From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 24 March, 1882. Price 1d.

On Wednesday evening some men were rolling down on planks a large barrel of tar from the second story of a bonded warehouse adjoining the “Hotel de Paris,” when by some mishap the planks gave way, and the barrel of tar fell to the ground and smashed. Alfred Challis, from the “Dover Castle Hotel,” who happened to be passing under at the time, had a very narrow escape.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 4 December, 1936.

THE HIGH TIDE AT DOVER

On Tuesday, about noon, the highest tide for over fifty years occurred around the coast. At Dover the tide reached 22ft 6in., being 3ft above the normal limit of the Spring tides.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 May, 1889.

A SOLDIER DROPS DOWN DEAD

An inquest was held on Monday, at the “Hotel de Paris,” by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.), on the body of a soldier named Francis Watson, who died suddenly in one of the barrack rooms at the South East Front, after hurrying up to get in before the last call.

The following gentlemen composed the Jury:- Messrs. R. Ford (foreman), F. J. Ealding, A. Vincent, F. Lambert, F. Stephens, J. Baker, J. Parr, R. Enright, C. Struckett, J. Jarry, E. H. Laurence.

After viewing the body, the following evidence was taken:-

Sergeant Patrick Foley, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, stationed at the South Front Barracks, said: I know the deceased; he is in the same company as I am. His name is Francis Watson, and he is 19 years and 4 months old. I saw him last at 9.58 on Saturday evening at the South Front Barracks. He came and answered to his name, and then proceeded to his room. He was with Private Kearney. He appeared quite well, but seemed out of breath from hurrying to the barracks. Within five minutes of that time I was sent for, and it was reported to me that he had fainted. I found him lying on his bed. He appeared as if he was in a faint. His coat had been unbuttoned. I sent for a stretcher, and had him taken to the Hospital immediately. I tried to revive him, but was unsuccessful. I accompanied him to the Hospital. He was taken into the detaining room. There was no doctor on duty at the time. One of the orderlies expressed an opinion that deceased was dead. He joined the regiment last August, and has been in hospital twice.

Francis Kearney, a private in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, said he was with Watson about half-past seven on Friday evening, when they went to the “Town Arms” public-house, and remained there nearly two hours. When they left, and had got as far as the Town Hall, the gun fired. They walked at a quick pace down the town and up by the hospital to the barracks. They got in and answered their names. They both slept in the same room. When they got into their room deceased began to undress. He seemed all right. Witness then saw him drop back, so he loosened his coat and got some water. Deceased was laid out flat, and assistance sent for. He did not seem to recover. Witness helped to take deceased to the hospital.

Francis Denham Frankland, a surgeon on the Medical Staff, said he was orderly medical officer. On Saturday evening about eleven o’clock, in consequence of a communication, he went to the hospital at the Western Heights. He saw deceased lying in the detaining ward. The staff sergeant in his letter said that a man had been brought in dead. Death had taken place within two hours. He examined the body, but found no marks of violence. His opinion, from hearing the evidence, was that death was due to heart disease, accelerated by hurrying up to barracks.

A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 February, 1893. 1d.

SUICIDE IN A BARN

An inquest was held yesterday by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.), at the “Hotel de Paris,” on the body of a labourer names Stephen Brown, who lived at 26, Peter Street, employed by Mr. Bailey, of Barton Farm, who had that morning, shortly before eight o’clock, been found hanging dead in a loft in the barn. Mrs, Brown, the deceased’s wife, said that she left home on Tuesday evening slightly the worse for drink, and she had not seen him since. A son of the deceased said that when he left home he said, “You can have poor grandfather’s coat and my watch when I’m dead.” Mr. Ash, the bailiff of the farm, said that the deceased did not return to work after dinner time on Tuesday, and he sent a man after him. Deceased was found in the “Town Arms” unfit for work. That morning he saw deceased in a loft in the barn, and sent a man named Arnold to tell him to come down and speak to witness, but Arnold saw there was something wrong, and they found that brown was hanging by a piece of cord, and was quite dead and cold. The police were sent for, and deceased was cut down and taken to the dead house. Mr. Walters said that death was due to strangulation. Mr. Ash also stated that he had told deceased on one occasion when he was the worse for drink, that the next time he would be discharged.

