From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 16 January, 1864.

DRUNK

John Horwin, a rough-looking fellow, charged with drunkenness and annoying the landlady of the "Lord Nelson" public house, was liberated on promising not to conduct himself in such a way again, the landlady of the "Lord Nelson" being satisfied with this undertaking.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 20 February, 1864.

DESERTION

William Pocock, a rough-looking fellow dressed in a navvy's "slop" was charged with disserting from the second brigade of Royal Artillery. A bombardier of the same brigade, which he quartered in Dover, happened to notice the prisoner at the "Lord Nelson" public house and recognised him as a man who had been reported a deserter. He did not lose sight of the prisoner, but caused him to be handed over to the police, in whose custody the man was now brought up. The prisoner had no reply to make to the charge, and the usual return having been filled up the Magistrate ordered his conveyance back to quarters.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 28 January, 1870.

THE LORD NELSON PUBLIC HOUSE TRANSFER

Mr. Fox attended upon an adjourned application in order that the license of the "Lord Nelson" public-house might be transferred to George Matson.

Up on the application coming before the Bench on the previous Friaday, there was some question as to whether the defendant was a fit person to hold the license.

Mr. Fox now stated that although, as he was informed, there had been a conviction against the defendant for an infringement  of his license, the conviction was six or seven years old, and had never been allowed to stand in the way of the defendant's renewing his license of the very house in respect to which the conviction took place. He. therefore, submitted that this in itself, was not sufficient reason for preventing the transfer now applied for, and he should be glad for Mr. Coram to be asked whether anything else was known against the applicant.

Superintendent Coram said he had referred, and found the conviction was as far back as the time mentioned by Mr. Fox, and he knew of nothing else that should prevent the transfer.

Mr. Fox, said that, as far as the conviction was concerned, he might plead the "statute of limitations." (A laugh.)

The Magistrates granted the license.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 11 February, 1870

ASSAULT.

Albert Cotterell a journeyman painter, was charged with being drunk and assaulting Henry Gill another knight of the brush, on the previous night.

The complainant who had lost a tooth by the violence of his alleged encounter with the defendant appeared in Court, with his face much swollen and his power of articulation greatly impaired. From what could be made out, however, it appeared that he was returning home to his lodgings at the "Lord Nelson" Public House, St. James Lane, on the previous night about twelve o'clock, when the defendant ran out of a passage near to the "Lord Nelson," and without provocation whatever hit him a violent blow in the face. He was walking along with his hands in his pockets and was therefore almost unable to defend himself; but had his hands been at liberty he should have given the defendant a jolly good thrashing for his pains. [The complainant was a man of unusually small stature, and this bellicose avowal, uttered in a tone of great determination, caused some laughter in the court.]

The defendant declared that the complainant gave him provocation. He was standing in the passage, as the complainant passed, when the complainant started back, and exclaimed, “Bless me! how you frightened me!” He (defendant) replied “Did I? You'll be frightened more if you come back.” The complainant then returned, and scratched him down the face, and he (defendant) hit him in self-defence. He admitted that he hit him to hard, and he might have knocked a tooth out.

The magistrates considered the defendant the aggressor, and fined him 1s and 6s costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 24 February, 1871. Price 1d.

A TROUBLESOME LODGER

Charles Cork, a costermonger, lodging at the "Lord Nelson" public-house, was charged with being drunk and using obscene language at the "Lord Nelson," and with assaulting the landlord, Mr. Matson.

George Matson, said: I keep the "Lord nelson," public-house, in St. James's Lane. This assault took place last night between eleven and twelve. I had just come into my house and found Cork in front of my bar. He was not sober; and was using obscene language. Upon my telling him not to use obscene language, he struck me in the eye. Mr. Pankhurst was also standing there, and Cork struck him also. I then sent for a policeman.

Police-constable George Ash said he was sent for to the "Lord nelson" public-house, on the previous night, and on arriving there took the prisoner into custody. It was about 5 or 10 minutes past twelve. He took him to the station-house, and he there used very bad language. He had been drinking; but he was not drunk.

Prisoner said he had desired to go to bed, and was on his way up stairs when Mr. Matson came and dragged him down again. That was how the quarrel arose, and he submitted that he was not the first aggressor.

Superintendent Coram, in reply to the Bench, said the prisoner had been before the Magistrates a number of times previously.

The Bench sent the defendant to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour.

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

A DRUNKEN FREAK

John C. Smith. 49, described a s a schoolmaster, residing at the “Lord Nelson” public-house, St. James's Lane, was charged with assaulting Mr. Charles Pain, of the “Fountain Inn,” and also with wilfully breaking two decanters containing wine, valued at 15s.

Mr. Charles pain deposed: Last night, about twenty minutes to eleven, I was in my front bar talking to two gentlemen, when the prisoner came in and asked me whether my name was Pain. I turned round towards him, and saw that he was in a fighting attitude. He took a stick that belonged to one of the gentlemen from off the bar and struck at me, and missed me, but broke two decanters and a glass containing wine. I then put the prisoner outside. He made another blow at me, and I took the stick away from him. This is the stick produced. A policeman then came and took him away; I gave him into custody. The damage done is 15s.

The Mayor: Was he very drunk?

Prosecutor: he had quite sufficient; he was not sober.

Prisoner: I can't say how it occurred; it was a most unaccountable thing. I had been talking to a friend and got excited.

The Mayor, to prosecutor: These decanters I understand were broken by accident; that is hardly a case of wilful damage.

Prosecutor: Well, sir, I would rather have had that done than my head hurt. I don't suppose it will happen again.

Prisoner: I promise you it shall not happen again.

By Mr. Rees: It was a very unprovoked attack, but he (prisoner) says he is very sorry.

The Mayor, to prisoner: Do you think you will be in a position to pay this money in a reasonable time?

Prisoner: Well, sir, what is a reasonable time?

Prosecutor: Two months.

The Mayor to prisoner: I think Mr. Pain has acted very honourably towards you.

Prisoner: I will endeavour to pay it. It shall not happen again for the next twelve months.

Smith was then discharged.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 28 June, 1872. Price 1d.

