From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 April, 1870.

"BORROWING" A COUPLE OF COATS

Thomas Horn, formerly a cowkeeper, living at Charlton, was charged with stealing a couple of coats - one the property of Mr. T. V. Kemp, and the other the property of Mr. W. Wiles.

The prisoner said he had not stolen the coats - he had only "borrowed" them. (A laugh.)

Mr. T. V. Kemp, an accountant, living at 4, Windsor Terrace, Buckland, said the coat produced belonged to him. He left it on Saturday evening in a cottage, used as a summer house, in a garden opposite the residence of Mrs. A. F. Payn, at Buckland, of which he was the tenant. On going to the garden, about two o'clock on Sunday afternoon, he found that the coat had disappeared. It was an old coat he had used for garden purposes. Horn had proposed to hire the cottages, at half-a-crown a week, to be worked out in the garden, and he was allowed to sleep in the cottage free of charge till it could be put in order; so that he had the key of the garden in order to obtain access.

By the prisoner: I did not lock up any room of the cottage containing your clothes.

By the Bench: I do not know when or how often the prisoner has slept in the cottage; but he had the key on Thursday night.

Mr. William Wiles: I live at 7, Erith Place, Buckland, and am a carpenter. The corded coat produced belongs to me. It was kept with Mr. Kemp's, in the cottage, in the garden, and I last saw it there on Saturday evening, about eight o'clock. I was with Mr. Kemp on Sunday afternoon when the coats were missed. They are not worth above two shillings each.

By the prisoner: I did lock up the lower rooms; but I gave you the key, on the steps, and I found it lying on the mantle piece on Sunday.

William Peckham, landlord of the "Standard" public-house, said the prisoner had been lodging with him. He came to the house the same morning about half-past five, and when he went away he gave witness a bundle, tied up with some string, and asked him if he would take care of it till night. He subsequently gave it up to a policeman, who undid it in his presence, when it was found to contain the two coats produced, an old waistcoat, and an old pair of trousers.

Police-constable Ash said that from information he had received he went to the "Standard" public-house the same morning, and found in the possession of the landlord a bundle containing, among other things, the coats which had been identified by Mr. Kemp and Mr. Wiles.

In reply to the Bench, Mr. Kemp, who was again called forward, said it was true some clothes belonging to Horn were in the cottage. They were locked up in one of the rooms, and the key of the rooms was given to him Saturday night, but it was quite likely he had no recollection of the circumstances. Taking the habits of the prisoner into consideration, this was very likely. Neither he nor Mr. Wiles, however, desired to press the charge, and they had no suspicion that the coats were in the hands of the prisoner when they gave information to the police.

The Magistrates said that Horn had to thank the prosecutors for their leniency in withdrawing from the charge. The probability was that this charge had risen in consequence of his fondness for drink, and they hoped the circumstance would be a warning to him.

The prisoner was then dismissed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 8 May, 1874. Price 1d.

CHARGE OF STEALING A SHAWL

David Deacon, a Militaryman, was charged with stealing from the "Standard," London Road, one shawl, the property of complainant.

Police-constable Chase said complainant's husband would not allow her to appear to prosecute.

The Superintendent said the shawl was taken in a public-house row. The woman had promised to appear.

The bench ordered the prisoner to be discharged.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 4 June, 1875. Price 1d.

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT

Francis Collins was charged with beating his wife in the “Standard” yard, Charlton, but the wife did not appear to press the charge. The case was remanded till Monday.

REMANDED CASE

Francis Collins was brought up on a remand charged with assaulting his wife, Ann Collins.

The wife was in attendance but did not wish to press the charge, as she said she was as bad as he was.

It appeared from the evidence that the parties live in a van in the “Standard” yard, Colbran Street, that they were both very drunk, and were fighting, and that the wife, although she seemed to have been the aggressor, being “the weaker vessel” got the worst of it.

The man was fined 40s. and costs.

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

DRUNK AND RIOTOUS

Thomas Welder was charged with being drunk and incapable, and with assaulting Police-constable Cadman whilst in the execution of his duty in the London Road yesterday.

Police-constable Cadman said at five minutes past ten last night my attention was called to a noise at the “Standard” public-house. I stood outside, and saw the prisoner with a woman, who were swearing and cursing. Prisoner put himself into a fighting attitude. I persuaded him to go away, which he did. After a while I was called by the landlord of the “Standard,” and I there saw the prisoner repeating what he had done before. I warned him again, but he struck me in the mouth, and I closed with him. We both fell, and in the meantime the woman struck me several times on the helmet and knocked it off. At that time two Metropolitan Police came up, and I got a hand-barrow as he would not walk.

The Bench fined the prisoner 5s. and 6d. costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 September, 1881. 1d.

WEST CLIFF BREWERY SALE

The “Royal Standard,” on London Road, held on lease for a term of 99 years, from the 11th October, 1803, at a Ground Rent of £3 18s. 0d. per annum, was bought by Messrs. Kingsford Bros. for £450.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 8 September, 1882. Price 1d.

