From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 12 April, 1878. Price 1d.

CHARGE OF ROBBING A TILL

Walter gaskin, a private in the 6th Regiment, was charged with stealing from a till at the "Mitre Tavern," Snargate Street, about 11s. in silver, the property of W. H. Stiles.

Annie Rivers deposed: I am barmaid at the "Mitre Tavern." Yesterday morning, about half-past eleven, prisoners came into our bar and called for a pint of beer. I served him, and he stood in the bar drinking it. There was another man in the bar who drank with him. They both stopped in the bar until half-past three in the afternoon. I sat in the bar reading the paper and went to sleep. When I woke prisoner and the other man were both gone. I had not been to sleep two minutes and both men were there before I went to sleep. At half-past two some other men came in and they were still there when I woke up. When I went to the till for change, I found about 11s. in silver money had been taken - three two-shilling pieces, a half-crown, and some small money. I immediately told Mr. Stiles, and the other man named Francis came back again in about three or four minutes after I had missed the money, and I accused him of stealing it, but he denied having done so. I am sure prisoner is the soldier who was with Francis. He could have reached over the counter and taken the money from the till.

By the prisoner: I left the bar to go to dinner, and was away about ten minutes. When I came back the money was there. The money was taken while I was asleep. I did not see you take it. When Francis came back he told me he saw you take the money. Francis was drunk but you were sober.

William Francis deposed: I am a joiner and live in Strond Street. I was in the "Mitre tavern" all day. I went there about half-past eight in the morning with a friend. I do not know what time prisoner came in, but I saw him in there. I had been drinking all day with my friends. I paid for it. I was not sober. I had a considerable quantity to drink - quite enough. I saw the barmaid in the bar behind the counter, but I did not notice her reading the newspaper. I did not see her go to sleep. I saw the prisoner put his hand over the counter, but I did not see where his hand went to, and I did not hear any money rattle. I cannot say I saw him more than once. He went out and I also went out. I was going home, but when I got outside  the house I asked him to have a glass and he said he did not mind if he did, so we went down to the "George Inn" and had some brandy which I paid for. We drank the brandy directly, and I then went back to look for my friend. I do not know where prisoner went; he left me. When I went back to the "Mitre" I do not know whether the barmaid accused me of taking the money.

By prisoner: I do not believe I went to sleep. I do not know whether you went out during the time the barmaid was asleep. I did not hear any money chink. I do not know what you did when you took your hand back.

Harry Walker deposed: I went into the "Mitre" with last witness yesterday morning and remained  there all day, and had a good lot of beer. I saw prisoner come in about midday, but I do not know whether I drank with him or not. I saw prisoner draw his hand from over the counter. The barmaid was then in the bar asleep. he remained a short time after and then went out with Francis. A few minutes after that the barmaid discovered that she had lost some money and enquiries were made. Francis came back in a short time and was accused of stealing it. The place where I saw prisoner put his hand was just over the till.

Prisoner: If you heard me why did you not alarm the barmaid?

She woke up just after.

Prisoner: Do you believe I would do that in front of you and your friend and several others?

It would look rather suspicious.

Sergeant William Neave, of the 6th Regiment, deposed that prisoner was a drummer in the 6th. Witness was sergeant of the regimental guard at the Grand Shaft when prisoners turned up at 8.45 in the evening. He had been absent since eight o'clock in the morning and came in by himself. He was sober. Witness made a prisoner of him and searched him, when there was found on him a purse containing 9s. 1d. in money consisting of one half-crown, two florins, two shilling pieces, a sixpence, and two half-pennies. The first witness, the barmaid came in and identified prisoner and gave him into custody. He did not know whether prisoner had any money when he went out.

Annie Rivers, re-called, said she could not identify any of the coins, but there was a lion shilling in the till.

 The Superintendent, in answer to the Bench, said he did not think he could get any more evidence.

The Bench said there was not sufficient evidence to convict and discharged the prisoner.

From the Dover Express. May 1880.

Snargate Street.

The report of the superintendent of police as to the fire in Snargate Street was read as follows.

Dover Police Fire Brigade.

May 4th 1880.

Gentleman,

I beg to report being called at 5.25 a.m. on the 27th ult. to a fire at the Mitre public house occupied by William Styles. The hose reel and hand pump were immediately sent for arriving on the spot at 5.33 when smoke was issuing from the bar and from the upstairs window at the back. A standpipe was fixed in Snargate Street and one at Commercial Quay and a good supply of water obtained and thrown upon the fire at front and back which was extinguished by about seven a.m. Damage, stock and furniture in bar and kitchen entirely destroyed. Furniture and upstairs rooms damaged by smoke and water. Walls and upstairs damaged by water and windows by breakage and removal. Building insured in the Sun Fire Office. Stock and furniture in the Kent.