FATAL FIRE AT DOVER

A fire broke out shortly before one o'clock in the morning in a lodging house at Dover, known as the "Lord Nelson," and situated near the Flying Horse Lane, a very close thoroughfare at the Market Place. The house had a large number of inmates of the poorest class, and upon the alarm being raised a scene of great excitement and disorder ensued among them, one unfortunate man rushing to the attic and throwing himself into the street. The town fire escape and some ladders were quickly brought to the spot; and most of the other inmates were rescued without serious injury, although, owing to the smallness of the apertures by which alone they could make their escape from the burning premises, and the number of people the house contained, several persons were more or less injured by crushing. The man who rashly leaped from the window was taken up fearfully mangled and conveyed to the Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards. One other life was lost, one of the lodgers, a woman named Eliza Clough, 39 years of age, being exceedingly deaf and not being awakened until too late to rescue her from the burning building. The occupiers of the adjoining premises were much alarmed, and had to save themselves in their nightdresses; but the local fire brigade, which consists, in Dover, of the Borough Police, under the direction of Superintendent Sanders, aided by several men of the coastguard service, who were on duty at the Sea Front when the alarm was given, used such prompt and efficient exertions that the fire was subdued in about an hour after it was first discovered; and although the neighbourhood is closely packed with buildings, the disaster was confined to the premises in which it broke out and two small shops adjoining. Nothing is actually known as to the cause of the conflagration, but it is believed to have originated in the tap-room, the niece of the Landlord, a young woman, who was first to become conscious of the disaster, perceiving flames coming from the direction of the tap-room on descending the stairs. Upon the young woman rushing out into the street and raising the alarm, having previously apprised of the disaster the inmates of the house, Mr. J. H. Parks, son of Mr. G. T. Parks builder, who happened to be passing through Bench Street at the time, ran to her assistance, and having communicated the alarm to the police, straight away procured a ladder and rendered the most valuable and timely help to the inmates in their endeavours to escape. The ladder Mr. Parks had obtained were hardly long enough to reach the roof; but by an almost super human effort, he supported it upon his shoulders while eight of the unfortunate inmates descended. As the last of the inmates got down, the fire escape and the extinguishing apparatus arrived. There was fortunately a copious supply of water, and it was so effectively used by the borough police, acting under the direction of Superintendent Sanders than in an hour after the alarm had been first raised the fire was completely extinguished. Every effort was made to rescue the poor unfortunate woman Clough. One of the inmates occupying the top-most room who knew that the woman was sleeping on the same floor, was seen upon the roof desperately tearing of the tiles in order to reach the apartment where she was sleeping, but all was useless. After the fire had been extinguished the charred remains of the woman was found under a bedstead. The persons who were injured were taken to Hospital; but there were no causes of serious importance. Some damage was done to the premises on either side of the "Lord Nelson" one being used as the Dye House by Mr. Scott and the other by Mr. White, a tailor; but by the prompt and efficient exertions of the Fire Brigade it did not become very serious, and the whole of the surrounding property, although in very close contiguity to the premises in which the fire broke out is happily uninjured. The "Lord Nelson" is insured in the Kent Fire Office and the effects of the landlord, Mr. Matson, in the Phoenix. Mr Scott's premises are insured in the Union, but the stock of Mr. White, who has sustained a loss about £50, is totally uninsured.

The Mayor (R. Dickeson Esq.) and the Deputy Mayor (Councillor Brown) were both in attendance, together with the Borough Surveyor (Mr. Hanvey), soon after the fire broke out, and by their advice and assistance rendered valuable service to those engaged in extinguishing the flames. The Deputy Mayor sends the following description of what he saw:-

"Being awake about one on Monday morning, and hearing a voice cry "Fire", I turned out at once into the street. The streets were empty and silent, not anybody to be seen in the Market Square. The police where at the time getting the escape and fire apparatus out, but not in my sight, and I describe only what I saw. The Lane where the fire was, was empty, while as I ran the volume of the lurid smoke and burning sparks covering a great part of the sky, told me at once that I was coming on a fire of some magnitude - one that had burst out fully developed without alarm previously given - and once at the fire, a glance told that and the worse was the case. There was the house on fire from top to bottom - flames coming through doors and windows, making everything bright as day, and there lay in the middle of the street on his back straight ahead a man, nearly naked, moaning and unconscious; three or four poor creatures in their night shirts were cowering on the roof, and in the midst of the smoke and threatening forks of flame; some three or four others were in the street with bleeding faces and hands; which, with their almost nakedness, told of the haste and difficulty of their escape - and all this but one brave man to help them all, Mr. Joseph Parks, who deserves well of the town. Most providently he passed that way, just at the right time, and, with great judgement, obtained a ladder from Mr. Middleton (just opposite) and had half the people off the roof in the time he would have taken to get the fire escape, and had done this by the time I, one of the first spectators arrived. Down the ladder the remainder came with ease and quickness. Poor souls, they were some old and some ill; yet fear made them agile enough to hold onto a slanting roof and descended a ladder they could not have faced in cold blood. But, to my astonishment, one man at the top of the house, while the others were descending, was attacking the tiles on the roof, pulling them off with frenzy and throwing them anywhere into the street, many in the midst of the descending people (cutting one of them), and their helpers. He knew what I did not know then, that there was a woman still in the room below suffocating or burning, and he was making a vain attempt to pierce the roof with his hands and aid her. Mr. Parks made him come away. We in the street could see that what he was doing was useless and out of the question.

"All this took no more than a minute or two from the time I got there. Meanwhile, the poor groaning man at our feet was to be attended to. He still wanted saving, and Providence and the Doctor alone could help him. Going to the station for a stretcher showed the force were there in great numbers. The fire escape, was being got out - no fault of theirs that the marvellous rapidity of the affair rendered it useless; - but when we got across the road again with the stretcher, the police had got the cart, hose, and hydrants and where about to play on the burning property. Alas! They could not save the life that had been burnt away in that "Nebuchadnezzar's furnace. Helpers were now numerous. Mr. Henry Harris, Mr. John Judge, and Mr. Edwin Bolton assisted us in putting the young man on a stretcher, and he was then taken to the Hospital. How had he received such an awful gash on his head? - a hole into which you might get two fingers. By jumping or falling off the house, instead of coming down the ladder, which saved the others - some old and very infirm, - and but for his rashness or want of nerve would have saved him, young, athletic, and hearty. Mr. Parks says that he begged him to stop, but he jumped and came on his head, Mr. Parks having to drag him from the falling tiles.

"No human organization could have prevented a catastrophe. The Fire Brigade was on the spot with no loss of time; water was in the mains immediately, everything was satisfactory to me as a witness I took no account of the time, but it seemed well managed.

"Our excellent Mayor arrived at the very first, and by his encouragement stimulated all. The fire was fierce, the contiguous property old and inflammable; the Mayor and Surveyor took at once the wise plan of letting the house on fire burn out, and devoted all their strength to cut it off, and save the surrounding houses.

"The Mayor made two visits during the night to the Hospital, to see how the sufferer's where, as Dr. Gill explained to us all at three o'clock the case of the man with the crushed head was utterly hopeless. At four o'clock we went again, and while we were there the poor fellow breathed his last, having been insensible from the first. An excellent institution is the Dover Hospital. The man was poor, unknown, and friendless; but if he had been the son of the Duke no one could have done more for him."

"I write these few particulars of one of the most painful events that have happened in Dover lately, that honour may be done to young Mr. Parks, whose deeds I was a witness of, and of which, therefore, it seems a duty to me speak; also that the public may know how their Chief Magistrate exerted himself as a true and good head of the town during the lifelong night, leaving no comfort unprocured  for those who have suffered; that Mr. Sanders (the Superintendent) and the brigade may have the credit of their zealous and successful exertions; and that all may impress on their minds in stone for future use, in cases of emergency should they arise this rule - never to jump from a considerable height till there is no other chance, because in most cases jumping from an upper story window means mortal injury or death."

