From the Kentish Gazette, 23 April 1839.

DREADFUL FIRE AT CHATHAM.

On Thursday morning, at about half past one o’clock, the inhabitants of Chatham and the city of Rochester were alarmed by the outbreak of a fire, of a very calamitous description, in the extensive premiers of Messrs. Godfrey and Wall, brewers, on the banks of the river Medway, in the rear of the houses on the east side of High-street, Chatham. The alarm was raised in the town, through the instigation of one of the sentries on duty at the Cyent Wharf, on the opposite side of the river (a distance of at least 100 yards), who first discovered the fire, which appeared to him racing within the brewery, he left his post immediately and proceeded to the guard-ship lying in the river, abreast of the premises in question, and gave information to the commanders. Captain Hubbard and Captain Clevel. Those gentlemen, with the utmost activity, had the ship’s engine hoisted into the long boat, and with a party of eighty of the vessel’s company, rowed to the spot instantly, and was playing on the flames before any other engine.

The situation of the brewery of Messrs. Godfrey and Wall was only accessible by the water’s edge (with the exception of a narrow low gateway from the main road in High-street), rendering it a matter of the greatest difficulty to get at the fire. Adjacent were dwelling houses of respectable tradesmen and coal warehouses, which crowded upon those where the flames originated. As soon as the alarm was known in the town, an unusual concourse of persons repaired to High-street, which, in a very few moments, presented a most striking and animated scene, being crowded in every quarter, and excited to the utmost degree. By two o’clock the military at the barracks in the town were acquainted with the awful visitation, and came in hundreds, with the engines, to the spot. Detachments of the numerous regiments now stationed in the town, under the command of Sir William Scott (the son of Sir Walter Scott), Captain Kennedy, and several others, arrived in quick succession, and momentarily, one and all, set to working the engines that were in attendance, and assisting the inhabitants who occupied the various buildings adjoining to the fire in removing their goods and furniture to a place of safety, for already had the flames caught several of the coal warehouses, and the light combustibles which they were composed of occasioned the fire to rage with increased fury. The engines belonging to the Sun and Kent fire offices, and those belonging to the royal engineers at Chatham Dock-yard, were, like those already mentioned, very expeditious in reaching the scene of destruction; there was, however, very tedious work in bringing them into action, for the only supply of water obtainable, sufficiently to keep them in continual operation, was from the river (there being no water laid down in the streets); but there was another obstacle to contend with—the tide was down, and far out, in consequence of which the conflagration raged uncontrolled, and made the most frightful progress, firing everything within reach. Subsequently two of the land engines worked from two large tubs, which were kept full by buckets of water passed down lines of persons (who came forward and rendered their assistance) from wells on the premises of Messrs. Betts and Co.’s brewery, which occupies a vast space on the opposite side of High street. This supply on such a magnitude of fire had very little effect, for the distance from whence it had to he forced by hydraulic pressure was such that it barely reached the burning premises, and the heat was so intense and severe that no one could approach nearer than forty paces.

