From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 January, 1896.

ATTEMPTED MURDER, SUICIDE OF A PUBLICAN, AND ARSON AT WESTMARSH

On Wednesday John Bax, landlord of the “Rose Inn,” Westmarsh, in the parish of Ash, who was under notice to quit his house that day attempted in the early hours to kill his grandson, Walter Petley, by hitting him on the head with a hammer. Afterwards he set fire to the house, which was burned to the ground before the arrival of the fire brigade, who were, however, able to save the outbuildings. Shortly afterwards the deceased was found hanging by the neck in that stables, and on being cut down life was quite extinct.

It appears that the deceased and his grandson were alone in the house at the time, the former having sent off a man who had lodged with him. Bax had got into financial difficulties, and this, coupled with the notice to quit, had undoubtedly unhinged his mind. The grandson is reported to be in a serious condition, as a result of the injuries inflicted upon him.

The County Coroner held an inquest on the body of the deceased yesterday.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 15 September, 1939.

The license of the "Rose" Inn, Westmarsh was transferred from Mr. G. M. Dyke to Mr. R. C. Sinden.

The agent for the Brewers stated that Mr. Sinden had been called up for service, but they could transfer the license to him and Mrs. Sinden would act as his agent.