THE INQUEST

On Monday afternoon, the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payne Esq., held an inquest at the "Flying Horse Inn," King Street, on the bodies of the poor unfortunate man and woman who met their death at the fire. the following gentlemen were summoned on the Jury:- Mr. Samuel Jacob's, Mr. George Wells, Mr. Thomas Sewell, Mr. William Overden, Mr. John Rowe Adams, Mr. Edward Worger, Mr. Alfred Browning, Mr. Alfred Lipsham, Mr. Joseph Palfrey, Mr. Edward James Bourner, Mr. Henry Smith, Mr. John Stokes and Mr. James Ball of whom Mr. Alfred Brown was chosen foreman.

The two bodies, one lying at the hospital and the other at the Dead House, having been viewed, the Coroner took the following positions:-

George Matson, landlord of the "Lord Nelson" deposed: the deceased, Eliza Clough, was a servant at my house; and the deceased man (unknown) was a lodger. I think he had been staying at my house about four days before the fire took place. I retired to bed last night between five and ten minutes to twelve; having closed the house. All the other people in the house went to bed at the same time. There were, I think, about a dozen lodger's altogether. It is my custom to go round every night before going to bed to see if the lights are out. I did not go last night. I heard an alarm of fire about twenty minutes to one. A young person in the house sung out that she thought something was the matter; and then shouted “fire.” I jumped up immediately, and on opening my bedroom door, I found that the house was on fire. My bedroom is situated on the first floor at the corner of the house. I immediately alarmed the inmates, as I could not get out of my room, by shouting out loudly. The fire was flaming up the stairs to my landing. There were four lodgers sleeping on the same floor as I. The deceased, Eliza Clough, slept above me, at the top of all, in the garret.

By Mr. Sewell: The partition of the floor underneath seemed to be alight.

Witness continuing: There were six or seven sleeping above the floor on which I slept. The deceased, Eliza Clough, was very deaf. Two lodgers came into my room, I assisted them out of the window. Those two came out of the room on the same floor. I jumped down into the street, as I did also as the two men who got out before me. The flames prevented any one from either going up above or coming down to my bedroom. The flames appeared to me to proceed from the kitchen. The house contained a good deal of wood-work, which was very old. There was no one down below when I went to bed. The lodgers generally stirred all the fire out of the grate, and lay the wood in its place ready to light the fire in the morning. I do not know whether there was any wood left in the grate last night. There was no escape of gas in my house that I was aware of. The deceased, Eliza Clough, was 39 years of age.

By Mr. Sewell: I believe the gas was turned off at the meter last night.

Witness continuing: To the best of my belief, I turned it off last night. I did not see the deceased man jump off the top of the house. There were a number of people collected outside the house when I got out. Mr. Parks was there, and he told us particularly not to jump; but we were obliged to do so, as the fire was so close to us. I injured myself by jumping out. The windows all faced the front of the house. I believe the ladder was brought about four minutes after I got out. The ladder almost reached to the top of the gutter of my house. I saw two people come down from the roof by ladder. The deceased man had jumped out before I got out. I found him lying down on the stones. He must have jumped from the roof. I don't think it could have been more than twenty minutes from the time I first heard the alarm that the roof of the house fell in. The deceased man, I think, had been working for Mr. Stiff, making the new Hythe and Sandgate railroad. I think his age was twenty-five years.

By Mr. Worger: I do not generally ask my lodgers their names.

By Mr. Sewell: I do not quite know how many lodgers I had in my house - eleven or twelve.

By the Foreman: Mr. J. Parks did very good service in rescuing lodgers from the house, and endeavouring to extinguish the fire.

John Rose deposed: I am a labourer and lodged at the "Lord Nelson" public house. I had been lodging there little more than a fortnight when this fire took place. The deceased man was lodging at the "Lord Nelson," and slept in the same room with me. We slept in a room at the top of the house. At about half past twelve last night, I heard some shouting of “fire” in the house. I and the deceased tried to break the windows to get out. We subsequently broke the window altogether. I got out on the sill and broke away some tiles. While I was holding the rafters he got hold of my feet. He was hanging over the side of the house. He asked me to pull him up, but I could not do so. The flames reached him there, and he was obliged to leave go, and fell down into the street. The fire had reached the room from whence we had escaped when the deceased left go of my feet. I do not know how the other people escaped from the roof. There were seven up there altogether, Mr. Parks brought a ladder for some of us to get down or we must have been burnt. The fire escape was not brought until we all got of the roof. I retired to bed last night at ten minutes to ten.

By Mr. Lipscombe: The water was not playing on the house when we got down from the roof.

Witness continuing: It was almost a quarter of an hour after we were all down before the escape was brought.

Police Sergeant James Johnson deposed: I attended the fire at the "Lord Nelson," at about a quarter to three. I made search by direction of the police superintendent and the Mayor for a body that was missing. Some two or three yards from where I was standing I saw an iron bedstead. Something seemed to be suspended from underneath the bed. I called for assistance, and having removed the bed, I felt the substance of a burnt mass, and it was soft. From the smell that proceeded from it I was almost certain that it was the body. It had no legs or arms. It was almost burnt to a cinder; but still flesh was discernible on some parts of the back. I had a stretcher fetched, and the body removed on it to the Dead House. Dr. Gill was sent for and he examined the body.

In reply to Mr. Sewell, this witness said he could not tell whether the statements of the last witness as to the fire-escape not having been brought until all the people, except the deceased woman, were rescued, was true, as he did not arrive at the scene of the fire until it was there.

John Beadnell Gill, a surgeon, residing and practising in Dover, deposed: Near four o'clock this morning I was called to examine something that had been picked up from the ruins of the "Lord Nelson Inn," which had been burnt. I went immediately, and saw the remains of a human body lying on a stretcher. I found it to be that of a female. It was fearfully burnt everywhere, and had neither arms nor legs on it.

Clement Walker, a surgeon, residing in Dover, deposed: I was called about a quarter to two this morning to go to the Hospital to see a man who was said to have fallen off the roof of a house. I attended immediately; and found a man lying there who, on examination, I found to be very severely injured. He had a severe cut on the right eye, and a very large scalp wound, with a fracture of the skull. He was quite insensible; and he remained in that condition right up to the time of his death, which took place at about four o'clock. I remained with him till past three. The injuries he received were quite sufficient to cause his death.

