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13 Cheriton Road
Folkestone
Above shows a funeral procession passing the "Gun Tavern" on the right.
Date unknown. |
 
Above card issued March 1953. Sign series 4 number 13. |
Some of the directories show this as 19 Cheriton Road.
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Maidstone Gazette 22 February 1848
Petty Sessions, Monday; Before Charles Golder Esq., Mayor, and W.
Major Esq.
Thomas Cocks, beershop keeper, appeared to answer the information
and complaint of Thomas Burvill, police constable, for keeping a
disorderly house, on Sunday, the 7th instant, by which he had
incurred a penalty of £5. It being his first offence, the
Magistrates mitigated the penalty to 10s. and costs, which were
paid.
A second information was laid against the said Thomas Cocks,
charging him with selling beer during the usual hours of Divine
Service, by which he had incurred a penalty of £5. The penalty was
mitigated to 10s. and costs, which were paid.
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Southeastern Gazette 19 September 1854.
Annual Licensing Day.
Monday: Before the Mayor, S. Mackie, W. Major, T. Golder, G.
Kennicott, and T. Kingsriorth, Esqs.
Before renewing the licenses, the Mayor addressed the publicans,
informing them that anew law was passed, explaining to them the
particular features of the Act, and hoped they would adhere to it.
The whole of the licenses were renewed, with the exception of the
"Radnor Inn," "Oddfellow's Arms," and the
"Engine Inn." Applications for
new licenses were made for the "George,"
"Gun," and "Belle Vue Tavern;"
the first only was granted, on the ground that it was a new house in
the room of one pulled down.
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Southeastern Gazette 10 July 1855.
Inquest.
An inquest was held on Tuesday, at the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, before
S. Eastes Esq., coroner, on the body of John Minott, a labourer in the
employ of Messrs. Jackson, the contractors for works at Shorncliffe.
Edward Jordan deposed that at 1/4 before 8 o clock on Monday evening,
the deceased was on the top ot a load of timber near the Royal George
Hotel; he was assisting to fasten down the binder, which is a pole about
8 feet long, and is used to bind down the timber. The deceased had
fastened the ropes on the pole by 2 half-hitches, the usual way, and
four others were pulling on to the rope, when the ropes slipped off the
binder, which sprung up and struck the deceased under the chin and on
the head, knocking him down to the ground; witness afterwards walked
home with him, having previously called upon Mr. Tyson, a surgeon.
By a Juror: The deceased fastened the rope on the binder himself.
Mr. Wm. Taylor Tyson, surgeon, deposed: The deceased called upon me and
showed me where he had been struck; he had received a severe blow on the
head on the right side; there had been considerable haemorrhage from the
inside of the mouth; the lower lip was cut through, and he was suffering
from concussion of the brain. I desired him to go home and go to bed; he
walked home, and did not require support, as he was in a club and
attended by Mr. Moseley. I did not see him again until ½ past 9; he
appeared then to be doing well. At ½ past 11 I found him dead. I have
examined the body and found a small wound on the forehead ; there was no
swelling or fracture of the bone. On removing the skull cap and the dura
mater I found about 3oz. of clotted blood pressing on the brain, which
was evidently the cause of death; the whole of the vessels of the head
were gorged with blood.
The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” The deceased came
from Norwood, and has left a wife and family.
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Folkestone Chronicle 18 August 1855.
Saturday August 11th:- Before W. Bateman Esq. and James Kelcey Esq.
Charles Wapsher and James Gorham were charged with stealing one half
sovereign and some silver from the person of Henry Underdown.
Henry Underdown stated that on Thursday night last, between the hours of
11 and 12, I was going home from Mr. Cox's at the Gun public house, to
my home, New Zealand, in Folkestone. The prisoner Wapsher stopped me on
the road, knocked me down, and took from me a half sovereign and some
silver, about 8 shillings. When I was knocked down I called out for
assistance, no-one came near but the other prisoner, Gorham, and another
man who I do not know. Wapsher took the money from me and also a tobacco
box. James Gorham, when he came up to me, put his arms round my neck,
which he squeezed so tightly and forced me against the ground that I
could not call out. The three men went away, and left me on the ground.
I followed them down Tontine Street, and I met two policemen, and asked
them to assist me in finding the two prisoners, but they did not find
them, and I did not see the prisoners afterwards. The next morning I
went with policeman Barry to a house in Mill Bay, where we found the
prisoner Wapsher. I knew him at once, and he is the same person who
knocked me down and took the money from me. I saw the other prisoner,
James Gorham, last night, as I was walking down the street. I knew he
was the same person who held me down, whilst Wapsher took the money from
me. I knew the prisoners by sight before I was robbed. The prisoners
were committed for trial.
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Canterbury Journal 15 March 1856.
Assizes, Thursday, before Mr. Justice Coleridge.
Charles Wapser and James Gorham were indicted for assaulting Henry
Underdown, and stealing from his person, with violence, 18s. in
money, a purse and a tobacco box, his money and property, at
Folkestone, on the 29th August, 1855. Mr. Addison appeared for the
prosecution; Mr. Poland defended the prisoners.
Henry Underdown:- Was a labourer residing at Folkestone. He was out
on the evening of the 29th August, and was drinking at the Sun (sic)
("Gun")
public house. He left and went along to Darlington Place. He came
back again and passed by the Bull Dog steps; he went across Mr.
Stacey’s field and arrived in St. Peter’s Street. He knew Mr. Morford, the butcher, in that street, where he met the two
prisoners, who asked where he was going. He had known them before by
sight. He told them he was going home. They wanted him to have a pot
of beer, and he complied if they went as far as Mr. Hayford’s (sic).
It was shut up. They wanted him to go down town; he declined, but
said he was going home, and directly afterwards Wapser knocked him
down, and took 18s. and the “backer” box from his pocket. He put his
knee on witness’s side, and put his hand in his pocket and took the
money out. They ran away. He soon afterwards met the policeman, and
made a complaint to him. The next morning Wapser was apprehended at
his house – the other prisoner was taken in the evening. Was quite
sure the prisoners were the men.
Cross examined: He was not drunk in the evening. The way by the Bull
Dog steps was the nearest home. He had been in the public house all
the evening; had not been drinking much; had only two pints in the
evening. The night was dark. He had been in the company of the
prisoners about five minutes before he was thrown down. He
remembered taking to a coastguardsman at the time, but could swear
he never said that he did not know who had robbed him. Never told
William Colbert that he was robbed in the meadow. He would swear he
did not. He had said he was robbed near the British School. Told the
policeman he had been robbed of something under a pound. They
offered to assist him home. Did not know where Wapser lived. He went
to other places before he went there. The tobacco box had his
initials upon it. Had seen the prisoners many times before. He
(witness) was a labourer. Was out of work on that day. He never
heard the prisoner say he was innocent, but the other had made a
statement to that effect. He called after the men when robbed, and
ran a little way but not far.
Hannah Lake:- Lived at No. 10, St. Peter’s Street, Folkestone. She
was in bed at her residence between eleven and twelve when she heard
a cry of “Stop, thief.” The noise lasted a great while.
Thomas Atkinson Davidson:- Was clerk to the magistrates at
Folkestone. He produced the deposition of Edward Burry, a police
officer at Folkestone. He died lately. Witness was present when it
was taken. (It was put in and read, but it contained nothing of
importance.)
William Gilbert:- Was a police constable at Folkestone. He had met
the prosecutor on the night in question; he said he had been robbed.
Cross-examined: Prosecutor first said he was robbed in the meadow –
afterwards on his way to New Zealand. He did not seem to know
exactly what he was about; he was the worse for liquor.
Re-examined: The meadow is close to New Zealand.
This was the case for the prosecutor.
Mr. Poland addressed the jury for his clients.
The prisoners were acquitted.
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Southeastern Gazette 18 March 1856.
Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Justice Coleridge.
Charles Wapsher and James Gorham, on bail, were charged with
assaulting Henry Underdown, and stealing from his person, with
violence, 18s. in money, a purse, and a tobacco box, the money and
property of the said Henry Underdown, at Folkestone, on the 9th
August. Mr. Addison prosecuted; Mr. Poland defended the prisoner.
Prosecutor, a labourer, deposed to having been at the Gun public
house on the 9th August. About 11 at night he left the Gun, and went
past the Shakespeare Inn to Darlington Place. Witness came back
again, and went across Mr. Stacey’s field, and then went up St.
Peter’s Street. When opposite Mr. Morford’s, butcher, prosecutor met
the prisoners, whom he knew well by sight. They asked him where he
was going, and he said he was going home. They then asked him to
stand a pot of beer, to which he consented, butupon going to a beer
shop they found it shut up. He then turned to go home, when the
prisoner Charles Wapsher knocked him down, and took away the
property named in the indictment. The other man put his arm round
witness’s throat in order that he should not holloa out. Witness
however, struggled very hard, and managed to call out. Prisoners
then ran away; witness followed them, but could not catch them. He
afterwards met a policeman, who apprehended the prisoners next
morning. Witness was positive as to their identity.
Cross-examined: Was not sober at the time, but knew what he was
about. Had been at the Gun during the greater part of the evening.
Had one pint of beer only in the afternoon, and two in the evening.
It was a darkish night. Was in the company of the prisoners about
five minutes before he was thrown down. Recollected talking to a
coastguardsman that night. Did not recollect telling him that he did
not know who it was that robbed him. Did not say that he was robbed
in the meadow. Witness said he was robbed against the British
School. Told the policeman that he had been robbed of something
under £1. Was not so drunk that he required to be assisted home. The
tobacco box had his initials on it. Should know the purse again if
he saw it. He had not seen it since. Had seen the prisoners scores
of times. When the men ran off witness cried out “Stop, thief”, and
ran after them, but could not run very far because he suffered from
palpitation of the heart.
Hannah Luke, residing at No. 10, St. Peter’s Street, Folkestone,
deposed to hearing the cry of “Stop, thief” about the time mentioned
by the last witness on the night in question.
Cross-examined: The noise continued a long time. Witness was alone
in her bedroom, and was afraid to go out.
By the Judge: The noise appeared to be made by a great many people.
William Gilbert, formerly police constable of Folkestone, deposed to
having seen the prosecutor on the night of the robbery, about twelve
o’clock, when he complained of being robbed.
Cross-examined: Prosecutor said he was robbed in the meadow;
afterwards on his way to New Zealand. He did not seem to know
exactly what he was about.
Other evidence of a similar character having been adduced, the
prisoners, in defence, denied all knowledge of the occurrence, and
stoutly declared that they were not near the place described by the
prosecutor, on the night of 9th August.
Witnesses were then called, who gave the prisoners an excellent
character. Acquitted.
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Folkestone Chronicle 3 May 1856.
Wednesday April 30th :- Before James Tolputt esq., Mayor, William Major
esq., Gilbert Kennicott esq., and Stephen Godden esq.
