From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 28 May, 1859.

BEGGING IN A STATE OF DRUNKENNESS

Eliza Rand, a slatternly and ill-clad woman, was brought up, charged with begging in Castle Street on the preceding day, in  a state of drunkenness.

The policeman who had taken her into custody said he saw her ask several persons for a halfpenny. The prisoner was a well-known vagrant, and had been lodging at the "Queen's Head" public house.

The superintendent said that complaints had reached him on the previous day with respect to the insolent behaviour of the prisoner. From what was then stated it appeared that she had begged off some gentlemen at the "Shakespeare Hotel," to whom her language was most disgraceful. Her conversation at the station-house was also very obscene.

The Magistrates sent her to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour.

From the Dover Express. September 1862.

On Sunday a fire originated in a carpenter shop at the back of The Queens Head public house in Biggin Street which for a short time caused considerable alarm. The proprietor of the Queens Head, Mr Whitney is a carpenter by trade and had a small shop at the rear of his house adjoining the Salem Chapel and in close proximity to the timber yard of Mr Finnis.

The origin of the fire is unknown but it was discovered between seven and eight o'clock in the morning. A few members of the Salem Chapel congregation were engaged at the time in early devotional exercise in the school room attached to the Chapel, which overlooks the scene of the fire, and to this circumstance may be attributed to the speedy suppression of the conflagration. On the calamity becoming known the service was suspended and all those engaged in it that were capable of giving assistance did their best to extinguish the flames. Meanwhile the alarm was raised and the volunteer fire brigade with their apparatus was promptly in attendance under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Coram. The water mains were charged at the time, as there was therefore a copious supply of water at a pressure that speedily put flight of all apprehensions of further damage. Some of the Chapel windows were broken some gas pipes melted and a staircase leading to the schoolroom was considerably scorched so that if aid had not been rendered in the most prompt and effectual manner the consequence to the edifice and the surrounding property would have been most disastrous. In addition to a large store of timber there were nearly fifty barrels of tar on the premises of Mr. Finnis. The carpenter's shop was entirely destroyed together with a number of valuable tools it contained. The police report that a man was brought before the magistrates on suspicion of setting the place on fire, but the Bench considered the evidence produced too vague to justify his detention and he was therefore set at liberty again. Mr. R. H. Jones the owner of some adjoining property has addressed the following letter to the members of the volunteer fire brigade.

To the volunteer fire brigade Dover.

Gentleman, Your services at the fire on Sunday morning last have placed me under great obligation to you for which I beg to thank you most sincerely. I regret my absence prevents me from personally thanking you. Although your services are voluntary I hope you will permit me to send you a “check” for £5 as on the other side which can be placed to the credit of your treasurer towards the necessary expenses attendant on your service or otherwise disposed of as you may think fit. Again thanking you for your ascertains believe me.

Your obliged and faithful servant R. H. Jones. September 1862.

Information kindly supplied by Joyce Banks.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 August, 1866.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

John Andrews was charged with being drunk, and assaulting a German musician in the "Queen's Head," Biggin Street. It appears that the prisoner is a low and desperate character.

Police-constable John Adams said that while on duty his attention was called to the "Queen's Head." On his approach he found the prisoner very drunk. He had been striking a German, who was simply passing from his bedroom out of doors, when the prisoner asked him to play a tune, when the German remarked hat he had not time. The prisoner immediately struck him in the face, and caused the blood to flow copiously from his nose, and in the struggle they both fell, and the prisoner was taken into custody.

The German not appearing against the prisoner, he was fined 2s. only.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 September, 1868.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

Anastasia Reed, a married woman, who said she was lodging at the "Queen's Head," was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct in York Street.

