South Eastern Gazette 6 February 1849.

ASHFORD.

On Monday last, a Mr. Russell, (now on a visit to some friends at Ashford,) being out with his gun, on his return towards the evening called in at the "Swan," at Great Chart, and having placed his gun in the corner of the room, called for some porter and tobacco, and commenced smoking and conversing with the landlord. When about to start, he found that he had left his purse at home; he, consequently told the landlord of his unpleasant situation (being a stranger to him,) gave him his address, and promised to call in the morning, and discharge the demand which was eight-pence. This did not satisfy " Mr. Boniface" and he insisted upon security, by Mr. Russell depositing in his hands his shot belt, or something worth 8d., at which request Mr. R. expressed his great indignation, and rose, intending to leave the house, when a scuffle ensued between them. Mr. R. having his gun in his hand, on a sudden it went off, the charge passing through a screen, behind which several persons were sitting, but fortunately no one happened to be injured seriously, only one man being wounded in the knee. If any one had happened to have been on the other side, he would probably have been killed on the spot. The affair was brought under the notice of a magistrate on the following day, who advised them to retire and arrange the matter amicably.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 20 September 1853.

Alfred Cullen, "Swan Inn," Great Chart, Ashford, Kent, respectfully solicits the support of hop planters, to draw samples, having had six years' experience he trusts to give satisfaction. All letters, addressed as above, will have immediate attention.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, Saturday 24 July 1858.

Charge of bigamy.

At the magistrates' Clerk's office on Saturday last, Alfred Cullen, formerly of the "Swan," Great Chart, was brought before W. Burra, Esq., charged with intermarrying with Ellen Breach, his former wife, Elizabeth Carling, being alive.

Superintendent Dewar deposed that he searched the Register of the church of St. Mary the Virgin, at Dover, and also the Register of St. John's Church, Saddington, and produced the two certificates of the marriage of prisoner, the former being with Elizabeth Culling on the 14th October, 1840, and the letter with Ellen Breach on the 27th February last.

Charles Gilham, of Ashford, proved the former marriage, and Matthew Chaplin, of Paddington, deposed being present at the latter.

Prisoner said, in defence, that is former wife's father agree to keep her and her three children, provided he gave her £20., instead of which he gave her £30., with the understanding he was going to Canada

Committed for trial at the assizes.

Kentish Gazette 7 March 1865.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. ASHFORD. CARD PLAYING IN A PUBLIC HOUSE.

Mr. Giles Grist, landlord of the "Swan Inn," Great Chart, was summoned for knowingly suffering gaming in his house, contrary to the tenor of his license. The case was proved by P.C. Thomas Waller, stationed at Great Chart. It appeared that on Feb. 20th there had been a "rabbit shoot" on Godington estate, by permission of N. Toke, Esq. In the evening the parties, who were all farmers and tradesmen, went to the "Swan," and four of them were amusing themselves with a game of cards, when the policeman who had been listening outside, walked into the parlour and surprised them in their game. The defendant now asserted that the parties, who, it was admitted, were respectable persons, were playing for amusement only. The Bench inflicted a penalty of 50s. including costs.

Kentish Gazette 28 March 1865.

ASHFORD PETTY SESSIONS. ANNOYING A POLICEMAN.

Information's were laid against Mr. Giles Grist, of the "Swan Inn," Great Chart, and against Mr. Norton, a tradesman of that place, for interrupting police constable Thomas Waller, who gave evidence at the last Petty Sessions, which led to Mr. Grist being convicted for allowing card playing in his house for money. The offence arose out of this matter; the parties complaining that the policeman spoke falsely.

Summonses were granted against both.

Kentish Gazette 4 April 1865.

ASHFORD PETTY SESSIONS. QUARRELLING WITH THE POLICE.

Mr. James Norton, carpenter, and Mr. Giles Grist, landlord of the "Swan Inn," both of Great Chart, appeared to a summons charging them with using insulting and abusive language towards P.C. Thomas Waller.

Mr. Grist, was fined last month for by the Magistrates for allowing card playing in his house for money. Waller was the witness who proved the case, and upon returning home to Great Chart, Grist accused him of telling untruths, and declared he would complain of him to the Superintendent, also telling he was "no man," and using other abusive epithets. Norton afterwards met the constable, and swore at him for mentioning him as one of the persons in the house, and called him a "liar."

Mr. Langham, sen., solicitor, of Hastings, appeared for the defendants, and on their behalf admitted the offence, which he said was committed when they were in a state of irritation at what they conceived to be the policeman's misrepresentations. They were now very sorry for what had occurred, and begged to express their regret for it.

Sir Norton Knatchbull, after a suitable admonition to the defendants, said the Bench under the circumstances would permit the information's to be withdrawn.