From the Dover Express, 28 January, 1865.

THE STAR INN

Permission to sell at the "Star Inn" was granted to Mr. George Clark, vice Ellender, who retires.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 September, 1868.

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

THE STAR

The landlord of this house, Mr. Keeler, who it appeared, had been fined for infringing his license by drawing within the proscribed hours, was admonished, the Mayor, informing him that, although his license would now be renewed, the Magistrates were determined that all infringements of this sort should be considered when the Bench were asked to renew a license.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 May, 1868.

INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE.

Thomas Keeler, the keeper of the "Star," Church Street, was charged with having his house open at ten o'clock on Sunday morning.

Police-sergeant Stevens proved the charge.

Fined 15s. and 9s. 6d. costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 January, 1872. Price 1d.

REMANDED CHARGE OF FELONY

Alfred William Ditton and Henry Luland, the two lads who had been remanded from the previous day, on a charge of stealing a suit of clothes, value £2, from a carrier's van in Church Street, were again brought up in custody.

Ralph Hancock deposed: I am a carrier, and I drive a van from Sandwich to Dover. I was at Dover on Tuesday last, with my van. I left my van in Church Street, opposite the "Star" public-house, for about three hours.

By Mr. Back: The horse was in stables, and the van was standing in the street.

Examination continued: I put up at the "Star" about two o'clock. Shortly after two o'clock I received a parcel from Mr. Stedman, a tailor, residing in Snargate Street. I placed the parcel in the vanand went into the public-house. I remained there for about three quarters of an hour, when I returned to the van, and missed the parcel Mr. Stedman had left with me. I asked the landlord of the public-house if he had seen any one take the parcel. The landlord said he had not. I then went to see if Mr. Stedman had taken it back again, but he had not. He gave me a pattern of the clothes in the parcel. He advised me to go to the police-station. I then went and gave information to the police. The clothes produced are those I saw Mr. Stedman put into the parcel for me.

The fathers of the prisoners were present, and the Magistrates asked them if they had any questions to put to the witness on behalf of their sons. Neither, however, having any questions to put, Superintendent Coram called

Thomas Stedman, who said: I am a tailor and outfitter, and reside in Snargate Street. At about half past two last Tuesday afternoon, the prosecutor called at my shop for the clothes produced, for a person of the name Smith. I made them up in a parcel in the presence of the carrier, and gave it to him. It contained a jacket, a pair of trousers, and a waistcoat. The value of the suit is £2.

Police-sergeant John Bayley deposed: From information I received last Tuesday afternoon, I went in search of some clothes that had been taken from Mr. Hancock's van, in Church Street. I saw the prisoner Ditton with a bundle in Last Lane, at about twenty minutes past four. He was carrying the bundle in his hand. As soon as he saw me, he ran up Queen Street, and I caught him at Durham Hill. He was still carrying the bundle. I told him I should take him in charge for stealing the clothes in the bundle. He told me that a person of the name Gitton had sent him to pledge them. He afterwards told me that he took them out of the van, and that Luland was with him at the time. About half an hour before this I had seen them together, near St. Mary's Church. They had no bundle with them then.

Police-constable Alfred Nash deposed: At about a quarter to six on Tuesday evening, I was in Biggin Street, when I saw the prisoner Ditton. He was alone and in consequence of something I had heard, I told him that he would have to go to the police-station with me. He told me that he had met the prisoner Luland and another boy of the name Gitton, going to pledge the things, and he went with them. I then charged him with stealing a suit of clothes from the van in Church Street. He denied having taken them, and ran up Church Alley. I caught him, and on searching him at the station-house, I found the pipe produced on him.

Mr. Luland desired, on behalf of his son, that the case might be dealt with by the Magistrates, and both boys pleaded guilty to the charge.

Superintendent Coram said that complaints had been made to him from a number of parties about the prisoners.

The Magistrates thought that the disgrace of the boys' position rested entirely on their fathers. It was a painful thing to punish boys so young; but the Bench were compelled to do it. They would be sent to prison for one month.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 7 March, 1873.