The Jury returned a verdict of suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 28 December, 1894. 1d.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT AT BUCKLAND JUNCTION

A MAN CUT TO PIECES

A shocking accident occurred on the London and Chatham railway just below the Buckland junction of the Deal line on Christmas night. The last train on arriving at the Priory reported that it had run over or though something, and a shunter being sent up the line to see what was the matter found the various severed limbs of a man’s body on the railroad. The remains were collected and removed to the dead-house on the police ambulance. It appears that the deceased’s name was Thomas Hill, and he was employed as a stoker at the Gas Works. On Christmas night he went out at ten, as is usual, to get his supper, but did not return within the regular time, and it is supposed he was trying to get into the Works over the wall when he was knocked down. The Inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” yesterday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq.

The following gentlemen composed the Jury: Mr. F. Wood (foreman), Messrs. J. Parton, R. Adams, A. Saville, F. Putney, J. B. Green, G. Spain, F. Wood, D. Doyle, W. Berry, F. Faith, A. White, F. C. Bartholomew, F. R. Seear, B. Cullingham, and S. G. Cheasmen.

The Coroner in opening the enquiry said that he was very sorry to have to call them together at this festive time to take part in a very sad inquiry. He was informed that the deceased Thomas Hill was found decapitated on the line close to the Gas Works on the night of Tuesday between 10 and 11. There were several witnesses who would no doubt enable them to say how the man came in the line, and how the accident, if it were one, happened.

Mr. Cass, Stationmaster, Dover, and Mr. Walker, Locomotive Superintendent appeared for the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company, and Mr. Fielding for the Gas Company.

Stephen Hills, a bricklayer’s labourer, living at St. Peter’s in the Isle of Thanet, said that he had seen the body at the Mortuary, and it was of his brother Thomas James Hills, 25 years of age. He was a stoker at the Dover Gas Works.

Thomas Pybus, foreman of the Gas Company’s Works, Buckland, said that the deceased was a stoker at the Work, and had been employed there about nine years. Witness last saw him alive at work a little after nine on Tuesday. He came on about six o’clock and would stop until six the next morning. After he had done the draw, he would leave at ten minutes to ten. He was quite sober when witness last saw him. He lodged at 81, London Road. The deceased should return about a quarter to eleven from supper. On ordinary occasions he would come though the gate which would be open until midnight. Witness was informed shortly before twelve that the deceased was missing, and about twelve o’clock a foreman of the porters from the Priory Station came to the gate, and witness then went onto the railroad close to the bridge on St. Radigund’s Road and on the down line he saw the body of the deceased lying in an oblique direction with his head towards Kearsney. By the light of a lamp he saw that the deceased’s head was off lying in the six-feet-way. One of the legs was torn off and an arm cut in two. The police and the ambulance were then sent for and the deceased removed to the mortuary. The next morning witness went to the spot but there was only blood where the leg was found. To get on to the railway there are several fences and a hedge to get through.

Cross-examined by the Jury: The way the deceased was crossing the railway would be a short cut to the Works. The deceased ought to have been back at a quarter to eleven. If he was not there then, witness would be informed. He was so informed at a quarter to twelve.

John Blackman, a labourer, working at the gas Works, said he last saw the deceased about ten o’clock at the “New Endeavour” public house. Witness was only in there a few minutes, and they then came out, as the house was being closed. Witness went home, and left the deceased (who said he was going to get some supper) in the roadway with some of his mates. Witness was not aware that it was the practice of the men to go by this short cut.

