8 (17) Northgate Street
Canterbury
At number 12 there was the "British
Flag" public house along the Northgate Street, butt hat was only traced
from between 1881 and 1882 to date. This pub has been traced from between
1858 and 1862.
They come, they go along Northgate Street, and so far I have managed to
trace no less than 35 different names of pubs. Some, of course just changed
name over the years and are actually the same premises.
From the Kentish Gazette, 25 May 1837.
An inquest was held at the workhouse in this city on Thursday last,
before Mr. Delasaux, coroner, on the body of a pauper named William
Driver, who had been permitted to visit his friends on the Monday
preceding, he being then in good health, and was found in a wood near
Bridge on Tuesday morning, in a dying state. He was removed to Bridge
Union, and from thence to the Canterbury Workhouse, where he was
promptly attended by Mr. Andrews, the surgeon, and notwithstanding his
exertions, he died about five o’clock in the same evening.
Verdict— Natural Death.
Also on Friday, before the same coroner, at the "True Briton," in
Northgate-street, in this city, on the body of Charles Kelly, a Pay
Serjeant of the 20th Foot, stationed in Canterbury, who committed
suicide the same morning by cutting his throat with a knife, it appeared
he had been a Colour Serjeant, the badge of which he had recently been
deprived of for neglect of duty; this circumstance, together with the
refusal of some indulgences granted to the other soldiers of the
regiment when at the Cape of Good Hope, during their late passage from
India, appeared to have deeply affected him, and it is supposed caused
him to commit the rash act.
Verdict:— Temporary Insanity.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 19 July 1842.
Suicide.
Between seven and eight o’clock on Sunday morning, a woman of the name
of Elizabeth Sole, committed suicide at the "True Briton" public-house,
Northgate-street, Canterbury, by cutting her throat. The deceased having
been in a depressed state of mind, suspicion was raised by her stopping
a considerable time in an outhouse. A man who lives in the house went to
the place, and peeping through a crevice in the door, discovered her
weltering in her blood. He gave the alarm to her father the landlord of
the above house.) She was lying on the floor, and drew her last gasp as
a man named Brett entered.
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Kentish Gazette. Tuesday 28 February 1843.
Inquests. (Canterbury).
Another inquest was held on Tuesday evening, at the "True Briton" public
house, Northgate, on George Austin, age 78, who died in a fit. Deceased
was entering on the threshold of an acquaintance's house, and just as he
was about to speak, he fell suddenly, and life, on examination, was
found extinct.
Verdict:- "Natural death."
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From the Kentish Gazette, 16 June 1846.
DEATH.
Carter:— June 15, in Northgate-Street, Canterbury, Mr. Carter, landlord
of the "True Briton," in his 63rd year.
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Dover Chronicles 20 June 1846.
Death.
June 15, at Canterbury, Mr. Carter, landlord of the "True Briton" in
his 63rd year.
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Kentish Gazette, 9 October 1849.
FRESH CASES OF CHOLERA.
Coroner’s Inquest.
An inquest was held by T. T. DeLasaux, Esq., on Tuesday last, at the
"True Briton," on the body of Joseph Millgate, aged nine years, who had
died during the previous night from the effects of the prevailing
epidemic.
Inspector Spratt deposed to having seen the body of deceased
at the residence of his parents, who appeared in great poverty,
occupying two rooms in a yard in Northgate-street, known us Cold Harbour-square.
