From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 September, 1868.

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

THE GOTHIC INN

In the case of the "Gothic Inn," Snargate Street, there had been a conviction against the landlord of the "Star," and the Magistrates administered a similar admonition.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 May, 1868.

INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE.

John Foord, the keeper of the "Gothic Inn," Snargate Street, pleaded guilty to having his house open at half-past eight last Sunday morning, contrary to the statute.

Police-sergeant Stevens proved the facts, from which it appeared the landlord was not up at the time, and his barmaid, who did not know much about the business, served beer at the time the front was being cleaned.

Fined 10s, and 9s. 6d. costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 16 April, 1869.

INFRINGEMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSE LICENSES

John Ford, the landlord of the "Gothic Inn," Snargate, was charged with having his house open contrary to the statute on Sunday last.

It appeared from the statement of police-sergeant Barton that he visited the defendant's house at twenty minutes to nine o'clock on Sunday morning, accompanied by another constable , and found two men drinking at the bar.

The defendant did not deny the offence, but pleaded in extenuation that one of the men he had served had been looking after his horses and needed refreshment and that the other was a sailor under orders to go to sea, who had asked to be supplied with some beer and a biscuit and cheese as he (the defendant) was sweeping out his bar, with the door open.

This being defendant's second offence, the magistrates fined the defendant 10s. and 9s. 6d. costs, which he paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 April, 1870.

John Foord, landlord of the "Gothic Arms," was fined 10s. 6d. and 10s. 6d. costs, for having his house open on Sunday morning, contrary to the terms of his license.

 From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 16 September, 1870. Price 1d.

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

The Borough Magistrates held their annual licensing meeting on Monday last at the Sessions House. The Magistrates on the bench were E. F. Astley (in the Chair), J. F. Crookes, T. E. Back, C. Stein, J. G. Churchward, J. G. Smith, and W. R. Mowll Esqs. Most of the licenses were renewed pro forma. The exceptional cases were the following.

THE GOTHIC INN

In the case of John Ford, the landlord of the “Gothic Inn,” it appeared that he had during the year been three times convicted of keeping his house open on Sunday, and there was some question therefore whether his licence should be removed.

Mr. Fox, who appeared on Foord's behalf, could only admit the force of the objection, but promised for applicant, that nothing of the kind should occur again. He also presented a testimonial, very well signed, in Foord's favour, and said he hoped, under these circumstances that the Magistrates would not think it imperative to withhold the licence.

The Magistrates said there had been great irregularity in the conduct of the house since the last licensing meeting, and they had determined not to renew the licence.

Mr. Clara who appeared on behalf of the owners of the house, Messrs. Kingsford, hoped the Bench would so far review their decision as to adjourn the case to Broadstairs, in order to give the owners the opportunity of providing themselves with a new tenant. The effect of withholding the licence unconditionally would be to close the house, and they would not only punish the landlord, but inflict considerable loss on Messrs. Kingsford, who had gone to great expense in fitting the house up.

The Magistrates said they saw no reason whatsoever for altering their decision. Owners of public houses were in some measure responsible for the kind of tenants they procured, and if they permitted a tenant to remain in occupation of a house after repeated infringements of the law, they must expect to share the consequences when application was made for the renewal of the licence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 24 January, 1902. Price 1d.

CASE DISMISSED

John Richardson, a seaman on the schooner Standard, was charged with stealing from the bar of the “Gothic Inn” in a bottle of whisky, value 1s. 6d., and about 12s. in money from the till.

Arthur Roberts, landlord of the “Gothic” public house, Snargate Street, said the house runs through on to the quay in Northampton Street, and there is a bar on each side. On the evening of the 21st, about twenty minutes to eleven, he went through into the Northampton Street bar, which was usually closed after working hours. He found the door leading into Northampton Street open. His impression was that it had been carelessly left undone. On looking in the bar witness found the till had been cleared, and a bottle of whisky also taken. There were several other bottles, which had been emptied. The till was usually emptied, but it had not been done that night. A barmaid attended to the bar that evening, witness having been out from eight to ten. Previous to his going out the bar in Northampton Street was closed.

The Magistrates remarked they thought it was a bad plan to have two entrances to a public house. Police were in at one and out of the other like rabbits.

Witness continuing said: The whisky was in a pint bottle in a shelf, and the bottle produced I believe to be the same. It was about half full, and the value of the contents was about 1s. 6d. From something I heard the next day from Mr. Dixon, landlord of the “Barley Mow,” I communicated with the Police. Last night a Constable and Mr. Dixon came to my house, and as they went out they arrested prisoner.

