Folkestone Express 23 January 1869.

Saturday, January 16th: Before R.W. Boarer Esq.

John Saunders, a private of the 3rd Regiment at Shorncliffe, was charged with deserting.

P.C. Marsh said: I was on duty in Radnor Street about half past eight on Friday evening. I went to the Skylark in search of the prisoner and found him there. I asked him if he had a pass. He said “Yes”, but he could not produce it. He felt in his pocket. I then charged him with being a deserter. E said he was no deserter. I then took him into custody, and the landlady gave me £4 6s., which the prisoner had dropped out of his pocket. I then brought him to the station and found 11d. in his pocket.

The defendant stated he had no intention of deserting.

Mr. Boarer said he was a deserter because he had no pass, and he should order him to be taken to the Camp in civil custody.

Folkestone Express 28 August 1869.

Spirit License (Renewal)

Wednesday, August 25th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman. J. Tolputt, A.M. Leith, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

William Spearpoint, of the Skylark, made an application. Mr. Martin complained of the bad character of the people who went to this house. The license was suspended.

Folkestone Express 11 September 1869.

Adjourned Licensing Day.

Wednesday, September 8th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., A.M. Leith and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Spirit license was granted to William Spearpoint, of the Skylark.

Note: Observer lists this change at the Star, Radnor Street.

Folkestone Express 3 June 1871.

A False Charge.

At the Ashford Police Court on Thursday, Mrs. Amelia Spearpoint, of the Skylark Inn, Folkestone, was charged with attempting to steal a watch from George Harnden, at Wye Races. The prosecutor was the proprietor of a bicycle machine and he alleged that in a row which took place the prisoner made a grab at his watch. The Magistrates dismissed the case as there was not sufficient evidence of a felonious intent.

Folkestone Express 30 August 1873.

Annual Licensing Meeting.

Wednesday, August 27th: Before The Mayor, J. Gambrill, J. Tolputt, and J. Clarke Esq.

The licensing committee met at ten o'clock for the purpose of taking into consideration the question of making any alteration in the hours for opening and closing public houses. Shortly after eleven o'clock the licensed victuallers present were called into Court, where the Clerk said the Bench would hear anything with reference to the alteration of the hours for the opening and closing.

The license of the Skylark, Radnor Street, was renewed, Mrs. Spearpoint being cautioned as to the conduct of the house, Supt. Wilshire having complained of the kind of company resorting there.

Folkestone Express 1 March 1879.

Advertisement.

Sale Next Wednesday, Folkestone, Kent.

Auction Sale of a Copyhold Full Licensed Public House.

John Banks will sell by Auction at the King's Arms Hotel, Folkestone, on Wednesday, March 5th, 1879, at three of the clock in the afternoon.

Lot 1: All that substantially built Copyhold Full Licensed Public House.

THE SKYLARK.

Containing Beer Cellar, Bar, Four Bedrooms and Attic, Taproom with large boat builder's workshop over, situate in Radnor Street and The Stade, in the occupation of William Spearpoint and Richard Saunders. The lease of the public house expires on the 6th of April next, the whole producing the annual rent of £39 per annum. The Copy Quit Rent payable to the Lord of the Manor is 4d. per annum.

Particulars and conditions of sale may be had at the office of the Auctioneer, Tontine Street, Folkestone, and of

Mr. W.G.S. Harrison,

olicitor, Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 8 March 1879.

Local News.

On Wednesday Mr. John Banks sold by auction the Skylark, freehold fully licensed public house, Radnor Street. It was purchased for the sum of £605 by Messrs. Langton and Co.

Folkestone Express 26 April 1879.

Monday, April 21st: Before J. Kelcey, J. Fitness and R.W. Boarer Esqs, and Ald. Hoad.

Bridget Clark, a wretched looking woman, was charged with stealing a black cloth jacket, value 14s. 6d., the property of Mr. Cephas Chasmar, draper, of High Street, on Saturday evening, the 19th inst.

Rosecutor said on Saturday evening, about eight o'clock, he missed the jacket, which had been hanging on a stud in the doorway of his shop, 68, High Street. He had seen it at six o'clock. The same evening, about half past nine, it was shown to him at the police station by P.C. Willis.

P.C. Willis said he went to the Skylark public house about a quarter to nine on Saturday evening. He found the prisoner in front of the bar, with the jacket lying in her lap. He asked if it belonged to her, and she said “Yes”. He asked where she got it, and she said she “begged it”. He took her to the police station on suspicion of stealing it. At the police station she said she had found it in the road.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to two months' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 2 August 1879.

