3 St. Peter's Street
Canterbury
Above image taken from Google, July 2009, shows the premises of 3 St.
Peter's Street as now being the Little Italy restaurant. |
Traced as early as 1882, but by 1889 the premises was apparently being
used by H Z Davey who operated a dairy business.
From the Kentish Weekly Post, 17 May 1741.
Wednesday May 20.
To the worthy FREEMEN of the City of Canterbury who are Interest if
Sir THOMAS HALES.
Gentlemen,
You are desired to meet the Friends of Sir Thomas, tomorrow Morning,
being the Day of Election, at either of the following Houses, viz.
The "King's Head," in High Street,
The "Fountain," St. Margarets,
The "Dolphin," Burgate,
The "Rose," St. Georges,
The "Black Boy," Burgate,
The "Flying Horse," Dover Lane,
The "Three Compasses," St. Peter's,
The "Golden Lyon," St. Peter's,
The "Mitre," High Street,
The "Rising Sun," St. Dunstan's,
The "Black Swan," North Gate,
The "White Swan," North Gate,
The "Tolerated Soldier," North Gate,
The "Fox and Seven Stars," St. Alphage,
The "Saracen's Head," St. Pauls,
The "Maiden Head," Wincheap,
The "Two Brewers," St. Mildred's,
The "Seven Stars," St. Alphage,
The "Three Tuns," St. Margaret's.
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Kentish Gazette, 27 October, 1779.
John Eldridge, (late servants to the Rev. Mr. Sandys) having taken
the "Golden Lion" alehouse, near King's
Bridge, in the parish of Canterbury, informs his friends and the
public in general that he has fitted up the said
house with good accommodation, and has laid in a fresh assortment of
liquors. He therefore hopes for their
encouragement, and that their continued support shall be gratefully
acknowledged by their most humble
servant.
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Kentish Gazette, Saturday 3 May 1783.
Henry Pot, begs to inform the public, that he intends setting out from
the "Golden Lion," near Kingsbridge, Canterbury on
Monday next, for Deal, and returns the same day, and on Thursday and
Saturday, with a light caravan fit for passengers and
parcels of any kind, and on the most reasonable terms.
Parcels taken in, for the above caravan, at the "Golden Lion," and at
the "Fleece," in Canterbury, and at the "Three
Compasses" at Deal.
Those who please to favour him with their commands may depend upon the
general care and punctuality, and a grateful
acknowledgement.
By their humble servant, Henry Pott. The above caravan stops at the
"Anchor," Littlebourne; the "Dog," Wingham; and the
"Bell," at Sandwich.
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From the Kentish Gazette, Friday 29 July 1791.
JOHN BLUNDEN.
Takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks to his numerous
friends and customers in general, for their kind support while at the
"Golden Lion," Canterbury; begs to inform them, that he has now taken
the "Bell Alehouse," near the "Old Castle," which is fitted up in a neat
manner for the reception of Company; where, by attention to business,
and keeping the best of beer and spirits which was always his study, he
hopes to meet with their future favours, which will be gratefully
received by their humble servant.
A good Ordinary provided every Quarter Session's day.
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Kentish Gazette, 1 April, 1806.
Lost.
On Monday, March 24, from Broad Oak, in the parish of Sturry.
A red and white, rough-haired SPANIEL BITCH, answers to the name of
Judy; long ears, large eyes, white streak down the face, and a short
tail.
Whoever brings the said Dog to the "Golden Lion," Broad Oak, shall
receive Half-a-Guinea reward.
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Kentish Gazette, 11 April 1820.
DEATH.
April 6, in Ivy-lane, Canterbury, Mrs. Upton, widow, formerly of the
"Golden Lion," public-house.
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Kentish Gazette, 6 July, 1821.
DEATH.
July 2, John, youngest son of Mr. King, of the "Golden Lion," King's
Bridge, Canterbury.
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Kent Gazette, 16 August 1836.
Inquest taken before Mr. T. T. Delasaux.
On Saturday last, at the "Golden Lion," in this city, on the body of an
aged man name Burton, who the same morning fell down on King's Bridge,
and almost instantly expired.
The jury returned a verdict of "Died by the visitation of God."
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Kentish Gazette, 21 May 1844.
