Above photo taken by Patricia Streater, 28 April, 2010.

Photo from Dover Mercury 15 March 2007.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 14 September, 1872. 1d.

DRUNK AND RIOTOUS

John Jordan, George Durban, and William Hoile, three youths, were summoned upon the information of Supt. Brothers, with being drunk and riotous in the streets on the night of Saturday week, August 31st.

Jordan pleaded guilty to being drunk, but denied that he was riotous, and Durban and Hoile said they were not drunk.

John Burch, the landlord of the "Bell Inn," deposed: I saw the defendant John Jordan in my house between 15 and 20 minutes past eleven on the night in question. In came in with several others, accompanied by Supt. Brothers. All the men were exceedingly rough and violent, and they demanded to be served with ale, and the defendant was decidedly not sober. The language used by the men was very bad, but I did not hear them use any threats. They had an idea that my house was allowed to be open after others. My front door was closed and the shutter up when the men all rushed in. I had closed my house that night at 10 minutes to eleven, and everybody in the house but myself had gone to bed. I was waiting till the last train had come in. The men demanded the lights to be extinguished throughout the house, and some gravel was thrown at my bedroom window. There were 30 men at least and they were all disorderly. I refused to serve them, and got them out of the house as quickly as possible. They thought some of the authorities were using the house, and Supt. Brothers requested me to let him go through the house in order to satisfy the mob. After the men got out of the house they remained in the street and made a great noise - yelling and shouting.

Cross-examined by Jordan: I have a distinct recollection of your being in my house on the night in question.

By Durban: I have no recollection of your being in my house, nor do I remember your calling for a glass of ale, and I did not serve you with one.

Durban: I did not go into your house and ask for a glass of ale.

Hoile had no questions to ask.

Supt. Brothers said: On Saturday the 31st of August shortly after eleven o'clock, there were a number of men assembled in front of the "Sun," public-house, and they were making a great noise. The three defendants were the most prominent. They were cursing and swearing. Jordan had a stone bottle (a gallon one I should imagine) over one of his shoulders, Hoile was endeavouring to conceal his face, and Durban had the brim of his hat turned down for the same purpose. The mob went on up through the Chain and down the High Street. They said they were certain there were houses in the town which had permission to keep open after hours, and one of the mob said, "Let us go down to the "Bell."" I told him the "Bell Hotel" was closed, but they would not believe it, and I therefore accompanied them there. When we got there, Durban went towards the door and he said the bar was open. He then went in and called for a glass of ale. I heard him do so. I did not observe whether Jordan entered the house, but he was amongst the mob, and he said he did not care for the ______ Magistrates, and that he knew some of them were playing billiards. I consider that he was the principle offender. After we got the men out of the "Bell," they remained in the street for a long time, but when the clock struck 12 they cooled down.

In defence Jordan said: I have nothing to say only that I am sorry I was there, and I hope it will never occur again.

Durban: I was not drunk, thought brothers says I was - I was no more drunk than I am now.

Hoile: I went in the country, and I was coming home I tied my handkerchief round my neck as I had a sore throat. When I got into town I fell in with the mob, and I was pushed first one way and then another. I was not drunk or disorderly.

There was another summons against the defendant Jordan, and the Magistrates decided to hear the evidence in this case before considering their decision in the other.

Jordan was then charged by Supt. Brothers with being drunk in the "Three Colts," public-house, on the night of the 1st of September, and of riotous and disorderly behaviour.

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From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 7 July, 1900.

FATAL ACCIDENT TO MAJOR HARBY.

