WEAVER'S ARMS Pubs of Canterbury

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Canterbury, July, 2024.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 30 July, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1789-

Weaver's Arms

Latest 1903

70 Broad Street

Northgate

Canterbury

Above photo circa 1900, kindly sent by Steve Mercer.

Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Tim Timpson.

Above photo, date unknown by Darkstar.

Above photo, August 2017, kindly taken and sent by Rory Kehoe.

Not to be confused for the "Old Weavers House" this one is or at least was in Broad Street. Traced from between 1828 and 1903 at present, but a picture of it still evades me unfortunately.

PRESS - WEAVERS ARMS, 70 Broad St, Canterbury

From the Kentish Gazette, 18 December, 1789.

Early yesterday morning died Mrs. Hanree, wife of Mr. Casey Hanree, of the "Weavers Arms" public house, in this city, in consequence of her taking quantity of arsenic. In the afternoon, the Coroner Inquest sat on the body, and brought in their verdict - Lunacy.

From the Kentish Gazette, 16 February, 1802.

Yesterday was committed to Westgate Goal for further examination, John Moore, a private in the 7th dragon guards, charged with having violently assaulted Mr Casey Hanree, the landlord of the "Weavers Arms," public-house in this city. The man, having gone into the public-house on Saturday night last, at an improper hour, the landlord refused to draw him any liquor, when after some altercation, he seized a large poker, and struck Mr. Hanree so violent a blow on the head as to make his recovery doubtful.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 18 March 1828.

DIED.

March 14, in Northgate Street, Canterbury, Mr. Casey Hanree, at an advanced age, for many years landlord of the "Weaver's Arms."

From the Canterbury Journal, 6 October, 1835.

Oct. 2, after a lingering illness, in the 36th year of her age, the wife of Mr. Wilcox, (sic) landlord of the "Weavers' Arms," Broad-street, Canterbury, leaving a family of eight children to lament their irreparable loss."

From the Dover Telegraph, 30 September, 1837.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

On Wednesday morning the upper part of the "Weaver's Arms" public-house was discovered on fire. Notwithstanding the fireman's exertions, they were unable to save the contents of the public-house. They fortunately, however, prevented the extension of the flames to a tallow chandler's and baker's adjoining, which have escaped with a slight damage from the water. The cause of the fire is unknown. Mr. Price is insured in the Sun Fire-office.

From the Kentish Gazette, 1 December, 1840.

The son of Edward Willcocks, of the "Weaver's Arms," Broad-street, was elected by the town Council, to fill the vacancy in the Blue Coat school.

From the Canterbury Journal, 21 August, 1847.

On Monday the landlord of the "Weavers' Arms" public-house, in Northgate, was summoned before the magistrates to answer a compliant of having company in his house during the hours of Divine Service; and it also appeared that he had on two or three occasions refused admittance to the police. The case was fully made out, on which the defendant complained that he, above all others, was singled out as a scapegoat, for, as he said, he had kept the house twelve years, in the most orderly manner, to the contrary of which there had never before been a single complaint, and while he had invariably closed and refused liquor during the time of Divine service, there were plenty others acting in the most positive defiance of magisterial orders. He denied that he had allowed any liquor on the occasion complained of - the company in his house consisted of lodgers and friends, and two travellers. The bench admitted that the defendant's house had been generally well conducted, but with the opposition to the entrance of the police before them, they could no do other than fine him in the present instance, but which, as a warning, they determined on doing to only a small extent - namely 10s. and costs. The bench added that through others might take delight in escaping penal consequences at present, yet they would be remembered at licensing day which was near at hand.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Tuesday 12 June 1849.

Canterbury.

Important sale of the extensive Brewery of Messr's Flint, including 30 old established Inns and Public Houses, and other valuable property.

Mr. V. J., has received instructions to sell by auction, at the "Fountain Hotel," Canterbury, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 26th and 27th of June, at 12 o'clock each day, (in consequence of the death of the senior acting partner and the retirement of the surviving partners,) the valuable property known as Messrs. Flint's Brewery, in Stour Street, Canterbury, and the Inns, Public Houses, and other valuable property connected with theirwith. The first day sale on Tuesday, 26th June, 1849, will comprise the following property in and near the city.

Public houses.

Lot 1. The "City of Canterbury," situate on the road to Whitstable. Freehold.

Lot 2. The "George and Dragon," Westgate without, leasehold under Hind's charity for 17 years unexpired.

Lot 3. The "Three Compasses," Westgate within. Freehold.

Lot 4. The "Bell Inn" and Coach Office, in the High Street. Freehold.

