DOVER KENT ARCHIVES
PUB LIST   PUBLIC HOUSES Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1839

Apollonian Hotel

Latest 1929

50-52 Snargate Street/Northampton Street

The Apollonian Hall

The picture above, is of the old East Kent Brewery's Apollonian Hall and pub house which was an extremely popular feature of Snargate Street before the widening of the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Appolonian Hall

 

"The Apollonian Hall and Tavern" built in 1839, was on the corner of Snargate Street at number 51, on the same side as the "Royal Hippodrome" and stood opposite Charles Clout. The hall itself, was a public hall, established about 1846 by Mr Henry Stone. It measured only 54 by 36 feet. It included a gallery but seated only eighty people. The Apollonian Hall and the Wellington Hall, further up the street, were the regular places for holding political meetings, concerts and lectures until the Connaught Hall at town hall was built at the Maison Dieu in 1883.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 22 February, 1840. Price 5d.

DOVER CATCH CLUB

The meeting on Thursday evening, at the "Apollonian Hall," was attended by nearly 200 members and visitors. The performances in the orchestra, both vocal and instrumental, went off with great eclat, and Mr. J. Southbridge was most deservedly encored in the song of "the Standard of England." Mr. J. Knight sang some of his popular comic songs which elicited unbounded applause. The chair was, as usual, admirably filled by Mr. J. Birmingham, supported by Messrs. Rich and Dickson.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 4 January, 1845. Price 5d.

NEW YEAR'S BALL

The annual ball took place at Stone's Apollonian Hall on Tuesday evening, which was attended by nearly 250 fashionables, including several of our county families. Mount's celebration band was in attendance; to whose enlivening strains the fashionable Polka was danced several times during the evening. Among those present were - the Officers of the garrison at Dover; Lord William Paulet and the Officers of the 68th, from Deal; Major Pipon and the Officers of the 1st Dragoon Guards, from Canterbury; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Royd Rice and family, Dane Court; Mr. and Mrs. Hammond, St. Alban's Court; Rev. C. H. Hallet and family, Higham; Rev. K and Mrs. Bayley, Acrise; the Misses Croft, Saltwood; Rev. Cholmondley Dering and Miss Dering; Mr. and Mrs. Brydges, Wootton Court; Hon. Mr. Law; Major Edwards and family; Sir T. and Lady Montresor and family; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Warner, Mrs. Adml. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Misses Bandwin, Mr. and Mrs. Minet, Mr. Jarvis, Capt. Parker, R.N., Sir T. Drake, Mr. and Miss. Hamilton, Miss Smith, Miss Matthews, Mrs. Dillon Hearn, Lady and Miss Knatchbull, &c. &c. The refreshments were provided by Mr. Stone most liberally, and in a manner which gave universal satisfaction.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 8 March, 1845. Price 5d.

GENERAL TOM THUMB

This extraordinary little gentleman, who has excited so much interest in the metropolis, and every part of the kingdom, is about to hold his levees for two days only, at the "Apollonian Hall," Dover, as will be seen by our advertising columns, and the admission being only one shilling, will doubtless attract crowded audiences at each exhibition. At the conclusion of the levee on Wednesday evening, the General will appear at the Theatre, where he will go through his extraordinary stage performance.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 15 March, 1845. Price 5d.

GENERAL TOM THUMB

The Dover public, who had only known by report of the extraordinary little fellow, have at last been gratified with a sight of the Prince of Lillyputians, who has honoured us with a visit during the week, and was exhibited at the "Apollonian" on Tuesday and Wednesday, attracting on each occasion immense throngs of spectators, all eager to glance at what seemed "passing strange," and who retired both delighted and astonished. Subsequently to his exhibition on the Wednesday the General paid a visit to the Theatre, and between the pieces figured on the boards in a variety of stage performances, much to the pleasure of an overflowing house. Particulars might be detailed relative to this "man in miniature," but the little gentleman's fame has so ling extended through our sea girt isles, that the effort could only be received as a tale oft told.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 28 August, 1848.

Susannah Goodchild appeared on a charge of creating a disturbance at the "Apollonian Hall" at an early hour this morning. - Case dismissed.

 

 

The East Kent Brewery officiated but sometime after 1917. Jude Hanbury are evident.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports Advertiser, 6 January, 1849.

The New Year's ball at the "Appollonian Hall on Monday evening was numerously attended by the elite of the fashionables at present residing amongst us. Among those present may be mentioned - Sir George and Lady Gould, General and Mrs. Power, the Hon. Mrs. Fleming, Col. and Mrs. Barrington, Col. and Mrs. Cole, Lady Neale and Miss Rennoul, Mr. Green Wilkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Bendyshe, Mr. and Misses Bradger, Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey, Mr. and Mrs. Ingram, Mr. and Miss Godfrey Fitter, Mrs. Reynott, the Misses Dickens, Miss Cavendish, the Officer of the Garrison, &c. &c. Dancing was protracted to a late hour, and satisfaction was gratefully expressed at the arrangements made for the comfort of visitors.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports Advertiser, 28 August, 1849.