At three o'clock the flames had enveloped, in addition to the brewery (in which they commenced) and attached outhouse, the premises of Mr. Crockford, coal merchant; those of Mr. Carter, baker; printing office of Mr. Tailor, printer; likewise detached buildings (of wood) for the royal navy purposes, and blazing into the dwelling houses (at the back) of Mr, Tailor, printer. No. 67, High-street; Mr. Crowder, hair dresser, No. 66; that of Mr. Ashdown, confectioner. No. 65; of Mr. Carter, baker. No. 64; and another. At this critical moment the conflagration assumed such an appearance as has not been witnessed by the inhabitants of Chatham and Rochester and the surrounding country for many a year past, and no doubt will not he easily forgotten. The huge volumes of flame that emanated from the burning houses ascended high into the air, casting a splendid crimson hue for miles distant, and forming a magnificent and appalling sight, but more particularly on the opposite shore of the Medway, which was widely covered with heavy-laden boats from the numerous ships of war lying in different parts. The houses in High street, as above stated, having taken fire, it was the universal opinion that the whole of the houses on each side of the street would be destroyed; in fact, the wind, which had been blowing from the south-west very hard, had increased to a hurricane, scattering massive flakes of fire in all parts of the town. Their total destruction seemed inevitable. An agent of the Sun fire office observing the awful progress of the flames, and the fearful consequences that were likely to ensue, lost no time in despatching intelligence by express to London for additional assistance, which arrived at the Watling-street station of the fire establishment at about half-past five o'clock. It was at first considered by Mr. Braidwood, who received the information, that by the time his aid readied Chatham it would be not very serviceable, owing to the great distance. However, the large engine of that station was sent, under the management of four experienced London firemen, of the names of Henderson (engineer), Hamilton, Lodar, and Warde, travelling with four post horses, and reached Rochester within three hours after starting, a distance of 32 miles. Providentially for the inhabitants of the town, after three o'clock the tide of the Medway almost overflowed its banks, thus affording to the engines present a supply of water, and preserving half Chatham from destruction. The branch pipes of the engines were chiefly in the hands of the royal engineers and sappers and miners of the Dock-yards, to whom the town is deeply indebted, for their exertions were incessant, and tended to the suppression of the flames. A timber-yard, containing £8,000 or £10,000 worth of wood, the property of Mr. Wells, which is situated close to the fire, was a point at which the principal efforts were directed; three or four times the stacks of timber ignited, and it was with the greatest difficulty the spot was saved. At four o’clock it was somewhat abated; the whole of the engines continued working to their entire power, but it was not safely subdued until very late in the evening. On the arrival of the London engine it was got to work, and competed with the Chatham engines which should perform the most essential service.

A number of miraculous escapes happened, but we are happy to state that no lives were lost. Amongst the buildings burnt down are some stables, in which were two valuable horses and several pigs; they unfortunately perished.

The following is the property destroyed and injured Mr. Crockford, coal merchant, back part of premises nearly destroyed, insured in the Phoenix. The "Trumpet" public-house, roof damaged, insured half Kent half Sun. Messrs. Godfrey and Wall's brew-house, stables, coal shed, counting-house, totally destroyed, and back part of their dwelling much damaged, insured in the Phoenix. Mr. Carter, baker, bake-house and about 25 sacks of flour totally destroyed, and back part of his dwelling-house much injured, insured in the Phoenix. Mr. George Ashdown, confectioner, back part of dwelling much burnt, and furniture destroyed, insured in the Sun. Mr. Crowder, hair-dresser, back of dwelling much destroyed, insured in the Phoenix. Mr. Tailor, printer, back of house damaged, insured in the West of England. Mr. Ruck, hatter, back of house damaged, insured in the Union. Mr. Davis, slop-seller, slightly damaged, insured in the Sun. Some of the timber which stood in the timber yard adjoining the brewery, catching fire, a quantity of deals were thrown into the river.
Mr. Batten, Agent to the Sun Fire Office, did his duty manfully, and by the effective working of his engine (the Sun) and the discipline of his men, saved much property. The ruins were burning on Friday evening. There is no question that plunder was carried on by the thieves, and many persons have lost a good deal of property. Mr. Ashdown, the confectioner, used every night to carry up stairs into his front room, pastry and jellies, and place them on his dining table; the thieves effected an entrance, and not only eat the pastry and jellies, but threw what they could not eat about the room. The fire has caused the greatest consternation, and it is singular that in March, 1820, a fire broke out in the same spot, and destroyed several houses. The property destroyed on the present occasion amounts to about £5,000.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 20, March 1849.

Alleged attempt to murder.

Robert Wicksom, 32, a marine, was indicted for casting and throwing down to the ground, from a window of the height of 20 feet and upwards, one Elizabeth Mulluder, with intent to kill and murder her, at Chatham.

Mr Tassell prosecuted, Mr Addison defended the prisoner.