TO BREWERS, PUBLICANS, & OTHERS. TO BE LET BY TENDER,
On Lease for 21 Years, from the 29th day of September, 1844, ALL that
old-established and FREE PUBLIC HOUSE, called or known by the name of
the "Golden Lion," with a Messuage or Tenement, Stable, Yard, and
Premises thereunto belonging, situated in the several parishes of All
Saints and Saint Peter, in CANTERBURY, now in the tenure or occupation
of — Brigg and others, belonging to the Warden and Poor of Jesus
Hospital, Canterbury.
For further particulars and conditions of letting, apply (if by letter,
pre-paid), addressed to the Warden of Jesus Hospital, Northgate,
Canterbury, to whom all Tenders are to be delivered by the 24th day of
June.
N.B.— The Warden and Poor do not bind themselves to accept the highest
Tender, but only such as seems to them most desirable.
May 20, 1844.
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Kentish Gazette, 2 October 1849.
Coroner’s Inquest.
An inquest was held on Tuesday last, at the "Golden Lion," Saint
Peter’s-street, on the body of Elizabeth Skinner, aged 66, who had died
after a few hours’ illness, at her residence in Best-lane, in this city.
It was stated that deceased had appeared in her usual health up to
Monday, when she was seized with violent pains and vomiting, with other
symptoms of the prevailing epidemic. Medical aid was called in, but she
sank under the malady during the night. Mr. Rigden, who had been called
in to attend her, was examined as to the cause of death; and he stated
that the supply of water from a pump used by deceased and others in the
neighbourhood was in a very impure state, arising, most probably, from
the well lying close to a privy vault. He, Mr. Rigden, had analysed a
portion of the water alluded to, and had found it very much impregnated
with deleterious matter, and likely to produce the disorder of which
deceased had died. The jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death," and
the police officer in attendance was directed to apply to the
authorities respecting the water in question, in order that the existing
dangerous use of it should be prevented, and the evil complained of
remedied.
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Kentish Gazette, 19 August 1851.
Petty Sessions. Home Division of St Augustine's. Thursday.
(Before G. M. Taswell, Esq.)
On Thursday, Stephen Payn, labourer, age 26; Samuel Brown, sawyer, 34,
and a young woman named Chittenden, age 22, were charged with having
stolen a quantity of wearing apparel.
From the evidence it appeared that at an early hour on Wednesday
morning, the washhouse of Mrs. Young, laundress, at Harbledown, was
forcibly entered, and a quantity of wearing apparel, which had been
washed, was stolen. Mrs. Young father came downstairs at 1 o'clock in
the morning, when the house was safe, but on rising to go to his work,
he found the wash house had been entered.
The things were trace, by Inspector Sprat, to the possession of the
prisoners, at the "Golden Lion" lodging house, where they had hung out
some to dry, and other portions have been pawned or sold by them. The
parties to whom the things belonged fully identified them, and the
connexion of the prisoners in the disposal of them was also ascertained,
and they were fully committed to the assizes for trial.
A second charge was afterwards investigated, in which property that have
been stolen a week previous of Mrs. Faulkner, laundress, of the same
place, was traced to the possession of Brown and Chittenden. They were
committed for trial on this charge.
There can be little doubt that the same parties have been concerned in
the various robberies which have lately taken place about here.
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From the Faversham Gazette, 5 September 1857.
Saturday. (Before David Matthews, Esq.)
Esther Inglis, wife of John Inglis, hawker, living as servant with
Mr. Bigg, of the "Golden Lion," was charged with attempting to
commit self-destruction.
Edward Bigg deposed that last night, about ten o’clock, from
information he received, he went down the garden and saw the
prisoner struggling in the river. He pulled her out and caused her
to be conveyed into the tap-room. Site was in a state of delirium,
and so violent that it required several men to hold her. He gave her
in charge that she might be kept in safety.
In reply to the bench, Mr. Bigg said the prisoner had been with him
2 years. He had known her 16 years. She was a good servant, and
generally well conducted. He did not know whether she was in liquor
last night. She was not so at eight o’clock, Her husband had
deserted her, and he (Mr. Bigg) believed that had preyed very much
on her mind.
The poor woman who seemed much distressed, said she was vary sorry
for what had happened.