William F. Clackett, a local coal porter, employed by the L. C. & D. Railway, living at 125, London Road, said that the deceased lodged with him. On Tuesday night at 25 minutes to eleven he came in to get some supper. He was perfectly sober. He left at a quarter to eleven, and witness saw him turn up St. Radigund’s Road. Witness had no idea that the deceased ever went across the line to the works, he usually went by Magdala Road. He had lodged with the deceased about eighteen months.

Edward Knivett, an engine driver on the L.C.D.R., said that on the Tuesday night he was in charge of the 10.25 train from Deal. They were, however, fifteen minutes late in starting. On crossing the St. Radigund’s Road Bridge, witness felt a slight jumping of the engine. On arriving at the Priory Station, witness told the shunter that there was something wrong on the line near the Gas Works, and that he had better see what was the matter. There was no mark on the engine, and the railroad was quite straight. They crossed the bridge about 11.p.m.

George Richards shunter at the Priory Station, said that on Tuesday night the last witness reported that he had run over something at St. Radigund’s Road Bridge. Witness walked up the line with a light. He found the deceased on the Priory Station side of the bridge. The body was lying on the outside of the down line. Witness went for assistance and for the police. He could not find one at first, and went to the signal box and telegraphed to the Priory Station, but when he got back a policeman was there.

Mr. W. W. Ord, surgeon, said he was called to the mortuary on Wednesday morning at 2.15, and saw the body of the deceased. The head was completely separated from the body, and the features smashed. The left arm was severed and the left leg torn. The right arm and leg were both fetched, and the body had every appearance of being run over by a train. Death must have been instantaneous.

The Coroner briefly summed up the evidence, and pointed out that the probability would be that the deceased did not want to get to his work late, and was making a short cut, and either stumbled or was caught by the buffers in crossing the bridge, and being thrown on the line, accidentally met his death in going to his work.

The Jury, without hesitation, returned a verdict of accidental death.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 18 January, 1895. Price 1d.

DEATH ON A COLD MORNING

Mr. S. Payn, Coroner for the Borough and its Liberties held an inquest on Monday afternoon at the “Hotel de Paris,” on the body of Christopher Border, a man who had been in employ of the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company. He had gone to work about 5 o’clock on the Admiralty Pier and it is believed that the intense cold was more than he could stand. Soon after going there he became faint; two of his comrades carried him home to No. 1, Paradise Street and just as he arrived there he died. Dr. Best was sent for, but on his arrival life being extinct an inquest was considered necessary.

At the inquest Thomas W. Norris deceased’s son-in-law identified the body.

John Martin, foreman of the Continental Goods department said that the deceased was hauling on a rope when he said he did not feel well and walked away saying he was going home. After going a little way he became worse and was taken home on a barrow.
It appears from further evidence that the deceased had been suffering from shortness of breath all the week and that he died before the doctor arrived.

The verdict was that the deceased died of syncope following an attack of asthma.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 February, 1895.

DEATH OF A CHILD

An inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Monday afternoon, by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.) on the body of a little child, William Scott Holland, which on the previous Friday had been found dead in bed. Mr. A. Dane was foreman of the Jury.

Mrs. E. Holland said that he husband was William John Holland, a Custom House Officer, living at 18, Bulwark Street. The little boy lying dead was her son, William Scott Holland, aged 5 months and two weeks, the child had had a cough for about a week past, but not bad enough to call in a doctor. On Thursday night she went to bed about eleven o’clock. The baby was then in bed. After nursing the child witness laid it on the pillow. Witness was alone, her husband being on duty. About half-past seven the next morning witness was aroused by her husband’s brother coming downstairs. Looking to the child, which was in the same position as witness had placed him the previous night, she saw that something was the matter, but did not then think it was dead. She went down and told her husband’s brother, and on returning with him, found that it was dead. A doctor was sent for. The child’s head was not under the clothes, and had only on the head a little flannel which was clear from the face. The one side of the child, face and body, appeared to be dark. The bed was a large one and the child was over a foot from witness.

