From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 2 October, 1858.

DOVER COUNTY COURT

DOVER GAS LIGHT COMPANY v. THOMAS SMITH-FOORD'S BANKRUPTCY

There was a claim for £11 2s. 1d. for gas supplied to the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton. Mr. Fox appeared for the plaintiffs, Mr. Elwin for defendant.

Mr. R. H. Jones, one of the managers of the Dover Gas Light Company, stated that at the end of the year 1856, a Mr. Foord was in occupation of the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton, but in the beginning of 1857, the Gas Company having threatened to cut off the supply, Mr. Smith, the defendant, requested, that it might be continued, and guaranteed payment of the debt due. Foord renewed his occupation in the following February, and had since kept the gas account paid up.

Mr. T Winterbourn, collector, in the employ of the Gas Light Company, corroborated the statement of Mr. Jones as to Smith's admission of his ability and his promise to pay the claim due by Foord.

Mr. Elwin, for the defendant, contended that although the trade assignee of Mr. Foord he was not liable for the debts of the bankrupt. He called Mr. Smith, who denied that he ever became liable for Foord's debts. All he promised to the Gas Company was that if he got the money out of the Bankrupt Court he would pay them.

Verdict for defendant, with costs.

From the Dover Express. 1861.

Juvenile Pickpockets.

Ellen Goldfinch and Barbara Duff, two girls one nine and the other 10 years of age where charged with picking the pocket of Mary Garlinge wife of William Garlinge, New Street, in the Eagle Gardens, Charlton on Monday. It appeared that “Charlton Fair” was held at the Eagle Gardens on the evening in question.

Complainant went into the gardens and shortly after coming out she missed her purse containing a florin and some other coins together with four or five pawnbroker’s duplicates. She remembered pulling out her purse shortly after getting into the gardens and was positive she replaced it in her pocket.

The prisoner Goldfinch was apprehended by P.C. Terry on Thursday afternoon in Limekiln Street and on being told by the constable of the charge against her she said “Yes Barbara Duff told me to take it.” She first put her hand in but would not take the purse out. I then put my hand in and took the purse.

Mrs. Garlinge was with the constable when this took place and nothing was said to induce the child to make the confession. She was afterwards taken to the Station House and on the charge being read over she again admitted that she had taken the purse out of the complainant’s pocket. Terry afterwards apprehended the prisoner Duff at a house in Church Street. She said she did not take the purse but that she had one duplicate which she had torn up and part of the money. She also repeated this statement on being cautioned in the usual way at the Police Station.

Supt. Coram in reply to the magistrates said the girl Goldfinch was brought before the Bench three years ago charged with pocket picking but she was then only six years old, and in consequence of her tender age the charge was not pressed. In the interim there had been some complaint made against her by her schoolmistress but it was not gone into. The prisoners both pleaded guilty and the Bench in sentencing them to seven days imprisonment censured their mothers who were both present for the want of care they had manifested in the control of their children. The magistrates also said they were of the opinion that Mr. Foord the proprietor of the Eagle Gardens, was much to blame for permitting the “fair” to take place on his premises and intimidated that the circumstances would not be forgotten when he applied for renewal of license.

Information kindly supplied by Joyce Banks.

More reading of Dover at www.DoverHistory.co.uk

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 April, 1863.

PERMISSION TO SELL

Permission to sell at the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton, was given to Mr. George Prescott. Superintendent Coram, in reply to the Bench, said complaints had been made of the manner in which the "Eagle" had been conducted, and the Magistrates advised the new landlord to be careful. The outgoing tenant was Mr. James Foord.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 12 September, 1863.

ANNUAL LICENSES

George Prescott of the "Eagle," Charlton, failed to answer his name at the Dover Police Court Annual Licensing day and therefore had to go to Broadstairs to get the license renewed.

It is not know whether he did as January the following year shows George Chatwin as licensee.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 February, 1864.