It appeared to the bench that she was not fit to be at large in her
present state of mind, and therefore she was ordered to find three
sureties for her good behaviour, and in default was committed to
gaol till the next sessions. The sureties will, however, probably be
found, Mr. Bigg and another gentleman having offered themselves for
the purpose.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 1 September 1857.
Saturday. (Before David Matthews, Esq.)
Esther Inglis, wife of John Inglis, hawker, living as servant with
Mr. Bigg, of the "Golden Lion," was charged with attempting to
commit self-destruction.
Edward Bigg deposed that last night, about ten o’clock, from
information he received, he went down the garden and saw the
prisoner struggling in the river. He pulled her out and caused her
to be conveyed into the tap-room. She was in a state of delirium,
and so violent that it required several men to hold her. He gave her
in charge that she might be kept in safety.
In reply to the bench, Mr. Bigg said the prisoner had been with him
2 years, he had known her 15 years. She was a good servant and
generally well conducted. He did not know whether she was in liquor
last night. She was not so at eight o’clock. Her husband had
deserted her, and he (Mr. Bigg) believed that had preyed very much
on her mind.
The poor woman who seemed much distressed, said she was very sorry
for what had happened.
It appeared to the bench that she was not fit to be at large in her
present state of mind, and therefore she was ordered to find three
sureties for her good behaviour, and in default was committed to
gaol till the next sessions. The sureties will, however, probably be
found, Mr. Bigg and another gentleman having offered themselves for
the purpose.
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From the Kentish Chronicle and General Advertiser, 22 February, 1862. Price 1 1/2d.
ST AUGUSTINE’S PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY.
Clarence Sutton Charlton, a native of America, about 30 yours of age,
was brought up in custody on a charge of exciting charitable
contributions by false pretences. The prisoner was liberated from
Sandwich gaol on the 23rd January, having served twenty-one days’
imprisonment for creating a disturbance and using threatening language
to the police, he is of very light complexion, has thick lips and deeply
sunken eyes. His mode of operation appears to be to sham fits, which he
can manage to perfection. On Thursday he was seen on the road to
Harbledown, by Mr. Edward Stringer. A carriage containing a gentleman
was approaching at the time, and the prisoner fell down in the road
apparently in a fit. The gentleman pulled up, and was so moved by the
man's seemingly pitiable condition that he gave him two half-crowns. On
Thursday night the prisoner was seen drinking and treating the company
at the
“Golden Lion” public-house, King’s Bridge, Canterbury. On Friday he went
to try his fortunes again in the direction of Harbledown. He fell down
in a fit beside the houses on Harbledown Hill, and Mr. Neame, among
other gentlemen, was attracted to the spot He appeared to be in a
pitiable condition, his face being besmeared with gravel. A boy, who
happened to be passing at the time, said the man was an impostor, for he
had been doing the same near Mr. Flints, at St. Dunstan’s. Mr. Neame, in
order to test the man's conduct called out for some one to go for a
policeman. The prisoner, however, took no notice of this, and a man who
was present said he could soon find out whether he was shamming or not.
The man accordingly pinched the prisoner’s ear and his hand, but this
appeared to have no effect. They then lifted him up, but he was quite
stiff and rigid. After some time be began to come round, and Mr. Neame,
Mr Saddleton, and another gentleman gave him a shilling each. Mr. Neame
also ordered him to be supplied with some warm coffee at the “Coach and
Horses,” and afterwards gave him a handsome light coloured woollen cloth
coat. It appears that prior to this adventure, the prisoner had tried
what he could do at St. Dunstan’s, where he had two or three fits; but
on Mr. Flint threatening to send for a policeman he walked off. He told
Mr. Neame that he landed at Ramsgate on Thursday, and that be was going
to Loudon. He said he had been to the railway station, but they would
not take him as he had not sufficient money to pay his fare. From
Harbledown he returned to Canterbury, and, having made himself look as
smart as possible in Mr. Neame’s coat, he stuck a cigar in his mouth and
went about giving orders to several tradesmen. He represented himself as
the son of a cotton planter in the state of Ohio, and tried to bargain
with Mr. Trimnell for some jewellery, and with Mr. Nash for some
clothes. On Friday he was again plying the profitable calling of falling
into fits in the neighbourhood of Sturry. On Saturday morning about ten
o’clock he was apprehended, being then going about in a state of
intoxication.