Dr. W. J. D. Best said that he was called on Friday about eight o’clock. He found the child dead on its back in the bed. Rigor mortis had set in and death must have occurred six hours. The whole of the left hand side of the child’s body which was dark was the result of post mortem staining, showing that the child had died on that side and remained so some considerable time after death. The staining also showed that the blood was not properly aerated at the time of death and from these conditions witness surmised that the breathing was interfered with, and the child was by some means suffocated, either by the bed clothes or by lying on its face.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death” in accordance with the medical evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 15 February, 1895.

TRAGIC SUICIDE IN SNARGATE STREET

On Friday afternoon Alfred Jones, an assistant to Mr. L. Thomas, Chemist, 181, Snargate Street, committed suicide in a most tragic manner at that establishment. The inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Monday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq. the following gentlemen composed the Jury: Mr. C. L. Adams, (foreman), C. G. Mason, A. White, R. Ford, H. Darricote, W. Merrells, J. Jarry, L. Eason, J. Head, J. Graves, W. Johnstone, C. R. Baker, F. W. Heatley, J. Hookaway, and W. Hard.

Thomas Gregory, a master mariner, living at Port Levan, Cornwall, said that the body at the mortuary was that of his nephew, Alfred Clifton James. He was an apprentice to a chemist and druggist and was 20 years of age. Witness received a letter from the deceased, dated last Thursday – rather an unusual circumstance, it being the first letter witness had received. There was nothing in the letter except stating that he had neuralgia in the head.

Mr. Lewis Thompson, chemist, carrying on business at 181, Snargate Street, Dover, said that the deceased was an assistant in his employ, and had been with him since September 3rd. the deceased was given notice to leave a week previous, which would have expired in a month. The notice was in consequence of carelessness. On the Thursday evening witness had a visit from a commercial traveller, and he made a communication to witness in reference to the young man. It was in regard to some mistake with the accounts, and confirmed some doubt witness had as to the deceased’s honesty. On Friday the deceased said he had received a letter from his parents enquiring why he was leaving, and asking if witness would give him a reference. That occurred about two o’clock, and was in the shop. Witness said he would give him a character, but not a flowery one because of the mistake he had made. Deceased said, “Do you think I am honest?” and witness replied, “I never charged you with dishonesty.” Witness also said, “If you will study my interests until the end of your time, I have no doubt that it will be right in the end,” that was in reference to the character. Witness knew there was something wrong with the deceased’s accounts, and after leaving him he went upstairs, and having thought the matter over, went down again and taxed him with dishonesty, and he admitted it. Witness added, “You asked if I thought you were honest. I shall answer it now; I do not.” The deceased denied it at first, but afterwards admitted it, and witness said he should write to deceased’s parents. At witness’ request deceased also gave the keys of his box to witness. A customer came in then, and witness directed the deceased to serve and went upstairs. The deceased seemed very vexed and very agitated. He next heard someone, who he thought was Mr. George, manager of the shop next door, come in and go out. Almost directly afterwards the deceased came upstairs – not five minutes having elapsed since the previous conversation. He said, “Have you found anything in my box?” Witness said, “I have not been up yet.” Deceased said, “I have done it. I have taken half an ounce of prussic acid. (Hydrogen Cyanide)” Witness replied, “I do not believe it; go down stairs.” He turned round and walked down, and witness followed him. He seemed very strange and agitated, but witness could not believe that he had taken poison. As soon as they got into the dispensary he repeated the words, and said, “You will see in a moment.” Witness saw then that the poison was taking effect. Witness said instantly, “You fool!” the deceased said, “I brought it on myself; good-bye,” and shook hands and then fell down. He then relapsed into unconsciousness, and witness sent for Dr. Best, who was over in a few minutes, and every endeavour was made, but it proved useless, and death took place in a few minutes. The prussic acid was kept in the poison cupboard, but was not the strongest there is made. The deceased had suffered from neuralgia, and was studying very hard. He was also of a very uneven temperament and was frequently very morose, and witness was of opinion that the deceased was not responsible for his actions.

