From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 30 August, 1867.

AFTER THE RACES

William Norman was summoned for assaulting Frederick Adams. The assault rose out of some circumstances which transpired at the "Park Inn" on the evening after the Races, and which was fully detailed by the witnesses.

Mr. Minter appeared for the complainant and Mr. Lewis for the defendant.

Frederick Adams said he was at the "Park Inn" between nine and ten o'clock, or it might have been later, on the evening of the 22nd August. He was in front of the bar, having been engaged in some raffling, when he was seized by the defendant by the back of the neck and thrust against the wall and afterwards into the street. Defendant then thrust him against the shutters of the house and gave him two or three violent blows. The defendant had not before spoken to him, nor had he spoken to defendant; but during the time he was raffling, he said to the man he was raffling with, "Be careful what you say here, as it may be mentioned again." Mr. Brockman, the landlord of the house, thereupon made use of some very abusive language; and the defendant, who is his brother-in-law, came forward and thrust him (complainant) out of the house.

By Mr. Lewis: When I said that what was stated might be repeated again, the landlord did not say, "I know what you allude; you made use of some very improper remarks the other day, and I told your brother." I did not challenge the landlord to fight, except "conditionally," and after his wife had interfered. I had a stick near me, but I did not shake it at the landlord. The landlord did not say that unless I left the house he should send for a policeman. He did not say "I am not a fighting man," but it seems he keeps one on the premises. (A laugh.) Mrs. Brockman did not say, "If you strike my husband, it shall be through me." What she did say was, "I'll come round to you," and I told her she had better send her husband. I did not threaten to knock in Mrs. B's "daylights." The defendant did not say, on my making use of any such expressions, "Remember she is my sister."

By Mr. Minter: The landlord called me a liar, and I told him that if he was anywhere but in his own house I would give him a good pummelling.

William Adams, brother of the complainant, said he was at the "Park Inn" on the evening in question. He heard the landlord call his brother a liar, and shortly afterwards he saw the defendant take hold of his brother and thrust him out of the house and afterwards assault him. Norman did not desist from striking the complainant till witness's sister, who was coming along at the time, got between them.

Br Mr. Lewis: I did not see my brother shake a stick at Mr. Brockman, nor did I see him pull his coat off. before Norman put my brother out I did not hear him say "Remember Mrs. Brockman is my sister."

Mr. Lewis, for the defendant said the complainant was very violent and abusive in the house, and the defendant acting on the landlord's behalf, put him out with no more violence than was absolutely necessary. This, he admitted, the defendant was perfectly justified in doing. He then called the following witnesses:-

Mr. T. S. Brockman: I keep the "Park Inn," in Ladywell. On Thursday evening several persons were in front of my bar, including Adams. Some conversation took place, when Adams said "You had better be careful of what you say, as it will go further," making some allegation to me. I told him he was not justified in making such am assertion when he spoke in a very improper language, and wanted me to come out and fight. I told him I was incapable of fighting as I was suffering from asthma. He then became still more violent and abusive, and I told him he really must leave the house. During the altercation my wife said that complainant should not molest me, and Adams then shoved her, whereupon Mr. Norman, my wife's brother, told him he must remember she was his sister. I afterwards attempted to send for a policeman to remove complainant from the house, and I then asked Norman to put him out, which he did, using no more force than was absolutely necessary. The defendant went out "????." (A laugh.)

By Mr. Minter: I believe I addressed the defendant in the mans gentle terms I have been favouring the Bench with to-day. (Laughter.) But I did call him a "liar"; and I made use of an adjective; but the adjective was ????? - nothing stronger, nothing commencing with a "h" I never made use of such an expression in my life.

Mr. J. A. Lewis corroborated this evidence,

TO BE UPDATED as the original file was unreadable from here on.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 August, 1869.

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE AT DOVER

On Tuesday afternoon last an inquest was held at the "Park Inn" Park Place, before the Deputy Coroner, Sydenham Payn Esq., and a numerous Jury, on the body of Mrs. Martha Burton, a married woman living with her husband in Dour Street, who had committed suicide by cutting her throat.

Mr. Thomas Clark was chosen the foreman of the Jury, and the following evidence was taken:-

Charles Henry Burton, the husband of the deceased said: I am a grocer's assistant residing in De Burgh Street. The deceased was my wife, and her age was twenty-nine years. She has been in a low desponding state of mind for the last three or four months, but she has not been bodily ill. Deceased only returned on Wednesday night from a visit to her friends, for change of air. During the last three months she has been under the care of friends. She seemed more cheerful on arriving home, and I thought she was better. I have not noticed any great change since her arrival home. I quitted home about three minutes to six this morning, leaving her in bed. She was then quite cheerful, and bade me good bye. She wanted to get up, but I desired her to remain in bed until seven o'clock. Some person came to the shop where I am employed, about a quarter past seven and told me what had taken place. I arriving home I found Mr. Walter and my lodgers with my wife. She was then lying on the bed with her throat cut. Deceased was far too gone to know that I was present. I have heard since her death that she had said that if she did not die in three months  she should make off with herself, but she has never made any such remark to me. She was sinking fast when I got home, and died about a quarter of an hour after my arrival.

