From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 14th September 1872.

Mrs. WICKS, wife of W. WICKS, of the "Pelican Inn," Beach Street summoned W. IRVINE for assaulting her and giving her black eyes. IRVINES wife acted as charwoman and servant at the "Pelican Inn." IRVINE applied for leave for her to go out and see the fireworks on the evening of the regatta - leave was refused and upon this, IRVINE committed the offence complained of. He was fined 10/-, which he paid.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 14 September, 1872. 1d.

SUMMONSED

William Irvine, a waterman, was summoned for striking Mrs. Weeks, the landlady of the "Pelican Inn," Beach Street, on the night of the 10th instant. Complainant deposed that she had for the last few weeks employed defendant's wife as charwoman, and in the evening in question he came into the kitchen and demanded that his wife might be allowed to go and see the fireworks. Mrs. Weeks told him that as they were so very busy just then it was an unreasonable request to make, whereupon defendant used very disgusting language towards her. She told him she had been the means of putting bread in his mouth, and this was his return for her kindness, and he then up with his fist and struck her a violent blow, which blackened both her eyes. He afterwards wanted her and her husband to go into the street, and he would fight the pair of them. She had no desire to press the case heavily against defendant, but she wished him to understand that he would not be allowed to insult her and her husband.

In defence, Irvine said that after he got in the backway he met Mr. Weeks, and he said to him, "My old woman has not been out to see the rowing matches, perhaps you can let her go and see the fireworks?" Mr. Weeks replied, "Yes, by all means; we have not got many in the house." Mrs. Weeks, however, would not let her go, and afterwards told him that she fed him. Mr. Weeks then came and took him by the collar of the coat and kicked him, and of course he (Irvine) kicked him back, and in the struggle they fell down, and it was then that the complainant got the blow.

After a brief consultation the Magistrates fined the defendant 10s., including costs, and allowed him till five o'clock to find the money.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 11 August, 1900. 1d

A PUBLIC HOUSE COMMISSION CASE

Turner v. Davis

Mr. H. T. Turner sued Mr. Stephen Davis for £11, being £10 10s. commission, and 10s. overcharge.

Plaintiff said that as the result of an advertisement, he went to see defendant at his office in Euston Road. He (plaintiff) was a chef, and at present owned the "Pelican Inn" in Beach Street, which the defendant recommended him to buy. When he agreed to do so, he distinctly understood that the vendor was to pay all expenses. he came to Deal and saw the tenant, and arranged to take the place for £150, the stock and apportionment of license to be extra. he subsequently saw defendant, who told him that £165 would be all that he would have to pay, and he made a distinct arrangement that he (plaintiff) was to pay no expenses. Defendant came down to Deal, and they went round the house together, and saw the things that were in the inventory. He had already paid Mr. Davis a deposit of £25, and he now handed him the balance, when he turned round and said, "I want £173 14s. 3d. off you." He (plaintiff) said he would not pay, but would go back by the next train. Defendant said if he did not go through with the contract, he would forfeit £50, whereas it should have only been £25. Eventually he gave defendant a promissory note for £14 14s. 3d. under protest. he objected to the defendant's charge for commission, and to the 10s. charged as half of Mr. Hayman's fee for gauging.

Cross-examined by defendant, plaintiff said defendant had checked the inventory, and had attended to the notices, and the application for temporary transfer of the license, and while he did not expect all that to be done for nothing, he did expect defendant to work according to his agreement.

The Judge: Who was acting for you?

Plaintiff: No one. This man was acting for Mr. Hayward.

Charles Hayward deposed that he was a retired licensed victualler, and lately the landlord of the "Pelican" which he wanted to get rid of. In order to do so, he put it in Mr. Davis's hands, agreeing to pay him 5 per cent, on whatever he realised. he sold for £150, plus stock, license, &c. Defendant conducted the case for him and Mr. Turner, and came down to Deal. There was a charge for advertising which witness objected to, as he had never authorised it.

Cross-examined: He was anxious to get out of the house, but he did not say he would get out of it at any cost.

Defendant deposed that Mr. Hayward was very anxious to get out of the house; in fact, he threatened to shut it up and sell by auction if it was not sold. He (defendant) came down five or six times, and he could not come under £1 at a time, as the third class fare from London was nearly 14s. If his honour would look at the agreement he would see that half the expenses were to be paid by each party. He submitted that the account was a reasonable one. Surely he could not be expected to work for nothing. He made no arrangements with Turner that he was to pay no expenses.

The Judge said he did not believe for a moment that there was any arrangement that the vendor should pay all expenses and the purchaser nothing. If a man acted for both sides in a transfer each should pay. He should allow £8 6s. 0d. for commission and 21s. for expenses.

Judgement for defendant accordingly.

From the East Kent Mercury, 2 October, 2008.

Ales and 40,000 pies.

Deal has lost many pubs in the past few decades, many converted into flats or houses.

One was the "Pelican," over looking the sea at Beach Street, and its history has been investigated by Steve Glover and Michael Rogers.

The two history enthusiasts are working on a book about old pubs in the Deal and Walmer area.

They have discovered that the "Pelican" was originally the "Harp."

It was auctioned in 1828 along with other public houses in The Sale of the Manor of Chamberlain's Fee.

Melville's Directory of 1858 shows the Philpott family at the "Pelican Beer House," and in 1866 The Lodge of Enlightened Cottagers celebrated its 72nd anniversary at the "Pelican."

According to a publication at the time: "They afterwards proceeded with carriages decorated with flags for a drive in the country, exhilarating tunes being played by a good musician on a cornet."

The following year a Mercury article reported that the premises were dilapidated and about to be pulled down, and in 1868, a full licence was duly granted to a Mr. Sharpe.

In the 1920s and 1930s the house was considered to be a high-class hotel when Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd were licensees.

In January 1966 landlady Olive Roberts left after 13 years, having apparently sold 40,000 Pelican Pies since 1953. Evidently they were delicious consisting of "meat and a luscious gravy filling."

Another long-serving host John Pollard retired in June 1987 after 17 years of service.

Anthony and Anne Butler were the last landlords. The licence was revoked in May 1990 and the premises are now a private house.

Stever Glover and Michael Rogers are working on The Old Pubs of Deal and Walmer and hope the book will be on sale next year.

They are keen to find rare old photos of public houses in the town.

Anyone who can help to contact Steve on 01304 380069 or email blindpig184@aol.com.