From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 6 December, 1867.

ROBBERY FROM A BUTCHER'S SHOP

William Denton and John Burke, a couple of men having the appearance of labourers out of employ, were charged with stealing from the shop of Charles Streeter, butchers, of Adrian Street, on Saturday night, a loin of mutton weighing eight pounds, and worth 4s.

Alfred Crick, a journeyman butcher, said he was in the employ of Mr. Charles Streeter. He missed the loin of mutton produced about a quarter past ten on Saturday night. He was having his supper in a corner of the shop, when young Mr. Swoffer, a neighbour, came in and drew his attention to the stall, upon which several joints of meat were lying, when he at once missed the loin, which he had seen lying there safe a quarter of an hour before.

The prisoners were asked in the usual way if they had any questions to put to the witness, when Denton said, "I plead guilty to the charge, but this man (indicating Burke) known nothing about it."

Emily Bromley said she was the wife of John Mark Bromley, who kept the "Liberty" public-house, at the top of Five Post Lane. The bar of the house commanded a view of Adrian Street, and of the shop-window of the prosecutor; and as she was standing in the bar on Saturday evening, about a quarter past ten, she saw a man of short stature, resembling the prisoner Denton, approach the stall and take from it a joint of mutton - either a neck or a loin. He put it under his coat, and made off with it as fast as he could go. She called to Mr. Swoffer, a neighbour living opposite, who gave information to the prosecutor. The prisoner did not seem to have any companions.

Police-sergeant Johnson said he received information of Saturday night that a loin of mutton had been stolen from the shop of Mr. Streeter and that there was reason to believe that the man who had stolen it was accompanied by two others. Acting on this information he proceeded to New Street, where he found the two prisoners, who were standing in the street conversing with each other. He "rubbed down" the prisoner Denton, and found that he had concealed under his jacket the loin of mutton which had been produced and identified as that which was stolen. Witness took the prisoner Denton into custody, and charged him with stealing the mutton from the shop of Mr. Streeter. The prisoner then admitted the theft, but after he had been taken to the police-station and had heard the charges formally read over to him, he said he would "reverse his defence." Burke was taken into custody by police-constable Pilcher, and when the charge was read over to him he said he knew nothing about it.

The Magistrates dismissed Burke, being of opinion that no case against him had been made out.

The other prisoner was asked if he desired to have the case dealt with by the Magistrate, and he answered in the affirmative. He pleaded guilty, and alleged that he had been induced to commit the theft by want.

He was unknown to the police, and the Magistrates assuming this to be his first offence, committed him for thirty-three days' hard labour in the Wandsworth House of Correction.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 September, 1868.

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

THE LIBERTY, ADRIAN STREET

Mr. Coram reported that this house was well adapted for its purpose, and that the landlord, Mr. Bromley, had borne an excellent character for the last twenty years.

Mr. Fox said that he had been instructed to oppose all applications for new licenses, on two grounds - first, that having regard to the population of Dover an increase in the number of licensed houses was not required; and next that in individual cases it would be found that there were other licensed houses in close proximity to those for which applications were now made. In the case of the "Liberty" he particularised the houses which surrounded it, remarking that he did not impugn the respectability of the applicant, or his capability to manage a licensed house properly, but that he contended an increase was not required. If the Legislature had contemplated that licenses should be granted indiscriminately to whoever applied for them, there would be no utility in the discretion of increasing the number remaining in the hands of the Magistrates, as the Excise could do all that was necessary.

The Mayor said that the Magistrates had discussed the question of increasing the number of licensed houses with a great deal of care, and although they in a measure agreed with what Mr. Fox had said, they yet held that it was not unwise as a general rule to grant those of the applications which were deserving. In this particular case the applicant was a respectable man, his house was well adapted for its purpose, and the license of the "Chance" had just been taken away, so that there would be no increase in that particular neighbourhood. The license, would therefore, be granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 January, 1869.

