PACKET BOAT INN Pubs of Dover

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Dover, January, 2023.

Page Updated:- Sunday, 08 January, 2023.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1770

Packet Boat Inn

Latest 1863

Strond Street

Dover

Above photo of the Packetboat Inn 1858.

Another with this sign was reported in Bulwark Street in 1874 and the "Packet Boat and London Family and Commercial Hotel" was part of Council House Street. Having said that to confuse you, we can now identify this one by saying it stood two doors from Holy Trinity Church. Already well established in that location in 1805. Walker's lease probably commenced in 1814.

By 1851 a further attachment, known as the "Crown and Anchor Booth" had become a part. That may have ended in 1854 however. Certainly Newing came in for much criticism over it.

The properties of Walker were auctioned in 1859 and this one, with its extensive yard, stabling and coach houses, realised £1,300. Its 61 year lease had commenced in April 1834.

Because of the house with like name in Council House Street it is difficult to trace the coaches. In 1823, Bates coach left every day from here at nine thirty a.m. to make the Deal trip, returning the same evening. By reciprocation, Hobson's coach did the same starting from Deal. Spain's coach left at eight a.m. for Romney, also returning in the evening. I suggest also that Union Safety coaches ran to London twice daily from here, That journey took nine hours and was made without change of coach or coachmen. With freight, the Dover wagons of Rutley, Stanbury and Young, left Snargate Street at noon daily and arrived at the "White Hart", Southwark, the next morning. Another left the "White Hart" at two p.m. and arrived at Dover the following day at nine a.m.

I found no evidence of this one after 1863.

Another "Packet Boat Inn" later referred to as simple the "Packet" was found at Bulwark Street between 1874 and 1907.

From the Kentish Gazette, or Canterbury Journal [one title]. December 26 to 30, 1769.

Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Advert for the sale of a Sloop, to be held at the Packet-Boat in Dover on January 3rd, 1770.

The above information, if it is referring to this Packet Boat Inn at Strond Street, pre-dates all other mentions of the pub. However, there are two others that it could refer to, those being the "Packet Boat Inn" at Bulwark Street (earliest known date 1874) and the "Packet Boat Hotel" at Council House Street, (earliest known date 1863).

From the Kentish Gazette, October 27-31, 1772. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Sale by auction on November 17, of a cutter at the Packet Boat in Dover.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Saturday, 24 September to Wednesday, 28 September, 1768. Price 2d.

TO THE PUBLIC

Daniel Stoddard's Post-Chaises being now ready for running the East Kent Road at Ninepence per Mile, he has placed them in the following Order; at Mr. Rigden's the “Packet Boat” at Dover; at Mr. Daniel's, at the “Fleece,” in St. George's, Canterbury; and at Mr. Ratcliff's, at the “George,” at Greenstreet. He has likewise fixed & Purchaise at Mr. Kirby Curling's, at the “Bell” near the Bridge, Sandwich.

Note Mr. Rigden at the “Packet Boat,” Dover, intends shortly to put up a Painting of the late Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland; on which Occasion a genteel Supper will be provided for the Customers.

Notwithstanding Mr. Stoddard has been particularly careful in the Choice of Drivers, yet as some of them may behave in an unbecoming manner, he will be thankful to any person who will give him Notice of it; and they shall be removed. He has given Directions to his Boys to drive no further than the Ladies or Gentleman choose, and to avoid running with others, or oversetting one-horse Carriages.

From the Kentish Gazette, July 6-9, 1790. Kindly sent from Kathleen Hollingsbee

Mr. Gardner, of the "Packet Boat," Dover: re sale of "The Crown and Anchor Tavern," Calais, owned by David McKewan of Calais.

From the Kentish Gazette, November 16-19, 1790. Kindly sent from Kathleen Hollingsbee

Mr Gardner, of the "Packet Boat," Dover - auction to be held there.

Kentish Gazette - Tuesday 16 May 1809, p.4

JOHN MARSH.

(From the "New Inn," Sandgate)

HAVING taken the "Packet Boat Inn," begs leave to solicit the support of his Friends and the Public in general, assuring them that nothing on his part shall be wanting to merit their favours.

An Ordinary each day one o'clock.—Good Stabling, Saddle Horses, Gigs, &c.