Elizabeth Mulluder sworn:- I have been living in the service of Mr Simmons, a Draper, at Strood, who service I left on the 5th November, in the morning. I went to Brompton to Mrs. Theobald, whom I had known before, and he was a friend of my mother. My mother lived at Cliffe, 5 miles from Strood. I left Mrs. Theobald about 6 o'clock in the evening of the same day. I walked about till 8 o'clock, and then went to Chatham, where I went to the "Cock" public house, and engaged a bed, in which I slept. No one slept with me. I left there the next day. I had no money. I went to enquire for a situation about the town. I went to the "Union Flag" in the evening, at about 7 o'clock, for a bed. I met the prisoner there, who asked me to drink with him, and we had six pennyworth of rum and water. I had to draughts. Had nothing more to drink there, and then went to a concert at the "Red Lion," where we had a quart of ale, some of which prisoner gave away. We stayed about quarter of an hour, and then came up to Chatham and hired a bed; this was about 8 o'clock. We went into two or three public houses, and prisoner engaged a bed at the "Trumpet," for which he paid. We went upstairs together. Prisoner did not give me any money, or did he offer me any. I knew I was going to sleep with him. I've never slept with any man before. Prisoner called for a pint of beer, servant brought it up, and then left. I then shut the door, and afterwards undressed myself and got into bed. I soon after got out of bed and dressed myself. I was putting on my frock when he got out of bed and said, "I dare say you thought I was asleep, but you are mistaken." I asked him to let me go down, but he would not, and locked the door and took the key. He swore at me, and told me I had robbed him. I told him I had not, and he then said "No, you haven't; there is plenty of silver and plenty of gold. If you have robbed me I'll cut your throat." He then gave me a blow in the face and said, "I dare say you have taken my jacket and my waistcoat." He found them, and then said "If you had taken them I would have knocked your brain out." He then folded his waistcoat and coat, and put them on the bed. I was dressed all together. He kept swearing very much, and said he would throw me out of the window. I begged him not to do it, but he said he would. I was not near the window. He took the glass off the table, laid it on the bed, removed the table from under the window, and put it in the middle of the room. He then drew up the blind and opened the window. I was sitting in a chair. After he had opened the window he swore at me, and took me by the shoulders, and said "Now, then," and put me out of the window, and I sat on the sill of the window. He did not hold me, and I called for a ladder. I took hold of the window ledge and let myself down, when he took hold of my arm whilst I was hanging down. I said "Oh pray, you will break my arm, and he let go, and I fell. I do not remember anything after that, until I was being carried upstairs. Prisoner was sober; I never saw him before that time.

Cross examined by Mr Addison:- I left Mrs. Simmons because she boxed my ears. My friends live 5 miles from Strood. I did not let them know I was going to leave. I had a dance at the "Union Flag," and then went to the concert. I will swear that the prisoner did not ask me to let him write a letter to my father.

By the Judge:- I did not go home because I thought my father would send me back.

Elizabeth Lawrence sworn:- I am servant at the "Trumpet" public house. On the 6th November I was called to light the prisoner and the last witness to bed. Prisoner paid for the bed. I bade them good night, and returned to the tap room. Shortly afterwards heard groans, and on opening the door saw the prosecutrix on the ground, very much bruised. Prisoner opened the bedroom door, and said "Let her in, she's a B-----y mess."

Harriet Tumor, landlady of the "Trumpet," deposed to the prisoner prosecutrix coming to her house. Prisoner asked the price of a bed, and witness told him 1s. 8d. Prosecutrix replied "We never pay more than one shilling." They then went upstairs. Shortly afterwards she heard groans in the yard, when she went into the tap room, threw up the window, and saw the girl standing under the window, and her bonnet on the ground a short distance off. She sent for a surgeon. Prisoner was in his bedroom, with the door locked inside, but shortly afterwards opened it and came downstairs. Prisoner stated that the girl asked him to remove the looking glass from the window. She then threw up the window and jumped out. He caught hold of her arms, and tried to save her, but could not. He gave his name and address, and the next day he called to see her; they talked in a very friendly way. He decided that she might have anything she wanted, and he would see it paid.

