38 Council House Street and Round Tower Street
Dover
Above photo, circa 1881. Kindly sent by Paul Wells. Showing what I
believe to be the hotel on the middle right. |
Kept by Steriker in 1805, when it was served from two entrances in both
streets.
That establishment was completely destroyed by fire on 12 January, 1810.
Pigot's directories
refers to it as just the "London Hotel". In 1845, it appears as the "City of London Hotel" but by 1877, it had become
"Hotel de Londres".
The "Packet Boat Inn and London Hotel", in nearby Strond Street, is apt
to confuse the researcher of today. It was often referred to as the "London
Hotel and Packet Boat". Batchellor's New Dover Guide 1828 mentions
a "New London Hotel" in Council House Street, near the harbour and lists a W
Chaplin as licensee. I have a William Chaplin listed as licensee of the "King's
Head Hotel" in Clarence Place the same year.
Chapman ran coaches from the hotel to London but I suggest that would
have been after 1785. Eagle coaches made the run from here during the early
nineteenth century, calling at the "King's Head" and the "Providence Hotel".
Coaches from the hotel to Ham Street in 1878, picked up at the "Flying Horse
Inn" and the "Red Cow Inn".
Herne Bay pier opened in 1882. (My notes also say 1873). Whatever, the
Mazeppa coach left the "London Hotel" and the "Ship Hotel" every morning to
rendezvous with the packets there. Passengers had the opportunity to
continue the journey by sea if they wished.
Kentish Gazette 28 January 1778.
City of London Inn and Tavern, Dovor.
Mary Payne, (widow of the late John Payne.) Most respectfully informs
the Nobility, Gentry, and Public in general, that she continues the above
house as usual, and humbly entreats the Honour and Favour of her
Friends, whose Continuance and Protection she hopes to merit by the
Assiduity and Attention which she will ever employ to oblige them.
Neat Post-Chaises with good horses.
Also a Machine every day to London.
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Kentish Gazette, 20 December, 1780.
Sophia Belchier, from the "Coffee House," Dovor, Begs Leave to
acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, that she hath removed
to the "City of London" there, with the purposes to open as a
Tavern, Inn, and Coffee-house, having taken the choice Stock of Old
Wines of Mr. Anthony Payne, the late tenant, and laid in a large
assortment of all kinds of liquors for the Accommodation of those
who may favour her with their Commands, to whom it will be her
constant Study to render everything agreeable.
She returns her very grateful acknowledgement to all her Friends for
their kind Assistance; and takes the Liberty of entreating their
future Favours, as every possible Attention will be paid, on her
Part, to merit their good Opinion and Support.
Neat Post Chaises, with exceedingly good Horses and careful Drivers,
to any Part of England.
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Kentish Gazette, 9 May, 1781.
Dovor.
Sophia Belchier, from the Coffee House on the Quay, begs leave to
acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and others, that she is removed to
the "City of London Inn and Tavern," a large and commodious house
elegantly fitted up, commanding a prospect of the Harbour, Castle
and Sea; is situated at a small distance from the Wharf, Quay, which
has a convenience landing place, and from whence the Packets and
Passage Boats set sail for Ostend, and is extremely convenient for
the removal of passengers and their baggage.
Such of the Nobility and Gentry, as may be pleased to honour her
with their company, may be assured of the best accommodation, the
genteel usage, and lowest terms.
Post coaches, Chaise's and Saddle horses, to any Part of England.
A machine too and from London every day.
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Kentish Gazette, 4 November, 1783.
At a General Court Martial held at the sign of the "City of London,"
in the town and port of Dover, in the county of Kent, on the 4th of
November, 1783, by virtue of his Majesty's special warrant, bearing
date the 24th October last.
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Kentish Gazette, 4 November, 1783.
Extracts of a Letter from Dover, Nov 7.
"Last Tuesday a General Court Martial was held at the "City of
London Inn," on an Officer of the 16th regiment, now laying in Dover
Castle, a Lieutenant Colonel James, of the 3rg Dragoons Guards, is
President, and Mr. Bunby, Attorney Deputy Judge Advocate, appointed
by Sir Charles Gould. The Trial is not yet over."
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From the Kentish Gazette, Feb. 5 – 9. 1790. Kindly sent
from Alec Hasenson.
Ship auction at the City of London pub, Dover, February 11, 1790.
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Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 2 August 1796.
If any person, who left a Roan horse at the "City of London" in Dover, on
the 30th of June last, does not fetch him away before Saturday next, at
12 o'clock, he will be sold at that hour by auction, to defray expenses.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Tuesday 12 July 1803.
