From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 23 June, 1871. Price 1d.

PUBLIC HOUSE TO LET

The "Yew Tree" public-house, and cottage, situated at Barfreston; also, the "William Albert," Seven-star Street, Dover. Apply to Alfred Kingsford, Buckland Brewery, Dover.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 16 September, 1887. 1d.

APPLICATIONS

Mr. Martyn Mowll applied on behalf of Mr. Holiday, of the “Yew Tree”, Barfrestone, for a license permitting ale and beer to be consumed on the premises.

Mr. Holiday, in support of the license, said there was no other licensed premises within a mile and a quarter. Witness said he had as many as 20 persons a day who applied to him for refreshments.

The Bench refused the license.

Dover Express 05 December 1902.

A STRANGE CASE AT BARFRESTON.

At the County Bench on Friday, before J. L. Bradley and T. A. Terson, Esqrs., a boy named Edward West, from Barfeston, was brought up in custody on suspicion of stealing two fowls, the property of Frederick Hambrook, of Church Farm, Barfreston.

Frederick Hambrook said: My father keeps Church Farm, Barfreston, and I kept forty fowls there. There were forty when they were shut up in the coop on the 26th, and on the morning of the 27th there were but 38. I noticed a lot of feathers about the place, and I traced feathers down the road to West’s place, where the boy West lives with his father, who is a labourer. When I saw the traces of the feathers I went to tell the policeman at Eythorne. While I was away this boy and his brother brought one of the fowls to my house.

Minnie Sarah Hambrook, wife of the last, witness, said that the one West, who was older than the boy in the dock, brought a fowl to her house and said “Who owns this?” She took it, and found that it was their Dorking fowl, with its head off and bleeding. She said it was her fowl, and they said they found it in that condition in their garden on a dung heap. He supposed a fox had been at it.

Robert Friend, of the Yew Tree, Barfreston, said he saw feathers in the road in front of West's house in the morning about eight o’clock, and the boy now in custody was sweeping them up. He kept on sweeping as he went by. His brother was inside the garden.

The prisoner said that his brother was not near at that time. When he did come he told him to stop sweeping up.

Police-sergeant Owens, stationed at Eythorne, said he, in consequence of information received, went to Church Farm, Barfreston, and saw the fowl produced, and he also saw feathers in the road corresponding with the fowl. He went into West’s garden behind the old Mission house, and in a rain water butt, he found a feather and a sack on which there was some blood, and some feathers in the sack. The boy’s father and mother were there. The boy said that they found the fowl down there beside the pigsty with its head off. He told the boy he should take him into custody, and he said he knew nothing about it. He took him to Dover Police Station.

By the Bench:- Where was the suspicion against this boy?

The sergeant:- He was sweeping up the feathers.

The prisoner:- You said that Mr. Rigden had seen me.

The sergeant said that Mr. Rigden said he could not tell whether it was a man or a boy, but he thought he saw someone running from the coop about a quarter to nine.

The prisoner:- You first accused my brother then me. My brother is 22 years of age.

The elder brother said that when he was charged he wont to Mr. Plumntre, the Magistrate, about it, and when he came back the police sergeant said he did not want him but his brother, and he would not say what the charge was. He took his brother away, and witness walked in to Dover in the night to try to get bail for him, and was told that Superintendent Chaney would not allow it. He had to walk back at two o'clock in the morning, and back again now.

The Magistrates dismissed the case.

Dover Express, 24 November 1911.

DEFENDANT’S STORY OF AN ASSAULT.

Serious allegations against the conduct of the County police were made at a sitting of the Dover County Bench, before Messrs. F. W. Prescott (in the chair), John Scott, and J. L. Bradley, on Monday, when William Gilbert, on bail, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in the Eythorne Road, Barfrestone, on 18th November.