TRUMPERY CHARGE.

Frederick Keyton, summoned for the assault on George William Chatwin, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," was dismissed. The complainant charged him with throwing some dirt at him, but defendant said the dirt went over complainant by accident, the latter passing his cart as he was shovelling it in.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 22 April, 1865.

INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE

Isaac Watson, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton, was charged with having his house open in the hours of divine service on Sunday, April 9th, contrary to the form of his licence.

The offence was proved by police-sergeant Stevens, who said that about half-past nine in the morning of the day named in the information he went to the defendant's house, and found a man, who belonged to the parish of Charlton, sitting on a table with a quart of beer before him. The father of the defendant's wife was also in the room, and he took the pot off the table as soon as witness appeared, and endeavoured to hide it behind a coal-scuttle.

The defendant said he was not about at the time, and that the beer was drawn by a nephew of his who had no business at the engine.

The police-officer said that men were frequently seen to leave the house of this defendant in the prohibited hours, although he admitted that this was the first case the police had been able to bring home to him.

The Magistrates gave defendant the benefit of every assumption that might be made in his favour, and fined him, as the penalty of a first offence, 2s. 6d., and the costs, 10s.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 September, 1868.

THE ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

THE EAGLE TAVERN

In the name of the "Eagle Tavern," landlord Frederick Adams.

Superintendent Coram said that the house had been greatly complained of by the neighbours during the time Mr. Adams had conducted it, and that the police had found it necessary on several occasions to interfere. Reports to this effect had been made both by Sergeant Stevens and Sergeant Johnson.

Police-constable Baker, who had also found it necessary to make a report of proceedings at the house, was examined. He said that on one occasion he found a mob around the door, and found the landlord in an excited state and a great disturbance in the bar. On his getting to the door Adams ordered him to come in and clear the house. He declined to do that, but said he would stand by the door, while the landlord cleared the bar, and that if there was any breach of the peace he would do his duty. He remained for some time, but the landlord made no attempt to clear the house, and he was, in fact, under the influence of liquor.

Mr. Adams made a statement with the view of showing that the police were not inclined to give him that degree of assistance in keeping order which it was their duty to render, and made special complaint of the conduct of Police-constable Faith.

Faith was present, but the Magistrates did not think it necessary to call upon him for any reply; and they informed Mr. Adams that his license would not be renewed that day, but would be suspended.

Mr. Adams: Till when?

The Mayor: You will have liberty to make application at Broadstairs, when the Magistrates sit there.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 17 July, 1868. Price 1d.

CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT

A charge of embezzlement brought by Mr. Adams, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," against a man named John Dennis. was to have been proceeded with today, but the defendant, who had undertaken voluntarily to come before the magistrates, was not in attendance.

From the statement of Mr. Adams it appeared that Dennis was employed on a recent occasion as door-keeper to a dancing saloon at the rear of the tavern, the charge for admission to which was two-pence, and that Dennis having received certain two-pence's for admission, vacated his post, and allowed such as pleased to have ingress to the saloon free of cost. Mr. Adams was prepared, he said, to prove the breach of trust in two or three cases where the admission money was paid to this effect having just been taken, the police received instructions to secure the attendance of Dennis on Friday (this day).

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 31 July, 1868. Price 1d.

DRUNKENNESS AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT

William Gibbons, a labourer, was charged with drunkenness by Police-constable Baker, on Sunday afternoon, opposite the "Eagle Tavern," at Charlton, was fined 5s. and 6s. costs. In the case of the defendant was one, and the worst, of four or five men who were standing outside the "Eagle Tavern" between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, all more or less drunk, and were amusing themselves by insulting every respectably-dressed person who passed.

The practice in which the prisoner had indulged, the policeman explained, was not at all an uncommon one; and Superintendent Coram said it was of such a serious nature that he had been obliged to put an extra policeman on the beat with the view of repressing it.