Inquest.

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening before J. Minter Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of William Hall, a fish dealer, who died under the following circumstances:

William Hall deposed: I am a costermonger, living in Stade Street. I identify the body now viewed as that of my father, William Hall. He was a fish salesman, and lived in Stade Street. His age was about 50. On Monday, the 29th July, between half past 12 and a quarter to one, my father was standing on the kerb opposite Mrs. Spearpoint's house, near the fishmarket. He was talking to William Spearpoint, landlord of the "Skylark." Thomas Anthony Hall was in the market, seven or eight yards from the deceased. He sung out “There's two fine fish salesmen been to college to get their learning”. I do not know who he meant. Father said to Spearpoint “Hold on, we'll make him spiteful”. Spearpoint said “Hold on, Will, don't say nothing”. Father then said “Some people have children and say they don't belong to them”. I do not know whether Hall heard what he said, as he stood in the fishmarket two minutes considering. Hall then walked over in a passion across the street to where father was standing. I knew he was in a passion because he was very red in the face. He said “What have you got to say about the baby, Will?” Then he raised his fist and struck my father on the left side of the face. The blow knocked my father down. He fell into the lap of James Spearpoint, who was sitting on the doorstep of Miss Cook's house, and then rolled on to the street. Father laid there about a minute and a half on his back. He recovered, and as he was about to try to get up Hall ran at him to strike him again. I was sitting on the steps when father was knocked down, and when Hall tried to strike him I jumped up to prevent him, and succeeded in doing so. (In giving a statement of the affair to Sergt. Ovenden, the witness said Hall struck the deceased as he was trying to get up.) When I got between them, Hall said “You too”. When my father got up he wanted to fight Hall. I told him to go indoors and lie down, and with the help of the landlady of the "North Foreland" I got him indoors to prevent him fighting. I did not see where Hall went to. I came outdoors again, and father came out just after and refused to go in. My father was not drunk, but had had some liquor. I went home about half past eleven at night, and found my father in bed, moaning and groaning. My mother was with him, and she told me I had better go to bed, and I did so. When I got up in the morning, about half past six, I heard him still groaning. I was out with fish all the morning, and in the evening I went for Dr. Bateman.

William Spearpoint said: I am the landlord of the "Skylark" public house. I was sitting on the doorstep of Mrs. Spearpoint's house, opposite the fishmarket, between twelve and one o'clock on Monday, the 28th inst. Deceased came across from the fishmarket and spoke to me. I heard Thomas Anthony Hall say something, which appeared to be addressed to us, but could not hear distinctly what it was he said. Deceased said to me “I'll let him have it presently”. Then he said “Some people get children and don't like to own them”, addressing himself to Thomas Anthony Hall, who came across from the market to where deceased was standing and said “What do you know about the bab?” He then took him by the Guernsey, and turning him round, struck him with his right hand in the mouth and the blow knocked him down. I only saw one blow, and if there had been another I must have seen it. Deceased fell backwards on to his back, and his head did not appear to strike the ground. Deceased did not lie there more than half a minute. While he was lying there Hall did not attempt to strike him. James Spearpoint helped him up. When he got up he ran at Thomas Anthony Hall and struck him. Hall was going to return the blow when deceased's son got in between them and prevented it. The deceased walked away, but as he was drunk he could not walk straight. I said to Thomas Hall “You had no business to strike the old man”. He said to me “What do you know about it?”, and I replied “Nothing”. He then commenced “jangling” with me. While he was there, deceased came back and wanted to fight Thomas Hall for a sovereign, but Thomas Hall made no reply and deceased then went away. I think deceased was about 49 years of age. Thomas Anthony Hall was not sober. I then went to the "Royal George," and about ten minutes after deceased and Thomas Hall met there. Both men said they were sorry, and that nothing more should be heard of it. I left them there together.

James Spearpoint, a fish hawker, living in Radnor Street, gave corroborative evidence. He added that there was a dispute between deceased and Thomas Anthony Hall as to the counting of some mackerel, and this led to the first remark. Deceased got up without any assistance from him. He was intoxicated and was lying on the ground about a minute trying to get up. When deceased got up, he struck Thomas Hall, who returned the blow by striking deceased in the mouth, when he fell back into witness's arms. Deceased's son then came and put him indoors. Thomas Anthony Hall was sober. Deceased was indoors about five minutes and again came out and said “I'll fight Thomas Hall for a sovereign, and you (meaning witness) shall pick me up”. He pulled out some money from his pocket, but put it back, and witness then went away.