Dover, May 15, 1809.

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 February, 1814. Kindly sent from Kathleen Hollingsbee

On Tuesday the fifteenth day of this instant, February, at the "Packet Boat," Dover, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, all that BUILDING now used as a BOATBUILDER's SHOP, with the ground and appurtenances thereunto, adjoining and belonging, situate near Archcliff, Bulwark Street, in Dover, and late in the occupation of Mr. Matthew Kennett.

The above premises was held under lease from the Honourable Warden and Assistants of Dovor Harbour, for 63 years, from 6th April,1813.

Immediate Possession will be given.

For further particulars apply to Messrs. Knocker, Solicitors, Dovor.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Tuesday 28 October 1823.

For the Benefit of the Underwriters.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION. AT THE "PACKET BOAT INN," DOVER.

ON TUESDAY, the 4th November, 1823, at eleven o'Clock, part duty free, to cover salvage charges, and the remainder duty paid for home compensation, about FORTY TONS HEMP, damaged by salt water, part of the cargo of the schooner Here, Captain William Laugrish, driven on shore at Dungeness, on her voyage from St. Petersburgh to Whitehaven.

The Hemp will be sold in small lots for the convenience of the Trade, and may be seen until the time of Sale in the Warehouses of LATHAM, RICE, and Co.

Kentish Chronicle - Tuesday 6 May 1828.

DIED.

May 2, at Dover, the wife of Mr. John Marsh, late of the "Packet Boat Inn," in that town.

From the Kentish Gazette, 5 December 1837.

DEATHS.

At Dover, after a long affliction, Mr. Henry Golder, eldest son of Mrs. Hoad, of the "Packet Boat Inn."

Canterbury Weekly, 9 December, 1837.

Death.

Nov 24, at Dover, Mr. H. Golder, eldest son of Mrs. Hoad, of the "Packet Boat Inn."

From the Kentish Gazette, 30 January 1838.

Accidents by fire occurred, in the course of last week, at the "Packet Boat," the "Hovelling Boat," and at Mr. Winter’s, pastrycook, which might have been attended with serious consequences but for timely discoveries.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 10 August, 1839.

Mary Pearce, charged by J. Hoad, with having by false representations, obtained board and lodgings at the "Packet Boat Inn." From the evidence of the prosecutor, it appeared that the defendant arrived at his house by the coach, and stated that she was housemaid in the family of the Rev. Mr. Watt, who had sent her forward to engage three bed-rooms and a sitting-room for the family who would arrive in a few days. On Monday she came in and said the family had arrived, and that the carriage had put down at a friend's house on the Crescent; but that they would be in to dine at five o'clock. She then left the house, and he heard no more of her till she was taken up by the Police that evening.

Remanded till Monday.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 22 August, 1840. Price 5d.

CORONERS INQUEST

Yesterday an inquest was held at Mr. Hoad's "Packet Boat Inn," before G. T. Thompson, Esq. Coroner, to enquire the cause of death of Thomas Pout, aged 51 years, who was killed on the previous day, under the following circumstances:-

Benjamin Holman, blacksmith, deposed, that about noon on Thursday, he observed deceased riding on the shafts of one of the harbour carts, when the horse started off, and he, in endeavouring to stop it, ran along the shaft to catch hold of the bearing rein, when his foot slipped, and he was precipitated into the road. One of the wheels passed over his mouth, which caused almost instantaneous death. The horse ran from the quay towards the "Packet-boat."

Verdict. - "Accidental death," with a nominal deodand of 1s. on the horse.

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

DOVER POLICE COURT

Agnes Morrison, a married woman, was committed for trial, charged with stealing 4 silver spoons, knives and forks, a tablecloth, a bed furniture, and other articles, from the “Packet Boat Inn,” the property of landlord Mr. Joseph Hoad. The prisoner had been a servant at the Inn, and left about three weeks since. The property was found in her room, in Spring Place. She did not deny the charge.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday, 17 October, 1846. Price 5d.

DOVER POLICE COURT

Ages Morrison, married woman, aged 23, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing four decanters and various other articles, the property of her master, Mr. Joseph Hoad, of the “Packet Boat Inn.” Dr. Soden, R.N., Mr. Hoad, and others, spoke to the previous good character of the prisoner, and she was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment and hard labour.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 14 November, 1846. Price 5d.