John Henry Parks deposed: I was coming along Bench Street this morning, about ten minutes to one, when I smelt fire. I was looking about to see where it could be, when I heard a smash of glass down St. James's Lane, and someone shouting “fire.” I ran to the corner of Queen Street and gave the alarm to a constable at the station house. I then went down the lane and saw the "Lord Nelson" on fire. The door was wide open. There was a girl belonging to the house standing outside; and someone inside threw me out a cash box, which I handed to the girl. I then ran to Mr. Middleton's, the painter opposite, and knocked at his door. A policeman came down St. James's Lane; and I told him to get the fire-escape. Mr. Middleton came down in his night dress and gave me the key of the shop. I immediately went and got the ladder, and while I was getting it someone had jumped out of one of the windows. I saw Mr. Matson, his housekeeper, and another woman just rising from the ground. I looked up to the roof and saw a number of people standing there. The house by this time appeared to be all in flames. I placed the ladder I had fetched up to the roof and one man came down first. I heard a noise at the time, and on looking round saw the deceased man lying on the ground. Another man came up to me and assisted me to raise the ladder up to the roof, as it did not quite touch the spot where the other people were. The people then came down, and, as the last man was stepping on the ground the fire escape reached the top of the lane. All the people,  except the deceased, Eliza Clough, were then out of the house. The fire escape came about five minutes after I told the constable to see about it. The fire brigade arrived at the spot at the same time. The water was on before the engine was ready. The hose began playing in about ten minutes after the arrival of the engine; but the house was then a complete wreck. I first saw the fire issuing from the lower room at the back of the house. The stair-case leading upstairs was also alight.

The Coroner then summed up and, the Foreman of the Jury said that, before they could give there verdict, he should like to know if there was not more primary evidence that could be brought before them?

Superintendent Sanders said that the niece of the housekeeper, who had given the alarm of fire, was present, and could, if desired, be put under examination.

The jury all seemed to think it necessary that this witness should be heard, and the Coroner there-upon called her.

Ellen Sedgewick deposed: I am the niece of the housekeeper that was at the "Lord Nelson." I was staying there when the fire took place. I was sitting in my room, which is in the front of the house on the second storey, plaiting up my hair, at about half-past twelve, when I heard a cracking noise. I called to Mr. Matson, and then opening the door and saw the fire, that proceeded from the tap-room. The staircase was not on fire then. I ran down the stairs and came into the street by the front door. I afterwards saw my aunt and Mr. Matson get out of the window. My aunt and I went to bed last night about twenty minutes past twelve. We had been out during the whole of the previous evening; and when we got home we went straight up to bed. We did not smell any fire when we first went home. The house was not closed then.

By Mr. Ovenden: Mr. Matson was up stairs when we got home last evening; but he came down and let us in and then fastened the door after us.

By the Foreman; I know it is the custom of Mr. Matson to go round every evening before going to bed to see that all is safe.

After hearing this evidence the Jury returned a verdict to the following effect. "That the deceased Eliza Glover, was accidentally burnt to death, and that the deceased man (unknown) died from injuries received from his falling accidentally from the roof of the burning house."

The Coroner said that, in the course of the evidence brought before them by the police, the Jury could not have failed to notice the valuable services rendered by Mr. Joseph Thomas Parks, son of their respected townsman Mr. G. T. Parks, in the saving of life and property. He (the Coroner) thought his conduct was most gallant and praiseworthy. Had it not been for his prompt exertions in fetching a ladder to enable the unfortunate inmates to escape, the results might have been far more shocking than they were. He thought everyone in the room would concur with him when he said that Mr. Parks had acted in a truly manly and courageous manner, (hear hear), and he thought it only a duty to the public and himself, that he should thank him for the prompt, efficient and kind exertions he had used at the scene of the fire. (Hear hear).

The proceedings before the Coroner then terminated.

The following is the official report presented by the superintendent of the Fire Brigade at the meeting of the Local Board yesterday:-

Dover Fire Brigade.

Chief Office June 27th 1872.

Gentlemen, - I beg to report that at 12.30 a.m. the 24th inst., Police-sergeant Barton reported that a fire had broken out at the “Lord Nelson” public house St. James's Lane, occupied by Mr. George Matson. The Brigade immediately conveyed the fire escape and apparatus to the spot, where the house was found to be in flames from the top to the bottom. The engine was then sent for, a good supply of water was instantly procured from the Waterworks, and the hose of the fire apparatus was got to work in about ten minutes. On the arrival of the Brigade, Mr. Joseph Parks had, with the assistance of a man named Read, rescued seven persons from the roof of the building by means of a ladder obtained from Mr. Middleton, painter, St. James's Lane. A man - name unknown - fell from the roof while endeavouring to escape from the burning building. He was very severely injured about the head, and was conveyed to the Hospital, where he died at 4 a.m. A woman, named Eliza Clough, servant to Mr. Matson, was unable to make her escape, and perished in the flames. Her remains were recovered about 3 a.m., and conveyed to the Dead House. An inquest was held on the bodies at the “Flying Horse Inn" at 3 p.m. the same day, when a verdict of “accidental death” was returned.

Great assistance was rendered by Messrs Fagg and William's (Superintendents) and the crews from the Coastguard Stations at the Casements and Townsend, and also by a large number of gentlemen present, amongst who were his Worship the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Alderman Claris, Mr. Councillor Wilson, Mr. Ayers, Mr. Parks, and a gentleman named Hill, owner of a yacht lying in the harbour. The fire was extinguished about 3 a.m. The hydrants were brought into requisition - one in St. James's Street, from which water was thrown on the front of the building, and the other in Fishmonger's Lane, from which water was thrown on the rear. The engine was placed by the brook in front of Mr. Leney's Brewery, by means of which quantity of water was thrown on the building from Flying Horse Lane, and also on to the stables of the "Flying Horse" and the other buildings at the rear of the burning premises. Origin of the fire unknown. Brigade in attendance, Superintendent and 13 firemen.

Damage - The "Lord Nelson" entirely destroyed. Building insured in the Kentish Fire Office, stock and furniture in the Phoenix Fire Office. House adjoining, occupied by Mr. White, in Flying Horse Lane, entirely destroyed. Building insured in the Kentish Fire Office. Furniture and stock not insured. House belonging to Mr Scott, dyer, of Snargate Street, adjoining the "Lord Nelson" in St. James's Lane, roof and back portion of premises very much damaged by fire and water. Insured in the Union Fire Office.

Stables and coach-house, occupied by Mr. H. E. Pankhurst, fly proprietor, slightly damaged by fire, and roof injured by falling wall, which was removed for the safety of the public.

The premises remain in charge of the Brigade.

I am gentlemen your obedient servant. T. O. Sanders.

The Local Board of Health.

The Mayor said he was sorry to find that there was a report current in the town that there was some delay in the arrival of the fire engine and in the supply of water. He did not know how this report originated; but every one present at the fire would give it the most unqualified denial. He had done so whenever he had heard it. He had been present at many fires, but he had never observed greater efficiency or promptitude on the part of the officials, and it was justly remarked at the time that, if Mr. Sanders had had a weeks notice, his arrangements could have not been more complete. (Hear hear.) His worship paid a glowing tribute of admiration to the heroism and presence of mind of Mr. Joseph H. Parks, and said that the Secretary of the Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire had written to him to obtain particulars, in order that the name of Mr. J. H. Parks might be submitted for the Society's medal. He had also received the following letter from the Recorder, Sir W. H. Bodkin, in reference to the subject:-

West Hill, Highgate, N.