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
AT the "City of London Inn," Dover, on Tuesday the 19th of July, at ten
o'clock.
The entire Cargo of the Galliot Sophia, condemned as prize to the
General Coote privateer, Edward Norwood, Commander, consisting of about
42cwt. Spanish Wool
36cwt Currants
50cwt Castile & White Soap
17cwt Spanish Liquorice
6cwt Brimstone
3cwt Vermacelli
6cwt Roch Allum
2cwt Orris Root
44cwt Gall Nuts
56cwt Almonds in the shell
3½cwt Almonds out of shell
3cwt Alkaline Root
6cwt Senna
1½cwt Folieue
3½cwt Manna
1½cwt Jallap
5cwt Red Sheep leather
1cwt Sponge
26lbs Saffron
1 Cask Capers
5 Casks Sweet Oil
14 Tons Olive Oil
3 Chests Perfumery
25 Tons French Red Wine, of superior quality
1000 Gallons Brandy
And at the same time will be Sold, the Galliot SOPHIA, with all her
Materials and Stores.
The Goods may be viewed on the Saturday and Monday preceding the sale,
by applying to Messrs. Collett and Thomson, Dover, of whom Catalogues
may be had three-days before the sale.
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Kentish Gazette, 29 November 1803.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, On Wednesday the 7th day of December next, at
three o'clock, in the afternoon, at the "City of London Inn," Dover.
ALL those extensive Premise called the "PARIS HOTEL,", (formerly
"Mariea’s Hotel") situate in Snargate street, in Dover, comprising the
spacious dwelling-house, fitted up with every suitable appendage as
an inn, extensive stabling, lofts, coach-house, coach-yard, a large
cave, used as a store-house, and other valuable appurtenances.
The premises, which are held under lease from the Warden and
Assistants of Dover Harbour, may be taken possession of
immediately; and particulars known of Mr. Shipden, attorney at law,
Dover.
28th Nov. 1803.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 3 April 1838.
DEATHS.
March 24, at Dover, at a very advanced age, the wife of Mr. Steriker,
some years landlord of the "London Hotel," Dover.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 9 October 1838.
DOVER. OCT 8. Accidents.
Yesterday morning, the boots at Bunn’s "London Hotel" discovered a
gentleman named Butler, who had been staying there some few days,
hanging from the bed post. An alarm was immediately given, and
assistance rendered, but life was extinct. The deceased, it is said, was
in possession of a thousand pounds and upwards when he arrived at the
hotel, but that he had lavished nearly £200 away in the purchase of
trinkets and other articles as presents to the fair sex. We understand
that inquiries have been instituted to learn who are his friends. He had
been previously residing at Boulogne.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 22 February 1842.
LONDON HOTEL, DOVOR. TO BE LET,
With Immediate Possession, (Owing to the death of the Proprietor.
ALL that long-established INN and POSTING HOUSE, called the "London
Hotel;" with the Stables and Premises thereunto belonging, situate in
Council House-street, in DOVOR, late in the occupation of Mr. Joseph
Bunn, deceased.
The Furniture and other Effects on the Premises (with or without the
Stock of Wine and Liquors, and the Horses and Carriages) to be taken by
the incoming tenant on a valuation.
These Premises, from their contiguity to the Harbour and the intended
Terminus of the South Eastern Railway, are well worthy attention.
For particulars, apply to Mr. Ledger, Solicitor, Dovor.
Dovor, 21st February, 1842.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 28 January 1845.
DEATH.
HOLLYER - Jan. 22, at Dover, Clara, wife of Mr. W. J. Hollyer, of the
"London Hotel," aged 22.
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From the Dover Telegraph, Saturday 5 February, 1848.
Mr. William
Hollyer of the "London Hotel" married Louisa May, (second daughter of
the late Mr. Thomas Wood of Dover,) on February 1 at St. Mary's Church,
Dover by Reverend J Puckle MA.
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Kentish Gazette, 17 September 1850.
Petty Sessions.
Monday week being the day for renewing the licences to public houses,
the court, in addition to that business, by request. An application also was made to transfer the "City of London Tap," but it
was refused.
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Kentish Gazette, 19 October 1852.
Quarter Sessions.
The Michaelmas Quarter Sessions for the Borough of Dover and its
Liberties took place on Thursday, at the new Sessions House, before W. H. Bodkin, Esq., Q.C., Recorder; Thos. Birch,
Esq., Mayor, W. Cocke, Esq., E. Poole Esq., J. B. Knocker,
Esq., J. Coleman, Esq., &c. The calendar, in point of number,
contained more prisoners than ordinary, and two cases of
appeals. The appeals were called on at nine o'clock.