Lot 5. The "Prince of Wales," St. Alphege Lane,. Freehold.

Lot 6. The "Weavers Arms," Broad Street, freehold and partly leasehold.

Lot 7. The "White Swan," Northgate. Leasehold under St. John's Hospital for a short term, at a ground rent.

Lot 8. The "Kings Head," Northgate. Freehold.

Lot 9. The "Swan Inn," at Sturry (close to the railway station). Freehold.

Lot 10. The "Ship," St. Martins Hill, freehold.

Lots 12. The "Star Commercial Inn and Tap," St George's, close to the Cattle market and Dane John. Freehold.

Lot 13. The "Blue Anchor," Old Dover Lane, near the Cattle market. Freehold.

Lot 14. The "Fleece Inn," High Street, opposite to the Corn market. Freehold.

Lot 28. Three neat Cottages opposite the Brewery, with large gardens extending to the river.

Lot 29. The "Two Brewers" public house and Spirit Warehouse, adjoining the last lot.

Lot 31. The "Black Dog" public house, Castle Street.

Lot 34. The "Duke's Head" Public House, Wincheap Street.

Lot 35. The "King's Head," Public House, Wincheap Street.

Lot 37. The "Royal Exchange," public house, Stour Street.

Lot 38. The "Kentish Arms," public house, and 5 cottages in Jewry Lane. Leasehold for a short term at a low rent.

Lot 40. The "Duke William," at Ickham, abiout five miles from Canterbury. Freehold.

Lot 41. The "Royal Oak Inn," at Deal. Freehold except a small portion.

Lot 42. The "King's Arms," Beach Street, Deal, and Cottage in the rear. leasehold for a short term, at a Ground rent.

Lot 43. The "Fleur De Lis," near the Railway Station, Dover. Leasehold for a term of 6 years, at a Ground rent of £3.

Lot 44. The "Two Brewers," Limekiln Street, Dover. leasehold for a term of 46 years, at a ground rent of £3.

Lot 45. The "Fountain Inn, adjoining the Market place at Dover. Freehold.

Lot 46. The "Lord Nelson," Radnor Street, near the harbour, Folkestone. Freehold.

Lot 47. The "Bricklayers Arms," Fancy Street, Folkestone. Freehold.

Lot 48. The "Castle Inn," at Sandgate. Leasehold for a short term, at a ground rent of 7s. 6d.

Lot 49. The "King's Head Hotel and Tap," at Margate. Freehold.

Lot 50. The "New Inn," at Elham, on the road to Hythe. Freehold.

Lot 51. The "King's Arms," at Milton near Sittingbourne. Freehold.

The Public Houses are for the most part in the occupation of unexceptionable tenants, and the majority of them are doing trades, both in beer and spirits, considerably above the average run of Country houses. (None of them have been beer shops; they're all old Licence Houses, with connections of long standing, thereby affording ample security for the permanency of the trade). The Premises generally are in a superior state of repair.

Particulars and Plans, price 1s. each, may be had of Messr's. Furleys and Mercer, Solicitors, Canterbury; at the "Fountain Hotel;" and of Mr. V. J. Collins, 3, Moorgate Street, London.

From the Canterbury Journal, 27 March, 1858.

DEATHS. CANTERBURY.

March 6, in Broad-street, Mr. Thomas Clarke, formerly landlord of the "Weavers' Arms," aged 83.

South Eastern Gazette, 11 December, 1860.

Death of a Child from Scalding.

On the evening of Friday last T. T. Delasaux, Esq., city coroner, held an inquest at the "Weavers’ Arms," Broad-street, on the body of a child named Frederick Farqueatt, two years and eight months old, who met with his death by drinking some boiling coffee. From the evidence of the mother of the deceased it appeared that on Wednesday morning, having filled the coffee kettle with boiling water, she had occasion to be absent from the room, and left the deceased there. She almost immediately heard the child scream, and on returning she saw the deceased with his mouth open, and covered with coffee grounds.

Mr. George Rigden, surgeon, stated that he attended the deceased after the accident, and found that his mouth and throat had been scalded, from the effects of which he died on Friday.

Verdict, "Accidental death."

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 January, 1861.

MARRIAGE.

On the 21st inst, at Northgate, Canterbury, Mr Edward Wilcox, son of Mr E Wilcox, of the "Weavers' Arms," Broad-street, to Anne Maria, second daughter of Mr John Staines, of the "Lord Nelson," Northgate-street.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 2 February, 1861.

TUESDAY.