In the yard pigs were kept; and nearly adjoining the premises, occupied
by many persons, stood a large dung-heap; and the effluvia arising from
that, together with the night soil exposed and flowing to a ditch close
by, rendered the place very dangerous to the health of the inhabitants
of the neighbourhood. Spratt added that a sister of the deceased had
also died on Friday last in the same room, and that the body had been
kept unburied until that day (Tuesday), when he had insisted on its
interment. Mr. T. S. Cooper, surgeon, deposed that he attended the
deceased, Joseph, first on Thursday last, when he found him labouring
under the prevailing disorder, which had attacked him very rapidly, and
he was then in a collapsed state, with all the symptoms of the most
malignant character. Every attention was paid to deceased, who rallied
from the attack, but he eventually sank under the consecutive fever
which in many cases follows the Asiatic cholera. From questions put by
the Coroner, Mr. Cooper said he could not say that either the disorder
or death had been occasioned by the nuisances existing in the vicinity,
but most certainly they would predispose those living near to its
attack, and accelerate its fatal results. The jury, after a brief
consultation returned a verdict of "Natural death," and expressed a hope
that the public authorities would see to the nuisances as described by
the evidence bring removed. The Coroner remarked that he would make a
representation to the Board of Guardians, or those by whose authority
the existing evil could be remedied, and alluded to the public advantage
likely to accrue from investigations like the present, as but for it the
state of this neighbourhood would have passed unheeded. It was stated by
Mr. Cooper, that previous to the death of deceased he had been, by order
of the Board of Guardians, attending his sister, Susannah Millgate, aged
19 years, who had died of the same complaint on Friday last. The family
was in great poverty, and the parish authorities had duly attended to
their necessities from the time application had been made to them.
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Kentish Gazette, 10 September 1850.
On the annual licensing day (Thursday last) our city magistrates
suspended the following licenses:-
"Military Tavern," King Street;
"Eight
Bells," King Street;
"Duke of York," Riding Gate;
"Kentish Arms," Jewry
Lane;
"Eagle," Whitehorse Lane;
"Golden Cross," Northgate;
"Queen's
Head," Northgate;
"City of London," Tower Street;
"Duke's Head," Wincheap;
"True Briton," Northgate;
"Royal George," Northgate;
"Queen's
Arms," Northgate; and
"Three Grenadiers," Military Road.
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Kentish Gazette, 23 September 1851.
CANTERBURY POLICE COURT.—Thursday.
This was an adjourned day for granting licences, there being on the
bench the Mayor, Aldermen Cooper, Brent, and Plummer, and Mr. Sprakeling.
The following licences, which had been deferred for consideration, were
altogether refused:— The "Briton" (W. Carter).
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Kentish Gazette, 14 October 1851.
CANTERBURY POLICE COURT.
APPEAL AGAINST THE RATING.
Thursday.— (Before the Mayor, Aldermen Plummer, Brent, and Neame, and
Messrs, Sprakeling and Wootton.)
The appellants were Wm. P. Carter of the "True Briton," public-house,
Northgate, and Wm. Keith, of the "Eagle," White Horse Lane.
Mr. Sandys appeared for both parties. The Magistrates had refused lo
renew the applicants' licenses, and the Court of Guardians to increase
their rating, to enable them to obtain a beer license; they now appealed
against the poor rate made on the 12th of September last, on the ground
that they were not sufficiently rated.
Mr. Sandys, in opening his case, stated that it was important parties
should be properly and fairly rated, as on it sometimes depended various
civil rights and privileges. After mentioning the particulars, as
afterwards elicited in evidence, he called for the production of the
last three rates, whereupon the usual rate-books were handed in, but be
objected to them all, as in no case was there the usual heading required
by law, setting forth that the rates were made for the relief of the
poor; and further they were not certified at "the foot," by the
churchwardens and overseers who made the rates.
The Clerk stated that the law merely specified that the rates should be
certified at "the foot of the form," and said nothing about the foot of
the rates.
The Mayor remarked that if this objection were good for anything, it
would deprive the bench of the power of raising the rating as required.
Mr. Walker objected to the validity of the rate being gone into, as it
formed no part of the appeal.
Mr. Sanders then called Wm. P. Carter first, who deposed to his having
occupied the "True Briton" the last five years, paying £21 a year—a bona
fide rent; and produced receipts of his landlord. In cross examination,
he admitted there was a cottage, sometimes letting for a shilling or
eighteen-pence a week, which formed part of the premises.
William Keith was next called; and he deposed that his house, which
formerly was two cottages, let at £20 a year he being an under tenant of
Mr. Beer’s; and witness stated that he would give £20 a year for the
premises even were the license taken away.
Mr. White, rate collector, also spoke to this amount having been exacted
of previous tenants, but stated that one of the two cottages which
formed the beer house was compounded.
Mr. Walkier, observed that the main question they had to try was, what
was the annual value of these premises? Now, he submitted that the rent
was no criterion of their value, and that after deducting repairs and
the other usual outgoings, neither of these houses could be said to be
underrated; in proof of which he would call a person well practised in
surveying.
