From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 25 October, 1871. Price 1d.

CRAMP v. DRISCOE

The defendant, a coastguard stationed at St. Margaret's Bay, was summoned by the complainant, the landlord of the “Green Man” public-house, which is in the same neighbourhood, for the payment for 20s. 3d., balance of account for liquors supplied at different times, for consumption off the premises, to the defendant or the members of his family. The defendant did not deny his liability, but declared that he had paid 10s. of the amount; and it appeared that he had paid the balance, 10s. 3d., into Court. A bill was produced by the defendant showing several payments on account, including the disputed 10s.; but Mrs. Cramp, the wife of the complainant, who said she kept the books, declared that the entry of 10s. on account was not in her hand writing. She produced her books, which showed that the amount she now claimed was due from the defendant; and in reply to the Judge she said she allowed no one in her house to settle bills or to credit payments but herself; and repeated that the entry of the 10s. shown upon the bill was entirely unknown to her. The wife of the defendant was called, and also protested that the sum of 10s. had been paid on account. She produced her daughter, a child about 12 years of age, who had paid the last instalment that was acknowledged, and she said that when she paid this sum (5s.) the sum of 10s. was already acknowledged on the bill.

The Judge, remarking that it was a very difficult case to decide, gave an order in defendant's favour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1 May, 1896.

FALL OVER THE CLIFF

A little boy, aged eight years old, the son of Chief Engineer of the Lighthouse, fell over the cliff at South Foreland, last night about 7 o'clock, and was killed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 May, 1896.

FATALITY AT THE SOUTH FORELAND

Mr. R. M. Mercer, Coroner for East Kent, held an inquiry at the South Foreland Lighthouse on Friday, respecting the death of the eight-year-old son of James Core, chief engineer at the lighthouse, who was killed by falling over the cliff, a distance of 260 feet, as briefly reported last week. The following gentlemen were the Jury: Messrs. J. H. Stone (foreman), A. E. Doubleday, T. Dilnot, G. Laslett, J. Madge, P. Ogle, H. Upton, M. Upton, E. Viner, F. W. Summers, D. Spain, G. Wellard, and G. Hember.

The body having been viewed, the following evidence was taken:-

James Core, of the trinity Lighthouse Service, said: I have been stationed at the South Foreland for the past two years. The deceased lad was my son, Thomas Bryce Core, eight years of age. About a quarter to seven yesterday evening I was told by my sister-in-law that my boy had fallen over the cliff. I obtained some ropes and was lowered down the cliff some way to the westward of where he had fallen. The depth of the cliff there is about 260 feet. There was no other means of getting to the body down the cliff than by a rope. When I got to him, my boy was quite dead. We brought him to the top and removed the body to the lighthouse. The children have since told me they were down beside where he had fallen over about a month ago, and had set up a “gin” there to catch rabbits.

James Core, 12 years of age, brother of the deceased, said: I was out yesterday evening with my brother and another boy named Johnny Ayers, playing near the top of the cliff. I last saw my brother down by the low light on the coast path, running along. I was some way from him, standing by the gate of the path, and Ayers, who was on an ash heap, told me deceased was going down to the rabbit hole. I heard no cry. After a little while Ayers called me and said he could see nothing of my brother, and I went back and looked for him. Finding him nowhere about, I said to Johnny Ayers that he must have fallen over, and I ran up to the house and told my aunt. I could see Ayers all the time I was beside the gate; he did not go down to where my brother was. The rabbit holes are quite on the edge of the cliff, and we have to get down on the grass if we want to see our traps.

By the Foreman: I have always found it safe there.

John Ayres, 9 years of age, son of a coastguard, said: I was playing with the deceased and his brother yesterday evening, but I did not see him fall over the cliff. I did not hear any cry. When we could not find him, we went to the edge of the cliff and looked over, and James Core then ran up to the house. We had set a gin on the grass to catch rabbits about two or three feet from the edge of the cliff. Deceased was gone about ten minutes before we missed him. We did not visit the rabbit holes every day, but I had been down there very often. We were not playing near the edge of the cliff. The grass is very long there, and there are little blackthorn bushes near where our gin is set up. I believe it is dangerous there.