It appeared that Anastasia had been taken into custody on the previous night by Police-sergeant Barton, who found her divested of a great part of her clothing and "stripping into" a navvy. She made her appearance before the Bench minus a bonnet and boots, which, she informed the Magistrates, with tears in her eyes, she had lost beyond hope of recovery. She had been in town, she said, a week - up to Monday last with her husband. He, however, went on to Folkestone on that day, and left directions for her to follow him. Had she taken his good advice her incarceration would have been avoided, but she fell too readily into the hands of some friends who invited her to drink, and unfortunately she took a sip too much. She assured the Magistrates, if he would forgive her, that she would be on her way to Folkestone in ten minutes.

Sergeant Barton said the language of the prisoner, on being taken into custody, was the worst he had ever heard from female lips; but the prisoner attributed all her misfortunes to the drink, and submitted that she had already been punished by the loss of her bonnet and boots. She also mentioned that she had been washing her clothes previously to yielding to the temptation of drinking with her friends; but where her clothes were now she had no notion, although she feared they had been "taken in" by some one who had no right to them.

Superintendent Coram said he had no doubt the prisoner would find her clothes and her other property safe enough at the "Queen's Head."

Mr. Mummery said he would allow her ten minutes to go to the "Queen's Head" and pack up her clothes and get upon her journey to Folkestone. A policeman would go with her and see her out of the town; and if she was found here again the present charge, which would be kept open against her, would be gone into.

The prisoner quickly availed herself of the clemency of the Magistrates, and left the Court at a pace which showed her determination to make the best use of the limited time allowed her.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 6 August, 1869.

A WILD IRISHMAN.

James Moore, a broken-down Irishman, whose clothes were so ragged as barely to hang upon him, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Snargate Street on Saturday night.

It appeared from the evidence of police-constable Bowles, who had taken the prisoner into custody, that he met him in Snargate Street between 11 and 12 o'clock Saturday night. The prisoner had been put out of a public-house and was extremely drunk and very disorderly. Witness tried to get him away, and the prisoner finally promised to go home to the "Queen's Head," where he was lodging. On witness passing down the street, shortly afterwards, however, he found the prisoner still occupying the pavement in the manner stated, and still more violent and excited than before, the prisoner now having his coat off and expressing himself prepared to fight all corners. Witness endeavoured to pacify him, and offered to conduct him to his lodgings, but the prisoner declined at avail himself of this service or to modify his bellicose spirit, and witness therefore obtained assistance and conveyed him to the station-house.

The prisoner said he was very sorry for the trouble he had given to the police. He had drunk so much on Saturday night as to be quite unconscious of anything that took place after he was put out of the public-house. If the Magistrates would release him he would be out of the town in five minutes and never return to it.

The magistrates taking into consideration that the prisoner had been in custody since Saturday night, took him at his word, but informed him that a policeman would accompany him to the limits of the borough, and that if he was found returning he would be again taken up and the charge proceeded withy.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 31 March, 1871. Price 1d.

SUPPOSED FELONY

George Wigglesworth, the man brought up on Friday last, charged with having in his possession at the "Queen's Head," public-house, a dead fowl supposed to have been stolen, was again brought up, but on the application of the police was further remanded till Thursday.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 March, 1875. Price 1d.

PUBLIC HOUSES

An extension of time for a private ball was granted to Miss Honeyset, of the "Queen's Head Inn."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 14 April, 1876. 1d

PERMISSION TO DRAW

At the "Queen's Head" public-house was given to Mr. A. Wenze. (of Grove Road, South Hackney)

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 April, 1877. 1d

TRANSFER

The license of the "Queen's Head" public house, Biggin Street, was transferred from the present tenant to Mr. Henry Nutley.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 April, 1877. 1d

ERRATUM

We erroneously stated in our police report last week that the "Queen's Head" license had been transferred. The statement referred to another house.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 March, 1878

MOVE ON

John Knott was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Biggin Street on the previous day. He was standing with a number of others by the “Queen's Head” on the pavement, and refused to “move on” when told. He was very disorderly, and was taken into custody.

The defendant was dismissed with a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 January, 1888. Price 1d.