By the Jury: It was both articles and money with which witness taxed him with taking.

The Coroner: Then that was the reason you wished to look in the box?

Witness: Yes.

In reply to further questions, witness said that his takings had fallen off during the last four months, but there always seemed the same number of customers, whilst the amount he paid for goods was as much.

A Juryman: Then it was presumed that he sold goods and kept the money?

Witness: That was what appeared.

Dr. W. J. Best said that on Friday afternoon, about eighteen minutes past two, he was called to the deceased. On arriving at Mr. Thompson’s shop he found the deceased lying on the floor between the shop and dispensary. He was quite unconscious, with strenuous breathing, and diffused countenance. His pulse was fairly good. Witness had brought his stomach pump with him, and immediately used it, and washed his stomach out. Witness could then smell the poison, which has a characteristic smell. Witness gave him injections of ether and performed artificial respiration, but the deceased died in about twenty minutes. The case was perfectly hopeless. The reason why the poison did not have immediate effect was probably because he had recently had his dinner. The deceased died from poisoning by prussic acid.

Mr. W. G. George, a gunsmith, employed at Hillsdon and Hillsdon, Snargate Street, said that between their shops and Mr. Thompson’s there was a doorway of communication. On Friday afternoon, between ten minutes and a quarter-past two, witness went through doorway and opened the dispensary to go in. Deceased was standing back to the door, and, hearing witness, he turned sharply round, and said, “Do not come in; Mr. Thompson will be down in a minute, and we want to be together.” The deceased appeared to be mixing something. Witness frequently went into the shop, as there was a telephone, and he often used it.

The Coroner said that was all the evidence in the case, which was a remarkably sad one, but was a perfectly clear one, and they would have no difficulty in arriving at a verdict. It was clear that the young fellow took poison with the intention of ending his life, and if that was their opinion, they should then consider what the state of his mind was at the time. Up to then he seemed all right, but finding himself accused of dishonesty, it greatly agitated his mind and he took the poison. Juries usually took a lenient view of such cases, and considered that such people were not in their right mind at the time, which, to his mind, was a very proper view.

The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity,” and also expressed their condolence with the friends of the deceased, and also with Mr. Thompson, who they knew felt it very much.

The Coroner said he fully agreed with the verdict, and endorsed the remarks of sympathy.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 August, 1895.

SAD CASE OF DRINK AND DEATH

An inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Monday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.), on the body of an infant, who it appeared had been overlain by its mother whilst in a state of intoxication.

Alfred Marshall, labourer, 3, Medway Cottages, Limekiln Lane, Dover, said the deceased was his son, Frederick Marshall, and was born on May 31st. On Saturday evening his wife returned home drunk about half-past eleven. The deceased was in his cradle, and his wife went to her room. Witness laid down on a bed in the lower room. About ten past five the next morning he went upstairs to lie down on a bed which was in his wife’s room, and found her lying on her right side, and under the clothes the child was lying with its face against her breast. The child was dead and cold, and it appeared as if it had snacked during the night. He then went for Dr. Best and a Policeman. Witness was not sober on Saturday night.

Rose Ann Marshall, wife of the first witness, said she left the house on Saturday about six, and returned about nine. She then went out to look for her husband and returned about eleven. She denied that she was drunk. The deceased was in the cradle downstairs, and she took it up with her to bed and undressed it. Witness lay down and put the child to suckle and fell asleep. When her husband came up in the morning she awoke and found the child dead. It was lying on her arm with its face close to her breast. The child was insured for 1d. a week in the Prudential.

Mr. W. J. D. Best, Surgeon, said the child had been dead for about six hours. The child was fairly well nourished. From a post mortem examination he was of opinion that death was due to suffocation.

