From the Kentish Gazette, 27 July 1810.

About two in the morning of Wednesday last, the "Guildhall Tavern" in this city, was providentially preserved from fire under the following circumstances:- a person who lodged in the house, had gone to bed and imprudently left a candle burning in one of the chairs the flume of which communicating to his clothes, which were hung up on the chair, set them on fire, and the stench of them burning fortunately awoke him, when with a happy presence of mind, he precipitated the remnants into the street from the window, and thereby probably preserved the house with its inhabitants. The loss upon this occasion, besides the whole of the clothes of the party and the chair, is also 12 pounds in bank notes, which were in the pocket of one of the garments consumed; trifling, however, compared to the risque of the life of the persons at the Inn, none of which, however, were aware of the event till their usual hour of arising in the morning.

From the Kentish Gazette, 31 July 1810.

On Tuesday night, a person who occupied one of the bed-rooms at the "Guildhall Tavern," in this city, incautiously left a candle burning on a chair near the bed-side, where he had placed his clothes, which in a short time after he had fallen asleep caught fire, and were in part consumed before he was alarmed, he had the presence of mind on awaking to stop the circulation of air through the room, and prevented the fire from spreading, by flinging the burning remnants of his garment a out of the window. The only damage sustained was the loss of his clothes and bank notes to the amount of about twelve pounds, which were in one of his pockets.

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 August 1810.

An unfortunate occurrence took place in this city about five in the morning of Saturday last.

As two of the London night conches were passing up the High-street, one of them drew up at the "Guildhall Tavern," and in endeavouring to avoid the other, (which either from accident or design, pressed too close on it; but which from the various reports stated to us we are not able to judge), ran on the kerb of the pavement and was overturned, at the moment when the coach which followed passed, and the wheels went over one of the outside passengers (Mr. Buckenridge, a Deal Pilot) one of whose legs was in consequence broken in two places; he was immediately taken up, and with the assistance of some of the inhabitants, who were awoke by the crash, curried into the Tavern, where the bone was set, and we have the satisfaction to state he is now in a fair way of recovery.

Kentish Gazette 1819.

Civil Side. Wiltshire v. Evans.

Before Mr. Justice Park.

The Plaintiff in this case is proprietor of the "Guildhall Tavern" at Canterbury; the defendant is a linen-draper residing in the same city.

Mr. Gurney stated the case, and said that this action was brought to recover the sum of of £12 the amount of a tavern bill incurred by the defendant and others, for which he had undertaken to pay, but when the bill was delivered to him he refused to do so.
It appeared that the defendant had invited several friends to dine with him, that he ordered the dinner at the "Guildhall Tavern," which was had, and after dinner they took wine, fruit, &c amounting to the sum now sought to be recovered.

Upon the evidence of one of the plaintiffs witnesses, however, it appeared that a credit for the account was also given to one Dennis Griffiths, as well as to defendant, who have become insolvent, and the account was sent into Evans.

Mr Justice Park said:- "In my opinion the plaintiff cannot sustain this action, on account of the credit being given to Mr. Griffith and Mr Proctor.

Call the plaintiff."

From the Kentish Gazette, 12 July 1836.

TO BE LET, With Immediate Possession.

THE "GUILDHALL TAVERN and ASSEMBLY ROOMS," situate in the centre of the City of Canterbury.

The above Tavern, at which the Union London and Herne Bay Coaches, and Margate, Sittingbourn, and Hythe Vans start from, possesses every convenience for carrying on a good Tavern business, which, combined with the commanding situation, presents a favorable opportunity for an active person. The Catch Club is held in the above Rooms every Wednesday during the season.

For particulars, &c. apply, if by letter, post paid, to Mr. H. Jones, Guildhall Tavern, Canterbury.

From the Kentish Gazette, 15 May 1838.

Meeting of the Commissioners of Pavement.

On Wednesday a meeting of the Commissioners of the Canterbury Pavement was held at the "Guildhall," Mr. Christian in the chair.

Mr. Matthews moved that £500 be paid in liquidation of the debt. This was seconded by Mr. Chenoweth. Mr. Ridout moved, as an amendment, that threepence in the pound be laid aside for this purpose. Seconded by Mr. Williamson. Mr. J. S. Browne thought that no money ought to be set apart until they knew the exact state of their funds. Alderman Cooper was of opinion that it would be better to contribute the surplus, if any, to assist in paying the police of the city. After some discussion, both the motion and the amendment were withdrawn. Mr. J. S. Browne then moved that the accounts of Northgate-street and North-Lane be audited by the Committee, to see if any, and what, allowances could be granted, and report the same to the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Masters.