Brett Mercer, a joiner, of 19. St. John Street, who saw the occurrence, said he thought the deceased was struck by Thomas Hall near his ear. Deceased seemed to him to fall sideways, and laid on the ground about a minute, having evidently been drinking. When he got up he struck Thomas Anthony Hall in the face, and Hall struck deceased again on the right side of the mouth, and as he was falling the second time someone caught him. Deceased still wanted to fight.

Mr. William Bateman, surgeon, said: On Tuesday, the 24th inst., I was sent for to attend deceased, and went to his residence in Stade Street, about eleven o'clock in the forenoon. I found deceased in bed, in convulsions, and insensible. He continued insensible, with occasional convulsions, and symptoms of pressure on the brain, until he died this morning at six o'clock. I attended him up to the time of his death. I made a post mortem examination about five hours after deceased died. I opened deceased's head. I found externally there was a large bruise on the left hip. It was such as would be produced, in my opinion from a fall. The upper lip was swollen and discoloured, as if from a blow, and it was cut on the inside. There was a discolouration upon the left temple, about on a level with the outer angle of the eye. There was a slight discolouration on the chest, below the left nipple, and the discolouration on the temple was such as would be produced either by a blow or a fall. I found a clot of blood at the base of the skull on the left side, opposite to the external bruise. There was a large effusion of blood, at least, I should think, altogether three ounces in the base of the brain. The brain itself was in a diseased state. Softening had commenced in the centre. The blood vessels of the brain were diseased and dilated, and in such a state as would be likely to be ruptured from a slight cause. The clot of blood which I observed and which corresponded to the external injury came from a blood vessel. I believe it was a small one, and it had bled slowly, and therefore the symptoms of compression did not show themselves for some time. The cause of deceased's death was effusion of blood upon the brain from a ruptured blood vessel. In my opinion that rupture was caused by such a blow or fall as I have heard described. But with such a diseased brain excitement might have caused death. In my opinion the clot of blood which I found lying so close to the external mark on the left side of deceased's temple shows that that injury caused the rupture of the blood vessel.

Thomas Anthony Hall was then called, and the Coroner pointed out to him that he could refuse to be sworn or give evidence, and informed him that there was a very serious charge hanging over him, and it would be for the jury to say upon the evidence before them whether he was Guilty or not of manslaughter or murder.

Hall replied that he was an ignorant man, and would prefer to consult someone who could advise him in the matter. He added that he was well known to be of a peaceable disposition, and a respectable man.

The coroner therefore thought it better that he should not be sworn.

He then summed up the evidence to the jury, commenting upon those portions which did not agree. He pointed out the law as regarded manslaughter and murder, and then said “If you are satisfied that this man's death arose from a blow which he received from Thomas Anthony Hall, and if you are of opinion that he struck that blow with malice, intending really to do him serious and mortal injury and to kill him, then undoubtedly he would be guilty of murder. If on the other hand you are of opinion the blow was struck in sudden heat of temper, caused by the action and in consequence of the acts of the deceased himself (and it is quite clear from the evidence you have before you that deceased intended to get him into a passion, and he succeeded) that would be manslaughter. Therefore it seems clear that Hall would be guilty of the manslaughter of this man, because no person has a right to kill another, although he might have been put into a passion by some act that other has committed. It could not be tolerated that he would be entitled to strike deceased and kill him simply because he said something which put him in a passion. In my opinion, after the evidence of Dr. Bateman, there can be but one result of your deliberations”.

The jury retired for a short time, and then returned a verdict that the deceased man came by his death from the results of a blow struck by Anthony Thomas Hall, but that there was no intention on the part of Anthony Thomas Hall to do him serious bodily injury.

A warrant was immediately issued by the Coroner for the apprehension of Anthony Thomas Hall on the charge of manslaughter, and handed to the Superintendent of Police, together with a warrant to the Governor of St. Augustine's gaol to detain him in custody.

The names of William Harrison Marsh, of the "Raglan Inn," and Alfred Noel, fruiterer, South Street, were tendered as bail, but as the Superintendent said Hall was in custody on a police charge, the Coroner had no power to grant bail.

The prisoner will be brought before the Magistrates this (Friday) morning.

Folkestone Express 9 August 1879.

