From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 17 January, 1936.

At the Dover Licensing Transfer Sessions, held on Friday last, plans for alterations to the "Primrose Hall," Union Road were approved.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 23 July, 1864.

APPLICATION FOR ADVICE

John Chatwyn, 73, a pauper in the Dover Union, applied to the Bench for advice. He said he had left the Workhouse on Saturday for three days leave. On the previous morning he went to the "Primrose Hall," Buckland, to see his daughter, who was servant there. He indulged a little too freely and got the worse for liquor, and the landlord then beat him most cruelly.

Applicant, who still appeared a little worse for his indulgence, entered into a long and rambling statement of his grievances, during which he described the landlord's conduct as "anything but gentlemanly," but the Magistrates failed to see what charge he could sustain against the landlord, and therefore advised him to go back to the Union and endeavour to forget his indignities.

Dover Express, Saturday 30 July 1864.

To Correspondents.

Mr. David Brockman, landlord of the "Primrose Hall," Buckland, desires us to state that the circumstances alleged before the Magistrates by John Chatwyn, a pauper at the Union, to have taken place at "Primrose Hall" on Sunday week, are altogether devoid of foundation.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 December, 1864.

RIGDEN v. BROCKMAN

The defendant in this case is the landlord of the "Primrose Hall," Buckland and the complainant a labourer. It appeared that on the previous Monday complainant was in Abbey Lane, Buckland, having been engaged in removing some refuse from a yard close by. He went with a horse and cart to fetch some chalk, and while loading his cart defendant came along and after making him shoot the chalk out of the cart, struck him, with a shovel and a whip. - Defendant did not deny the charge, but pleaded that he had been aggravated by the complainants conduct towards him. - The Magistrates fined defendant 5s. and the costs 17s. 6d., which he paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 16 March, 1866.

FRY v. BROCKMAN

The debt was one of £3 10s. for fitting up the bar of a public-house and performing other builder's work at the "Primrose Hall," Buckland Bottom, of which the defendant was Mr. Brockman, the landlord.

The defendant objected to £1 10s. 6d. of the account, the charge for distempering the ceilings of the house. The house was built by Messrs. Fry and Pepper for defendant's occupation, at the direction of the brewer, Mr. A. Kingsford, to whom it belonged. The defendant had to fit up the bar himself, but the distempering of the ceilings was part of the building contract and should have been included in the original work. It was found, however, that when he (defendant) wanted to get into the house the ceilings were not distempered, and on his wife speaking to the landlord about it, Mr. Kingsford directed her to tell Messrs. Fry and Pepper (plaintiff at that time having a partner) to come and do it.

The plaintiff, in reply to his Honour, said that all the work included in the contract was finished before the order to distemper the ceilings was given. The building account had been settled long since by Mr. Kingsford, and the defendant was justly liable for all that he was charged. The distempering of the ceilings was not part of the contract.

The defendant then said he had a bill against the plaintiff, which he produced.

The bill was handed to the plaintiff, who admitted owing the defendant something in the shape of a set-off, but disputed the correctness of some of the items.

Ultimately the further hearing of the case was adjourned till the next sitting, to give the defendant an opportunity of pleading his set-off in the regular way.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 31 August, 1877. Price 1d.

A LOVER OF WHISKY

Sarah Johnson was charged with conveying a bottle of whisky into the Dover Union.

Mr. T. Fox prosecuted on behalf of the Dover Board of Guardians.

Elizabeth Caroline Jester, assistant matron of the Workhouse, said: The prisoner was admitted to the house yesterday morning, about twelve o'clock. From a communication I received, I went into the receiving ward and searched the prisoner, and found the bottle of whisky produced, concealed in her bed. The cork had been taken out, but I cannot tell whether the contents had been touched. The bottle was not full. I asked her where she got it from, and she made no answer.

Charles Henry Wellard, master of the Workhouse said the bottle produced contained whisky. He did not give permission for its conveyance into the House.

The Bench imposed a fine of 40s. and costs; in default a month's imprisonment.]