ROBBERY FROM A PUBLIC HOUSE.

Mary Ann Ward and Elizabeth Lavender, were charged with stealing a glass from the "Liberty" public-house, at the corner of Five Post Lane.

It appeared that the evidence would not sustain a charge of larceny against the prisoner lavender, she was discharged, and was afterwards admitted as evidence against Ward. It appeared from her statement that o the same morning she went into the house of a woman named Turner, where she saw the prisoner, who asked her to sell the tumbler for her. She did so and realized two-pence for it; and the money was expended in a pint of beer.

John Mark Bromley, landlord of the "Liberty" public-house, at the corner of Five Post Lane, said the prisoner came into his house, at ten minutes past six the same morning. She had two or three half-pints of beer, for which she paid. She remained till about twenty-minutes to eight; and after he had been away from the bar a few minutes she bade him good morning and left. He did not miss the glass till the policeman brought it to him. He recognised it at once as his property. The name of the house was engraved upon it. It had been used by customers while the prisoner was there.

The prisoner desired that the charge might be disposed of by the Magistrates, but denied that she was guilty.

It appeared that she was an old offender, the Magistrates sent her to prison for seven days, with hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 August, 1869.

SUDDEN DEATH AT DOVER

An inquest was held at the "Liberty" public-house, Five Post Lane, on Saturday afternoon last, before the Deputy Coroner, Sydenham Payn Esq., and a jury, of whom Mr. Henry Smith was chosen the foreman, on the body of Alfred Scokes, who had resided in Adrian Street, and had gained his livelihood by hawking ginger beer.

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

Maria Elizabeth Prescott said she was the wife of John Prescott, who resides at 2, Adrian Street. Witness had known the deceased for about two years, and during that time she had only known him to be ill once, for a short time. On Friday morning the deceased asked the landlady of the house in which he resided, Mrs. Casual, to obtain him a ticket of admission to the Union, and the witness accompanied the landlady to the Workhouse to get the ticket. Witness saw the  deceased standing at the door of his house on the same morning , and she asked him how he was, when he replied that he was very badly, and must go indoors and lie down. On the previous evening she saw the deceased lying on the floor near the bed in the room he occupied. Witness did not know how he came upon the floor. Mrs. Casual asked the deceased if he was thirsty, and on his replying that he was , she obtained a cup of tea, half of which he drank. Witness then had occasion to go home for a minute and upon her return she found the deceased just expiring.

By the Jury: I do not know whether deceased had been fighting. he had been to Sandgate on the previous Thursday. Deceased was a very quiet man. After he had drunk the tea I asked him if he would like any more, when he said something about "Sandgate Heights."

Mr. John Walters, a surgeon practising in Dover, said that on reaching the home the previous evening at a quarter to six, he found that a message had been left about half an hour previously for him to go and see the deceased, who was very ill. he immediately went to the house where the deceased was lodging, when he found him upon the floor in a room, quite dead. On examining the body he found the scrotum very much enlarged and blackened, and this would account for the vomiting which he had suffered. the blackening might have been caused by a blow, or might have arisen from natural causes. Witness saw no other signs of violence upon the deceased. The blackened mark had probably been occasioned  by overwalking, which might have accelerated death.

 The jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes."

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 23 August, 1872. Price 1d.

APPLICANTS UNDER THE NEW LICENSING ACT

Mr. Fox made application on behalf of the landlord of the “ “Liberty,” at the top of Five Post Lane, that he might open his house at four in the morning, instead of at five.

The applications were ordered to stand over till the next licensing day.
 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 4 December, 1874. Price 1d.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

Before Mr. R. Dickeson, Esq.

Charles Phillis, 4, Chapel -place, butcher, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the "Liberty," and with unlawfully breaking one pane of glass, value 10d.

John Mark Bromley deposed: I keep the "Liberty." Last evening prisoner came to my house, and as he was the worse for drink I refused to serve him. He went away and came back again. He refused to go out, and I ejected him. He persisted in coming in, and I put him out again. He then said, "I'll smash all your _____ windows," and put his fist through one. The amount of damage is 10d.