He then called Mr. E. Homersham, builder, who deposed the full value of
the "True Briton" to be £18 4s. per year. Allowing insurances, repairs,
and taxes to amount to £6 6s.; the rateable value would be £13 18s. In
the other case of the "Eagle," which premises were in a very bad state
of repair, £12 a year would he ample rent.
Mr. Sandys replied. No parole evidence could be given to contradict
absolute facts. In these cases they had evidence that the rent in one
case was £21 a-year, and in the other £20.
The Court was cleared. After a consultation of about half an hour, the
Bench decided in favour of the appellants, stating that they had
confined themselves strictly to the evidence, which furnished them with
the true value of the premises. Nothing had been shown them of any fraud
in the bargain made; consequently they raised the rates of the "True
Briton" to £16 15s., and the "Eagle" to £16.
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Southeastern Gazette, 15 March 1853.
Assault and Robbery at Canterbury.
Richard Miles, 18, and Charles Howell, 24, were indicted for
assaulting Charlos Gilbert, and stealing from his person 8s. 1d.,
and a purse, his money and property, at Canterbury.
Mr. Rose appeared for the
prosecution; Mr. Ribton defended both
prisoners.
From the statement of the prosecutor, a clerk in the employ of the
South Eastern Railway Company, it appeared that in October last, he
lodged at the "Cock Inn," Canterbury, and that he went to the "True
Briton" public-house, where he met the two prisoners, who entered
into conversation with him, and asked him to drink. While there,
prosecutor called for bread and cheese, of which Howley partook. On
paying for it, prosecutor took out his purse. Howell afterwards said
he would have 5s. to go to the fair with. Howell left the house
before prosecutor, who upon leaving sometime after, asked Miles to
show him the way to the "Cock Inn." Miles promised to do so, but led
him down into an orchard, where he struck him a blow in the eye, and
afterwards got up a brick for the purpose of striking him, but
prosecutor succeeded in taking the brick away from him, and ran
away. While running, he was met by the prisoner Howell, who demanded
his money, and Miles then pulled out a knife and threatened him that
if he did not give Howell his money he would strike him. He then
gave the purse to him. Howell then ran away, but Miles followed him
into a house, into which Gilbert had run and "knelt before a woman,
craving her protection," where he admitted having struck
prosecutor,
but denied having robbed him, and said the soldier had the money.
The prosecutor then gave him into custody, and on the following
morning Howell was apprehended at the barracks.
Mr. Ribton admitted that the story of prosecutor was a most
improbable one, and called two witnesses to prove an alibi on the
part of the prisoner Howell.
The jury found Miles guilty, and acquitted Howell. Prosecutor
recommended Miles to mercy, and he was sentenced to eight months’
hard labour.
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Kentish Gazette, 26 September 1854.
Immorality in Northgate.
Some short time since the Court resolved to indict the "True Briton"
public house, Northgate, for harbouring improper characters, and
gave the necessary instructions to Mr. Delasaux to obtain the
requisite evidence to support the prosecution.
Today, Mr. Eastes stated that he had been requested by Mr. Delasaux
to mention that he had found a difficulty in the case, as he could
not get two inhabitant householders to lay the information against
the house, as required by the statute; and he wanted, therefore, to
know from the Court what course he was to adopt.
Mr. Pout thought the guardians of the parish of Northgate could
testify as to the character of the house.
Mr. Eastes:- I don't know anything about the house at all.
The President:- Is it possible, after five prostitutes died of
cholera in that house, that there are not two inhabitants of
Northgate to be found willing to lay an information against it?
Some of the guardians thought it was the duty of the police to look
after such houses.
Mr. Boorman:- How came this Court to take the matter up, and
determine to indict the house?
The Relieving Officer said it was owing to a report being made by
himself and the Inspector of Nuisances as to the state of the house.
Mr. Boorman thought it was rather premature to take proceedings
without first receiving a complaint from two of the inhabitants of
the parish.
Alderman Neame had no doubt that many more houses of the same kind
existed in the same parish as well as in other parts of the city,
and he asked how the Court were to act in this matter, and where
they were to begin?