Prisoner was then charged with stealing from the bar of the “Primrose Hall, Buckland Bottom, one bottle of whisky, value 2s. 6d., the property of James Pierce.

Prosecutor said the prisoner came into his house about eleven o'clock the previous morning, and called for a half-a-pint of beer, which she paid herself, standing at the bar to drink it. She said she was going up to the Union. He went into the back kitchen and left her at the bar, and when he came back she was coming from behind the counter, but did not notice that she had anything. He told her that she had no business there and had better get out. An hour or two afterwards someone wanted some whisky, and then he missed the bottle from a shelf behind the counter. It had been filled that morning and was quite full. He suspected the prisoner, and went to the Workhouse to see the master. From there he went to the Police-station, where he saw the bottle of spirits.

The finding of the bottle in the prisoner's possession was proved by Mr. Wellard, and Caroline Jester, the assistant-matron.

The prisoner was committed to take her trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 May, 1903. Price 1d.

A WOMAN HANGS HERSELF

On Saturday afternoon, the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq., held two inquests in the Board-room of the Dover Union Workhouse, the one on the body of Harriet Smith, who was found hanging in an outhouse at Primrose Road, on Friday, and the other on the body of John Doughty, who was found in an apparently dying state at Russell Place early on Saturday morning.

The Coroner having opened the Court, the following were sworn on the Jury: Messrs. Thomas Lefevre, Steven Ayres, George Ashbee, James Day, John Chapman, John Court, Edwin Ladd, William Norris, Thomas Rickard, Edward Prescott, George Blythe, Frederick Husk, Charles Ashdown, Henry Meadows, and John Chapman. The Coroner having explained the facts of the two cases, the Jury went to view the bodies, the one being in the Workhouse and the other at Primrose Road. The following evidence was given:

Anthony Smith, husband of the deceased, who appeared in a peculiar state of mind, in reply to the Coroner, said first that he was a beggar, but on being asked for a further description, said he was a pensioner of the Royal Artillery, living at 4, Primrose Road. Harriet Smith was his wife. He married her at Trinity Church in 1872. he believed she was 50 years of age. He saw his wife alive last at ten o'clock on Friday morning. They were in the living room. She gave him a penny to go round and get himself half a pint, saying “Perhaps someone will come in and make it up to a pint, and you can stop there.” He went with his penny to the “Primrose Hall.” When he went home to tea about four o'clock he found the back door tied with a string from the inside. He took out his knife and cut the string, and then he saw a figure hanging there. He found his wife hanging and cold. He said, “Poor soul, is dead enough.” She was hanging from the roof. He sent Mr. Nash to go for a Policeman. Then Mr. Husk came in and he cut her down. It was all within an hour or so. They let her lay till someone came and looked at her.

Witness: What do you bring it in – Wilful murder?

Continuing his evidence, the witness said his wife had been to the Police Court during the week. She said nothing to him about it, but he knew all about it. She was fined, and she should have paid the money that day. About eight months ago he paid a guinea for her. The fine this time was £1, and she was given till that day or Monday to pay it. It was the worry that was the cause. She had been knocked about with other women. When he went down to the “Primrose Hall,” he left her in the house alone.

Charles Nash, a mariner, living at 5, Primrose Road, said: About 2.30 on Friday a grocer boy came to his house, and could not get in at No. 4. I told him to try the back door. He could not get in there, and I took the things in. Mr. Smith came up at a quarter to four. I told him that the front door was locked and that the back door tied with a string. He took his knife out and cut the string. He did not go in, but he called me. There was a chair there capsized, and I saw Mrs. Smith hanging. I did not cut her down because I thought she had been dead for hours. I had noticed that there had been a curtain put to the window to prevent anyone looking in. I noticed that about eleven o'clock, but I did not think anything. I had not seen the woman that day. She had been queer in her talk for the last few days. She has been queer in her heart for a long time. She used to talk of changing her mode of life, and turning over a new leaf. She was very queer. That was before the Police proceedings. She was locked up on Monday night. After we found the body I went out to find a Policeman at the top of Cherry Tree Avenue. I did not see anything after. I saw her on Thursday, and she was very low in spirits.