Thomas Cocks, landlord of the Gun public house, Cheriton Road, was
summoned at the instance of police constable Lewis for keeping his house
open at improper hours.
William Lewis, police constable – At half past 11 last Saturday night I
found between 40 and 50 people drinking in defendant's house. There was
also a good deal of drink standing about. Defendant was drawing beer. I
told him it was past time. He said his clock was stopped. I referred to
his clock which was 25 minutes past 11. I believe the clock was stopped
when I was there.
Richard Kennett – I went in about 20 minutes past 9 last Saturday night,
and stopped about 20 minutes and went away. The clock was stopped when I
went in. I knew that by the pendulum being stopped. One of the men
started it while I was sitting there.
Cross-examined by Steer – I am in the habit of going to the defendant's
house. I am not in the habit of getting beer from the defendant's house
on a Sunday.
Convicted in the penalty of 5s. and 8s 6d costs.
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Folkestone Chronicle 9 January 1858.
Council Meeting Extract.
The special and monthly meeting of the Town Council was held at the Town
Hall on Wednesday evening, Jan. 6th, 1858.
A letter from Mr. Ash, of Canterbury, was also read, respecting the
drainage by the Gun public house, in the occupation of Mr. Cock, and the
report of the surveyor with regard to the same was read, but which
report was deferred on account of the great expense.
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Southeastern Gazette 13 May 1862.
Local News.
On Sunday night week, a fire was discovered to have broken out in the
lower part of the Gun beerhouse, Gun Terrace, Mr. Cock and the other
inmates being in bed at the time. An alarm was immediately raised, the
hose was quickly attached to the fire-plug, and the flames were
extinguished before much damage had been done. The fire is supposed to
have been caused by an accumulation of soot in one corner of the chimney
becoming ignited.
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Folkestone Chronicle 29 July 1865.
Death.
Died on Friday, the 28th instant, Mr. William Peel, Blacksmith, Gun
Tavern, aged 33 years.
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Folkestone Chronicle 25 August 1866.
Licensing Day.
A Special Sessions was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, for the
purpose of renewing old and granting new spirit licenses &c. The
magistrates present were Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt and A.M.
Leith Esqs. There was a large attendance of publicans, some interest
being excited in consequence of strong opposition being raised against
the granting of several new licenses. The first business was to renew
old licenses, and about 70 names were called over alphabetically.
The first applicant was Mr. Elliott for a license to the Gun beerhouse,
in support of which he presented a petition signed by several
householders residing in the vicinity.
The court was then cleared for a short time, and on the re-admission of
the public Captain Kennicott said the magistrates had decided to refuse
the application.
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Southeastern Gazette 28 August 1866.
Local News.
Wednesday last was the annual licensing day, when the magistrates on the
bench were Capt. Kennicott, R.N., J. Tolputt and A. M. Leith Esqrs.
All the old licenses were renewed. There were seven applications for new
licences namely, Mr. Hogben for the Rendezvous, in Broad Street, (lately
opened as a luncheon bar); Mr. Spurrier, for the Alexandra, in Harbour
Street; Mr. Lepper, for a new house, the Raglan Tavern, in Dover Road;
Mr. J. B. Tolputt, for a house in Bouverie Square; Mr. Elliott for the
Gun, Cheriton- Road; Mr. Tite, for the Shakespeare, Cheriton Row; and
Mr. Mullett, for the Star, in Seagate Street. The Bench granted licences
to the four first-named, and refused the other applications. Mr. J.
Minter presented a petition signed by all the publicans in the town
against new licences, and appeared specially to oppose the granting of
licences to the Rendezvous and Star.
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Folkestone Observer 24 August 1867.
Licensing Day.
Wednesday, August 21st: Before The Mayor, Captain Kennicott R.N. and J.
Tolputt Esq.
This being the day for granting certificates of publicans for renewal of
licenses, or for new licenses, there was a large attendance of the
“victualling” craft.
Mr. Purday, of Canterbury, supported an application for a certificate to
Mr. Elliott for a house at Gun Terrace. A house there was for many years
a beershop, it having come into the hands of Messrs. Ash, and they,
seeing that the property in that neighbourhood was improving, built up
the Gun Tavern. Adjoining it would be a blacksmith's forge, built in the
same style as the house. The house had seven bedrooms, and it's stabling
had accommodation for eight horses. In a line behind the house are eight
new houses, and he understood that in a short time there would be twenty
more houses there. Mr. Minter, he understood, was to oppose his
application, and also to support another application for a house in that
neighbourhood. He wished to say that he should not oppose his friend's
application, for, in fact, he understood that monopoly had died out in
Folkestone.
Mr. Minter said he was instructed on behalf of a near neighbour, Mr.
Tite, to oppose the granting of a license to this house. It was hardly
necessary for him to oppose the license if the Bench had determined that
there should be free trade, but he argued that there was no necessity
for additional public houses in that neighbourhood.
The Bench consulted together, and then the Mayor announced that the
application was adjourned for a fuller Bench of magistrates to deal
with.
Mr. Minter enquired if they were to go into fresh evidence at the next
hearing. The evidence had been heard on both sides by the present Bench.
A hint had been dropped about a fuller Bench of magistrates. He
apprehended that other magistrates would not have heard the evidence.
The Mayor said the question was whether they should have free trade in
licenses or not.
The Court was then cleared, and the magistrates deliberated in private.
When the public were again admitted, the Mayor announced that the
license was granted to Elliott and refused to all the others, so that
gentlemen would understand that it was not exactly free trade.
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Folkestone Express 18 May 1872.
Temporary License.
Monday, May 13th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Tolputt and J. Clarke
Esqs.
The license of the Gun Tavern was temporarily transferred to Thomas Batt.
Note: No mention of Batt at the Gun Tavern according to More Bastions.
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Folkestone Express 13 May 1876.
Monday, May 8th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister and J. Clark Esqs.
Stephen Ayres was charged with stealing a coat, value four guineas, the
property of Edward Hunt. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.
Edward Hunt said: I am a fly driver, and live at the Gun Tavern. I know
the prisoner. On Wednesday, the 26th April, he was in the stable. It was
between six and seven o'clock. I left the stable for about three minutes
and went into the house. When I returned prisoner was there, but left
shortly afterwards. About five minutes after he left I missed the coat.
I had laid it on the top of a corn bin. There was no-one in the stable
but the prisoner when I went into the house. I did not see the coat
again until Saturday, when I saw it at the police station. It was shown
to me by Superintendent Wilshere.
In answer to the prisoner witness said that he (the prisoner) had been
in the Gun Tavern for several days after the coat was missed.
Sergeant Reynolds said: I was on duty at the police station on Saturday
evening when Superintendent Wilshere brought the prisoner in and charged
him was stealing the coat produced.
Prisoner said he bought the coat from a man at Shorncliffe Camp and
would know him if he saw him again.
Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 10th: Before The Mayor, T. Caister, J. Clark, J. Kelcey,
and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.
Stephen Ayres was brought up on remand charged with stealing a coat,
value £4, the property of Edward Hunt.
The evidence taken on Monday having been read over, Mr. John William
Baker said: I am a pawnbroker in Snargate Street, Dover. I believe the
prisoner has lived in Dover. On Saturday last prisoner came into my shop
and offered a coat for sale. The coat produced is the same. Prisoner
asked me if I would buy it. He said he had given 15s. for it, and wanted
to know whether I would give him that amount. He said he had bought it
from a groom at the Camp. On going into the pawnbroking department I
found that the coat had been stolen from Folkestone. I then communicated
with the police. I left prisoner in the sale shop. When I returned he
was gone, but he returned in half an hour, and I then accompanied him to
the police station. I told him the coat was stolen. He said he did not
wish to get in any bother; he bought the coat.
Superintendent Wilshere: On Saturday last, on receipt of a telegram, I
went to Dover and found the prisoner detained at the police station, and
I took him into custody on the charge of stealing the coat. Prisoner at
Dover said “I bought it from a man on the Camp. I should know him again
if I saw him”. I brought him to Folkestone, where he repeated the
statement.
Prisoner, after being cautioned, said that Hunt and himself were the
only persons in the stable, but the gates were opened when he went out
and Hunt came out directly. I never went in the stable afterwards.
Prisoner was then committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.
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From the London Gazette, 27 February, 1877.
THE BANKRUPTCY ACT, 1869.
In the County Court of Kent, holden at Canterbury.
In the Matter of Proceedings with Creditors, by arrangement or
Compensation with Creditors, instituted by William Hunt, of the "Gun
Tavern," in the County of Kent, Innkeeper.
Notice is hereby given, that a First general meeting of the creditors
of the above-named person has been summoned to be held at the "Gun
Tavern," Folkestone, Kent, on the 9th day of March, 1877, at three
o'clock in the afternoon precisely. - Dated this 19th day of February,
1877.
J. Minter, Folkestone, Kent, Solicitor for the said Debtor.
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From the London Gazette, 27 February, 1877.
THE BANKRUPTCY ACT, 1869.
George Collard, of Canterbury, Wine Merchant, has been appointed
Trustee of the property of the debtor. All persons having in their
possession any of the effects of the debtor must deliver them to the
trustee, and all debts to the debtor must be paid to the trustee.
Creditors who have not yet proved their debts must forward their proofs
of debts to the trustee. - Dated this 10th day of March, 1877.
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Folkestone Chronicle 17 March 1877.
Notice.
The Bankruptcy Act, 1869.
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF KENT, HOLDEN AT CANTERBURY.
In the matter of proceedings for liquidation by arrangement or
composition with Creditors instituted by WILLIAM HUNT, of the Gun
Tavern, Folkestone, Kent, Innkeeper. George Collard, of Canterbury, Wine
Merchant, has been appointed Trustee of the property of the Debtor.
All persons having in their possession any of the effects of the Debtor
must deliver them to the Trustee, and all debts due to the Debtor must
be paid to the Trustee.
Creditors who have not yet proved their debts must forward their proof
of debts to the Trustee.
Dated this 10th Day of March, 1877
Walter Furly,
Registrar.
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Folkestone Express 24 March 1877.
County Court.
Saturday, March 17th: Before G. Russell Esq.
Arthur Langton v William Hunt: This was an application for a new trial
on a technical point. Mr. Minter made the application on behalf of the
Trustee of Mr. Hunt's bankruptcy, and Mr. Worsfold Mowll opposed.
Mr. Minter said this was a case in which Mr. Langton, who carried on the
business of the Imperial Brewery in Tontine Street, was the plaintiff,
and Mr. Hunt, the landlord of the Gun Tavern, was the defendant. It
appeared that he attended at the last court for the purpose of defending
the summons.
Mr. Mowll: Defeating the execution.
