From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 3 May, 1878. Price 1d.

THE FOX NOT CAUGHT

Thomas Friend was charged with opening his licensed premises, the "Fox," at Ewell, during prohibited hours.

Mr. Worsfold Mowll appeared for the defendant.

Police-constable Bailey deposed: On Sunday morning, the 14th inst., I was on duty at Ewell in plain clothes at about a quarter to seven. I placed myself in a position to see the front of the "Fox," and the path leading to the back of the house from the road. The front door faces the road, and there are two back doors with a path leading round to them. There are four or five houses adjoining, and the path also leads to the back door of those houses. I remained watching the house from a quarter to seven to about a quarter past ten, and during that time I saw 28 men go along the path leading to the back of the houses. They stood there from three to five minutes and then returned. They went two and three together, and sometimes singly. At about a quarter past ten, when I saw two men go together, I immediately followed then and saw one of them standing and talking to a young man in an outhouse belonging to the house next door. I went to one of the back doors of the "Fox" and tried the door, but found it bolted. The landlady came to the window, and I asked her to let me have a pint of beer. She said, "I don't know; there is a sharp look out here this morning." I said, "Is there? let us have a pint." She said, "No, I don't know you; there is a sharp look out this morning." I said, "Well, open the door." She said she would open the door, but she would not draw any beer. As she was opening the door, I saw a man named Ansell pass out of the house by another door, which was wide open. I asked the landlady what he did there, and she said, "Oh, that is Mr. Ansell come for his washing." I looked through the house, and saw nobody else, and I followed Ansell down the garden. I asked him what he did in the house, and he said, "I did not have anything to drink." I again asked him what he was there for, and he said he was not supposed to tell me. I said, "I am a police-constable, and I should like to know what you were there for." he said, "I was after an article." I asked him what article, and he refused to tell me. I took his name and address, and waited in the road until he left the premises, but he carried nothing with him. I did not see any drink about the house, nor any appearance of any.

Mr. Mowll submitted that there was no case.

The Bench dismissed the case.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 11 February, 1881. 1d.

Messrs. Worsfold and Hayward, at their auction sale last week, sold the “Prince Louis,” Chapel Street, a part of the late Mrs. Paul's estate, for £1,540. At the same sale the “Fox” at Ewell was sold for £550, and a forty year lease of the “Endeavour,” Bulwark Street for £380.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 19 March, 1886.

UTTERING COUNTERFEIT COIN

Albert Hastings and Henry Cook, artillerymen, stationed at Dover Castle; and James Batchellor, a labourer, of Ewell, were brought up on remand, with tendering a counterfeit coin to the landlady of the “Fox Inn,” at Ewell, on the previous Sunday.

The evidence already taken and reported in our columns, was read over, and the following added:-

Henry Gooch, a labourer living at Ewell, said: I went into the “Fox” with the three defendants about half-past twelve on Sunday morning. I knew Batchellor. He was then standing with the two defendants near the “Fox.” We went to the tap-room and Batchellor called for a quart of beer and paid for it. I called for a pint which I paid for. Batchellor said, “Don't you have a pint of beer, drink with us.” I said, “All right,” and then countermanded my pint. Batchellor told Hastings that I had got half a sovereign in my pocket, but would not spend it. I told him that I had not got one, or I should spend it. Hastings said he had a half-sovereign, but it was a bad one. I did not notice it. There were some people in the room when this conversation was going on, but I do not know who they were.

By Hastings: I heard you say that you had a bad half sovereign.

By Batchellor: You were sitting next to Hastings and could hear all that passed. He did say that he had a half-sovereign which was a bad one.

Charlotte Cushman, wife of Henry Cushman, of the “New Castle” beer-house, Ewell Minnis, said: The defendants came to my house on Sunday afternoon last and had some beer. Batchellor called for a quart. He paid me with the coin (produced) or one similar to it. I looked at it and told him that I did not think that it was right. He then said “Give it to me back again, I don't want to suck you in, or I might hear of it another day.” He then gave me 6d. for the beer, and took the coin back again. The other two defendants were present and saw the coin pass between me and him. I had known Batchellor for some years. I never knew the soldier.