June 26th, 1872.

My Dear Mr. Mayor

I have read in the local papers the very afflicting account of the recent fire, and of the praiseworthy and courageous conduct of Mr. Parks. It occurs to me that some public notice should be taken of his heroic and judicious exertions, and I should be glad to contribute towards any testimonial which it may be determined to offer him.

I am glad also to observe that, with your usual attention to the duties of the office you worthily fill, you were amongst the most active of those who endeavoured to render assistance to the sufferers by this awful calamity.

Believe me, yours very truly.

W. H. BODKIN.

His Worship also referred to the exertions of other gentlemen whose names have already been mentioned in connection with the catastrophe; and concluded by moving a resolution formerly expressing the thanks of the authorities to Mr. Parks.

The Deputy Mayor seconded the resolution, and echoed the observation of the Mayor as to the energy, presence of mind, and heroism of Mr. Parks.

The Mayor and Deputy-Mayor had been guided by extreme modesty and reticence in his remarks as to his personal exertions; but he (the Mayor) was proud to inform the Council that the efforts of Mr. Parks were promptly seconded and materially enhanced by the active exertions of Councillor Brown. (Here, here.)

Councillor Lewis, Alderman Rees, and other gentlemen added their congratulations on the efficiency of the Fire Brigade, and expressed their admiration of the manner in which all who had taken part in the extinction of the fire and the saving of life had done their duty, from the Mayor downwards.

the resolution was carried by acclamation; and it was determined, on the motion of Alderman Rees, that the name of Mr. Parks should be recommended by the Mayor for the medal of the Royal Society for the protection of Life from Fire.

Alderman Claris, though not aware that the Council, in its official capacity, could act upon Sir William Bodkin's suggestion, was sure that every member of the Council would, in his personal capacity, gladly assist in carrying out the suggestion of the worthy recorder.

The mayor said he would be happy to take charge of the matter, and would at once adopt measures for the establishment of a testimonial fund for the purpose of rewarding the bravery of Mr. Parks.

In reply to Councillor Clark, Superintendent Sanders said it was impossible to ascertain the origin of the fire; and he could not account for the great mass of flames which enveloped the building shortly after the fire which was discovered, except from the fact that it was an old house and contained in its construction a large quantity of wood.

Alderman Claris moved a vote of thanks to the Superintendent and the members of the Fire Brigade, the Coastguard, and others who assisted in the extinction of the fire, which was seconded by Councillor Lewis and carried unanimously, though it was not deemed necessary to make any record of the vote upon the books.

Superintendent Sanders, in acknowledging this expression of thanks, which was conveyed to him by the Mayor, said he hoped the Fire Brigade would always be ready to perform their duty in the manner which had now secured for them the approbation of the Council. he also apologised for the accidental omission of the Surveyor's name from the report. Mr. Harvey was present shortly after the fire broke out, and rendered the most valuable assistance in subduing it.

It will be perceived that a subscription list has been opened, in accordance with the Mayor's promise, for the purpose of presenting a suitable testimonial to Mr. Parks; and we beg to state that we shall be happy to receive the names of subscribers at our office.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 28 June, 1872. Price 1d.

FELONY

Oliver Pique, a boy about 10 years of age, was charged with stealing from the ruins of the "Lord Nelson Inn," early on the same morning, 1s. 11d., in silver and coppers.

Superintendent sanders said that between five and six that morning he was engaged at the ruins of the "Lord nelson," which had just been burnt to the ground, when he saw the defendant there, groping about. he had some coppers in his hand, which had evidently, from their appearance, been in the fire. Some more money was found in his pockets, the whole amounting to 1s. 11d.

Defendant did not seem to know that he had been doing anything wrong. he had seen other boys doing the same thing without being interfered with; so thought he might as well try to find a few coppers.

Mrs. Pique, mother of the defendant, was in Court, and said that her son was generally a very good boy. She had never known him to commit any act of dishonesty.

Dr. Astley said he hoped this would be a warning to him in the future. Believing that defendant did not really know he was committing  a theft, the Magistrates had determined to discharge him.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 December, 1875. Price 1d.

THEFT

William Clark was charged with stealing from a stable in priory Street, one bit and seven keys, the property of George Scott, a general dealer. He was also charged with stealing from a shed on London Road, on the 29th ult., a purse, a sovereign, two florins, and one half-crown, the property of William Forrester, a marine store dealer.

William Wright said: I am in the employ of Mr. William Forrester, a marine store dealer, carrying on business at High Street, Charlton. Yesterday afternoon the prisoner came to Mr. Forrester's store in London Road, about 10 minutes past three. He brought some rags, seven keys, and a bit with him, and said he had seen Mr. Forrester in the morning and that he had told him to bring them up and he would look at them. Mr. Forrester's son was there and asked me to look at them. I did so, and prisoner said to me “ain't they worth a shilling?” I told him I should have nothing to do with them, and laid them on the desk. For the rags he had two-pence, and two-pence for the bag they were in. Mr. Forrester's son paid him four-pence in coppers. Whilst prisoner was in the store Mr. Forrester's son took a purse out of his pocket to pay a young woman nine-pence, and left the purse on the desk whilst she paid him. When prisoner had received his money for the rags he took the keys and bit from off the desk and left the shop. About three minutes after prisoner had left Mr. Forrester's son drew attention to the purse being gone. I gave information to the Police.

By Prisoner; I did not see you take the purse. There were no boys in the store when you left.

William Forrester: I am son of Mr. William Forrester, marine store dealer. I was yesterday left in charge of the business. About three o'clock in the afternoon prisoner came to our store in the London Road. He had with him a bag with some rags, some keys, and a bit in it. He said he wanted to sell the rags, and put them in the scales, and laid the keys and bit on the desk before I paid him for the rags. I told him they were only worth 2d., and told the last witness to look at the bit and keys, and he said he should have nothing to do with them. I told prisoner to bring them up in an hour's time, when Mr. Forrester would be here. A young woman, whilst he was there, came in with some rags. I took my purse out and laid it on the desk beside the bit and keys. I paid the young woman and some coppers I had loose, and I paid prisoner the four-pence after I paid the woman. About ten minutes after prisoner was gone I missed the purse. It contained a sovereign wrapped in a piece of newspaper, one half-crown and two florins. It was a black leather purse lined with blue. When I told the last witness it was lost he gave information to the Police. Nobody entered the store after prisoner left it.

Police-constable George Edward Pilcher deposed; Yesterday afternoon in consequence of information I received I went in search of the prisoner, and found him in the “Lord Nelson” public-house, about half past four. I charged him with stealing the bit and keys first, and then on suspicion of having stolen a purse and money. He said, “Here's the bit and keys; I have not stolen them. I have got them to clean from Mr. Scott. When I charged him on suspicion of stealing the purse, he said, “All right.” I took him to the Police-station and searched him. I found one florin, a six-pence, and a penny. I then went back to the “Lord Nelson” and searched about in his bed and other places in the house, but found nothing.

