From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 3 December, 1864.

ASSAULT

Edward Todd, Landlord of the "Robin Hood Inn," Townwall Street, was summoned by Robert Dewell, a greengrocer living at the Pier, charged with assaulting him on the 16th of November.

Mr. Fox appeared for the defendant.

Complainant said that on the 16th of last month, about half-past twelve o'clock, he was in the "Robin Hood." He had something to drink there, and after remaining in the house a little while, he went out but shortly afterwards returned, as he wanted something else to drink. Defendant refused to admit him, and after some altercations at the door defendant struck him a violent blow under the left ear, which knocked him down. He sustained a severe blow on the back of the head in the fall, and had since been compelled to seek medical advice.

My Mr. Fox: I did not conduct myself indecently outside the house. I did not strike defendant.

Michael Collier, a private in the band of the 37th Regt., said he was walking down Townwall Street, about two o'clock on the 16th, and saw the landlord of the "Robin Hood" push complainant out of his house. Complainant tried to get into the house again, but the landlord would not let him. Complainant still persisted in his endeavours to enter the house, and the landlord then struck him a blow behind the ear, which knocked him down. Defendant afterwards picked complainant up. Complainant bled very much from a wound on his head. He (witness) led complainant away from the house, but as the bleed was flowing very freely and he (witness) was afraid of getting jacket stained, he let go of him, when he went back into the "Robin Hood."

Charles Southwell, fly proprietor, said he was in Townwall Street, and saw the defendant knock complainant down. When complainant got up he was bleeding very much from the head. He took complainant to Dr. Gill's, to have his head attended to.

By Mr. Fox: I came along Townwall Street, just at the time complainant was knocked down. I did not see whether complainant had a stick with him or not. I saw Mr. Todd pick complainant up.

William Greenaway, labourer, said he was coming from St. James's Street, on the 16th, and saw complainant, as he was being picked up by a soldier. He saw him afterwards led away by last witness.

Mr. Fox having replied on the evidence, called witnesses to prove that complainant was in such a state of drunkenness at the time as not to know what he was about, that he behaved in a very indecent manner outside the house, and that defendant did not strike him, but only pushed him away to prevent being struck with a large stick complainant had with him.

After a short consultation the Magistrates dismissed the summons, ordering complainant to pay the costs incurred, 9s.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 17 December, 1864.

ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS

Last Friday evening, a meeting was held at Mr. Todd's "Robin Hood Inn," Townwall Street, to re-open Lodge 88, of the Ancient Order of Druids, which has been closed for the past three years. The business done consisted of the appointment of officers, and arranging for the future meetings of the members. Several new members in this town have joined the Order, and others are ready to do so as soon as the necessary preliminaries are arranged.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 January, 1867. Price 1d.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was held by the borough coroner, W. H. Payne, Esq., yesterday afternoon, at the "Robin Hood Inn," Townwall Street, on the body of Nicholas Baker, a vendor of Bath bricks, who had died at the "Red Lion" public house, a common lodging house hard by, on the previous morning. Mr. B. A. Igglesden was chosen foreman of the jury, who viewed the body; after which the following evidence was called:-

Mrs. Anne Whiting, the landlady of the "Red Lion": I knew the deceased. He was lodging in my house at different times during the past five or six years. He was a vendor of Bath bricks and hearth stones. He came to my house a week before Christmas. I had not seen him, previous to that time, for nearly a twelve-month. He continued there two or three days, when he became so ill that I insisted on his leaving, telling him that he must obtain an order for admission to the Union. He procured an order, and quitted my house for the Union on the Saturday before Christmas Day. Another lodger accompanied him to the Union and told me that he was admitted to the hospital. Deceased remained there till the following Thursday. He told me he was better, and that they had turned him out of the Union. He asked for lodgings, but I refused to admit him. He said that the authorities of the Union had told him that if he remained there he must do able-bodied men's work, and that he had better do that in his own way about the town. When he came back to the "Red Lion" the weather was bad and it continued so from day to day, so that I could not insist on his going away. He continued to get worse, and he died yesterday morning.