Brigade in attendance superintendent and 16 firemen.

Mr Boulter chimneysweeper of No. 73 Snargate Street was proceeding with Police Constable Knott to the cellar under the bar when the flooring gave way and they were both thrown into the cellar. Knott escaped without injury but Mr. Boulter received a severe injury to one of his knees and has been under medical treatment ever since.

I am yours gentleman your obedient servant

T. O. Sanders, superintendent.

Information kindly supplied by Joyce Banks.

From the Dover Express. January 1888.

Mitre Inn Snargate Street.

About an hour or so after closing time on Sunday night a fire broke out at the “Mitre Inn” Snargate Street and before it was extinguished the bar was fairly burnt out and other portions of the premises were damaged. A town porter named Cecil Howell on passing about eleven o'clock noticed that the bar was lighted up and this he immediately saw was caused by fire. He shouted fire and aroused the inmates but before this could be done several windows had to be broken. The occupants of the house Mr. and Mrs. Adamson their two sons and four daughters it appears on finding that the place was on fire escaped over a flat roof into Mr. Bishops ironmongery premises next door.

In the meantime Sergeant Dulhie and his men who informed the Shaft guard burst open the door of the Inn and the fire was kept in check by throwing water upon it. Corporal Besford G.M.P. Mr. Bishop, Mr. Oram and Mr. Hickens and others were assisting in this work. Information having been sent to the fire and Police Station, the hose reel and fire escape were quickly upon the spot together with the superintendent and several firemen. A stand-pipe was fixed and within a short time the fire, which had not obtained a very great hold, was extinguished. On examining the premises the fire appeared to have originated under the bar counter. The damage was principally confined to the bar. The building was insured in the Sun Fire Office and the contents in the Royal.

Credit is due to the porter Howell for his prompt action in arousing the inmates who undoubtedly had a narrow escape and also for his after assistance. The fire seemed to have caused considerable excitement among the neighbours and one woman living near the chapel on descending from her bedroom fell down a flight of stairs and severely cut her head.

Information kindly supplied by Joyce Banks.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 28 August, 1891. Price 1d.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

ANOTHER TEMPERANCE OBJECTION

When the “Mitre Tavern” was reached in the list, that was singled out, having been objected to by the Temperance Council.

THE MITRE

The objection in the case of the “Mitre Tavern” was withdrawn.

The Mayor said: I will now read the decisions of the Magistrates in the following cases:-

The “Mitre,” license granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 September, 1891. Price 1d.

APPLICATIONS

Mr. Hatton Brown applied, on behalf of Mr. E. H. Foulser, for permission to draw at the “Mitre Tavern.”

The application was granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 11 December, 1891. Price 1d.

ALLEGED CRUELTY TO A DOG

George Scott junior was summoned for ill-treating a dog by kicking it on the 22nd November.

Mr. E. H. Foulser landlord of the “Mitre Inn,” said that on Sunday 22nd November, at half-past four in the afternoon, he was in Limekiln Street when he saw the defendant who was with three others kick a dog outside 4 Limekiln Street four times. He went across to the dog, and the owner of the animal having opened the door, the dog fell dead on the mat as it was entering the house.

Mr. Pryer, Inspector Flavell, R.S.P.C.A., and Mr. Cullis the owner of the dog also gave evidence in support of the charge.

For the defence it was alleged that the dog flew at defendant's companion and then at him, and he kicked the dog in self defence. He also called three witnesses to prove that the dog had flown at people several times before.

The case was dismissed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 26 March, 1909.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN A PUBLIC HOUSE

DOVER MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF

Shortly after 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening, an extraordinary shooting occurrence took place in the bar of the "Mitre" public house, Snargate Street. A young man named Charles Philpott, of 14, Matthew's Place, who is employed at the Packet Yard, suddenly shot himself in the side just above the heart with a small .22 pistol, firing bulleted caps. The Military police were called in, and they at once sent for the Civil police, Police-constable Lawrence quickly arriving. He sent the Military police for Dr. Baird, who at once ordered the man to be removed to Dover Hospital. On examination at the Hospital by the House Surgeon, the wound was not thought to be a very serious one, and the man is likely to recover. The bullet has not been extracted yet, and the wound will be examined by the X-ray apparatus. It is said that a love affair is the cause o the man's rash act. The weapon used is little more than a toy, and the weakest form of firearm extant. The bullet will scarcely pierce a half inch deal board.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 2 April, 1909.

THE SHOOTING CASE

Charles Philpott, of 14, Matthew's Place, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by shooting himself in the breast in the bar of the "Mitre" public house, Snargate Street.