A CASE OF COMPLAINT

Mr. Hanson, the landlord of the “Royal Standard Inn,” was called up, he having had special notice to attend, owing to a complaint. He did not appear, and the case was adjourned to Broadstairs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 July, 1886. Price 1d.

TOPSY AND HER INTENDED AGAIN

Elizabeth Thompson, better known as “Topsy,” and Samuel Baker were both placed in the dock charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language on the London Road, Buckland.

Police-constable Russell, D.34, said: About six o'clock on Saturday evening, I was on duty in the London Road, Charlton. I saw the two prisoners. They were in the road, and both of them drunk. The female prisoner trying to sing. She went into the “Royal Standard” public house and Baker went away. About an hour afterwards my attention was called to them on the London Road, Buckland. I saw about 150 boys and girls running after the prisoners. They were both using very bad language and were disorderly. I took the female prisoner in custody, and Police-constable Crockford took the prisoner Baker.

Police-constable Crockford, D.24, said: On Saturday evening about seven o'clock I was on duty in the London Road. I saw the prisoners. They were drunk and behaving in a most disorderly manner. I assisted in removing them into custody.

The female prisoner said that if the Bench would let them go they would leave the town in a quarter of an hour. She would try and make a good wife to him (Baker). It was a sad thing to see such a young man go to prison. (Laughter).

The Superintendent stated that the prisoner Baker had only been out of prison eight days.

The Bench sentenced them both to one months' hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 26 July, 1889.

ROW AT THE ROYAL STANDARD

William Tomsett, a dealer, was charged at the Police Court on Wednesday with being disorderly and assaulting Police-constable Pilcher, at the “Royal Standard” public-house, London Road. Thomas Hanson, the landlord, said the prisoner and another man came in about seven the previous evening, and after being in the bar for a few minutes they became disorderly, and he requested them to go out. They refused, so he went and fetched a police-constable, who asked the men to go out. One man went out, but the prisoner refused, and on the police-constable attempting to put him out he drew a knife. With assistance the constable handcuffed him and took the knife away. Police-constable Pilcher said he was called to the “Royal Standard” about a quarter past seven the previous evening. He found the prisoner and another man named Wilson there. He requested them to leave, and with a little gentle persuasion he got Wilson to go, but the other prisoner refused to move. On his attempting to put him out he drew a knife from his pocket and said, “Come on, you b______; I am ready for you.” Witness then threw him upon the ground, and took the knife away from him, and, with the assistance of two or three tradesmen, handcuffed him. Whilst on the ground the prisoner kicked and struck him. The prisoner alleged that neither the landlord nor the constable asked him to go, but that the constable threw him down as soon as he came into the bar. The Magistrates fined him 5s. and 7s. costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 26 January, 1894. 1d.

ALLEGED WIFE KILLING AT CHARLTON

At the Dover Borough Police Court on Monday, Edward Tanner, a labourer, was charged with assaulting his wife, Annie Tanner on the 20th inst., thereby causing her death.

Eliza Hanson, said that her father was landlord of the “Royal Standard,” a common lodging house on the London Road. The prisoner and his wife came to lodge at the house some four months ago, and had been there ever since. They had a separate room by themselves. The room was on the first floor on the left hand side going up. The prisoner was a rag sorter, and worked at Mr. Gill's, Peter Street. His wife went out hawking with a basket containing tape, cotton, &c. On Saturday the prisoner came home, about six o'clock. The woman was then at home and in her room getting tea ready. Witness heard the prisoner go upstairs, and go into his room. He shut the door and she next heard him hollowing. About half an hour afterwards witness heard the prisoner's wife call out “murder” twice. Witness did not go upstairs and interfere, as it was not their place to interfere with married couples. Witness had never heard her call out murder before. They had heard them quarrel before, but never anything like so bad as on Saturday. About a quarter of an hour after the woman called out “murder,” she came down stairs. Witness heard her say when she came into he room that she would not live with her husband any more, as he would kill her. Thomas Ives and witness's father were in the room then. Soon afterwards the prisoner came down, he appeared to be angry, and said to his wife that he had not done with her yet. Witness then stated that she was not in the room where the prisoner's wife was, but in the next room, the bar parlour. As the witness seemed very confused, and gave evidence in a contradictory manner, she was ordered to stand down.

