MASONS ARMS Pubs of Dover

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1838

Mason's Arms

Latest Jan 1977

24 High Street (Charlton High Road)

Masons Above Arms circa 1977. Below 2007.

Above shows the former "Mason's Arms" 2007.

Above photo by Paul Skelton 5 April 2010.

Well established by 1838 and although closed for a time early in world war two, open again by March 1942.

It closed finally on 10 January 1977, ostensibly to be used as a shop with living accommodation over but eventually it was a restaurant that materialised.

It was a Whitbread property and a pub with the sign "Mason's Arms" had traded from Seven Star Street in 1858. (George Underdown).

From the Dover Express December 1838

On Saturday last, a young girl of about twelve years of age, daughter of Mr. Austen at the "Masons Arms," Charlton, having taken a match for the purpose of lighting a fire a drop of sulphur fell on the front of her dress, which instantly burst into flame. Mrs. Austen endeavoured to smother it with an apron unsuccessfully and the poor child was obliged to be taken to the pump before the fire could be subdued. She was severely burnt in the body and has suffered much from fright but is recovering.

Information kindly supplied by Joyce Banks.

More reading of Dover at www.DoverHistory.co.uk

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 3 January, 1846. Price 5d.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was held on Monday, at the "Mason's Arms, Charlton, before G. T. Thompson, Esq., Coroner to the Borough, on the body of Albert Elvey, aged six years, son of John Elvey, wheelwright.

Sarah Ann Hayward, a child of ten years of age, deposed that a week since, on the 2nd May, she was playing with deceased in Barwick's Alley, when he went up a ladder standing against a pent house, but in trying to get on to a flat top a piece of wood on which he stood broke, and he fell to the ground from a height of about six or seven feet. She lifted him up but he did not speak, and blood was flowing from a wound in the forehead.

Mary Brayley and Mary White deposed on seeing the deceased fall, and picking him up in the state described by Sarah Hayward. She laid him on the wall until his mother arrived. Edward Jones, surgeon, deposed that he was called on the6th instant to attend deceased, and found a slight wound over the left temple, but no other external injury. There were symptoms of concussion of the brain, and he was treated accordingly. The child never rallied, and expired about five o'clock on Monday morning.

The Jury, in returning a verdict of Accidental Death, made a presentment "That the building in Barwick's Alley appear in an unsafe condition, and have led in this instant to death; and from the closeness and dirt of the place, the public health is greatly endangered by disease thereby endangered.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday, 13 March, 1847. Price 5d.

SHOCKING CASE OF NEGLECT AND DESTRUCTION

Considerable excitement was occasioned in Dover on Saturday last, by a report that a woman had been found dead in Barwick’s Alley, at Charlton. Various exaggerated statements were speedily circulated, but the facts of the case will be gathered from the Coroner’s Inquest, which was held on Saturday evening, at the “Mason’s Arms,” before G. T. Thompson, Esq., Coroner for the Borough.

The Jury being sworn, and Mr. Richardson, grocer, appointed foreman, the Coroner said that various reports were in circulation as to the cause of death, but that from the short time since the discovery, the Police had been unable to collect proper evidence, he therefore proposed they should that evening view the body, and then take evidence as to identify when the investigation must be adjourned to have a post-mortem examination, &c.

The Jury then proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a heap of straw in a miserable dirty room, totally devoid of furniture, and presented a wretched appearance, being nearly reduced to a skeleton. On the return of the Jury the following witnesses were examined:-

John Bentley, master of Dover Union, deposed: The body of deceased is that of a woman who was brought from Dover Gaol to the Union on the 19th December last, where she remained till January 18th, when she quitted with a man calling himself Norburry, who presented an order from Mr. Kersteman, one of the guardians. I told the man the woman could not leave except at her own request. He said he wished to see her, which was granted, and after some conversation he asked if she would leave with him, which she consented to do, although strongly advised by the matron and others not to do so. She was in the infirmary the whole period, suffering from debility. She stated that she was the wife of Norberry, but I recollect on one occasion he denied it, and said her name was Ann Timson. She was in a very weak state when she left, but I do not know if she had any wounds on her person.