FORESTERS' ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Court “Kent,” No. 1638, of the Ancient Order of Foresters, was opened by the Chief Ranger, Bro. Henry Heath Toms, at the Court Room, “Queen's Head Inn,” on Tuesday, 24th instant, there being a large number of members in attendance. The abstract balance sheet for the past year was then read by the acting Secretary, Brother Richard Henry Keeler, showing:- Receipts to sick and funeral fund £1,004 18s. 4d., payments £814 7s. 6d.; receipts to management fund £90 18s. 9d., payments £101 6s. 1d.; receipts to benevolent fund £18 10s. 4½d., payments £12 15s. 11½d.; receipts to medical fund £118 18s. 10d., payments £118 18s. 10d, making the total receipts £1,233 6s. 4d., total payments £1,047 8s. 4½d., leaving a balance or saving on the year of £185 17s. 11½d., and a total capital £5,552 10s. 6½d. The report was well received. The election of Auditors and Arbitration and Appeal Committee then took place. The balance sheet of the Dover Jubilee Foresters was then read by the Secretary, Brother Richard Henry Keeler. The balance sheet of the Ancient Order of Shepherds, also was read by the Scribe, Bro. William Allen. After a most enjoyable evening, during which many excellent songs were given, the proceedings were brought to a close at 10.30 p.m.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 26 October, 1888. Price 1d.

CAUGHT THROUGH THE TELEPHONE

Joseph Murray was charged with stealing from the shop of Walter Hard, 61, Biggin Street, one coat, value 9s. 6d.

Walter Hard said he was a clothier and draper carrying on business at 61, Biggin Street. The coat produced was his property and was hanging outside his shop about five o'clock last evening. A police constable came to his shop shortly afterwards, and from what he said witness found that the coat was missing. He was sure the coat was not sold.

Charles Johnson, a painter living at 15, Union Road, Buckland, said he saw the prisoner shortly after five o'clock the previous evening. There were two other men with prisoner, who was wearing a light fustian coat. Witness stood by the “Queen's Head” public house and watched the men, as he thought they looked quite suspicious. One man stood by Mr. Morris's, the baker' shop, another by Mr. Cave's and the prisoner was standing between them, looking in at Mr. Hard's window. Witness afterwards saw the prisoner walk away with the coat produced, on his arm, and turn up Priory Street while the other two men turned up Worthington Street and joined the prisoner at the top of Priory Street. They then went along York Street and down New Street. He gave information to the police.

Police-constable F. Lawrence, of the Folkestone Police Forse, said in consequence of a telephone message received at the Police Station from Dover, at 8 p.m. he went in search of the man. Shortly before 10 p.m. he was in Dover Street when the prisoner came out of the “Granville” public house wearing the coat. As he answered the description of the man whom he was looking for, he took him into custody and charged him on suspicion of having stolen the coat. At the station prisoner said he had stolen it.

The prisoner pleaded “Guilty,” and wished the case to be dealt with summarily.

The Magistrates sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

The message was sent back to the Folkestone Police at half-past seven, and by ten o'clock the man was in custody.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 February, 1890.

FORESTERS ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of Court “Kent,” Ancient order of Foresters took place at the court house, Bro. Holloway's “Queen's Head Inn,” Biggin Street, on Tuesday evening last, Bro. G. H. Southey, Past Chief Ranger, presiding. The Secretary (Bro. R. H. Keeler) read the balance-sheet, which proved satisfactory.

The Sick and Funeral Fund shows a gain of £335 11s. 9d., and the Subsisting Fund a gain of £6 6s. 5d. but on the Management Fund there has been a loss of £12 13s. 9½d., leaving the Society a total gain on the year of £329 4s. 4½d. the Society has paid to sick members during the year a sum of £534 6s. 6d., and for funeral allowances to five members and six members' wives £156. The total funds of the Court amount to £6,150 5s. 1½d., and were invested and disposed on the 30th December as follows:- Corporation Bonds at 4 per cent., £1,900; mortgage on freehold property at 4 per cent., £3,540; cost of £100 Gas-shares averaging 4¾ per cent., £157 2s. 6d.; Post Office Savings Bank, at 2½ per cent., £487 3s. 11d.; and in hands of treasurer, £65 18s. 8½d. Thirty-three new members had been admitted during the year, six had died, and fourteen had left by non-payment, leaving the total number of members at 770. There are 419 members wives, and 20 widows on the books.

