From the Kentish Gazette, 9 June 1821

TRIAL of the Herne Bay Smugglers

J. WEST, W. BEER, J and T. RICHARDSON, W. WILLIAMS, and J. WEBSTER, Were indicted for unlawfully assembling with others to the number of 40 or more, with firearms for the purpose of assisting in the illegal running and landing of contraband of goods; and there was a count charging them with firing at and killing Mr Sydenham SNOW, a midshipman of the Severn frigate, employed in the coast blockade service.

Mr BOLLAND opened the pleadings; the attorney-general stated the facts of the case to the jury, as it appeared after-wards in the following evidence: (a column and ¼ column report) (this was a 12-hour trial, ALL FOUND NOT guilty.)

Witnesses called were named as: D. NORTH, quartermaster of the Severn; a man named WILSON; J. WILSON (preventive service seaman); Mr NORRIS of the Ship Inn was referred to; J. BARKER (preventive service seaman of Herne Bay); G. GRIFFITHS of Canterbury, farm labr and gardener who identified W. BEER of Littlebourne a thatcher. WEST was also a thatcher. GRIFFITHS also mentioned a man called E. BEAUMONT, also a man called E. EPPS landlord of a public house at Littlebourne, also appeared to be the ferryman who ferried some of the men across. GRIFFITHS also referred to a man called M. LAWRENCE who was with the alleged smugglers and who fired a brass blunderbuss. The two men RICHARDSON were found with carts and in a house were serving out arms and ammunition, mostly pistols such as horse soldiers use and also a brass blunderbuss. GRIFFITHS also referred to “Hollands” and Brandy in the tubs, at the same house. WEST mentioned there were 65 tubs “worked” out of 81 they expected.

Kentish Gazette, 14 December, 1821.

DIED.

Dec. 12, at Rochester, Mr. George Merryweather, formerly landlord of the "George Inn," Canterbury. On Saturday last Mr. Merryweather unfortunately fell from the steps of a granary, and broke one of his legs in a shocking manner, from the effects of which he died.

At present I don't know which pub this refers to. Paul Skelton.