Tuesday was a day which will never be forgotten by the members of the 1st Cinque Ports, a most lamentable accident occurred, which caused the death of the second-in-command of the Regiment, and cast a gloom over the entire Camp. Major Harby mounted his horse before breakfast to proceed to Sandwich, in order to pay a visit to Lieut. Lane, who, having been thrown from his (Major Marby's) horse the previous day, was at the Cottage Hospital at Betteshanger. He intended, also, to meet the detachments from the different companies, who were to arrive by early trains for the inspection. He had not proceeded far before the horse threw him, but he soon re-mounted, and proceeded out of Camp. The animal was very fresh and restive, and as he approached the gate, by the head-quarter guard, he was again thrown, and the horse bolted towards Sandwich, turning into the road leading to the St. George's Golf Club House. two of the gunners ran after and caught the horse, the Major following, and stating that he had not received any injury. He again mounted and rode into Sandwich, and when in New Street, the horse ran away with him. Major Harby tried to pull the animal up, when it reared on to the pavement at the corner of New Street and Galliard Street, and he was pitched violently against the house, falling heavily on the pavement, and bringing down the window shutter with him in his fall. When picked up, he was found to have received serious injuries to the head, and he was taken to the surgery of Surgeon Captain Harrisson close by. On examination, it was found that he had sustained a severe cut on the head, and that hios shoulder was dislocated. He was taken to the "Bell Hotel," and later in the day he lost consciousness, and died about noon. The terrible news was brought to the Commanding Officer as the men were marching off the parade ground after the inspection; the Union Jack, which was flying at the Guard tent, was lowered to half mast, and the sad tidings quickly passed from one to another, until the entire Camp was in a state of consternation. Major Harby was without doubt the most popular officer in the regiment. Enrolled in No. 2 Company, Dover, as a gunner, he very soon gained, by merit, the position of bombardier, and afterwards, corporal, when he took a commission in the Corps as Lieutenant, and was promoted step by step, until at the time of his death he was the senior Major, and had he lived another year, in the ordinary course of events he would have been promoted to the commander of the regiment on the retirement of Colonel Daniel. Major Harby was held in the highest esteem by every member of the regiment, from the Colonel downwards. he was a most efficient, and at the same time a most popular officer. he had a kind word for every one, no matter his rank or station in life, and there was never an officer of the 1st Cinque Ports who so thoroughly won the hearts of every member of the corps. He will be greatly missed by officers, non-commissioned officers and men alike, and his loss is deeply deplored. The horse which was the cause of his death belonged to an ex-sergeant of one of the Dover Companies, and the Major had had it in camp three years in succession. It was a collar horse, but had been with a trooper under training in the east Kent Yeomanry. Owing to the weather the previous day it had very little exercise, and was fresh when taken from the stable. The same animal threw Lieut. Lane when exercising it on Monday. The Lieutenant sustained slight concussion, but was able to present at the inspection on Tuesday.

The inspection was held by Col. Baker, Commanding Militia and Auxiliary Artillery, S.E.D., who afterwards expressed himself much gratified with what he had seen. He was pleased that they had mustered so strong, and with the general turn out, and particularly with the march past, which was very well done. He noticed that there was a marked improvement in the way in which the equipment was fitted, and in the general appearance of the men.

The death of major Harby has entirely upset the arrangement of the camp. The official dinner, which was to have taken place the same evening was indefinitely postponed, the concert will not take place on Thursday, and it is very probable that the camp will break up at the end of the fortnight.

THE INQUEST

Was held at the "Bell Hotel" the same afternoon at 4.30, by Dr. F. W. Hardman, Coroner for Sandwich and its Liberties. The following were sworn on the Jury:- Messrs. Herbert Hicks (foreman), Francis W. Lass, James Howard, Arthur w. Chapman, Joseph W. Carr, William W. Woodruff, Harry Forbes, F. Walter Pain, Albert Yarrow, A. Jordan, George Arnold, and Walter E. Fagg.

The Jury having viewed the body, Reginald A. Bullock, proprietor of the "Three Colts," said that at about 7.45 that morning he was in his house when he saw the horse and rider gallop violently past, proceeding down New Street from the direction of the station. he rushed out and saw them come into contact with Sackville House. The rider was thrown with considerable force against the shutter, which fell with him, and the horse also fell, but immediately got up and rushed off in the direction of Mrs. Fagg's stable, where it had been kept. The occurrence was so instantaneous that he could not say which part of the deceased came into contact with the shutter. Witness went across and held the injured man's head on his arm, and undid his jacket collar. The deceased was then groaning. He could not speak at first, and seemed partially unconscious, but when witness bathed his temples with vinegar he murmured to him to detest. Witness sent a man immediately for a doctor. Several people then came round, and deceased walked with assistance to Dr. Harrison's surgery, and then sat on the door step. The horse was certainly running away with its rider when he first saw them. As witness held deceased, blood was coming from the back of his head. It appeared to witness that the deceased officer endeavoured to guide the animal straight down New Street, but it would not go, and was no doubt making for Mr. Fagg's stables.

