Southeastern Gazette, 5 June 1853.

MAIDSTONE PETTY SESSIONS.

Friday. (Before W. Hills and T. Hyde, Esqrs.)

Charles Strode was committed for trial to the Borough Sessions, on a charge of stealing two table knives and a pair of shears, the property of George French. The prisoner, it appeared, took lodgings at the "British Queen" on Sunday, and left on Tuesday, after which a pair of shears were missed, and prisoner was followed by another lodger to Wateringbury, where he gave information to constable Smith, who took him into custody with the articles in his possession.

Southeastern Gazette, 19 July 1853. Maidstone

Friday. (Before H. W. Joy, Esq., Mayor, W. Haynes, W. Hills, and H. Godden, Esqrs.)

George French, landlord of the "British Queen," in the Square, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer during the hours of divine service, on Sunday, the 10th inst.

Police-constable Leaney stated that he went to the defendant’s house at about a quarter to twelve o’clock on Sunday morning, when he found the house open, three persons sitting in a room, and three pots with beer in them upon the table. On speaking to defendant about it, he said he and his neighbour was merely having a half-pint.

Defendant said it was the first year of his having a license, and two men (the other being his lodger), having a sick house at home, came in, and he did not think it any harm to draw them a pint.

The magistrates said the case was clearly proved and fined defendant 40s. and costs.