Prisoner had nothing to say. He had cut his own hand.

Defendant's father said his son had never behaved so before. His sister was married yesterday.

Mr. Dickeson said he thought Bromley had behaved well in the matter. The "Liberty" was one of the best conducted houses in the town, and defendant through making a disturbance there might give it a bad character. He must pay a fine of 1s. the amount of damage, and the costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 31 May, 1878

THEFT

Mary Ellis was charged with stealing a decanter containing sherry wine, from the “Liberty Inn,” Adrian Street, the property of Emily Sarah Bromley.

Emily Sarah Bromley said: I am a widow, and keep the “Liberty Inn,” Adrian Street. The decanter produced is my property and contained sherry wine. It stood on some glasses. I last saw the decanter yesterday afternoon about half-past two. I missed it about seven o'clock in the evening. I then gave information to the Police and shortly afterwards a Policeman came with the decanter, which I identified as being my property. The value of the same is 7s. 6d. I have never seen the prisoner in my bar before.

Eliza Ann Knott said: I am a servant living at Mrs. Bromley's I was in charge at the bar yesterday afternoon about half-past three. The prisoner and another woman came in and asked for a pint of beer and porter, which I served them with. I had occasion to leave the bar and on my return the prisoner and the other woman were gone. I did not miss the decanter then. I am positive that it was there when I served the prisoner. Mrs. Bromley first called my attention to the decanter being missing. There was no one at the bar but the prisoner and her companion.

John Hammond said: I am a mariner living at 19, Beach Street. I was moving from 19, Beach Street to 41, Seven Stars Street, when I found the prisoner in the water-closet of the latter house between six and seven o'clock yesterday evening. I first saw a stopper of a decanter outside the door. I opened the door and there found the prisoner curled up in the closet fast asleep. I then saw the decanter produced on the ground. I then fastened her in and went for a Policeman.

Police-constable Suters said: I was called by the last witness about a quarter to seven to the rear of 41, Seven Stars Street, where I found the prisoner in the water-closet apparently fast asleep. She was in a drunken state. I woke her up and asked her if she knew anything about the decanter, and she said “No; I have never seen it before.” I told her I should take her into custody on suspicion of stealing it. I took the prisoner into custody, and the decanter was identified by Mrs. Bromley. In answer to the charge the prisoner said she had been living in the house and had had a pint of beer. She knew nothing about the decanter.

The prisoner pleaded “Not Guilty,” but the bench committed her for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 October, 1886. Price 1d.

SELLING IN PROHIBITED HOURS

Alfred Grace, landlord of the “Liberty Inn,” Five Post Lane, was summoned for having, on the night of Wednesday, 29th of September, sold intoxicating drink during prohibited hours.

Defendant pleaded “Guilty.”

Mr. Worsfold Mowll, who appeared for the defendant, said that he had given the case his most earnest consideration since Friday last, and he should advise his client to withdraw his plea of “Not Guilty” and substitute one of “Guilty.”

Mr. E. W. Knocker, who prosecuted, said under these circumstances he would not go fully into the evidence, but would call the principle witness in order that the Bench might be acquainted with the nature of the case.

