ADMIRAL HARVEY INN Pub of Ramsgate

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Ramsgate, November, 2024.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 20 November, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1821-

Admiral Harvey Inn

Latest ????

(Name to)

53 Harbour Parade

(21 in 1851) (60 in 1881) Plains of Waterloo

Ramsgate

Above postcard, circa 1904, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. The Stout & Porter advertised as on offer would have been provided by Mackeson's Hythe Brewery, which supplied the pub until Whitbread's shut the brewery in May 1968.

Above photo, date unknown.

The "Admiral Harvey" is shown at the end of the walkway, date unknown.

Above photo 1920s, the "Admiral Harvey" is shown to the left of the sign saying "Royal Hotel."

Garth Wyver suggests this is outside the "Admiral Harvey," circa 1960. The "Albion Hotel" is just shown on the right.

Above photo showing the bus passing the pub in 1963.

Above postcard, 1968.

Above photo, 1968, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, 1968, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Still in its Mackeson's Hythe Brewery livery.

Above card issued April 1955. Sign series 5 number 1.

I believe this is the same pub that I have also got listed as the "Admiral's Arms."

The former Admiral Harvey, where the impressario Sir Emile Littler was born in September 1903, became "Harvey's Crab and Oyster House," date unknown.

Long ruling licensee Thomas Parnell was still residing at the premises addressed as 60 Plains of Waterloo in 1881 and was described as a retired Licensed Victualler age 92.

1968 was the year that Whitbread's closed the Mackeson Brewery down, along with Thanet's two breweries Cobb's of Margate and Tomson & Wotton of Ramsgate. Between these three breweries, they had racked up nearly 1,000 years of brewing heritage.

Kentish Gazette, 1 May, 1821.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 1 May 1821.

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.

On Sunday morning last a child, five years of age, the son of Mr. Sewell, of the "Admiral Harvey Tavern," Ramsgate, was precipitated from the top of Jacob's Ladder (the stairs which communicate from the west cliff to the pier) to the jetty below, a height of fifty feet, by which tremendous fall it was immediately deprived of existence, - its head being dashed literally to atoms. The little innocent had climbed the rails of the upper landing place to witness its father going on board a boat in the pier and over-reached itself. Mr. Sewell was one of the nearest persons at hand to take charge of the dear remains.

Sussex Advertiser 20 February 1826.

At the sale of the public houses and other estates, situate in the eastern parts of the County of Kent, which took place at the "Bell Inn," Sandwich, on Monday last, Messrs. Pott and Denne knocked down the following lots, at the sums affixed to them, viz.:—

The "Bull," at Eastry, £1,190.

"Three Colts," Tilmanstone, £500.

"White Horse," Eythorne, £575.

"Red Lion," Frogham, £455.

"Rose and Crown," Womenswould, £166.

"Duke of Cumberland," Barham, £910.

"Charity," Woodnesborough, £710.

"Three Crowns," Goodnestone, £620.

"Admiral Harvey," Ramsgate, £1,150.

"Ship," Ramsgate, £1,250.

"Red Lion," St. Peters, £1,100.

"Crown and Thistle," St. Peters, £705.

"Crown, or Halfway-house," Sarr, £940.

"King's Head," Walmer Road, £425.

The "Duke of York," Walmer Road, £310.

The sale-room was most numerously attended.

We understand that the "Ship," at Ash, and "Crispin," at Worth, have since been sold by private contract, the former for £750, and the latter for five hundred guineas.

Southeastern Gazette, 13 September 1853.

Nicholls v. Merryweather, proprietor of the "Royal Albion Hotel," for selling wines. The same witnesses proved the case. The defence in this case was that the party who was supplied with the wine went into a private room, and the waiter supplied the wine thinking they were guests of the occupants of the rooms.

Fined 15s. and 14s. costs.

At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Child suggested that as they did not press for penalties, they were willing to withdraw the informations upon the several defendants paying the costs incurred. The following persons were then mulcted in 5s. 6d. each:—

Wm. Hudson, "Bull and George Hotel;" James Corben, "Royal Oak;" Thomas Parnell, "Admiral Harvey;" Charles Brittain, the "Mitre;" Charles Page, the "Woodman;" George Holmes, "Trafalgar Hotel;" Henry Simmons, "Lord Nelson;" George Mussared, "Spread Eagle;" Richard Butler, "Cinque Ports Arms."