Ann Trowell deposed: I am the wife of Walter Trowell, who keeps the “Lord Nelson Inn,” St. James's Lane. It is a common lodging house, and prisoner had lodged with me these last three weeks. The Constable came to the house yesterday afternoon and took the prisoner into custody on the charge of stealing a purse. The Constable afterwards came back and searched the place. Ne did not find anything. After he had gone again I searched further, and finding the lid of a kettle was gone, I looked into it. It was standing on a high shelf in the kitchen. Prisoner is allowed to go into the kitchen, and so are all the other lodgers. I found in the kettle a bag containing a sovereign, wrapped in a piece of newspaper, and a half-crown, and a shilling. I have not found the lid of the kettle. The money is not mine, and I carried it myself in the kettle to the Superintendent of Police.

George Scott: I am a general dealer and occupy a stable in Priory Street. I have had a bit similar to the one produced in the stable, and I also have had some keys in the same box. The keys I have had for years and can swear to them, but not the bit. Last evening about 5 o'clock a Police-constable came in, and from what he said I looked into the box when I went to the stable, and missed the keys and bit that I had had there. The value of them is 1s. The prisoner has done little jobs for me at times, and last Saturday I sent him to feed the pony and told him not to take anything out of the stable. I never gave him leave to take the articles to clean. I have also missed a bushel and a half of onions.

William Wright and Police-constable Pilcher were again sworn, and gave similar evidence as before, the latter adding that prisoner said he had not offered the bit and keys for sale. He took him to the Police-station and communicated with Mr. Scott, who denied giving prisoner permission to take the articles to clean.

Prisoner had nothing to say in defence, and was committed for trial on both charges at the ensuing Quarter Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 1 August, 1879. Price 1d.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

Sarah Jane Lake, the wife of a private in the Royal Artillery, living at 84, St. James's Street, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herself into the River Dour.

Edmund Stephen Youden said: I am in the employ of Mr. Jennings, dairyman, at River. I was round the river opposite Leney's Brewery yesterday about three in the afternoon. I saw the prisoner come through the lane by the "Lord Nelson" public house and go and jump into the river and lie with her face downwards. The water was running rather fast, and she was carried down by it. She did not attempt to get up but threw her hands about, nor did she scream. I ran towards her and caught hold of her, but one of Mr. Leney's men caught her first, and we got her out of the water to the road. She was soon after taken to the police station.

Charles Archill said: I live at 28, Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, and am in the employ of Messrs. Leney and Co. About a quarter to three yesterday afternoon I was in the grain room, which is opposite the brook. I saw the prisoner jump into the water, and afterwards lie with her face downwards, with only just the back part of her head out of the water. I went in after her, and with the assistance of the last witness, got her on the road. The water was about three inches above my knee. I then tried to get her to the station alone, but on my way I met a police sergeant who helped me. Prisoner used very bad language whilst I was getting her out of the water. She looked the worse for liquor. Several times she asked me to let her go.

The husband of the prisoner then came forward, and in answer to the Bench, said: I belong to the Royal Artillery, and live at 84, St. James's Street. My wife is subject to fits. I will be responsible for her. There has been no quarrelling between us.

The prisoner said she was very sorry, and that she was drunk at the time, or she would not have done it.

The Bench dismissed the prisoner with a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 September, 1881. 1d.

WEST CLIFF BREWERY SALE

A corner freehold public-house, known as the “Lord Nelson,” at the junction of St. James's Lane and Flying Horse Lane, Dover, in the immediate vicinity of the Market Place, recently rebuilt, containing nine bedrooms, club room, bar, bar parlour, tap room, public parlour, private entrance, scullery, &c.; let to Mrs. Ann Trowell at £50 per annum, was the subject of a very spirited competition, and ran up from £500 to £1,100 at which sum it was bought by Mr. Mason, of Maidstone.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 26 January, 1900.

THEFT OF MEAT

Lionel Ernest Hall was charged with being concerned with three other men not in custody, with stealing a piece of cooked beef from the “Lord Nelson.”

Moses Lockyer said he lodged at the “Lord Nelson” public house, St. James' Lane. The prisoner and three other men had lodged there for a week. On Saturday witness bought a piece of beef for 4/6, and on Sunday put it in a cupboard in the kitchen after having cooked it. On Monday after having re-heated the meat he put it back into the cupboard, and then went to bed. Defendant and his mates were in the kitchen. About eleven o'clock the landlord called witness into the kitchen. The tin in which the meat had been was empty on the table. The landlord said the men had eaten the meat. They denied it. The landlord put them out of the house. The Police were sent for afterwards. By the time the Police came the other men had gone away, and witness gave the prisoner, who had returned to the house, into custody.

George Mittens said he lodged at the “Lord Nelson.” On the previous evening the prisoner, after the prosecutor had gone to bed, said, “The old chap has got plenty of money, let us take it.” Witness refused to have anything to do with it, and told the landlord. On returning with the landlord the four men had just finished eating the meat.

Police Constable Lawrence said that about 10 o'clock he was called to the “Lord Nelson” public house. The prisoner, who was in the bar, was given into custody for the offence. He denied having taken the meat.

The prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, said he only ate some food which he had brought himself.

The prisoner was sent to Canterbury for 14 days' hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 January, 1907. Price 1d.

TERRIBLE SUICIDE OF A PUBLICAN

WIFE'S DISCOVERY AT THE LORD NELSON

On Monday morning a publican named Arthur Carpenter, who has kept the “Lord Nelson” public house and common lodging house for some years cut his throat. He was found by his wife, and although medical aid was quickly obtained he died within an hour of the discovery. There was no apparent reason for this desperate act, but some months ago he had to be treated for mental trouble, and probably his mind suddenly gave way.

The inquest was held on Monday afternoon in the Vestry of Queen Street Baptist Chapel by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq. Mr. Goldsack was the foreman of the Jury.

Mrs. Kate Carpenter said: The deceased, Arthur Carpenter, was my husband. He was landlord of the “Lord Nelson” a beer house and common lodging house. He was 46 years of age. He got up at 7.30 and went about his work as usual, and seemed as usual. He was not in the bar above five minutes, and then went up to his bedroom. About two seconds later I went up to his room. I went up because I thought he had gone to lay down. I did not suspect anything. I found that I could not open the door, which was partly open. I then forced it open and found that the body of my husband was full length on the floor against the door. He was in a pool of blood. I ran downstairs directly, and sent for a doctor. Dr. Best was sent for and he come.

The Coroner: Did you see anything in your husband's hand when you went into the room?

Witness: No, I went into the room a second time and saw a razor lying near him. It was near his right hand side. It was on the floor near the hand, but not in it.

Witness continuing, said. My husband did not speak to me. He had a very bad throat about two months ago. Twelve months ago he was at the Union Infirmary on account of something the matter with his head. He was there for a fortnight, and then came back, but went away for a change. He has been better since. He has never threatened to do anything to himself. I cannot say who the razor belonged to. There were several razors that he used to shave himself with. He had spoken about trade being quiet lately. He has not seemed depressed of late.

