From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 27 February, 1864.

A GAME TOO MANY

George Cook, a carter, was summoned for leaving a cart longer than was necessary for loading or unloading the same. Mr. Knocker appeared in support of this information also.

Police-constable Jones stated that he saw the defendant's cart unattended outside the "Grapes" public-house, Maison Dieu Road, on Thursday, from forty minutes past three till ten minutes past four. He had previously seen the horse and cart standing there for an hour and a half. Upon the defendant coming out of the public-house, he said he would move away as soon as he had "finished another game." - The Bench fined the defendant 5s., and 7s. costs which he paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 September, 1869. Price 1d.

ASSAULTING THE POLICE

Jack Hicks, a labourer, was charged with assaulting a police-constable while in the execution of his duty on the Maison Dieu Road.

Police constable Nash said that from information he received he went to the "Grapes Inn," Maison Dieu Road, and saw the landlord, who gave a man into his custody on a charge of assaulting him and his wife. When he had the man in his custody, the prisoner threatened to punch his (the policeman's) head. On witness telling him to mind his own business, he struck witness a blow on the head, and witness took the prisoner into custody. He was very violent, and witness had to obtain the assistance of Police-constable Faith in order to handcuff him, and he was then taken to the station-house. The other man that witness had in his custody succeeded in getting away during the scuffle, and he then made good certain damage he had done, after which the landlord refused to give him into custody.

The Magistrates fined the prisoner 10s., and the costs 6d.; in default, fourteen days' imprisonment.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 22 October, 1869.

SUNDAY WARNING "HALF AND HALF"

William Charles Wilson, landlord of the "Grapes" public-house was summoned on the information of Police-sergeant Stevens for having his house open during illegal hours on the 17th.

The defendant did not appear, but his wife  was present and said  he was unable to stand, and he could not be squared from his work.

Superintendent Coram having proved the service of the summons, Police-sergeant Stevens said: that on Sunday morning last, about half-past nine, he was passing the "Grapes," Maison Dieu Road, having just previously visited it, when he saw a boy named Collard come out of the house with a jug in his hand containing "half-and-half," newly drawn. In consequence of what the boy said, witness went into the house and saw the landlord's daughter, who admitted drawing the liquor. The landlord was also present when he spoke to the daughter, and he said he was very sorry.

The boy, John Collard, 15 years of age, living at Prospect Cottages, Charlton, said he went into the "Grapes Inn"  on Sunday morning last, to fetch some beer and porter. he went into the house and asked for it. The daughter of the landlord drew it and he paid one penny for it.

In reply to the Bench, Superintendent Coram said the house was very respectably conducted.

The Magistrates fined the defendant 5s. and the costs, 16s., which was paid.

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

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

SUNDAY TRADING

The landlord of the “Grapes,” Mr. C. Wilson, had also been convicted of keeping his house open on the Sunday; but on being reminded of the circumstance he professed to have no recollection of it, and it was not till the date of the conviction was searched out by the Magistrates' Clerk that his memory was sufficiently refreshed to remember it. The presiding Magistrate regretted that Mr. Wilson had so faulty a memory, because it was probably that he would go away and forget what had occurred that morning, and what the Magistrates were now going to tell him. (A laugh.) This was, that if he again offended in this particular he would in all probability have his licence taken away; and although the applicant might have an imperfect recollection of what passed before the Magistrates, he might inform him that a record of their transactions was kept, and the recollection of the Magistrates themselves was not so defective. If there were any repetition of this complaint, and he (Dr. Astley) was upon the Bench, he should think it his duty to endeavour to withhold the licence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 31 May, 1872. Price 1d.

APPLICATION TO DRAW

Mr. Coleman applied that Mr. George Moneylaws, recently carrying on a grocery business at Aldington, might be allowed to draw at the "Grapes Inn," Charlton, in place of the present tenant, Mr. William Charles Wilson, until the next transfer day.

Testimonials to character were handed in from the Churchwardens of Aldington.

It appeared that the present tenant, Mr. Wilson, had occupied the house for seven years.

Superintendent Sanders said there was one conviction against the house, about a twelve month ago; but he should raise no objection to the proposed transfer.

The Bench thereupon granted the application.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 October, 1890. Price 5d.

PROPERTY SALE

At the Auction Sale at the “Royal Oak Hotel,” yesterday, by Messrs. Terson and Son, No. 45, Seven Stars Street, sold for “165, and 58, Maison Dieu Road, sold for £205. The latter was bought by Mr. Thompson, who was also the purchaser of the “Grapes Inn.”

