeffrey:- Very well, sir; you may take it into consideration.

The Court sentenced Jeffrey to 15 months' hard labour, and Kempster to three weeks' imprisonment.

LICENSEE LIST

KIDMAN George 1836+