By Batchellor: I am certain that the coin (produced) is one, or similar to the one that you gave me.

Mr. Ernest Drincqbier, money exchanger, of Snargate Street, Dover, said: I have looked at the coin produced. It is not a coin of the realm. It is merely a piece of brass and like those found in prize packets. It is of no value.

The Magistrates dismissed Cook, and the other defendants, Hastings and Batchellor, were committed for trial on the 6th of April next.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 November, 1908.

TWO OF ALE AGAIN

EWELL LICENSEE FINED

At the Dover County Police Court on Thursday, before Major Monins, Major Banks and Messrs. L. J. Bradley, Edwin Bradley, E. Dawes, and T. A, Terson, Ann Friend, licensee of the Fox Inn, Temple Ewell, was charged with selling intoxicating liquor, by her agent, Edward Bragg, by retail, in an unstamped vessel.

Egbert Byley, Inspector of Weights and Measures for the County, said that on 31st October he gave his assistant instructions, in consequence of which he went to the Fox Inn. Witness followed, and found that he had been served with two pennyworth of ale in the unstamped glass produced. On seeing it he found that it contained 1oz, 7dms in excess of the half pint.

Jethro May, Assistant Inspector, said he asked for a "two of ale", Edward Bragg served him with it in the glass produced.

The Clerk: What measure is a two of ale?

Witness: Two of ale is an illegal quantity.

The Clerk said that he knew that. What was the amount of it?

The inspector said this glass held 1oz 7drms in excess of half a pint.

The Chairman: Is it a fact that three go to the quart?

The Inspector said they varied. Some did and some did not. He had previously cautioned the defendant's assistant.

The Clerk: Is this the same as a "blue" of beer?

The Inspector said it was the same as the "blue" and the long pull. They had tried their hardest to stop it. Twelve cases had been taken altogether.

The Chairman (to the defendant). You know the trade as well as anybody else? - Yes, I have been there 20 years, and my husband was born there.

The Chairman: In inflicting a fine of 10s., including costs, said the defendant must bear in mind that the measure was not a legal one. The defendant could have the glasses stamped.

The Inspector said there was no authority to say that such a glass marked as half a pint was a legal measure. The trade had enquired about it and could get no satisfaction.

By the way, there are 16 Drams to an Ounce and 16 Ounces to a Pint. Paul Skelton.

The Dover Express, Friday, September 05, 1919 ; pg. 8; Issue 3190.

EAST KENT NEWS. TEMPLE EWELL. DART CLUB.

Members of the Dart Club of the "Fox," Temple Ewell, visited the "Evenhill House," Littlebourne, on Saturday last, when excellent games were played, the homesters coming out eventually victors by three games to two. An excellent tea was provided by Mr. H. W. Maxted, landlord of "Evenhill," when upwards of 50 sat down after the match. A very pleasant musical evening was spent, songs being contributed by the visitors and homesters.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

ADJOURNED LICENSING MEETING

The report of the police on the licensed houses in the district, which was first presented at Wingham on February 2nd, and published at the time, were again read over.

The Chairman announced that the licenses of all the houses in the district would be renewed with the exception of the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, which was objected to on the ground of redundancy, and the matter would be considered at the adjourned meeting on the 16th March.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 March, 1922. Price 1½d.

TEMPLE EWELL LICENCE OPPOSED

Mr. Rutley Mowll appeared to formerly ask for the renewal of the licence of the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, the licence having been adjourned at the last meeting.

P.S. Stanford K.C.C. Alkham, said that the house was a beer house, owned by Messrs. Leney and Company, of Dover, and Arthur Pentecost had been licensee since June 1918. He was also a coal dealer. The only other houses in Ewell were the “George and Dragon” fully licensed, 98 yards, and the “Donkey” beer house, 190 yards. He did not consider the house to be required in the interest of the public.