By the Foreman: I have never been told not to play there, neither have I heard deceased warned not to do so.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death by falling over the cliff.” The Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, expressed their deep sympathy with the father and family, and gave it as their opinion that no blame be attachable to anyone.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 May, 1896.

ANOTHER DEATH AT THE SOUTH FORELAND

On Wednesday afternoon the fifth fatal fall from the cliffs between Dover and St. Margaret's during the last six weeks, occurred. A young fellow named William Gilbert Hooker, a son of one of the Masters of the South Foreland College, Ramsgate, about 17 years of age, accompanied by a companion, walked along the bottom of the cliff towards Dover. When just beyond the iron step ladder which leads up to the caves under the South Foreland Lights, something up the cliff attracted the young fellows, presumably nests, and they commenced to climb up. They succeeded in getting up about a quarter way, the survivor being the highest when Hooker slipped and fell to the bottom. His companion horror stricken, managed to get down and found that his unfortunate friend, although alive was insensible, and was bleeding from a terrible wound on the head. After placing him as comfortably as circumstances would permit he ran to St. Margaret's Bay for assistance. A medical man was sent for, and young Drew, one of the Bay boatmen put off in a boat. Hooker was by this means brought round to St. Margaret's bay, and Dr. Pollock was present on the beach when the boat came ashore. The insensible lad was at once carried to the “Green Man” public house where he was surgically attended to. It was found that no bones were broken, but that Hooker was suffering from a severe wound and concussion. It was at first intended to bring him to Dover Hospital, but his condition was far too critical for that, and as there was no accommodation at the “Green Man” the sufferer was taken to Drew's house. Here he remained insensible until after ten, when he died, the Curate having been present the whole of the evening. Death was due to concussion of the brain. The inquest had not been definitely fixed, but will probably take place either this afternoon or to-morrow morning.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 May, 1896.

THE FORELAND FATALITY

On Wednesday afternoon the funeral of poor young Hooker took place at Ramsgate Cemetery. It was attended by many of the students at the South Eastern College and other sympathisers. The first part of the ceremony took place at Christ Church, in the presence of a sympathetic congregation.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 20 April, 1900. Price 1d.

LICENSING

Mr. George Perry, who is at present acting as landlord of the "Green Man," applied for a formal transfer of the license from the late landlord, Mr. Cramp. The license indenture had been lost prior to the transfer.

The application was adjourned till the Sessions at Wingham on May 3rd.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 May, 1900.

ST MARGARET'S

Mr. George Berry renewed his application to draw at the “Green Man,” St. Margaret's. It will be remembered that at the last court the license issued to the out-going tenant, Mr. George Cramp, was said to be lost. The license had now been found, and as Mr. berry's testimonials from the Motor Bus Co. and from the Coastguards were very satisfactory, the temporary transfer was granted.

Dover Express 21st September 1900.

DOVER COUNTY SESSIONS. ST. MARGARET’S.

The landlord of the Green Man, Mr. G. H. Perry, applied that his full name, George Henry, should be inserted in the licence instead of only his first name, George, which he had given when the licence was transferred to him. The Inland Revenue pointed out the error when he went to pay for the licence and gave his full name.

The Chairman, Mr. Burch Rosher, considered the applicant ought to prove which was his right name and insisted on a baptism certificate being produced.

The Clerk was instructed to amend the licence when this was done.

From the Dover Express, Friday 16 October, 1903.

ST. MARGARETS.

George Berry, landlord of the "Green Man Inn," was granted an hour’s extension on October 17th, for a harvest supper.

The Chairman: There is not much harvest at St. Margarets!

Mr. Berry: It is not very grand!

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 March, 1912. Price 1d.