Yesterday afternoon Messrs. Terson and Son offered five public houses, the property of Mrs. Harding, for sale by auction at the “Royal Oak Hotel.” The “Grapes,” Maison Dieu Road, sold for £1,200.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 24 February, 1905. Price 1d.

BURGLARIES AT CHARLTON GREEN

At an early hour on Saturday morning, entrances were effected to the “Sportsman” and “Grapes Inn” at Charlton Green. From every appearance and certain information that the Police possess, there seems to be no doubt that these two robberies are part of a series of burglaries that were committed last week successively at towns between Dover and Chatham. The entrances were effected from the back with considerable skill, for at the “Sportsman” there was a god in the yard, and that was not even disturbed, whilst at the “Grapes” there were three dogs in the house, and these were also not aroused. At the “Sportsman” a sum of under two hundred pounds was taken, whilst at the “Grapes” under five pounds was stolen, and in addition a few articles were taken at the “Sportsman” in the way of a silver spoon, etc.

Two men visited both houses just before closing time, and finished up at the “Red Lion,” which they left when the house was closed, and they no doubt then secreted themselves and subsequently submitted the robbery. The Police are dealing with the matter.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 March, 1905. Price 1d.

SMART CAPTURE OF A BURGLAR

DOVER POLICE MAKE AN IMPORTANT HAUL

On Wednesday evening the Dover Police made a capture that will probably break up a dangerous gang of burglars who have been committing a succession of serious robberies in East Kent. It will be remembered that some few weeks ago at the “Grapes” public house and the “Sportsman” public house in Charlton Green were both entered on the same night, and a quantity of money taken. The entrances were effected from the back, and of course as the Police have no access to that part, they had no chance of capturing the robbers red handed. However, when the matter was brought to their notice, they made very careful enquiries, and those enquiries had the effect of making the important capture that was made on Wednesday evening. It seems that one of the refreshment houses in Dover, 23, Snargate Street, it was reported that two men took rooms on this night, but they were absent all night, and did not return, saying that they were going to see a friend of theirs in the Buffs, named Rawlings. This aroused the suspicions of the Police, and on making further enquiries they discovered that there was no such man in the Buffs as Rawlings. One of the men had left at the refreshment house a black bag, and the Police asked the landlady in the event of the men returning for it, to at once inform them. On Wednesday night they came back and asked for the bag. The landlady at once went to the top of the street and told the Constable on duty there that the men had come for the bag, and the Constable, meeting them coming out, stopped the man with the bag; and two who were in his company walking on. The man not answering the Constable's questions satisfactorily, he felt justified in taking him to the Police Station. There nothing at first could be found to connect him with the Charlton Green burglaries, and he was put into the cells as a deserter because he was wearing military socks. Some keys that were found on him, and after found to have been taken from the “Grapes,” proved to be a very conclusive connecting link, and there is little doubt but that a most important capture has been made.

Amongst the property found on the man, was a silver tobacco box, part of the proceeds of a burglary at Rochester, previous to the Dover burglaries, and, in addition, we understand that other property was found on him that was taken in some of the many other burglaries that have been startling East Kent, and one very serious one that took place at an important Kentish town only a couple of days previously. We understand that the other two men made good their escape by inducing the Railway officials to allow them to go on a special train that happened to leave Dover before the importance of the capture was realised. The Dover Police have undoubtedly made a very smart capture, due entirely to the thoroughness with which they pursued their original enquiries. The first hearing of the case took place at the Dover Police Court yesterday, before H. W. Thorpe and F. G. Wright, Esqrs.

Arthur Thomas, 22, who said that he was of no fixed residence, Mile End Road, a trimmer, was charged with being concerned with another man, not in custody, with breaking and entering the “Grapes” public house, Maison Dieu Road, during the night of the 17th of February, 1905, and stealing from the bar £4 in money, and a bunch of eight keys, value together £4, the goods and money of W. H. Gray.

