COOPER'S ARMS Pubs of Folkestone

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Folkestone, April, 2024.

Page Updated:- Saturday, 06 April, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1830

Cooper's Arms

Latest 1854

(Name to)

78 Bail Street

Folkestone

Earliest date known being 1830 when John Kennett open the pub. by 1847 George Featherbee held the licence and called himself victualler and cooper. Presumably the pub was named and run by a succession of coopers, but on 16th October 1850, he was asked to remove the sign for some reason.

It appears that although the sign was probably removed and the premises was now operating as the "London Stores," licensees Ward and How were still referred to as being licensees of the "Cooper's Arms," so evidently the name apparently survived.

Kentish Mercury 24 October 1840.

An awful instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred here on Saturday evening, Oct 17th Mr. John Kennett, cooper, of Bail Street, having retried upstairs for the purpose of changing his dress, was found in a state of insensibility by his housekeeper, who was from home when he was taken ill. He died in about half an hour afterwards. The deceased, who was much respected, was in his 66th year, and unmarried.

Coopers Arms.

Kentish Gazette 27 October 1840.

An awful instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred here on Saturday evening, October 17th. Mr. John Kennett, cooper, of Bail Street, having retired upstairs for the purpose of changing his dress, was found in a state of insensibility by his housekeeper, who was from home when he was taken ill. He died in about half an hour afterwards.

Could this be the “John Kennett," cooper, listed as 1st landlord of the "Cooper's Arms."

Maidstone Gazette 22 October 1850

Petty Sessions, Wednesday; Before J. Bateman, C. Golder, T. Golder and W. Major Esqs.

The following licenses were transferred: John Bridgland, of the Cooper's Arms, to Henry Barber.

Notes:- Bridgland at Cooper's and Barber previously unknown.

Canterbury Journal 13 September 1851.

The Annual Licensing Day.

All the old licenses were granted, except to Robert Baker, "Cooper's Arms;" George Norris, "Engine Inn;" and Charles Hill, "Radnor Inn." The sessions were adjourned for a fortnight, when the renewal of their licenses will be reconsidered by the Magistrates.

Note: Robert Baker, Coopers Arms previously unknown.

Maidstone Gazette 12 August 1851.

Petty Sessions, Wednesday; Before D. Major and W. Major Esqs.

Robert Baker, landlord of the "Coopers Arms," was fined 8s. and costs for keeping a disorderly house on the 26th ult. The defendant went to the magistrates' clerk's office, also to Mr. D. Major, one of the magistrates, after conviction, and conducted himself very improperly and insolently, and was locked up a short time.

Note: Robert Baker, Coopers Arms previously unknown.

Maidstone Gazette 9 September 1851.

Annual Licensing Day; Before R. Hart Esq., Mayor, D. Major, W. Bateman and W. Major Esqs.

There were three applications for new licenses, viz., James Gaby Breach for a license to sell spirits &c., at the refreshment room on the harbour; Thomas Spicer for the Two Bells, Bridge Street, Canterbury Road; Thos. Taylor for the Darlington Arms, Shellons Lane.

Mr. Eves, of the Black Bull, attended, and objected to a license being granted to Thomas Spicer as unnecessary and injurious to his business; he handed in a memorial signed by the incumbent, churchwardens, and Lord Radnor's agent (Mr. Hinton) &c.

The Magistrates having consulted, the Mayor, in giving their decision, stated that it had been the invariable custom here to grant licenses to all applicants, without reference to the necessity for them, a course he objected to, but as the majority of the Magistrates present were in favour of the applicant his license would be granted, as well as the other two.

All the old licenses were granted, except to Robert Baker, Cooper's Arms; George Norris, Engine Inn; and Charles Hill, Radnor Inn. The sessions were adjourned for a fortnight, when the renewal of their licenses will be reconsidered by the Magistrates.

Note: Robert Baker, Coopers Arms previously unknown.

Maidstone Journal 9 November 1852.

Petty Sessions, Monday: Before W. Major & S. Mackie Esqs.

Robert Baker, landlord of the Cooper's Arms Inn, was brought up in custody, charged with assaulting police constable Bass in the execution of his duty.

John Bass deposed – I am one of the Folkestone police. About twenty minutes past twelve o'clock on Sunday morning last, myself and constable Bean were coming down High Street, when we met the defendant, who came up and put his face close to mine, under my hat. I said nothing to him at the time, but passed down the street, the defendant following close to my heels and kicked them twice. He followed until we got opposite the station. I got out of the defendant's way, and turned back again to go up the High Street, and the defendant still kept following me. I asked him what he wanted, and he said “What's that to you?” I told him to go home about his business – he was drunk, and not fit to be about the street. He said he should go when he liked. I told him I could not suffer him to keep following me; I could not do my duty if he did. I told him if he did persist in doing it I should be obliged to lock him up. I then came across to the station door and opened it. I went across to him again, and when I got up close to him, he lifted up his arm and struck at me. I then laid hold of him, and with the assistance of constable Bean I took him into custody.