Mr. Minter: Well defeating execution. This, in his opinion, could have
been done very easily if the objection which he had to make on opposing
the claim had been made. His attendance was simply to object to the sum
of 10s.in the account, and to apply for time to be granted. While he was
in Court, the case was called on, but he did not hear it, and when the
Court rose he was informed that it had been called on. The decision was
accordingly given in favour of the plaintiff, and upon the Court rising
an execution was immediately issued without any order being sent to the
defendant for the payment of the money. At ten minutes past eleven the
execution was issued and the defendant's goods were seized. There was no
doubt that at this time the defendant was in difficulties and
contemplating a division of his estate among his creditors, and there
was also no doubt that this fact was known to the plaintiff by him
issuing the execution immediately on the rising of the Court, his object
being to get into the house before the filing of the petition so that he
might have the priority over the other creditors, and make himself a
secured creditor. It was in the name of the general body of creditors
that he was about to make an application to re-hear the case.
Mr. Mowll: Are you instructed by the Trustee?
Mr. Minter: Yes. His Honour would find that the action was brought by
Arthur Langton and Co., to whom the debt was alleged to be due, and
therefore Arthur Langton had no right to sue unless he showed on the
dace of the proceedings that he was properly the person to sue. It might
be Arthur Langton suing under the title of Langton and Co.
Mr. Mowll: We admit that it is only Arthur Langton; that there is no Co.
Mr. Minter, continuing, said that the object of the application for a
new trial was to set aside the execution and place the plaintiff in the
same position as the other creditors.
Mr. Mowll said he did not know whether His Honour deemed it necessary
for him to reply.
His Honour answered in the negative and proceeded to give judgement. It
was, he said, a most peculiar application, because it was not exactly
for him to grant a new trial, but to make an amendment which would in
effect act prejudicial to the plaintiff to benefit the general body of
creditors. The definition of the plaintiff did not appear to him to be
inconsistent, because it was a daily occurrence for a man in trade to
endeavour to gain additional importance by the application of Co. This
being the case he did not think it ought to preclude the plaintiff from
recovering the fruits of his judgement. The application would,
therefore, be dismissed.
Mr. Mowll applied for an order for costs against the estate.
His Honour said he thought the application ought to be dismissed with
costs, but he left it to the plaintiff whether or not he thought it
worthwhile to go before the Registrar on the matter.
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Folkestone Express 31 March 1877.
Local News.
On Saturday at the Police Court the license of the Gun Tavern was
provisionally transferred from William Hunt to William Gills.
Note: More Bastions lists the transfer at the Gun to Giles.
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Folkestone Express 21 April 1877.
Saturday, April 14th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Colonel De
Crespigny, W.J. Jeffreason Esq., and Alderman Caister.
Catherine Harrington was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit
licensed premises.
William Giles, the landlord of the Gun Tavern, stated that shortly after
eight o'clock on the previous evening the prisoner came to his house and
requested to be supplied with some drink, but as she was in a state of
intoxication he refused to do so. She then became very noisy and
quarrelsome and he ordered her to leave the house, but she refused. He
thereupon called in Sergeant Reynolds, who took her into custody.
Sergeant Reynolds having corroborated, the Bench fined the prisoner, who
had been before them on several occasions, 10s. and costs, the
alternative being 14 days' hard labour.
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Folkestone Express 28 April 1877.
Tuesday, April 24th: Before Captain Crowe, R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey
Esqs.
The following provisional transfer of license was granted: The Gun
Tavern from William Hunt to William Giles.
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Folkestone Express 20 October 1877.
Monday, October 15th: Before General Armstrong and R.W. Boarer Esq.
Catherine Harrington was charged with being drunk and disorderly in
Bouverie Road on Saturday morning.
Detective Hogben said he was ordered by Sergeant Reynolds to go up to
the Gun as there was a woman there creating a disturbance. He found the
prisoner outside the house screaming and abusing the landlady. She said
she wanted her husband, who, in reply to witness, she said was on the
Leas. There were a number of little children round her. He had to get
the assistance of P.C. Knowles to get her to the police station.
Superintendent Wilshere said the prisoner was drunk and helpless, but
after she got to the station she kicked at the constables and her boots
had to be removed.
There were seven previous convictions against her and she was now
sentenced to one month's hard labour.
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Folkestone Express 28 July 1883.
Saturday, July 21st: Before R.W. Boarer and F. Boykett Esqs., and
Alderman Banks.
Henry Webb was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse, and
George Sider with being drunk. Sider pleaded Guilty.
P.C. Knowles said on the 12th inst. he saw the two defendants in a pony
and trap at the bottom of Shellons Street. They were both drunk. They
drove on to Rendezvous Street and stopped opposite the Prince Albert. He
followed them with Sergeant Pay. Sider either got out or fell out of the
cart. He took him into custody, and afterwards went back to help Sergt.
Pay bring Webb to the station. He had received complaints previously
about them. They were both incapable of taking care of a horse and cart.
Sergt. Pay said he saw Sider come out of the Gun Inn, get into a cart,
and drive up the Bouverie Road, and afterwards return. He stayed about
five minutes, and then went to the Shakespeare Inn, leaving his cart
outside the Gun. He saw the two defendants afterwards, about nine
o'clock, in the cart, coming up Grace Hill. They were both drunk.
Sider was fined 5s. and 8s. costs, and Webb 10s. and 10s. costs.
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Folkestone Chronicle 20 May 1893.
Wednesday, May 17th: Before Mr. J. Fitness, Mr. Ward and Mr. Brook.
William Giles, of the Gun Tavern, was summoned for selling adulterated
whiskey.
The case was proved by Mr. Pearson, who bought a pint of Irish whiskey,
which was found to be diluted with 6.4 per cent water.
In answer to Mr. Hall, who appeared for the defendant, the inspector
said they only commenced to prosecute when the adulteration was over
five per cent.
Mr. Hall said there was only 1.4 per cent of water more than usual, and
he pleaded for a mitigated penalty, stating that the defendant had been
in the trade 30 years and had never appeared before the Bench before.
A fine of £1 1s. and 19s. costs was imposed.
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Folkestone Herald 20 May 1893.
Local News.
On Wednesday last at the Folkestone Police Court, before Messrs.
Fitness, Ward, and Brooke, the following case of alleged contravention
of the Adulteration of Food and Drugs Act, brought at the instance of
the Inspector, Mr. Pearson, was adjudicated upon. Mr. Haines conducted
the prosecution on behalf of the prosecution.
W. Giles, of the Gun Tavern, was charged with selling whisky adulterated
with 6.4 percent of added water. Mr. Hall appeared for the defendant.
The Inspector said that on the 2nd May he purchased a pint of whisky at
defendant's premises, for which he paid 2s. 8d. He told the barmaid it
was to be analysed. It had subsequently been found to be adulterated
with 6.4 percent of added water.
Mr. Hall, in defence, said he had advised his client to plead Guilty to
a technical offence. Defendant was allowed, under the Act, to break down
spirits to the extent of 25 percent, and it could be well understood how
a slight mistake like this could have been made. Defendant was not new
to the trade, and had always conducted his business well. Really the
adulteration only amounted to 1.4 percent. Under these circumstances he
asked their worships to inflict a nominal penalty.
Fined £1 19s. and 10s. costs.
Note: There was another case against Maestrani for selling adulterated
milk. At the end of the report on these cases there is the intriguing
footnote: The editor regrets that, in connection with one of the cases
reported above, and attempt was made to induce our representative to
suppress his report. A monetary consideration was offered to him, but he
very properly declined to lend himself to such a transaction. It was an
attempt to bribe the reporter, and for our part we shall do our best to
stamp out such a demoralising system. Whenever the details of a case are
of interest to the public we shall do our duty by publishing the facts,
however obnoxious it may be to the individuals concerned. Any future
offer of “hush money” will be resented by publishing the name and
address of the party from whom it emanates.
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Folkestone Chronicle 17 March 1894.
Advertisement.
Under Entirely New Management, Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road. Ash and Co.'s
Celebrated Canterbury Ales in the primest condition. London Stouts and
Porter. Wines and Spirits of the Finest Quality. Choice cigars. C.
Norman, Proprietor.
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Folkestone Chronicle 21 April 1894.
Local News.
Transfer.
The following transfer was granted at the Police Court on Wednesday:
Gun, Cheriton Road, to I. Norman. (sic)
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From the London Gazette, 3 May, 1895.
THE NATURALIZATION ACT, 1870.
List of Aliens to whom Certificates of Naturalization or of
Readmission to British Nationality have been granted by the Secretary of
State under the provisions of the Act 33 Vic., cap. 14, and have been
registered in the Home Office pursuant of the Act during the Month of
April, 1895.
NORMAN, Christian; Germany, 18th April, 1895. Folkestone, Kent, the
"Gun Tavern," Cheriton Road.
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Folkestone Herald 15 November 1902.
Felix.
The Gun Tavern, in Cheriton Road, has changed hands, after several
years. Mr. Norman, the former proprietor, was a native of “the Appy
Fatherland”. He served with the German Army all through the
Franco-Prussian War, and after acting the part of Boniface, is now
seeking the peaceful shades of retirement. The new proprietor is an
Englishman amongst Englishmen. He both looks and acts the part. Mr.
Straughan's associations with Folkestone are many, and not the least
interesting feature in his career is the fact that he was a disciple of
Caxton for a very considerablt time in the printing office of the
Folkestone Herald. Strawney, as he was termed, was classed as one of the
best, and when he departed to take over the proprietorship of the
Wheatsheaf Hotel at St. Lawrence, general regret was felt. Now our
friend has returned to his old love – Folkestone, and all who have the
pleasure of his acquaintance will wish both himself and his amiable
partner every success. The proprietor of the Gun is one of those
characters that deserve to succeed.
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Folkestone Chronicle 20 December 1902.
Wednesday, December 17th: Before Alderman J. Banks, Messrs. Wightwick,
Swoffer, and Herbert, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.
The following transfer of wine, beer, and spirit licences was granted:
The Gun Tavern to Mr. H. Straughan.
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Folkestone Express 20 December 1902.
Wednesday, December 17th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Colonel
Hamilton, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.
A transfer of the licence of the Gun Tavern was granted to Mr. Straughan.
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Folkestone Herald 20 December 1902.
Wednesday, December 17th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Colonel
Hamilton, and Messrs. Herbert, Wightwick, and Swoffer.
This was a special sessions for the transfer of licences.
Mr. B.R. Straughan made an application for a temporary licence for the
Gun Tavern. For a considerable period this applicant had been landlord
of the Wheatsheaf, at Ramsgate, prior to which he was a member of the
staff of F.J. Parsons Ltd. Application granted.
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Folkestone Chronicle 16 April 1904.
Wednesday, April 13th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Cols. Westropp
and Fynmore, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Mr. J. Stainer.
Alterations to the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, were approved.
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Folkestone Express 16 April 1904.
Wednesday, April 13th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore,
Lieut. Col. Westropp, G.I. Swoffer and J. Stainer Esqs.
The Magistrates agreed to slight alterations at the Gun Tavern being
made.
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Folkestone Herald 16 April 1904.
Wednesday, April 13th: Before Ald. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore,
Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.