Stephen Bingham, in the employ of Mr. Farley, of Dover, said he was acting as groom, the horse being owned by Mr. Farley. It was about 12 years of age as near as he could tell. He had always known it to bear a good character, and never remembered the horse running away with anyone before. He had frequently ridden it himself.

Questioned by the Coroner, witness said it threw another officer the day before, who was galloping across the camping-ground. That was caused through the stirrup-strap breaking. The horse had been used to town work, and also saddle work twice a year for the Yeomanry and Volunteer Camps. It had run in a milk-cart twice a day while at home, and was not a spirited or awkward horse for a stranger to have. Nothing led him to expect an accident. There was no intention at any time of killing the animal. It had a very tender mouth. It was in good condition, and had only had its usual feeding up to the time of going to the camp. The Major had ridden the horse occasionally for five years, and this was the third camp at which he had had it. Witness rode the horse from Dover to the camp last Thursday morning, and he would not mind riding it back, but he had orders to box it on account of the bridle being broken. The Major was a good rider as far as he knew.

Asked by the Coroner if the animal was likely to be more trying in camp than out, witness replied that probably it would be. He took the horse to the camp about seven that morning, and afterwards saw the deceased, who was going for a ride to Betteshanger. From what he had heard, the deceased came by the road by the "Lord Warden" Stables, intending to cross the railway, but the horse would not go, and turned round, and went towards the town, and deceased then used the spurs. While with witness the horse had never shown any particular signs of temper, unless when passing a traction-engine or motor car.

In answer to questions by several jurors, the witness said a horse of that description was not used to a rider wearing spurs, and deceased should not have used them. The horse would not have the spurs or the curb-bit. The deceased knew of this, and he was cautioned on Thursday, and witness had been warned not to use either when started from Dover.

Dr. Harry Kerswell deposed that he was called about a quarter to eight. When the call came, he was in bed, and he immediately dressed, and when he went down, the deceased had reached the surgery. His injuries consisted of a scalp wound on the left side, and a skin abrasion about three inches long on the right side of the head, and the left collar bone was fractured. He complained of great pain in the shoulder. He seemed dazed, but was not unconscious. The wounds were dressed at the surgery, and the collar bone was set after his removal to the "Bell." Deceased got no better. Witness did not suspect any injuries beyond those that were apparent. About an hour and a half after the accident, depression came on, and deceased got drowsy. When witness left him, at about 11.30, having occasion to go to the surgery for something, deceased was about the same as when he saw him first at the surgery, but on his return to the hotel he found him dead. There were two other medical men with the deceased the whole time. He expired about 12 o'clock. In witness' opinion, death was caused by compression of the brain, due to intracranial haemorrhage, occasioned by the rupture of a vessel in the brain. The compression would not be noticeable at first.

Col Daniel was then called to give evidence of identification. The deceased was 38 years of age. Col. Daniel remarked that he considered the horse was somewhat skittish. It was a safe horse in the hands of an experienced rider, and Major Harby had the making of a good rider, with any amount of pluck.

The Coroner, in summing up, said it was clear from the circumstances which the evidence brought to light, that the groom took the horse to the camp on Thursday, and the major had ridden the horse at various times the past five years, whilst twice a year it had been used for Volunteers and Yeomanry training. he stated that it showed no signs of vice, and had never thrown anyone before, although it was of a nervous character when passing traction-engines and motor cars, and he also implied that the deceased had been warned not to use the spurs or the curb rein. The deceased's experience of riding did not appear very considerable, although he had had lessons when he was appointed Major. The deceased was a personal friend of his, and he knew him to be a man of considerable nerve, and who was not likely to have lost his head. He appeared to have intended riding to Betteshanger, and on passing out of the road by the "Lord Warden" directed the horse's head towards the railway, but the horse insisted on going in an opposite direction, and probably, on the Major using the spurs, the animal bolted with him. At the Galliard Street corner he appeared to make another effort to control the horse, and in the struggle between the horse and man they came into collision with the house, the deceased receiving the injuries described, the horse running away to the stables. He did not think that blame attached to anyone. The deceased evidently attempted to unwisely coerce the horse by the use of the spurs, and he thought the jury could only find that death was caused accidentally. He commended Mr. Bullock for the prompt aid which he rendered. As he had previously said, the deceased was well know to him, and to a great many, and was very popular. He felt that Major Harby's loss would be greatly deplored.