Thomas Ives, the deputy at the “Royal Standard,” said that on Saturday about a quarter past six in the evening, the woman supposed to be the prisoner's wife, named Annie Tanner, went upstairs from the room behind the bar parlour into her room. About twenty-past six witness heard the prisoner go upstairs. About an hour afterwards , whilst witness was in the billiard room, he heard some thumping about which seemed to come from overhead which was the prisoner's room. He however heard no cries. About five minutes afterwards, the prisoner's wife came down stairs. She came into the room witness was in, and complained that she had been knocked about something cruel, and that she would never live any more with her husband, as he would kill her. Her right eye was very much swollen; as big as a hen's egg. He did not see any other marks of ill treatment. The appearance of the eye seemed to be produced by a blow of the clenched fist. She asked that a bed should be made up down stairs, as she did not want to go upstairs again. She remained in the room five or six minutes, and then left the house. The prisoner came down whilst she was in the room and said “I will give the cow more of it,” and witness said “cheese it.” The prisoner then examined a gun witness was cleaning. He afterwards went out of the back door, but returned shortly and came into the room where witness was, and had a glass of ale. He then went and sat in the passage. The woman came in about a quarter-past eleven, and went into the bar parlour. The prisoner was upstairs. She said she would not go upstairs any more, as she would not be knocked about. The landlady then made a bed for her on the sofa in the private kitchen. She remained there all night and was left by herself. They went to bed at a quarter to twelve. When witness got up the next morning he went into the kitchen. The woman was on the sofa making a funny noise, like a gurgling in the throat. Witness took her hand and it dropped quite limp. She seemed to be struggling for breath and could not speak. Witness went up to tell her husband. He took him up a cup of tea, so as to break it to him. He came to the door and witness told him that he had very nearly done for his wife. He said it was no more than she deserved. He then dressed and came down. The woman was in the same condition. The prisoner called to her, and then lifted her up and tried to stand her on her feet, but could not. He then carried her up into his room and witness fetched some brandy. The prisoner tried to pour some brandy down her throat in a spoon but she could not swallow it. Witness then went to Dr. Long's, and the gentleman in Court came. He went up into the room by himself. The husband was in the room. After the doctor was gone, witness went up into the room. The husband was still there, and the wife was in the same state, and some yellow stuff was running out of her mouth. She died at 25 minutes to one that morning. Witness stayed up all night with her, and was present when death took place. She was unconscious till the last, when she tried to speak to her husband, but could not. Mrs. Tanner was quite sober all Saturday evening, but her husband was the worse for drink when he came in at 6 o'clock.

By the Prisoner: Witness came down stairs on Sunday morning at a quarter past seven, and called the prisoner an hour later. He did not go up before, as he did not think at first that the woman was so bad. As soon as the prisoner saw his wife, he asked me to go for a doctor. The prisoner's wife went out on Saturday night about a quarter past nine, and returned about a quarter past eleven.

By the Magistrates: The eye was more swollen when the prisoner's wife returned.

J. G. Sapp, Bachelor of Medicine Edinburgh University, and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, said he was an assistant to Mr. Long, Surgeon, of Dover. A little after ten on Sunday morning, the last witness came for him. In consequence of what he said, witness went to the “Royal Standard,” where he was shown by the last witness deceased's room. Witness went into the room and found the woman lying on the bed. The only other person in the room was the husband. She was quite unconscious, and had all the symptoms of serious injury to the brain. It was the left eye which was swollen and not the right. The right cheek was also swollen. There were no abrasion of the skin. The woman must have received two blows to produce the marks. Witness had not ascertained the cause of death, as there might be an autopsy. Witness attended to the woman, and saw her again on Sunday evening, but not since then. She was in the same condition then. He would not give any opinion as to the cause of death at present.

The Magistrates said they did not propose to carry the case any further that day, and the prisoner would be remanded till Friday.

THE INQUEST

The inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Tuesday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq.

Mr. Edwin Souter was chosen foreman of the Jury, which was composed of the following gentlemen:- Fred. Seear, R. J. pexton, J. Jarry, W. G. Avann, W. Tooley, T. E. Richards, J. Edwards, S. Landall, W. Baker, G. Boorman, E. Souter, A. Tars, T. G. hearnden, G. Edwards, and A. T. Dane.

The Coroner in opening the inquiry said that they were called together to enquire as to the cause of death of the woman Annie Dinah Tanner, the wife of a man who lodged at the “Royal Standard Inn,” in the parish of Charlton. It was alleged that there was a row between the husband and wife last Saturday evening, and in consequence she did not go up to her room, but remained down stairs in the lower part of the house. The next morning she was found in an unconscious state, and a doctor was called. The woman remained in that state until death took place on Monday morning. Of course they had to enquire all about it, and since the case had been reported to him the body had been examined by two medical gentlemen, and they would tell them the result. They would have to consider the evidence, and it would be their duty to return a verdict in accordance therewith. The body had been removed from the “Royal Standard” and take to the mortuary, where they would view it.
On returning the following evidence was taken:-