Permission was granted for alterations to be carried out on the
following premises:- The Gun Tavern.
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Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, Saturday 2 July 1904.
General servant wanted; permanency for clean, willing girl (no bar
work); man kept for rough work. Apply Mrs. Straughan, the "Gun,"
Cheriton Road, Folkestone.
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Folkestone Herald 5 November 1904.
Monday, 31st October: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman G. Spurgen,
Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Mr. W.C. Carpenter, and
Mr. J. Stainer.
Edward Arnold Palmer surrendered to his bail on a charge of assaulting
the police.
P.C. Johnson said that at 10.20 the previous evening he was called to
Broadmead Road, near the Darlington Arch. There he saw the prisoner
fighting with another man. Witness separated them, and while he held the
accused the latter struck him several blows on the right hand with a
stick (produced). Mr. Straughan, landlord of the Gun Tavern, was
passing, and assisted witness to take the stick away from Palmer. He was
then taken to the police station and charged. He replied “I am sorry,
old chap. I didn't intend to do it”. Prisoner was sober.
Bernard Straughan stated that he saw prisoner strike the constable. He
tried to hit him over the head with the stick, but the constable only
received the blows on the arm.
Prisoner, in defence, said that two of his acquaintances had been down
to Hythe. He tried to get them home as they had had rather too much to
drink. An altercation took place between these two and some other men.
Near the railway arch one of his companions was struck and knocked over
the railings. The assailants then struck at him, as the result of which
he got a black eye. He then could see nothing but stars, and struck out,
as he thought, at the man who had assaulted him, but he afterwards found
out that he had been striking the constable.
The Bench fined Palmer £1 and 5s. 6d. costs, or 14 days' imprisonment.
The money was paid.
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Folkestone Herald 27 April 1907.
Saturday, April 20th: Before The Mayor, Alderman T.J. Vaughan,
Councillor W.C. Carpenter, and Messrs. E.T. Ward, T. Ames, and R.J.
Fynmore.
Mr. Straughan, of the Gun Inn, was granted an occasional licence to sell
at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, on the occasion of an Oddfellows'
gathering.
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Folkestone Daily News 3 May 1907.
Thursday, May 2nd: Before The Mayor, Messrs. Herbert and Stainer.
Patrick McCarty was charged with placing himself in the public highway
for the purpose of collecting alms, and also with being drunk.
P.C. Rew said he saw the prisoner in Cheriton Road asking for alms. He
saw him place himself in front of a gentleman and take hold of his coat.
Witness went across to him and found he was drunk. He then took him into
custody.
Thomas Copus said he lived at 18, Cheriton Road, and saw the prisoner in
front of the Gun Hotel. Prisoner came to him and asked him if he would
buy something he had in his pockets. Witness replied “No”, and then
prisoner held up his fist as if to strike him.
Prisoner said it was the first time he had been in the town, and would
leave the town if the Magistrates let him off.
The charge of drunkenness was dismissed, and he was sentenced to twenty
one days' hard labour for begging.
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Folkestone Herald 6 February 1909.
Felix.
Those Guns.
Under this heading, a week or so back, I made an enquiry in regard to
those guns which stand muzzle downwards outside the Shakespeare and
Globe Hotels. I asked “Where did they come from? Who placed them there?”
Those queries did not escape the eagle eye of our esteemed frien, Lieut.
Col. Fynmore, of Sandgate, who writes me on the subject as follows:-
“Dear Felix, As to the guns, we want an artillerist's opinion of them,
then evidence of old inhabitants as to when they remember them being
placed there (if within recollection). I should say that they have been
placed where they are since the Crimean War. I have newspaper scraps
dated 1881, 1899, and 1905 enquiring about them. What are the dates of
the Gun Brewery and Gun Tavern? Of course, they would be named after the
gun was put there. The matter should be elucidated. As I said, first we
want an expert to say whether they are Waterloo or Crimean guns. If the
latter, surely there would be a record in the Corporation books as to
when they were given. After all, they may have been discarded from the
old battery.” Now it is rather strange. On Sunday morning, during a
short stroll over the hills, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tite, the
respected father in the partner of Tite and Roff. This gentleman
mentioned that he had read my note about the guns, and added “I am now
seventy eight, but they have stood in their places as long as I can
remember”. Mr. Tite's relative, the late Alderman Ham Tite, I believe at
one time owned the Gun Brewery, and that was many years ago. Perhaps
some of my old Folkestone friends can throw a little light on these old
pieces of ordnance. |
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Folkestone Daily News 9 September 1909.
Saturday, September 4th: Before Messrs. Ward, Vaughan, and Fynmore.
George Heath was summoned for causing an obstruction in Gloucester
Place.
P.C. Prebble said he saw defendant's barrow standing in Gloucester Place
for about twenty minutes unattended. Defendant was in the Gun public
house.
In defence, defendant said it was raining very hard, and he went in the
public house out of the wet.
He was fined 2s. 6d., including costs.
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Folkestone Express 11 September 1909.
Saturday, September 4th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman Vaughan, and
Lieut. Colonel Fynmore.
George Heath was summoned for causing an obstruction. He admitted the
offence.
P.C. Prebble said on August 24th, from a complaint he received, he went
to Gloucester Place, near the Gun Tavern, where he saw a barrow, laden
with greengrocery, standing outside. He kept observation on it from 5.20
to 5.50, when defendant came out. Witness told him he should report him,
and defendant replied that it was wet outside.
Heath said it was raining hard, and he was standing out of the wet. He
was half wet through.
Fined 2s. 6d., the costs being remitted.
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Folkestone Herald 11 September 1909.
Saturday, September 4th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore,
and Alderman T.J. Vaughan.
George Heath was summoned for causing an obstruction in Gloucester
Place. Defendant pleaded Guilty.
P.C. W. Prebble deposed that on the 24th ult., owing to a complaint, he
went to Gloucester Place. Outside the Gun Tavern he saw a barrow loaded
with greengroceries. Witness kept observation on it for half an hour,
and then the defendant came out.
Defendant said it was raining hard at the time, and he went into the Gun
Tavern for shelter.
Fined 2s. 6d. without costs.
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Folkestone Express 18 September 1909.
Monday, September 13th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, and
R.J. Linton.
George Fitzgerald was charged with stealing a rosary from the Roman
Catholic Church, the property of some person unknown.
James Betts, of 13, Black Bull Road, said he was a motor driver. At
about twenty minutes past eight the previous evening he was in
Gloucester Place on the motor stand, when the prisoner came up and asked
for assistance. Afterwards he produced a rosary, which he said he had
found on the beach. He also asked if it was worth a penny. On looking at
it, witness was asked by the prisoner to give twopence for it, which
would make up his night's lodging and a penny over. He gave him 2d., and
took the rosary. About two minutes after the man had gone, he saw P.C.
Sales and handed the rosary over to him.
P.C. Sales said at 8.15 the previous evening, from information he
received, he went to Gloucester Place, where he saw the last witness,
who handed him the rosary produced. In consequence of what he told him,
they went in search of the prisoner and saw him in the Gun Tavern. On
coming outside witness said to the man “You have sold this rosary for
2d. just now?” He replied “I sold him it for a pint. I picked it up
between half past five and six in the shelter on the beach. It is not
worth anything. If you don't believe, me take me to the police station”.
Witness took him to the police station, where he was detained for
enquiries to be made. He later charged the prisoner with stealing the
rosary from the Roman Catholic Church, the property of some person at
present unknown. He replied “I did not go in there until after the
benediction. Do you think I would steal things like this? I am a Roman
Catholic myself. I went there to see Dr. Scannell for assistance. The
rosary I have worn for 27 years”.
The Chief Constable said that was as far as he could take the case that
day. There was no doubt that the prisoner went to the Roman Catholic
Church.
The Chairman, after a consultation with his colleagues on the Bench,
said there was some sort of shadow of doubt about the case, but precious
little. Prisoner, however, would be discharged.
The Chief Constable said the rosary would remain in the possession of
the police for a little time, and if it was not claimed he would hand it
over to Betts. He did not think the prisoner was a very good Roman
Catholic, or he would not sell his rosary for a pint.
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Folkestone Herald 18 September 1909.
Monday, September 13th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, and
R.J. Linton.
Geo. Fitzgerald was charged with theft.
James Petts said that he lived at 13, Black Bull Road, and was a motor
driver. The previous evening, at 8.20, he was in Gloucester Place. The
prisoner came up to him and asked him for assistance. Accused showed him
the rosary (produced) and said he had found it on the beach, and asked
whether it was worth a penny. Witness looked at it, and prisoner asked
witness 2d. for it. Witness gave him 2d. for it, and took the rosary
with the intention of informing the police. Witness then saw P.C. Sales
and handed it over to him, and told him what he knew about it.
P.C. Sales deposed that about 8.15 the previous evening, from
information received, he went to Gloucester Place and received the
rosary from the last witness. From what he heard he went into the Gun
bar, where he saw the prisoner. Witness called him outside, and,
cautioning him, asked him whether he had just sold a rosary for 2d.
Prisoner replied “I sold it to him for a pint; I picked it up on the
beach at 5.30 this evening. It is of no value. If you don't believe it,
take me to the police station”. Witness subsequently brought him to the
police station, and charged him with stealing the rosary from the Roman
Catholic Church, the property of some person or persons unknown.
Prisoner replied that he did not go in there till after the benediction.
He would not steal a thing like that. He was a Roman Catholic himself,
and went in there to see Dr. Scannell for assistance. He said that he
had worn the rosary for 25 years.
The case was dismissed, as there seemed to be some doubt about the
matter.
The Chief Constable remarked that the prisoner could not be a very good
Catholic, or he would not sell his rosary for a pint.
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Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, Wednesday
3 January 1912.
Funeral. Mrs Mary Jane Straughan.
The funeral of Mrs. Straughan, wife of Mr. H. P. Straughan of the "Gun
Hotel," took place at the Cemetery on Friday, and there was a large
gathering a friends of the deceased at the interment. The officiating
minister was the Rev T. J. Johnstone, and the funeral arrangements were
carried out by Messrs. Prebble and Spain. The oak casket in which the
remains were placed bore a brass plate with the inscription. Mary Jane
Straughan, 26th December, 1911, age 36 years.
Among the many reasons, etc, sent by following sorrowing friends were
the following:-
In affectionate memory of a true wife and loving mother, from Leslie,
Bernie, and Dad.
In loving memory of our dear sister, Nem and Harry.
With deep sympathy, from Bertha and Ralph.
With deep sympathy, from her Auntie and Cousin at Ipswitch.
With deepest sympathy, from Mary and Cis.
In loving memory, from George and Nell.
With loving sympathy from Will and Lizzie Baxter (Cleethorpes).
With all true sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Lester and Mabel.
With deepest sympathy from Bill and Nell.
Loving sympathy, from Miss Pearson.
With loving regret and sympathy, from Ruby, Harry, and Titch.