William Edward Tucker, a labourer, living at the “Lord Nelson” public house, said: This morning I went to work at Messrs. R. Dickeson and Co. I was told I could have the day off, and returned to the house. That was at nine o'clock. I was going to bed on account of having a cold. As I went up I met Mrs. Carpenter, who said “Bill, I cannot get the door open.” I went up, and pushed the door open. I found the deceased lying behind the door with his throat cut. I put my hand to feel the wound, and found that it was a very bad one. I at once took a sheet off the bed, and wrapped it round till Dr. Best came. There was a good deal of bleeding. I saw Mrs. Carpenter pick up the razor. I can not say whether it was in his hand. Carpenter was not dead. He said, “Bill,” my name, but nothing after. When the doctor came he put him on the bed.

The Coroner: He meant you when he said Bill?

Witness: That is what he said.

In reply to the Foreman, witness said he had been strange in his head. Fifteen months ago he was very strange in the head. He was taken to the Union, and I saw him there and he was very strange in his mind.

Dr. W. J. D. Best said: I was called at 9.15 to the “Lord Nelson.” When I arrived I found the deceased behind the door, being supported by a Constable and two other men. I gave instructions for him to be placed on the bed. On the opposite side of the room was a chamber containing three or four pints of blood. It looked as if he had been bleeding direct into the chamber. The deceased was unconscious, quite pulseless, but breathing. On examining his throat I found a very extensive would about seven inches being on the left hand side of the neck, which had severed the jugular vein, but missed the carotid artery. The bleeding had stopped. I secured the ends of the veins. He then roused up and opened his eyes, and began to struggle but said nothing. I thought he would revive sufficiently to get him to the Hospital, but these struggles apparently so exhausted him that he suddenly collapsed, and ceased to breathe. The struggling lasted for two minutes, and brought on cardiac failure. He fell back after a violent struggle, and was practically dead. I tried every means to revive him, but he died. He had bled to death, as he was quite blackened. There were other wounds on the other side of the neck. Apparently after making the big wound he tried to make others on the other side of the neck. There was not much haemorrhage from them. I have attended the deceased about three or four years ago. There was nothing about him mentally wrong, then. The wound was obviously self-inflicted.

Acting Sergeant Fox said: This morning at 9.05 I was in Biggin Street, and from what I was told I went to the “Lord Nelson” public house, St. James's Lane. I was shown into the bedroom where the deceased laid. I found the deceased was near the door leaning against the partition, supported by Tucker and another man. There was a sheet wound round his neck. There was a quantity of blood lying behind the door, and a chamber close to the body full of blood. I rendered what assistance I could till Dr. Best arrived. Deceased did not speak, and was practically unconscious. The deceased was placed on the bed, and the sheet removed. I remained till he died about 9.40.

Inspector Lockwood said that the man had had the house for a number of years. The man always seemed a very decent fellow.

Acting Sergeant Fox said that the razor found was on the washstand closed. It was said that it was owned by the deceased. His wife said that it was his.

The Jury asked to see the razor, and carefully examined it.

The Coroner asked what it was they thought?

One of the Jury said from the look of the blade it appeared to be an Army razor, but it was not.

A Juryman asked if there was a large family.

A Juryman said there were eight, and a grand child.

The Coroner said that it was a very sad but simple case. The wounds were undoubtedly self-inflicted, and the question was what was the state of the deceased's mind. He appeared some time ago to have been at the Union Infirmary on account of his state of mind. What caused him suddenly to commit this act, goodness only knows. He does not appear to have got into any trouble, and although he complained that trade was a little slack, he supposed they all suffered from that, and there was nothing to cause him to commit the act.

A Juryman said that he had been informed by a neighbour who saw him that morning that he seemed very queer in his head.

The Coroner said that probably was so, and the deceased feeling that his mental trouble coming on again, might have committed the act for that reason.

A verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity was returned.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 February, 1913. Price 1d.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

The Magistrates declined to recommend for closing the “Lord Nelson,” in regard to which a large trade was reported.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 February, 1913. Price 1d.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

In regard to the “Lord Nelson,” Mr. Pitman, instructed by Messrs. Mowll and Mowll, appeared for the licensees.

The Chief Constable said that the “Lord Nelson” which was fully licensed, was owned by Messrs. Mason and Co., of Maidstone, the present tenant was Mrs. E. F. Williams, who took the house on August 6th, 1909, on the death of her husband, who took it on the 2nd August, 1907. The rateable value gross was £34, and nett £27. It was also a common lodging house. The licensed houses in the immediate neighbourhood were the “Red Lion,” St James's Street (14 yards), the “Robin Hood,” Townwall Street (54 yards), the “Prince of Wales,” Fishmonger Lane (69 yards), the “Wine Lodge,” Townwall Street (77 yards), the “Chandos,” Townwall Street (81 yards), the “Granville,” Townwall Street (97 yards), the “Dolphin,” Dolphin Lane (105 yards), the “Sussex Arms,” Townwall Street (137 yards). There were 23 beds.

Cross-examined: The house was held from 1870 to 1890 by one tenant, and then fro 1890 Mr. Carpenter held it till 1907. From 1870 there had been no change except on death. He did not see the rooms upstairs, so he could not say whether the bedrooms were large and airy.

Mr. Pitman: You are not so inquisitive as I was.

Witness, in reply to further questions, said that he objected to the house partly on the grounds that it was a common lodging house. He mentioned that it was a common lodging house. Speaking from a Police point of view, it was not desirable that any common lodging house should have a licence.

Mr. Pitman: There are others. There is the “Red Lion” opposite.

The Chief Constable: These are the only two left.

You have not included the “Red Lion”?

Not yet.

Are you going to in the future? I should like to know.

I cannot say. You see, these houses are selected by the Magistrates.

The Magistrates act a great deal on your advice? (Laughter).

Personally, I should like to see every common lodging house without a licence.

Perhaps every house?

No; I am not prejudiced in that way.

Chief Inspector Lockwood said he served the notice on the 23rd January. On January 22nd at 3.30 p.m., he found no customers; at 11.05 a.m. on the 23rd January, no customers; at 10.10 a.m. on the 27th January, one customer; on the 29th January, at 7.38 p.m., he found three customers; at 5.05 p.m. on the 30th January, three customers; and on the 31st January, at 9.05 p.m., he found eighteen customers.

Mr. Mackenzie: Was that independent of the lodgers?

The Witness: yes.

Mr. Pitman: As a matter of fact, does the house do a very considerable trade?

I have seen a few people enter.

You say the house is a lodging house?

Yes, and as a lodging house it does a fair trade.

It does a better trade than some of these in the immediate neighbourhood?

No; I do not think so.

When you paid your visits, was it only to the houses selected or those around?

Only the house selected.

The “Red Lion” opposite is a common lodging house, and that belongs to Messrs. Leney and Co., and within 135 yards no less than five houses belong to Messrs. Leney and Co.?