The Coroner: During the time he was ill, was any doctor sent for?

Witness: No, Sir, he never made any complaint. He gave no more trouble than anyone else in the house. He looked very badly, but did not complain of being worse. Previous to going to bed, on Tuesday night deceased ate a basin of gruel and two penny-worth of bread, and he had taken some soup for his dinner. I believe the prisoner was about forty years of age.

By the Jury: Three or four other men slept in the same room as the deceased. I don't think the deceased had nourishment enough to sustain life. He was not able to get about the town and earn his livelihood, and he subsisted on charity. I lent him a penny on the night previous to his death, to get the oatmeal for his gruel. He told me he had been brought into a low way by ague, (A fever (such as from malaria) that is marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating recurring regular intervals. Also a fit of shivering, a chill. Hence, ague can refer to both chills and fevers) for which he had been treated in the summer in the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. He said he was in hospital for several months.

Patick M'Cabe, a labourer lodging at the "Red Lion," said: I slept in the same room with the deceased. When he first came into the town he had no money, and I paid for his first night's lodging. He was then ill, and unable to carry his bricks about. I was present at the time of his death. About four o'clock he asked that, for God's sake, a candle might be lighted. He was seized with diarrhoea, and seemed very ill, He continued very bad up to the time of his death. Shortly before he died he exclaimed "God forgive me; I shall not live ten minutes longer!"

Dr. Allan Duke: I was called at the request of the Superintendent of the Police, to examine the body of the deceased, in the afternoon of yesterday. Death seemed to have taken place some hours. The body was thin and emaciated, and from what was said by those present when the deceased breathed his last, I concluded that the immediate cause of his death was a sudden attack of diarrhoea. I should think the diarrhoea was probably caused by the soup he had taken for his dinner on the day previous to his death, especially if it was taken on an empty stomach and unaccompanied by solids.

The Coroner mentioned that the master of the union was in attendance, if the Jury would like to have him examined. Several members of the Jury thought any further evidence unnecessary, but others were of opinion that as it had transpired that deceased had said that he was "turned out" of the Union, it might be well to have the master's evidence.

Mr. Thurlow was then sworn, and after deposing to the deceased's admission to the Union, and his treatment in the Hospital, said that as soon as the doctor declared him convalescent and ordered him to the able-bodied men's yard, he asked to be discharged. He was not "turned out."

The Jury returned a verdict of Death from natural Causes.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 8 November, 1867.

STEALING BOOTS

John Donovan and William Whitehead, a couple of other trampish-looking men, were then charged with stealing two pairs of boots value 7s. 10d., the property of Mr. Edward Streeter, another draper living in Snargate Street.

It appeared that the two had entered the town with the other two men just committed. The particulars of this case resembled those of that just disposed of. The boots were taken from the shop door of Mr. Streeter, and were sold to a couple of unfortunate woman at the "Laurel Tree" public-house. The police soon obtained a clue to the robbery, and arrested the two men.

Neither of the prisoners denied the charge. Whitehead protested that he did not actually steal the boots, but admitted dealing with them after he had become aware that they were stolen by Donovan. In defence they put in the same plea as their companions, viz., that they were without food, and yielded to the temptation which was presented to them by the boots being hung within their reach.

It appeared that Whitehead left a third pair of boots with Mr. Todd, the landlord of the "Robin Hood" public-house, and it was owing to Mr. Todd coming to the police-station that the operations of the police were put into motion. It transpired that the prisoners went to the "Robin Hood" and wanted to sell the boots, saying he had a wife and family who had not tasted food for two days. Mr. Todd, however, declined buying the boots, but lent the prisoner 1s. 6d. on them, and fancying the boots had not been honestly obtained he afterwards went to the police-station, and related what had transpired to the police.