Mary Hooker, in the employ of the last witness, said: The night before last I was in charge of the Northampton Street bar. It was closed at half-past seven. I left 12s. 6d. in the till. In saw the prisoner in the Northampton Street bar on Wednesday morning and also on Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Mary Dixon, landlady of the “Barley Mow,” said on Tuesday evening about 10.20 the prisoner came into the house with another young man. They had some drink and stood treat to two soldiers. The prisoner's companion then produced the spirit bottle (produced), and put some of it into the beer and porter. They then gave the soldiers the bottle, and told them to take it. They had some lemonade, and put the rest of the whisky into it. Neither the prisoner nor his companion had any of it.

The Mayor remarked that there appeared to have been a queer mixture of whisky, lemonade, porter and beer. (Laughter.)

Witness, continuing, said that when the bottle was emptied it was stood on the counter, and witness took it. The men also treated some Norwegian sailors to some stout. They spent about 2s. 6d. The prisoner had six lemonades. Next morning she heard that some money and a bottle of whisky had been stolen from the “Gothic,” and her husband informed the landlord of that house and showed him the bottle.

Police Constable Roberts said about eleven o'clock last night, from information I received from the prosecutor, I went to the “Barley Mow,” public-house and saw Mr. Dixon. He accompanied me to the “Gothic,” in Northampton Street, and whilst there the prisoner, who was drunk, went by. He was pointed out by Mr. Dixon as the man who had the whisky and spent money freely in his house the previous night. I stopped him, and asked him where he got the bottle of whisky from which he had on Tuesday night. He said he never had any. He was then given into custody by Mr. Roberts. He made no answer to the charge.

The prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, said that he went to the circus on Monday night. He had half a sovereign that evening from the skipper. He never went to the “Gothic.” He did not have any whisky, and the other man who had it at the “Barley Mow” was not his companion.

Thomas Newton, captain of the Standard, brigantine, lying in the harbour, said the prisoner was one of his crew. The prisoner was a Whitby man, and of excellent character. He gave the prisoner half a sovereign on Tuesday afternoon.

The Magistrates dismissed the case.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 14 February, 1902. Price 1d.

A BONAFIDE VICTUALLER

Arthur John Roberts, licensed victualler, was summoned for keeping open the “Gothic Inn” during prohibited hours for sale on intoxicating liquor to persons not being bonafide travellers of lodgers.

For the defendant, Mr. Rutley Mowll attended, and entered a plea of Not Guilty.

Mr. Vernon Knocker, who appeared for the prosecution, remarked that although it was not a very strong case the authorities were bound to take action.

He called, Police Constable Roberts, who stated that at midnight on Sunday, the 26th ult., he was passing the Northampton Street entrance to the “Gothic Inn” when he heard a door latch rattle. Finding the door fastened he turned his lamp on to the glass and peered in. By the aid of the light he distinguished a man standing at the door leading to the Snargate Street bar, whilst two other men and the landlady were crouched down just behind the door. It was not before he had knocked four times that a woman admitted him. She said she was rather frightened, and did not like to open the door when first requested. The men gave their names as Bomb, Buchanan, R.G.A., Fort Burgoyne; Edward Harrall, 8, Bench Street; and Philo Harrall, who was stated to be a lodger. The landlord came downstairs, and expressed himself as sorry, saying that if he had known it would not have happened. Supper was laid in a room at the back of the bar. The landlady said that the men were friends.

Mr. Mowll: What induced you to enter the room where the supper was laid?

In wanted to see if there was any drink about.

What did you fine?

On the table was a joint, beside some knives and forks.

And no signs of drink at all?

No, sir.

For the defence, Mr. Mowll called evidence to prove that it was a perfectly genuine bonafide entertainment to friends. The landlady said that she was naturally frightened on finding the constable knocking at the door.

The Magistrates dismissed the case, but said that they considered the Constable acted properly in reporting the facts.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 6 June, 1902. Price 1d.

TROUBLE AT THE GOTHIC

William Durban was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit the "Gothic Inn,"

Police Constable Mark Taylor said he was  called to the "Gothic" public house on Monday afternoon about 2 o'clock, and was asked by the landlady to eject the prisoner, who was sitting on a form drunk. He refused to go, saying he should not till he had had a pint of beer. Witness had to drag the man into the street, and then he would not go away, so witness took him into custody.

The barmaid said the prisoner came to their house in the state he was.

Prisoner was discharged with a caution.

From Dover Express 12 July 1907.

DOVER POLICE COURT. MONDAY. LICENSING.

The licence of the "Gothic," Snargate Street, was transferred from Albert Clark to Henry Goldswain, late of the "Lord Stanley," Upchurch, Rochester. The outgoing tenant had had the "Gothic" 15 months.

Dover Express 11th June 1909.