SUDDEN DEATH

On Tuesday afternoon last the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., held an inquest at the “Star Inn,” Church Street, on the body of a middle-aged woman named Mary Ann Chapman, who had died very suddenly at her residence in Castle Street, on the previous morning. Mr. Cook was chosen foreman of the Jury; and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was adduced:-

Edward George Chapman said: I am a leather-seller, and reside at Dover. The deceased was my mother. She was 49 years of age. Her health, generally speaking, was not very good. She complained of her head and chest, and was prevented from enjoying a fair amount of out-door exercise by a weak ankle. I last saw her alive on Sunday evening last, at Salem Chapel. I did not speak to her. She then appeared to me to be in her usual health. I next saw her, as near as I can remember, between five and ten minutes past nine on the following morning. She was then dead. Some neighbours had laid her on a couch in the living room. I did not observe any marks of violence on her. I should think she had been dead two or three minutes. The last time she was sufficiently ill to render medical advice necessary happened a long time ago. Dr. Duke then attended her, and I believe he had to lance her neck.

Allen Duke deposed: I am a surgeon, residing and practising in Dover. I was called yesterday morning, at a little after nine, to see the deceased, who, I was informed, was in a fit. I attended immediately. I found deceased lying on a sofa, and she was quite dead. I had last attended deceased professionally three years ago, when her glands were diseased. I had not attended her since. Deceased had recently become very stout, and her friends believed her to be dropsical. The cause of death I think was disease of the heart. I have seen no marks of violence on deceased's body, nor are there any suspicious appearances.

The Coroner then summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased had died from disease of the heart.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 August, 1878

NOT GUILTY

William Parish surrendered to his bail on a charge of suspicion with stealing a watch from the “Star Inn,” Church Street.

Mr. Worsfold Mowll defended on behalf of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters, of which the defendant is a member.

Thomas Deller said: I keep the “Star Inn,” Church Street. Tomkins had been lodging at my house about a fortnight. The defendant first came to my house on Friday. He slept there that night and also on Saturday night. On Saturday night about ten o'clock Goodbun came in late drunk, and went to bed in that state. I did not serve him with any drink. The next morning he complained to me about his boots having been taken. The three men fraternised together. The three men were all together in the morning, and went out to dinner together. They came back about half-past one, and went into the coffee room, and then Goodbun called for a quart of ale, which the defendant paid for. No one else went into the room while they were there to my knowledge. The defendant went out a little after two, after having paid for the quart of beer. I then went into the coffee room, and found that Tomkins and Goodbun were asleep. I pulled down the blind as the sun was shining on them, and went out and shut the door. I heard someone holloaing, and went into the coffee room to see what it was, but the two men were asleep. I suppose they were dreaming. I heard holloaing a second time, and went and woke them up, and when Tomkins woke his chain fell from his pocket, and then he discovered that his watch had gone. I have seen the watch as I saw it when Tomkins took it out of a box, which had been sent to him with other things. I saw that his name was engraved on it. I am sure no one else entered the room, because when I left them I shut the door.

Cross-examined by Mr. Mowll: I know that the defendant was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon, but did not know that I should be called as a witness. I was not told by the Superintendent to do so. The prisoner slept in a room by himself. I had ten or twelve lodgers in my house. The defendant did not complain to me of being ill. I have two daughters, who serve in the bar. I don't keep a barman. I also keep a little girl, but she does not have access to the bedroom. I saw Tomkins and the sailor lay down. Defendant went out, leaving the other two asleep.

The evidence of Tomkins and Goodbun taken the day previous having been read, they were cross-examined by Mr. Mowll, but nothing of a noteworthy character was elicited from them concerning the robbery.

Mr. Mowll then addressed the Bench on behalf of the defendant, and called his brother, John Parish, a Police officer of the Midland Railway, who said that his brother was with him on Thursday, and left for Dover to get work, in answer to an advertisement published by Mr. Adcock. His brother had always borne an irreproachable character. Their father was a master butcher at Peterborough.