William Henry Gray, landlord of the “Grapes Inn,” Maison Dieu Road, said: On Friday, February 17th, I shut up the house as usual at 11 o'clock. I did not go to bed till one o'clock, and then went round the premises to see that all was safe. Soon after I went to be I heard a noise, but thought it came from my neighbours, as we can hear noises plainly through the walls, and took no notice of it. I got up at eight o'clock, and found that the house had been broken into. The barmaid had just gone down before me, I went into the kitchen and found the window open. The lower sash had been forced up, the fastening having been broken. The spade now produced is my property and was kept in the garden by the tool house. It was found in the bar parlour, bent. The marks on the window corresponded with it. When I went to bed there were some large glass bottles on the kitchen table, inside of the window, and these were removed outside the house to enable a person to get through the window, which was four or five feet from the ground. On going into the bar I found that a drawer behind the counter was gone. It was found in the bottling place at the back of the bar parlour. The drawer, which was locked, contained about three or four pounds in money. There was half a sovereign and some silver in a bag. I had not counted the money. I had counted the bulk of the money, which I had carried upstairs with me, and had left this downstairs for the next morning. The coppers and the bag of money were gone when I found the drawer. The keys produced were amongst the coppers, and are my property. When I was shown them the other day I at once recognised them as my property. The drawer had been opened by forcing the bolt of the lock. The bar parlour, which also looks on to the back, was broken into. The glass by the catch had been smashed and the catch broken. In the parlour was the iron crowbar produced, two spades, and the garden fork. They had tried to force the door of the room leading into the passage, but had not succeeded, and then apparently went to the scullery window, which had been tampered with. The entry was then apparently effected through the kitchen window. There was a dog, a spaniel, asleep on the kitchen table all the time. Another was upstairs in the barmaid's bedroom, and another outside. The dogs had been doctored, and were not well for three or four days. Usually they barked when the Police came to try the house. There was not a whimper from them for three or four days. They had been out in the street after closing time, and had to be called in, a thing that is quite unusual. My cash box, which was on the dresser in the kitchen, was broken open. It contained some bonds, warrants for spirits, but they were shot out in the garden, and we found them blowing about the next morning. They were of no use to anyone, as the duty would have to be paid. There was ⅓ of a guinea in the box, and that was taken. Two strangers were in the house that evening, but I did not see them myself.

The Magistrates' Clerk: But you want strangers to come in?

Witness; Not the way these afterwards did. At the back footmarks could be seen. One of them had a large round India-rubber heel with a screw in the middle. There was also footmarks with a broad plain heel. There was also a narrow heel with half a clip. These three footmarks were all I could see. These we traced to a wall between Palmerston Terrace and the “Sportsman Inn.” The latter was broken into during the same night. Yesterday Sergt. Palmer showed me the keys produced, which I at once identified, and one I found unlocked a drawer in my musical box. It is an unusual key. Other keys fit locks upstairs.

The prisoner said he had no questions to ask; he wished to make his statement presently.

Police Constable Fred C. Jarvist said: Last evening at 8.15 I was on duty at the top of Snargate Street, and from information received I went to the coffee shop at 23, Snargate Street. I saw three men inside, and waited outside for about five minutes. Two men came out, followed by the prisoner, who was carrying a small black bag. They appeared to be together, but the other two men went down Snargate Street. I said to the prisoner, “I wish to speak to you. Where were you three weeks ago last Friday night?” he said, “At Bow.” I said, “Are you sure you were not here in Dover three weeks ago on a Friday, and left your bag at the coffee shop?” he stood for a minute and then said, “Yes, I think I did.” I told him that as he answered the description of a man who was wanted here about three weeks ago I should take him to the Police Station on suspicion. He said, “All right, I will come.” I brought him to the police Station accompanied by Police Constable Stanford. He came quietly, carrying the bag. At the Station Inspector Fox said he would like to ask him a few questions. He asked him where he stopped on the night of the 17th February. He said he went back to Bow. Inspector Fox asked him what time train he went back by. He said a train which left Dover about ten o'clock. Inspector Fox said there was no such train; the last train to London was at seven. “All right,” he said, “if you must know, I did not go back. I slept outside the barracks.” He was asked why he came to Dover, and he said “To see a chum in the Buffs named Rawlings.” He was wearing military socks stamped with the words “Rifle Brigade.” He was searched, and the bunch of keys produced found on him, also 18/5 in money, a silver tobacco box, and other articles, which I now produce. He had round India rubber pads on both heels. I went to make some inquiries, and returned at 11. Inspector Fox and myself then went to the cell. Inspector Fox cautioned the prisoner, and asked him how he could account for having the keys in his possession. He said he bought them. The Inspector cautioned him again, and told him that the keys were a part of the property that had been stolen with £4 in money from the “Grapes” public house on the 17th of February or the early morning of the 18th. He was then charged with being concerned with another man not in custody with breaking into the house. He said. “All right,” and did not deny it. He refused to give his name and address, saying he never had any, and they called him “Sam.”

At the request of Inspector Fox, who wished to call further evidence, the case was remanded till Monday.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 March, 1905. Price 1d.