The defendant said he had no money; and the Magistrates told him he must go to prison, then, for seven days.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 31 July, 1868. Price 1d.

MORE DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT THE EAGLE TAVERN

Thomas Minter, a labourer, living at Tower Hamlets, was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct in front of the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton, at half-past ten o'clock on the previous night, and was fined 1s. and the costs.

The police repeated what had transpired on the previous day that the disorderly conduct of the persons frequenting the "Eagle Tavern" was becoming a serious nuisance to the neighbourhood, and Mr. Finnis said he thought that if an improvement did not take place the Magistrates would be justified in taking some special action in the matter.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 14 August, 1868. Price 1d.

LANDLORD AND HIS CUSTOMERS

William George Prescott, a labourer living at Charlton, was charged with drunkenness and unlawfully obstructing Mr. Frederick Adams, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," in his business.

It appeared that the defendant had been drinking at the "Eagle," and having taken a brief nap in a chair he arose in a volatile frame of mind and threatened to turn the rest of the customers out of the house. The landlord, considering that the defendant was obstructing him in his business, sent for a policeman and had him removed.

It appeared that the defendant had been locked up since the preceding day; and he was therefore, after a suitable admonition, set at liberty.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 August, 1868. Price 1d.

OBSTRUCTION

William Beer was charged with obstructing the footway in High Street on Saturday night. It appeared that a disturbance was caused at the "Eagle Tavern," a house about which complaints are made daily (or nightly) by the inhabitants.

As this was the first time defendant had been brought up, he too was discharged on paying 2s. for the hearing.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

John Wood was also charged with disorderly conduct in High Street, and further with assaulting police-constable Faith.

Police-constable Faith said that on Saturday night, about half-past eleven, he was on duty at Charlton. The landlord of the "Eagle Tavern" came after him, and asked him to put defendant out of his house because of the disgraceful language he was using. He went to the house, and hearing defendant's conversation he asked him to go out, which he did. As soon as he got out, however, he, having a pint of beer in his hand, threw it directly at the constable's head. It struck him on the shoulder, and then struck a son of Mr. Clark on the leg. After this defendant ran away to the "Royal Standard" public-house, from which he afterwards was removed with the assistance of police-constable Sabin.

By the defendant: I did not push you backwards.

Defendant said the pot fell out of his hand; he did not throw it.

The Magistrates imposed a fine of 8s. 6d., including costs, which was paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 September, 1868.

CHARGE OF ASSAULT.

James Dowell, a costermonger belonging to Charlton, was charged with assaulting Mrs. Clara Adams, wife of Frederick Adams, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern."

Mr. Lewis appeared for the complainant, and stated that the defendant's absence from the town was the reason of the summons not being issued earlier.

Clara Adams, wife of Frederick Adams, said the defendant was in the bar of the "Eagle Tavern" on the 20th August. She was in the bar alone, and on defendant asking to be supplied with some gin, she refused to serve him, as he had already been drinking. On her refusing he took up a half-pint tumbler and threw it at her, making use of violent language at the time. The tumbler struck her on the shoulder. He also threw at her an iron spittoon. Her husband came in shortly afterwards, and she told him what Dowle had done. Dowle told her husband that if he would come round the bar he would serve him the same. In consequence of the defendant's violent proceedings and his threatening language she went in bodily fear of him. He exclaimed several times that he would murder both her and her husband.

Frederick Adams deposed to finding the spittoon in the middle of the bar, and observing sawdust on his wife's dress, on entering the bar. Dowle was present, and on his asking his wife what was the matter, Dowle exclaimed that "he had served her _____ well right." This witness gave corroborating evidence as to the defendant's violent threats.

The defendant denied that he used any threats or did anything like what he was imputed to him, and declared he was "solid and sober."