The inquest was then adjourned till Monday, when John George Coulthard, governor of Dover Gaol, deposed: On the 21st November, I received at the prison a woman named Ann Norberry, alias Timson, committed for one month for vagrancy. She was then in a delicate state of health, and in the infirmary in bed nearly the whole time. On the expiration of her imprisonment, I took her in a fly to the Union. She had then no wounds on her person. When I took down her description she stated that she was not the wife of Norberry, who passed as her husband. Norberry had been twice in my custody – first for an assault on the Police; and on the 11th of August, on a charge for an assault on the deceased. He then described himself as unmarried.

Edward C. Correll, Superintendent of Police, deposed: On Saturday last James Norberry called at the Station-house, with a note from Mr. Pain relative to the death of deceased. He then stated that he had been to Hastings, and had been absent four days; and on his return that morning he found the woman dead. I asked if he left any one to take care of her, and he replied “No;” that it was not her wish. I then said, “I suppose you locked her in;” and he replied “Yes,” and that he took the key with him, but that he left her plenty to eat, and some drink. I then went to the house he occupied in Barwick’s Alley. I there found the body of the woman lying on some straw, covered with an old gown and a linen rag. She had no clothing on her but an old pair of stockings. The room was quite devoid of furniture, and there was no appearance of a fire having been in the grate. By the side of the straw there was a pan with 6 or 8 thick pieces of bread and butter, about half of a quartern loaf, and a cup of tea. The slices of bread appeared to me to have been newly cut, being quite soft. There were mice in the pan, but I did not perceive that the bread had been nibbled. I have seen deceased begging in the streets almost in a state of nudity. I have had Norberry in custody three or four times – once for beating deceased; I then say her, and her face was much discoloured and swollen. Her injuries were so severe that Norberry was remanded in consequence of her being too ill to give evidence. He has also been in custody for drunkenness and rioting. He was a fancy basket maker, and could earn a good living. He is now in my custody; when I apprehended him he had in his possession a sovereign and 4½d. He always called deceased his wife.

E. G. Rutley, surgeon, deposed: Deceased has on three separate occasions been under my care in the Union. On the last occasion, in December, she was very ill, and went into the hospital. Her complaint was general debility and emaciation, more than positive disease. There was a sore on her back, which became ulcerated from the long confinement to her bed. I consider the debility to have arisen from want of proper care and nourishment. On the two previous occasions, in July and August last, she was in a weak state. When admitted in August she had two black eyes.

Thomas J. Dane, baker, Bowling Green Lane, deposed: I supply Mrs. Marlow, living in Barwick’s Alley, with bread. She had some on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. The remains of the loaf were here produced, which witness stated to have been of Thursday’s baking, from the high colour, which was not the case on Wednesday.

Susannah Mills, wife of James Mills, fishmonger, deposed: I serve in Mrs. Marlow’s shop, and on Tuesday or Wednesday served Norberry with two quartern loaves. He had the same quantity on Monday. He has not had any off me since that time.

Susan Bailey deposed: I serve in Mrs. Marlow’s shop, and was present when Mrs. Mills served Norberry with bread on Tuesday. I served in the shop on Saturday, but did not see him on that day.

Mary Brett deposed: I live in Barwick’s Alley, and have only seen deceased twice since she has lived in the alley. About three months since she fell down in a fit after returning from the Station-house, where she had been to take Norberry his breakfast. Her face was then scratched and much swollen. About two months since I heard him striking her and make use of very bad language. He said if she dared to halloo he would make her worse. Whenever he came out of the house, even to go to the well, he always locked the door, and took the key.

Eliza Bass, wife of Isaac Bass, deposed: Norberry and deceased lodged at my house in Pierce’s Court, as man and wife, about 6 months up to July last. During that time I have frequently seen him strike deceased severely, and knock her down. She was in a delicate state of health, and she has told me that Norberry often locked up the cupboard, and kept her without food for two days. He has told me that he could earn £3 a week if he liked to make fancy baskets.

Jane May, wife of Edward May, cordwainer, deposed: In August last Norberry came to my house in Charlton, and hired a room. That same night I heard him beat deceased on two separate occasions. He went out at two o’clock in the morning, when I fastened the door, and went up to her room, where I found her bleeding from the nose and mouth, and a quantity of blood on the floor and wall. I was so alarmed that I went to the Station-house, and gave information to the Police.