Thomas Ives, deputy at the “Royal Standard Inn,” Charlton, said: I have been to the mortuary and seen the body of the deceased Annie Dinah Tanner. Her husband's name was Edward Tanner, and he has been lodging at the “Royal Standard Inn” three months past, and has been employed by Mr. Gill as a rag ripper. The age of the deceased, was about 37. On Saturday night the deceased was with me in the bar parlour from a quarter past five, and remained there till a quarter past six, when she left saying she was going to get her husband's tea. She went up to her room, which was a furnished one on the first floor. About an hour afterwards I was in the billiard room, and heard thumping and knocking coming from above. I heard no screams or cries. About twenty minutes past six I heard steps go upstairs, and knew it was her husband's walk. He stumbled upstairs as if he was the worse for drink. It was an hour after this the thumping took place. The thumping continued for two or three minutes. I heard no cries and could have heard them if there had been any. I thought the husband was knocking the woman about, but I did not interfere as it was between man and wife. The deceased soon afterwards came downstairs and said her husband had been knocking her about. One of the woman's eyes, the left I think, was swollen as big as an egg. The right side of her face was bruised. She was not so marked earlier in the evening. She sat down in the bar parlour for about five minutes. The husband then came down and went into the kitchen. He came to the door and told his wife to go upstairs. She went out soon afterwards, as she said she was afraid to go upstairs. She returned about a quarter past eleven by the back way, and asked if she could lat downstairs in the kitchen, as she was afraid to go upstairs. Before this occurrence she had a white top, and a white apron, and a dark dress. When she came downstairs after having been knocked about the top was all torn to pieces and the apron was split in two or three places. I did not remember the deceased going upstairs and changing her clothes I did not hear the husband come downstairs and ask for a chemise. I was not in the house at the time; I went out at nine o'clock. The deceased must have gone out with her clothes in this state, as I never heard her go upstairs. A bed was made up on the sofa with blankets. She was sober all the evening. I did not notice her much when she came in at a quarter past eleven. The marks were the same. I am quite sure I only heard the acts of violence on one occasion. When she came downstairs after being knocked about, she said her husband hit her cruel, and jumped on her. I went to bed about a quarter to twelve. The next morning I came downstairs at a quarter to seven. The deceased was still on the couch, dressed the same as the previous night, except her breast was uncovered. I did not notice particularly if she was wearing the same apron. I took her by the hand and spoke to her. She was breathing very hard, and the eyes were shut. She did not speak to me. I then lit the fire and made some tea, and then spoke to her again and put some milk in her mouth, which she brought up. I took her husband up a cup of tea and told him about it. Eliza Hanson came down about a quarter to eight and went into the room where the deceased was. It was about a quarter past eight when I went up to the husband and told him his wife was very ill. He said he would give the cow more of it, and serve her right. After I came down I saw the deceased again. About a quarter to nine the husband came down and picked his wife up and tried to stand her on her feet, and then took her upstairs and put her on the bed and undressed her. I got some brandy, and he put some to her lips. She was still in the same state. He completely undressed her. I then went for a doctor at the husband's request. Previously the landlord of the house, Hanson, came into the kitchen and told me to go upstairs, and tell the husband to come and see the woman. I went up and told him, and he then came down, and Hanson said “I advise you to get a doctor to see to this woman.” I went for the doctor, and he arrived not very long afterwards. I sat up with deceased until she died at five-and-twenty to one on Monday morning in company with the doctor. She did not regain consciousness until she opened her eyes, and tried to speak before she died. There had been previously a few high words between the husband and wife. I did not know the cause of the disturbance, but thought it was drink. When I saw the husband on Saturday evening, he was drunk.

Cross-examined by Tanner: I went to bed at a quarter to twelve on Saturday night. She came in at a quarter past eleven. You were upstairs. I did not tell you on Saturday morning that I did not see her come in. I am positive that you said on Sunday morning “Serve her right, I will give the cow more of it.”

Cross-examined by the Foreman: I did not see the deceased when she was out. She was quite sober.

By the Coroner: there was no lodger, so far as I can remember, in the house. I will swear that the deceased was not in the house after she went out of the front door until she returned at 11 o'clock.

After some further questions the witness admitted that when her husband came down on the Saturday evening after the bumping, that he said to his wife “You cow, if you do not go upstairs I will give you more of it.” He then pushed her upstairs, and Tanner was swearing. It was pretty rough going upstairs. They seemed to go into their rooms. He returned some minutes later and asked for a glass of ale. The landlord of the house was in the room when the woman came down, but I do not know whether he was in when the pushing upstairs occurred. The clothes produced are those the deceased was wearing when she came down on the first occasion, and I saw them on the Sunday morning under the bed.

Eliza Hanson said that her father kept the “Royal Standard,” a public-house and registered common lodging house. The deceased had lodged at their house three or four months with her husband. Witness was at home on Saturday afternoon about six o'clock. Deceased went up shortly afterwards. Witness heard them having a few words upstairs. Twice witness heard the deceased call out “murder.” Ives was then out at the back. Witness then went out to serve some beer in the bar. The deceased came down shortly afterwards and said “Ted has been knocking me about for nothing at all.” Witness noticed that deceased's left eye was black and she seemed rather weak on her legs and put her hand to her neck. Her husband then came in, he was three-parts on, and said “you want a row' if you do not go up you old cow, I will kick you up.” She went up and commenced to knock her about. Witness heard a thumping noise as if he was clouting her outside. When they got into their room witness heard them quarrelling and then heard her call out “murder” twice again. After that Tanner came downstairs and commenced to clean a gun, he had a glass of ale, and afterwards went out. The deceased came down afterwards and said she was going shopping. The woman was dressed quite differently, but the dress was a little torn. She went out about eight or nine and returned about a quarter past eleven. Her clothes were then muddy. She said she would not go up with her husband that night, and asked to be allowed to stay downstairs. She said she had a fall out of doors. Witness made up a bed for her downstairs. Ives came down first the next morning. Witness came down about a quarter past seven and could not get the woman to speak. Witness called her father down, and he had the husband called down. The deceased had been on the drink since Christmas. She used to go out hawking in the morning and drink in the evening. She was quite sober on Saturday, but witness thought she was the worse for drink when she returned home as she was weak on her legs. Witness went up to tell Tanner on Sunday morning of the deceased's condition at the request of her father.