In reply to Mr. Mowll, witness said the other two houses belonged to Messrs. George beer and Company. The population of temple Ewell was 814 according to the last available census figures.

Mr. Mowll said that he was told there were 530 on the electoral roll alone. Addressing the Bench he said that the amount of trade a house did, was one method of ascertaining if the licence was required. It was doing a good trade, and the license had been in the family for fifty years. Mr. Pentecost belonging to the Friend family. He did not think it a fair way to administer the Act, that the license owned by one firm should be questioned, and the two owned by another should not be. The house was small, but the owners were willing to re-build it. They were anxious to retain their trade in Ewell, which was a growing suburb. The men's club which met at the house had a membership of 116, and the woman's club 74.

Alfred Charles Leney produced trade figures which showed 219 barrels were supplied in 1919, 214¾ in 1920, and 181 in 1921, which was a good trade for a country house. In reply to Mr. Burgees, he said that they were very prepared to rebuild the house.

Mr. Burgess said that in the house he visited, it was usually the structural defects which weighed with him.

Mr. Leney said that they found small room were favoured by the working class.

Lord Northbourne: Is all beer alike?

No. (laughter).

Sir William Crundall: Leney's is the best, I suppose.

Lord Northbourne: Is the beer supplied at this house more salubrious than the other?

It is appreciated by the working men in the neighbourhood.

Lord Northbourne: Suppose this beer was not supplied to the village any longer, is it unreasonable to suppose that people in the neighbourhood would be poisoned by bad beer. (Laughter).

George Butterfield, chairman of the Temple Ewell Slate Club, said that 102 of the 115 members of the club had signed a petition he produced.

The Bench retired, and on return the Chairman said that the licence would be renewed. They understood from Mr. Leney that it was the firm's wish and intention to rebuild the house, and the Bench hoped in due course that plans would be submitted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 February, 1923. Price 1½d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

Mr. Mowll applied in regard to plans for alterations to the “Fox,” Temple Ewell, which was before the Magistrates last year, when it was intimated that the house ought to be rebuilt. Considerable difficulty had arisen in regard to the purchase of adjoining property, but they had finally purchased the cottages on one side. The alteration would be a substantial improvement.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 21 September, 1923. Price 1½d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

Mr. A. C. Leney applied that their firm might be allowed a year to rebuild the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, owing to the excessive cost of building material. They gave an undertaking to do it, and would do it if it were insisted upon.

The Bench decided to give six months' grace from the present time.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 6 February, 1925. Price 1½d.

OLD LADY'S FATAL FALL DOWN STAIRS

The East Kent Coroner (Mr. Rutley Mowll) held an inquest at the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, on Saturday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of an old lady 81 years of age, Mrs. Lydia Ann Santer, of No. 1, Primrose Cottages, Temple Ewell, who died after a fall downstairs on Wednesday evening last week.

Mr. Horton was chosen foreman of the Jury.

Mr. Charles Henry Santer, the deceased's husband, formerly a journeyman blacksmith, of No. 1. Primrose Cottages, Temple Ewell, gave evidence of identification. On Wednesday his wife was going upstairs with clothes on her arm and carrying a candle at about 6.30 p.m. Witness was in the front room and he heard her fall. He found her at the bottom of the stairs and went to pick her up. She never spoke afterwards. He thought she had got nearly to the top of the stairs. He found he could not pick her up and obtained help from Mr. Saunders and Mrs. Rogers. There was nobody else in the house at the time of the fall. About half an hour previously the deceased had nearly fallen in the fire and he had pulled her away. He had been to the doctor's earlier in the day for some medicine for her, as she seemed to have influenza.

David Saunders, licensee of the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, opposite to the deceased's home, said that he was called at about 6.35 p.m. and found the deceased at the bottom of the stairs. She was unconscious. She was lying on her right side, with her head towards the front room, and her feet towards the kitchen. They lifted her and put her in the front room, and found the candlestick underneath her. The stairs were very steep. She died about 8.30 p.m. without recovering consciousness.