The Coroner here enquired whether at so late an hour (half-past ten) the Jury wished to continue the examination; and after a short consultation the inquest was adjourned till the following day at one o’clock.

TUESDAY

Maria Coleman, wife of Benjamin Coleman, was the first witness called, who deposed to acts of violence committed by Norberry on deceased 12 months since.

Richard Thomas Hunt, surgeon, deposed: I was called to see deceased on Saturday afternoon, when I found the body lying on straw as described by Inspector Correll. On raising the clothes I found it in a very emaciated state, and bandaged round the waist, on removing which I found a wound at the lower part of the back, which presented a very unhealthy sloughing appearance. It was not a wound of recent date, and I considered that it arose from being for a long time in a recumbent posture. There were no other marks of violence, and the countenance was placid, from which I judge she died without a struggle. On the following day I made a post-mortem examination. On opening the body I found the stomach to contain chime, which had been produced by the action of the gastric juice on some farinaceous food. I next examined the alimentary canal, which contained a quantity of chyle in the upper portion, and in the lower a quantity of faeces, which shewed that she had recently taken food. Neither the stomach or intestines shewed any symptoms of disease. I then examined the liver, the covering of which was very opaque and hard, and the liver itself presented a yellow striated appearance, and tuberculated. The billary portion was enlarged, and had the appearance of that of a person addicted to the use of ardent spirits. The contents of the thorax was not unhealthy. On examining the head I found the membranes of the brain thickened, and the substance softer than its proper state – the lateral ventricles containing a larger portion of fluid than usual. From the result of the examination I considered the immediate cause of death to have arisen from debility, and that such debility arose from the appearance of disease in the liver &c. I am of opinion the woman has been in a bad state of health for a long time, and am not prepared to say that death has been accelerated by removal from the Union, or exposed to cold.

By the Foreman: If she had received proper nourishment, and had medical advice, life might have been prolonged. I consider death to have taken place on Friday.

The whole of the evidence was then read over in the presence of Norberry, who stated that he left the woman for the purpose of going to Hastings, but previous to doing so he made her some toast and tea, and left her sufficient provision. He wished her to return to the Union, but she refused to do so.

The Coroner, addressing the Jury, observed that, from the evidence, there could be no doubt that the woman had been subject to long-continued ill-treatment from Norberry; and, at the early part of the investigation, he (the Coroner) was strongly impressed that he had been instrumental in causing the death, but after the evidence of the surgeon this impression was considerable diminished. Mr. Hunt stated that deceased had been diseased for a long time, but he was not prepared to say that the neglect and want of attention had accelerated death, although, in reply to a question from the Foreman, he stated that if she had better nourishment and medical attendance, it might have prolonged life. There was no doubt great criminality on the part of Norberry, but after the medical evidence, he did not think the facts of the case sufficient to send him for trial.

Mr. Timan, one of the Jury, said he knew that Norberry had often ill-treated deceased, and that he had on one occasion left her a long time without food or money.

The Coroner said he could not receive such statements. Mr. Timan, although one of the Jury, might have given his evidence on oath.

After a short consultation the Jury returned a verdict of “Died of natural causes, but the Jury are of opinion that death was accelerated by neglect and ill-treatment.”

The Coroner said the latter part of the verdict was a negative to the first part, and if taken as a whole, he must consider it as imputing the cause of death to Norberry.

Some of the Jury said such was not the intention, the latter part of the verdict being appended that Norberry might be reprimanded for the inhuman conduct; and after a further consultation, the verdict of “Died from natural causes” was returned.

Norberry was then called in, and his conduct censured in severe terms by the Coroner, who observed that after the evidence of the surgeon, and the verdict of the Jury, he must be discharged, but there could be no doubt that the conduct pursued towards deceased was cruel and barbarous, and unworthy of any one having the least pretensions to the character of a man.

Norberry was then discharged; but it will be seen by reference to our Police Report, that he has since been committed to prison for an assault on one on the Jury.

(Follow up of Norberry)

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 March, 1859.

TOO DRUNK

James Smith, labourer, of New Street, was charged with being drunk and creating a disturbance at the "Mason' Arms," Charlton. It appeared from the statement of the landlord of the public-house, Mr. W. Harman, that the defendant made his way into the tap-room, where "a nice, comfortable, little party" were assembled, about ten o'clock on Saturday night, and conducted himself with great violence, drinking other people's beer, and behaving in such a way as to drive several of the other guests from the room. The landlord had to eject him from the house; and he then kicked at the door and was very abusive, pulling off his clothes and wanting to fight. In this way he continued about ten minutes, by which time a mob had collected, and on police-sergeant Geddes coming up the landlord gave him into custody.