Cross-examined by Tanner: The deceased had a hat and jacket on when she went out, but I did not notice if she had them on when she returned, but the next morning I could not find them.

J. G. V. Sapp, assistant to Mr. Long, and a duly qualified registered practitioner, said that on Sunday morning a little after ten o'clock, he was sent for by the witness Ives, and before starting the husband also came. He said that his wife was very bad, and that they had a row, and he had thrown her to the corner of the room. Witness then went to the “Royal Standard” and went into the room where the deceased was lying. He found her lying in bed in the nightdress. Her face appeared washed and she seemed to have been put into bed and attended to. She seemed quite unconscious, and the left eye was blacked. Both cheeks were swollen, more marked on the left side than right. Witness noticed no other marks or bruises about her then. She had the appearance of suffering from serious brain trouble. He saw her the same evening , and there was no change practically. He did not see her again but heard of her death, and the police were informed. That morning he made a post mortem examination. He made a very careful examination of the body with the assistance of Mr. Walker, Surgeon. There were no marks on the body, which was well nourished. On the face there were the bruises which he noticed during life. There was also slight bruising in the corner of the right eye. There was also a bruise over the right side of the forehead and a slight abrasion along the right side of the neck. The marks were all recent and probably done at the same time. On moving the scalp, more bruises were discovered. On the left side between the top of the ear and skull there was evidence of a recent bruise, there was another bruise about an inch and a half behind that one, and marks of bruising over the posterior part of the skull. They next proceeded to remove the skull cap and expose the brain, and on doing so, a quantity of semi-coagulated dark blood, three or four ounces, was found over the left side of the brain between it and the membrane. He then examined the brain, and in the left hemisphere and towards the top, there was a small congested spot about an inch in diameter from which the blood had apparently been extravagated. There were also marks of inflammation of the membrane round this spot, but not strongly marked or of great extent. The brain otherwise was healthy. He examined the skull for fractures but there were none. The bones of the skull were thinner than ordinary. The examination of the other organs was made, but they were all healthy so far as he could be judged from examination by the eye. The cause of death was compression of the brain arising from the blood poured out from a blood vessel on the brain and would be caused by a blow or fall. The violence which the marks of bruising showed might have produced the symptoms. He considered death was due to compression of the brain caused by violence.

Mr. Henry Stanley Walker, Surgeon to the Dover Hospital said he assisted the last witness to make the post mortem examination that morning. He heard the evidence given by him, and agreed with it and the conclusion formed, and in his opinion his extravagation of blood was caused by violence either from a blow or fall. There was a bruise exactly over the spot where there was an injury to the brain.

It was then decided to adjourn the Court till the next day at three o'clock, the sitting having lasted from three o'clock till seven.

ADJOURNED INQUEST

The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Annie Dinah Tanner was held on Wednesday afternoon, when the following additional evidence was adduced:-

Thomas Hanson, landlord of the “Royal Standard,” said he knew the deceased and her husband, whom lodged at his house. He was at home on Saturday night about six o'clock, and saw the deceased woman in the living room behind the bar parlour. The deceased's husband came in between six and seven o'clock. He went to his wife and pulled her out of the room. He afterwards pushed her and she fell down by the door. She afterwards got up and went upstairs. Tanner himself went upstairs with his wife. There was nothing the matter with the deceased when she came in in the afternoon. Witness saw the man Tanner several times during the evening. The woman came downstairs between seven and eight; she then had a black eye. Deceased never made any complaint to witness. He did not see here leave the house. He saw her about twenty minutes past eleven, when she had apparently come into the house by the back way, as the front door was fastened. She asked to sleep downstairs, as she did not want to go upstairs again. A bed was made up for her downstairs. About eight o'clock the next morning the deputy Ives told witness that Mrs. Tanner seemed ill. Witness told him to fetch a doctor and call her husband. Witness went down shortly after. The man Tanner afterwards came down and carried his wife upstairs. Witness never heard any disturbance during the Saturday evening. He did not think the husband went out.

By the man Tanner: I did not see your wife drinking anything when you pulled her out of the room.