The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," and the4 foreman said he had been desired to express on behalf of the jury the deep sympathy they all felt with the relatives, and also with the officers and men in the loss of so able an officer.

After the inquest on the body of Major Harby on Tuesday evening, his remains were placed in an elm shell, and at nine o'clock were removed from the town. The officers, Sergt-Major Hewlett, Quarter-Master Sergeants Smith and Beau, the Sergeant-instructors, and those of the sergeants who had become acquainted with the fact, assembled at the "Bell Hotel," and the staff-sergeants and sergeants were permitted to once more look at the face of their late esteemed officer, whose remains were then carried on the shoulders of six sergeants, from the bedroom to the hearse on the Quay, the pathway being lined with officers, non-commissioned officers and men, who saluted the corpse passed. The shell was covered by the Union Jack. The Colonel and other officers accompanied the body, by road, to the residence at Dover.

On Wednesday, the general orders contained the following:- "The Officer Commanding, desires to take the earliest opportunity of expressing his deep sorrow and regret, which will be shared by all ranks, and the sad and lamentable accident which had deprived the regiment of one of its most popular and efficient officers, in the person of Major Harby, whose indefatigable services during the present camp have contributed so greatly to its success, and whose death while in the actual performance of his duties, leaves a blank in the regiment which will now be difficult to supply." All life seems to have been taken out of the camp, and only the necessary routine was undertaken. On Wednesday, Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 8 companies, and on Thursday, Nos. 5, 6, and 7 companies went to gun practice at the South Lines, Dover, excellent practice being made - the best, in fact, that has been made by any auxiliary regiment mobilised up to the present this year. The companied left in camp each day practised with the 40-pounders, at No. 2 Battery. The time will be occupied on Friday and Saturday in a similar manner, and in consequence of the death of Major Harby, the camp will be struck on Wednesday next, instead of on the following Wednesday.

Prior to the detailed companies leaving for gun practice, at Dover, this (Friday) morning, the regiment was paraded, and Captain Bradley, addressing the men, said that they were assembled in consequence of the regrettable death of Major Harby, and in order that a letter from Mrs. Harby might be read to them. The letter was as follows: "Mrs. Harby wishes to thank the officers, and all ranks, for their kind sympathy, and hopes that the death of her husband will not effect the enjoyment of the camp, as she feels sure that that would be the wish of her husband." Captain Bradley went on to say that he knew if the Colonel had been present, he would have expressed to them the very deep sorrow he had felt in the terrible loss the regiment had suffered from the lamentable death of Major Harby. He knew it had been felt throughout the regiment by all ranks. Major Harby had been in the regiment a great many years, serving from a gunner to the rank he held at the time of his death; and through every rank he was popular, and he would be very greatly missed. He knew, too, that sympathy of the regiment was with Mrs. Harby in her troubles.

The funeral takes place today (Friday), at Dover Cemetery, and will be of a private character, by the wish of the family, but the whole of the officers of the regiment will attend, and the remains of the gallant Major will be bourne to their last resting-place by the sergeants, one from each company.

HOW THE NEWS WAR REACHED AT DOVER

On the Town Council assembling on Tuesday, the Mayor said: I think that after the sad intelligence we have received this morning, we will adjourn the business over till next week. It has really quite overwhelmed me, and I am sure the sympathy which I feel, you share with me. (Here, here). I refer to the lamented death of Major Harby, who is really one of our Corporation officers. he was deeply interested in everything that tended to the welfare of the town, and it is a sad circumstance that he should be cut off in the prime of life, and more especially while he was doing his duty as a soldier. I propose that an expression of our deep sympathy be forwarded to Mrs. Harby and the family. I also move that the business be adjourned for the week.

Mr. Mackenzie seconded, and Mr. Martyn Mowll and Ald. Peake having spoken, the resolutions were carried unanimously.

