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.

Mr. Arnold then applied on behalf of Mr. Wright, for a license for the "Dover Castle," a beer shop at Northfleet, situate on the road leading from the "Leather Bottle" to Perry Street, and at a distance of 430 yards from any other public house.

Mr. Nichol applied on behalf of Mr. Willis, for a license to the "Shepherd's Delight," in the same neighbourhood, situate at a distance of only 100 yards from the "Leather Bottle." The house, he said, applicant had resided in for 22 years, and in support of the application he handed in a recommendation signed by 43 of the inhabitants, including the churchwardens and overseers.

Mr. Tyler, landlord of the "Leather Bottle," opposed both applications, on the ground that there were already a large number of licensed houses in the neighbourhood, and handed in a memorial against granting a license, which proved to contain, amongst others, the names of those who had signed in favour of more licenses being granted.

The Rev. Chairman said it was so perfectly ludicrous, that it was unnecessary to read them.

The Court was again cleared, and on the re-admission the Rev. Chairman said the Magistrates granted a license for the "Dover Castle," but not for the "Shepherd's Delight" or the "Crown."