With deepest sympathy, from Captain, Mrs. and Jack Baxter (Grimsby).
With sincere sympathy from the members of John Jones Romney Marsh
Coursing Club.
With deepest sympathy, from Cann's Motors Staff.
With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs Stay.
With heartfelt sympathy and kind remembrance, from Harry and Edward
Francis.
With deepest sympathy, from C. and J. Huntley.
With all the sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Milne Gray.
With sincere sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Ashby.
Kind remembrance, from the Manager and Employees of Folkestone Motors
Limited.
"Kit", in loving memory, from "Dad" and "Mum" Swain.
Loving sympathy, from Emma Frances.
With deepest sympathy, from the Misses Hayer and Broad (nurses).
With sincere regret and sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. A. Hart.
With sincere sympathy, from Bert Valder.
With deepest sympathy, from a few Friends and Customers of 19, Cheriton
Road.
With deep sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
With deepest regret, from May, Jack, and Fred.
With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins.
With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Root.
With sincere sympathy, from George and Jos.
In sincere sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Tuomer, Folkestone Club.
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Folkestone Express 15 April 1922.
Local News.
The licence of the Gun Tavern has been transferred from Mr. H. Straughan
to Mr. Donald Cook.
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Folkestone Express 17 August 1929.
Tuesday, August 13th: Before Alderman T.S. Franks, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W.
Smith and Mr. R.J. Stokes.
Donald Cook, the landlord of the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, was summoned
for serving intoxicating liquors during non-permitted hours on August
3rd, and also for aiding and abetting Harry Gosney in the consumption of
the drink. Harry Gosney was summoned for consuming intoxicating liquor
on the licensed premises on August 3rd during non-permitted hours. Mr.
A.K. Mowll appeared for the defence, and pleaded Not Guilty.
Inspector Pittock said he was on duty on the 3rd August at a quarter
past eleven, when he was with P.S. Hollands outside the Gun Tavern. He
saw lights in the window and heard voices. He got on to a short wall,
and looked into the fanlight, where he got an uninterrupted view of the
bar. He saw defendant, Mr. Gosney, sitting on a chair at the right of
the bar. Sitting next to him was his wife on the settee, and seated next
to her was a Mrs. Mayne, and her husband was standing at the end of the
settee talking to defendant. There was no serving bar in this room. Mrs.
Cook and her daughter were standing by the door leading through the
private bar to the premises. That was the total number of occupants in
the room. On a table, which was in the centre of the room, were two
glasses containing amber coloured liquor, apparently ale. They were half
full, and there was froth on the top. They were opposite Mr. Mayne and
his wife. There was an empty wine glass opposite Mrs. Gosney, on the
table, and a stout glass, half full, was opposite defendant Gosney.
Witness gave certain instructions to Sergt. Hollands, who looked through
the fanlight,, and then went and knocked at the door, while he (witness)
again took up his position at the fanlight. Miss Cook made some remark,
and immediately snatched up the two ale glasses and carried them with
the contents into the adjoining bar. The man Mayne bolted out the back
of the premises. Defendant Gosney immediately took up his glass and
consumed practically all the contents. He then placed the glass between
himself and his wife. The door was locked. As soon as it was opened by
Mr. Cook (it was opened in two minutes at the most), witness immediately
went to defendant Gosney, and said to him “Where is your glass?”, and he
made no reply. Witness looked down between Gosney and his wife, and saw
that the latter was holding a stout glass in her left hand, well
concealed by her skirt. He took the glass from her and said to Cook “I
have been keeping observation on this room during the last five minutes
through the fanlight, and when I saw the Sergeant knock the door your
daughter took two glasses containing ale from this table into the bar,
and it appeared to me to be freshly drawn”. He asked him where his clock
was, and he switched on the light, and the time by the clock was 11.23.
Mr. Cook said the clock was five minutes fast. There were two barmen in
the bar clearing up. He took the names of those present, and said to him
“Where is Mr. Mayne? I saw him talking to you just before I entered”. He
replied “I do not know. He must have gone out”. P.S. Hollands searched
for him, but could not find him. He tasted the contents of the wine
glass, but was unable to ascertain what it contained. He tasted the
contents of the stout glass, and found it to contain stout. Mrs. Cook
said “That is Guinness. It was served before ten thirty. He pointed out
to Mr. Cook the froth on the top of the remaining stout, and told him he
was of opinion it had been recently drawn, and Mrs, Cook said “It will
be the same in the morning of you take it away”.
The Clerk (Mr. J. Andrew): Did you not avail yourself of the offer?
Inspector Pittock: No.
The Chief Constable: Is that your experience about the stout?
Inspector Pittock: No.
Witness, continuing, said he then said to defendant Gosney that he would
be reported for consuming liquor on licensed premises during
non-permitted hours, and also told Mr. Cook that he would be reported
for aiding and abetting in the consumption of the drink. He further said
that he would probably be reported for serving intoxicating liquor
during non-permitted hours. Gosney made no reply, and Mr. Cook said
“There has been no offence committed here”.
Inspector Pittock, in reply to the Clerk, said he told the girl that he
saw her with the glasses, and she replied that she was “doing” the
glasses.
In cross-examination, Inspector Pittock said that day was probably one
of the busiest days of the year. The barmen were engaged in washing up
the glasses in the bar, but there was no light on when he entered the
bar. While he was looking through the fanlight the door opened.
P.S. Hollands said he was with Inspector Pittock practically the whole
of the time. At 11.15 he heard voices in the saloon bar, and Inspector
Pittock looked through the fanlight. He also looked through, and he saw
the people mentioned by Inspector Pittock. What the Inspector had said
was correct. He tried the door as he knocked, and found it was locked.
It was opened as quickly as possible. He corroborated Inspector Pittock.
In reply to the Clerk, the Sergeant said he saw no consumption by
anyone. He saw the glasses containing intoxicating liquor.
Questioned by Mr. Mowll, witness said the defendant from the first
denied that he had committed any offence.
Mr. Mowll said he did not propose to call any evidence at all. In his
view they had some evidence which the Magistrates might say or might not
think sufficient to convict Mr. Gosney of consuming some stout during
prohibited hours. The evidence had been quite fairly given by the
police. He did not attach the slightest importance to the allusion that
there might be froth on the glasses. The answer was not supplying to A,
B, or C, ale or wine, but supplying to Gosney some glasses of stout.
There was no evidence whatever that would justify the Magistrates in
holding that the licensee was liable to be convicted for supplying, for
the only evidence, if it could be called such, was that they had a
momentary glance through the fanlight by those officers, who said there
was froth in the glass. The only offence with which he really had to
deal, so far as the licensee was concerned, was whether he aided and
abetted the consumption. He would like to point out there was scarcely
more than a small portion of Guinness in the glass on that occasion.
What happened was that those people were friends of Mr. Cook, and they
were in that little room. The bar was in the next place. They were all
sitting down. As they had heard, the barmen were busy at work washing up
the glasses. That Saturday was the one day in the year when licensed
victuallers could make a little money, because it was the Saturday
before August Bank Holiday. Most of the houses were full of people.
Those people, who were friends of the landlord, stayed behind after the
house closed. Of course, they were perfectly entitled to have drinks
supplied to them before half past ten. Mr. Gosney, whose wife was not at
all well, stayed behind, and it was perfectly true when he saw the
Sergeant open the door he did take a drink from that glass of Guinness.
He (Mr. Mowll) therefore supposed he had committed an offence under the
licensing laws. What the Magistrates had to decide was whether, on the
evidence before them, it could be said properly that the licensee aided
and abetted that offence. From start to finish Mr. Cook said “What is
wrong? I have done nothing wrong”, which showed perfectly clearly that
he had not had any idea that that man had in fact taken any drink at
all. Undoubtedly the Magistrates would consider the difficult occupation
of the licensed victuallers especially on a day like that. From the time
the police knocked on the door there was no suggestion that the licensee
committed any offence. The proper place for the glasses was where they
were, in order to wash them up. They were summoned for supplying to
Gosney, therefore he really suggested that the Magistrates had to decide
whether it could be properly suggested that Cook aided and abetted the
consumption. Could the Magistrates on the facts say that the licensee in
fact aided and abetted consumption. He suggested to them that it would
be improper to convict the defendant on that summons. The defendant had
been seven or eight years in the house, and he was a man who had a
wonderful record. He won a commission on the field during the War, and
he was paid £150 for disability with regard to the burning of his face
and hands. He had five children, four of them under ten years of age. As
they knew it was a serious thing for a licensed victualler to be
convicted, for it meant that not only would his present brewers have
nothing to do with him, but if he applied for any other house he had to
present testimonials, and the first thing that would be brought against
him would be a conviction. He was going to say, however unfortunate that
matter might be, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it
would be wrong to convict that man because of the fact that the other
man on the spur of the moment might have lost his head and drunk out of
the glass.
The Magistrates retired, and on their return to the Court the Chairman
said the Magistrates had decided that both cases were proved, and there
would be a conviction in the case of supplying drink.
The Chief Constable (Mr. Beesley) said the defendant had held the
licence since 1922 for that house. That was not the first occasion by
many that they had known that a certain amount of offences had gone on
on the premises. The Magistrates would see that he had given licensees,
as well as other people, a fair chance, and that every possible warning
was given to them. On March 9th, 1925, he had a caution, and on 26th
April, 1926, for a somewhat similar offence, he was strictly cautioned
by him. He might say ot was difficult to produce sufficient evidence in
those cases to obtain a conviction, and under those circumstances he
(the Chief Constable) had to exercise his discretion. He did it in that
way by administering a caution. That was not, however, enough, for on
24th February, 1929, again in a somewhat similar set of circumstances,
Inspector Cradduck gave him another caution. Therefore the defendant
Cook had had every possible opportunity.
The Chairman said the penalty for supplying the drink would be £5, and
although there was a conviction in the second case for aiding and
abetting the consumption, there would be no penalty. Gosney would be
fined £1.
Inspector Pittock and P.S. Hollands were called forward, and the
Chairman, addressing them, said “The Bench desire me to compliment you
on the fair way you have given your evidence in this case”.
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Folkestone Herald 17 August 1929.
Local News.
At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday, Donald Cook, licensee of
the Gun Tavern, Folkestone, was summoned for supplying intoxicating
liquor during prohibited hours on August 3rd, and also for aiding and
abetting Harry Gosney in the consumption of the drink. Harry Gosney was
summoned for consuming intoxicating liquor at the same time.
Cook was fined £5 for supplying intoxicating liquor after hours, and
Gosney was fined £1 for consuming liquor at the same time. Mr. A.K.
Mowll, of Canterbury, defended.