SAILORS’ SMASH AT THE GOTHIC.

DISTURBANCE IN NORTHAMPTON STREET

THE MAYOR AND THE LANDLORD

At the Dover Police Court on Friday before the Mayor, Walter Emden Esq., M. Pepper, J. L. Bradley, G. C. Rubie, T. A. Terson, F. G. Wright,. J. Scott, F. W. Prescott, W. Bradley, E. Chitty, J. H. Back and W. J. Barnes esqrs.

Richard Mitchinson was charged with being drunk and using obscene language in Northampton Street and with assaulting PCs Roberts and Smith while in the execution of their duty. Thomas Murray was also charged with interfering with PC Smith while in the execution of his duty. Both men were sailors from the “Good Hope”.

PC Roberts said:- Last night at 8.30 I was on duty in Snargate Street, where I saw the landlord of the "Gothic" public house. He stated that sailors had smashed his bar window. I asked him if it was wilful or accidental and he said he could not say as he did not see it. He said that he wanted the sailor taken to the station.

The Mayor:- Why?

----- for smashing his window.

Witness said that he went into the house and saw the two prisoners. PC Smith was there. The prisoner Mitchinson said “I broke the window”. He was drunk. The landlord asked that he should be taken to the police station. The other prisoner, who was with him, tried to prevent the constables taking him. They asked Mitchinson to come quietly to the police station but, when outside the house, he became very violent and used filthy and disgusting language. The other prisoner tried to rescue Mitchinson from the constables and also used obscene language. He was not drunk. Whilst struggling with Mitchinson in Northampton Street, PC Smith’s helmet fell off. Murray kicked it across the road and then jammed it on PC Smith’s head. Witness was kicked several times on the leg by Mitchinson. He also kicked Smith. At the top of Snargate Street, witness called on a sergeant of the Military Police to arrest Murray. He did so. Mitchinson became so violent that he had to be thrown and handcuffed and strapped on the ambulance. At the police station the landlord said he would not charge the men; all he wanted was their names and addresses.

Murray said that he tried to take Mitchinson back to the ship and, when he could not, he followed behind. He was very sorry.

PC Smith said that, on the previous evening at 8.30 whilst in Snargate Street, he was called to the "Gothic" public house by the landlord. Mitchinson admitted breaking the window ------ the front bar window. He offered to pay for it. Mitchinson gave a name, but he had another under his collar. PC Roberts then came and got him out of the house and into Northampton Street. His helmet was jammed over his eyes by Murray and he was struck in the face by Mitchinson and on the leg. Murray was interfering all the way.

Murray said that he only put the constable’s helmet on his head.

Henry Goldswain, landlord of the Gothic public house, Snargate Street, said that at 8.20 he was standing in the passage and saw the two sailors scuffling in the bar. It looked as if one was trying to stop the other going out. One of them hit at the other and hit the window. The blind saved his hands. They had been in the house ten minutes.
The Mayor said that a man who had only been in the house ten minutes could not have got drunk.

The landlord:- He was not drunk. He was a bit fresh.

The Mayor:- The evidence is that he was drunk. Now you say he was only in the house ten minutes.

The landlord said that he did not see what he had. He was in the little room. His daughter was serving. She was present and would give evidence.

The Mayor:- I am inclined to think you do not take sufficient care.

The landlord:- I take all the care I can.

The Mayor:- I think that it is not a hard job to refuse men when they have had too much. I do not think it right to leave women to serve men in that condition. It is your duty to see that men are not served when they have had too much. I caution you not to serve people in this condition or under such circumstances. You may depend on it that, if you come before the Bench, they will look very seriously indeed at it.

The Mayor said that he understood Mitchinson had been ill for some months. It was practically the first time he had come ashore since going back to the ship.

The Mayor said that the sailors had been a credit to themselves up to the present, and, in this case, as Mitchinson was recovering from illness, that might be some excuse, but it should be a caution not to take too much. As to Murray, it would have been the best to help his comrade, not to interfere with the police. The men in each case would be discharged with a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 5 February, 1915.

ANNUAL LICENSING METING

The license of the "Gothic Inn," Snargate Street, was next considered.

Mr. Mowll appeared in support of the renewal of the licence.

The Chief Constable said that this was a fully licensed house situated in Snargate Street, and the owners were Messrs. Beer and Co., Canterbury. The present tenant was Mr. W. G. White, and it was transferred to him on April 1st, 1910, and the previous changes  were in 1907, 1906, 1903 and 1901. There was a back bar in Northampton Street, which was used occasionally when vessels were unloaded in the docks. This entrance was closed about 6 o'clock in the evenings. The Committee of Justices who had visited the area instructed him to oppose the licence.