George Williams said he was in the bar with Dowle on the race-day. The defendant came in with another man and called for some ale. Adam's who was at the bar, as well as his wife, told the defendant to go to ____, as she should not serve him. He also leaned over the bar and struck the defendant. Dowle asked why he had done that, and Adams told him to go out of his house or he should put him out, at the same time pulling off his coat and offering to fight him.

Israel Hicks, a labourer employed in the Gas Works, was also called for the defendant, and corroborated his story.

The Magistrates considered justice of the case would be met by the defendant being bound over in his own recognizance's to keep the peace for six months, which was done.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 September, 1868.

DISORDERLY PROCEEDINGS AT THE EAGLE.

James Dowell, a costermonger belonging to Charlton, for whose apprehension a warrant was issued on the 24th August, was brought up in custody, charged with threatening the life of Frederick Adams, the landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," Charlton. The threats alleged to have made use of by the defendant were said to have been uttered on the evening of the 20th August - the day of Dover Races - and on the summons being issued it was found, on this day that it was made returnable, that the defendant had left the town. Upon the affidavit of the complainant a warrant was then granted by the Magistrates, and upon the warrant the defendant had been apprehended on returning to the town the previous day.

The defendant, on the charge being read over to him, indignantly denied that he was the transgressor, and said that Adams himself ought to stand in his place, as he had caused whatever disturbance had been created on the race night.

Frederick Adams, on being sworn, said the defendant came into his bar on the evening of the 20th, between five and six o'clock, and called for two pennyworth of gin and water. Witness declined to serve him, as he considered he had had enough to drink already, whereupon the defendant became very abusive and threatened to murder him, declaring that his bar-shutters should be ornamented with his brains on the following morning. In consequence of these threats he went in bodily fear of the defendant. Adams also mentioned that the defendant had been a source of great annoyance to him for some time, as he had been the instigator of disturbance which had taken place at his house. [The complainant's license was suspended on the annual licensing day.]

Magistrates: I suppose strong language is commonly indulged in my your customers?

Complainant said it was unfortunately so to too great an extent.

Magistrates: Then language of this sort would hardly have the same force used in your house as it would in other places.

Complainant was obliged to admit that this was the fact.

In cross-examination by the defendant complainant declared to swear that the time which the disturbance took place was between five and six. It might have been more in the evening part, but he was certain he had stated the time correctly within an hour.

The defendant: It was between eight and nine, Sir.

Complainant in reply to another question put by the defendant; denied that he employed him on the evening in question to wash up glasses behind the bar. He also denied that he struck him in the first instant, or in any way gave cause for the creature of any disturbance. If the Bench wanted corroborative proof he could have his wife in attendance on the following day.

The Magistrates would have no objection to granting a remand, if the complainant could furnish himself with any independent testimony, but if the only witness he could produce was his wife, it was of no use to grant a remand, as she could not be examined.

The defendant called a couple of witnesses, Frederick Keyton, another costermonger, who was in his company on the night in question, and George Williams, a lad sixteen years of age, who was in the bar at the time, who both stated that he made use of threatening language, but that Adam's conduct was on that occasion, as well as upon others, highly provocative of disturbance. The witness corroborated the defendant's statement as to the time of the occurrence.

The complainant impugned the testimony of both these witnesses, and denied that the boy was present at all; but he rather weakened the force of the latter assertion, and elicited much laughter, by enquiring immediately afterwards about something which had occurred when he "first came into the house."

The Magistrates dismissed the case, but advised Dowle to keep away from the "Eagle" for the future - a recommendation which the defendant promised to act upon.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 October, 1868.

STEALING A PEWTER POT.

William Jarrett was charged with stealing a pewter pot from the "Eagle Tavern," where he had been drinking Saturday afternoon. It appeared that the prisoner had secreted the pot, and after battering it had endeavoured to sell it for old pewter, but not succeeding he had had the impudence to bring it back to the owner. He was given into the custody of the police; and the Magistrates now sentenced him to fourteen days' imprisonment, with hard labour.

From the Dover Express, 6 November 2003. By Nadine Miller.