Inspector Pittock said he was on duty on August 3rd in plain clothes, in
company with Sergeant Hollands, in Oxford Terrace, Folkestone. He saw
lights and heard voices in the Gun Tavern. He and Sergeant Hollands
climbed on to a short wall in Oxford Terrace, and looked through the
fanlight into the bar of the Gun Tavern. They both had an uninterrupted
view of the bar. Defendant Gosney was seated on a chair at the right of
the bar. Seated near to him was his wife on a settee. Seated next to her
was a Mrs, Mayne. Mr. Mayne was seated at the end of the settee, talking
to defendant Cook. Cook was not behind the bar – there was no serving
bar there at all. Mrs. Cook and her daughter were in the doorway of the
private bar. In the centre of the room was a table. There were two
glasses containing an amber liquid, apparent ale, each about half full,
with froth on the top. These were opposite Mr. Mayne and his wife. There
was an empty wine glass opposite Mrs. Gosney on the table, and a stout
glass opposite defendant Gosney, which was about half full of stout.
Witness gave instructions to Sergt. Hollands, who looked through the
fanlight. Whilst witness was looking through the fanlight, Sergt.
Hollands went and knocked on the door. As he knocked, Miss Cook made
some remark and snatched up the two ale glasses, and carried them into
the adjoining bar. The man Mayne bolted out to the back of the premises.
There were three doors to the bar. Defendant Gosney immediately picked
up his stout glass and consumed practically all the contents, and placed
the glass down between himself and his wife. When witness entered he saw
the glass in Mrs. Gosney's hand. The door was locked when Sergt.
Hollands knocked, and Mr. Cook opened it. Witness immediately went to
defendant Gosney, and said to him “Where is your glass?” Gosney was
still seated, and his wife was sitting beside him. He made no reply, and
witness, on looking down, saw Mrs. Gosney had the glass on her lap, well
concealed by her skirt. Witness took the glass from her and said to
Gosney “I have just seen you consuming from this glass”. Gosney made no
reply. Mr. Cook said “What's wrong?” Witness said “I have just seen this
man consuming from this glass. I have been keeping observation on this
room during the past five minutes through the fanlight, and when the
sergeant knocked on the door I saw your daughter take two glasses
containing ale from this table into this bar, and it appeared to me to
be freshly drawn”. Witness also asked him where his stock was. They went
into the adjoining bar, switched on the light, and the clock said 11.23.
Mr. Cook remarked that the clock was five minutes fast. In the bar were
two barmen washing and cleaning up glasses. Witness then went back and
took the names of those present, and said “Where is Mr. Mayne? I saw him
talking to you just before I entered”. Mr. Cook replied “I don't know.
He must have gone out”. Witness then instructed Sergt. Hollands to look
for him, but he could not find him. Witness tested the remains in the
stout glass, and found it was stout. Mrs. Cook, who was present, said
“That is Guinness. It was served before 10.30”. Witness pointed out to
Mr. Cook the froth on the remaining stout, and told him he was of the
opinion that it had been recently drawn. Mrs. Cook said “Yes, it will be
the same in the morning of you like to take it away and keep it”.
The Clerk (Mr. J. Andrew): You did not avail yourself of her offer, I
suppose? (Laughter) – No, sir.
Witness then told defendant Gosney he would be reported for consuming
intoxicating liquor on licensed premises in non-permitted hours, and
also told Mr. Cook he would be reported too for aiding and abetting in
the consumption of drink, and that he would probably also be reported
for supplying intoxicating drink in non-permitted hours. Gosney made no
reply, and Mr. Cook said “There's been no offence committed here”.
Mr. Mowll: I suppose this day was the Saturday before Bank Holiday, was
it not? Probably the busiest day in the year? – One of the busiest, yes.
When you arrived you found they were still engaged in washing glasses? –
Yes, they were, but there was no light on at first.
Sergt. Hollands said he was on duty with Inspector Pittock at 11.15 near
the Gun Tavern. There was a light in the bar, and they heard voices, so
Inspector Pittock looked through the fanlight, and told witness to do
the same. When witness knocked there was no delay in answering. Witness
further corroborated Inspector Pittock's evidence.
This concluded the case for the prosecution.
Mr. Mowll said he did not propose to call any evidence in the case at
all. In his view the Bench had some evidence which they might or might
not think sufficient to convict Mr. Gosney of consuming some stout
during prohibited hours. The only evidence they had was a momentary
glance through the fanlight by the two officers. The only offence he
(Mr. Mowll) had got to deal with was whether the licensee aided and
abetted the consumption of a small portion of Guinness on that occasion.
Mr. Gosney had not denied the consumption of that. As the Bench had
heard, the barmen were busy at work washing up glasses. If there was any
time in the year when a licensee could make money, it was on the
Saturday before Bank Holiday. He probably had a lot of people in that
evening, and then those people described by the police stayed behind,
and they were perfectly entitled to, being served before 10.30. From
start to finish, when the police arrived on the scene, Mr. Cook said
“What's wring? I have done nothing wrong”. So he had no idea that that
man (Gosney) had been taking any drink at all. Cook had been from seven
to eight years in the house. He was a man who had a wonderful record. He
got his commission on the field during the war, and was paid £150
disability.
Having regard to the circumstances of the case, Mr. Mowll thought it
would be wrong to convict the licensee, just because on the spur of the
moment the man (Gosney) lost his head and took a drink from his glass,
which he did not want at all.
After a lengthy retirement the Bench decided to convict.
The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said defendant had held the
licence of the house since 1922. This was not the first occasion that
the police had known. On March 9th, 1925, defendant was cautioned. In
1926 he personally strictly cautioned him. In some cases, when he could
not secure a conviction, the speaker had to use his discretion by a
warning. On February 24th, 1929, under similar circumstances, Inspector
Cradduck also cautioned defendant.
The Chairman (Alderman T.S. Franks) said the Bench desired him to
compliment both Inspector Pittock and Sergt. Hollands on the fair way
they had given evidence.
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Folkestone Herald 9 November 1929.
Local News.
At the Folkestone Petty Sessions on Tuesday a protection order was
granted to Mr. T.F. Green, of Staplehurst, the new tenant of the Gun
Tavern, Guildhall Street.
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Folkestone Herald 9 April 1932.
Local News.
There was a sequel to an accident in Cheriton Road, near the Christ
Church Schools, at the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday, when Allred
Cecil Durban of Enbrook Manor, Cher”ton, was fined £2 and £1 12s. costs
for driving a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public.
Defendant was represented by Mr. H. Chapple and pleaded Not Guilty. The
Magistrates were: the Mayor (Alderman J.W. Stainer) in the Chair,
Alderman K.G. Wood, Mr. W. Griffin, Colonel G.P. Owen and Mr. S.B.
Corser.
Arthur D. Hickman, 92, Royal Military Avenue, Chenton, a driver in the
employ of the East Kent Road Car Company, said on March 21st about 9
a.m. he was driving his 'bus towards Cheriton, and when opposite Christ
Church Schools, he mw a little blue van being driven towards him at
rather a fast rate. He estimated the speed at 40 miles an hour;
certainly not less. He anticipated an accident owing to the dangerous
part of the road, there being a bend about 30 yards further on. He
slowed down his 'bus and as the car flashed past him witness stopped and
turned his head to follow the car on. He saw the van give a slight jar
as if it had gone over a brick. Immediately after he saw a little boy
lying in the road within two feet of the kerb. The van did not stop,
neither did the driver slacken his speed. Witness jumped out of his
cabin and picked up the boy. He was seriously hurt about the head and
bleeding. Whilst he was helping to put the injured lad in a motor-cycle
combination the defendant appeared. He said to him “Were you the driver
of that van?" He said "Yes, the child attempted to cross the road in
front of my car”. Defendant accompanied the boy to the hospital. There
was no other vehicular traffic beside the 'bus and the van. He did not
hear Durban sound his horn.
Cross-examined, witness said he always sounded his horn at that spot.
Defendant was going too quickly to pull up. He was not biased in his
evidence. He thought defendant lost his head. He could not nee what
happened on the offside of defendant’s car, and he had not sad that the
van knocked the boy down. He could not see whether the boy stepped off
the pavement into the van.
Thomas Frederick Green, the licensee of the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road,
said he saw the van "Shoot by him at about 20 miles an hour", and then
pull up outside the Shakespeare Hotel. He saw a boy in the road about a
yard from the kerb. Defendant came up from his van. The van swerved to
avoid the boy and the back part of it caught the boy. He put defendant's
speed at over 40 miles per hour at the time.
By Mr. Chapple: He was about 50 yards from the scene of the accident. He
did not think that the boy would have been knocked down had defendant
had proper control of the van. On defendant’s side of the road there was
a hand truck.
Charles John Berridge, 23, Cambridge Gardens, said he was outside the
Victoria Hall, in Cheriton Road, when the van flashed past him at about
40 miles per hour. He noticed a 'bus coming towards Cheriton, opposite
Cross's garage. There was a little boy on the pavement. As the van
passed the 'bus it swerved to avoid a truck further down. The boy turned
to step off the path, and the next he saw was the boy in the road and
the van disappearing round the corner.
Cross-examined, witness said he could not say exactly how the boy was
knocked down.
Miss Catherine O'Brien, a teacher of the Roman Catholic Schools,
Cheriton Road, gave the speed of the van as “rather abnormal”. She said
she saw the van go to the right and then a boy in the road. There was a
School caution sign there.
Alfred Corbitt, a porter, said the speed of the van was “very fast". He
saw the van hit the child and knock the lad towards the kerb. The boy
was about three feet from the kerb. No warning was given.
By Mr. Chapple: It was so quick that he could not say what part of the
van hit the boy.
Police Constable Dickenson said about 9 a.m. on March 21st, he went to
Cheriton Road, where he saw that an accident had occurred outside the
Christ Church Schools. At that point the road was 18 feet 8 inches wide.
There was one blood mark a foot from the pavement, but there were no
skid marks. He saw defendant's van 65 yards away. There were blood and
hair marks on the back of the van. He took a statement from defendant
who estimated his speed at about 30 to 33 m.p.h. He said that he saw the
boy standing on the pavement as he approached. As he was passing he
thought he saw the boy move. He did not know whether he had hit him, but
as he saw people running back he pulled up and stopped.
By Mr. Chapple: The accident was in the straight part of the road, which
swerved after that.
Defendant said he was driving a van for the delivery and collection of
papers. He was driving in from Cheriton to the Town Hall. There was a
boy standing on the pavement. He passed him, and he did not know that he
had hit him until he saw people running from the corner of the School to
where witness had just passed. He could not pull up immediately because
there was something standing on his side. The boy was standing on the
kerb when he first saw him. His speed was 30 to 33 m.p.h. just before
the accident. He was slowing down, and there was nothing in front of
him. He was used to driving, having had a licence for two years. The
brakes were re-lined ten days before the accident and he could have
pulled up in 18 feet, going at 30 m.p.h.. He had the car under proper
control more or less.
Mr. Chapple said if there had not been an accident there would not have
been any prosecution. They were not the cause of the accident, and he
submitted that the case should be dismissed.