Susannah Goodchild appeared on a charge of creating a disturbance at the Apollonian Hall at an early hour this morning. - Case dismissed.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 5 December, 1863.

MR. AND MrS. GERMAN REED AND Mr. JOHN PARRY

These very clever and highly popular entertainers announce their appearance at the "Apollonian Hall" on Tuesday evening next. Their entertainment has long been par excellence the best of its class; and we believe "the Charming Cottage," and "Mrs. Roseleaf's Little Evening Party," - the first given by Mr. and Mrs. German Reed, and the other by Mr. Perry, - fully maintain this enviable yet well earned distinction.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 11 October, 1867.

THE BROUSIL FAMILY

This talented family of violinists gave their entertainment at the "Apollonian Hall" last evening, to a large and highly appreciative audience.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 6 September, 1867.

THE REGATTA PRIZES

William Spicer, a mariner, was charged with assaulting William Clark, another man of the same calling, on Wednesday evening.

The assault was rather a serious one, three other men being concerned with the defendant molesting the complainant. The matter arose out of the regatta proceedings. The complainant, it appeared, was the owner of the winning boat in the sailing match, and he had been to draw the money, when he was met by the defendant on coming out of the "Apollonian Hall." The defendant throttled him, and shouted, "What are you going to do with the money now, you _____." He returned to the "Apollonian Hall," and Mr. Stone permitted him to leave by the back part of the house; but on getting outside he was met upon by three other men of the same party and seriously assaulted.

In reply to the Magistrates the complainant said that out of the eight boats entered for the sailing match, the owners of seven agreed to share the whole of the money, irrespective of the winning boats. Witness had not entered into the compact; indeed he had never been spoken to on the subject till after the regatta; and he then declined to share his winnings with the rest. In consequence of this he was threatened by a number of the boatmen, the defendant among them, and this was the reason of his ill-treatment.

In cross-examination by Mr. Lewis the complainant declared that he was not a party to the agreement he had referred to.

Edward Thomas Artlett, corroborated the complainant's testimony.

John Castle was also examined as a witness on the complainant's behalf.

Mr. Lewis for the defendant, said that the defence was that the complainant had agreed to share with the rest of the men before the race, and that he afterwards wanted to get off his agreement when he found that his boat had carried off the first place. The practise of sharing prizes was a very common one with the boatmen, as it secured to all of them a good day's pay, while the spectators on shore were equally well amused.

Mr. Lewis called Joseph Potter, who swore that the owners of all the eight boats, including the complainant, agreed to share. He heard the complainant say that he should go "concerus" twice, and the last time he said if this was not agreed to she should not let his boat sail. On the afternoon of the regatta, on seeing the complainant after the race, witness said to him, "I s'pose things are all right, Bill," when the complainant turned his back and said he had not got time to talk. He was at the "Apollonian Hall" when the prizes were distributed and saw Spicer close to Clark, but no blows were struck. Witness entered Clark's boat.

William Ladd, another mariner, gave precisely the same evidence. The agreement is to go "concerus" was quite clear and distinct. All the owners of the other boats could swear it, and their testimony could be borne out by 200 witnesses. It was not till after the Regatta that Clark declined to go shares. Witness saw Spicer jump at Clark, when Clark came out  of the "Apollonian Hall," but no blows were struck. Witness considered that the complainant went out at the back of the "Apollonian Hall" because he was afraid to face the men he had enraged.

The magistrates dismissed the summons.

John Potter, William Spice, and Henry Irvine, the three men who were alleged to have assaulted the complainant in the last case also, were charged with assaulting Edward Thomas Artlett, a witness in the last case, who was concerned with Clark in sailing his boat.

Mr. Lewis appeared for the defendants.

The assault arose out of the circumstances already detailed. Several witnesses were examined on both sides, the evidence being of a very conflicting nature.

It appears that police-constable Baker was upon the spot, and he was therefore called by the Magistrates to speak to the facts. He heard one of the defendants ask complainant as he was going down the street if he meant to stick to his bargain, and the complainant said "No." He afterwards saw a mob in front of the "Apollonian Hall" and there was a scuffle, but he saw no blows struck.

Mr. Lewis addressed the Magistrates for the defendants, and the witnesses on defendants behalf having been examined.

The Bench considered the assault proved. Irvine would be fined 10s. and costs, and Potter and Spice 5s. 6d. and costs. In default, Irvine fourteen days' imprisonment, and Potter and Spicer seven days' each.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 March, 1869.