I cannot say.

I will tell you the names. The “Walmer Castle.” That is quite close?
It is across the main street. The “Dolphin,” Dolphin Lane?

Yes.

The “Sussex Arms”?

Yes.

The “Palace”?

The Chief Constable: I have not mentioned that.

Mr. Pitman: I am cross-examining the witness; not you.

Does the “Palace” belong to Messrs. Leney and Co?

Yes.

Do you know that this particular house is the only one Messrs. Mason have in Dover?

I believe so.

So that if anyone prefers Messrs. Mason's beer to Messrs. Leney's, they will be done?

Yes; not able to get it (laughter).

The Chairman: Mr Pitman, would you have any objection to telling us how many barrels of beer you draw? It may possibly affect the case in regard to redundancy.

Mr. Pitman said that it was a four and a half barrel house per week. The spirit trade in 1911 was 86 gallons, and in 1912, 113 gallons, so that it would be seen that for a house doing such a trade the compensation would be very large.

The Chairman, after consulting his colleagues, said: We will not send this house to Canterbury. The licence will be renewed.

Dover Express, Friday 22 September 1939.

Breaches of Blackout Rules.

Frank Edward Martin, "Lord Nelson Inn," Flying Horse Lane, was fined 10s. for showing lights at 8:50 p.m. on September 4th. He pleaded guilty.

Chief Inspector Saddleton said that P.C. Wood saw lights showing through the panels of the public bar door and through fanlights over the windows and door of the private bar. When the Constable opened the public bar door, strong light shine across the roadway. Defendant said that he would attend to the matter, but when the Constable returned at 9:50 all that have been done was that a piece of brown paper have been fitted over the lamp, and nearly as much light was showing outside.

From the Dover Express,4 February 1999.

Pub goes potty on its opening night.

A JUNIOR pool champion was guest of honour at the re-opening of a Dover pub famous for its sports teams.

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame spent £90,000 enlarging the bar of the Lord Nelson, in Flying Horse Lane, re-carpeting its lounge and redecorating its walls with prints of sportsmen and their pursuits.

David and Jayne Harvey, the pub's landlords, laid on a buffet while Jonathan Neame, the company's trade director, was watched by Dover Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry's chairman, Anne Hopkins, as he pulled the first drink of the night, a pint of Masterbrew.

World junior eight ball champion, Curt Morris, whose parents run a Shepherd Neame hotel in Sheerness, was challenged to a game of pool by some of the pub's customers.

Mr Harvey said: "I wouldn't have wanted to play him for money because he's rather good. The evening went well and I'm satisfied with my new look pub, The bar's a little bigger and it's a lot brighter and cleaner."

From the Dover Express, 9 November 2006. Report by Yamurai Zendera.

Pub Tipped for Victory.

THE new owners of a Dover pub will seek to inject a traditional family atmosphere into the establishment by giving it a fresh makeover.

Helen Rickard, 42, and partner Andy Stratford, have just taken over the reins at The Lord Nelson pub, situated on the comer of Flying Horse Lane and St James’ Street.

The pub is only partially open for business as refurbishment work is taking place ahead of its official opening night next Friday.

The new venture means mother-of-four Helen returns to Dover after a 26-year absence.

Having managed various pubs in Dartford and Medway, Helen said she was keen to draw on her experience to provide “a traditional old-fashioned pub atmosphere”.

She said: “We are spending a lot of money making it a pleasant and comfortable environment for people to come in and have a good time.”

Existing facilities including two bars, a conservatory, an outside seating area by the River Dour, and a pool table will be given a facelift.

Helen said the establishment would also be providing a range of family entertainment while serving up tasty homemade pub grub.

She explained: “We will be introducing quiz nights and laying on activities such as darts and pool. There will also be a traditional home-cooked Sunday roast, as well as OAP lunchtime specials.”

The opening of The Lord Nelson will be marked by a Champagne buffet and disco.

The event will begin at 7pm with no admittance after 11.30pm.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 15 May, 2008.

Chemo care cash thanks

Helping hand: (left to right) family members Kirsty Tuckwell, Sandra Cookabbott and Michael Sherman, with Kia-Louise, mum Nicola, Lord Nelson landlord Andy Stratford, grandad Ray Sherman and Michael Cookabbott, with the £500 cheque.

A GRANDAD has raised £500 for the Royal Marsden Hospital to say thank you for their treatment of his granddaughter.

Plucky Kia-Louise Cookabbott is receiving chemotherapy after it was found she had a tumour behind her eye.

The dedicated staff at the hospital inspired Ray Sherman to raise the cash.

One haircut, plus a chest and leg wax by son Ian, has resulted in the £500 pot.

Ray said: "I decided to have my hair shaved off as Kia had lost her hair. Now we are both growing it back."

From the Dover Express, 3 September 2015. By Jordan Bluer.

Family loved pub - so now they’re running it.

New lease of life for Lord Nelson after 2014 closure.

DOVER’: Shpend Vranoci, Elena Dimitrijeva, Eldi (aged 3) and Tyler (14).

RAISING three children while running a popular pub may sound like a tough task, but the new owners of the Lord Nelson say they’re up to it.

Elena Dimitrijeva, 26, and Shpend Vranoci, 40, of Westbury Road, took over their dream pub in August and have big plans for its future.

The daring duo started their grand adventure with a massive opening party that rocked St James Lane until 3am.

Loved.

Elena said: “It was a shame when the Lord Nelson closed last year. We used to go quite often and we loved the pub.

“When we heard it was a free house and the brewery, Shepherd Neame, was no longer involved, we decided to take it over.

“It’s got a great view, it’s by a river and it’s in a nice location. We love it.

“It’s a very old pub and it’s an important part of Dover.”

The mother to three-year-old Eldi moved to England from Lithuania ten years ago, and lived in Canterbury with Albanian-born Shpend and his two children Rozafa, 13, and Tyler, 14.

The couple worked across East Kent - Sphend in a factory and Elena in cafes and pubs - before they chose to settle in Dover.

“I love Dover,” said Elena. “It’s a quiet town, the people are lovely, and it’s a great place to raise our kids.”

“We’ve wanted to take over the pub for a long time and it’s going well.

"We have a disco and karaoke on Friday and we’re planning to have live bands on a Sunday, as well as open the kitchen for food.”

From the Dover Express, 24 March 2016.

Unbeaten champion boxer pays visit to pub to meet young fans.

YOUNG boxing fans from Dover met current British and WBC International champion Ryan Burnett on Saturday when the Belfast lad visited the Lord Nelson.

Owners of the St James Lane pub Shpend Vranoci and Elena Dimitrijeva were delighted.

Elena said: “It was a real pleasure to see him.”

Burnett, who is 23, won gold at the Olympic Youth Games in 2010 and turned professional in January 2012.

He is 13 matches unbeaten and his latest win came last month against Frenchman Anthony Settoul, winning him the WBC International Bantamweight title.