The Mayor said the Magistrates had come to the conclusion that defendant
was guilty of driving to the danger of the public. Defendant would be
fined £2 and ordered to pay witnesses' expenses amounting to £1 12s.
Mr. Chapple asked for a week for the payment of the fine and this was
granted.
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Folkestone Express 30 April 1932.
Saturday, April 23rd: Before Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Alderman T.S. Franks, and
Mr. W. Smith.
Mary Ann Williams, an old offender, was charged with being drunk and
disorderly in the Dover Road on the previous night.
Prisoner pleaded Guilty and said she was very sorry that she had to come
before them again.
P.S. Whittaker said at 9.35 p.m. on the previous evening he was in Dover
Road, accompanied by P.C. Goundry, and when opposite the Martello Hotel
he saw the prisoner ejected by the landlord from the public bar into the
street. She fell across the pavement and cut her eye. He assisted her to
her feet and found she was under the influence of drink. She became very
abusive and made use of filthy language. They took her to the police
station, and on the way she was again abusive and made use of more
filthy language. He charged her, and she said “You are a ---- liar”.
Continuing, witness said at 8.35 the same evening he was called by the
landlord of the Gun Tavern with regard to that prisoner, owing to her
conduct there. She came outside and was quite sober. He cautioned her
and advised her to go home. She promised him she would do so.
Prisoner said she came into Folkestone to see her daughter and get some
things, and she had a drink or two. She was very sorry she had come
before them again, and if they gave her a chance she would not trouble
them any more.
Chief Inspector Pittock said the prisoner had been before the Court on a
number of occasions. She was first convicted in 1900 for being drunk and
disorderly Since then there were 40 convictions against her for similar
offences, two for felony, and four for wilful damage. She was last
before the Court on the 4th July, 1928, and they did think they had seen
the last of her. She lived down at West Hythe with her husband.
The Chairman said she would be fined 2s. 6d.
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Folkestone Herald 30 April 1932.
Local News.
Mary Ann Williams was fined 2s. 6d. at the Folkestone Police Court on
Saturday when she pleaded Guilty to being drunk and disorderly the
previous evening. When asked to plead, prisoner said “I am very sorry,
gentlemen, I have to come before you again”.
Police Sergeant Whittaker said at about 9.35 the previous evening he was
in Dover Road, accompanied by Police Constable Goundry, and when
opposite the Martello Hotel he saw the prisoner ejected by the landlord
of the hotel. She fell over and cut her eye. He went over to her and
found her drunk. She became very abusive and made use of filthy
language. There was some difficulty in getting her o the police station.
When charged she said “You are a ---- liar”. Witness said at 8.35 the
same evening he had been called by the landlord of the Gun Tavern. He
saw accused there. She was sober, but he cautioned her and advised her
to go home.
Prisoner told the Magistrates that she was very sorry. She had come over
to Folkestone from West Hythe, where she lived, to see her daughter, and
she had had a drink or two. If they gave her another chance, she
promised not to cause any more trouble.
Chief Inspector G.H. Pittock said Williams was first convicted for
drunkenness in 1900 at Folkestone. Since then there had been 40
convictions for similar offences, together with two for larceny and five
for wilful damage. She was before that Court on July 3rd, 1928, and the
police had thought since that they had seen the last of her.
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Folkestone Express 17 February 1940.
Local News.
Folkestone people who offend against the black-out regulation in regard
to the lights in their houses and premises are now certain to pay
increased fines. On Tuesday the magistrates imposed penalties, which
were generally double those previously inflicted, after the Chief
Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) had given a warning that there were still
many bright lights to be seen in Folkestone, despite the fact that no
less than 305 cases had been dealt with by the Folkestone magistrates
since the commencement of the war.
The Chief Constable, previous to the calling of the first defendant,
said "I think the time has come when I should draw the special attention
of the Bench to the number of defendants who are summoned for these
particular offences. Since the war commenced 305 cases have keen dealt
with by this Bench, and still there are cases every week and still very
little notice appears to be taken of these regulations by the public. In
the view of the Home Office and the Police it is very serious, for it is
considered such lights would be of great use to enemy airmen. I think I
should say that these remarks should be taken by people as a warning”.
The Mayor: The magistrates are seriously considering the number of
summonses in respect of lighting we have had before us. We have, before
coming Into Court, considered the matter of increasing the penalties.
Several defendants were before the Folkestone magistrates on Friday for
breaches of the Lighting Order.
The first defendant was Mrs. Dorothy Green, the Gun Tavern, Guildhall
Street.
P.C. McNaughton said at 9.05 p.m. on the 1st February he was on duty in
Cheriton Road and saw a bright light coming from the Gun Tavern. He saw
the defendant, who admitted responsibility, and told her she would be
reported. She replied that the light had only been on for a few minutes.
Defendant told the Court that she was out at black-out and came in
thinking the black-out had been effected.
A fine of 10/- was imposed.
Local News.
Many Folkestone people will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Bernard
Ralph Straughan, at the Folkestone Royal Victoria Hospital, on Friday.
The late Mr. Straughan was 63 years of age, and for a number of years he
resided in Folkestone. He was for quite a long period the licence holder
of the Gun Tavern, and recently had been manager of the Trocadero Bars
at Dover, from which position he had to retire owing to ill-health.
One of his sons, who is in the R.A.F. and serving in France, returned
home yesterday (Thursday), two days too late for the funeral, which took
place on Tuesday.
The first part of the service was conducted in the Parish Church by the
Rev. J.S. Long, who officiated at the interment at the Cheriton Road
cemetery.
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Folkestone Herald 17 February 1940.
Lighting Order.
A further batch of summonses for lighting offences during the black-out
were dealt with at the Folkestone Police Court on Friday last week, when
the defendants were fined as follows:
Dorothy Green, the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, 10s.
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Folkestone Herald 1 April 1944.
Local News.
A Folkestone licensee who was alleged to have obtained a greater
quantity of tea and sugar than that to which he was entitled, and the
manager of a Folkestone firm of grocers, summoned for supplying the
excess amount, appeared before the Folkestone Magistrates on Tuesday to
answer summonses issued by the Ministry of Food.
Thomas Frederick Green, of the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, was summoned
for obtaining tea and sugar for the Gun Tavern between November 14th and
January 8th last, otherwise than in accordance with an authorisation
issued by the Ministry of Food. There was a second summons alleging that
at the Gun Tavern he used tea in excess of the amount permitted - 280
hot beverages to 1 lb.
George Thomas Longley, manager to W. Hollis, grocer, of Guildhall
Street, was summoned for supplying Green with the excess amount, and
there was a further summons for making an entry in an official order
form and varying the quantity of rationed food ordered.
Mr. B.H. Bonniface appeared for Green, and Mr. G.P. Medlicott
represented Longley. Defendants pleaded Guilty to each summons.
Alderman W. Hollands presided, with Mr. P. Fuller, Capt. H.P. Keary and
Dr. Esme Stuart.
Mr. H.G. Wheeler, prosecuting for the Folkestone Food Control Committee,
said Green was the licensee of the Gun Tavern, and since November 27th,
1939, he had been the holder of a catering establishment licence, issued
by the Ministry of Food. The evidence in respect of obtaining excess
food in each case was the same. A catering establishment drew food on an
authorisation issued by the local Food Officer. A form was issued
setting out the quantity of food that could be drawn, and for an eight
week period the total quantity must not exceed the amount authorised on
the authorisation form. A similar form was sent to the retailer showing
how much food he could supply. Mr. Wheeler said for the eight week
period in question the amount of teal allowed to Mr. Green was 1lb., but
during that period defendant obtained 4lbs. of tea. He was allowed 2lbs.
of sugar, but in fact he had 8lbs. A caterer at the end of a period sent
to the Food Office a form and on that he set out the number of hot
beverages and meals supplied. Although Mr. Green was allowed to purchase
1 lb. of tea and bought 4 lbs, he only accounted for ½lb. of tea, for
during the period he supplied 145 hot beverages. The Ministry allowed
280 hot beverages for each lb. of tea. Mr. Green sent the sheet of order
forms to Mr. Longley in blank, Longley filling them up according to the
food he supplied; that was a breach of the regulations. Mr. Wheeler said
on January 28th, with Mr. W. Hazelden, Divisional Enforcement Inspector,
he saw Green and pointed out that he had obtained and consumed a greater
quantity of rationed food than that to which he was authorised. Green
said that he had sent the eight order forms to Mr. Hollis in blank. He
added that he did not notice that the figures of food purchased were in
excess of the quantities permitted, adding “It may be that the family
ration books, three books, are included in the order form by mistake.
All the ration books are registered with Mr. Hollis and we purchase all
our groceries from him. As far as I am aware I have not got any food
that I was not entitled to purchase”. Mr. Wheeler said the Inspector
next saw Longley, who said “I have supplied the goods which are
described on the order forms. . . . the food supplied on the ration
books is not included in the food supplied on the order forms. ... I
have other catering establishments registered with me, but I have not
made the mistake with them. There has been no over-supply except in the
case of Mr. Green and that was due to my misunderstanding. I was not
aware that I was not allowed to make any entry on the order forms. I
will see that it does not occur again”.
Miss Joyce H. Blaxland, an assistant at the Folkestone Food Office,
replying to Mr. Bonniface, said Mr Green returned 4lbs. of tea.
Mr. Wheeler said they were perfectly prepared to accept Mr. Green's
figures as to hot beverages supplied. It was only a case of excess
purchase.
Mr. Bonniface said it was a mistake which started with the period March
16th last year. Once the mistake was made by Mr Hollis in regard to the
authorisation it went on. He suggested it was purely a technical offence
and one which might have been found out a good deal earlier by the Food
Office.
Mr. Medlicott said Mr. Hollis had been in business as a grocer in the
town for 54 years and that was the first time there had ever been any
trouble. The whole thing was simply due to a misunderstanding, and he
was sure Mr. Wheeler would not put it any higher than that. On an old
form four weeks were inserted and that was how the mistake came to be
made in the first place, one lb. for each week. He also submitted that
only a technical offence had occurred. With regard to the second
summons, he knew ignorance of the law was no excuse, but Mr. Longley did
not know that he was not allowed to fill in the quantities in his own
handwriting and that Mr. Green should have done it. Mr. Medlicott said
the amount of paper one had to look through was appalling. The orders
were very difficult to digest and it was also difficult to keep oneself
up to date.
The Clerk (Mr C. Rootes) said the Bench wanted to know what happened to
the other 3lbs. of tea.
Mr. Wheeler: That is what we should like to know.
After retiring the Chairman said offences of this kind had to be
regarded with a certain amount of seriousness today. Mr. Green would be
fined £5 for the first offence, and £1 for the second offence. Mr
Longley would also fined 10/- for filling in the form contrary to the
regulations.
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Folkestone Herald 29 September 1945.
Local News.
A sixty nine years old woman charged with smashing a plate glass window
at a public house was sent to prison for two months by the Folkestone
Magistrates on Saturday. Defendant was Florence Varley, who pleaded
“Guilty under provocation” to smashing a window at the Gun Tavern and
causing damage to the extent of £15.