In the first case, James White appeared as appellant, supported by
Mr. Horne as counsel, and Mr. B. N. Watson as solicitor;
and Edward Sibbit and S. M. Latham, Esqrs., were the respondents,
supported by Mr. Burrow, and Mr. Kennett. It was an
appeal against a conviction of the appellant on the 9th of August,
1852, by the respondents an Justices of the Peace, for this
borough, for selling by retail, excisable liquors, without being
duly licensed so to do. The line of argument chosen in support
of the appeal was, that the premises, known as the "London Hotel
Tap," were duly licensed, inasmuch as they formed part of
curtain premises known and licensed at the "London Hotel."
For respondents, it was shown that there was no enclosed internal
communication; that from 1816 to 1850 appellant held a licence for the tap. In the latter year, complaints of the
conducting of the premises by appellant were made to the authorities,
and a renewal of the license to White was refused. A transfer to a
person named Smith resulted; but subsequently, on its
transpiring that Smith was only the extensible—that White was still
in occupation—the licence was refused altogether. In
1851, Mr. Jarman took the "London Hotel," and obtained at Margate a
license for it; but no licence for the "Tap" was given.
That however wan opened, without the sanction of the magistrates,
under the plea of an excise entry of the two premises as
one; and hence the appearance before the Bench and conviction of
appellant in August 1852. The learned Recorder
confirmed the conviction of the Justices, and expressed an opinion
that the conduct of the local Bench in the case would be
found promotive of of the interests of the hotel keepers generally.
To admit that such premises were but one, would afford
scope for classing a whole street under the same designation, and
the object of granting licenses, by which the magistrates
had a hold of the party, would he frustrated. Forty shillings costs
were given with the confirmed conviction.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 January, 1865.
From the Court Sessions.
KITTLE v. NEWING
This was an action for the storage of goods at the "London Hotel;"
but the plaintiff did not appear to support this claim; and Mr. Minter,
for the defendant, therefore applied for costs of the attendance of two
witnesses, which was granted.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday
10 May, 1867.
CHARGE OF FELONY
Robert Reade, a stableman, was charged with stealing from the stable
of Mr. Kittell, proprietor of the "City of London Hotel," a rug.
The rug was the property of a gentleman named Furnival, whose horse
had been put up at Mr. Kittell's stables, where the prisoner had been
employed as groom. The horse was sent away without the rug, and the
prisoner was subsequently found dealing with it, having taken it to the
"Phoenix," a public-house near to the "City
of London" stables.
The prisoner said he was not guilty of stealing the rug. On Wednesday
he went to fetch some hay from the loft, and ran his fork into the rug,
which was lying among the hay. He brought it down and gave it to a man
who had charge of two horses, telling him that he supposed it did not
belong to Mr. Kittell, and that it had better be taken care of. He put
it over one of the horses, where it remained till the next day, when he
(prisoner), having completed his engagement with Mr. Kittell, told
another man who was employed about the stables to take it over to the "Phoenix"
where he subsequently took possession of it, believing that, if any one
should claim it, he as the ostler would be held responsible.
The Magistrates, after a brief consultation, conspired the evidence
insufficient to prove felonious intention on the part of the prisoner
and discharged him, but directed that the rug should be handed over to
Mr. Kittell.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
30 August, 1867.
AFTER THE RACES
John Kittel, landlord of the "London Hotel," Council House Street,
was charged on the information of James Murray, the landlord of the "Clarence
Hotel," which adjoins the "London," with loitering on the footpath
in Council House Street and using obscene language.
Mr. Minter appeared on behalf of the defendant, who pleaded not
guilty.
James Murray: I keep the "Clarence Inn,"
in Council House Street. On Thursday evening last, at half-past seven
o'clock, as my family were taking tea, I heard my name associated with
language as foul as could be made use of by some person in the street. I
went to the door and others followed me; when I found the defendant in
front of my house using the mist disgusting language. He came again, at
intervals, from half-past seven in the evening till two o'clock on the
following morning. At one time, about nine, there were from 150 to 200
people collected in front of my house. The defendant was excited by
drink, but he was sober enough to know what he was saying.
By Mr. Minter: The defendant had been to the races. We have not been
good friends for the last ten months; but there is no jealousy because
we are "rival landlords," that I am aware. The reason we have not been
friendly is owing to the defendant misconducting himself in my house,
and I have not spoken to him since.