LICENSING

An occasional licence for the supply of refreshments was granted to Mr. G. Berry, of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's on the occasion of a Conservative smoking concert at the Parish Hall.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 22 December, 1922. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

Mr. Wellard of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's, was granted an extension for the annual Slate Club dinner on the 30th December.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 20 April, 1923. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

Mr. W. A. Wellard, of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's, was granted an extension for a reunion dinner of Old Comrades of the Zeebrugge Raid.

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

LICENSING

Mr. Wellard of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's, was granted an extension for the slate club supper on December 22nd.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 22 March, 1929. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

Plans were submitted for alterations to the “Green Man,” St. Margaret's, enabling better supervision over the bar parlour and improving the bar parlour, which was small.

The plans were approved.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 July, 1937.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

The County Petty Sessions  were held at Wingham on Thursday, before Viscount Hawarden, Messrs. C. J. Burgess and W. G. Chandler, and Miss Tower.

LICENCE TRANSFER REFUSED

Mr. N. G. Goodwin, formerly of Margate, applied for the transfer  of the licence of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's By, from Mr. J. Davis.

The Chairman said that the Magistrates felt they would have to refuse the application as the police testimonial of the applicant was not good enough.

Mr. Gerald Hardman (Deal), later in the morning, said that he hoped the magistrates would allow him to make an application, although they had already dealt with the matter. He had just been instructed on the matter, and felt that if the magistrates were to be convinced that the circumstances were such that it would be a gross hardship to refuse the application for a transfer they would not think it an improper thing to do to grant the transfer. He could only tell them that the Police did not oppose the application for the transfer, the Superintendent was not heard on the matter at all. The magistrates had before them references and a Police report which he had not seen. His instructions were that the present tenant of the "Green Man" was very ill, and the position was a very difficult one for the persons concerned. Mr. Goodwin had first class references from Messrs. Cobb, brewers, of Margate, and Messrs. Thompson, brewers, of Walmer, who were satisfied with the references he produced. He did not think those two firms of brewers were firms who would take tenants without a very careful enquiry.

Mr. Phillips, Valuer, Canterbury, said that the present tenant had to be removed to a nursing home. He had known Mr. Goodwin for about eighteen months when he (Mr. Goodwin) applied to him for a licence. The brewers said they were sorry to part with his services. Mr. Goodwin's references at Margate were satisfactory, and his application there was granted. He had been intimately associated with Mr. Goodwin for a year, and at Margate he ran his premises very well, and they were spotlessly clean.

Mr. Hardman (who had been handed the report fro the police at East Suffolk) observed that it stated that Mr. Goodwin was "a man of fairly sober habits." It also stated that he did not conduct the "Anchor" and the "Crown" Hotel too satisfactorily.

Mr. Phillips said that had he any knowledge that Mr. Goodwin was anything but sober he would not have submitted his name to the brewers. According to the references he received, Mr. Goodwin was a thoroughly honest, sober and industrious man.

Mr. Goodwin said that before coming south he held licences at Lowestoft. On two occasions he as warned for having customers on his premises after hours, but was never summoned. On one occasion it was a public house used by fisherman, and it was difficult to get them away at times, and the other was at a commercial hotel, and travellers staying there had friends in.

Mr. Hardman submitted that the Police report was only an expression of opinion, and it might be wrong.

Mr. Burgess said that it was an outstanding Police report. All Police reports he had read had been absolutely fair.

The Chairman, after the Magistrates had retired to consider the application, said that it had been decided not to grant a temporary transfer that day, but to make further enquiries from the Police first, to see what they meant. The full transfer would come before the Court at Dover next week.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 16 July, 1937.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

The adjourned application for the transfer of the licence of the "Green Man," St. Margaret's, from John Davis to Gerald Nettleton Goodwin, came before the Justices for further consideration.

Mr. J. H. Mowll, appearing for the brewers, said his client had decided to go no further with that application and asked for the temporary transfer to Mr. Dredge, Manager Messrs. Thompson, Brewes. The present licensee, Mr. Davis, was very ill indeed and asked that he might be excused attendance at any further transfer there might be.

