From the Folkestone Chronicle 28 February 1857. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

COUNCIL MEETING EXTRACT

The Mayor then read a letter received from Mr. Hart, in which that gentleman stated that it having been reported and named in the council meeting, that he (Mr. Hart) had had a sinister motive in not scheduling the "Folkestone Arms Inn", South Street, it being his own property, he therefore begged to offer the corporation the power to purchase such property under the compulsory clauses of the Improvement Act.

Some little discussion took place upon the offer, and Capt. Kennicott moved, seconded by Mr. Cobb, that the letter be accepted and entered on the minutes.

From the Folkestone Chronicle 6 February 1858. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

To the Editor of The Folkestone Chronicle

Sir, - I avail myself of the medium of your valuable publication to ask the following question: Why is it that the corporation have virtually resolved to leave the "Folkestone Arms" standing, thus making it the starting point of the continuation of Tontine Street to the Harbour? I take it, Mr. Editor, that if this house is left standing, the contemplated improvement will be interfered with to a very considerable extent, seeing that the line of the new street will be of course extended too far to the eastward, thus leaving the present narrow entrance to the High Street, as well as the `Box-iron` projection which narrows Tontine Street ten feet at that point, it being understood that all new streets shall be at least forty feet in width.

If this and the "Folkestone Arms" were removed, and the line of the new street struck from the hairdresser's shop, we should get rid of the narrow and inconvenient passage called South Street. I have heard that the council at their last meeting decided to adopt a new line laid down by the surveyor, without any deviation. If such be the case, a strong remonstrance ought to be addressed by the inhabitants to the council, calling upon them to re-consider their decision, and vary the plan so as to meet the objection of South Street remaining a worse nuisance than ever. This could be easily done by purchasing the property on the west side of that thoroughfare, commencing with the fourth house, and gradually bringing forward the frontage to the east side of the pavement; this would give ample room for commodious houses and back premises, as well as rendering the frontages much more valuable by diverting the whole of the foot passenger traffic into the new street.

I am, Sirs, Yours Obediently,

A. RATEPAYER

From the Folkestone Chronicle 10 April 1858. Transcribed by Jan pedersen.

Monthly meeting of the Town Council

Wednesday April 7th: - Among the business; To receive tenders for the purchase of the materials of the "Folkestone Arms" and the house adjoining, and make order thereon.

TENDERS FOR THE FOLKESTONE ARMS

There were three tenders for the purchase of this and the adjoining house.

Mr. Charles Stockwell, (of Dover) £61 5s.

Mr. John Dunk, Tontine Street £65 0s.

Messrs. Conway, Sherwood, Weld, Rose and Co. £60 0s.

Mr. Meikle moved and Mr. Jinkings seconded that Mr. Dunk`s tender be accepted.

Mr. Tite thought it a terrible thing that so much property should be sacrificed for so little a money. They had much better wait a short time, until a line of the new street could be got out, and the several plots laid out, so that a plot might be offered with it – it would then fetch a better price. With this view he should move as an amendment that neither tender be accepted for the present.

Alderman Gardner concurred with Mr. Tite entirely, and seconded the amendment.

Mr. Jinkings thought the line of the street could not be properly defined until the property was removed.

Upon the amendment being put from the chair there were five votes, and from the original motion six.

The original motion was therefore declared to be carried.