Ellen O'Bryan, a single woman, lodging at the “Royal Standard,” said she knew the deceased by sight. She was at the “Standard” on Saturday afternoon, and saw the deceased about four o'clock, when she came down for some milk. Deceased returned upstairs to get her husband's tea ready. When her husband came in, he asked his wife if she was coming upstairs, and she replied “no.” She then went into the living room with witness, the landlord, his daughter, and the deputy. Deceased and the husband afterwards went up to their room. The woman came down again about a quarter to eight; she had her jacket on but not her hat. Witness saw nothing further of her, as she went to bed about eleven. Witness got up about nine o'clock the next morning, and on passing deceased's room heard heavy breathing. Witness tried the door and found it locked. In the evening witness was asked to remain with the deceased in her room. The deceased had complained of pains in her head some three or four days before the occurrence. She complained of her head on Friday. Witness had never seen the deceased the worse for drink. She was in the habit of taking small quantities of whisky. Witness went to the deceased's room about four on Saturday afternoon and ironed some handkerchief's for her.

Edward Pay, a labourer, lodging at the “Royal Standard Inn,” deposed to being in the house between six and seven on Saturday evening. He saw the deceased in Hanson's living room. Witness heard Tanner say to his wife “Annie, are you coming upstairs?” She replied “no,” and he afterwards took hold of her, and pulled her out of the room. About ten minutes afterwards witness heard a noise overhead, and the call out “murder” twice. Witness left the house at a quarter past seven and returned about ten. He saw Tanner in the room when he returned. He never saw Mrs. Tanner again that evening. Witness had never heard Tanner quarrel with his wife.

By the man Tanner: You appeared to me to be sober when you came into the house.

This being the whole of the evidence brought forward, the Coroner cautioned Tanner, who was in the room, and asked him if he desired to give evidence. He asked to be allowed to make a statement, and having been cautioned he deposed as follows:-

I am a rag sorter, and have been lodging with my wife at the “Royal Standard.” We knocked off work about 5.30, and two of my workfellows went to the “Friend in Need” public house. We had a drink together and remained there till about half past six. We had a tidy drop of beer, and I returned to the “Royal Standard.” As I was going home I met a female, and she told me that when my wife had got what I had to give her she was going to take her hook. I went home, and there was no tea ready. I asked her if she was going to get the tea, and she told me I had better b______ well wait or get it myself. I gave her 10s. and told her I would get some more in the week. I get 26s. a week. We started quarrelling and nagging for about half an hour, and then I hit her. She ran downstairs, and I went down five minutes afterwards. I asked her three times to come upstairs so that I could have some tea, and she said she would not. I caught hold of her by the collar of the jacket and pulled her out of the room. That is how the jacket was torn. She went upstairs again and we started quarrelling again. I told her she was to stay upstairs all night and not go down into the bar. She said she would go where she liked. I then struck her again in the face. She was then going downstairs again, and I shoved her as she was in the act of going. She fell and hit her head up against the door in the room. She got up and sat down and I told her to stop there. I then went down and had a pint of beer in the bar. I stayed down about a quarter of an hour and then went round to the “friend in Need.” I left my wife upstairs. I stopped there till about half-past ten. When I came home Hanson said my wife had gone out shopping. I stayed and had some beer until the house closed. She did not come in so I went upstairs and went to bed. I did not see her again until the next morning. I found her lying on the sofa downstairs. I called her by her name and she did not answer me. I then carried her upstairs and asked the Deputy to go for a doctor. He returned saying the doctor would not come unless I went for him myself. I went and fetched him, and he came and told me what to do. I did all I could and sat by her till she died on Monday morning. I went down to the doctor on Monday morning and I told him that she was dead.

The Coroner in summing up the evidence referred to the unsatisfactory manner in which some of the witnesses had made their evidence, resulting in many of the statements being of a contradictory nature.

After a few minutes private consultation the Jury returned a verdict of “Manslaughter, and expressed opinion that there was great provocation.” They also asked that the witnesses Ives and Eliza Hanson should be censured for the manner in which they gave their evidence and the Coroner admonished them.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1 May, 1896.

A PUBLIC HOUSE IN TROUBLE

Mrs. Freeman, landlady of the “Royal Standard,” was summoned on charge of having her house open at thirty minutes past eleven on the night of the 18th inst. Lawrence Erith and Robert Ailett, two artillerymen, were summoned for being on the premises.

The Town Clerk, Mr. E. Wollaston Knocker, prosecuted and Mr. Martyn Mowll defended.

Mrs Freeman pleaded “Guilty,” but the two soldiers “Not Guilty.”

Police Sergeant Fogg said he visited the house with Police Constable Cooney on Saturday, 18th, at 11.35. he stood outside a few minutes, and could hear men and women talking in the bar parlour. He knocked at the door two or three times, and then heard someone go upstairs. Defendant Freeman opened a window upstairs and asked who was there. Witness said, Police, and that they wanted to visit the house. After there had been more moving about in the bar parlour, a girl looked out, and witness asked her to let him in, but she went away. Then the landlady, Mrs. Freeman, admitted him. In answer to witness, she said she had no one in her house. Witness asked if she was sure, and she said, “No, I have no one.” Witness then told her he should search the house. She then called out up the stairs, “Come on, it's no use, come down.” Witness, however, went up, and found the two soldiers upstairs. The soldiers said they were friends of the landlady, and the landlady said they were her girls' sweethearts. They said they were just going, and the landlady said they had been there since eleven. There were glasses on the table with dregs in them.