George Husk, carrier, of 24, Union Road, said: I was called to Smith's house about five o'clock, and I found Mrs. Smith hanging by a cord to the roof of the wash-house. I can not say whether her feet were clear of the ground, for I had my knife ready and cut her down as soon as I went in. She was cold, and must have been hanging there some hours. I have known her for years, and she owed me a little.

Police-constable W. E. Husk said: About 4.30 I was on duty in Cherry Tree Avenue, when the witness Nash came to me, and from what he said I hurried on to the house. I found the body lying in the wash-house, nearly cold. This piece of cord lay under her neck, and a similar piece was attached to a rafter above. This handkerchief was tied over her mouth and fastened behind. There was part of the string left which tied the door. The body was left till the doctor came. I found nothing in the room, and her husband said she could not read or write.

Dr. Ormsby said that he was called to see the body in the wash-house. She must have been dead some hours. There was a deep mark on her face from the rope. Her face presented the appearance of strangulation, which no doubt was the cause of death.

The Jury returned a verdict that she hung herself during a period of temporary insanity.

Dover Express, Friday 12 February 1904.

Bribery prosecutions.

For prosecution of Norris, Yeoman, Dale, and Mrs. Rhodes. The magisterial hearing took place on Friday of the charge of bribery at the November election last year in the Castle Ward, brought on the information of the public prosecutor against George Yeoman, barber, 5, Tower Hamlets Road; William Norris, of the "Primrose Hall Inn," Union Road; James Dowell, of 44, Union Road, canteen keeper at the Dover Gasworks; and Mrs. Elizabeth a. Road, Landlady of the Imperial crown, 46, Tower Street. The magistrates were Mrs. T. A. Tourism in the chair, f. G. Right, B. Hills, P. W. J. Mackenzie, And captain r. K. Mr. T. Matthew appear to prosecute, directed by the Treasury. Mr. C. F. Gill, k. C., Appeared for the defence, with Mr. Thawne Drury.

The charge against him was taken first. He was charged, on the information of Mr. Seaward p.s., of treasury Chambers, Whitehall, solicitor, with having been guilty of wilful and corrupt Bribury at the municipal election of the Castle Ward, Dover, by giving to W. H. Diamond, Jacob Whitby Parade Hambrook, John matcham, Stephen Tucker, Richard Doyle, Richard Gibbons, and Thomas Langley, two shillings each, and with promising 2 shillings to F3 double denim, to induce them to vote at the election on November 2nd, 1903. Mr. Theobald Mathew said that he had been instructed by the public prosecutor to appear in support of the for someone's is with which the bench had to deal. They were summonses charging the defendants with bribery at the election in November last at the election of Mrs. Lewis and Walmsley, in respect of which a petition alleging bribery was lodged by Mr. G. Chitty, Upon which petition the learning commissioner found that they had been bribery, and the election was invalidated. It will be well to read the section of the act under which the proceedings were taken. It was contains in the third schedule of the municipal corrupt and illegal practices prevent station at, 1884, vol. 47, 48,. 70, Which was a repetition of the section of the corrupt practices prevention act, 1854, which ran in effect that every person who should directly or indirectly, by himself boy or by any other person, give, promise, or lend any money or valuable consideration to any photo or any person on behalf of any voter, in order to induce any person to vote or refrain from voting, or correctly give money as a reward in respect of any such voting afterwards should be guilty of the practice of bribery. There were us to offences specified giving money to induce a vote of the vote, and giving money as a reward after voting. There was no need to prove that the money was given in
consideration of the voter having voted for any particular person, or otherwise. The vote is the only matter one had to deal with. That was the offence, and he should submit in respect of these four defendants, if there was one Prime of facie case proved, the charge was made out of Tanks the defendant in question. The first he would take would be that of George Yeoman, it was alleged to have bright10 person's. He was a barber apparently in a humble position of Life. He's second defendant what was James Doyle, who was a man in a very humble position of Life, earning 23 shillings a week, who was said to have 5 persons. The last was Mrs. Rose, Who was also a publican, who was alleged to have brought three persons. If the banks thought a primary facie case was made out, then it would be their duty to send a defendants for trial.