The following members were elected on the Arbitration Committee for the ensuing year:- Bros. T. J. Herbert, T. Goldsack, J. Rogers, R. Howdown, G. Dye, G. Briggs, G. H. Southey, J. Matcham, G. T. Turner, B. A. Trice, T. Henbery, and J. Marsh.

Bros. H. J. Struckett and W. J. M. Castle were re-elected Auditors, and Bros. R. S. Hicks was chosen to act in the place of Bro. W. Smitthen, who was elected Assistant Secretary during the past year.

The vote for granting the annual subscription to the Dover Hospital was adjourned till the next meeting, in consequence of an objection raised by the medical staff with reference to Bro. E. Terry, who had broken his leg.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 November, 1891. Price 1d.

DRUIDS

A new Lodge of Druids was started at the “Queen's Head Inn,” Biggin Street, this week.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 April, 1900. Price 1d.

PUBLIC HOUSE CADGER

Walter Smith was charged with being drunk and begging in Biggin Street.

Police Constable Southy said that about 8.15 p.m. on Sunday he was on plain clothes duty in Biggin Street. He saw the prisoner come out of the “Queen's Head” with another man. The prisoner was drunk, and witness kept him under observation, and saw the pair of them go to three other public-houses. They eventually went to the “Prince Albert” public house, and witness followed them in. the prisoner asked some soldiers in the bar if they would give him a drop of beer, as he was hard up and on the road, and he also asked for a penny to get a crumb of bread with. Witness took him into custody. He said, “I shall get a night in bed.”

The prisoner was sent to seven days' hard labour.

From the Dover Express, 13 October, 1916.

LICENCE TRANSFERS.

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Captain R. B. Cay, R.N. (in tie chair), Messrs. J. W. Bussey, H. Hobday and Kdward Chitty.

The licence of “ The Queen's Head ” was transferred to Mr. Wells, where the late landlord, Mr. Shrimpton, had recently died. Mrs. Shrimpton had temporarily taken over the licence, but was giving it up.

Dover Express 18th August 1944.

NO CYCLE LIGHTS.

At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs. G. Golding, W. G. Jeffery, C. Byford and J. H. Brazier and Mrs Binge.

Donald William George Pritchard, Post Office Engineer, “Queen's Head”, Biggin Street, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a rear light in Folkestone Road at 12.20 a.m. on 19th July.

Defendant wrote pleading guilty.

Insp. Drury said that defendant had no rear light and, when stopped, said “I just borrowed the cycle and knew there was not one on, but thought I would chance it”

Fined 5s.

Dover Express 21st June 1946.

Capel-le-Ferne. Wedding of Miss G. R. Howie.

The wedding took place at the Baptist Church, Capel, on Saturday, between Miss Grace Rankine Howie, second daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Howie of Cauldham Farm, Capel and Mr. Donald Pritchard, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Pritchard of the "Queen’s Head" Hotel, Dover.

The service, which was fully choral, was conducted by the Rev. L. A. Bayly (Baptist Minister of Salem, Dover) with Mrs. J. Chidwick at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a white satin gown and veil and carried a shower bouquet of red roses. She was attended by Miss M. Howie and Miss J. Howie (bride’s sisters) who wore powder blue gowns with turbans of pale blue and pale pink and carried bouquets of blue and pink sweet peas. The best man was Mr. G. E. Jackson (bridegroom’s brother in law). A Guard of Honour of the Capel 1st Girl Guides formed outside the church, the bride having been a Lieut of the company for a number of years. A reception was held at the home of the bride, where about 70 guests were present. The honeymoon was spent motoring in Devonshire, the bride travelling in a blue costume with accessories to match. Mr. & Mrs. D. Pritchard were the recipients of many presents, including a canteen of cutlery from the Dover Post Office.