The Magistrates, before sentencing the prisoners, sent for the Governor of the gaol, and after a consultation, left the Court and were absent a short time. On their return, Mr. Finnis said the Magistrates had been to inspect the prison, and they found that, in the present state of the gaol alterations, it was not possible for any more prisoners to be received in the building here; so that in the present case the prisoners would have to be sent to Wandsworth Gaol, where it was absolutely necessary that the committal should be for more than thirty days. It was well that this should be known, perhaps, and that offenders who were usually punished with short terms of imprisonment should know before bringing themselves within the jurisdiction of the Court, that, if circumstances rendered it necessary for them to be sent to Wandsworth, they would not be committed for less than thirty days. In this case the Bench sentenced the prisoners to thirty-three days' imprisonment

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 25 June, 1869. Price 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH AT DOVER

On WEednesday last the borough coroner, W. H. Payn Esq., held an inquest at the "Robbin Hood Inn," Townwall Street, ion the body of Elizabeth cannon, a married woman living at the bottom of St. James's Street, who had died suddenly.

Mr. Thomas Flak was chosen foreman of the Jury; and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was taken:-

Thomas Cannon said: I am a plasterer, and lately resided in the Kent Road, London. I have been in Dover a fortnight , and have lodged at a house occupied by Mr. Simmonds, in St. James's Street. The deceased was my wife, and we had been married eighteen years. Deceased was frequently ill, and often complained about her heart.  She complained of having pains in her legs on last Tuesday, and was unable to walk. I was told that during my absence on Thursday she had had a fit. On Friday morning she brought my breakfast to me at the place where I was at work, and she again complained of having pains in her chest, legs, and side. On Friday night I asked her to have a doctor, but she refused, saying that she was getting better. On Saturday evening she came to the door of the house. and on reaching it she fell down, and I carried her into a downstairs room. At eight o'clock on Sunday morning she ate a good breakfast, and said she was getting better; but at three o'clock on Sunday afternoon she was a corpse. I went out to look for a Roman Catholic Priest, and on my returning I found that she was nearly dead. I went after a medical man after I found that  she had got worse, and Mr. Long soon attended. Dr. Herbert, the hospital doctor , had attended her previous to Mr. Long arriving. When Mr. Long came she had lost her speech. Mr. Long did not say the cause of her death. Her age was 42. The deceased told me that the people at the house had been very kind  to her during the time she had been ill.

Mr. Arthur Long, parish medical officer, said: About half-past one on Sunday afternoon I was sent for to see the deceased. I arrived at her lodgings about two, and found her lying in a garret. She was quite insensible, and in a dying state. I told the people of the house to apply hot bottles to her feet, and give her some strong coffee. On my leaving the house, I told the deceased's husband to come and see me at three o'clock, and inform me how she was getting on; because the landlord of the house was anxious to have her removed if she was well enough. I called again at six, and found her dead. I examined her; but found no marks of violence upon her body, which was fairly nourished. I would not give a certificate of the cause of death, because I arrived too late to form a correct opinion. There did not appear anything suspicious about her death. I do not know the cause of death, but having heard the evidence of the previous witness I should say she died of heart disease.

Henry Betts, a continental interpreter, said: I lodge at the house occupied by Mr. Simmonds in St. James's Street. I have seen the deceased in the house. She complained to me Friday morning. She said that her days were short, and I asked her if I should send for a medical man; but she said she would rather not have a doctor. She had a fit on Friday, which she said would "turn her over," as she did not think she would live to have another like it. In consequence of what I saw on Saturday evening I advised her to send for a medical man. the husband came in at about ten o'clock on Saturday night. The husband went out the next morning, but no medical man arrived till about ten o'clock, when Dr. Herbert came to the house. dr. Herbert recommended me to go back for Mr. Long, the parish doctor, and get an order for deceased's administration into the Union. I went to see Mr. Long and he came immediately.  I did not suspect that the deceased had taken anything in the shape of poison.

By the Jury: The husband always appeared to be kind and affectionate to his wife.

Re-examined: When i saw the deceased in the yard she was very sick; but she said this was in consequence of the fit had had had.