The bench sentenced him to two months' imprisonment with hard labour, in
St. Augustine's.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 25 May 1862.
Brutal Assault on a Publican by a Soldier.
David Fraser, a private in the 70th Regiment of Foot, stationed at
Canterbury, was charged with an assault on George Goulden, landlord
of the "Golden Lion," on King’s Bridge.
The complainant said:- I keep a public-house called the "Golden
Lion," on King’s Bridge. Last night, about ten o’clock, there was a
great disturbance in my front room, caused by the defendant and a
civilian fighting. I had heard them quarrelling before I went into
the room, and asked the defendant to be quiet, and as soon as I had
done so he knocked me down. I had not touched him. While I was on
the ground I was kicked in the face, but I cannot say by whom. The
defendant bit my arm. When I went to the station-house to prefer the
charge against him, he caught me by the throat and hurt me.
The Superintendent:- I had great difficulty, your worships to get
his hands away, they were clenched so tightly.
The prisoner was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard
labour.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 14 February, 1863.
CANTERBURY POLICE COURT.
THE BURGLARY AT DANE COURT ACADEMY.
Oh the discovery of the robbery information was given to Supt. Davies,
and he communicated with the other police throughout the county, and
elsewhere. The result was that on Friday three men were apprehended at
Sittingbourne, while attempting to sell eleven of the stolen forks. They
were subsequently brought to Canterbury, and lodged in the
station-house. It is believed that the actual thief has not yet been
captured—that he is either at Woolwich or Chatham. On the night previous
to the robbery all four men lodged together at the “Golden Lion,” St.
Peter’s Street. On Monday morning, the three prisoners, Alexander Hood, George Bruce,
and Charles Henderson, carpenter, were placed at the bar on the charge
of being concerned in the robbery. Mr. Smith, the principal of the
academy, said his house was entered on Monday night, but it was not
discovered until eight o’clock the next morning, when a portion of the
plate required for the breakfast table were missed, and upon searching
the premises it was ascertained that they had been entered, and the
articles in question abstracted. Sarah Blackman, housemaid at Mr Smith's, deposed to fastening the
kitchen up on Monday night, before eleven unlock, when the stolen
articles were in the plate basket in the dresser drawer. The next
morning the scullery window was found open, and the Articles of plate
gone. There were marks of muddy feet on the window cell. Eleven forks
produced, the witness identified as a portion of the property stolen. Mr. Elwick (pawnbroker, of Milton next Sittingbourne), deposed that on
Friday last Bruce and Henderson went to his shop and offered to pledge
the six silver forks produced. Bruce said they were their properly—that
they were bought at an officer's sale. Having had information of this
robbery, witness asked Bruce what he was, and he said a discharged
soldier, and handed witness a discharge paper. Upon looking at it, he
found it did not correspond, whereupon the prisoner said it was not his
discharge, but his son’s, who was outside. Hood was then called in, at
the suggestion of Bruce. He said he was not Bruce’s son, and that that
he knew nothing of the forks offered in pledge. Witness then detained
the pioneers, and sent for the police. After some further evidence the
magistrates remanded the prisoners for a week, on the application of the
superintendent of police. |
From the Kentish Chronicle, 11 June, 1864.
DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.
Clara Scott wits charged with being drunk and incapable, in All
Saint’s-lane, at a quarter before 1 o’clock at noon, on Sunday.
P.C. Holloway deposed that, in consequence of information received, he
went into All Saints'-lane, where he found the prisoner lying on her
hands and knees in a state of helpless intoxication. She was naked from
the waist upwards. He took her to the police-station. He was informed
that just before he saw her the prisoner was thrown out of the back door
of the “Golden Lion.”
In reply to the charge the prisoner said she went into the “Golden Lion”
quite sober, at 10 o'clock in the morning.
The magistrates discharged the prisoner, the Mayor remarking that
probably, if she had been sensible, she would not have exposed herself
in the way she did.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 3 January 1865.
Transfer of License.
Mr. E. Bateman applied, on behalf of Henry Andrews, landlord of the
"Golden Lion," King's Bridge, who is in custody for receiving
stolen
sheep, to transfer the license to David Simpson, general dealer. Mr.
Fielding appeared on behalf of Simpson to support the application.