Geddes confirmed the latter portion of the landlord's statement.

Smith's only defence was that he knew nothing about the charge - he was too drunk.

In default of paying a fine of 10s., defendant was sent to prison for seven days.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 March, 1869.

DEATH BY A FALL OF CHALK

An inquest was held at the "Masons' Arms Inn," High Street, Charlton, by the borough coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., yesterday afternoon, on the body of Richard Friend, a labourer in the employ of Mr. Phipps, of River, who came by his death through the falling of a chalk bank at Pineham. Mr. Thomas Holloway was chosen foreman of the jury. Mr. G. Gould attended to watch on behalf of Mr. Phipps.

Thomas Prebble, a labourer who lived at Whitfield , said: I have known the deceased for almost six years. He resided at Crow Hill, Guston. On Tuesday morning, February 23rd, at about eleven o'clock, I was at work with deceased at a chalk pit at Pineham. The deceased was picking and I was carrying it away in a cart and horse. Seeing the chalk looked very loose above where the deceased was picking I told him to be careful; but he said he thought it was all right. I had filled my cart and had taken it away and was returning with the empty cart, when my mate called out to me that the chalk had fallen on the deceased. I made as much haste I could to the spot, and then saw the deceased half buried under some chalk which had fallen. He was still alive and told me he was picking when the chalk fell upon him. I with the assistance of my mate extricated the deceased and put him in the cart. We afterwards took him to his home at Crow Hill and he was removed afterwards to Dover Hospital. My mate was assisting the deceased picking the chalk and filling the cart.

By the Jury: When we had extricated him he complained to injuries to his side. A doctor attended the same night, from Walmer.

George Marsh, the mate the last witness, said: I am a labourer living at Pineham. I was at work with the deceased on Tuesday week at a chalk pit at Pineham, at about eleven o'clock in the morning. He was engaged in picking the chalk underneath the bank, and I was filling the cart, when I heard the deceased cry out, and on turning round saw him underneath some chalk which had fallen. With the assistance of the last witness, who shortly afterwards came to the pit, I shovelled the chalk away. After taking him from under the chalk we took him to his home at Crow Hill. I was the only person near when the chalk fell. We were both working under the bank. I had heard the last witness caution the deceased.

By the Jury: The height of the chalk was about twenty feet. We could not get to the top without going round when the chalk fell; some of it came against my feet. The deceased was knocked down backwards.

Mr. Jonas Travers Herbert, surgeon to the Dover Hospital, said: On Thursday the 25th of February, the deceased was brought to the hospital with injuries which he had sustained by the falling of some chalk at Pineham. His back was very black, and very much bruised. he complained of great pain in his head and body. I did all that I could for his recovery. he died yesterday morning at about half-past two. I should say that his death was from fracture of the spine.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but at the same time expressed as their opinion, that a crow-bar to be used at the top of the bank, would be a much safer way of breaking the chalk than with the pickaxe used at the bottom.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 13 September, 1872. Price 1d.

HOPPERS DEATH

An inquest was held at the “Masons’ Arms” last Saturday before the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., on the body of Ann Murray, who died from the effects of an accident.

Mary Ann Bowles deposed: I am the wife of George Bowles, a Dover Police-officer. I went last Tuesday to Ashford for the purpose of gathering hops. I went with the deceased Ann Murray, the wife of William Murray, to the Pluckley Station. We then proceeded half a mile from the station to a farm house, let apart for the hop-pickers. We found four rooms there for us. The deceased asked the owner of the house whether he had firewood for them. He said he would send some in half an hour. The deceased attempted to put up her little girl into a loft over the back kitchen, which was about seven feet from the ground, to look for firewood. The little girl refusing, she said she would go up herself to see if there was any firewood up in the loft. She wished me to push her up, and eventually she got up into the loft. While she was up there, I went into the kitchen, and when I had been there a little while I heard a great fall, and going back I saw deceased lying doubled up on the floor. She seemed to have fallen on her head, and she was bleeding very much. She was quite sensible, but she did not tell me how she fell; she only said she thought she was dying. There was a doctor in attendance in Pluckley. She lingered from Tuesday to Thursday, when she was removed to Dover by her wish, her husband being in Dover. I have not seen her since. I heard she died yesterday morning. She was not ordered to go up into the loft; she went of her own accord. The owner told her not to go up into the loft. Dr. Saunders was the medical man who attended her. Her age was 37 years.