The Bench, in dismissing the case, said they must express their disproval of the conduct of the landlord in not attending the previous morning, he knowing that there was a respectable young man in custody. The Bench told the defendant that he left the Court without a stain upon his character. The announcement was received with applause in the gallery, which was immediately suppressed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 6 September, 1878

DOVER ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS

The annual sitting of the Dover Magistrates Licensing Committee took place on Monday at Dover, for the purpose of renewing public-house licenses, and hearing applications for new ones. The Licensing Committee consists of E. F. Astley, S. Finnis, R. Dickeson, T. E. Black, R. Rees, W. R. Mowll, and C. Stein, Esqrs. They were all present except Mr. Dickeson, who is in Cumberland.

THE STAR (CHURCH STREET) – CONFLICTING STATEMENTS

The Superintendent said the complaint against the present tenant was that in two cases of felony, which occurred at his house, and in which he was ordered to attend before the Bench to give evidence he declined to do so.

The applicant said there was not a word of truth in what the Superintendent had stated. No felony had ever been committed in his house, and further, he had never had any order to attend until the day after the prosecution.

The Bench said there seemed to be some misunderstanding about the matter, and under the circumstances they would grant the license.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 24 August, 1900. Price 1d.

A VISIT TO THE HEAVIEST SUBJECT

Henry Upjohn was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Church Street.

Police Constable Hughes said that on Saturday evening at 5.30 he was called to the “Star Inn,” Church Street. He there saw the prisoner and the landlady. The landlady required the prisoner to be removed on account of his condition, she having refused to serve him. He said he should not leave the house until he had finished his smoke. He had had nothing to drink. Witness put him outside and he fell down, and then he got up and wanted to fight witness. Witness advised him to go away, and he fell down again and refused to go away. He threw a bundle at Police Constable Fogg and hit him on the leg. He used obscene language, and was taken into custody.

Defendant was dismissed wit a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 26 February, 1904. Price 1d.

DEATH OF Mr. T. LONGLEY

GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE FUNERAL

The death occurred on Monday at Dover, at the age of 56 years, of Mr. Thomas Longley, a member of a very old and much respected Dover family. His father was a butcher in Dover, and he was born in Snargate Street. For many years Mr. Longley has been the landlord of the “Star Inn,” Church Street, a quiet hostelry at the rear of St. Mary's Church. From his youth he developed great size of body, more especially in the chest measurement. As he grew older his size increased, and in course of time he came to be regarded as the heaviest man in the Kingdom. His great bulk doubtless caused him discomfort and inconvenience, nevertheless he, until recent years, enjoyed good health. Visitors to the inn mentioned the fact of his remarkable size to their friends, and he became in a way somewhat of a curiosity, which could not have been pleasant to one who was naturally of a retiring disposition. Of late years his portrait has appeared in several London papers, and without much regard to his feelings his weight, girth, and height were published and comparisons made between him and other heavy men known in recent history. It is said that his notoriety caused him to receive offers to go on “show,” but he shrank from anything of the kind. Now that death has claimed our townsman, it becomes a matter of history to record that he was beyond question, previous to his illness, the heaviest man in the United Kingdom, his weight being 46 stone, and his chest measurement 86in. Owing to his bulk he did not look tall, but he was 6 feet 0¾ inches. For thirteen years Mr. Longley had been confined to his house. The last time he visited London he had to travel in the guard's van since it was found impossible to pass his huge bulk through the doorway of an ordinary carriage. Heavy as he was, Mr. Longley was 6¾ stone below the weight of the bulkiest man of whom history has any record. Daniel Lambert. Some idea of the great girth of this celebrity, who was born at Leicester in 1770, and died at Stamford in 1809, may be gathered from the fact that his waistcoat, which is still preserved at the inn where he died, is sufficient to enclose seven ordinary persons. Twenty years earlier than Lambert there lived in Essex a grocer, who at the age of twenty-five, weighed over 43st, but unlike Lambert, he refused to become a showman's attraction, and so little is known of him. There is a well known case of a girl of four years who weighed over 18st. In the popular mind Arthur Orton is no less noted for his impudent claim to the estates than for his corpulency. Contemporaries described him on his arrival in England from Australia as gross, ponderous, and unwieldy. Compared with Lambert however, he shrinks into insignificance. His weight at the time of the first trial is given at slightly over 20st, though he is said to have “put on flesh” subsequently at an alarming rate.