By Mr. M. Mowll: I do not know whether, when Mrs. Freeman called upstairs, she called the men by name.

Mr. M. Mowll said defendant had invited the men to supper, but when the Police came she compromised herself in regard to the case by trying to conceal their presence in the house, otherwise he could have come before the Bench with a case which he might have defended successfully.

The two solder defendants said they had been staying to supper with lady friends of theirs.

The landlady was fined 10s. and 8s. 6d. costs, and the soldiers dismissed on paying 6s. each.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 August, 1897.

THEFT AT A COMMON LODGING HOUSE

George Stevenson, who stated that he had been invalided out of the Army, was charged with stealing from a bedroom of the “Royal Standard,” London Road, a grey shirt, value 3s. 6d.

Thomas King, deputy at the “Royal Standard” public-house, a common lodging-house, said the prisoner slept in the same room as he the previous night. The shirt produced belonged to witness, he having worn it in the early part of the previous day, and placed it under his bed. That morning witness missed the shirt, and gave information to the Police.

An old soldier's shirt was left in place of the one that was gone.

Robert Watson, landlord of the “Royal Standard” said the prisoner lodged at his house during the previous night. King reported the loss of the shirt between seven and eight that morning. The prisoner had left the house then. Whilst King had gone to the station, witness saw the prisoner going by. He stopped him and detained him in the house until the Police came. Witness could see that prisoner was wearing the shirt.

The prisoner was sent to prison for seven days hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 December, 1903. Price 1d.

TERRIBLE SUICIDE A PUBLICAN'S SAD END

On Sunday afternoon, Mr. Charles Young, the landlord of the “Royal Standard” public house, London Road, one of the oldest publicans in Dover, and also owing to a very long career in that business one of the best-known in the trade, committed suicide by cutting his throat in a terrible manner. Mr. Young had been the landlord of the best houses in Dover, holding recently the licence of the “Sportsman,” and previously of the “Salutation Inn.” He was getting well on in years, and for some time past had suffered greatly from physical ailments. On Sunday he eluded the notice of his wife and niece, who had, in consequence of the warning of the doctor, been keeping a close watch on him, and cut his throat with a razor in a very deliberate manner. He was just alive when found, but died almost immediately. The inquest was held at the “Falcon Hotel” on Monday evening by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq. Mr. Rutley Mowll was present watching the case. Mr. J. Clark was foreman of the Jury.

Mary Jane Abbinett said: I live at the “Royal Standard” public house. The body lying there is that of my uncle, George Charles Young. He was a licensed victualler, and kept the “Royal Standard.” He was 69 years of age, last March. Shortly after three o'clock yesterday afternoon I saw him going upstairs to lie down. A few minutes afterwards his wife also went up. It was his usual custom to lie down on Sunday. At 4.30, aunt came down and said, “Where is your uncle?” I said, “I have not seen him.” “Well,” she said, “he has left the room. We looked about the house to see if we could find him. We could not find him. We went into the back yard, and I tried the lavatory door, and found it shut and fastened. We called out but got no reply. We tried to push the door open, but could not. We went to the front door and called in a man who was passing at the time to see if he could assist to open the door. He tried but could not do it. I then went across to Mr. Valentine, who is an upholsterer, and asked him to bring some tools and try to open it. He broke the window in the side. In the meantime I ran out to fetch a Policeman, and meeting one close by, he came. They had not got into the lavatory then. They asked me to go for a doctor, and I ran for Dr. Ormsby, who had been attending him in his illness. When I got back my uncle had been taken upstairs. The note produced is in my uncle's handwriting. He has been very depressed lately. His eyesight was going. He had had an operation for the removal of a cataract in his eye, but the other one was becoming quite blind. It seemed to trouble him very much. He was also troubled with cramp in his legs, and suffered very much from it. At times lately, since he has been so much depressed, he had remarked that life did not seem worth living to one who was in his condition. In consequence we had been keeping observation on him lately.

Police-sergeant Green said: At five minutes past five yesterday evening I was at the top of Bridge Street, when I was called to the “Royal Standard” by the last witness. I at once went. On going to the rear of the premises I found Mr. Vallintine and a man on the road whom they had called in. They were trying to force the closet door. Mr. Vallintine said to me, “I broke the window, but it is too small for me to get in, but I think I can hear him breathing.” I at once procured a light and looked in. I saw the deceased sitting on the seat, with his back against the wall, bleeding from a wound in the throat. I could also see that he was gasping. Mr. Vallintine said, “Shall I fetch a boy to get in?” We could see the door was bolted inside. He went away to get one, but I pulled my coat off and managed to scramble in. I then found that a board was fixed against the bottom of the door, barricading it, and also the bolt was fastened. I removed these and opened the door, and then got a light and a towel and bound the throat which was cut. Then with the assistance of Mr. Vallintine and the other man we carried him into the kitchen and laid him on the floor. As he was still gasping and no doctor had come, I sent for Dr. Koettlitz, who lives a little distance away, and he came at once. I think the deceased died as the doctor came in. As the widow did not want the body removed we put it on a ladder and took it upstairs. On searching the body I found this letter in an empty purse: “My dear wife, - I am sorry to do this, but losing my sight nearly and breath and cramp drives me nearly mad. After this trouble wears off you will be much better without me, as I am only a trouble and better out of the way. Don't grieve; I feel like going mad. I hope my dear niece will be a comfort to you, and try to think it is best. – From your distracted husband, G. C. Y. Apply to Mr. C. Holloway for advice. G. C. Y.” After the doctor pronounced life extinct, I examined the lavatory, and on the left hand side of the seat found a blood-stained razor lying open on the ground. There was a large quantity of blood in the pan as if he had held his head over it when he cut his throat, and then sat down.