Police-sergeant Nash said: On Wednesday night the 29th ult., I was on duty at the top of Five Post Lane, at 11.40, accompanied by Police-constables Cook and Prescott. My attention was called by Police-constable Cook to a soldier apparently sitting on a seat looking through the door of the “Liberty Inn.” I flashed my light on his face, when he moved away, and then went and tried the door. I then heard a general moving about inside the bar. The landlady opened the door and let us in. Inside the bar was the landlord. I and Police-constable Cook went in and Prescott remained at the door outside. I said to the landlord, “You have some company here.” He said, “Yes, I have some friends in the little room there,” pointing to a room adjoining the bar. I looked in and there saw six men dressed as civilians. I then asked where the soldier was. He said that he had no soldier in the house. I told him that it was no use saying that, for I knew he had. He said, “No, I have not.” I told him that I should look. I then went to the back way of the house, and on pushing the door that leads into the urinal saw a soldier standing on the step looking round. Behind the door was another. Another then came out. I brought them round to the room, and when taking their names I saw the door which leads from the room into the back way move. I went and looked behind that door and found another soldier. I took the names and addresses of all present. The landlord told me that some of them were his guests, two were friends of his guests, and two had taken lodgings for the night. The soldiers said they had come from Shorncliffe. In the bar on a seat was a glass containing beer, and under the counter were four glasses of beer. In the room where the six men were, there were six glasses containing liquor. All the men except two then left. About 12.40 I went back again and found a quart jug containing beer. The two that were then in the house left at 12.45.

By Mr. Worsfold Mowll: When I returned at 12.40 the two men that were in the house left. On the night in question was the evening of the ball. I thought that all the men present were officers' servants.

This case was remanded from the previous Friday, when the people who were in the house at the time the Constable visited were summoned.

Mr. Knocker said that he had sanctioned the withdrawal of the summons against the soldiers. He consented to the summonses against them being withdrawn on their paying the costs.

Mr. Mowll stated that the men that were in the house were in possession of two good conduct stripes, and it would be a very serious matter to deprive them of these. He did not appear for the soldiers. On behalf of his client, he would say that this affair happened on the night of the military ball at the Town Hall, and the officers' servants had gone to the house in question in order to get a cigar or a drink. Since the house had been in command of the defendant it had been conducted extremely well, so well that although the neighbours round about had from time to time been instrumental in taking away two or three licensed houses near, in this case they had signed a memorial to the effect that the house occupied by the defendant had been thoroughly well conducted. He hoped the Bench would bear in mind that this occurrence took place on the might of the military ball. The defendant was not only furnished with a memorial, but he had been a candidate as a licensed victualler for the Town Council of St. Alban's, as the paper which he handed to the Bench would show. He (Mr. Mowll) was sure that was sufficient evidence to show that he bore a good character, for although he was not victorious in obtaining the seat, the majority was a small one.

The Bench allowed the withdrawal of the summonses against the guests, but with regard of the defendant Grace the Bench imposed a fine of £5 and costs, the license not being endorsed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 17 January, 1902. Price 1d.

AN OLD OFFENDER

Elizabeth Ratcliffe was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Five Post Lane.

Inspector Nash said: I saw the defendant in the private bar of the “Liberty” Public-house talking very loudly to the landlady. She saw me and then came out. She said, “my man spent all his time and money in that house and all the while he does that I b_____ well mean to go there.” I saw she was drunk and told her to go home. She behaved very disorderly and said she had just come out from Canterbury and did not mind if she went back. She fell down but was got away as far as Chapel Street where she was so disorderly and her language so bad that witness had to take her into custody. In York Street she threw herself down and assistance had to be obtained to take her to the station.

The woman was sent to prison for 14 days having been several times previously convicted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 January, 1912. Price 1½d.

WINDOW BREAKING LAST NIGHT - CHARGE AGAINST THREE RIFLES FAIL

At the Dover Police Court this morning, before Messrs. M. Pepper (in the chair), G. C. Rubie, Edward Chitty, J. W. Bussey and Capt. R. B. Cay, R.N.

John Murray, John Clary, Sandy Brown, privates of the R.I.R., was charged with being concerned together with wilfully breaking a plate-glass window at the “Liberty,” Adrian Street, doing damage to the amount of £4 18s.

Henry Maslin, the licensee, said about 11.20 on Thursday night he was sitting in his room at the back of the bar when he heard a bang at his window in Five Post Lane. He went out and saw that his window was badly cracked. He looked round and saw four riflemen going down Five Post Lane. He followed them into Snargate Street, and by Pointer's toy shop he saw a military police corporal, whom he asked to stop the men, which he did. One of the men said “The Rifles again.” P.C. Cadman arrived on the scene. He did not know what became of the fourth man, but he came partly up the street. The men were not drunk. He charged the prisoners, and came to the Police Station. The prisoners had not previously been in his house.