Apart from his so well being known, Mr. Longley will be very much missed by the poor in the neighbourhood of his house. Whenever he heard of anyone in distress he was always anxious to assist.

The funeral took place yesterday at St. Mary's Cemetery, Copt Hill, where the grave was dug close to the Church. It was a seven feet deep grave, and was eight feet long by three feet three inches. The service was impressively conducted by the Rev. Prebendary A. L. Palmes, who came over from Saltwood to add to his last tribute of respect to the memory of an esteemed former parishioner. The immense size of the deceased gave rise to rumour that it would be necessary to interfere with the structure of the “Star Inn” to get the coffin out, but Messrs. Flashman and Co., who undertook the funeral, found no need to do this, and the coffin, which was 7ft long and 2ft 9in high, by 2ft 5in., was slid through the window of the bar on to the hearse, which was drawn up close to the window for that purpose. At the graveyard the bearers numbered ten, and additional help had to be given in carrying the remains up the slope. The funeral was timed to leave the house at 2 p.m. There was a dense crowd round that “Star Inn” when the procession started, taking the route Castle Street, Maison Dieu Road, Park Avenue, Salisbury Road and Frith Road. The procession was followed by hundreds of people, while thousands witnessed it en route. At the grave side there was probably between two and three thousand people present, and in all probability there was as much public attention given to the funeral as there was on the occasion of that of the late Sir Richard Dickeson, and in the addition to the general public, there were many who mourned the deceased as a very good friend. There were many beautiful wreaths upon the coffin from his immediate relatives and friends, whilst behind the procession was a carriage filled with beautiful wreaths and floral devices from his wider circle of friends. The chief mourners were: In the last carriage – Messrs. Earnest Longley, E. Longley, W. Longley and Lutwytche. In the 2nd carriage – Messrs. Gates, W. Norman, R. Norman, and Wood. In the 3rd carriage – Dr. Ormsby, Messrs. Emery and Carey. Other carriages contained a large contingent of his fellow licensed victuallers and well-known Dover people. In addition to the wreaths from the widow and children of the deceased, his sisters and grandchildren, there were wreaths from Sir William Crundall, Councillor H. W. Thorpe, Dr. Ormsby, the Dover Licensed Victuallers Association, Mr. R. W. Philpott and family. Mr. A. J. Emery and an old friend. Mr. and Mrs. Holbourne, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Holbourne. Mr. J. Relf, Mr. R. W. Pepper, “J. B.” Mr. and Mrs. Norman, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Friend, Mr. W. B. and W. S. Baker and families, Mr. J. T. Gates and family, Mr. J. Crossier, Mr. Gillett, Mr. G. F. Forster and family. Mrs. Hall and Chris, Mr. and Mrs. Knight and family, Mr. and Mrs. Tart, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Adams, Mr. V. P. Kemp, Mrs. Knowles. Mr. J. Tabor, Mr. Frith, Mrs. Brown, Mr. J. Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Corteel, Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Buss, Mr. J. Evans, and Mr. E. Barrit. Mrs. F. Hicks and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Gates, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, Mr. J. Crossier, Mr. Craig etc.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 5 September 1958.

Few have not heard of Dover's heaviest man, Thomas Longley, who was at one time landlord of the Star Inn, in Church Street. This photograph has been lent to us by his son, Ernest, through his old school chum, Mr. E. J. Parton, both who live in London.

Mr. Longley died in 1904, aged 56, Recorded under the photograph are these particulars:- Weight 597lbs., height 6ft ¾in., chest 70ins., waist 85ins., calf of leg 26ins., and "The heaviest British subject in the World."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 17 July, 1925. Price 1½d.

TWO DRUNK

At the Dover Police Court on Thursday, before Alderman W. J. Barnes and J. W. Bussey.