THE CHARLTON GREEN BURGLAR

COMMITTED FOR TRAIL

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. H. W. Thorpe, J. L. Bradley, J. W. J. Mackenzie, and F. G. Wright, Arthue Thomas was brought up on remand charged with being concerned with another man, not in custody, with breaking into the “Grapes” public house, Maison Dieu Road, on February 17th, 1905, and stealing £4 in money and a bunch of keys.

The evidence given at the previous hearing was read over.

Miss Bessie Fuller said: I keep a restaurant at 23, Snargate Street. I first saw the prisoner four weeks ago last Friday, February 17th. He and another man came there about 8.30 in the evening. One of the two had a small black hand bag, the one now produced. They had something to eat and remained in the house half an hour. On leaving, I believe it was the other man who asked me whether he could leave the bag, as he wished to see a chum named Rawlings at the barracks, belonging to the 2nd battalion of the Buffs. I said I did not know him by name. I told them I did not think they would be allowed through as it was so late. They answered, “Oh yes, we can at our barracks.” I asked what barracks they were, and they said, “We belong to the rifles, and come from Chatham.” They were both in plain clothes, respectably dressed. They said they would call for the bag at half-past eleven. I waited up for them, but they did not come, so I went to bed. The next evening about a quarter to twelve at night, I reported the matter to the Police. On Wednesday night last, between seven and eight, the prisoner and two others came in. They were two fresh men, and one of them said he belonged to the Buffs. They ordered something to eat. I took their order. They paid for it all in coppers, the prisoner paying the 1/6 and asking for the bag. Previously he said, “Do you recognise me?” I did not reply, and he asked for the small black bag which he said he left there. I asked him why he did not come for it before, and he said he could not find my shop, and the next day he went to Bow. I handed him his bag. I had previously communicated with the Police that the men had called for the bag. All three left together. The Constable was outside then.

Acting Inspector Palmer said: Last Wednesday I was at the station when the prisoner was brought in by Police-constable Jarvest. The property that was found on the prisoner consisted of a watch, studs, and several other things, and the keys produced I took to the “Grapes” public house and showed them to Mr. Gray. He at once picked up the keys and said, “These are mine.” He selected one key saying, “This belongs to my musical box.” He went straight to the drawer and unlocked it. I brought the keys back to the station.

Police Sergeant Figg said: On the morning of February 18th I went to the “Grapes” shortly after eight o'clock. Mr. Gray reported that his house had been entered. I saw that the kitchen window had been forced, the fastenings being broken by pushing up the bottom sash with a shovel. There were some footmarks on the earth under the window. There was a plain sole and a broad heel, another heel mark with half a tip, and another with Indian-rubber pad quite round. I have seen the prisoner's boots, and he has similar pads on both heels that correspond with the marks. I measured them both, and they correspond. These marks I traced to a wall between the “Grapes” public house and the “Sportsman” bowling green. There were similar marks at the “Sportsman” where it had been entered. They came over a small dwarf fence over Mr. Bromley's builders' yard.

The prisoner said: I wish to plead guilty.

The Magistrates committed the prisoner for trial to the next Quarter Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 April, 1905. Price 1d.

THE CHARLTON GREEN BURGLARIES

William Quick, alias Arthur Thomas, 22, was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the “Grapes Inn,” and stealing £4, eight rings, and one key ring, on February 18th last.

The prisoner pleaded guilty.

He was further charged with being convicted of felony at the Thames Police Court in October, 1897, as Thomas Quick.

The prisoner denied this.

Mr. Croft said it was not correct. It was the prisoner's brother who had been so convicted.

The Recorder said that as the Grand Jury had found a true bill, it would be necessary for a Jury to return a verdict. No evidence need be tendered if it were wished.

Sergeant William Eustace, Metropolitan Police said that the man referred to was the prisoner's brother.

The Jury accordingly returned a verdict that the man convicted was not the prisoner.

Mr. Croft, in submitting the facts to the Recorder, said that on Friday, February 17th, the “Grapes Inn” was left securely locked up. The next day they found the house had been entered from the kitchen window, which had been forced open with a shovel that was found in the house. Money to the amount of £4 had been taken. Theer was also a bunch of keys gone. On the previous evening the prisoner and another man went to a restaurant kept by Mrs. Fuller, whose conduct had been extremely good. They left a black bag there, for which they did not return. Mr. Fuller communicated with the Police, and on March 15th the prisoner came again and asked for the bag. Mrs. Fuller handed him the bag, but gave information to the Police, acting with extreme propriety. The prosecutor identified a bunch of keys found on the prisoner as a bunch stolen from his house when the burglary was committed.

The Recorder said that there was a coin described as a third of a guinea taken. What was that?

Mr. Croft said that he did not know. He had never heard of such a coin.