Alfred Grandison deposed: I am the resident surgeon at the Dover Hospital. On Thursday evening last, about seven o’clock, the deceased was brought there on a stretcher. She had been brought from Pluckley, I was told. She was in a semi-conscious state. She had a severe cut on the left side of her head. She had complained of a pain at the back of her head, she did not appear conscious until a short time before she died. Then she answered some questions indirectly. She did not complain of anybody or anything. She appeared in great pain. She lingered until 10 o’clock on Friday morning, when she died.

The Jury returned a verdict “That the deceased, Ann Murray, died from injuries accidentally received from falling from a loft in the parish of Pluckley.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 14 February, 1873.

A WOMAN BURNT TO DEATH

On Tuesday morning last, at about a quarter to nine o’clock, as Police-constable Geddes was passing along St. James’s Street, his attention was directed to No. 66, the residence of a woman seventy years of age, named Anne Datlin, from which loud cries and shrieks were proceeding. On entering the house Geddes found Mrs. Datlin enveloped in flames in the passage. The unfortunate woman was at once rolled in some mats, carpets, &c., and with the assistance of neighbours and passers-by the flames were ultimately extinguished, though not till the poor woman had been very much burnt. Dr. Gill and Dr. Marshall were immediately sent for, and both pronounced Mrs. Datlin’s condition very serious. A stretcher was procured, and the injured woman was taken to the Hospital. Mrs. Datlin was first discovered in flames by a Miss Wheeler, living in the same house. It is supposed that the poor woman was lighting her copper-fire, when a hot cinder fell out unnoticed and set light to her clothing. Although every attention was paid to her on arrival at the Hospital, she died at about noon the same day.

The Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., held an inquest on the body at the “Mason’s Arms,” Charlton, on Wednesday afternoon last.
Mr. John Bacon, was chosen foreman; and the body, which lay at the Hospital, having been viewed, the following evidence was adduced:-

Joseph Archibald Datlin deposed: The deceased Anne Datlin was my mother. Her age was seventy-two. She has resided in St. James’s Street for the last forty years. I last saw her alive in September last. I knew the deceased was in the habit of carrying cinders from any room to light the copper-fire at the back of the house on washing day. I knew deceased was in the habit of doing this for a great many years. I was residing at Shoreditch near Sevenoaks, and I was telegraphed for when the accident took place. I came down immediately; but I found that she was dead when I reached Dover. I know nothing of the circumstances attending my mother’s death.

Mary Ann Wheeler deposed: I am a single woman. I lodged with deceased at her house 66, St. James’s Street. I was in the upper part of the house yesterday morning, about a quarter to nine, when I heard the deceased cry “Fire, fire!” I immediately went down stairs, and found deceased in flames. I went for assistance; and then helped several others to extinguish the flames, which entirely enveloped deceased. Deceased was wearing a cotton-gown at the time of the accident. As soon as the flames were extinguished, I went up stairs again, as I had been very much frightened. Deceased was ultimately taken to the Dover Hospital. There was no one down stairs with deceased when the accident took place. It is my opinion that the accident was caused by deceased carrying some cinders from the front of the house to the back. Deceased was a very industrious steady woman.

A juror: Where was the deceased when you first saw her?

Witness: She was in the wash-house when I first came down stairs.

A juror: I suppose she did not offer any explanation of the accident?

Witness: She said nothing about it to me. It is my opinion that deceased increased the flames in her endeavours to extinguish them herself.

By the Coroner: I afterwards saw deceased lying in the passage. Her arms and face appeared to me to be very much burnt. She was sensible then; her daughter spoke to her. I do not think she complained of anybody.