It appeared that Simpson was convicted in 1852 of keeping a gaming
table at Chartham fair, and more recently for using indecent
language in Dover-lane. The application was adjourned for the
production of evidence as to the general character.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 3 January 1865.
St. Augustines' Petty Sessions. Wednesday. (Before William Delmar,
Esq., Captain Hilton, Wm. Plummer, Esq., and G. T. Tomlin, Esq.)
The Sheep Stealing Cask.
Henry Hulgrave, George Cook, and Henry Reeve, were charged, on
remand from the previous Friday, with stealing five sheep, value £12
10s the property of Robert Lake, Esq., of Milton Chapel, and Henry
Andrews was charged with receiving the sheep knowing them to have
been stolen. Wm. Steer, who had been summoned to the Court as a
witness, was also ordered to the bar and charged with being an
accessory alter the fact.
As stated in our report on the previous examination the prisoners
Hulgrave, Cook, and Reeve belong to Canterbury. Andrews has also
been residing in Canterbury, and kept the "Golden Lion" public house
for some time; but he has been working at Dover for the prisoner
Steer, who is subcontractor for supplying meat to the Dover
garrison. Steer also holds a contract to supply meat to the Walmer
Garrison.
Mr. Delasaux appeared for the prisoners Cook and Reeve, and Mr.
Fielding for Andrews. The other prisoners were undefended.
The evidence taken at the previous examination having been read
over, Super-intendent Walker further deposed:- On Sunday last
Andrews told me he had only had one dealing with Hulgrave before,
and that was with a cart. He said Hulgrave owed him between two and
three pounds. On Thursday last I saw Steer at Mr. Farley's. I told
him that Mr. Lake of Milton Chapel, had had five Kent ewe sheep
stolen by two men in a horse and cart, on Monday night, and that I
had traced them to his slaughter-house at Dover. He said that
Andrews called him about five or half-past on Tuesday morning and
told him he had had some sheep brought in, and that he had been up
all night. Steer said he replied that if Andrews had called him he
would have got up and helped him. He then told me there were only
four sheep.
I replied that it was possible Mr. Lake had made a mistake.
I then asked him where Andrews was and he said he did not know, and
that he would go and look for him. He was gone some time, and came
back and said he could not find him. I told him I had traced the
sheep to him and should hold him responsible, and that he had better
go and find Andrews. He then said some person had just told him
where Andrews was. He went out, and came back shortly after with
Andrews. Steer again said, "There were only four sheep;" but Andrews
said "There were five." I asked Hulgrave’s Christian name, and
Andrews said he believed it was Henry, but there was a cart on the
premises, with his name on it. Andrews told me Steer was going to
pay for the sheep on Saturday. On Saturday last I saw Steer, and he
told me he had only had dealings with four sheep, but previous to
this he had told me that he was going to pay for them on Saturday,
and that he was going to give £3 10s. for them.
I think he said £3 10s. At any rate it was over £3, because the
sheep were bruised. He said he was going to pay at Canterbury.
I said, "Where are you going to pay for them; at whose house?
He replied that he was not going to any house, but was to pay for
them in the Market.
I asked him who he was going to pay, and he replied that he did not
know, but he was going to pay tor them on Saturday.
I asked him how he was to know the man, and he replied that the man
was to call on him for the money.
I said, "Then you would pay any man who asked you for the money?
P.S. Bailey, of the Dover police force, said:- On Tuesday week,
about one o’clock, I went to see Andrews at the slaughter-house in
Dover. I asked him if he had bought or had any Kent ewe sheep
offered him for sale, marked on the shoulder "R. L." I told him
there had been some stolen, and that they had some into Dover, and I
should imagine they came in early on Tuesday morning, as they were
seen on the road. He told me he had bought nothing, neither had any
been offered him for sale; but if he should have he would let us
know at once. I did not examine the place.
I recollect Andrews being brought into the station-house on
Thursday. He said to me, "As soon as you left I said to Mr Farley,
"Good God, I hope those are not the sheep I bought." And we then
turned the skins over, but could not find any marks on any of them."