Alderman Cooper moved that the Repair Committee examine the pavement of Castle-street, from Rosemary-lane to the "Castle Inn," the same being in a very dangerous state, and that it be McAdamized. Seconded by Mr. J. S. Browne. Also that a barrel-drain be made in Castle-row.

Mr. Smith applied for a barrel-drain from Gravel-lane to Watling-street. Alderman Cooper proposed it be submitted to the Repair Committee.

Mr. J. S. Browne stated that he would give the Court notice at the next meeting of their arrangements which had been commenced for improving Saint George’s-street, and the probable amount of the whole cost; and that at the next meeting he would move for a grant of money to carry into effect the contemplated improvements in St. George’s-street, in the purchase and removal of the premises now occupied as the "Globe Tavern," &c.

From the Kentish Gazette, 18 August 1840.

Mr. M. Jacobs, the celebrated illusionist and ventriloquist exhibited his surprising powers to a very numerous audience last evening at the "Guildball Tavern." We believe we may safely affirm Mr. Jacobs to be the most talented man of his profession now in England. The Mayor patronizes the performances on Thursday evening.

From the Kentish Gazette, 19 September 1843.

VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT FREEHOLD ESTATE.

The "GUILDHALL TAVERN" and CONCERT ROOM, KENT HERALD PRINTING OFFICE, modern DUELLING HOUSES, WINE VAULTS, and other Premises, in the City of CANTERBURY, producing a Rental of £300 per Annum.

Messrs. WHITES and GOULDEN Have received instructions to submit to PUBLIC AUCTION, ON THURSDAY, the 5th of October, 1843, at Two o'clock in the afternoon, at the "Royal Fountain Hotel," Canterbury, in One Lot (by the direction of the Mortgagees under their power of sale.)

A very desirable FREEHOLD PROPERTY, the whole of which is of modern and substantial erection; comprising the "GUILDHALL TAVERN" and spacious CONCERT ROOM, with the Wholesale and Retail WINE and SPIRIT ESTABLISHMENT and extensive WINE VAULTS, the KENT HERALD PRINTING OFFICES, with excellent and modern DWELLING HOUSE, BANKING OFFICES, with superior accommodation, and other extensive Premises, eligibly situated for business in the leading thoroughfare (being the corner of Guildhall Street and High Street) of the City of CANTERBURY.

The Premises occupying a frontage in Guildhall Street of 131 feet, and in High Street of 52 feet; are in good repair, upwards of two thousand pounds having been expended on them in recent improvements; and are in the respective occupations of the Trustees of the London and County Bank, the Proprietors of the Kent Herald Newspaper, and of Mr. Henry Jones and his undertenants.

The whole Estate will be sold subject to the payment of at Annuity of £150 per Annum during the life of Mrs. Elizabeth Wiltshier, who is now in her 78th year.

May be viewed on application to the several Tenants; and printed particulars and conditions of sale had of Messrs. Robert and George Furlky, Solicitors, or the Auctioneers, Sun street, Canterbury.

From the Kentish Gazette, 14 May 1844.

DEATH.

May 5, George Frederick, son of Mr. George Oakenfull, landlord of the “Guildhall Tavern,” in this city, in his fourth year.

South Eastern Gazette,10 January, 1860.

THE GUILDHALL TAVERN AND HOTEL.

IN the centre of the HIGH STREET, CANTERBURY, is NOW OPEN.

GEORGE STONE, Proprietor.

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 August 1865 Canterbury 1.bmp"

GREAT FIRE IN CANTERBURY.

£15,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY DESTROYED.