MORE TO ADD.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12 February, 1904. Price 1d.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

Mr. Rutley Mowll said that in reference to the “Primrose Hall,” he had to apply for the renewal of this licence to Mr. J. Goldsack Chapman, who had entered into possession of the premises, the outgoing tenant having yielded over and given up possession of the premises, and Mr. Chapman having taken them in his stead. He would call Mr. Chapman to prove these circumstances. He had made a suggestion to Mr. Bradley, who appeared on behalf of Mr. Wright, who was opposing the renewal of the licence to Mr. Norris, that as the renewal was being applied for to another tenant, his objection would probably not continue, but he said that he was of opinion that this application ought to be adjourned. He was sorry to have to disagree with his friend., although professionally he had to do so – (laughter) – very frequently, but he had to point out that it was very inconvenient, and that therefore he must make the application, and that therefore he must make the application at the present time.

John Goldsack Chapman said that he had carried on business at Primrose Road as a carrier. Mr. Norris, the old tenant of the “Primrose Hall,” gave up possession of his premises to witness that morning, and he had entered into possession, and now applied to the Magistrates for the renewal of the licence. He had previously kept the “Milestone Inn” 5½ years.

By Mr. M. Bradley: He was aware of the circumstances under which Mr. Norris was leaving. He was not aware that there was to some extent a cloud over the licence at the present moment.

You have been advised before taking this?

No, sir.

I think it would be rather well if you were advised. Do you not know the reason why Mr. Norris is leaving?

No, sir.

Mr. Bradley: You know very little.

The Chief Constable was then called, and stated that the applicant held the licence of the “Milestone,” leaving in 1890, and was well known to him. He considered him a proper person to hold a licence.

The Mayor: I suppose, Mr. Knott, the “Primrose Hall” has a clean sheet?

Yes, sir.

Mr. J. G. Sandiford said that on January 23rd he served notice of this change on Mr. W. J. Barnes, and Overseer, and Chief Constable Knott.

Mr. M. Bradley said that this was an opposition to the renewal of the licence of the notice which had been served to Mr. William Norris because Mr. W. Norris was the licensee according to the register of licences in respect to these premises. His application to the Magistrates would have been, as it was still, that they should adjourn over the hearing of this case, because there were other proceedings pending which effected not only Mr. Norris, the licensee, whose name appeared on the books, but also, he would submit, the house itself. The grounds upon which he made the application were these. It was perfectly known that certain proceedings had taken place, and upon these proceedings before the Commissioner there would be a report, and that it was the absolute duty of the Director of Public Prosecutions to lay the report, so far as relating to any offence committed at a licensed house before the Licensing Justices.

The Mayor: That has been done.

Mr. Bradley, continuing, said that it was to be recorded on the register of licences, and taken into consideration by the Magistrates. At the time the notice was issued that had not been done. He understood that it was quite recently – he presumed only on Saturday, because his enquiries were up to Saturday. His application was that pending the hearing of other proceedings, which were still in abeyance, this matter should have been left over until the adjourned Sessions and then the whole of the facts taken into consideration by this Bench, and this application then considered. It appeared to him, and he did not want to go into the whole of the facts, that the offences alleged were alleged to have taken place actually on licensed premises, and if licensed premises were used for the purpose of the commission of an offence against the law, his application was to adjourn it till the adjourned Licensing Sessions, when all the other questions now pending would be settled.

Frederick William Bartholomew proved the service of the notice of objection on the licensee.

The objections were then read by the Magistrates' Clerk. They were signed by Thomas William Wright, Secretary of the Dover Temperance Council, and the grounds of the objection were “that you have knowingly suffered bribery and treating in regard to the Municipal Elections of 1903, to take place on your licensed premises; 2nd, that you were the person guilty of bribery at such election; and, 3rd, that the licence is not needed by the requirements of the neighbourhood.

Mr. Mowll; Are you going to call any evidence?

Mr. Bradley: That is my application.