Edwin King said: I am lodging at the "Mitre" public house, Snargate Street, and work at the Packet Yard. On Wednesday evening at about half past 8, I was in charge of the bar. The defendant came in. I have seen him there before. He called for a glass of ale. He had been in previously, but I did not serve him then. I did so on this occasion. He drank a portion of the ale, and then took the remainder round behind a partition. I then heard a small noise like a man standing on a match. I heard a pistol drop, and looking round the partition, I saw the defendant with his head on one side, and then h dropped off the chair on to the floor. I ran round and picked him up. I then picked up the pistol, which was on the floor. At first I thought it was a toy. The man could not help himself, but I saw no blood. I thought he was skylarking, and shook him. I then took the pistol to two sailors who were in the bar, and asked if a man could do anything to himself with it. They said they did not think so, and asked what was the matter. I told them a man had shot himself with it. They looked at the defendant, and advised me to send for the police. I then went for a constable and got a military policeman. The sailors had then found the wound. The police and Dr. Baird afterwards came. The prisoner moaned and vomited.

Did he come courting the barmaid? - We have no barmaid. There is a young lady there stopping with the landlady. He went out with her that evening. She returned with her mother, and he came in a few minutes after. That is when I served him. She was then in the parlour on the other side of the bar.

Dr. Ridgway, House Surgeon of Dover Hospital, said; The defendant was admitted at about a quarter to 9. I examined him, and found that he had a wound three or four inches below the nipple. There was a hole in his shirt. It was a small one. We could not ascertain the depth of the wound. We traced it for an inch inward, and then lost it. The bullet going very quickly, the through often closes. We have not found the bullet yet. We have X-rayed him. It may have struck a rib and come out again. From his symptoms we thought the bullet was there, but he has since improved so wonderfully, that we think it is not there now. The prisoner's mind is all right, and he appears sorry for what he has done. He has been discharged from the Hospital now.

The Mayor asked if it were necessary for the prisoner to have any special care and looking after.

Dr. Ridgway said they could not receive him back without a watch, as they did not know his past history and temperament, and would not care to take the responsibility. There was every reason and necessity for the lad to have good food and attention for the next fortnight.

The prisoner's father said that his son was a gardener. He could guarantee that he would have every care and attention at home if allowed to go there. He was 19 years of age on Good Friday.

Mr. G. Clark said that but for a little heatiness of temper he had a vary good character.

The prisoner promised that such a thing should not occur again.

The Bench discharged the young fellow binding him over to be of good behaviour for the next six months in the sum of £5.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 21 May, 1915. price 1d.

CLOSURE OF LICENSED HOUSES TO SAILORS.

DRASTIC ACTION AGAINST A SNARGATE STREET HOUSE

The Military and Naval Authorities, under the Defences of the Realm regulations, have ordered that no sailors should be served before 5. p.m. in Dover. In consequence of the order not being obeyed, a well known house in Snargate Street has been closed by the Military Authorities.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 11 June, 1915. price 1d.

APPLICATION TO TRANSFER THE LICENCE.

At the Dover Police Court this (Friday) morning, before Dr. C. Wood (in the chair), and Mr. W. J. Palmer.

An application was made for the transfer of the "Mitre Inn," Snargate Street, which has been closed under the Defence of the Realm Act, from Mr. Chapman to Mr. Wood, the Secretary of Messrs. Leney and Co.

It was stated that the house would be re-opening if a new tenant was found.

The Magistrates granted the transfer.

Dover Express 18 January 1918.

An application was made for the review of conditional exemption granted in September, 1916, to Cuthbert Thomas Hatcher, aged 42, licenses of the "Mitre" Hotel, Snargate St. Applicant said he now carried on Little London Farm, Lydden, of seventy acres. His wife carried on the "Mitre." He took the farm in May, 1917. He was given exemption in September, 1916. He had never been medically examined.

The case was adjourned for reference to the County War Agriculture Committee, and for the applicant to be medically examined.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 January, 1930.

REMOVAL OF A PUBLIC HOUSE

At the Dover Police Court on Friday last. Mr. Rutley Mowll applied for approval of the final order for the removal of the "Mitre" to the other side of Snargate Street. At the annual licensing meeting last year the removal of the licence was authorised and duly confirmed, and he now asked for final approval. The building had been completed in accordance with the plans.

Final approval was given.

Dover Express, Friday 22 September 1939.

Breaches of Blackout Rules.

Albert Herne, of the "Mitre Inn," Snargate Street, was fined 10s. for not obscuring a light at 10:30 p.m. on September 5th.

Chief Inspector Saddleton said that P.C. Butler saw lights coming from the door and windows of the "Mitre" when 75 yards away. The constable saw defendant, who said that he had made every effort, and he thought that he had been successful in obscuring the light.

The Chairman:- Have you had this seen to now?

Yes, sir.

Fined 10s.