TO-NIGHT (FRIDAY), & To-morrow SATURDAY, MARCH 5th & 6th, 1869.

MR. H. BOX BROWN, from Richmond, U.S. America, the King of all Mesmerists, and Professor of Magic, will give his ENTERTAINMENTS at the above Rooms on Magic, Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Electro-Biology, and Phrenology, assisted by Madame Brown. Crowded Houses!! Crowded Houses everywhere.

Concluding with the Great AMERICAN TEA PARTY and the NJew York barber's shop. Mr. B will also introduce the American Electric Drum and Bell, with many other Feats in Magic, changing his Entertainments each night. Great present nights! Presents of every description! Magnificent sets of Electro-Silver Plate, Electro-Silver Drinking Cups, Tea Spoons, Splendid Sets of Papier Machè Tea Trays, Beautiful Writing Desks and Ladies' Work Boxes, Brooches, Rings, Scarf Pins, Sets of China, Albert-Chaics, and a variety of other articles too numerous to insert. Appropriate music will be in attendance. Stalls, 1s. 6d.; Unreserved Seats, 1s.; Body of the hall, 6d.; Gallery 3d. Doors open at Half Past 7, commence at 8 o'clock. carriages may be ordered for a quarter-past Ten o'clock.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 15 October, 1869. Price 1d.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Ellen Brown, a respectably dressed young woman, who said she was married, was charged with causing an obstruction of the footway in Snargate Street on the previous evening.

It appeared that there had been a ball at the "Apollonian Hall" on Friday night. the defendant with several other women congregated around the entrance to the hall, and caused an annoyance to those entering the place, and as the defendant refused to go away, Police-constable Bowles took her into custody.

The Magistrates dismissed her with a caution, on her paying 2s. for the hearing.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 January, 1877. Price 1d.

EXTENSION OF TIME

Mr. Brown proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall," made an application for extension of time for the Volunteer Ball on Tuesday and for a soirée on Friday.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 13 April, 1877. Price 1d.

EXTENSION OF TIME

An application was made by the proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall," Mr. Brown, for extension of time for a ball on Thursday evening.

The application was granted.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 7 September, 1877. Price 1d.

EXTENSION OF TIME

Mr. Brown, proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall," applied for an extension of time for a ball on Monday next.

The application was granted.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 5 October, 1877. Price 1d.

EXTENSION OF TIME

Mr. Brown, the proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall," applied for an extension of time two nights next week, Monday and Friday, on the occasion of a ball each of those evenings, which was granted.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 22 December, 1877. Price 1d.

PRIVATE BALL

Extension of time was granted to Mr. Brown, proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall" for a private ball to be given by Mr. Fortescue, on Friday next.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 January, 1883. Price 1d.

EXTENSION OF TIME

Mr. Brown, proprietor of the "Apollonian Hall," applied for extension of time for two balls, for Wednesday the 17th, and Tuesday the 23rd inst.

The application was granted.

 

 

Demolition proved necessary in October 1929 when dockyard facilities were improved. Its beer store at 3 Commercial Quay may have survived at that time but would have met the same fate eventually.

 

LICENSEE LIST

STONE Henry 1839-66 end Bagshaw's Directory 1847Post Office Directory 1855Melville's 1858

STONE Henry Thomas 1866 and Jul/1871 Dover Express

NUTT 1872

HARDS A 1873-77 Post Office Directory 1874

BROWN W 1877-89+ Post Office Directory 1882Pikes 1889

FAIRLIE Charles Archibald 1891-95 Post Office Directory 1891Pikes 1895

TARLING Harold Maides 1901-1903+ Post Office Directory 1903

PORT Richard 1906-15 dec'd Post Office Directory 1913Kelly's 1913

JOYCE James B 1910 dec'd ?

LINELL John 1910-20 end (Royal Apollonian Hall)

Last pub licensee had BEANE Francis James 1915-18 Next pub licensee had Post Office Directory 1918

BUSHELL John 1920-22+ Post Office Directory 1922

THURSFIELD Arthur B M 1923-28 end Pikes 1923Pikes 1924

MILES George 1928-29 end

Last pub licensee had CASTLE or CASWELL Edward 1929

 

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Post Office Directory 1855From the Post Office Directory 1855

Melville's 1858From Melville's Directory 1858

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Pikes 1889From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1889

Post Office Directory 1891From the Post Office Directory 1891

Pikes 1895From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1895

Post Office Directory 1903From the Post Office Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Kelly's 1913From the Kelly's Directory 1913

Post Office Directory 1918From the Post Office Directory 1918

Post Office Directory 1922From the Post Office Directory 1922

Pikes 1923From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1923

Pikes 1924From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1924

Dover ExpressFrom the Dover Express

 

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