William Richard Boddy, 3, Maxton Hill Cottages, motor garage attendant, and Henry Andrew lane, 64, St. James's Street, a coster, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in Church Street.

P.C. Turner said that 10.15 p.m. on Wednesday the defendants had been ejected from the "Star," Church Street, and were shouting about union wages and fighting. They were both drunk and refused to go away.

Fined 5s. each.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19 August, 1932. Price 1½d.

RAID ON THE STAR INN

At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs. T. Francis, and W. L. Law.

John Alfred Potts, “Star Inn,” Church Street, was summoned for supplying intoxicating liquor during prohibited hours to Thomas Alfred Page, the older, Thomas Alfred Page, the younger, and John Christopher Jordan, who were also summoned fro consuming.

Mr. J. H. Mowll defended, and pleaded not guilty in all cases.

Mr. Loxton, who prosecuted, said that the police found the defendants on the premises at 7.20 a.m. The defendant said that he did not know who served the drinks or how they got there, and his wife said that had been standing on the counter all night. This was a curious state of affairs in an otherwise tidy bar, and further, the beer had froth on it and the defendants' breath smelt of alcoholic liquor.

Police Sergeant Pay said: On July 16th, at 7.22 a.m., I went to the “Star Inn” in consequence of information received, with P.C. Menpes. I entered the private bar and I saw Mr. Pott standing behind the counter. He looked at me, and immediately seized a pint glass of liquor that was standing on the counter and commenced to hurry into the adjacent bar. I called on him to stop, and he replaced it on the counter. In the public bar defendant Jordan and the two Pages were seated. Opposite page junior on the counter was the glass containing the dregs of port wine, and near Jordan was the glass with liquor in it. A jug of water was beside it. Page senior was seated in the corner of the public bar holding the glass of whisky. I went to the public bar by the main door, and Page senior gave me his glass, which I handed to P.C. Menpes. Mrs. Potts then came behind the counter from a back room. Mr. Potts was obviously agitated.

The Magistrates' Clerk: And Mrs. Potts?

She was a bit, but not so bad as Mr. Potts.

Witness continuing, said: I asked defendant how he accounted for the liquor in the glasses and the three men in the bar, and he said he did not know. I then asked who the drinks belonged to, and he said he did not know. I asked who served the drinks. Again he said he did not know. Mrs. Potts then said that the glasses had been standing on the counter all night and she had a glass of port wine before she went to bed the night previous. I examined the glasses, and found the contents of Jordan's glass to be ale, quite fresh and still had froth on the top. The whisky appeared freshly poured out. The bar and behind the counter was clean and tidy, and the glasses cleaned and stacked away behind the counter. I replied to Mrs. Potts that page senior was actually holding a glass of whisky in his hand. Neither made any reply to that. I asked Jordan which was his drink, and he said he had not got one and only entered the bar a few minutes before to talk over some business with Mr. Page. I asked page junior which was his drink, and he repeated the same words as Jordan. Both Jordan's and Page senior's breath smelt of intoxicating liquor. I told Potts that the explanation was most unsatisfactory and I should report them for offences under the Licensing Act. I called Mr. Potts into a passage, and in the presence of P.C. Menpes advised him not to serve them, and he said he would not. He then said, “You are not obliged to take any notice of this, are you?” and I said, “Of course I am.” He then said, “You are not obliged to take these glasses, are you?” and he repeated that. I said, “ I shall borrow them, as I may want them for evidence, but I will wrap them up in paper so that no one can see.” The defendants left the house, and we left.

Cross-examined: A licensee could have beer at any time of the day he liked. The only connection between the port wine and page junior was the fact that it was opposite him on the counter. No explanation was given by Page senior as to his reason fro being there.

Mr. Mowll: You have said that Mr. Potts was agitated, what about Page?

Perhaps it is as well if he did not tell you.

I am asking you.

Well, he was very cheeky. What I know of Mr. Page when he is sober he is very polite, but when beery, the opposite, and he was opposite that morning.

Further examined: He never saw Jordan with the glass near him. Mrs. Potts did not say why they were in there.