TO LET WITH IMMEDIATE POSSESSION

That long established Inn, called the "PACKET BOAT," situate near Custom House, and adjoining the Harbour at Dover.

For particulars apply to Mr. W. H. PAYN, Solicitor; or to C. LAMB, House Agent, Dover.

October 17th, 1846.

Dover Chronicles 9 January 1847.

Dover Petty Sessions. Yesterday.

Mr. Hudson, landlord of the "Packet Boat Inn," Strond Street, applied through Mr. W. H. Payne, solicitor to have his license re-endorsed, that he might keep his establishment open till the next licensing day (in March next), he having, from illness, omitted to go through the necessary forms required by the Act to be observed as regards licensees.

Adjourned till Monday next.

From the Kentish Gazette, 14 November 1848.

Hudson.

Nov. 8, in London, Thomas, second son of Mr. H. Hudson, of Wingham, and landlord of the "Packet Boat Inn," Dover, aged 38 years, much respected.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 26 January, 1856. Price 5d.

DOVER POLICE

WEDNESDAY - Before the Mayor and W. P. Elsted, Esq.

Jane Taylor, who was said to describe herself as a laundress, was charged by a female named Coomes, said to be the wife of Mr. Charles Coomes, alleged to be at Dover on a visit to her brother, with stealing a sable boa from her person, of the value of 20s.

The prosecutrix deposed - Last evening, about five minutes before twelve o'clock, I was talking to two gentlemen in Snargate Street. The prisoner was in company with us, but behind, talking also to a gentleman. I was in the act of bidding "good night" to those with whom I had been conversing, when I felt a violent snatch on my neck, and on turning round I noticed the prisoner withdrawing to a distance of two yards. I then left them, and had not proceeded more than two rods when I discovered that my boa was gone. The one produced is the same. Shortly afterwards, I met the police-constable present, (Renshaw,) and informed him that my boa had been stolen, and described the party who took it. He accompanied me down the street to near the "Packet Boat Inn," where we met the prisoner, who was then wearing my boa. I at once said to her, "That is my sable, and you stole it." She delivered it up directly, without saying anything; but afterwards, on the policeman charging her with stealing it, she said that she had found it. It was dry when she returned it to me, and had not the appearance of having been on the ground.

Police-constable Renshaw - Between five and ten minutes to twelve last night the prosecutrix came up to me, and said her boa had been stolen from her neck, and that she knew the party who took it. I accompanied her as far as Strond Street, where I saw the prisoner with the boa round her neck, and took her into custody for stealing it. She said she picked it up.

In defence, prisoner said she picked it up, and called John Comporo, second mate to the Vivid, to support her assertion; but from the statement made by Comporo, it appeared that the steward was cognizant of the whole transaction; and the Bench accordingly directed that that official should be sent for. On his arriving, he deposed, that last evening, after returning with his friends from the "Mechanics' Catch Club," the prosecutrix forced herself into their company, and behaved rather rudely; that she appeared to be intoxicated, and was dancing and flying about the street like a mad girl; that he saw the boa fall off, and he picked it up, but afterwards dropped it near the feet of the prisoner.

Upon this evidence, the Bench dismissed the charge and hinted to the prosecutrix that her conduct had been disreputable as a married woman.

From the Kentish Chronicle 22, October 1859.

DOVER. STROND STREET.

This street now presents a most desolate appearance, - the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company as a site for their terminus having caused a complete exodus of tenants. From Trinity Church to Mr. Olifant’s shop at the end of the street, and extending backwards to Limekiln-street, the whole of the houses are to be pulled down. The chief part of the tenants have left, the dull heavy looking shutters superseding the hitherto light cheerful appearance of the shops. The "Harp Hotel" and the "Packet Boat Inn" are still open, but we observe that Mr. Spice, the proprietor of the former, has taken the extensive premises lately occupied by Mr. Rouse, as a coach factory, which he is having fitted up as a first-class hotel. The work of demolition of all the houses, about 130 in number, will soon commence, and are to be sold by auction by Mr. Robinson.

LICENSEE LIST

RIGDEN Mr 1768+