Police-constable Thorndicraft, K.C.C., stationed at Nonington, said that at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon he was in company with P.C. Hughes on the Eythorne Road, in the parish or Barfrestone, when he saw the defendant, who was drunk and behaving in a disorderly manner. Witness cautioned him about the filthy language he was using, whereupon the defendant said, "If you think you are a better man than me, we will see," and struck him across the thumb with a stick. Defendant added, "Now see if you can catch me," and started to run away, but he had only gone a few paces when he fell down, owing to his intoxicated condition. With the assistance of P.C. Hughes, witness took him into custody, and obtained a conveyance, in which he brought him to the Dover Police Station.

Defendant:- When you came up to me, did you not want to search me?

No.

Yes, you did; and I asked you to come to the nearest inn and search me there, and not on the public highway. You struggled with me, threw me down, and gave me ten or twelve hits straight in the face. I told you I would report you to the sergeant, and you turned round and said to the other constable, "Shall I report him for being drunk and disorderly?" "I was not drunk. I was as sober then as I am now. I had some fish in my pocket, which belonged to me, and you threw them out in the middle of a field.

Answering Mr. Bradley, the constable stated that he had ascertained the defendant had been to the "Yew Tree” public-house, Barfrestone, in the morning, and left there about noon. The defendant was about a mile from the "Yew Tree" at 2.30 when he found him.

Defendant said he had a witness to prove that he was not drunk.

Police-constable Hughes, K.C.C., stationed at Chillenden, corroborated the evidence of P.C. Thorndicraft. He stated that the defendant, when cautioned, commenced struggling with the last witness.

Defendant:- You say I was using obscene language?

Yes.

To whom?

Yourself, I expect.

The Chairman:- Was there any conversation between you and the other constable as to what defendant should be charged with?

No. P.C. Thorndicraft said, "I will charge this man with being drunk and disorderly."

Chief Constable Fox, of Dover, stated that he saw the defendant brought into Dover Police Station about five on Saturday afternoon. As he walked in witness noticed that he staggered, and, in his opinion, he was the worse for drink.

Witness saw him later in the cells to arrange for his bail, and the defendant then admitted he had had several bottles of ale in the "Yew Tree."

Mr. J. L. Bradley remarked that there was a similar case to this before the County Bench recently, and he then enquired where the defendant got the drink. It seemed to him that these men were allowed to stop in the "Yew Tree" till they got into a condition when they had to go out.

Defendant said the drink he had in the "Yew Tree" was not enough to make him drunk.

Mr. Bradley:- It is no use your contradicting the evidence.

P.C. Thorndicraft said that the defendant in the previous case was refused liquor at the "Yew Tree."

Mr. Bradley said it seemed to him they had sent the defendant Gilbert out under the influence of drink. He thought it would be as well for the Bench to give a warning to this inn that they ought not to keep men there till they got in this condition.

Defendant said he had four bottles of ale in the "Yew Tree," and he was going home when the constable rode up on a bicycle and stopped him. He asked him what he had got on him, and he replied, "Only a few fish." He (defendant) told him that if he wanted to search him he should go to the nearest house or inn to do so, whereupon the constable said "I will give you 'inn,'" and struck him on the temple and in the face several times.

Chief Constable Fox said that when the defendant was charged he made no mention of any assault, but when in the cell he said the constable had assaulted him.

Defendant called Thomas Sidwell, a miner, of Stonehall, Lydden, who stated on oath that he saw the defendant, who was quite sober, enter the "Yew Tree" about 12.45 on Saturday. He left about 2.15, and he was then still sober. Witness saw him have only one drink, but he was not in the same bar all the time with him.

The Chairman said the Bench were satisfied the defendant was under the influence of drink, and he would be fined ten shillings.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19 January, 1912.

LICENCE ALTERATION

The "Yew Tree" was transferred from L. Burrows to William Bushell.

Mr. Bradley said that they had cases where men said this was the last house which they had visited, and a man got drunk inside and not outside the house.