In reply to further questions by Mr. Mowll. Mr. Bradley said that if the adjournment was not granted that would be his case.

Mr. Mowll said that he objected to the adjournment.

The Mayor: The Magistrates have decided not to adjourn. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. Mowll: Now he is going on with the opposition.

Mr. Bradley: No I am not, after this.

Mr. Mowll, to the Magistrates: Then you have no evidence before you.

The Magistrates said that the licence would then be renewed to Mr. J. G. Chapman.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 March, 1906. Price 1d.

ALTERATIONS TO PUBLIC HOUSES

At the Police Court this morning, Mr. A. K. Mowll asked permission of the Bench to make alterations to the structure of several public houses.

At the "Primrose Hall," it was proposed to build a bar parlour, and to enlarge the club room at a cost of £300. the Chief Constable had seen the plans and had no objections.

The Magistrates approved of the various plans showing the alterations.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 March, 1907. Price 1d.

FATAL FALL WHEN PLAYING - A LITTLE GIRL'S SAD DEATH

An inquest was held at the “Primrose Hall Inn,” Union Road, yesterday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.) to enquire into the circumstances attending the death, as the result of a fall, of a little girl aged between 5 and 6, the daughter of one of the Dover gas Company's employees. Alfren Bonnage, of 19, Union Road.

Mrs. Fanny Elizabeth Bonnage, wife of Alfred Bonnage, said: The deceased was my little girl Margaret, aged 5 years and 9 months. She had always been in good health till five weeks ago. Then she was out in the garden playing with a pair of perambulator wheels in company with two younger children, cousins. She got on to the wheels and fell off and cut her head. I went out when I heard crying, and she said she had hurt her head at the back. I took her indoors and bathed the head, cutting the hair away from the wound. Next day the place gathered, so I called Dr. Baird's attention to it. He told me to poultice it and I did so. It discharged, and then got better and healed up. Afterwards she seemed to be all right for about a month, and used to run about and playas usual. A fortnight ago tomorrow she was taken bad. She seemed bad a feverish and as Dr. Baird was attending at the house I spoke to him and he has attended her every day since. She got worse and last Monday the doctor gave no hope. She became unconscious on Sunday and did not speak afterwards. Before that all she complained about was the pain in her stomach. I took her up to bed last Sunday, intending to keep her there, and then she trembled and became unconscious. She died yesterday at 20 past 2.

The Coroner: Have you lost any children before?

Witness: Two little boys from bronchitis.

By the Jury: It was asphalt she fell upon.

Dr. John Baird said: I was attending the deceased's little brother for influenza about five weeks ago, when I was shown the wound in the little girl's head as described by Mrs. Bonnage. It was a slight cut. It gathered afterwards and discharged for quite a week. It healed up in the ordinary way, and I did not see the child as a patient for a fortnight or so. Then Mrs. Bonnage called my attention to the child. It was feverish, and the pupil on one of the eyes was enlarged. The child got worse and it became unconscious and then afterwards paralysed and could not move and died paralysed.

Death was caused by meningitis set on due to the injury.

You don't think it was a question of scarlet fever?

Not the slightest question of it. The child died from the ordinary symptoms of acute meningitis. Probably a splinter of bone pressed upon the membrane of the brain. No operation was possible.

The Coroner questioned if it was not unusual for so long an interval to have elapsed before the child became ill.

Witness said that meningitis would not occur until the wound healed.

The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to the accident in accordance with the medical evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 23 July, 1915. Price 1d.

TERRIFIC PUBLIC HOUSE ROW

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. M. Pepper (in the chair), Edward Chitty and H. Hobday.

Private Henry Stone, Private George Stone (brothers), and Private George Wilson, were charged with, on Saturday evening last, being concerned in doing wilful damage to window blinds and a quantity of glasses, the property of William Norris, landlord of the “Primrose Hall,” public house; George Stone was further charged with assaulting P.C. Griggs by striking him in the face whilst in the execution of his duty in Union Road, Dover; Henry Stone was further charged with assaulting P.C. Turner whilst in the execution of his duty in Lorne Road; George Stone was further charged with assaulting Arthur Thomas Brockman, labourer, Coombe farm, in Union Road, and also with assaulting Robert Bailey by striking him in the face, in the “Primrose hall,” public house.