The Magistrates granted a temporary transfer of the licence to Mr. Dredge.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 22 July, 1938. Price 1½d.

ST. MARGARET'S EXTENSIONS REFUSED

Mr. P. A. G. Aldington, on behalf of the licensee of the “Green Man,” St. Margaret's Bay, applied for extensions to 11.45 p.m. on 23rd and 30th July, August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, and on August Bank Holiday Monday to 12.30 a.m. These were in order that those attending dances to be held on those dates on the lawn might be served with drinks.

Inspector Kitchingham said that he had been instructed by Superintendent Webb to oppose the applications as there was no clubroom on the premises where a dance could be held and the lawn was in front of the premises and there was nothing to prevent the general public just walking in and taking advantage of the extensions.

Mr. Aldington pointed out that a person could not go onto the property without trespassing.

The application was refused.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 26 June, 1953.

RE-BUILDING THE "GREEN MAN"

Rural Council Dislike the Design

FURTHER progress in the re-development of St. Margaret's Bay from its war and gale-damaged condition is foreshadowed by the proposal of the brewers, Messrs. Thompson and Son, Ltd., to rebuild the "Green Man."

But Dover Rural Council, whose coast protection works at the Bay have just been completed, do not like the design which the brewers have submitted.

A report before the Council at their monthly meeting recommended that, under the building by-laws, the plans submitted should have approved for five years only as the materials proposed to be used included short-lived materials.

On planning grounds, the final decision lies with the County Planning Department, and the Rural Council decided to inform that department that they object to the present design and suggest that they should be given power to approach the brewers direct with a view to obtaining a more satisfactory design.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 March, 1954.

RE-BUILDING THE "GREEN MAN"

Above shows a view of the work in progress this week

Hopes that the "Green Man," St. Margaret's Bay, would be rebuilt and ready in time to welcome visitors by Easter received a set-back during the recent unusually cold spell when brick-laying was stopped. Despite this, work of digging foundation trenches and clearing away excessive rubble went on and Messrs. Jenners, of Dover the firm of builders who are doing the work for Messrs. Charrington's, the brewers, hope that it will not be very long after Easter before the premises are ready.

The building was transformed from a quaint 600-year-old inn to a state of chaotic rubble during the war when it was used as part of a Commando course. If, when these soldiers put their training into practice against the enemy, it was half as efficient as it was to that homely little pub at the Bay, then they more than played their part in the winning of the war.

Claims that the building is 600 years old and that the building was shattered by Commandos during the manoeuvres and not by enemy action have been backed up by discoveries made in the cellar which extends back into the face of the cliff at the rear of the building. Here we found several old coins dating back to 1378, a practice grenade, which was taken into custody by the local policeman, several rounds of both used and blank ammunition and some typical "British Tommy" phrases written on the walls.

Before the war the building had a frontage of some forty yards from which teas were served to visitors. This forefront will now be replaced by a car park for customers, with open tearooms both on a veranda in front of the building, on the ground floor, and on a specially prepared flat roof above the main building.

A lot has been done to restore as far as possible the flint facings on the wall. The builders even have hopes of retaining two drunken looking chimney stacks to gibe the premises a kind of antique look despite the fact that a lot of modern materials have had to be used.

The northern end of the building will be two-storey, with living accommodation for the licensee.

Bay windows will give diners a clear view of the Straits and, with the new sea wall and the recently-erected groynes holding back the shingle, bathing at St. Margaret's Bay should, in future, be popular.

The license of the "Green Man" has been held in abeyance for some thirteen or fourteen years and the premises' re-opening will be the first sign of permanent business returning to this once popular bay.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 26 April, 1963.

"Green Man" Raided.

A thief forced his way through the cellar flap of the Green Man public house in the Bay on Thursday night last week and stole £10 in cash. He ignored the stock.