On Friday Thomas Anthony Hall was charged before the borough Magistrates with causing the death of William Hall. The evidence taken was the same as that given at the Coroner's enquiry and which we reported last week, and when the depositions had been completed, and application was made on behalf of Mr. Mowll for an adjournment until Saturday for the cross-examination of the witnesses.

On Saturday the prisoner was again brought up before the Mayor, Alderman Caister, General Cannon, J. Clark and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

William Hall, son of the deceased, in reply to Mr. Mowll, said he saw his father at tea time and told him he had no business to say what he had done. Deceased had been drinking all day, and was worse for drink at tea time than he was in the middle of the day.

William Spearpoint said when deceased and the prisoner made up their quarrel at the "Royal George" they called for some more beer. Deceased was intoxicated at that time. Witness saw him again that day, but not to speak to.

Brett Mercer said he did not think deceased's head hit the pavement when he fell.

Dr. Bateman said the man being drunk all day undoubtedly accelerated his death. Death in his case might have been caused by excitement, but in his opinion it was either the blow or the fall.

Mr. Mowll then addressed the magistrates, urging that if they analysed the evidence carefully and looked at all the circumstances of the case, they would come to the conclusion that there really ought to have been no committal at all. No doubt the law was very jealous indeed with regard to human life, but if they looked at the evidence they would see that there was nothing to show that the blow which caused the death of the deceased was struck by the prisoner. There was no evidence that deceased was struck on the temple, and it was only an inference that when he was struck he fell, and in falling struck his head on the pavement. But the evidence did not justify even that inference. He contended that there was not a particle of evidence to justify a committal for manslaughter. Dr. Bateman spoke of several external bruises and marks on the body, but the inference was that the deceased, being in a state of drunkenness all day, had been falling about and hurt himself. He also deal with the case on the supposition that death had not occurred and that the prisoner had been summoned before the Bench for an assault. Would they, he asked, have convicted him, taking into the consideration the gross provocation he had received? The Bench might consider that as the prisoner was really committed for trial on the Coroner's warrant, it would make no difference to him if he was also committed by the Bench, but if the Bench decided that there was not a clear case against the prisoner, and dismissed him, his acquittal at the assizes would follow as a matter of course.

The Magistrates, however, after a short consultation, considered there was a prima facie case against the prisoner, and decided to commit him.

Bail was accepted, prisoner in £50, and two sureties (Mr. W. Harrison Marsh and Mr. George Prebble) in £25 each.

Folkestone Express 17 January 1880.

Local News.

At the Maidstone Assizes on Wednesday, Anthony Hall, a fisherman, surrendered to his bail, charged with the manslaughter of William Hall on Monday, the 29th July.

The facts of the case will be in the recollection of our readers. The two men were standing near the fishmarket, and the deceased provoked the accused, who struck him a blow which caused him to fall. They subsequently met in a public house and drank together, having made up the quarrel, but during the night following, William Hall died. A post mortem examination showed that death resulted from the effects of a blow on the head, and the Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against Anthony Hall, and the accused man was subsequently committed for trial by the Magistrates.

The presiding judge on Wednesday was Mr. Justice Denman. The grand jury found a true bill, and the prisoner was accordingly arraigned to take his trial, Mr. Denman being engaged to prosecute, and Mr. Lewis Glyn, instructed by Mr. Mowll, defended.

Witnesses were called for the prosecution, who deposed to the facts of the case, and Mr. William Bateman, surgeon, gave evidence as to the cause of death. He stated, however, that the deceased man was in such a diseased state that a very little excitement would have induced immediate death, and the jury thereupon, with the consent of the judge, stopped the case, and gave a verdict of acquittal.

The learned judge, in addressing the prisoner, said the coroner's jury and the court of magistrates had done quite right, under all the circumstances, in sending the case for trial.

With reference to this case, it was currently reported that the father of the accused man had been so affected by the position of his son that he had died suddenly in consequence. There is no truth whatever in the statement, except the coincidence that his father, after serious illness from congestion of the lungs, died while his son was away on Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 26 March 1881.

Notice.

I, William Spearpoint, herby give notice that I will not be answerable for any debts that my wife, Amelia Spearpoint, may contract after this date.

Signed, W. Spearpoint.

March 25th, 1881.

Folkestone Express 26 August 1882.

Licensing Day.

Wednesday, August 23rd: Before J. Clark, F. Boykett and J. Holden Esqs., and Alderman Caister.

All the old licenses were renewed with the exception of three – that of the "Skylark," the "George," and the "Cinque Port Arms" – against which there were complaints, and the consideration of the applications was postponed till the adjourned licensing day.