Richard Betts said: I am a fishmonger, and reside at Dolphin Court. I was going home to breakfast yesterday morning between eight and nine, along St. James’s Street, when I heard screams of “Fire” proceeding from deceased’s house. I immediately opened the door of the house, and saw Mrs. Datlin in flame. I took up some mats from the passage and put round her, and some more that Miss Wheeler gave me. Finding that I could not put out the fire alone, I sent the last witness for some assistance. P.C. Geddes and others came in, and we then extinguished the flames; but not till deceased had been very much injured. I only heard deceased speak once; and then she said, “Oh” Mr. Betts, I’m burnt to death.” A stretcher was procured and deceased was taken to Hospital.

A Juror: Was she standing up, or lying down, when you first saw her?

Witness: She was standing up, and was in a body of flame. I could not tell at first whether it was a woman or a man burning.

The Foreman: Where was she then?

Witness: She was standing in the passage, and the flames reached almost up to the ceiling.

George Geddes said: I am a constable in the Dover Police Force. Yesterday morning, at about a quarter to nine, my attention was called to deceased’s house, where I was told a woman was on fire. I went immediately. I found her lying in a passage with some mats over her. The mats were burning. I took the mats off; I substituted a blanket. With the assistance of another man I then extinguished the flames. I spoke to her; and asked her how it happened. She said “I was lighting the copper-fire when a cinder fell out. I thought it was out; but I got all in a blaze.” Two doctors attended – Dr. Marshall and Dr. Gill. Deceased was placed on a bed upon a stretcher, and conveyed to the Hospital. She was sensible when we took her to the Hospital, because when we happened to tear one of the sheets, she said, “Never mind that.”

By the Jury: I think water had been thrown over deceased, from what I saw in the passage; but none was thrown over in my presence. The mats that had been thrown over deceased to extinguish the flames were beginning to burn when I arrived. Mr. Dowle was the man who assisted me to put out the flames.

Alfred Grandison said: I am house surgeon at the Dover Hospital. Yesterday morning at about a quarter past nine o’clock, the deceased was brought into the hospital on a stretcher. I examined her; I found her burnt all over her body. She lingered until about twelve o’clock. She was perfectly sensible the whole time. She made no complaints of anybody. She only complained of pain. Death resulted from the injuries she had received.

The Coroner then summed up; and the Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 2 January, 1874. Price 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH

The Borough Coroner (W. H. Payn, Esq.) held an inquest, on Monday afternoon, at the "Mason's Arms" on the body of Edward Wyborn, a drayman in the employ of Messrs. Leney and Co.

Police-constable Stonar, of the Kent County Constabulary, said that on Saturday last he was on the Deal road talking to a man when he saw a wagon without a driver trot past. He stopped it and went back and had proceeded about 100 yards when he saw deceased lying in the water tunnel at the side of the road. He was not quite dead but was groaning. He got assistance and took him to the Hospital, where the doctor pronounced him dead.

Harriett Wyborn, the mother of the deceased, said her son was troubled with heart disease.

John William Cash, an innkeeper residing at Walmer, said he saw deceased stop outside his house. He was perfectly sober.

Dr. Granison, the house surgeon at the Dover Hospital, said deceased was brought there on Saturday night at about eight. He examined the body, and found no marks of violence. He should attribute death to heart disease.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 25 May, 1877. Price 1d.

ATTEMPTING TO STEAL A WATCH AND CHAIN

Samiel Bicknell, private in the 6th Regiment, was charged with attempting to steal a watch and chain from the person of John William Storr, of the “Masons Arms,” Charlton.

Mr. Storr, landlord of the “Masons Arms,” said: The prisoner came into my house with another soldier about half-past nine last light, and called for two glasses of beer which they drank. My barmaid served them. I was sitting in front of the bar. As the prisoner was about to leave he said to me “Good night,” and held out his hand, as I thought, to shake hands with me, but instead of doing that he made a snatch at my watch chain, breaking it and carrying a piece away. He then ran out of the house. I followed him and gave him in charge of the piquet. The grasp at the watch was made purposely and not accidentally. The prisoner did not appear to be drunk.

Superintendent Sanders said the prisoner was searched at the station and 1s. 10d. found upon him but nothing more. He was sober when brought to the station.

William Stacey, bombardier in the Kent Artillery Militia, said he was in the “Masons Arms” when the prisoner came in with another soldier. They had some refreshment, and as they were about to leave he saw the prisoner hold out his hand to the landlord and make a snatch at his chain and then run out of the house.