Mr. Loxton: What was Page's physical condition? Well, ill, drunk, sober?

Very well, and apparently trying to take the rise out of me, to speak vulgarly.

Did he show signs of suffering from the result of the consumption of intoxicating liquor?

Only his talkativeness. I happen to know Page.

You cannot say anything different, but he appeared well and talkative?

Yes.

Further examined: In regard to the freshness of the beer, the bubbles were still rising when they reached the Police Office.

P.C. Menpes corroborated. Page appeared in perfectly good health, but as the Sergeant said, he was talkative.

Mr. Mowll submitted that there was no evidence against Jordan or Page junior.

The Magistrates held that there was.

Mr. Mowll said that he did not think any useful purpose would be served by calling evidence. It was a serious case for the publican, but the one satisfactory feature was that there was no evidence of drunkenness. He regretted that the Bench had not accepted his suggestion in regard to two of the defendants, but his instructions were that the only person who had alcoholic liquor was Page senior. He came to use the telephone and brought some fish for Mrs. Potts. He complained of feeling unwell, and she foolishly gave him some whisky. The man who had most to lose was Potts, and it was for him that he pleaded. Next week he would have completed 23 years in the “Star Inn” without a mark against him. He had now been caught, but in view of his long record he asked the magistrates to deal with him as leniently as they could.

The Chairman said that as regard Potts, he would be fined £5 and two guineas costs, and taking into consideration the long time he had held the licence, they hoped and felt confident the Police would not proceed further as regards opposing the renewal of the licence. Jordan and the two Pages, would each be fine £1.

Chief Constable Bond said that as long as the defendant kept his licence clean between now and the next Sessions he would not oppose the renewal.

Dover Express, Friday 10 February 1933.

Dover Brewster sessions.

The next house to be considered was that of the "Star Inn," Church Street.

Mr. R. Mowll appeared for the owners, Messrs. George Beer and Rigden, and asked for its renewal, as also did the licensee, Mr. G. H. Woods.

Inspector Leeming gave evidence as to 10 visits to the premises, a total of 23 customers being present. The present licensee had been there since January 6th, and the one prior to him for 25 years.

Mr. Mowll:- You know that beside the previous landlord being there for over 20 years, before that the celebrated Mr. Tommy Longley was there, and his name, and his girth, and his particular house with famous almost throughout the British Empire?

Yes.

Mr. W. J. Jennings, chairman of Messrs. George Beer and Rigden, said that he had known the house for 40 years, and they had been only two changes in about 50 years. When Mr. Longley went, Mr. Potts followed. When the last tenant got into trouble the Magistrates expressed the opinion that it should not interfere with the continuity of the licence, but they did not like the idea of a man who have broken the law being in one of their houses, and they gave him notice to leave. The new landlord, Mr. Woods, on the valuation made himself responsible for £291. The trade was not quite as good as it was, but the house had always done a good trade, and he had no doubts that when Dover and the country began to look up again it would again do the trade. He handed in particulars as to the trade done. This shows that it had dropped from 235 barrels in 1926 to 119 in 1932. There was, however, an increase in spirits.

The Magistrates, after some discussion, voted by means of a sheet of paper, and the announcement was made that both houses ("Criterion") would be referred.

Dover Express 6th September 1946.

The engagement is announced of Gwendoline Joyce (Bubbles) Sidwell, only child of Major and Mrs. F. Sidwell of the “Queen Victoria”, Cheam, Surrey, and late of the “Star” Inn, Dover, to Ronald, eldest son of Capt. and Mrs. F. Gibbs of Cheam, Surrey.

From the Dover Express, 24 August 1951.

INN WITH FAMOUS LANDLORD

Demolition of the Star Inn, in Church Street, now in progress, recalls the fact that for many years its landlord was Thomas Longley, one of the heaviest men who ever lived in England. Born in Snargate Street, Dover, the son of a butcher, he died in February, 1904, at the age of 56. He weighed 46 stone, and had a chest measurement of 86 inches. Being unable to get into a railway carriage he travelled in the guards van.