From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 20 July 1867. Price 1d.

Read fire at "Ordnance Arms."

THE LATE FIRE IN THE MILITARY ROAD

The landlady of the “Leopard's Head,” in the Military-road, near where the fire took place, presented herself before the Magistrates on Monday, and complained of the conduct of the military who had been called out to assist in extinguishing the fire. She said a number of soldiers forcibly entered her house, went down the cellar, and drew the beer in large quantities. They ransacked every portion of her house, and made considerable havoc. She had six bedsteads taken down and smashed, and a number of other articles destroyed. A watch was missing, besides several other articles.

Alderman Aris said he understood that very reckless conduct was pursued. A poor man living near had a violin stolen, and a soldier was seen running about with it during the fire. It was usual when the military assisted at a fire to send them the thanks of the Magistrates. If the conduct represented had been pursued, the matter should be represented to the Colonel Commandant at the garrison.

Superintendent Danes stated that about 200 men were out of barracks, under eight or nine officers. He directed the men should be put to the engine, and the remainder paraded. Instead of that they were allowed to enter the houses.

The landlady said she could not identify any of the men. Thirty or forty entered her house. She estimated the damage at least at £10.

A neighbour of this complainant made a similar statement.

The women were told that they could not be assisted by the Bench.

Superintendent Davies said that the conduct of the military at the fire on Friday last was most creditable.

The Clerk was directed to write to the Colonel Commandant on the subject.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 9 April 1870.

A CHILD BURNT TO DEATH AT THE BARRACKS.

An inquest was held at the "Leopard's Head Inn," last night, on the body of a child named Mary Ann Masson, aged two years and ten months, the child of a private in the 14th Hussars. The accident occurred at the married quarters on Tuesday. The mother of the child left it in the room with a younger child for ten minutes, the fire being enclosed in a large guard. During the mother's absence a neighbour heard screams and went into the room and saw the child in flames. It died an hour-and-a-half afterwards at the hospital.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally burnt to death."

From the Whitstable Times, 6 December, 1902.

THEFT OF AN OVERCOAT.

Henry Stewart was charged with stealing a gent's overcoat, the property of Messr. Warren and Summers, on the previous day.

William Henry Summers stated that he was one of the firm of Messrs. Warren and Summers, carrying on business as clothiers, in the Butter Market. The coat (produced) was his property, and the value of it was 16s. 6d. The coat was hanging on a nail nine feet above the pavement. He saw it there at about nine o'clock. He did not miss it until it was brought to him by P.C. Lockey. Witness had subsequently identified it at the police station.

William Dodd, cab proprietor, living at 85, Union Street, stated that at 10 o’clock on Saturday night he was in the “Leopard's Head.” Prisoner came in whilst he was there and asked some of the customers if they would buy the coat produced for 5s. He eventually asked witness to buy it. Witness refused, and said it would be useless to him. He eventually gave prisoner 3s. 6d. for the coat and asked him if it was his property, and prisoner said it was. He took it for granted that it was prisoner’s property. Witness subsequently handed the coat to P.C. Lockey.

P.C. Lockey stated that at about 10.15 on Saturday night he was on duty on the Parade. Prisoner passed him with a light overcoat. From something witness was told he went round to the back of the “Black Boy” and found the ticket produced. He subsequently went to the “Leopard’s Head” and received the coat. At about 12.30 on Sunday morning he arrested prisoner in High Street. Witness asked him how he accounted for having the in his possession which he had previously seen with him. Prisoner said he knew nothing about a coat. He took him to the police station and charged him with stealing the coat, the property of Messrs. Warren and Summers’ shop in the Butter Market. He made no reply to the charge.

Prisoner pleaded guilty.

Superintendent Farmery proved three previous convictions against the prisoner.

The Magistrates sentenced prisoner to six weeks hard labour.

Addressing Dodd the Mayor said to have bought the coat was a very indiscreet thing to do to say the least of it. Dodd’s costs would, therefore, be disallowed.