Cross-examined by Brown: he did not see the prisoners break the window.

By the Chief Constable: When he came out of the “Liberty” he saw the prisoners in Five Post Lane about twenty yards away.

Alfred Bedwell, of 9, Chapel Lane, stated that at 11.20 on Thursday night he was at the bedroom of Five Post Lane, when he heard a bang and saw four riflemen come hurrying down the lane. Mr. Maslin came out and ran after them. He could not recognise the prisoners, as he did not see their faces.

P.C. Cadman stated that hearing a bang, as if with a stick, in Five Post Lane, he went there and saw the landlady of the “Liberty.” He saw the window was cracked and from what she said he went into Snargate Street, where he found four men being detained by the Military Police. He recognised the three prisoners as having been in the fish shop opposite the “Liberty Inn” some time previously. Mr. Maslin charged them, and with the assistance of P.C. Hodges and the Military Police he brought them to the Police Station.

By the Chief Constable. He saw no one in Five Post Lane when he arrived there. The witness Bedwell informed him that non one passed through the lane after the soldiers.

The Chief Constable stated that his information was that the prisoners exonerated the fourth man from blame.

Thomas Castle, the fourth rifleman, was called, and said he was willing to give evidence. About 11.20 he saw the three prisoners at the bottom end of Five Post Lane, being detained. He asked them why they were detained and they said for smashing glass. The police constable asked him if he was in it, and he said “No.”

In answer to the Magistrates, prisoners said the witness was not with them.

The Chairman: Now which of you three broke this window?

The defendant Clerk (Mr. Hugh) said he would was only going to advice the Magistrates as to the illegality of this question, when the Chairman said: “You sit down Mr. Clerk, I shall ask what question I like.

Prisoners said three sailors came out of the fish shop after they did. They did not break the window, and they would not like to say the sailors did.

The Chairman: It is a pity you won't say which of you broke the window.

The Magistrates having retired for a few minutes.

The Chairman said: There is a little doubt in this case, and we have decided to give you the benefit of it, so you can clear out. Let me worn you to be careful in the future.

Dover Express 19th July 1918.

The Dover Tribunal met on Wednesday at the Town Hall. The Mayor presided and there were also present Messrs. Prescott, Robson, Beeby and Barnes. Major Sangster, the National Service Representative, took the cases.

Mr. R. Mowll appeared for Mr. H. S. Maslen, aged 48, grade 1, licensed victualler, landlord of the "Liberty" Inn for the last eighteen years. Mr. Mowll said that, as publicans were being exempted, this one should.

The Major asked if he were in the Volunteers.

The applicant said that he was not.

The NSR said that there was no reason why this man should be exempted. He would agree to three months exemption final.

The Tribunal granted 3 months exemption.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 9 June, 1933.

LICENSING TRANSFER SESSIONS.

The "Liberty," Adrian Street, from Harry S. Maslen (deceased) to Winifred Maslen.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 17 June, 1938.

CLOSING DOWN PUBLIC HOUSES

THE LIBERTY

The East Kent Licensing Authority met at Canterbury on Friday last, when the four Dover houses referred to by the licensing Justices came up.

There was no opposition in the case of the "Liberty" Inn, Adrian Street, and the "Green Dragon," Strond Street, both of which had been referred.

The renewal was refused.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 26 August, 1938.

Deep foundations are now being put in for the flats which will face the cliff side road. At the top left-hand corner of the picture is the "Liberty" Inn, at the corner of Five Post Lane, which will disappear when the new road is made into Snargate Street from Queen Street.

ADRIAN STREET CHANGES

The new cliff side road which has been made closely following the line of the old Adrian Street.