Police Constable Southey also gave evidence and stated that the mother appeared to have been drinking.

The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from suffocation by being overlaid by its mother when in a state of intoxication.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 August, 1895.

ANOTHER FATALITY AT THE HARBOUR WORKS

On Tuesday morning an accident occurred on the outer staging at the Harbour Works, whereby a labourer named Henry Lambert, lost his life by drowning. The Inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Wednesday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.) Mr. W. J. Jones was foreman of the Jury.

Mr. A Harby appeared for the Contractor, Sir John Jackson.

Mr. Bradley appeared on behalf of the widow.

Charles Lambert, a mariner, 9, Trevanion Street, said the body at the mortuary was that of his brother, Henry Lambert. He was employed as a labourer on the Harbour Works under Sir John Jackson, and was 30 years of age. He was married but had no children. On the previous morning about ten o’clock witness was in the barge Irene lying about 30 yards of the west side of the staging. Witness heard a splash and saw someone in the water near the east corner of the staging at the extreme end. He was struggling in the water and witness called to hurry up a boat which was near the inner end of the staging. He heard witness’ calls, and hurried but it seemed he would be some time having a strong wind and tide to row against. Witness took his jacket off and jumped overboard and swam towards the body. When witness got about half way it disappeared. Witness did not know at the time who it was. Witness swam to the piles and hung on until the boat picked him up. About two minutes elapsed from the time of the splash until the body disappeared. The body was recovered afterwards by means of a grapnel. Soon after witness was picked up he heard it was his brother. A lifebuoy was thrown to the deceased and was in the water when witness got there.

By the Jury: The deceased was at work on the staging.

A Juryman remarked that the men ought not to step from balk to balk, but there should be a platform. He thought there must be great negligence.

By Mr. Bradley: Witness did not get to the spot where deceased sank before the boat came, because he only swam to the nearest pile. There was a man in the boat, and when the accident occurred it was about 500 feet away.

By Mr. Harby: The deceased had been a sailor, and had been on this work for two years.

Thomas Rose, a labourer, 3, Bowling Green Road, employed by Sir John Jackson, said that he was at work on the previous morning on the outer staging. They were putting what was called a truss beam across, there being a new pile driver there. The staging rests on four piles 40ft. distant from the next pile. On these rest two iron girders with timber across three feet apart, and about 12 inches wide. The deceased was working with witness and two other men. The truss beam was being rolled along two planks to fix under the pile drivers. The deceased was standing on the cross pieces. They had had to let chains loose to let the beams past. They were about to make the chain fast again and the deceased was stepping from one timber to the other having passed round witness on the outside, and witness hearing a shout turned round and saw him fall. He caught a chain witness was holding and tore it from his hand. It was raining at the time but the wind was not blowing very hard. Witness could not suggest any improvement in conducting the work, as it was only temporary and was continually being altered. The deceased could not swim. Ropes were swung down to him and also a lifebuoy. It was impossible to get down to him as the tide swept him away. Witness thought that the deceased must have been insensible as when he first came up he could easily have caught hole of the piles. He was in the water not two minutes before he disappeared.

By the Coroner: They could have any timber they like for their own safety.

By a Juryman: The foreman saw that they worked in safety.

By Mr. Bradley: The foreman is Mr. Gouch. There is a rail further down, butt his was only temporary work, and as soon as it was completed the rail is put up.

By the Coroner: It would be safer to have a plank along on the cross pieces, but they did not take the trouble.

By Mr. Harby: It was impossible to have a railing along as the pile driver could not work then. The boat was not 200 feet from the spot where the deceased fell.

William Farringdon, a labourer, working at the pier works, said that on the previous day he was working on the outer traveller about 60 feet from where the accident happened. He saw the deceased and the other men shoving a cross piece under the pile-driver to strengthen it. Witness heard a shout and saw him strike the water o his side. He fell clear of everything. A plank was thrown over, and then a lifebuoy. After the man struck the water he came to the surface, but he appeared to be unconscious. The plank was not two feet away from him. Witness succeeded in recovering the body an hour and a half later by means of a grapnel.