Mrs. Maud Lucy Rogers, of No. 4, Primrose Cottages, said she stayed with the deceased until she died. Deceased muttered what they took to be “Oh Lucy, I did fall.” There was a handrail on the left side to the stairs, which were bare but were in a sound condition.

Dr. C. H. Adamson said the deceased's husband came to him for some medicine and said the deceased had a bad cold. He was called at about 7 o'clock and found the deceased in an arm chair breathing very heavily, quite unconscious, her left eye being closed owing to a huge bruise. He found no broken bones and there was no evidence that her skull was fractured. She had a weak heart and was suffering from bronchitis, and death was due to shock following the fall. Deceased had had several falls previously.

The Jury returned a verdict of death from misadventure.

Mr. Hubbard, a member of the Jury, asked if he could make a recommendation, and said that it appeared to him that if the old lady had been living in a bungalow this would not have happened.

The Coroner: Quite; but there are disadvantages to bungalow life.

Dover Express 26 April 1935.

LOCAL WEDDINGS. MR. S. S. DYER — MISS E. M. SAUNDERS.

The wedding took place on April 18th, at Temple Ewell Church, of Miss Esther Mary Saunders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Saunders, of the "Fox Inn," Temple Ewell, and Mr. Stephen Samuel Dyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Dyer, of Dover. The Rev. J. D. Brockman officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a white crepe Celanese gown, with veil and orange blossom, and carried a shower bouquet of white heather and pale pink tulips (the gift of Mrs. E. Mannering). The bridesmaids were Miss May Chambers and Miss Eveline White (friends of bride), who wore pale green crepe Celanese dresses, pale green hats, gold shoes, and wore gold and green necklaces (the gifts of the bridegroom), and carried bouquets of daffodils and maidenhair fern. The best man was Mr. William Nightingale (bridegroom’s friend). A reception was held at the home of the bride's parents. The honeymoon is being spent at Hastings, the bride going away in a grey and red ensemble.

The presents Included:— Bride to bridegroom, gold cuff links; bridegroom to bride, crystal necklace; bride's parents, oak sideboard, arm chair, and Marcella counterpane; bridegroom’s parents, chromium plated tea set; Mr. E. Saunders, bedroom rugs and meat safe; Mr. R. Saunders, honeycomb quilt and tea caddy and spoon; Bandsman Saunders (Burma), oak table and oak fern bowl; Miss Saunders, bread bin, flour bin and dust bin; Mr. and Mrs. H. Barham (Wimbledon) set of china jugs; Miss E. White, case of cutlery; Mrs. H. Reid, tea cosy; Mrs. Butterfield, sideboard runner; Miss M. Chambers, silk bedspread; Mrs. Simmonds, aluminium kettle; Mrs. A. Pain, table runner; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pain, cushion covers; Mrs. E. Sharp, bath towels; Mr. and Mrs. Ashby, Jacobean lemonade set; Miss B. Ashby, water goblet; Mrs. E. Mannering, oak fire screen; Mr. E. Mannering, Treasury notes; Miss Mannering, Silver Jubilee teaspoons; Miss J. Mannering, china tea service; Mrs. S. Dyer, senior, set of aluminium saucepans; Mr. P. Dyer, salad bowl and servers; Miss A. Dyer and Miss. H. King, chromium plated curb; Miss I. Dyer and Mr. G. Simmons, armchair; Miss P. Dyer, household scales; Miss G. Dyer, egg set; Mrs. A. Rogers, kitchen utensils; Mrs. Rayner, cut glass dishes; Mrs, Cartin (Bexley Heath), fruit set; Mrs. Perfect (Bexley Heath), hemstitched pillow cases and bolster case; Mrs. F. Pain, companion set; Miss A. Pain, aluminium kettle; Mrs. Cheeseman, pastry board, rolling pin and mixing bowl; Mrs. Bryan, cut glass salad bowl and servers; Mr. and Mrs. J. Dyer and family, Axminster hearth rug; Mr. R. Hopper, silver bread board and knife; Mr. W. Nightingale, frameless mirror; Mr. P. Horton, cruet; Mr. and Mrs. Horton, afternoon tablecloth; Mr. and Mrs. J. Plumbridge (Hastings), butter cooler; Mr. R. Plumbridge (Hastings), tea service and picture; Mr. and Mrs. Phillips (Hastings), tapestry tablecloth; Mr. and Mrs. Turk (Hastings), jam dish; Mr. and Mrs. Epps, tea cosy; Miss M. Kendal, afternoon cloth; Mr. and Mrs. H. Wood, morning and afternoon cloths; Mr. and Mrs. Kirby, pair of ornaments, clothes basket and bath: Mr. and Mrs. A. Stevens, tablecloth; Mr. and Mrs. Nailor, hand embroidered tea cosy; Miss Ashby (Margate), teapot; L/Cpl. R. Ashby (Canterbury), cruet; Miss G. Priddle (Margate), tray; Mrs. Langley and Len, tablecloth: Mr. and Mrs. Gill, cushion covers; Mr. and Mrs. L. Rogers, chromium clock; Miss K. Knott (London), set of bath towels; Mr. and Mrs. Groombridge, linoleum; Mr. and Mrs. A. Chapman and family, bolster set; Miss Carter, set of carvers; Miss M. Rogers, pair of cut glass dishes; Mrs. W. Cheeseman (Sudan) hand painted sandwich plate; the Misses Kendal, silk cushion.