Mr Archibald Robertson, surgeon, Chatham, deposed:- On the 6th November I was called to the "Trumpet" public house, between 10 and 11 o'clock. Saw the prosecutor in the tap room. She was in a very bruised state, and appeared very much frightened. The bruises might have been occasioned by a fall, or from being thrown out of the window. They were not dangerous.

Thomas Blues, constable of Chatham, stated that the window was 24 feet from the ground.

Mr Addison address the Jury for the prisoner, contending that the indictment was not clearly made out, as no intention of murder was proved. He also remarked on the statement made be the prisoner in reference to the prosecutrix throwing herself out, and said that he considered that the most likely story, as, if the prisoner has been guilty of the offence imputed to him, he would undoubtedly have endeavoured to make his escape.

His Lordship, in summing up, observed that it was a case of some difficulty, as the prisoner's statements and the prosecutrix's were directly opposed to each other; but it was for the jury say, under all the circumstances of this case, which they believed.

The Prisoner was acquitted.

Kentish Gazette, 14 December 1852.

Coroner's Inquest.

On Wednesday evening and inquest was held at the "Trumpet," Chatham, before Thomas Hills, Esq., coroner for West Kent, on the body of John Sunter, who was killed by falling into the hold of a schooner in the coal trade.

John Moore, coalmaster, stated that on Tuesday morning, about 11:15, he was on board the schooner W.M. of South Shields, who was discharging coal at Crockford's store. The deceased was at work getting out the cargo. He was on the plank loading from the wharf to the ship. He was acting as basket man — loading the coals from the basket into the weighing machine. He had turned over two baskets and was endeavouring to catch hold of the 3rd, when he overreached himself and fell forward into the hold, which was 20 feet deep. He was got up immediately and a surgeon sent for. He was quite insensible and never spoke afterwards. He was mate of the schooner and would have been 28 years old next March. He was perfectly sober.

Mr. Archibald Robertson surgeon, was called into the deceased. He found him in a state of insensibility from a fall he had received, and a severe bruise on the right side of his head. Every effort was made to restore him, but without avail. Death was caused from the effects of the bruises have received.

Henry Reid, dredger-man, who was helping to discharge the schooner, collaborated the evidence of the first witness.

Verdict. Accidental death.

Southeastern Gazette, 11 January 1853.

CITY PETTY SESSIONS.

Wednesday. Before the Mayor, Mr. Alderman Clements, Mr. Alderman Essell, Dr. Drawbridge, E. R. Coles and W. Manclark, Esqrs.)

Edward Ray, a labourer in Chatham Dock-yard, was charged with assaulting police-constable Chambers on the night of the 27th ult. Defendant denied all knowledge of the case, and called Sampson Burford, landlord of the "Trumpet" public-house, Chatham, who proved that he was at his house during the evening in question, and remained there until twelve o’clock at night, at which hour the assault was alleged to have taken place. Defendant applied for an adjournment of the case, in order to procure the attendance of other witnesses, and the Court consented to let it stand over until Saturday.

South Eastern Gazette, 17 July, 1860.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.

Monday. (Before the Rev. J. J. Marsham, W. Gladdish and T. H. Baker, Esqrs.)

Walter Dunn and George Barnett, 53rd Regt., were charged with being concerned in stealing a watch, the property of Sergeant Charles Saunders, of the same regiment. The first-mentioned prisoner was farther charged with having stolen the sum of £2 12s. 6d., at the "Trumpet Tavern," and violently assaulted Police-constable Jobbing, who had him in custody, and broken two of his fingers.

It appeared that the prisoner Dunn was given into custody at the "Trumpet Tavern" for the robbery of the money, when he requested the officer not to handle him too roughly, as he would go quietly. The police-constable, however, preferred retaining his hold of his collar, when the prisoner in a very dexterous manner wrenched himself from his grasp in such a violent way that the officer had two of his fingers broken.

Committed for trial.