Folkestone Express 30 September 1882.

Adjourned Licensing Meeting.

Wednesday, September 27th: Before W. Bateman, F. Boykett, J. Clark and J. Holden Esqs., and Alderman Caister.

The granting of the licenses to the George, the Skylark, and the Cinque Port Arms was adjourned at the last meeting, the Superintendent of Police opposing their renewal on the ground that women of bad character were allowed to resort there.

Inspector Gosby was called, and said he occasionally visited the houses and found prostitutes at the bar. They went in for refreshments, but hung about the house. A month ago there were some of these women lodging at the Cinque Ports.

The Superintendent said in the cases of the George and the Skylark there had been a great improvement since the annual licensing meeting.

Mr. Mowll addressed the Bench on behalf of the licensees of the George and the Skylark, urging that they were doing their best to conduct their houses properly, and the Bench renewed all three, but with a strong caution in the case of the Cinque Ports.

Folkestone Express 17 February 1883.

Saturday, February 10th: Before The Mayor, J. Holden and W. Bateman Esqs.

Mary Fagg was summoned for assaulting Amelia Spearpoint. Mr. Minter represented the complainant.

Complainant, who resides at the Skylark, said defendant, with her daughter, went to the house on the 27th ult., and was very abusive. On the 31st she went again with about a hundred children, whom she gave pence to, to call her names. She afterwards struck complainant on the arm over the counter.

Henry Watkins, a sailor, gave evidence in support of complainant's statements. He said there were between 20 and 30 children outside the house.

Defendant denied the assault and called her daughter, Ann Avery, as a witness, but it appeared that she was not present on the 31st ult.

The Bench ordered defendant to be bound over in one surety of £10 to keep the peace for six months, and to pay 18s. 6d. costs.

Folkestone Express, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Hythe Advertiser, Saturday 1 March 1884.

To Let.

The "Skylark Inn," Radnor Street, Folkestone. In present hands 18 years. A Coal Store is attached to the premises, and a good trade could be done. Present occupier suffering from all health is the only cause for leaving. Further particulars apply T. J. Harrison, auctioneer, 17, Guildhall Street, Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 1 November 1884.

Monday, October 27th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Sherwood, Captain Crowe, and W. Bateman Esq.

Walter Fuller, an ostler, was charged with stealing a china vase, a milk jug and a cloth, value 1s., the property of Mrs. Spearpoint, of the Skylark Inn.

Charles Crumby, potman, in the employ of prosecutrix, said on Saturday he saw the prisoner take a flower vase from the window, and subsequently he took a milk jug from the sitting room. He gave information to the police and the prisoner was taken into custody.

The prisoner said he merely took the things for a lark, and the witness Crumby admitted, in reply to the Bench, that prisoner saw him before he took the articles.

Sergt. Ovenden said the prisoner had frequently been before the Bench for drunkenness and for interfering with the Salvation Army.

Prisoner was discharged, the magistrates regarding the matter as a very silly practical joke.

Folkestone Express 14 May 1887.

Saturday, May 7th: Before The Mayor, J. Fitness, J. Holden, and E.T. Ward Esqs.

The licence of the Skylark, Radnor Street, was transferred to a man named Hollington. The applicant was reminded by Mr. Bradley that the house had a very bad character, and he replied that the name would be altered to the Royal Jubilee. (Laughter)

Mr. Bradley: Then perhaps in altering the name you can alter the character too.

Applicant said he would try.

Folkestone Express 25 April 1936.

Editorial Comment.

How many Folkestone people would be able to say where the sign of the Skylark used to adorn the Fish Market? Very few I should imagine. In days gone by, about the time of the Napoleonic wars, a licensed house hearing the name of the Skylark was one of the chief meeting places, not only of the fisher folk, but even of the “big” men of the town, and the dangers of invasion were discussed. The new Jubilee Inn, which opened its doors on Wednesday, and which now adorns the Fish Market, ha& brought to mind that its predecessor was the Skylark of well over a century ago.

It was in the Queen Victoria’s jubilee that the name of the house was changed to the Jubilee. The subsequent jubilees since also had a connection with the house, for in the diamond jubilee year, the old house was rebuilt, and the new and attractive Jubilee, which supercedes its namesake, was commenced in King George’s silver jubilee year. The site on which it now stands was formerly a portion of Radnor Street, Mr. Goddard’s herring hang, and the Packet Boat Inn.