The Chairman asked if there was any proof of the men's statement.

Superintendent Stone said there was not.

Mr. Bladley said that there was no other house where the men could have been. The incoming tenant should be acquainted with what had occurred.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 March 1912.

COUNTY POLICE COURT

At the sitting of the Dover County Police Court on Saturday, before Messrs. T. A. Terson (in the chair), and J. Scott, George Henry Baker, of no fixed abode, was charged of assaulting Agnes Bushell, on the 21st February, and, further with refusing to quit licensed premises, the "Yew Tree Inn," Barfrestone, at the same time and place.

Agnes Bushell said; I help my father, the licensee of the "Yew Tree Inn," Barfrestone. On the 21st February, about 9.15 p.m. the prisoner came in the bar and called for a pint of beer. I refused to serve him, as he was abusive the previous night. My father then came in from the back premises, and told the prisoner to quit, but he refused. I then went towards the bar to tell the prisoner to go out, and he struck me with his fist. A customer at the bar took hold of the prisoner, and P.C. Knighton then came in and took prisoner outside.  Prisoner had been ejected some time previously by P.C. Thornycroft.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he was very sorry.

Police Sergeant Barly, K.C.C. said the prisoner went about thrashing, and sometimes became a great nuisance, and he had thought it was best that the prisoner should not be served.

The Bench fined the prisoner 10s., including costs, in default, seven days.

Prisoner said he could not pay.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 February, 1916.

DOVER COUNTY SESSIONS.

The monthly sitting of tie Dover County Petty Sessions was held on Thursday, before Major Banks (in the chair), Messrs. Terson, H. Hart, Edward Chitty, F. W. Prescott and A Matthews.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.

This sitting was the annual licensing meeting of the Justices, and Superintendent Stone reported that the houses in his district were well conduced. Superintendent Castle also made a similarly satisfactory report.

The licence of the "Yew Tree," Barfrestone, was transferred from Mrs. J. K. Humphries to Mr. Thomas Humphries, the parties having recently married, he was a deputy at Snowdown Colliery.

Mr. Edward Chitty said that it was against the public interest to grant the licence, as being a deputy at the Colliery, it might be an attraction to the men to go to the house.

The Magistrates granted the transfer.

Dover Express 17 May 1918.

DEATH. HUMPHRIES.

On May 4th, at 127, Clarendon St., Dover, Eliza Humphries, the beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Humphries, aged 6 years and 11 months, and the grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Humphries, of the "Yew Tree Inn," Barfrestone.

Dover Express 14 January 1927.

BARFRESTONE. DEATH OF MR. T. HUMPHRIES.

We regret to record the death of Mr. Thomas Humphries, licensee of the "Yew Tree Inn," Barfrestone, for the last eleven years, whose death at the age of 59, occurred on January 5th. Mr. Humphries came to Kent some 15 years ago, when he worked at Tilmanstone Colliery as a deputy. The funeral takes place to-day. (Friday).

Dover Express, Friday 18 February 1927.

Alterations to Barfrestone House.

Mr. Duthoit submitted plans for improvements to the "Yew Tree," Barfrestone, which were approved.

Dover Express 12 October 1928.

BARFRESTONE. SHOVE HA'PENNY.

Great interest was taken in a match arranged between the "Yew Tree Inn" and the "Palm Tree Inn" (Eythorne), which was played on the board of the former on Thursday last week. The "Yew Tree" won easily, winning eight games to their opponents one.

Dover Express, Friday 29 May 1931.

SEQUEL TO THE "YEW TREE" LAW CASE.