Dover Express, 29 September 1939.

TEMPLE EWELL. Funeral of Mr. D. E. Saunders.

The funeral took place on Saturday, at Temple Ewell Churchyard, of Mr. David Ernest Saunders, of the "Fox Inn," Temple Ewell, who died on September 18th, aged 69 years. The Rev. W. E. Watkins officiated. The mourners present were Mrs. Saunders (widow), Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Saunders (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. H. D. Saunders (son), Mr. and Mrs. Dyer (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. Carlin (Bexley Heath) (sister). Mrs. Luckhurst (Ashford) (cousin), Mrs. Groombridge, Mr. J. Pentecost, Mr. T. Baldwin, Mr. A. Kirby. Mr. H. Kirby, Mr. A. Dyer, and P.C. Broadwood (K.C.C.). The Dover Branch of the Past and Present Association of The Buffs was represented by Messrs. Evans. Mead, C. Ashby and Barker. Also present at the graveside were Mrs. P. Pain and Mrs. A. Pain, Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Mrs. Chapman. Mrs. Smithen, Mrs, Knight, Mrs. Belsey and Mrs. C. Ashby.

Floral tributes were sent from:— His loving Wife, Harry and Bab; Hetty and Sam; Christine Carol; Ernie and Peggy; Mary Ann (Bexley Heath); Grace, Fred and Horace (Bexley Heath); Jack, Nellie and Anne (Hastings); Dolly, Mat and family (Hailsham); George, Minnie and Doris; Mr. and Mrs. E. Gambrill and Mrs. W. Gambrill; Mrs. Smithen and family; Mr. and Mrs. A. Chapman and family; the Dover Branch, Past and Present Association, The Buffs; Frost brothers; Bess, Tom and children (Ashford); Flossie and Joe (Ashford); Mr. and Mrs. J. White and family; Mr. and Mrs. Mason; Mr. and Mrs. Ashby, senr.; Mr. and Mrs. Ashby. Junr.; all at "Clyst Hydon"; May Chambers; Tom, Pat and Joe; Mr B. Sheaff; P.C. Broadwood and family; Mr. and Mrs. A. H Rogers; Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Stokes; Mary and all at Yew Tree; Ann and Dave; Tony; all at Station House (Sittingbourrne); Add and family; Mrs. Creighton and family; Mrs, Cheeseman; "Fremlins"; Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Forth; Mr. and Mrs. Biggs and Winnie; the Customers. "Fox Inn"; Mr. and Mrs. H. Kirby; Mr. and Mrs. B. Dyer; Gladys and Babs Ashby; Mr. and Mrs. Knight; Mr. and Mrs. Belsey; Mr. and Miss Wybome. The funeral arrangements were by Mr. H E. Frost, 154, London Rd., and 2, Bunkers Hill, Dover.