CLOCK STOP: Eagle landlord Mike Murphy

Clock plans hit a new hurdle.

PLANS for a controversial new clock have stumbled at the last hurdle after The Eagle pub's landlord refused to have it sited on his London Road building.

Although planning permission has been passed, Mike Murphy, 40, does not want any part of the scheme which has stirred up local opinion about the cost implications.

He said: "Since the town council plan was announced I've had people come and stop me in the street and in the supermarket to say they've signed a petition to stop the clock.

"When the councillors approached me about putting it up I said yes straight away as I hoped it would be a focal point, not just for myself but for all the traders in the area.

"Then I thought about the cost and I just could not justify it and I just thought no."

Mr Murphy is a board member of the Dover Partnership Against Crime and would like to see the money set aside by the council spent on more CCTV cameras.

Dover Web's Rick Jones has been organising a campaign to stop the clock since the decision to construct it was announced at a meeting at the beginning of October.

He said: "The response against the idea has been overwhelming and the support for us has just been terrific with probably more than 1,000 signatures already.

"If Mr Murphy's decision stops the clock then this really is a victory for the people of Dover who have made their voices heard over an issue they feel is just sheer folly.

"What we want to do now is follow up the campaign with a poll of seven more suitable projects where the estimated £23,000 should be spent, so the residents have their say."

Mayor George Allt voted for the clock and says he will continue to support it.

He said: "If Mr Murphy does not want to go ahead, then he should tell us but we've received nothing from him.

"I would ask why he has now said no. Maybe it's because of bad press and he has reacted to the pressure. If he is certain, then the clock will have to be renegotiated, but we certainly want to know the real reason why he has changed his mind."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 May, 1960.

Down crash £10-worth of pennies, after a push by the Mayor. Waiting to catch the cash in a blanket are members of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Next to the Mayor is licensee of the "Eagle," Mr. Frank Townsend.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, November 13, 2003.

Is the clock a waste?

AS REVEALED exclusively in last week's Express, a pub landlord has called time on the town council's decision to build a controversial four-sided clock on his premises.

LAURA SMITH took to the streets to ask the people of Dover if the £10,000 expenditure seemed to them like a tick-tock idea...

KAYLEIGH HEATH, 16, a Tower Hamlets resident was adamant the council had made the wrong decision in deciding to build the clock in the first place. She said: "It's pointless, isn't it? We've got the clock tower in town anyway. They could spend the money on something better because there's not much to do in Dover, especially for the kids. All we've got is the skate-park, and that's not very good."

Facilities for the younger residents of Dover was also a strong theme with Dover resident PENNY BOND, 45. She said: "I think the money could be spent on something better to be honest. With all the empty shops around here it could have gone elsewhere. And there's nothing for the kids to do."

TOM MacGAWAN, 36, who campaigns for the rights of asylum seekers, agreed that the money could be useful if directed elsewhere. He said: "I think that there are more important things to spend money on. It's especially difficult to see how money is wasted on asylum seekers when they're spending £10,000 on the aesthetics of Dover. The hospital should also be a priority."

Retired resident LORNA THOMPSON, 68, felt strongly about the matter, and believed the clock was not the only construction money would have been wasted on in the town. She said: "It's ridiculous. The bandstand was a waste of money as well. What do we need a four sided clock for? We're not Westminister!"

BRIAN CLAW, 60, who has lived in Dover for most of his life also questioned how useful and relevant the clock would be to residents. He said: "I think a better idea would be to get the one on the town hall working, then that would be all we need. Most people have got a watch anyway."

Only OLIVER BOULTON, 20, who works at the magistrate's court, thought the clock had the potential to be a good expenditure. He said: "I would be interested to know the reasoning behind the decision to build it, but £10,000 isn't really that much when it comes to expenditure on local issues.

"The council have been put in place, trusted with the money, and I'm sure they probably had a reason behind spending it."