The public examination of Alfred William Archer, formerly licensee of the "Yew Tree Inn, Barfrestone, took place at the Kent East Kent Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday. The debtor at present resides at Nonington, and was employed as a clerk. His liabilities amounted to £315 - £240 due to the brewers and £75 lent by his wife. He said he was tenant of the "Yew Tree Inn," which was a new house when he went in, from February 1928 to February, 1930. In 1926 he left the Navy with the rank of chief petty officer and was then employed doing temporary clerical work. He had to get into the country for the sake of his wife and two children who were delicate, and that was why he took the "Yew Tree Inn," which had a beer licence only. They had kept a boarding house in Rochester, but had had no previous experience of licensed premises. His naval pension was 35s. a week, but he commuted 15s. of it for £400, some of which he lost in the Rochester boarding house. He borrowed £100 from his wife and paid £148 as the ingoing evaluation and £120 for new furniture. He did not make a profit on the actual trading, and when he left the house he received £70 only as the valuation, compared with the £148 he had paid to go in. His bankruptcy was entirely due to the subsequent law action against the brewers in respect of that valuation. Archer said he was no earning £3 a week as a clerk and had his £1 a week naval pension.

Mr. Mowll:- Having lost the action, and being liable to pay the costs of the County Court and the High Court, did you receive a letter from the brewers stated that they would be satisfied if you pay the County Court costs and they would pay the High Court costs themselves? And if you couldn't pay it all at once they would take instalments?

Yes.

Why didn't you accept the offer?

I was not in a position to pay.

You were getting £4 a week?

That would not go far toward £80.
Later, Mr. Mowll said it was the valuers' fault that debtor could not appeal to umpire because of the agreed valuation. Archer ought to have received more, they ought to have received £120, and Mr. Jennings (Chairman, Merrs. George Beer and Rigden, Ltd.) said that the matter should go to Umpirage. Unfortunately it was found that the valuers had agreed at £70. The brewers could not sit down under the charge of fraud.

Examination was closed.

Dover Express, Friday 19 July 1935.

STREET A WORKS ACCIDENTS.

The following casualties were dealt with at the Royal Victoria Hospital during the past week:—

On Friday, John Hogben (15) 6, Ethelbert Rd.. cut arm in Biggin St.

On Saturday, Claud Wilson (12) 16, Tower St., abrasions in Folkestone Rd.; Mrs. Eileen Lawrence, 93, Buckland Avenue, injury to elbow in Elms Vale Rd.

On Sunday, Arthur Hearne (13) 12, Hartley St., injury to arm at Durham Hill; Albert Eversfleld, 77, Buckland Avenue, cut fingers in Cherry Tree Avenue.

On Monday, William Hanagan, 21, Lowther Rd., was admitted with injury to foot at Snowdown; Frederick Pinkney, 60, East Cliff, cut thumb at Snowdown.

On Tuesday, Leslie Westwood (10), 92, Clarendon Place, cut thumb at Military Hill.

On Wednesday, Leslie Ellis, "Yew Tree" Inn, Barfrestone, was admitted with crushed finger at Betteshanger Colliery.

On Thursday Richard Bonnage, 22, Union Rd. was admitted with lime burn of eye at Messrs. Francis and Son’s works.

Alex Saville, 40, Odo Rd., cut elbow at the Dover Engineering Works.

Dover Express, Friday 20 September 1940.

BARFRESTON. Funeral of Mrs. R. J. Humphries.

The funeral took place on September 11th, at Barfrestone Churchyard, of Mrs. R. J. Humphries, who died on September 9th. Deceased, who was the widow of Mr. T. Humphries, was the licensee of the "Yew Tree Inn," Barfrestone, for sixteen years. The Rev. J. Prankerd officiated.

The mourners present were: Mr. and Mrs. W. Bushell (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. E. Dempsey (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. Deller (daughter), Mr. W. Hollender (son-in-law), Mrs. O. Bishop (granddaughter), Mrs. Moore, the Misses A. and L. Rigden, Mrs. Dot, Miss Blunt, Mr. A. Kingston and Miss Seath.