Cross-examined by the defendant:- You did kick my heels. I told Bean to assist me. I did not take out my staff and strike you. When you were in the station I did roughly take your money out of your pocket. I told you that I had not struck you so as to raise a lump on your head. You told me you were waiting up for lodgers.

John Bean, police constable, corroborated the last witness's statement in every detail.

The defendant here asked the Magistrates to adjourn the case for a few hours, as his solicitor could not attend this morning, and besides, he had four witnesses to call in his favour.

The case was adjourned till the next morning at ten o'clock, when (before the same justices) the case was proceeded with.

The depositions taken yesterday were read, when the defendant, who had not a solicitor to plead for him, wished to call his four witnesses.

The Magistrates here asked Baker what they (the witnesses) were to prove, and he said they could prove he was sober at 12 o'clock. The Magistrates said the witnesses could not alter the case in the least, as the assault complained of was committed at ½ past 2.

Baker then made his statement, stating that Bass struck him with his staff on his head and arm, and he handed in a surgeon's certificate, which showed he had been struck by some weapon, which caused a wound on his head; he also stated that he was sober, and was waiting up for some lodgers who were expected from Dover, and he was going down the street to meet them.

The Magistrates considering the assault proved, fined Baker £1 and costs, which were paid.

Southeastern Gazette 9 November 1852.

Petty Sessions, Monday: Before W. Major & S. Mackie Esqs.

Robert Baker, landlord of the "Cooper's Arms Inn," was brought up in custody, charged with assaulting police constable Bass in the execution of his duty.

Bass deposed – At about 20 minutes past twelve o'clock on Sunday morning last, I and constable Bean were coming down High Street, when we met the defendant, who came up and put his face close to mine, under my hat. I said nothing to him at the time, but passed down the street. The defendant followed close to my heels and kicked them twice. When we came opposite the station, I got out of the defendant's way, and turned back again to go up the High Street; the defendant still kept following me. I told him to go home about his business, that he was drunk, and not fit to be about the street, and that if he did persist in doing it I should be obliged to lock him up. I then came across to the station door and opened itm and then went across to him again, when he lifted his arm and struck me twice. I then, with the assistance of constable Bean, took him into custody.

Cross-examined:- I did not take out my staff and strike you. You told me you were waiting up for lodgers.

The defendant here asked the Magistrates to adjourn the case for a few hours, as his solicitor could not attend this morning, and besides, he had four witnesses to call in his favour.

The case was adjourned till the next morning, when it was proceeded with.

The defendant, who had not a solicitor to plead for him, wished to call his four witnesses.

The Magistrates asked him what they were to prove, and he said they could prove he was sober by twelve o'clock. The Magistrates considered they (the witnesses) could not alter the case, as the assault complained of was committed at half past two.

Baker then made his statement, stating that Bass struck him with his staff on his head and arm, and he handed in a surgeon's certificate, which showed he had been struck by a weapon, which caused a wound on his head. He also stated that he was sober, and was waiting up for some lodgers who were expected from Dover, and he was going down the street to meet them.

The Magistrates considering the assault proved, fined defendant £1 and costs, which were paid.

Folkestone Chronicle 13 October 1855.

Tuesday October 9th:- Present W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and J. Kelcey Esq.

The Adjourned General Licensing Meeting was held this day, when the following licence was granted: William Samuel How, Cooper's Arms.

Note: More Bastions lists How as first licensee at "London Stores."

Southeastern Gazette 26 October 1858.

Local News.

The license of the Coopers' Arms was transferred to Philip Brown, of Clerkenwell. Last year the same license was granted to Mr. Brown, who transferred it to Mr. Dent, but on his application, and refusing to produce a character from where he had been residing, the license was refused.

Note: Dates and names are at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Observer 13 July 1861.

Disorderly conduct in a public house.

Tuesday July 9th:- Before Captain Kennicott, R.N.

Filmer Tyas, on bail, was charged with disorderly conduct in the Cooper's Arms, The Bayle, on the previous evening.