The Coroner asked whose razor it was.

The Sergeant said it was a new one.

The doctor said that his wife had taken his razor from him. This was one they did not know anything about.

Dr. M. Koettlitz said: About five o'clock yesterday evening a message arrived that someone had cut his throat at the “Royal Standard.” I went at once, and found the deceased on the floor in the kitchen. He was pulseless and his heart was not beating. There was a huge gash across the throat from ear to ear, severing the windpipe and all the main arteries. Death must have been only the matter of a few minutes. Just on leaving Dr. Ormsby came in. he said that Mr. Young had been suffering from diabetes for some years. He was in a very feeble condition and could hardly walk about.

The Coroner remarked that no doubt the Jury knew him well. He was from all appearances a failing man.

The foreman said that he belonged to his club, and he had known his condition for a long time as he was a sick visitor.

The Doctor added: In my opinion the wounds were self-inflicted at one cut, and were the cause of death.

Mr. Vallintine, as the Coroner was about to sum up, came forward and said that he should like to give evidence.

The Coroner said that he did not want him to, as he could not give any additional evidence to that already given.

Mr. Vallintine said that he was the first man to see him through the window, and to find out that he was living.

The Coroner said that of course they did not want to depreciated what he did, but they had already had it in evidence.

The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that from the evidence he thought that they would find that the deceased was very much unstrung by his suffering.

The Jury at once returned a verdict of suicide whilst suffering from temporary insanity.

Dover Express 30th April 1909.

LICENSING BUSINESS.

The landlord of the "Royal Standard," London Road, was granted a license to sell excisable liquors at the Town Hall on Thursday at a Catholic ball.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 25 March, 1910.

An occasional licence was granted to the "Royal Standard" to supply at a ball that was being got up at the Drill Hall on Easter Monday.

Dover Express 12th July 1918.

The Dover Tribunal met on Wednesday afternoon at the Town Hall. The Mayor presided and there were also present Messrs. Robson, Barnes and Beeby.

Mr. R. Mowll for Mr. H. J. Chapman, aged 40, Grade 11, licensed victualler. Applicant had been employed since 1917 by the Navy and Army Canteen Board. He had been previously rejected but was now placed in grade 11. He had had seven weeks illness from rheumatic gout this year and a medical certificate was produced.

Three months exemption was granted and ordered to be re-graded and also was exempted from service with the Volunteers.

From the Dover Express, 13 September, 1940.

MORE PUBLIC HOUSES CLOSING

At the Dover Licensing Sessions on Friday last, the licensees of the following public houses were granted permission to close for the duration of the war:- "Carriers Arms," West Street; the "Royal Standard," London Road; and the "Granville Bars," Marine Parade. On Monday similar permission was given in respect of the "Admiral Harvey," Bridge Street.

Dover Express 25th June 1943.

THROWING BEER ABOUT.

At the Dover Police Court on Friday last before Mr. H. T. Hawksfield and Mrs. Morecroft.

A.P.O. Benjamin Bride and Leading Seaman Albert Cookson were charged with breaking a plate glass window, value £2. 10s at 69 London Road, the property of William Joseph Parkin of 161 Buckland Avenue, on 17th June, and a pane of glass, value 10s at 7 London Road, the property of Frederick George Fittall.

Both pleaded guilty to the first charge and not guilty to the second.

Cookson was further charged with obstructing P. Sgt Menpes in the execution of his duty and pleaded guilty.

Edward McGowan, licensee of the “Royal Standard”, London Road, said that three sailors, two of whom were defendants, visited his public house and they were skylarking about and throwing beer over each other. They then left.

Sergt. Menpes said that Bride said “I plead guilty to these charges”. Cookson said “I didn’t know he was a police officer”.

Bride, giving evidence, admitted breaking the plate glass window and they then went into the “Cherry Tree” when a man in civilian clothes took his arm. He asked who he was and, when he produced his identity card, he said he would go quietly.

Cookson said that the window was broken accidentally. He pushed Bride whose hand went through the window. He tackled Sgt. Menpes when he did not know he was in the police.

An officer said that both men had good characters.

The charges were dismissed under the First Offenders Act but the defendants were ordered to pay £1. 5s each towards the cost of the window.