The observation we have so frequently heard of late respecting the few casualties from fire in Canterbury is true no longer. There have been three serious fires in as many months, and the last, the particulars of which we are now about to record, exceeds in magnitude any similar visitation during the present century. About half-past 8 o’clock on Friday night a fire was discovered to have broken out in High Street, and before its ravages could be stayed the extensive shop and premises of Mr. Pout, auctioneer and upholsterer, as well as those of Mr. J. Abrahams, glass and china dealer; Messrs. Colcock, confectioners; the South Eastern telegraph office; and Mr. Eastes, music seller and pianoforte manufacturer, were reduced to a smouldering heap of ruins; the house and premises of Mr. Harvey, chemist, were gutted and otherwise so much injured that they will have to be rebuilt; and the Kent Herald office was partially taken down to have the "Guildhall Tavern," the shop of Mr. Stapleton, in Guildhall Street, and the Theatre Royal. But the catalogue of destruction is not yet complete. The shops in Mercery-lane had a narrow escape. Indeed the flames had at one time got rather strong hold of Grafton House, occupied by Mr. Wood, draper, and the back of the premises of Mr. Hal Drury, bookseller, both of which are greatly damaged. Mr. Wood’s stock was very much injured by water. The establishment of Messrs. Higham and Hunt was also in imminent danger, and a considerable portion of the stock was removed as a precautionary measure. The back premises extended to within a few feet of the burning buildings, and it was only by the untiring efforts of a number of willing assistants that the fire was prevented from communicating to the mantle and show rooms. Mr. Cladish, grocer, Mr. Matthews, dealer in fancy wares and toys, and Messrs. Claris and Sons drapers, were also sufferers to a minor extent from the action of water and the adoption of precautionary measures. The residents in Sun Street were in a state of the greatest excitement and alarm, and some of them also removed portions of their stock and furniture.

The property facing into Mercery-lane and also into High-street, as far as Mr. Pout's premises shown on the plan, was an hostelry, known as the "Chequers" in the days when the shrine of Thomas a Becket attracted such numbers of pilgrims to the City. By the pilgrims the hostelry was mainly supported, and it is recorded that its accommodation comprised dormitories containing over a hundred beds. The hostelry was immortalised by the poet Chaucer, who was among the celebrities drawn to Canterbury by the fame of its antiquities and religious associations. After the falling off of its trade the "Chequers" became divided into different properties, for the purposes of general trade, the partitions in many cases being of a rather enatic character. This will account for the complicated way in which some of the premises run into and overlap each other. A great portion of the front shops have been re-built and adapted to modern requirements; but the workshops of Mr. Pout were an unmodernized portion of the dormitories of the original "Chequers" the roofs especially were of a very curious character, and few visitors of note have left Canterbury of late years without inspecting them. The portion of the wall now standing among the ruins is part of the original building, traces of which may also be seen on the premises of Mr. Wood, Grafton House, and on other premises in Mercery-lane.

So far as we have been able to ascertain, the fire broke out in Mr. Pout’s workshops, which, as may be seen from the plan, extend along the rear of Messrs. Colcock’s bakery, and over a portion of the premises of Mr. Joel Abrahams, glass and china merchant, which, together with the South Eastern telegraph office, and the shop and workshops occupied by himself, belong to Mr. Pout. The premises occupied as well as owned by Mr. Pout were three storeys high to the front, and over the workshops in the rear were extensive attic rooms used for the storage of hair and feathers. The workshop in which the fire broke out was lighted from the passage shown on the plan in the rear of the houses in Mercery-lane, and the names were first observed by a domestic servant in the employ of Mr. Wood. An alarm was at once raised and a crowd speedily collected. Messengers were dispatched for the fire engines, several of which arrived on the spot in a short time, but some delay occurred before they got into play. The Cathedral engine was the first in position, and was ably handled by the Cathedral workmen aided by a squad of the 6th K. R. V. under Ensign Flint. The Corporation engine, under the control of the police, and the engines of the Kent and Phoenix Fire Offices, the South Eastern and London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Companies successively arrived and took up commanding positions, and ere long the engine of the Barracks, with a strong body of military under the command of Colonel Custance followed suit. We may take this opportunity of saying, that though, owing to some misunderstanding the military fire brigade were not on the spot so early as they might have been, they worked admirably during the night not only with their engine but in removing property. Several officers also took a prominent and active part. Later in the night engines arrived from Ashford, Faversham, and Ramsgate, but not in time to be of much service.

When first discovered the fire had got firm hold of the building in which it originated, and during the time which elapsed before the engines got into play it spread rapidly. The removal of stock and furniture from the shops in High Street was carried on vigorously, the church of St. Mary Bredman, on the opposite side of the street, being kindly thrown open by the Rev. T. S. Huxley, and temporarily converted into a warehouse. Henry Mount, Esq., and others also kindly threw open their houses to receive goods, and large quantities of stock and furniture were saved, though to some extent in a damaged state. From Mr. Pout’s workshops the fire extended first to Mr. Abrahams’s premises, and afterwards in rapid succession to those of the Telegraph Office, Messrs. Colcock, and Mr. Pout’s front shop, and by half-past eleven o’clock nothing was left standing of these except a portion of a wall and two stacks of chimneys which towered up from the wilderness of blazing ruins. From 10 to 11 o’clock, when it became evident that nothing could save the above buildings, the attention of the firemen was directed to saving the shops in Mercery-lane, from which large quantities of stock had been removed, and in this they were successful, though at one time the flames had got considerable hold of Grafton House, and the rear of Mr. Drury’s shop. Such of Mr. Wood’s stock as was not removed, was very much damaged by water, and Mr. Drury, Mr. Cladish, Messrs. Higham and Hunt, Mr. Matthews, and Messrs. Claris and Son suffered heavily from the same cause. The hose from two fire engines were conveyed through Messrs. Higham and Hunt’s shop to play on the blazing pile behind, and these, together with the hose from an engine in Sun Street, carried over the adjoining buildings, rendered very material service.