On the suggestion of Mr. Mackenzie, a telegram was sent to Col. Daniel, commanding 1st C.P.V.A., to the following effect:- "The Mayor and Corporation, on behalf of all inhabitants, desire to express their deep sympathy on the occasion of the lamented death of Major Harby."

From the Dover Mercury, 15 March 2007.

COME and meet our specialist wedding exhibitors including florists, tailors, bridal wear companies, photographers, toastmasters, jewellers, harpists, a Kent Marriage Registrar offering expert and friendly advice and our own in-house Wedding Adviser. Enjoy canapés and sparkling prosecco from our 'place at the bell' brassiere. Guided tours through the refurbished and redecorated hotel including the Regency and Stour Rooms and the white wedding bedrooms.

The historic Bell Hotel is licensed for weddings. Its elegant double height Regency Room with deep original Georgian sash windows and Minstrels' Gallery is a perfect setting for a wedding reception for up to 100 guests. The Stour room, with deep windows high ceilings overlooking the river, is licensed for the wedding service and will hold up to 60 guests. Our 'White Bedroom' is the romantic room for this most special of days.

The head chef of our brassiere 'The Place at The Bell" will create a wedding menu that is simply delicious. Seafood and fish straight from Sandwich bay, lamb from nearby Romney Marsh and vegetables, salads and herbs supplied by local farmers. Nothing too fussy and fancy, just the freshest ingredients simply cooked to bring out their fullest flavours. We use local free range and organic products whenever possible, change the menu according to the seasons and always have an interesting selection of vegetarian choices. We offer wines from new regions that are never predictable or boring, including some from Kent and Sussex vineyards, as well as local ales and juices. Choose from three different types of menus: a canapé/crostini selection, our buffet collection and a 'table service' menu.

The Bell Hotel Sandwich has 34 individually decorated bedrooms, including 3 larger suites. Some bedrooms have balconies and views over the River Stour or the Kent peg tiled rooftops of the old town.

The Cinque Port of Sandwich is arguably the most complete medieval historic town in England. The Guildhall and Town WaIl, The Butts, The Ropewalk, Millwall, The Bulwarks, The Fisher Gate, The Barbican and Tollbridge over the River Stour are all redolent of its historical wealth and importance. Thomas a Becket passed through Sandwich on his flight from Henry Il, Richard the Lionheart landed at Sandwich on his return from the crusades. The Black Prince brought King John of France back as prisoner from his victory in Poitiers and Elizabeth I was entertained in Sandwich, to try to persuade her to help restore the harbour when it started to silt up and the town's fortunes went into decline. Sandwich is now two miles inland and the famous links golf courses of Royal St George's and Prince's now occupy the once flourishing port. Tempting lanes and footpaths follow the line of Richard Il's fortified walls where Henry V's archers probably practised en route for the Battle of Agincourt. There are lovely walks, by the River Stour and over the salt marshes and nature reserves towards the sea.

For further information or if you would like to meet and talk through your requirements, please call 01304 613388.

From the East Kent Mercury, 27 October, 2011.

BELL SOLD FOR £3.6M TO BE BREWERY'S SEVENTH HOTEL

The "Bell Hotel" in Sandwich has been sold for £3.6m.

The 37 bedroom-hotel on the Quay hat been bought by brewer Shepherd Neame who now have seven hotels In the South East.

It was previously owned by Albion Ventures.

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: "The Bell is a well known, prestigious hotel, ideal for business travellers, visitors on short breaks, keen golfers and customers looking for a high quality function.

General manager Matt Collins is remaining at the helm with a team of duty managers and an army of staff staying with the hotel.

A statement by the Faversham brewer said the acquisition follows Shepherd Neames  recent purchase of the Fayreness Hotel in Broadstairs. Other hotels owned by Shepherd Neame include the Royal Hotel in Deal, the Royal Albion in Broadstairs and the George Hotel in Cranbrook.

The Bell has won an AA Rosette for the Old Dining Room.

The news follows on from other successes this summer when it was the Royal and Ancient headquarters hotel during the Open Golf Club championship.

Henry Stanford, partner at AIbion Ventures, said: "We are delighted to have played our part in restoring the hotel to  former glory and with it every success under Shepherd Neame ownership."