South Eastern Gazette, 31 January, 1860.

DEATH.

On the 27th inst., at Ramsgate, Ann, wife of Mr. Thomas Williams, of the "Admiral Harvey Inn," aged 34.

South Eastern Gazette, 29 May, 1860.

County Court.

This court was held on Tuesday, before C. Harwood, Esq., Judge.

Williams v. Defreades.

A plaint to recover £1 13s. from each of the defendants, for money lent to them by the plaintiff, a barman at the "Admiral Harvey Inn." It appeared that two years ago the present defendants, with another person named Knott, were in plaintiffs house, and wanting £5 to enable them to go to London, plaintiff lent them it, placing £5 on the table; two sovereigns were taken up by Hurst, two by Defreades, and the fifth by Knott. Mr. Buchanan for plaintiff; Mr. Towne for the defendants, each of whom paid 7s. as their proportionate share, they contending that the money was not had for the benefit of themselves alone, but of 28 others belonging to Broadstairs. Defreades swore that he did not take up the two sovereigns. Hurst said that the money was not paid to them in the house, but in York-street, by Knott.

Thomas Gifford deposed that he was present at the "Admiral Harvey," and saw plaintiff put the money on the table and the defendants take it up.

His Honour asked Defreades again whether he adhered to his former statement of not having taken up the money; he did so, when his Honour said that had he taken fuller notes of his evidence he would have ordered him to be committed for perjury.

Judgment for the plaintiff.

Dover Express, 30 November 1861.

At the County Court the following was heard:-

Purchase v. Bent.

This was a plaint to recover £15 damages for an assault committed by the defendant upon the plaintiff. Both of the parties are fishermen. Mr. Boys was for the plaintiff; Mr. Towne for the defendant.

It appears that the plaintiff on the 10th October last, was, at about 10.10 p.m. in the "Admiral Harvey Inn," having some beer, when the defendant came in very drunk, took up the plaintiffs beer, poured it down plaintiffs neck, and afterwards wrung his nose and knocked him down. So ill-using him that he could not see out of one eye for two days. Defendant was subsequently taken before the magistrates and bound over to keep the peace towards plaintive, who now sought to recover compensation for the expenses he have been put to and the loss of employment. The plaintiff's statement was cooborrated by George Catt.

The defendant had paid £2 into court.

Mr. Towne was about to address the court on behalf of defendant, when his Honour said he would hear no more of the case, and gave judgement for £2 only without costs.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 30 July, 1864.

NISI PRIUS COURT, NEWBY V. PARNELL.

(Before Mr Baron Marlin.)

This was an action to recover damages for slander.

The plaintiff is the daughter of a builder at Brood-street, Ramsgate, and the defendant is the landlord of the “Admiral Harvey Inn,” in that town, Plaintiff had been in the service of defendant and his wife, but had been discharged ostensibly for inattention to her duties, but it appears she had spoken of her mistress as having intemperate habits. Some time after she had left defendant's employ, he had found that a cupboard in his bedroom had been opened by a false key, and 42 Sovereigns stolen from a small bag, which he had put into a carpet bag in the said cupboard.

The total number of sovereigns in this curious “bank” was 80, which defendant had found after his first wife's death, secreted by her, and he had never told any one of the circumstance, not even his present wife. On discovering his loss he had gone to the father of the plaintiff and in the hearing of another person had slated that he believed that the daughter (the plaintiff) had stolen the money. The father was naturally much excited at this charge, and dared the defendant to the proof, und also threatened to take legal proceedings for the slander. Hence the present at action.

The evidence was taken at some length.

The learned judge in summing up, said they had first to be satisfied that the words imputed to the defendant had really been uttered. Assuming that to be so, he thought what passed between Mr. Parnell and Mr. Newby when they were alone together was “privileged;” but that what was afterwards said in Norris's presence was not “privileged;” and it would be for them to say what amount of damages the plaintiff has sustained in consequence.

The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, damages £5.

PUBLICANS LICENSE No. 311.

Henry Mellin Olivant 14 October 1891.

Kindly sent by Graham Parsons, Great-Great-Grand-Son.

Above photo showing Henry Mellin Olivant the 2nd, licensee in 1891. Kindly sent by Graham Parsons.

Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 3 November 1894.

DEATH.

Ramsgate - Oct. 31, at the "Admiral Harvey Inn," Charles Frederick Holyer, aged 11 weeks.