But it was in the direction of Guildhall-street fire appeared to extend most determinately, and not withstanding the most energetic and well-sustained efforts to arrest its progress, fears were at one time entertained that the "Guildhall Tavern," Mr. Stapleton’s shop, the Theatre Royal, and the Working Men’s Club would all be destroyed. About twelve o’clock the fire got firm hold of the premises of Mr. Eastes, beating back the firemen who had previously occupied positions on the roof; and about the same time orders were given to pull down the premises occupied by Mr. William Davey, jun., publisher of the Kent Herald. About two o clock the front of Mr. Eastes’ house, the last portion to succumb to the fire, fell down with a tremendous crash, an officer and two soldiers narrowly escaping being buried in the ruins. From this time the engines appeared to make head against the fire, which was got under by three o’clock; the back and upper portions of Mr. Harvey's premises were gutted, and the whole so much damaged, that they will have to be taken down. The ruins continued to burn all day on Saturday, and even so late ns Sunday night the fire-engines had to be got out again to extinguish flames which had burst out afresh. We understand that on Sunday night there was some difficulty about obtaining water, the authorities at the Gas Works declining to set the men to work the pumping engine without being guaranteed the "payment of something extra for the men." This involves a complaint of a very grave character against some one, and we trust the circumstances will be strictly investigated.

We have heard various, and some very extravagant estimates of the value of the property destroyed; but at computation we do not think that, at a moderate calculation, it will exceed £14,000 or £15,000. The loss will fall most heavily on the Sun Fire Office; but portions of the property destroyed and stock damaged were insured in the Kent, the Phoenix, the Norwich Union the Law, the County, the London, and the Royal Fanners' Offices. Mr. Pout, who, as above stated, was the owner of the premises in his own occupation, and those of Mr. Abrahams and the Telegraph Office had an insurance in the Sun for £2,600 on the buildings, and £2,135 on his stock; and Mr. Abrahams had an insurance of £600 on his stock, being very little more than one-third of its value. Messrs. Colcock had an insurance of £900 on their premises; but their stock, a portion of which was saved, was not insured. The premises occupied by Mr. Eastes, owned by Mr. Pemell, were insured in the Sun for £700, but we have not ascertained whether any portion of the stock be insured. Mr. Harvey, who is the owner of the premises occupied by himself, was insured in the Norwich Union, for building and stock, to the amount of £---- The Kent Herald office, which, together with the "Guildhall Tavern," the shop occupied by Mr. Stapleton, and the theatre belong to T. S. Cooper, Esq., was insured in the Phoenix for £250, and the stock in the Kent for £300; Mr. Davey had a separate insurance in the Phoenix for £450. Grafton House, belonging to Mr. W. Plummer and Mr. Parrot, and occupied by Mr. G. Wood, draper, is insured — Mr. Plummer's portion of the building, in the Kent, for £1,400; and Mr. Parrot's portion, in the Sun, for £800. The damage done to the building is confined mainly to the portion belonging to Mr. Plummer. Mr. Wood, the tenant, has an insurance for £2,500 on his stock. The premises occupied by Mr. Drury, owned by Mr. T. Blackburn, are insured in the County for £1000, and those of Mr. Cladish, grocer, who is the owner and occupier, in the Sun for £600 and the stock in the same office for £1,200. The premises of Messrs. Higham and Hunt, owned by Mr. M. Martin, are insured in the Sun for £1,400, the tenants insuring their stock to the extent of £8,000, £2,000 in the Norwich Union, £1,200 in the Sun, £2,600 in the London, and £2,500 in the Royal Farmers.

The church of St. Mary Bredman and the houses on the south side of High-street, were considerably damaged by the heat, and fears were at one time entertained that they would catch fire.