Police-constable Corrie, of the Dover police, said that he was on
duty in Dover during Monday night week. On Tuesday morning, about a
quarter to one, he saw a horse and cart drive into Dover. It came as
if it had come from Canterbury. The cart was covered with a
sailcloth, and the two men were sitting on the front of the cart, he
saw the same horse and cart go out of Dover about five o’clock on
Tuesday morning. He had since seen a horse and cart, and he believed
them to be the same. When it went into Dover he thought it was a
market cart, but seeing it come out again so soon, he thought
something was wrong, and so he looked particularly at the cart, and
it was peculiarly marked.
The prisoners being asked if they had any questions to ask the
witness, Hulgrave said:— He says he saw us go into Dover at a
quarter to one. It was twenty to two when we passed the turnpike.
Sergeant Pope, K.C.C., said:- From information I received I went to
Mr. Farley’s on Wednesday morning. I saw Andrews there and asked him
if he had heard anything about five Kent ewe sheep having been
stolen, he said the Dover police had called on him on Tuesday, and
told him there had been some stolen. I asked if he had any sheep
skins in the slaughter-house? He said "Yes," and that might look at
them if I pleased. There were three skins and I examined them, but
they were not marked. There were twenty live sheep and I examined
them, but found none marked so as to correspond with those missing.
I asked him if he had bought any sheep since Monday evening, and he
said "No." I asked him it he had sent away any skills, and he said
he had not since Monday. He also told me that they had two mutton
days in the week, Wednesday and Friday.
Sub-sergeant Chard corroborated what Superintendent Walker stated as
to the conversation with Andrews. While in the slaughter-house he
heard some of the men quarrelling and one of them said, "They are
going to lock us all up" master, for stealing those sheep," when
Andrews replied, "Well, if they do, I know nothing about them."
This morning as he was bringing the prisoner Reeve from St.
Augustine’s to the Court, he said "I have been led into this; but I
went with Hulgrave to Dover merely for company. We knocked Andrews
up. When he came down he said "Look out for the bobbies." We backed
the cart into the premises, and we stopped while Andrews dressed the
sheep. He said to us "When you bring any more sheep don’t spoil them
like this, as they are nearly all dead." He also told us which way
to come when we brought any more.
William Stokes, a pork butcher, living in Wincheap, sand that on the
20th Dec. he was at the Ashford Market, and saw Steer there. In the
course of conversation, Steer said to witness that Andrews called
him up that morning and on his going down he found four or live
sheep; that he did not buy them, but left that to the man Andrews.
He further said, "Have you heard of any sheep being stolen near
Canterbury?" Witness replied in the negative, and Steer told him he
had heard while in Ashford that Mr. Robert Lake had missed some.
A man named Hart, who was with the last witness, corroborated his
evidence, with the exception of the sentence; about his hearing
Steer say that Mr. Lake had lost some sheep.
When called on to plead, none of the prisoners said anything except
Steer, who said he knew nothing about the sheep till Superintendent
Walker called on him, and he thought it hard to be summoned as a
witness, and then placed at the bar and charged as an accomplice.
The Bench committed the whole of the prisoners for trial at the East
Kent Quarter Sessions, but admitted Steer to bail, himself in £50,
an two sureties of £25 each.
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From the Canterbury Journal, 7 January 1865.
Application for a Transfer of License.
At the City Police Court, on Monday, an application was made for the
magistrate to transfer the license of the "Golden Lion" from Henry
Andrews to David Simpson. The magistrates adjourned their decision
for a week, in order that inquiries might be made as to Simpson.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 16 May 1865
Charge of Obtaining Money Under False Pretences.
At the City Police Court on Saturday, a man named Sydney Hammon, a
general dealer, was charged with obtaining £1 from Wm. Lummis under
false pretences.
The prosecutor is a gunmaker, of King Street, and from evidence
adduced by him, it appeared that on the Saturday after Easter day
both men were drinking in the "Golden Lion" public house, St
Peter’s, when the prisoner offered to sell a watch to prosecutor for
a gun that he had with him and for 30s., representing the watch was
silver and worth £3. The prosecutor had not the money with him, and
the prisoner assented to him bringing it on the following Monday,
and in the interim the watch was left in the care of the landlady.