The three prisoners pleaded not guilty. George Stone said that he remembered nothing about it; his brother said he did not recollect leaving the “Primrose Hall.” He might have assaulted P.C. Turner.

Lilian Norris, daughter of William Norris, landlord of the “Primrose Hall,” public house, 30, Union Road, said that on Saturday night, about 8.30, she saw the three prisoners pass by her window and go into the bar. There was a disturbance not many minutes later, and she rushed into the bar. The men were knocking everything over, and she saw them hit Bailey. They tore the blinds down and broke glasses, and were also using very bad language. She asked them to leave, but they took no notice. They remained until nearly nine o'clock. She telephoned to the Police Station three times, and they replied that they were trying their best to get men there. At about five minutes to nine she called “Time!” and so got the men away. They were not drunk, but had been drinking. She thought that they must have done it for “devilment.”

William Norris, landlord of the “Primrose Hall,” public house, said he was in the bar on Saturday evening at about 8.30, when the prisoners came in. They called for and were served with three glasses of beer. They were not the worse for drink. One of the Stones drank a part of his beer and threw the rest in Brockman's face. Of course that caused a little trouble. Witness tried all he could to get them out of the place, and he “rang up” the Police. The blinds were torn down and the glasses broken. The two Stones were billeted opposite witness's stables. The Stones said they did not care if he rang for forty Police. Witness, addressing the Bench, asked the Magistrates to deal leniently with the men.

Arthur Thomas Brockman, labourer, who was suffering from a black eye, said he was in the bar when the prisoners came in. He went out the back, and on his return the prisoners, whom he did not know, were fighting with a man named Bailey. After they had done with him, witness sat down on a seat, and George Stone threw the beer in his face and came for him. He struck witness in the eye and by the jaw. Henry Stone then came and smacked his face, and Wilson then hit him “properly, and I did not know where I was. I had not said a word to them.” They then left and went down the road.

Robert Bailey, whose left eye had been very badly blackened, and the right eye slightly, and whose face had been stitched up, said that he went into the bar on Saturday evening and found the prisoners there. Everything was quiet, and he called for “a two of beer,” and was served. He picked up his beer and was going to drink it when it was knocked out of his hand, and he himself was knocked up into the corner by George Stone. He got up, and the three went for him.

The Chairman: Brave men; three against one!

Prisoner George Stone: I am sure I never hit a man “coward” in all my life.

Police-constable Griggs said that he was on duty in Union Road on Saturday night at 9.10 when he saw the three prisoners come down the road. They were using obscene language and causing a disturbance. He asked them to be quiet, when the prisoner George Stone struck him in the mouth and knocked him down. Before he could get up the prisoner Henry Stone knocked him down again. He then blew the whistle, and whilst blowing it one of the Stones struck him in the mouth, breaking off two teeth. P.C. Turner then arrived and the prisoners made off towards Lorne Road. Witness followed Turner after them. He found George Stone being held by civilians, who saw the previous occurrence. He handcuffed hem. Obtained the ambulance, and brought him to the Police Station. In the scuffle his (witness's) helmet badge was broken. George Stone used filthy language on the way back to the Police Station. He put him on the ambulance because he did not want to be kicked by him – not because he was drunk, although he had been drinking.

All three prisoners said that they remembered nothing about the matter.

Police-constable Turner said that on Saturday night, from instructions received, he went to the “Primrose Hall” public house, where he saw Mr. Norris, who complained that three soldiers had been there creating a disturbance and doing damage. He wished to charge them. He went in search of the prisoners. On going down Union Road he heard a Police whistle. He found the prisoners in Lorne Road. Henry Stone turned round and struck him in the chest, knocking him aside. He closed with him and handcuffed him. He then brought him to the London Road and handed him to the picket. Witness then went back and saw Wilson and arrested him, and handed him also over to the picket. He then went to assist P.C. Griggs with George Stone, and they brought him to the Police Station on the ambulance. George Stone's conduct was disgraceful all the way. He also had threatened witness with a bayonet “when he comes out.”