Thomas F. Green, licensee of the Gun Tavern, said about 8.30 the
previous night he was in the bar when he saw defendant interfering with
soldiers and asking them for cigarettes. He went to Varley and asked her
to leave. She replied “I will go out when I'm ready” After she had gone
outside he heard a smash of glass. He found Varley standing by a window
with one of her boots off.
Defendant told the Magistrates that she went to the public house for the
purpose of getting a bed for the night. The licensee came up to her and
was most insulting. She had had a drink but was not drunk. The licensee
touched her and she touched his window.
Mr. Green denied touching defendant.
P.W.R. Fairbrace said he was called to the Gun Tavern and saw defendant
in the public bar. With assistance he brought defendant to the police
station. Later, when charged, she said “I would willingly have broken
his jaw”.
Varley: I would willingly have killed the little worm if I had had the
chance.
Defendant then added “Don't read my record out; it's bad enough as it
is”.
Det. Sergt. H. Bates said according to police records defendant's proper
name was Catharine Robinson and she was born at Sheffield. She had been
a musician and circus entertainer. She had 56 previous convictions
including a number for wilful damage and thefts.
The Chairman (Alderman J. W. Stainer), sitting with Mr. P. Fuller,
announced that defendant would go to prison for two months.
As she left the court defendant turned her head and with a smile
commented “That's only a sleep”.
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Folkestone Herald 30 November 1957.
Guildhall Street by “L.R.J.”
It was a quiet little lane, about 12ft. wide, with few buildings along
its length and wide open spaces either side of it. Almost a country
lane. Shellons Lane was that part of the Guildhall Street of today from
the Town Hall to the Cheriton Road turning, and it is so shown on a
street map of 1782 in the possession of Folkestone Public Library. The
present Shellons Street was then Griggs Lane, and the part of Guildhall
Street from the Cheriton turning onwards was called Broad Mead, Bottom
Lane.
Why “Shellons” Lane? Shellons was the name of a large field on the west
side of the lane, and the thoroughfare, such as it was, took its name
from it, just as Copthall Gardens derived from the field called Copt
Hall, to the north of Shellons Lane.
Both these fields belonged to the King's Arms Farm, which in all
consisted of about 171 acres. An old map of 1698 lists the various
fields that formed the farm. There were only one or two old buildings on
the west side of Guildhall Street a century and a half ago, and very few
on the east side. Shellons Lane was ..... just a lane.
On the site where the Town Hall now stands was the King’s Arms inn, with
next to it two or three small buildings. Behind it was the town gaol,
with stocks in which malefactors were placed. Lord Radnor was the
hereditary gaoler. Some time after 1782 the King's Arms was moved across
the road to part of the site on which now stands the Queen's Hotel. It
was the corner building of Cow Street (now Sandgate Road) and Shellons
Lane. The old King's Arms buildings were demolished, and a building
known as “The Cistern House” was erected on the site. This too was
pulled down in 1859, to make way for the present Town Hall, opened in
1861. The Town Hall had no portico until 18 years later.
The first houses on the eastern side of Guildhall Street were erected in
1844, approximately where the Guildhall Hotel and the shop next door now
stand. The hotel itself was opened probably about 30 years later, for
the first reference to it is in 1870, when the proud landlord, named
Andrews, announced “Mine is the only house in Folkestone where there is
a stand-up bar like the London style.”
By 1844 Guildhall Street - still Shellons Lane - was built up on the
east side to about the present premises of Messrs. Halfords. Development
went on until by 1870 there were houses and shops up to the corner of
Griggs Lane (Shellons Street), though Messrs. Vickery's premises were
built a little later. For nearly a century the comer building now
occupied by Messrs. Olby was a baker's shop. The premises were built in
1856. It is interesting to note that a very old boundary wall still
exists between the premises of Richmond’s dairy and Halfords, a wall
more than 150 years old. Towards the end of the nineteenth century
Guildhall Street developed with the expansion of the town and
undoubtedly became a popular shopping centre, but it was still far
removed from the Street of today.
The west side of the Street, as has already been stated, had very few
buildings in 1782. The removal of the King’s Arms from the present Town
Hall site to the comer opposite may have been one of the first
developments on this side of Guildhall Street. The exact date is
uncertain, but it was probably after 1782. The road junction at that
time was small, the meeting place of four narrow lanes, and the building
stood well out into what is now the roadway. It was not until 1882, and
alter protracted litigation between the owners and the Corporation that
the junction was widened to its present proportions. The Kings Arms was
a small hostelry by modern standards, with a billiards room at the back
and a skittle alley. One wall ran a short distance along Guildhall
Street and appears to have been a popular place for posting notices of
auction sales, meetings and so on. Later the hostelry was extended and
improved. When all the litigation was ended (there is a sizeable volume
of the proceedings in the Reference Library) the King’s Arms was pulled
down, and on May 30th, 1885, the Queen’s Hotel was opened.
A large garden occupied most of the length of Guildhall Street from the
King’s Arms, nearly to what is now Messrs. Andrews’ shop. It is possible
that this garden, quite extensive in length and depth, may have belonged
to a Mr. Solomon, who built Alexander Gardens.
On the site of Stace’s stood two small cottages, known as Pay’s
cottages, and where Mr. Lummus’s cycle shop is now situated stood
another building, called Gun cottage. In the course of years the open
spaces were built over. On the site of the Playhouse cinema once stood a
substantial property known as Ivy House, and behind it, approached by
the alley-way which still exists, were stables. A little further along
was Marlborough House, the residence of a veterinary surgeon.
Part of the Guildhall Street of days gone by was the Gun barn, shown on
the 1782 map. About 1840 the Gun brewery occupied the site of Messrs.
Walter’s furnishing store. There is reason to believe that a brewery
originally stood on the site of Messrs. Plummer Roddis in Rendezvous
Street and was transferred to the new site rather more than a century
ago.
The Gun Tavern takes its name from an old gun of the Tudor period,
upended, that had long been in position at the comer of Guildhall Street
and Cheriton Road. It was removed to the western end of the Leas prior
to the 1914-18 war, and about that period it disappeared. What became of
it is a mystery to this day.
The Gun brewery - and breweries were small and many in those days - was
owned by a man named Ham Tite. His beer may not always have been up to
standard, for in a County Court case in 1871 a witness said the beer was
so bad that his customers couldn’t drink it. The brewery continued until
about 1880, but by 1882 part of it had become, of all things, a Chapel
and coffee house. It was known as the Emanuel Mission Church, conducted
by a Mr. Toke. The tinted windows of the church remain and there is
still an “atmosphere” about the building, though it has long ceased to
serve any religious purpose.
The Gun smithy is certainly a piece of old Folkestone, for the building
itself has changed, there has been a smithy on this site for at least a
century.
The Shakespeare Hotel at the comer of Guildhall Street and Cheriton Road
is more than a century old, for all its up-to-date facade. It was
refronted in 1897, when it belonged to the Army and Navy Brewery
Company. In 1848 it was the Shakespeare Tavern, and a directory of a
later date announces that tea and quoits were available. For some
obscure reason it was stated to be “near the Viaduct”.
So the transformation of Guildhall Street from the virtually open fields
of Shellons Lane into a modern, progressive and popularshopping centre
has taken place in less than 150 years. The unpaved, narrow lane is no
more, gone are some of the ”landmarks” of over 80 years ago, many of the
old names have been lost. Changes and development have given to
Folkestone a street of which the town can be proud, a street of many
trades, a progressive street, a street of good and efficient service to
the public, a street of shops where the customer is always right.
Guildhall Street.
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Folkestone Herald 17 March 1973.
Local News.
News that the Gun Tavern, Cheriton Road, is scheduled for demolition
under Folkestone's town centre redevelopment scheme has come as a
bombshell to landlord Mr. John Rogers. Before he moved into the pub in
July, 1971, Mr. Rogers went to the Civic Centre to find out whether the
128-year-old inn would be affected by the development. He said “I was
told that the houses in Gloucester Place would be coming down in about
five years, but that the Gun would remain. The brewery, Whitbread
Fremlins Ltd., was obviously of the same opinion. We have had the
premises decorated and altered at a cost of about £2,500. This money
would never have been spent had anyone realised that the pub had a
limited lifespan”. Mr. Rogers said that Whitbread Fremlin had indicated
that the council's decision would be opposed.
The brewery will be supported by customers at the Gun who have already
organised a petition to save the pub. One customer told the Herald “This
is ridiculous. Folkestone has already lost the Foresters Arms and the
Shakespeare to this development scheme”.
A Folkestone Corporation spokesman said on Thursday that he had every
sympathy with Mr. Rogers. “Until about three months ago the Gun was not
part of the town centre redevelopment”, he said. “It is included now
only to enable a much more viable unit to be built on the Jenner's
site”.
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Folkestone Gazette 24 July 1974.
Local News.
After 125 years of helping to quench thirsts in Folkestone, one of the
town's oldest pubs –the Gun Tavern at the junction of Cheriton Road and
Gloucester Place – closed last week. The premises will be demolished in
a redevelopment scheme. Shops and a multi-storey car park are planned
for the site. Last orders came on Tuesday. And on Friday the pub’s last
barrel of beer was rolled out. Now - like the gun it was named after,
which was once embedded in the roadside at the junction of Cheriton Road
and Guildhall Street - the pub is to become another part of the town's
history to disappear.
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Folkestone Gazette 31 March 1976.
Local News.
The old Gun Tavern building in Bouverie Road East, Folkestone, may be
opened again ... as temporary headquarters for a sea safety school. The
Tavern was closed after it was bought by the local council as part of
the town centre redevelopment plan. But last week Shepway's development
committee heard that the building was not needed for demolition in the
immediate future and the Triton Sea School at Folkestone had asked if it
could use it. Members agreed that, as the school's interest was mainly
sea safety for the young, it should be recommended that the building be
offered at an exclusive rental of £100 per year. They also want the
matter to be referred to the council's amenities committee to see if any
financial aid can be given to the school.
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LICENSEE LIST
COCK Thomas 1843 1865 (COCKS
 )(age
69 in 1861 ) 
ELLIOTT H c1865-68
WILSON William 1868-72
BATT
Thomas 1872
HUNT William 1872-77
GILES William 1881-94
 (age 59 in 1891)  
NORMAN Christian 1894-1902+
  
STRAUGHAN Bernard R 1902-22
 
COOK Donald 1922-29
GREEN Frederick Thos 1929-66
 
TARRANT Charles 1966-68
PARKIN Peter 1968-71
RODGERS John 1971-74
http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/gun.html
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Post Office Directory 1891
From the Kelly's Directory 1899
From the Post Office Directory 1903
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From the Kelly's Directory 1934
From the Post Office Directory 1938
From More Bastions of the Bar by Easdown and Rooney
 From the Folkestone Chronicle
Census
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