Anne Sheridan and John Harvey, a private in the 70th Foot, were charged with stealing a globe of artificial flowers, the property of John Warry, boot-maker, Broad-street, in this city.

The prosecutor stated that he went out about twenty minutes to eight on Sunday evening, and that at that time both his sitting room window and shutters were closed; but when he returned at eight, the shutters were open, the window up half a yard, and the globe of flowers gone. The value of them was 10s.

W. Bigg, Town Hall keeper, stated that he was at the house of his father-in-law (the "Weavers' Arms"), on Sunday evening, when, at about nine o'clock, the female prisoner came in, and asked him to buy a globe of flowers. She offered them for 3s. but nobody would buy them.

Sarah Daniels said she kept the "Kentish Arms," in Jewry-lane, and that between ten and eleven on Sunday night both the prisoners came to her house. The male prisoner offered the flowers for sale, saying that they belonged to his wife, and that she was going to leave her lodgings, and did not want them. At that time the woman was in the smoking-room. Witness went and asked her if the flowers belonged to her, and went and asked her if the flowers belonged to her, and she replied, "Yes."

At this juncture, the globe of flowers was brought into Court, the police having just discovered the party who had ultimately purchased them of the prisoners.

John Fill, landlord of the "Kentish Cricketers," in St. Peter’s-street, said that on Sunday night the female came in and wanted him to buy the flowers saying that she was in great distress, and that if she did not sell them she would have to sell her bed. Upon this representation but not wanting the flowers he gave her 2s. for them. Directly the flowers were brought into Court the soldier acknowledged his guilt but said that the woman was innocent. Both prisoners were remanded until Thursday. There is another charge against Harvey for stealing a saw.

John Boyle, a ticket-of-leave man, was charged with being about on Monday night for un unlawful purpose. On him were found some things used by coiners. He was remanded till Thursday.

From the Kentish Chronicles, 23 August 1862.

Wednesday.

Thomas Wilson was charged stealing a saw and stock, value 10s., the property of Mr. Edward Willcocks.

Prosecutor said:— I keep the "Weavers’ Arms" public house. The prisoner slept there on Sunday night, and I called him on Monday morning, but he was not up, when I went by train to the Exhibition. Yesterday when I went into the ninepin-alley, which I have converted into a store, I missed the saw, which is worth 6s. I left the things safe there on Saturday. I have not seen the prisoner since Sunday night till now.

P.C. Woolland:- From information which I received yesterday between twelve and one, I went with the prosecutor’s son into North Lane where we of prisoner, and took him into custody on suspicion of stealing a saw and stock, the property of Mr. Willcocks.

William Parker deposed:— I am a carpenter and live at 47, Broad street. Yesterday morning as 1 was going back to work after breakfast I saw a young man named Richards, who asked me to buy a saw for 4s. I looked at it and gave him the money.

Thomas Richards said:— On Monday night I saw the prisoner with the saw, and he asked him to buy it for 2s. 6d., but he gave him 2s, for it. The defendant then stood a pot of beer, and offered him the stock, but seeing that there was a name on it he refused to have anything to do with that, and asked the prisoner whether the saw was all right, and he replied it was. On the following morning he sold it to the last witness.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was remanded.

From the Kentish Gazette, 26 August, 1862.

Theft of saw by Thomas Wilson from Edward Willcocks of the "Weavers Arms" when he took the train up to see the Great Exhibition.

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 May 1881.

Wednesday. Before the Mayor and W. H. Linom, Esq.

A Militiaman in Trouble.

Cornelius Kelly, a militiaman, was charged with smashing five panes of glass, value 2s., the property of William Wilcox, landlord of the "Weaver's Arms," Broad-street, on Tuesday last.

It appeared from the evidence of Mr. Wilcox, that at about ten o'clock the previous morning, the prisoner went to his house the worse for liquor and asked to be served with more, which the landlord refused to do, and attempted to put him out of the house. During the struggle prisoner kicked the landlord several times, and once in the face.

The Bench discharged the man for breaking the windows as Mr. Wilcox could not positively swear that the prisoner did it, but for the assault he was fined 10s. and 6s. 6d. costs or 14 days’ hard labour in default.

From the Canterbury Journal, 17 February, 1883.

William Willcocks of the "Weavers Arms" charged with keeping house open during prohibited hours, Sun 11.30am. Case dismissed.

From the Whitstable Times, 12 September 1891.

"William Holmes, a rough looking man, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using bad language. PC Moore said the previous evening he was on duty in Broad-street. He was called to the "Weaver's Arms" to eject the prisoner. After more trouble, he went into the street, when he began to use disgusting language. Prisoner was drunk.