By Mr. Mowll: I do not know that the house has a very large trade but i should say the house does more since the troops have been in the town than formerly.

Inspector Lockwood said that he visited the house at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, the 22nd, and there were three customers. On Saturday, the 23rd, at 3.10 p.m., there were five customers. On Monday, the 25th, at 4.10 p.m., there were eight customers, and on Thursday, the 28th, at 7.45 p.m. there were 18 customers.

Mr. Mowll said there was no use addressing and arguments in this case because the trade absolutely spoke for itself.

Mr. Oliver handed to the Justices a paper with the trade of the house up to the end of the year.

The Chairman said that the average for three years was 8½ barrels a week. He supposed it was doing more now.

Mr. Oliver said that it probably was, it always did a big trade.

The Chairman: We do not want to hear anything more Mr. Mowll.

THE MAGISTRATES DECISION

The Magistrates then retired to consider their decision, and on returning the Chairman said that the Magistrates had decided to give a licence to the "Town Hall" for both music and singing on condition that free admission was given. The licence of the "Gothic" and "White Lion" would be renewed. The "Silver Lion," the "Black Horse," and the "Grand Sultan" would have to go to Canterbury.

Dover Express 29 January 1937.

A Receiving Order has been Gazetted against Eva Jane Phillips (widow), "Gothic Inn," Snargate Street, Dover, victualler, late 18, Beecham Gr., Watford, grocer.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 19 February, 1937.

DOVER LICENSEE'S FAILURE

The public examination in bankruptcy of Mrs. Eva Phillips, a widow, recently trading at "The Gothic" Inn, Snargate Street, Dover, took place at Canterbury Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday.

Her statement of affairs disclosed assets of £184 19s. 6d. and liabilities of £141 9s. 11d., giving a surplus of £43 9s. 3d.

Debtor explained that the surplus depended on the value of a house in Hertfordshire, which was twice mortgaged. When her husband died in 1932 she invested £300 in a grocery business, which she had brought her to the position she was in. She had no experience, and regretted that she did not seek expert advice. She had lost all her capital and had since found that the business had been "on the books" for twelve months.

The examination was closed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 17 June, 1938.

CLOSING DOWN PUBLIC HOUSES

The East Kent Licensing Authority met at Canterbury on Friday last, when the four Dover houses referred to by the licensing Justices came up.

THE "GOTHIC," SNARGATE STREET

The "Gothic," Snargate Street had also been referred.

Mr. Waddy, for the Renewal Authority, said that the "Gothic" was a fully licensed house.

Colonel F. G. Hayward, giving evidence as Surveyor to the Dover Harbour Board, said that the house was in a very good state of repair, having recently been done up.

Replying to Mr. Doughty, witness said that he did not know that the brewers had spent £450 on the premises in the last nine years. The locality was going to be considerably changed in the near future. He knew that one scheme was that Snargate Street should be widened.

To other questions, witness said that the Harbour Board were the owners of the premises, and if the premises were pulled downthe Board would have to compensate the tenant. It would save the board a lot of money if they could get Compensation Authority to pay the tenant.

In reply to a point raised by Mr. Waddy, Mr Doughty said that the terms of the lease provided for a year's notice being given, and compensation must be paid - such sum as the lessors considered to be reasonable.

Replying to Mr. Waddy, Colonel Harward said that the Harbour Board has statutory powers. If the Harbour Board did as suggested, the tenant would be entitled to apply for special removal.

After further evidence of the same nature as had been heard for the "Wheatsheaf," Mr. Doughty, for the brewers, said that the Authority had used its discretion in deciding whether a licence should be renewed or not. Referring to the proposed scheme called "The Re-Development Scheme," particulars of which he said were given with a map in the Dover Express," Mr. Doughty said that if the "Gothic" was pulled down the Harbour Board would have to pay compensation to the tenant. How nice it would be to get someone else to pay that compensation. If the re-development scheme could be carried out through more cheaply, how convenient for the Harbour Board. He asked the Authority to say that the Compensation Fund should not be used for this purpose.

Mr. Waddy suggested that Mr. Doughty should call evidence to prove what he said about the re-development scheme.

Mr. Doughty: It is felt that the Compensation Fund is being victimised by the Harbour Board, and that is why it has been felt necessary to come here and object so strongly.

The Chairman, after further evidence, announced that the Authority refuse to renew the licence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 20 October 1939.

Snargate Street demolition work between the old Wellington Hall and the "Gothic" public house is now practically finished, and only the remains of the dilapidated shop fronts intervene to prevent the Wellington Dock from being completely open to view from Snargate Street. The work which was held up at the outbreak of war was recommended at the beginning of October.