According to the evidence of Mr. Murphy, the landlord, and Sergeant Newman, the defendant came into the house on Monday evening, at a quarter to eleven, and having called for some drink, addressed the landlord in very offensive language, asserting that he would do what he liked in the house, and he'd be ------ if they should turn him out. When Sergeant Newman came to the house, he at first refused to leave with him, but ultimately went out, and was then given into custody. Mr. Murphy said his object was not to punish Tyas, but to obtain protection. If Tyas would promise not to come to his house again he would be satisfied. But Tyas was not disposed to get off in that way, and proceeded with a narrative of the delinquencies of the landlord, who kept his house open all night, played at dominoes with his customers, and got up the dispute on the previous evening because he lost with defendant at the game of “coddle”, and then abused him, taunting him with having been in Canterbury jail. Defendant called John Whittle to support his statement. The bench, as there had been irregularities on both sides, would not impose a fine, if defendant would pay the costs; and Murphy promptly offered to pay the costs, defendant repaying at his convenience, providing he would promise not to trouble him with his company again. Defendant would, however, have no such kindness. He had not a penny about him, and there was no money at home; he would go to prison, as he had been so treated. At length, by persuasion of his employer he said he would take Murphy's offer, but as Murphy had by this time left the court, his employer advanced the money.

Note: This case appears some years after the house had apparently been renamed as "London Stores!"

From the Folkestone Chronicle 27 July, 1861.

UNMUZZLED DOG

Monday July 22nd:- Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer, and W.F. Browell, Esqs.

Patrick Murphy, landlord of the "Cooper's Arms," Bayle Street, appeared on a summons, obtained against him by P.C. Swain, on the charge of letting a dog go abroad, on the 16th July, after a notice of canine madness had been issued, unmuzzled.

Ingram Swain, being sworn, said he was a police constable. On the 16th July, was on duty in High Street. He saw a large dog, which he had known to be on the premises of defendant, called the "Cooper's Arms," for the last six months. On Friday last witness saw the dog on High Street and Broad Street, at large without a muzzle, no person having care of it. Knew the dog to be in a state of disease on that day. Had heard defendant call the dog into his house at different times of the night, and lock the door after. Had seen defendant's wife's sister with the dog. Had also seen defendant with the dog in Sandgate, and coming back, in the month of May.

The defendant in defence said that the dog was not his own; it belonged to a person in Dover. He said that he offered to purchase poison necessary to destroy it, only he did not think he had authority to do so. He was, however, quite willing to have the dog destroyed if the magistrates wished. He could not understand why he was called up before them, when there were 50 dogs running about daily, without muzzles. There were two dogs in the court, since the magistrates had been sitting, who were unmuzzled.

The Mayor said the case was dismissed, Mr. Murphy not being proved the owner of the dog.

Note: This case appears some years after the house had apparently been renamed as "London Stores!"

Kentish Express 27 July 1861.

Monday:- Before the Mayor, R.W. Boarer, and W.F. Browell esqs.

Patrick Murphy, "Coopers Arms," was summoned for suffering his dog to go at large. Evidence was given as to the dog being at large in the streets, and being cared for during the last six months by the defendant, who, however, denied his ownership, saying that it had been brought to his house for another person, who had gone away, and he was himself afraid of an action for damages should he destroy it. The Bench dismissed the case.

From the Folkestone Observer 27 July, 1861.

AN UNMUZZLED DOG

Monday July 22nd:- Before th Mayor, R.W. Boarer and R.F. Browell, Esqs.

Patrick Murphy, "Cooper's Arms," was summoned for suffering his dog to go at large. Evidence was given as to the dog being at large in the streets, and being cared for during the last six months by the defendant; who, however, denied his ownership, saying it had been brought to his house for another person, who had gone away, and he was himself afraid of an action for damages should he destroy it. The bench dismissed the case.

Note: This case appears some years after the house had apparently been renamed as "London Stores!"

Folkestone Observer 24 August 1861.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

The Magistrates sat on Thursday at the Sessions Hall for granting ale and spirit licences.

In the case of the Cooper's Arms, The Bayle, some difficulty had occurred in consequence of an outgoing tenant's neglect, and temporary authority was given until next transfer day. The Mayor remarked that the house had been conducted very badly during the past year. Mr. Murphy, the tenant in possession, said that he had a harmonic meeting on Saturday evenings, and that might give offence to persons of weak nerves. He also allowed persons to be there for sparring with gloves. He could not get a living in a place like The Bayle without some attraction to the house. The Clerk to the Magistrates was not to enable a man to get a living, but for the necessities of the neighbourhood. But because he had had a licence for the house he was not to imagine that he was to draw people there to get a living.

Murphy: It would be of no use without some attraction.

The Magistrates' Clerk: Yes, I think there is no necessity for a licence there.

Folkestone Observer 26 October 1861.

Transfer of Licence.

Tuesday October 22nd:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., and James Tolputt Esq.

The following licences was transferred on Wednesday, namely, The Coopers Arms, the Bayle, from Philip Brown to Patrick Murphy.

Note: More Bastions has this change taking place at "London Stores?"

In 1862, the same premises was serving ale as the "London Stores."

Assuming no number changes for Bail Street, when the pub, after changing names several times ended up as the "Isle of Cyprus" it was numbered 78.

LICENSEE LIST

KENNETT John c1830-c1840 cooper