The Jury, after hearing the evidence of the last witness, thought it necessary that a post mortem examination should be made, and accordingly adjourned the inquiry until the next day (yesterday). Mr. Long being requested  to make the necessary examination.

The Jury again met yesterday, when the following addition evidence of Mr. Long was taken: I made a post mortem examination this morning of the body of the deceased and found all the organs perfectly healthy; but on the right side of the back part of the brain there was a large clot of veinous blood which I believe to have been sufficient to cause death, producing apoplexy, which had been coming on for several days. The stomach looked perfectly healthy, and there was no trace of poison.

The Jury then returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 21 January, 1876. Price 1d.

EXTENSION REFUSED

Mr. Elson applied for an extension of time for the Odd Fellows’ annual supper and business at the “Robin Hood Inn,” and was refused.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 January, 1889. Price 1d.

DOVER LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ PROTECTION SOCIETY

A large and influential number of the members of the above Society held their annual meeting in the club-room of Mr. J. Cochrane, “Robin Hood Inn.” The room was filled, and Mr. Councillor George Birch occupied the chair.

The minutes of a previous meeting were confirmed, and several new members were enrolled.

The following report was then read and agreed to:-

Your committee have the pleasure of presenting to the members and friends, the 28th annual report and balance sheet. Your committee are pleased to state that although several members have been lost by removal, their places have been refilled. The funds have increased during the year, but should the grant and renewal of licenses be placed under the control of the new County Council it is most likely that there will be a heavy strain upon them. After the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of “Sharp v. Wakefield,” it is more advisable then ever that all Licensed Holders should join an Association, for considering the great opposition to the interest of the trade, nothing but energy and combination used with the House of Commons will induce them to insert a clause stopping licenses being taken away without compensation. Your commit found it advisable to send delegates to a mass meeting and conference in London and to act with the London and National Parliamentary Committee. During the last year a Bill for the Registration and Management of Clubs where beer, spirits and wine are sold, was draughted, and on the 30th of April taken into the House by Mr. Gent Davis, Mr. Byron Read, Mr. Caine, and Mr. Kelly. It met with opposition, and looking at the state of public business, it ought to be brought forward again next session. A great many Bills injurious to the trade and to the public who use their houses required carefully watching during the year. Among them were: The Public House Saturday Closing, Mr. J. W. Russell; County Government, Mr. Carew; Early Closing, Sir John Lubbock; Closing on Parliamentary Elections, Mr. George Howell; Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday, Mr. J. Stevenson; Liquor Traffic, Local Option, England, Mr. Allison; the Local England and Wales, Mr. Ritchie. Petitions were sent and delegates waited upon their respective members upon most of these questions, but it is understood they have no desire to oppose any Bill that is based on equitable grounds, and that does not infringe on the recognised possession of existing License Holders. Your Committee are glad to state that the law expenses have been nil during the year. Your Committee thank the honorary members for their continued subscriptions and also urge upon every licensed victualler to join this society and share in its efforts for the protection and liberty of the public and the trade.

The chairman (Mr. Councillor George Birch), vice-chairman (Mr. I. Kemp), treasurer (Mr. D. Everson), and secretary (Mr. H. Brown), were unanimously re-elected for the ensuing year.

The health of the chairman was proposed and most cordially drunk.

In response the chairman said that since the society’s first formation he had been a member and carefully noticed its progress. There had never been a time when it was more necessary for the wholesale and retail trade to be combined than the present, for however well they had satisfied the wants of the public in the past there was certain, in the close future, an alteration to be made. In all cases where invested interest was involved compensation was expected and given. If the licenses were reduced to one-half, the same quantity of liquor or more, would go through another channel. He wished all present and prosperous New Year.

The healths of the rest of the officers were drunk and suitably acknowledged, and the meeting broken up.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 29 June, 1906. Price 1d.

LICENCING

An application was made for an hour’s extension on Thursday, at the “Robin Hood” on the occasion of the last meeting of the Druids at the house previous to their removal to the “Fountain Hotel.”

The application was granted.