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3 Folkestone Road
Dover
The map reference above shows the location of the "Priory Tavern"
which is shown on a map of 1860 reprinted from information taken from
the 1840s. Map segment by kind permission of the Dover Museum. |
My first thoughts were that the "Priory Tavern" was replaced by the "Priory
Hotel" on the same site, but the dates don't quite add up.
I am told that the map above was reprinted with information taken from
1843-44, so the pub must have been there then. Further information tell me
that the premises was built in 1844 and originally opened as a beerhouse.
The earliest positive reference to date is in 1852 when the licence was
refused, but it obviously was reinstated and I have found a Charles Jennings
as licensee in 1858.
The latest I have found reference to the "Priory Tavern" is 1871 when the
Kingsford brewery found it too much after the licensee Harriett Spicer was
prosecuted for harbouring prostitutes and put the premises up for auction.
Although I have also found mention to a Robinson,
licensee of the "Priory Inn" in 1873, and other licensees going to
as late as 1876, and a doubtful Alfred Saville Buckland as late as 1880, who
appears to overlap the others.
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Kentish Gazette, 15 July 1851.
On Friday evening some young Artillery men came out of the "Priory Gate"
public house, in a state of drunkenness, about half past 8 o'clock, and
commenced a wanton attack with their bayonet belts indiscriminately on
the quiet civilians passing and repassing, until a disturbance ensued,
which the police were called on to suppress; but it was not until some
of the latter were severely kicked and beaten, that the ringleaders were
secured and lodged at the Station-house.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 1 January, 1859.
FRAUDULENTLY ENLISTING
William Thompson, who said he was a file cutter by trade, was charged
with fraudulently obtaining 1s. from Sergeant Rolle of the Royal
Artillery, by endeavouring to enlist in that corps after having been
once rejected as unfit for her Majesty's service.
Sergeant Rolle said that the prisoner came to him on the preceding
evening in the "Priory Tavern," Folkestone Road, and asked to be
enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Witness asked him the usual questions -
as to his age, whether he was an apprentice or a married man, if he had
ever served her Majesty before, or had been rejected in any prior
enlistment as unfit for service? To his last question he replied, "No."
Witness also asked him if he had any complaint which would render him
unfit for her Majesty's service and he said that he had not. Witness
then gave him the enlisting shilling, and drew a billet for him. That
morning he had found him at the house upon which the billet was drawn;
but on his way to the doctor's, in order that he might be medically
examined, the prisoner told him he was not fit to be a soldier. He said
that he had enlisted in the artillery a few days ago at Folkestone, and
had been rejected by the doctor. Witness then gave him in custody for
obtaining money under fraudulent pretences.
The prisoner declined to ask the sergeant any questions, and he was
then remanded till the following morning at 10 o'clock.
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South Eastern Gazette, 25 September, 1860.
Extensive Pilfering By A Maid-Of-All-Work.
At the Police Court on Tuesday last, Amelia M. Morphew,
maid-of-all-work in the service of Mr. Smith, landlord of the
"Priory tavern," was charged with stealing a quantity of wearing
apparel, the property of her master. It appeared that she had been
originally engaged with so very good character, "being very well in
some respects, but that the would go after the soldiers at night."
Nothing, however, had been seen amiss of her till the previous
Sunday, when during the absence of her mistresses in the country,
for change of air, the prisoner decamped, taking with her, besides
her own things, a pair of sheets, a print dress, two pillow cases, a
toilet cover, sundry pieces of ribbon, a piece of bed-furniture,
some cotton print, a shawl, 6 coats, and a couple of waistcoats, a
petticoat body and skirt. Part of these articles the prisoner had
sold to Mr. Baker, a dealer in old clothes, in Biggin-street, and
the rest was found among her luggage at the railway station, when
about to depart for the camp at Aldershott, that (Tuesday) morning,
when she was taken into custody by the police, who had been on the
look-out for her.
She was committed for trial at the next sessions.
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Kentish Gazette. Tuesday 02 August 1864.
Infringement of licence.
Thomas Spicer, landlord of the "Priory Tavern," was summoned on the
information of Sergt. Geddes, charged with infringing his licence by
serving during the prohibited hours on Sunday last, but there being some
mitigating circumstances in the case, he was dismissed on paying the
costs, 6s. 6d.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
19 June, 1868. Price 1d.
A LARK
Charles Walker, a corporal of 94th Regiment, having a good conduct
stripe upon his arm was brought up by a young woman named Sarah Jane
Baldwin, who described herself as servant at the "Priory Tavern," on a
charge of stealing some wearing apparel and photographs, her property.
It appeared that the corporal had been admitted to the room of the
complainant, and had taken the things in a lark. On discovering the
prank which had been played, the young woman was very much enraged, and
insisted on giving the corporal into custody. She now said she was
convinced that the things had been taken only in fun, and desired to
withdrawer the charge.
The Magistrates said it was a pity the complainant had allowed
herself to be so overcome by a feeling of petty annoyance as to make a
charge of this serious nature; but as she now appeared convinced that
there was no foundation for the charge she had made, the man would be
dismissed.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 7
October, 1870. Price 1d.
DOVER POLICE COURT
Harriet Spicer, landlady of the "Priory Tavern," was fined £2 and
costs, for harbouring disorderly characters.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
20 January, 1871. Price 1d.
ALLEGED DISORDERLY HOUSE
Harriett Spicer was summoned for keeping a disorderly house; but a
medical certificate was put in showing that she was unable to attend;
and the case was therefore adjourned till Friday.
DISORDERLY HOUSE
Harriett Spicer, landlady of the "Priory Tavern," was fined
£5 and
costs for harbouring prostitutes. The defendant was not able to attend
and the offence was proved in her absence.
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By the look of things, this act was too much for the Kingsford Brewery,
as February saw the premises being let.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
3 February, 1871. Price 1d.
PUBLIC HOUSE TO LET
The "Priory Tavern," Folkestone Road, Dover. Enquiries on the
premises or of Mr. A. Kingsford, brewer, Dover.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
25 July, 1873. Price 1d.
LICENSING BUSINESS
On the application of Mr. Coleman, permission to draw at the "Priory
Inn," Priory Road, until next transfer day, was granted to Mr. Robinson.
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Having an address of 3 Folkestone Road, this is the same as the "Upholsterers
Arms" found by Barry Smith, but only reference to that being in 1878. At
least the dates tie up.
Later, the "Upholsterers Arms" changed name
to the "Griffin."
LICENSEE LIST
FARRANT William 1851+
JENNINGS Charles 1858
SMITH Henry 1858-61
SPICER Thomas 1864
CORDON Mrs Elizabeth 1865
SPICER Mrs Harriet 1870-May/71
COOK William May/1871+
BUCKLAND Alfred Saville 1873-Apr/73
ROBINSON July/1873+
BIRSE John 1874
COULTER James Aug/1874+
FORSTER Henry F 1876
Census
From the Dover Express
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