Prisoner was further charged with assaulting PC Moore while in the execution of his duty. PC Moore said when he had the prisoner in custody he became very violent. He kicked the witness on the head and behaved like a madman, He bit his right hand and witness had to get the assistance of Sergt. Ross and PC's Vernon and Hawks. They got a truck and after considerable trouble they took the prisoner to the Police Station.

The prisoner charged the police with knocking him about. Supt. Peacock said the prisoner had been before them eight times since 1888. He was one of the worst characters in the town. The Mayor said it was a grave offence and the prisoner would be sentenced to two months' hard labour.

Prisoner: You get me there the best way you can. The same as you did last time.

The Mayor said if the prisoner did not behave himself he would alter the sentence. The prisoner said he did not care if they sentenced him to imprisonment for life. He might as well be in prison as watched by the police.

From the Whitstable Times, 12 September, 1891.

3 Sept 1891:- Licence of "Weavers Arms" transferred from William Willcocks to Albert Frost.

From the Herne Bay Herald, 5 August, 1893.

Elizabeth Moat, landlady of the "Weaver's Arms," Broad Street.

From the Whitstable Times, 5 August 1893.

SATURDAY. Before the Mayor (W. Mount, Esq.), and W. B. Young, Esq.

THEFT OF RABBITS.

Joseph Smith was charged with stealing two tame rabbits.

Nelson Staines deposed that he missed two rabbits from a hut at the back of his house in Broad Street on the 27th. The value of the rabbits was 4s. He had examined the heads and skins produced, and they were those of the rabbits stolen.

Elizabeth Moat, landlady of the "Weaver’s Arms," Broad Street, deposed that on the night of the 27th inst. the prisoner was in her house. He came there between eight and nine o’clock, and stayed till ten minutes to eleven. He went out of the back way. He could not get out from the back of her house into Broad Street. As he did not return, she then searched her premises, but did not find him. Prosecutor’s garden was not far from her back yard, and prisoner would only have to get over a wall to get into it.

Private White, 16th Lancers, acting as cook deposed that at eight o'clock on the previous day prisoner was in his room, and asked witness to cook two rabbits for him. The rabbits were dressed and he cooked them.

Inspector Sinclair deposed that on the previous night at ten o’clock he searched the dung pit in front of the 16th Lancers block at the Barracks. In a bag he found the heads and skins produced.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment.

A case against prisoner for attempting to break into a fowl house was withdrawn.

From the Whitstable Times, 16 December 1899.

SERIOUS CASE OF NEGLECT.

William Sharp was charged with neglecting his two children Robert (14) and Felix (10) in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary pain and suffering.

Mr. H. Fielding prosecuted on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C. — Inspector Hillyard, of the N.S.P.C.C., stationed at Canterbury, deposed that on Monday, May 22nd, from information received he went to Military Road, and there saw a little boy named Felix Sharp, aged about ten years, in the road. He was in a vary neglected condition, dirty, and ragged. His clothing was wet. His shoes were very bad and he was walking on his bare feet, which were also very wet. In consequence of what the boy said to witness he gave him some food. Witness asked a Mrs. Manning, who lived at 70, Military Road, if she would take the boy into her house while he (witness) went and fetched his father. She took the boy in and witness found the prisoner in the "Weavers’ Arms," Broad Street. Witness called prisoner out of the house. Witness said "Sharp, I have a complaint to make of the treatment of jour two boys, Robert and Felix." The complaint was that these two boys were about the street all day and had to get their food the best way they could, from the Barracks and persons in Military Road. Witness said "I have just found the boy Felix in Military Road and have given him some food." Witness noticed that the prisoner had been drinking. He said "What am I to do with these boys. My wife has left me and sold the home." He commenced to cry and said "I am lodging at the "Weavers' Arms." On the 23rd May witness went to Military Road again and on the Military grounds saw the boy Robert, aged 14. He was also in a neglected condition. The same day witness saw the boy Felix again in the same condition as he bad seen him the previous day. Witness took him to his father who was working at the Barracks and said "Now, Mr. Sharp, I have seen both of your boys this morning. Robert says he is getting his food the best way he can at the Barracks, and the little boy Felix now tells me be has had no food all day. If your wife has left you you must look after these children. Prisoner said "I have arranged for the boy Robert to go to London with a Militiaman and I will arrange for the other little boy Felix to come into the Barracks and have food with me till I can make better arrangements."