The minutes of the court will then referred to, and the President
explained that on 14th of August, the Inspector of Nuisances found
36 girls of the town lodging in 7 houses in Northgate, in a most
deplorable state, and one girl had in bed with a cholera in the
"True Briton," while immoral scenes were going on in the next room,
at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in consequence, Mr. Delasaux was
engaged the next day to prepare the evidence for indicting the house
for keeping such characters.
Mr. Boorman:- Mr. Delasaux ought to have made an official
communication to the Court of the difficulties he has met with.
Mr. Lyons said that a fortnight since, Carter, the landlord of the
"True Briton" attended the court, and promised to do away with the
evil complained of, and also to pay any expense that might have been
incurred; but the guardians present refused to accept his offer and
stop the prosecution.
In answer to the President, the Inspector of Nuisances stated that
he visited the "True Britain" after the landlord of promise to
improve his house, and found the same bad characters there; he then
told him that the prosecution would be carried on, and upon a
subsequent visit, he did perceive and improvement.
Mr. Philpott said it did not promise much for the morality of
Northgate, when two householders could not be found to testify to an
immoral house.
Alderman Neame thought it was quite right to check such conduct as
much possible; but felt convinced that the Court would never be able
to do away with it entirely, while there was a large body of
military stationed in the town. It was invidious to take one house,
and leave another of the same character.
The President:- We have taken the most of obnoxious case.
Mr. Philpott:- The police ought to keep them in proper order.
Mr. Eastes:- The police are of no use whatever. I have seen rioting
going on with the soldiers, and the police have seen it, but instead
of interfering, they have walked away, and left them to do what they
liked.
The President:- The Inspector of Nuisances had better inquire, and
see if he can't find to housekeepers to lay the information.
Mr. Philpott thought the Court ought not to take any further steps
in the matter. The magistrates were the proper parties to interfere;
and they could withhold the licence from the house, if they thought
fit to do so; that would stop it.
Alderman Neame considered that would only cause the removal of the
evil from one part of the city to another.
Mr. Philpott:- Then you will move it, perhaps, to a parish where you
will be able to find inhabitants willing to testify to the immoral
character of the house.
Mr. Eastes then moved that Mr. Delasaux be called upon to report to
the Court, the difficulties he has met with in getting up evidence
for the prosecution of the "True Briton."
Mr. Philpott reiterated his opinion that it was the duty of the
magistrates, and not the guardians, to suppress the nuisance.
The President stated why he thought the Court of Guardians were
bound to take up take the matter up; some time since, girls were
brought into the house for support with their third and fourth
illegitimate children, besides suffering from various diseases, thus
causing considerable expense to the city. The Court then applied to
the Poor Law Board to know what they were to do, to prevent the
continuance of such a disgraceful, as well as expensive state of
things; and that board informed the guardians, but they were bound
to keep the girls and their offspring; - but they were also bound to
prosecute the house where such immoral characters resided.
Mr. Lyons spoke of the "Dolphin" in Northgate, as being equally as
bad if not worse than the "True Briton," and asked why the Court did
not proceed against that house, as he had no doubt his colleague,
Mr. Eastes, would join him in testifying to the immoral scenes
constantly going on there.
Mr. Eastes was opposed to taking individual houses, - he should not
mind assisting, as far as he was able, if the Court proceeded
against all houses of that character in the city.
A guardian said it would tend to check the evil if one or two of the
worst houses were indicted.
Mr. Greaves drew attention to the fact, that several deaths from
cholera took place at the "True Briton," in consequence of the
manner in which that house was conducted.
After further discussion as to the power possessed by the Court to
put down the evil complained of, Mr. Eastes resolution was seconded
and adopted.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 25 February, 1860.
Tuesday.
(Before W. Plummer, and Capt. Love.)
A man who refused to give his name and pretended to be dumb, was charged
with wilful damage. Mrs. Taylor, landlady of the "True Briton,"
Northgate, stated that the prisoner came to her house the previous
evening, and took possession of the parlour fire, and when spoken to
pretended to be dumb. She called in a policeman to remove him, and in
going out be dashed his hand through the bar window, causing damage to
the amount of 4s.
The policeman said he was obliged to get assistance to get him to the
police-station, and he could talk then as wall as any one.
Convicted in the damage 4s., and costs, in default committed to St.
Augustine’s for one month.
