From the Kentish Gazette, 6 September 1836.

On Wednesday week, Mr. Geoffrey Pett, butcher, of Dartford, having been to Erith to purchase some beasts, on his return unfortunately fell from his horse, and was discovered lying in the road on his back. He was taken to the "Swan Inn," at Crayford, and afterwards conveyed home to Dartford, where he was attended by Mr. Hurst, surgeon, who was unremitting, for several hours, in his endeavours to restore animation, but without effect, and the poor man lingered insensible until the next day, when he died.

South Eastern Gazette, 18 October 1853.

DARTFORD.

At the monthly sitting of this court, before J. ’Espinasse, Esq., yesterday week, the number of cases entered was far below the average, and few possessed any features of public interest. The following illustrates a novel mode of book-keeping:-

Wood v. Brown.

This was an adjourned case. The claim was for £2 12s. 8d., by the landlord of the "Swan" public-house at Crayford. The defendant, who denied the debt, is a beer-shop keeper in the same place. There had been a running account between the parties for refreshments, extending from 1851 to 1853, and in 1852, the account being then £1 12s. 7d., the plaintiff paid £1 on account. In July last, the account, with balance left, amounted to the sum claimed, and on calling on defendant for a settlement the latter said that "he would pay the money when he liked." The plaintiff was cross-examined concerning a bill which had been sent in, consisting or about forty different items, with no other particulars than that the amount was supplied in such a year, without stating whether the articles were beer, spirits, or anything else. His Honour deprecated such a system of keeping accounts, and as the plaintiff could not render a fair statement of the goods supplied, he gave judgment for defendant.