Mr. Gray, the prosecutor, said it was a gold coin.

Mr. Croft said that there were footmarks of three men who entered the house found at the back, one of which was identified as that of the prisoner.

In reply to the Recorder, Mr. Gray said the conduct of the dogs, who were good house dogs were very peculiar on that night. They went out and did not return as usual. He did not notice anything peculiar with them when they did return, but did so the next morning.
Inspector Fox said that since the man had been in custody his finger prints had been taken but there was no record of his previous conviction.

The Recorder asked how long the finger print system had been introduced?

Inspector Fox said about six years. He stated that the prisoner absolutely refused to give any information respecting himself, but in consequence of an Army brush found in his possession, they had traced him to be a man named William Quick. This man had served in the 4th battalion of the Rifle Brigade, and was transferred to the Army Reserves on the 6th June last year. His Army character was indifferent, and his last address was Stratford. He had been committed for trial to the West Kent Quarter Sessions on Thursday last for offences committed at Chatham.

Detective-sergeant Eustace, of the Metropolitan Police, said that he knew the prisoner in 1895, he going into the Army twelve months later. He next came under their notice in November last at Bow. He had been living at Abbey Lane, Stratford, and a very large number of public houses had been broken into in the neighbourhood of Bow. The prisoner was put under observation, and he had himself seen him with two very dangerous men. One of these men, who lived at Bow at the time, had since been arrested for breaking into a public house.

The prisoner, on being called upon, said he had nothing to say.

The Recorder said that this was a carefully planned burglary, and was not carried out alone. The sentence of the Court would be that the prisoner would be kept to hard labour for twelve months.

Mr. Crofts applied for 18/5 found on the prisoner to be handed over to the prosecutor.

The Recorder said that this was a month after the offence, and he did not feel that he could make an order that it should be handed over, or that the prisoner should now pay compensation to that amount. This remark was greeted with applause from the back of the Court, which was immediately suppressed.

The Recorder added that Mrs. Fuller seemed to have acted with great astuteness and propriety, and it was undoubtedly due to to her that the prisoner had been arrested.

Mr. Croft: No doubt.

The Recorder having called Mrs. Fuller forward, said that he was going to repeat to her what he had already said – that she had acted with great propriety, and in the way that a lady in her position would be expected to act. She had given the Police great assistance, and it was undoubtedly due to her that the prisoner had been brought to justice. The inhabitants of the borough of Dover should be grateful to her for acting with such promptitude as assiduity on that occasion.

Mrs. Fuller: Thank you.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 18 January, 1907. Price 1d.

FIRE AT CHARLTON GREEN

On Tuesday morning, at 2.20, a neighbour looking out of his window at the rear of the “Grapes Inn,” Charlton Green, saw that the back of the premises was on fire. The alarm was immediately raised and a message sent to the Police Station. The curricle (a light, open, two-wheeled carriage pulled by two horses side by side) from the Police Station was at once dispatched in charge of Inspector Lockwood. On arrival it was found that a shed at the back, in which poultry and rabbits were kept had caught on fire, and the flames had extended to the roof of an outbuilding of the public house, in which bottles, etc. were stored. The standpipe was at once fixed in Maison Dieu Road, and a good supply of water obtained. The fire was extinguished by 3 o'clock, and another quarter of an hour's work made matters safe. In addition to the damage done to the sheds, the rabbits were all destroyed. The Superintendent and 10 firemen were present, and they had the aid of several willing workers, who promptly turned out to render assistance.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 20 June, 1913. Price 1d.

LICENCE CHANGES

The "Grapes," Maison Dieu, was transferred from Mr. W. H. Gray to Mr. George Thompson.

The Chief Constable said that Mr. Gray, who is retiring from the business, had held the licence for 39 years, and that the house had always been conducted in a most satisfactory manner. he also thought that he was the oldest licensed victualler in the town. The Chairman congratulated Mr. Gray on the way he had managed the house for so long a period.

From the Dover Express, 17 August 1951.

(With regard to the above license transfer, Mr. G. W. Hardman (Magistrate) explained that the transfer was on account of Mr. Anderson, formerly Secretary of Messrs. Thompsons, the brewers, and the new joint licensee, Mr. Howkins, was Secretary to the parent Company, Messrs. Charringtons. Mr. Hopkins was the manager.

Similar considerations applied in the case of the "Golden Cross", St. James' Street, and the "Granville Hotel," Townwall Street - both of which licenses were in suspense - and the "Wheelwrights Arms," Drydren Road. In each of these cases, the licences were transferred from Mr. Anderson to Mr. Howkins.