Witness was requested on the 23rd August to go to 123, Northgate Street, where he saw the boy Robert, who had returned from London in a very dirty state. Witness was going to take the boy to the Workhouse when Mrs. Wellard, who lived at the house, said she would attend to the boy which she did, clothing him, etc. The boy was now in the Boys’ Home at Clapham, while the elder boy was in a situation in Canterbury.

P.C. Robertson in the Hants Constabulary, stationed at Aldershot, deposed that on 22nd September he was on duty at the West Cavalry Barracks, when at 5 a.m., he was passing an old shed at back of B squadron he heard someone breathing inside. He saw an old oil cloth and underneath was the boy Felix Sharp asleep. He was numb with cold, dirty and covered with vermin. Witness put him near a fire and gave him some food.

Margaret Sharp, wife of prisoner, stated her husband had neglected to provide proper means to support the children for some years. She did not live with him. Witness had worked at the Steam Laundry to get means to support her children. He knocked witness about and she had to leave him. Witness was now living in the Workhouse.

Prisoner, in a lengthy statement, said he had done his best to take care of his children and to keep a home together.

The Bench sentenced prisoner to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

From the Whitstable Times 10 July 1897. and Kentish Gazette, 15 February, 1902.

Joseph William Kennett, landlord of the "Weavers' Arms," Broad Street.

From the Kentish Gazette & Canterbury Press, 23 June, 1902

THE CORONATION - EXTENSION REFUSED.

Mr. J. W. KENNETT, landlord of the Weavers' Arms, Broad Street, and Secretary of the Canterbury and District Licensed Victuallers' Protection Society, applied for a general extension of one hour to all the licensed houses in in the City on the nights of Thursday and Friday on the occasion of the Coronation. Mr. KENNETT pointed to the fact that in the City of London and at Dover a free grant had been made of this privilege. Questioned by some of the magistrates and the Clerk, the applicant had to admit that he had not been asked by the whole of the occupiers of licensed houses in Canterbury to make this application. He had, however, been asked to do so by many of them.

Mr. G. J. DRURY; Then you want us to force it on many of them. Applicant said it would be open to those who did not wish to do so not to avail themselves of the privilege. It would, however, be a privilege to the licence-holders and a great convenience ot the public if it could be granted, as there would be fireworks and a bonfire on the Old Park at ten p.m. The Clerk inquired if there were any other applications and a large number of licence-holders made individual application. Supt. Farmery being appeald to, said he took neutral ground in the matter of the application. Several licence-holders had been to see him on the subject. They explained to him that they did not want the extension unless other houses remained open. The Bench retired and the Chairman subsequently announced that they had decided to refuse the applications. They considered that there was no ncessity for an extension on the occasion.

From the Canterbury Journal, 28 February 1903.

Licence of "Weavers Arms" for forfeited and pub closed, Joseph William Kennett, landlord of the "Weavers Arms" being summoned "for that on October 7th, November 25th and 26th and divers other dates, he ... permitted his house to be used as a brothel.

From the Whitstable Times, 28 February 1903.

MONDAY. Before Mr. J. Cox, Mr. T. Wacber, Mr. H. G. Sadler, and Mr. W. H. Netherclift.

KEEPING A DISORDERLY HOUSE. — A PUBLICAN FINED.

Joseph William Kennett, landlord of the "Weaver's Arms," Broad Street, was summoned for that on October 7th, November 25th and 28th, and divers other dates, he being a person duly licensed to sell alcoholic liquor by retail, permitted his house to be used as a brothel.

Mr. G. T. Drury, instructed by Mr. A. K. Mowll, appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

Evidence in support of the prosecution was given by Privates John Slate, Harry Lee, William Barnett, George Pepper, and Lewis Harris, all of the 7th Dragoon Guards; Rosa Holbrook, Annie Downs, Rose Dunn, and Police Sergeant Ewell.

For the defence, defendant an oath stated that he thought the couples were bona-fide husbands and wives. He thought they were either Reservists or time expired men, and as soon as he found out to the contrary he closed bis doors to them.

The Bench considered the case fully proved, and fined defendant £5 and £4 1a. 210d. costs, or in default one month's imprisonment.

As a result of that conviction the licence is forfeited.

From the Whitstable Times, 2 May, 1903.

The licences of the "New Military Tavern," the "Navy Arms" and the "Kings Head" were all refused while the licence of the "Weavers Arms" was forfeited on a conviction. They all belonged to Messrs Ash and Co.

LICENSEE LIST

HANREE Casey 1879-1802+ (died Mar/1828)

CLARK Thomas 1824-28 (died 6/Mar/1858 age 83)