By Mr. Bradley: The deceased fell about 30 feet.

By the Coroner: the openings between the sleepers are two feet apart.

George Gambrill, 19, Caroline Place, a labourer employed with the deceased, also gave evidence.

Albert Gouch, foreman, said he was looking after the gang on which the deceased was working. He was last on the spot five minutes before the accident happened. Witness gave the order about the replacing of the chains. It was not necessary for Lambert to get outside the girders. The chains went up from inside the girders.

By Mr. Harby: Witness had to go where the men went, and if witness had thought there was and danger, he could have had planks for his own safety.

Mr. W. E. F. Bird, surgeon said he was called a little before twelve to the mortuary. He went there at once and saw the body of the deceased. There were no marks of violence. The appearance were of death from drowning. The fall from a height might have stunned the deceased, especially if he fell on his side.

The Coroner said they had taken the evidence very fully, but there seemed to be no fault in the matter. It seemed strange that these men whose lives were in their own hands did not take a little more precaution by putting down some planks. But in this particular case it did not appear as if it would have been any use, as the deceased went where there would have not been any planks, and there seemed to be no real necessity for him to go there. The only verdict he thought they could return was one of accidental death.

The Jury, after a short discussion, returned a verdict to that effect.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 30 August, 1895.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

Anni Maria Misani, a Swiss, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by jumping into the Granville Dock, on 25th inst.

Archibald Stewart, a stevedore, living at 2, Limekiln Place, said that on Sunday morning exactly at ten minutes past nine, he was standing by the Clyde Shipping Company’s shed. He saw the prisoner go by the shed and walk across the roadway and get under the railing, take her shoes off and throw her hat off and jump into the water. Sharp, the mate of the Lily Vita, which was lying close by jumped overboard and witness threw a rope to him. He got hold of it and then swam to the woman, who was floating on the water head downwards. On reaching her he raised her head. A boat from a steam yacht came in answer to witness’ calls, and the prisoner was got into the boat and brought ashore and placed on some planks. Afterwards she was taken to the “Hotel de Paris” by the direction of a military surgeon, who was passing. Dr. best was sent for, and came and pronounced her out of danger. Witness had been down on the quay at six o’clock and defendant was then walking up and down. Witness’ attention was called to her by the fact that her boots were undone. She walked up and down there for three hours. The piece of paper (produced) was found in the boot she kicked off.

Albert Sharpe, mate of the Lily Vita, said that on Sunday soon after nine o’clock, witness’ attention was drawn to the fact that a woman was in the water. He got a line and ran round. She was in the Granville dock between the gates and the bridge. Witness jumped in and a line was thrown to him by the last witness who caught hold of the woman. A boat came from a yacht and the prisoner was got into it. As soon as she was in the boat they commenced to make efforts to restore her. She was at once landed and witness left her on the planks. She was then insensible.

Mr. A. Welsford said he was called by the Police about 9.35, and went to the “Hotel de Paris” and found the prisoner lying in a room undressed, in blankets, suffering from shock. She was breathing well but appeared to be scarcely conscious. Witness applied the necessary restoratives, and she came round. She was kept there until 12 o’clock, and then removed to her home.

Sarah Katerina Volmar, confectioner, 12a, Snargate Street, said that the defendant had been waitress in her service for about eight years and a half. She believed that she had had a little family trouble, and she expressed a wish to go to early service on Sunday morning. When witness got up on Sunday morning the defendant had gone. She was going to be married the same day at Zion Chapel. She appeared on Saturday to be overdone by excitement. She is 28 years of age. Witness offered to take the prisoner home and look after her in future. The man the defendant was about to marry was in witness’ employ. Witness did not recognise the note produced as in the defendant’s writing.