From the Dover Express, 5 March, 1971

CHARLES HAWTREY

Carry On star Charles Hawtrey emptied a carboy of over £50 worth of coins for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association at the "Fox," Temple Ewell, on Saturday. Pictured with him are Mrs. Daphne Palmer (left), of Park Road, Temple Ewell, and Mrs. Margaret Johnson Vince, of The Gateway, a member of the local community.

From the Dover Express, 10 August 2000.

Canadian restaurateurs make a foxy move.

RETIRED couple Kitty O'Toole and Dennis Metson are the new owners of The Fox Inn at Temple Ewell - after sailing from their home in Canada!

The couple took early retirement, leaving their Canadian home about two years ago and setting off on a round-the-world trip. Dennis and Kitty, who owned a restaurant in Canada, first sailed through New York, stopping at Florida.

The adventure reached its climax when Dennis and Kitty arrived at Dover and discovered the inn. After extensive refurbishment, the pub has a newly built bridge going over the stream, linking the garden to the building.

Kitty said: "We're delighted to have refurbished the inn and look forward to meeting the regulars."

Dennis and Kitty will keep up the famous music and quiz nights, and offer a wide range of food on the menu.

Dishes include wild boar sausages, homemade steak mushroom and vegetarian dishes.

For more information ring Dennis or Kitty on 01304 823598.

From the Dover Express, 15 October, 2009

Christmas card took two years.

Dawn's art raises funds for charity.

Report by Rhys Griffiths

A PARTIALLY SIGHTED artist from Dover has had one of her paintings transformed into a Christmas card.

Dawn Parkinson's creation 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, which shows a roaring open fire beneath seasonal decorations, is being sold to raise much-needed funds for the Kent Association for the Blind.

The painting, which is based on a chimney at The Fox pub in Temple Ewell, took two years to complete.

Dawn, who lives in Hardwicke Road, was born with no vision in her right eye and poor sight in her left, which has since deteriorated.

Using a monocular and a magnifying glass she is able to see a 10p-sized image, so to paint she has to build up a picture one piece at a time - meaning even small works can take months.

A spokesman for the charity said: "We would like to thank Dawn for her generosity in donating the use of this picture.

"She works tirelessly for charity, donating much of her work which isn't already in private collections."

For more information about how you can buy cards featuring Dawn's work call 01622 691357.

From the Dover Express, 18 March, 2010

IT'S A BALLS UP FOR DUCK RACE.

A SPECIAL plastic "duck race" will take place on the River Dour at Temple Ewell this Sunday.

Organiser of the charity event, at Temple Ewell, is Dover jeweller John AngeII of Dover Rotary Club who at one stage feared obstructions in the river would hold up his ducks.

He says: "Of course they are not real ducks and because there's not enough ducks to go round, we are using table tennis balls to supplement the fleet of plastic ducks. We are calling it the Great Rotary Balls Up and hoping for plenty of spectators."

The race, through the grounds of The Fox Inn at Temple Ewell, is scheduled to start at 4pm, Sunday.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 5 May, 2011. 60p

BOOZING BOOST

THREE charities will benefit financially from a successful beer drinking festival during the holiday weekend.

Between 400-500 people at Dover Rotary Club's two-day beer festival in the grounds of the "Fox" public house on Saturday and Sunday when nearly 1,500 pints of beer from around 20 different brewers were consumed.

David Pike, the Rotarian who organised the event, says income by the time most of the barrels ran dry late on Sunday evening was around £4,000. After expenses profits will be shared between the three participating organisations: Dover rotary Club, South Foreland Rotary Club and Dover RNLI.