From the Sevenoaks Chronicle, 31 August 1852.

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY AT ROCHESTER.

Friday being the day appointed for the general annual Licensing day, and for hearing applications fro granting new licenses, the county magistrates assembled in petty sessions at eleven o'clock. There were present, the Rev. G. Davies (chairman), Capt. Baker, W. M. Smith, Esq., M. P., W. H. Nicholson, Esq., Major Boys, and the Rev. J. J. Marsham.

There were several applications for granting new licenses, and the proceedings were watched with some interest by those concerned.

.....

Mr. Arnold then applied for a license for the "Elephant and Castle" beer-shop, situate on the Luton Road, Chatham. The ground near it, he said, was laid out for building purposes. The nearest licensed house on the Chatham side was the "Dark Sun" and on the Luton side the "Hen and Chickens," the former being half a mile distant from the "Elephant and Castle."

Application refused.

The Magistrates then proceeded to granting the renewal of the several licenses within their jurisdiction, and at the close of the business dined together at the "Crown Inn." ("Northfleet")