On the Monday the prosecutor offered to take it from the landlady on
condition that the money be returned to him if a watchmaker said it
was not worth the amount. The landlady refused and the prisoner came
forward but would not accompany prosecutor to a watchmaker to see
the value of the watch, stating that he had no licence for hawking
goods. He offered to take £1 from the prosecutor, and await his
return from the watchmaker with the watch for he remaining 10s. The
prosecutor then gave him £1, and took it to a watchmaker, who said
it was only worth 9s. 6d. He informed the prisoner of the value of
the watch, and applied to him three times for the return of his
money. The prisoner refused to give him the money, and said he might
do what he liked in the case. The prisoner called several witnesses
in defence, one of whom stated that the prosecutor first offered to
buy the watch, and asked the prisoner what he wanted for it. Nothing
was said of the value of the watch, or that it was made of silver.
The Bench thought there was a doubt in the case, and dismissed the
prisoner.
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Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 20 May 1865.
Charges of Swindling.
Obtaining money under false pretences.
At the Canterbury Police Court on Saturday, and man named Sydney
Hammon, a general dealer, was charged
with obtaining £1 from William Lummis under false pretences. The
prosecutor is a gun maker, of King Street,
and it appeared that on the Saturday after Easter day both men were
drinking in the "Golden Lion" public
house, St. Peter's, when the prisoner offered to sell a watch to
prosecutor for a gun that he had with him, and
for 30s., representing the watch was silver and worth £3. The
prosecutor had not the money with him, and the
prisoners accepted to his bringing it on the following Monday, and
in the interim the watch was left in the care
of the landlady. On the Monday the prosecutor offered to take it
from the landlady on condition that the money
be returned to him if a watchmaker said it was not worth the amount.
The landlady refused and the prisoner
came forward, but would not accompany prosecutor to a watchmaker to
see the value of the watch, stating that
he had no licence for hawking goods. He offered to take £1 from the
prosecutor, and await his return from the
watchmaker with the watch for the remaining 10s. The prosecutor then
gave him £1 and took it to a
watchmaker, who said it was only worth 9s. 6d. He informed the
prisoner of the value of the watch, and applied
to him three times for the return of his money. The prisoner refused
to give him the money, and said he might
do what he liked in the case. The prisoner called several witnesses
in defence, one of them stated that the
prosecutor first offered to buy the watch, and asked the prisoner
what he wanted for it. Nothing was said of the
value of the watch, or that it was made of silver. The Bench thought
there was doubt in the case, and dismissed
the prisoner.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 1 August 1865.
Transfer of Public House Licenses.
Yesterday, at the City Police Court, licenses were endorsed as
follows:— The Golden Lion, King’s Bridge, from John Boughton to
Edward Gardener, whitesmith, who has lately resided at Brabourne.
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Kentish Gazette 30 July 1867.
GOLDEN LION, CANTERBURY.
To be Let with immediate possession, coming in about £40.
Apply to Mr. Marsh, Brewery Agent, Whitstable.
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Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 15 January 1870.
James Johnson was charged with assaulting a man named Watson, the
landlord of the "Golden Lion," St. Peter's, and the injuries Watson had
thereby received prevented him from attending the Court.
Mary Ann Watson, complainant's wife, said defendant had been lodging at
the house kept by her husband and on the previous night defendant came
home and commenced swearing and pushed complainant down and stamped on
his face.
Mr. Alfred Andrews, surgeon, gave evidence as to the extent of the
injuries. The bones of the complainant's nose were broken, and he was
unable to appear before the Bench. The injuries must be the result of
great violence.
The Mayor said this was a very serious offence indeed the defendant's
conduct was barbarous.
Defendant, who said he had been very weak and was astonished to find he
had so much strength to enable him to push the complainant down, was
remanded for the recovery of Watson. He also stated that he was drunk at
the time.
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Kentish Gazette, 18 January, 1870.
Savage Assault.
A little, half-famished, elderly man named James Johnson. was
charged with violently assaulting a man named Watson, landlord of
the "Golden Lion," St. Peter's.
Complainant did not personally appear, his injuries being so serious
as to render him incapable of leaving home.
The defendant, with his wife, had been lodging at the "Golden Lion,"
and had been given to quarrelling with his wife and otherwise
creating disturbances. On Wednesday night he returned to his
lodgings, and, on beginning his usual violent conduct, he was told
by complainant that unless be behaved himself better he would have
to leave the house. Upon this he became more abusive than ever,
knocked complainant down, and while lying stunned upon the floor,
kicked him so violently in the face that he fractured his nose in
several places, completely pushing it to the right side of his face,
and otherwise severely injuring him.