The 1901 census shows the licensee to be his father Charles Holyer, I would assume that he was there in 1894 and probably related but not yet confirmed. Paul Skelton.

Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 25 April 1896.

The Admiral Harvey Inn again. More Narrow Voting.

Councillor Barnett, in accordance with notice, moved:- "That the resolution passed by the council on 31st March ultimo, with regard to the purchased by the Corporation of the "Admiral Harvey Inn" and No. 51, Harbour Street, be revoked." He said he thought the matter had been well discussed at the last meeting, but that it was a most unsatisfactory vote, the Mayor having to vote twice to give a majority of one. He thought when members thought out the question a little more they would find that the present was not a time to attempt to purchase these properties. When the matter was first before the council nothing was said about the cottages at the back, that they would be put into a prominent position if they took down the "Admiral Harvey." He found they had no road there at all, and consequently if they purchased this property it meant the purchasing of the cottages as well. Their means were very limited at the present time. They were within about £40,000 of the amount they were permitted to borrow and he said it was a very critical state. They knew they had to consider the falling away of the cliffs to the east and the west, and they were erecting groynes to keep sand along the foreshore, and that meant they would have to make some kind of walk down to the spot. They also forgot the making up of the road directly they destroyed the property. Then they would be liable for about £14,000 towards the Thanet Hospital. Under these circumstances he contended they could well allow the matter to stand over for some little time before they purchased.

Councillor Bannister seconded, and inquired what would be the extent of their borrowing powers after purchasing this property.

The Town Clerk said it would be about £44,000.

Councillor Bannister confessed that he was surprised that the amount, for he did not think it would be so much, but he pointed out that they must have a reserve. He did not see how they were going to get the money for the purchase of this property, and he thought it would have to come through an advance on the rates.

The Mayor explained that the Council pay back £8,000 a year of money borrowed.

Councillor Bannister did not see any urgent need for this purchase. Why was it not included in the first plan for the improvement? What their next rate was going to be he did not know, but it seems to him the rates were now quite as high as they ought to be. He hoped before voting upon this the Council would consider the cost.

Councillor Martin said he could not see the force of taking this property down when they had so many narrow streets where there was scarcely room for two carriages to pass. At this spot the space was not confined; it was one of the most open spaces in the town. It would be far better to spend their money on High Street or York Street and reserve a little for the protection of the cliffs.

Alderman Bradley said though he came from St. Lawrence he's still held that the acquisition of this property was for the good of the town. He thought it would be folly, having started this gigantic scheme, to stop it. Every member agreed that it was a high price, but they were in the net and as soon as they got out of it the better.

Councillor Hart said he had given this matter most serious consideration to see if he could reconcile himself to vote in favour of the purchase of this property. He had been down there to see if the traffic was impeded in consequence of the "Admiral Harvey," and he found the width of the road from the "Admiral Harvey" to the fence on the opposite side was 51 feet. He only wished their other streets in Ramsgate where is wide. In their main street they had only 18 feet in width of road, and nothing was said about improvement there. On the last occasion the matter was taken through buy a "hole and corner meeting" of the Council.

The Mayor:- That is all fanciful (laughter).

Councillor Hart:- Yes it is, but it is true. I was not present, but it is a singular thing that gentleman who were there and who said they would vote against it came here and voted the other way.

The Mayor:- They voted surely with an honest intention upon the subject. Don't try to weave something into it which really does not exist.

Councillor Hart:- Was I invited to the meeting?

The Mayor:- No, you were not, I believe, but I did not issue the invitations. It seems to me we had all this at the last meeting.

Councillor Hart:- If you tell me I am not to speak I will sit down. As I said before, you had a private meeting and I was not called, and you had a perfect right to do it, but I have a perfect right to expose it.

The Mayor:- I don't wish to interrupt you, but, for the convenience of members, I don't think we should traverse over the same ground again.

Councillor Hart said he considered it a hardship to call upon the people to pay all this money for the "Admiral Harvey." They ought to spend the rate payers money more judiciously. He supposed it was no use in talking. He might just as well talk to the moon as to the gentleman there. (Laughter). No doubt they had come with the determination to vote for the purchase.