The prisoner still pretended he did not understand, but when taken back
to the police station, immediately recovered his speech, and gave his
name as John Miller. He seemed to consider he had played a good joke.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 9 June, 1860.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.
William Taylor, landlord of the "True Briton" public-house,
Northgate-street, charged Robert Game, labourer, with being drunk and
disorderly in his house on Sunday afternoon. When the landlord wanted to
clear his house the defendant refused to go. At length they got him out,
but he returned and got in again by getting over a wall at the back. He
was afterwards turned out twice, when he threw stones through the
window, doing damage to the amount of 2s.
In reply to the Bench, the complainant said he did not see the defendant
throw the stones, but there was no one else in the yard, and the
defendant was abusing him the whole time.
As the defendant had been in custody all night, he was discharged.
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South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 10 September 1861.
CITY PETTY SESSIONS. THURSDAY.
Most of the old licenses were renewed, but those of the following
publicans were left for consideration until an adjourned licensing day
(the 12th inst.) in consequence of complaints having been made of the
way in which the houses have been conducted. Robert Whittaker, "Princess
Royal," Northgate; Thomas Denne, "Wellington," Broadstreet; Richard
Drew, "Three Grenadiers," Military Road; William Taylor, "True Britton,"
Northgate; and Charles Moore, the "Cock," Westgate.
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Kentish Gazette, 8 March, 1870.
CANTERBURY POLICE COURT.
Thursday.— (Before the Mayor, and R. Y. Fill, Esq.)
This was a special session for the transfer of ale-house licences.
The following transfers were authorised:—“Angelo Castle” James Dodd
to George Dodd;
“George and Hoy” George Smith to Henry Spencer Cloke;
“Victoria” Daniel Mills to James Chariot Lamberton;
and “True Briton” William Taylor to Edward Waghorne;
and an authority to Emma Mills, of the “Prince of Orange,” to sell
until next transfer day.
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Kentish Gazette, 15 March, 1870.
Assault and Robbery by Soldiers.
Henry Gambrill, 18, and Frederick Brown, 24, privates in the 21st
Hussars, were indicted for assaulting and robbing John Watson, at
Canterbury, on the 27th Nov.
Mr. Barrow prosecuted; Mr. Biron defended Brown.
Prosecutor, a labourer, at Middle Pit Bridge, said on the 27th Nov.,
about half-past nine he was going home from Canterbury when he was
met by two soldiers. He knew Gambell but could not call the other to
mind. Both prisoners attacked and severely injured bun, but when he
called out for help they both ran away. Before the assault he had a
bag containing £12s. 6d., but he afterwards found this was gone.
Charlotte Richards said she knew both prisoners, they were drinking
at the “True Briton Inn” on the evening in question until 8 o’clock
when they left. At 10 o'clock they returned again in a very dirty
state and their boots covered with mud. They cleaned themselves in
the yard and left about half past.
Alice Wilson, servant at the “True Briton” corroborated the last
witness and added that on the following evening; if any inquiries
were made by the police she was to say they had been at the house
all the evening of the 27th. Evidence was given to show that
prisoners' clothes were found in a very dirty state and stained with
blood.
There were both found “guilty” and sentenced to 12 months' hard
labour.
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Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, Saturday 16 September 1871.
Annual Licensing Meeting.
The Superintendent of Police reported to the Magistrates the following
houses where prostitutes were kept, viz., the "Roebuck," "True Briton,"
"Lord Clyde," "Princess Royal," "Crown and Anchor," "Brewers' Delight,"
"Clarence Inn," and "Kentish Arms," and on the applicants applying they
were each cautioned in severe terms by the Mayor, and on their promising
to behave better in future the licences were renewed. The business was
transacted rapidly. The adjourned sessions are fixed for the 21st
instant. |
LICENSEE LIST
CARTER Thomas 1838-15/June/46 dec'd (age 58 in 1841)
CARTER Jane H 1847+
CARTER William 1851-58+ (age 39 in 1851)
TAYLOR William 1860-Mar/70 (age 59 in 1861)
WAGHORN Edward Mar/1870+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/TrueBriton.shtml
Stapleton's
Guide 1838
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1862
Historic
Canterbury web site www.machadoink.com
Whitstable Times
and Herne Bay Herald
Census
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