Mr. Alfred Andrews, surgeon, gave evidence as to the nature of
complainant’s injuries, and certified the inability of complainant
to attend the Court at present owing to the severe maltreatment to
which he had been subjected. He did not apprehend any serious result
from complainant's injuries as they at present appeared, but of
course there was no saying with certainty that dangerous symptoms
might not intervene.
The Mayor strongly condemned defendant's offence as barbarous and
brutal.
Defendant expressed his own astonishment that a man so weak and ill
as he himself was should have been able to knock down a man like the
complainant; he couldn't understand it.
The Mayor said, whether he could understand it or not, it was
evident on his own admission, that he had done so.
Defendant was then remanded to await the recovery of the
complainant, and for the completion of the evidence.
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Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 22 January 1870.
CANTERBURY POLICE COURT.
Monday. (Before the Mayor, Alderman Brock, and W. J. Cooper Esq.)
THE VIOLENT ASSAULT CASE.
James Johnson was charged on remand with a violent assault on a man
named Watson, landlord of the "Golden Lion."
Complainant, who was unable to appear in Court on Tuesday, now attended
with his nose bandaged, and gave evidence to the effect that defendant,
who had with his wife been lodging at his house some weeks went in late
on Wednesday evening and as he behaved in a disorderly manner,
complainant said he must find fresh lodgings, whereupon defendant
rushed at him, forced him down on the ground, stunned him, and smashed
his nose by stamping on it with his foot. Defendant was sober, as he
afterwards told a person in the house that he had stamped his
(complainants) nose in, and he would do the same to his eye. Defendants
general conduct towards him was quiet. He had never interfered with him
before.
Defendant denied that he was sober; if he had been, it was clear he
would have made his escape from the house when he saw what he had done.
The Magistrates found the defendant guilty of a violent and brutal
assault, and convicted him in the penalty of £3; or in default of
payment two months' hard labour in St. Augustine's Gaol.
Prisoner was removed in custody.
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From an email received 17 July 2024. Charlotte Maria Willcocks married
a William Biggs and his father was Edward Biggs (1790-1879) who ran the
"Golden Lion Inn" and 'lodging house' over 1832-1867 although he
lived/lodged there from 1818. This is in the census for 1841, 1851 and
1861. The pub freehold was held by Jesus Hospital of Northgate and its
almhouses at 148 Northgate St provided accommodation for Edward Biggs &
wife in their later years.
1871 - Edward Bigg (81) and wife Charlotte (83) living at Jesus
Hospital, the charity that owned 3 St Peters Street, with Warden John
Wood. Charity established in 1596 to provide Almhouses - and still doing
so!The earliest reference to the pub that I can find is a notice seeking
to let a tenement owned by Jesus Hospital "next Door to the Golden Lion,
in All Saints Parish, Canterbury [Kentish Weekly Post 18 Jun 1748].
There are also similar reports for the 'Golden Lion, Kings Bridge' which
is v probably the same. One is an ad for a 'caravan' departing from the
Golden Lion to Deal on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, travelling back
on the same day [Kentish Gazette 3 May 1783]
The pub, also known at one time as the Red Lion, was part of the
famous 15th century Huguenot Weavers building
www.webapps.kent.gov.uk/KCC.ExploringKentsPast
Death - John W King, licensed victualler of the Golden Lion, Kings
Bridge in the parish of All Saints Mar 13, aged 55 [Canterbury Journal
14 Mar 1826].
Regards,
Alistair Parker. |
LICENSEE LIST
ELDRIDGE John 1779+
BLUNDEN John to July/1791

UPTON John 1792+
CROUCH William 1806+
KING John 1821-28+
 
BIGG Edward 1832-61 (also wheelwright age 71 in 1861 )
    (lodging house)
GOULDEN George 1862+

ANDREWS Henry Jan/1865
SIMPSON David Jan/1865+
WATSON William 1868-Oct/73
(age 61 in 1871 )
  
https://pubwiki.co.uk/GoldenLion.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1824
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
Stapleton's
Guide 1838
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1862
Greens
Canterbury Directory 1868
From the Post Office Directory 1938
From the Dover Express
Whitstable Times
and Herne Bay Herald
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