William Baker, an assistant to Mr. Murray, confirmed his testimony.
Witness went to bed at half-past one, and defendant was still continuing
his abusive language at that hour.
William Lemon, 150, Snargate Street, was standing with Mr. Murray at
his door, and heard the defendant make use of most obscene and abusive
language. That was about twelve o'clock at night. If he (witness) had
been in complainant's place he should have "dressed down" the defendant
much earlier in the evening, and would have taken the consequences.
By Mr. Minter: I told the defendant that if he continued his abuse I
should "dress him down" on my own account (A laugh.) He made some
offensive observations with regard to myself. He said I was a --------
Englishman who had married a French staymaker in order that she might
get my living for me.
This was the evidence, and Mr. Minter submitted it was a neighbours'
quarrel, which really did not call for the intervention of the
Magistrates. The defendant had been to the races, and he was no doubt
excited and quarrelsome, and the Magistrates would probably think that a
threat to "dress down" a man under such circumstances would not be
calculated to restore him to an equable frame of mind.
The Magistrates said there could be no doubt that the defendant's
conduct had been very bad. He had no right, whatsoever to stand in front
of a neighbour's house and make use of the filthy language which had
been described. The fact of his having been to the races and being
excited was no excuse. He would be fined 8s. 6d. and 11s. 6d. costs.
The defendant paid the money.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 6 September, 1872. Price 1d.
ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING
Applications were made by
Mr. E. Coleman, on behalf of Mr. D. Deslover, for a transfer of the
licence of the “London Hotel,” which has for a year or two been held by
Mr. Mabb on behalf of the owners. Mr. Deslover is a Belgian, and it
appeared from his statement through the interpretation of Mr. Fuhr, that
he had formerly kept an hotel at Brussels known as the “Old White Lion.”
He was well known in Brussels, he said, but was not prepared with any
formal certificates to character. Under these circumstances, the
Magistrates adjourned their decision on the application till their
meeting at Broadstairs, on the 17th inst.
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Although the census of 1871 gave the licensees name as Sophia Murray age
47, above the entry it was written "London Hotel Shut."
The hotel was taken down in 1885 and the Dover Artizans Dwellings,
(Victoria Dwellings), were built on the site, opening in 1886. Those
premises in turn, after being partially destroyed by a bomb on 2 February
1941, were demolished in December 1968 to provide road freight clearance
facilities by Customs and Excise.
From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
20 March, 1885.
The "London Hotel" in Council House Street, and abutting on Round
Tower Street, is about to be demolished , and on its site about fifty
Artizans' dwellings will be erected by the Dover Artizans' and
Labourers' Dwellings Company. This will be a very good movement ,
because the Deal railway swallowed up some seventy dwellings for which
no substitutes have been since built, causing great inconvenience to the
many working men employed at the Pier who now have to walk long
distances to their employment.
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Paulina Mary BUNN (1824 to 1914), and Sarah Katherine BUNN (1826-1909) both born
in Tilmanstone, Kent were daughters of Joseph BUNN (1798 – 1841) and Millicent
Catherine (nee HILLER) (1800-1875). Joseph was a well to do yeoman farmer in
Herefordshire. The daughters were christened in that county at Garsten. Joseph
was on his way to visit his widowed mother (or for Christmas,) taking his
daughter from her boarding school to stay there, and became ill and died of the
small pox on 17 December, 1841 at St. Albans. He had realised there was little
money in farming after the repeal of the corn laws and he went to Dover to the
London Hotel, Council Street. He died intestate (leaving £3,000) in 1841 (info
E.G.R.) As well as being the licensee of the hotel, he was also one of the
Church-wardens of St. Mary's parish.
LICENSEE LIST
PAYNE John Up to January 1778 dec.
PAYNE Mary Jan/1778-80
BELCHER/BELCHIER Sophia 1780-92
CROW William 1799-1802+
STERIKER 1805
CHAPLIN William 1828
(New London Hotel)
BACK John 1832-1839+
BUNN Joseph 1838-41 dec'd (age 40 in 1841)
HOLLYER William J 1845-48+ (London Hotel)
JARMAN W 1852-53
KITTELL Mr 1867+
MURRAY Sophia 1871+ (age 47 in 1871)
FUHR Henri 1877-80
SUTTON Miss J H 1882
Dover
and Deal Directory and Guide 1792
From Batchellor's New Dover Guide 1828
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From the Pigot's Directory 1839
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From the Post Office Directory 1878
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Dover Express
Historical
Sketch of the Town of Dover 1799 by G Ledger
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