The prisoner was discharged on Mrs. Volmar promising to take care of her.

The man Stewart was rewarded with 2s. 6d., and the Magistrates also commended the witness Sharpe for his bravery.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 January, 1897. Price 1d.

FATAL FALL ON CHRISTMAS DAY

An inquest was held at the “Hotel de Paris” on Monday afternoon, by the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq., on the body of Private Gillings, of the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment, who died on Boxing Day, from the effects of a fall on Xmas Day. Mr. W. G. Wells was foreman of the Jury, and the following was the evidence:-

Surgeon-Captain Gerald Creo, A.M.S. produced the official papers of the deceased, which showed that his name was Andrew Gillings, and his age 25. He was a private in the West Yorkshire regiment, stationed at the Citadel Barracks.

Private William John Harvey, 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment, said: The deceased was in my company, and slept in the next room. On Xmas Day the company had dinner in my room, about thirty. Private Gillings came late. He said he did not want any dinner. He had been cooking the dinner, and said he had some. He, however, has six or seven glasses of beer. After dinner we sat around the fire and sang songs. Private Gillings, in his turn, got up on the form to sing, but losing his balance, he fell violently on to the floor. I got him up, and he appeared to be dazed. He sat down on the form, and some twenty minutes later I saw him go downstairs. He then stumbled and appeared to be either drunk or dazed.

Private G. Slawson, West Yorkshire Regiment, said: I was in the room when the deceased fell off the form on Xmas Day, as described by the last witness. I afterwards got him to bed.

Private John Cliff, West Yorkshire Regiment, who sleeps in the same room as the deceased, said he went to bed about eight o’clock. The deceased was then in his bed, and witness could hear him breathing. Previously, between half-past six and seven, witness picked him up off the floor, when he rolled out of bed. On the following morning, about a quarter to seven, witness found him on the floor insensible. He was taken to the Hospital.

Lance-corporal Filton, and Lance-corporal Deolson, West Yorkshire Regiment, also gave evidence.

Surgeon-Captain Creo said on Boxing morning he saw the deceased at the Hospital. He was completely unconscious, and appeared to be dying. He never recovered consciousness, and died at 11.30. there were no marks of injury about him at all. Witness had since made a post mortem, and found a fracture of the right parietal bone, that over the ear, about two and a half inches long. There was also a bruise of the temple muscle. There was a very large clot of blood under the seat of fracture, which had compressed the brain and caused death. The fall described by the first witness would be sufficient to cause the injuries if the deceased had fallen on to the side of the head, or when he fell out of bed he might have struck on a box.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1 September, 1950.

HOTEL DE PARIS CLOSED

FOUR LICENSED PREMISES PUT UP THE SHUTTERS

Their leases having expired, the Hotel de Paris and the "Prince Imperial" at either end of Strond Street, closed their doors last week.

Strond Street comes within the area due to be developed by the Harbour Board who own the properties there. Other occupiers have been told that their leases will not be renewed.

Another licensed house which has closed down within the last week is the "Hippodrome" Bars, in Snargate Street while the "Clarendon Hotel," on the Northampton Street corner, put up the shutters some time ago.

The south side of Snargate Street is also to be demolished in connection with the scheme for widening Snargate Street and incorporating Northampton Street with the Harbour Board's other quayside property.

On the western side of Wellington Passage there are now only two occupied premises on the south side of Snargate Street. One of them is the Working Men's Club, which will be closed when the new premises now being built at Erith Street are completed.

From the Dover Express 1 June 1951.

The area near the Crosswall will soon have an altered appearance with the demolition of the properties in Strond Street and Customs House Quay, to make way for dock-side improvements. The well-known "Hotel de Paris" (right) is the last to go. Close by were the "Swan" (in the photo) and "Pavilion Hotels" and the "Green Dragon" public house, better known to older generations of Dovorians.