Councillor Poole said he was sure Councillor Hart need not concern himself about everyone on the council. He was quite sure that upon this question they could give their vote with an honest intention to do their best for the interests of the Borough. He (the speaker) was not able to be present at the meeting three weeks ago, when the resolution was passed, and his absence imposed upon them a rather unpleasant duty, but it was one which, under peculiar circumstances, he was justified in exercising. He (the speaker) would vote in support of the acquisition of this property because he thought it would go to complete the improvements the Council had undertaken. He agreed with Councillors Hart and Barnett that they should have considered for the burgesses, and he would do anything he could to save them from any extravagant outlay, for, in protecting their interests he would be protecting his own. When they came there to advocate the expenditure of public money they felt the pinch as much as others for they had to contribute their share.

Councillor Barnett, replying, said so far as Counsellor Poole's statement about completing the improvement went, he believed he was at the meeting, and was therefor a party to the carrying out the scheme for £60,000, but now it seemed they had done only a portion of the work, and was still going on until they got to the end of their means.

The motion was then put, when they were eleven for and twelve against, and it was therefore rejected. The supporters of the motion were:- Alderman Green, Councillors Stock, Saunders, Tailor, Jaycock, Bannister, Cook, Hart, Barnett, Martin, and Newby, and the other members of the Council voted in the majority.

The Agreements.

The Mayor formerly moved "that the Corporation seal be affixed to the agreement with Tomson and Wotton, Ltd, for the purchased by the Corporation of the "Admiral Hardy Inn," the licence rights attached thereto, and the furniture, etc., therein, for the sum of £4,600; also to the agreement with Messrs. John Barnett Hodges and George Tunbridge for the purchase by the corporation of No. 51, Harbour Street for the sum of £1,320." He pointed out that in both cases the agreement was subject to the approval of the Local Government Board.

The Town Clerk having read the agreement, Alderman Green proposed that the first one be printed and circulated among the members for consideration before the sale was affixed.

Councillor Hart seconded, but, after some discussion, the amendment was lost by eleven votes to twelve, and the resolution for affixing the seal was then carried.

The Corporate Seal was also ordered to be affixed to the following documents. The agreement with Mr. Frederick J. Clements for the purchase by the Corporation of a strip of land in front of No. 36, King Street, for the sum of £50; the agreement with Mr. George Albert Philpott for the purchase of a strip of land in front of Nos. 38 and 40, King Street for the sum of £150; the contract with Mr. Charles Nicholls for the removal of fish offal; the conveyance from the Board of Trade to the corporation of the site of the "Albion Hotel"; and the conveyance to the National Provincial Bank of England, Ltd, of a portion of the above site, together with adjoining land.

The Local Government Board Enquiry.

Alderman Wood moved "To take the necessary steps to apply to the Local Governing Board for sanction to borrow the monies required for the purchase of the "Admiral Harvy Inn," and the strips of land in front of Nos. 36, 38, and 40, King Street, and for caring out traditional wood paving."

Alderman Emmett seconded. Carried.

Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

The Mayor read letter from a Town Clerk of Dover, notifying that the ceremony of installing Lord Salisbury as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports had been postponed till the 2nd week in August.

The Council then rose.

Dover Express 21st May 1948.

STAFF SERGEANT COURT MARTIALLED.

At a Court Martial at Shorncliffe last week, Staff Sgt. Eric John Partington, RASC Lydden, was found guilty on charges of obtaining £25 and £8 by false pretences from Sgt. C. P. Gray at the Command Supplies Depot, Lydden, and £2 from Frank Pavey, licensee of the "Admiral Harvey," Ramsgate.

Partington, who had been running a bookmaking business in the Army for two years, and claimed he was owed £200 by officers and other ranks, was a frequent visitor to a Ramsgate dog track. On November 26th 1947, he approached Mrs. Eileen Moore of 13 Harbour Street, a barmaid at the "Admiral Harvey," to change a cheque. She referred him to Mr. Pavey.

Frank Pavey of Queen Bertha Road, Ramsgate, said Partington had been a visitor to his house about twice a week over a period of months and was a likeable fellow and said he was temporarily embarrassed. If he had asked for a loan without presenting the cheque, he did not know whether he would have given it or not.

From July 1947 to December Partington had had 58 cheques returned, but claimed he did not know at the time he issued Pavey’s cheque that his account was overdrawn by 4d.

On three similar charges, the Court found there was no case to answer.

LICENSEE LIST

SEWELL William 1821-23 (17 York Street)