Floral tributes were sent from:— Aggie and Ned; Mabel, Bert and family (Glos.); Bird and Boys (Elmstone); Ada, John and granddaughter Madge (Huddersfield); Will, Dorothy and family (Stodmarsh); May and family (Whitfield); Rose and Billy and granddaughter Beryl (Elvington); Kitty and George; Margaret, Jim and little Barry: little Betty (Elmstone); grandsons Ted, Leslie and Billy; sisters-in-law Alice and Sally; Alf, Nellie and niece Ruby (Stodmarsh); Mr. and Mrs. Hollander (Staffs); Chip; Elsie, Dot, Fred and John (Deal); Mr. A. Kingston (Preston); Mrs. Chandler and family; Mrs. and Miss Spanton (Barfrestone Court); the Misses Alice and Lily Rigden; Mrs. Prankerd and Mrs. Goodwin; Nurse Harris (Elvington); Mr. and Mrs. Moore and Boys (Elvington); Mrs. Norris (Elvington); Mrs. Bealing (Lanton Farm); Mrs. Coppen (Elmstone).

From the Dover Express 18 February 2010.

Report by Yamurai Zendera

CLOSED DOWN: The Yew Tree, Barfrestone Road, Barfrestone, owned by opera singer Ben Bevan, closed down at the end of January.

Pub closure leaves singer facing bankruptcy.

Hideous end to a sorry chapter.

AN ACCLAIMED opera singer who faces bankruptcy' after the closure of his award-winning pub, says the ending has been a "hideous" chapter in his life.

Baritone Ben Bevan and his wife have lost their home in Staple after deciding to remortgage it to buy the leasehold on the "Yew Tree" in Barfrestone two years ago.

The business closed recently after the main investor pulled out. The couple are now living in rented accommodation in Hythe with their two children, aged six and four, and Ben has returned to opera singing to make ends meet. He is due to sing the role of Marcello in La Boheme for the Scottish Opera at the Glasgow Theatre Royal later this month.

Ben's wife is employed as a teacher and is also an opera singer. The couple had to layoff six full-time staff members and some part-time workers.

Ben, 40 said: "The whole thing is pretty hideous. We had an investor in the pub and he pulled out. He got cold feet because of the level of trade and the rug was taken from underneath my feet. I was unable to carry on so the owners took over the building. We've lost a lot of money and are facing bankruptcy. I've got my family to think of so have returned to opera singing, but the work can be very sporadic."

Ben said the business' closure has been even tougher to take given all the energy put in to building it up. The "Yew Tree" was feted with awards after the Bevans bought the 15 year lease. Only last year it was named in the Good Food Guide and this year was among the new additions to the Michelin's Eating Out in Pubs guide.

Ben said: "We took on a closed pub and worked pretty tirelessly for two years. We broke even first year and were on the right track.

"The reason the investor got cold feet and pulled out was because the financial conditions at the moment are not great for pubs. Things were not looking good with the VAT going up, the overheads were very high and it was very quiet during the winter months.

"We couldn't continue without any working capital and the banks were totally uninterested."

Ben believes it has become extremely tough for small pubs to survive in the current climate.

He said: "Can small pubs like that actually exist?"

The Bevans moved to Staple from London six years ago and before the "Yew Tree," ran a wine firm.

Ben Is the youngest of a musical family of fourteen brothers and sisters and as a child he sang with the family choir, performing throughout the UK and Europe. Last year Ben was chosen by international tenor José Cura to work with him in the final of the José Cura Opera Project - the search for the next generation of opera star.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 3 February, 2011. 60p

HOME PLANS FOR YEW TREE

THE once popular "Yew Tree" public house next to the church in Barfrestone is set to become a four-bedroom home, if Dover District Council has no objections.

Owners Jane and Duncan Smyth, who leased the pub at various times to other landlords, have come to the conclusion it is no longer viable.

The "Yew Tree" has had a difficult history with a trail of different landlords.

Mr and Mrs Smyth have now submitted a change of use application to the district council.