Prisoner denied all knowledge of the affair, but ultimately pleaded guilty.

A Sergeant of the 6th Regiment said the prisoner bore a bad character.

The Bench sentenced the prisoner to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 17 August, 1877. Price 1d.

PUBLIC HOUSE LICENSES

To the editor of the "Dover Express."

Sir, Monday next is fixed as a Special Sessions for the transfer of licenses. There are 17 applications, among which are the following:-

The "Masons' Arms" has been empty a short time, but Mr. Poulter, the brewer, wishes to re-open this house in his name......

Six brewers' houses empty! Will any of the six gentlemen who are applying for these licenses live on the premises to conduct the houses themselves? and, if not, should the magistrate grant the transfers?

Yours &c.,

COMMON SENSE.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 19 July, 1878

HIGHWAY ROBBERY

William Barton and Robert James, privates belonging to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment, were charged with assaulting William Lane , and stealing from his person a silver watch of the value of £7 10s. 0d.

William lame said: I am a miner, employed on the new railway. About half-past ten on Saturday night I went to the “Mason’s Arms,” High Street. Both the prisoners were in the bar, where I treated them to some beer which I paid for. I had the watch now produced in my waistcoat pocket. The chain was round my neck. I had some conversation with the prisoners and we all three left the house together and went towards Buckland. We walked up the street arm-in-arm. We had got as far as Mr. Tomlin’s the watchmaker, when the prisoner Barton asked me what the time was. I pulled the watch out to see when he snatched at it breaking the chain. He was about to run away with it but I tripped him up and we both struggled. The other prisoner struck me a violent blow on the side of the face. Barton got up and the prisoners then both ran away taking the watch with them. I gave information to the Police and next saw the watch in their possession. When I was in the “Mason’s Arms” Barton wrote his address on a piece of paper, which I produced, which I afterwards gave to the Police. The value of the watch is £7 10s. 0d.

By Barton: I could not possibly swear that you was the man who took the watch.

By James: I believe we all went into another public-house, but I could not possibly say.

Police-constable Bailey said: On Saturday night about a quarter to twelve, I was on duty in High Street, when the last witness came up and told me that he had had his watch taken from him by two soldiers belonging to the 6th Regiment. In consequence of what I had heard I went in search of them, accompanied by Police-constable Wickham. I went to Mr. Crundall’s timber-yard in templar Street, where we saw the two prisoners concealed under the timber. I told them to come out which they did. I told Barton I should take him into custody on suspicion of stealing from a man in the High Street. Wickham took the other prisoner. Barton said he was on pass and knew nothing about the watch.

Police-constable Wickham said: I was on duty on Saturday night, when I went with the last witness in search of the prisoner. We went to Mr. Crundall’s timber yard in Templar Street, where we found the two prisoners under two baulks of timber. Bailey told them to come out which they did. Bailey took Barton and I took James. They were both charged on suspicion of stealing a watch in High Street. On the way to the station they said they knew nothing about it. Both the prisoners were searched at the station, and Police-constable Swain found the watch produced in Barton’s right leg sock.

The officer in attendance gave both the prisoners very bad characters.

The prisoners pleaded “Guilty” to the charge, and the bench sentenced them to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour in Canterbury Gaol.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 May, 1960.

Death of Former Licensee.

For many years landlord of the Masons Arms, in High Street and Naval Pensioner, Mr. Edward John Oliver, of 238, Folkestone Road, died on Sunday, aged 83.

At the funeral on Wednesday at Charlton Cemetery the Rev. W. Brown Moffet officiated.

The mourners present were:- Miss H. Oliver (daughter), Mr. H. Oliver (brother), Miss, Baker, Mr. and Mrs. B. May. Mrs. L. Oliver (widow) and Mrs. Woodbridge were unable to attend due to indisposition.

Also present were:- Mr. Booth, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Pritchard, Mr. and Mrs. T. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. A. Pritchard, Mr. Toussaint-Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Anslow, Mr. N. Taylor (rep. Dover Wanderers Sports Club).

Among the many floral tributes were those from:- The Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Peace and Harmony Lodge No. 199; Dover Wabderers and Rovers' Sports Club.

The arrangements were by H. J. Sawyer (Dover) Ltd.

LICENSEE LIST

AUSTIN Thomas 1838-40+ (Charlton)