Chief Constable Fox said that there was another witness if the Bench wished to hear him who could give evidence as to the assault on the Police.

Prisoner George Stone said that there was an argument about recruiting, and after that he did not know what happened.

Wilson said he had had a drop of drink, and he remembered nothing about it.

Chief Constable Fox said that he was at the Police Station when the two Stones were brought in and their faces were smeared with blood and they complained of having been struck by men of the Royal Fusiliers. They appeared to be practically mad, and they seemed to be quite out of their senses. Although George Stone was handcuffed it took several men to restrain him. Wilson was brought to the Police Station later, having been taken down the Shaft by mistake. He (Chief Constable Fox) did not know that Police-constable Griggs was assaulted by all three prisoners, but Wilson was only charged with doing damage.

Mr. Chitty asked prisoner George Stone what time he went to the “Primrose Hall.”

Prisoner answered that they had several drinks at home. He thought it must have been getting on for nine o'clock, but he did not know properly.

The Chairman announcing the decision of the Bench, said@ George Stone, you are the worst of the lot – three months' imprisonment with hard labour, at Canterbury; Henry Stone, two months', for you are not quite so bad; Wilson, we let you off with a month, and mind you do not get into bad company again.

Mr. Chitty: You know that all three of you have disgraced your uniforms. Your defences, like so many others are public house offences, and were more or less due to drink. We have no evidence except your own that you were drunk, and in fact the evidence is that you were not drunk. Why do you not all three, now that you have the time, think it over and give up the drink and behave yourselves like decent men and do credit to your uniforms.

George Stone: We are trying to do credit. When we got to the “Primrose Hall” we started talking about recruitment and a civilian started making nasty remarks.

“Three months do not trouble me” remarked the prisoner George Stone as they were being led away to the cells.

The Chairman of the Bench then called Mr. Norris, the landlord of the house forward and commenced to speak to him.

“My dear sir,” interrupted Mr. Norris, at which the Chairman told him that the Magistrates wished him to be careful of what he was up to in future.

Mr. Norris: I am careful. When such men come into the house it is not my wish and I do not want my daughter and wife insulted in the way they were.

Mr. Chitty: be more careful in the way you give your evidence. You gave it in the most extraordinary and improper manner. Mr. Norris replied that he had conducted his house without trouble for years and during the whole of the months that soldiers were billeted in the neighbourhood he had no trouble. “I never had a coarse word or a bad word.”

Mr. Chitty: The Bench do not want you to address them, but they called you back to caution you and tell you you had given your evidence in a very unsatisfactory manner. I hope you will remember it.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 December 1915.

At the Dover Police Court this (Friday) morning, before Dr. C. Wood (in the chair) Messrs. W. J. Palmer, A. Clarke, and H. Hobday.

Mr. R. Mowll applied for the licence of the "Primrose Hall" to be transferred to Mrs. Norris, the widow of the late licensee.

The application was granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 20 September, 1929. Price 1½d.

DISORDERLY SCENE IN A PUBLIC HOUSE

STOUT BOTTLE THROWN

At the Dover Police Court this morning, Frank Clubb, Upper yard, Union Road, was summoned fro refusing to quit licensed premises and with disorderly conduct at the “Primrose Hall” public house.

Mr. R. Mowell said that the defendant was a dealer. Mrs. Norris was not vindictive, but she did ask for protection.

William Edward Norris, a son of the licensee of the “Primrose Hall,” said on September 9th he was serving in the private bar when defendant came in, about 10.15, and was served with a small stout. Afterwards the defendant asked for a bottle of stout on trust, but his brother refused. Defendant's brother provided him with 6d., and he had it. He then used obscene language, and when witness asked him to get out he continued to use it, and when witness went to put him out he threw the bottle of stout at him. He dodged, and the bottle went through a plate glass window. It cost £4 to replace. Witness put defendant out.

Defendant: Did you strike me first, Bill!

No.

I have no witnesses!

You could have got them. I have got several here who say that I did not.

Mrs. Norris said that she had been at the house for 26 years. She telephoned for the Police before the bottle was thrown as the position was getting ugly.

Police Serge. Mantle said that the glass panel, 2ft. 3in by 3ft. 8in., in the door had been smashed.

Defendant said that he was in drink, and he was sorry. It would not have happened otherwise.

Chief Inspector Scutt said that there were five appearances at that Court by the defendant for assault, stealing whisky, and allowing horses to stray.

The Magistrates' Clerk: Are you in work?

No; I live the best way I can.

Fined £2.

Defendant said that he had a wife and seven children.

The Chairman: What did you want to behave like that for, then?

Defendant: Will you allow me two months.

The Chairman: No! Pay in a fortnight.

From the Dover Express 2 August 1998.

Trio of local pubs have new owners.

THREE pubs in Deal and Dover have new bosses after brewery giants Whitbread sold 253 pubs nationally to Avebury Taverns in a deal worth £42.5 million.

The Three Horseshoes in Deal and The Golden Lion and The Primrose in Dover are part of the sell-off by the leased pub division of Whitbread, Whitbread Pub Partnerships. Giving Avebury Taverns their first foothold in the Kentish pub scene.

Managing director of Pub Partnerships Stewart Miller said the sale was part of a continuing review of their estate. This included shedding the businesses which were not part of the long-term strategy.

Avebury's commercial director Ian Frost; said all tenancy agreements would remain, and the inns would continue trading as tra ditional community pubs.

The company was launched last year with backing from the Japanese securities company Diawa.

From article in Dover Express 4 September 1998

Landlord and sons hurt by drug gang

LANDLORD: Robert Mills and his son Nigel, injured in the savage attack by bootlegging thugs.

BOOTLEGGING MENACE FLARES UP IN BRUTAL PUB ATTACK

MP dreads thugs will stop at nothing to protect evil trade

A PUB landlord spent two days in hospital after he was savagely beaten by a gang he claims are bootlegging and drug selling gangsters.

Robert Mills, 49, had a badly gashed head, needing 12 stitches, and two broken ribs following the savage attack at the Primrose pub, in Coombe Valley Road.

Trouble flared when he confronted the gang of four, thought to be from Liverpool, over drug-pushing allegations. He warned them not to try it again but they went berserk and one smashed him over the head with a pool cue.

He said: "I tried to retaliate and hit him back but before I knew it all four men beat me over the head with their cues."

Outraged

As Mr Mills lay on the ground being kicked, his sons Robert, 28, and Nigel, 22, and Nigel's 17-year-old girlfriend, Sarah Bostock, tried to rescue him but they were also attacked and injured.

One of the men used a metal stool to smash up the bar before the gang broke down a door to escape.

Mr Mills was taken to Kent and Canterbury Hospital. His sons also suffered cut heads.

Young Robert, who was at his dad's pub celebrating his engagement to Joanna, had a broken nose and black eye.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser is outraged at the incident which he believes shows bootleggers are moving into drug dealing.

He said: "Reports of violence and intimidation against pub landlords and their families by bootlegging gangs are very worrying. This incident reinforces my concern that bootleggers are selling drugs and will stop at nothing to protect their evil trade."

Terror

Mr Prosser, who welcomes co-operation between police, customs and the government to arrest the criminals, said: "Dover wants shot of these people."

There was more terror next day when landlady Janet Mills got a phone call from one of the gang, threatening to return and burn down the pub if they went to the police.

Mr Mills said: "I've seen these four men around Dover but they're not local and I couldn't name them. I know they're bootleggers but I think they're moving away from that and on to bigger things.

He continued: "They're here to take over the drugs trade because they think they're gangsters."

Nigel claims he was in the pub toilet last Saturday when one of the men tried selling him speed.

"He had some pills in his hands but I told him I didn't want them."

A police spokesman said: "It's very easy to make assumptions about who is committing crimes.

"But our job is to investigate them thoroughly. We will keep the people of Dover updated through the media but we can't jump to conclusions."