Henry Chalkly said: I am a galvanist living with my wife at the house of the deceased. This morning about a quarter past six I heard a kind of cough in the adjoining room, where the deceased and her husband slept. I remarked the noise, and I shortly afterwards heard it repeated. I then told my wife to open the door and look in. My wife being rather frightened, I opened the door, and on looking in i saw the deceased sitting in a chair with a looking glass before her, and blood running from her throat, which was cut. I also saw deceased lay the razor, with which I suppose she had committed the act, on the table. I told my wife to go and fetch a doctor; but deceased implored me not to send, and asked for a pen and ink to write. Deceased could not write; she was too weak. I put my hand to her throat to stop the bleeding, and put a bandage round her neck, and held it there for about five and twenty minutes, while my wife was gone to fetch a doctor and to call some neighbours. Deceased did not die before Mr. Walter came, and he remained with her until she expired. She has generally been in a desponding state. Her husband has always been affectionate towards her. She would sometimes cry when spoken to.

By the Jury: the deceased and her husband have lived in the house for two years, and I have lived there longer. When I heard the noise in deceased's room I had no suspicion that she had committed suicide.

Mr. John Walter said: I am a surgeon living and practising in Dover. A little before seven o'clock this morning I was called to see the deceased, and went immediately. On reaching the house I found her sitting  in a chair in the bedroom, supported by Mr. Chalkly. her dress was covered with blood, and on examination I found that it had proceeded from her throat, which was cut. I examined the wound, and found all the large vessels had been cut through. I had her laid on the bed, and took what steps I could for her recovery, but found every effort hopeless. Deceased sank very fast, and died in about half an hour after I had arrived. I have no reason to doubt but that the act was committed by herself. I had never attended her before.

It appeared that Dr. Baird, who was present, had previously attended the deceased in the month of May of the present year, and it was suggested that his evidence should be taken, but the majority of the jury thought that this was not necessary.

The jury returned a verdict, "That the deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 September, 1875.

INQUEST AT DOVER

An inquest was held by the borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., at the "Park Inn" on Tuesday, on the body of Emily Morris, who died from an overdose of laudanum. (Tincture of Opium. Paul Skelton)

Jane Morris said: I am the wife of William Morris. The deceased was my sister-in-law. She was a single woman, residing at 32, Dour Street. Her health was very bad. She had been suffering for about 17 months with dropsy. AT the onset she had Dr. Duke. Dr. Astley also attended her. One of them called in about three months ago. I do not think either have been in since. I have been in the habit of attending my sister-in-law five or six times a day. Her own sister went for Mr. Fedarb, living at 10 Wood Street, as he had been recommended by a friend of hers. He visited her every day. The deceased remained in the same unhealthy condition till yesterday, when at about a quarter-past nine she sent my little boy, 13 years old, to Mr. Adams, the chemist, in Park Street. When he came back to my house, after having been to the deceased's house, I asked him where he had been. He said he had been to Mr. Adams's for four pennyworth of laudanum. I immediately ran across to the deceased's house, and asked her what she had been taking. She said, "I have taken nothing." I however searched the bed, and found the bottle produced behind her back. She strongly denied she had taken it. I went to Mr. Adams and asked him what he had sent. He told me, and then gave me an emetic for the deceased to take, but she would not take it. Drs. John and Clement Walter were sent for, and attended immediately, but she still refused to take anything, and lingered until about a quarter-past one this morning, when she died very quickly. She said she did not want to live, her sufferings were too great. The bottle is marked "Leudanum, Poison." It also says 30 drops are to be taken by adults in water.

Henry Morris said: I am 13 years old. I am the son of the last witness. Yesterday morning I was sent for by the deceased to go and fetch some laudanum from Mr. Adams's. I told him it was for my aunt. The bottle was marked "Poison." I took it to my aunt, and she told me to go downstairs and get out of doors as soon as I could. I went, and when I got outside I met my aunt Maris. She asked me where I had been, and what I had fetched. When I told her she ran upstairs to the deceased's room. My mother also went.

Robert White Adams said: I am a chemist, carrying on business in Park Street. yesterday morning about nine o'clock the last witness came to my shop and purchased four pennyworth of laudanum' which he said was for his aunt. I knew that his aunt had been suffering from dropsy, and gave it to him. He asked me how much boiling water it required, and I told him cold water should do, and he left my shop. About a quarter of an hour afterwards Mrs. Morris came running to my shop, and told me that her sister-in-law had taken the whole of the laudanum. I gave her an emetic, and told her to give it to the deceased at once, and in the meantime I went for Dr. Walter, and he and his son both attended at once. Dr. Walter came to my shop and said the deceased refused to take any medicine, and told me he did not perceive any appearance of her having taken laudanum.

Josiah Fedarb and Dr. Walter said they tried to persuade deceased to take some medicine, but she refused, and they left. There was no appearance of her having taken laudanum, but she was looking very ill.

The Coroner summed up, and the jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effects of a dose of laudanum administered by herself."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 12 August, 1881. 1d.

SAD SUICIDE

An inquest was held this morning at the “Park Inn” Ladywell Place, before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payn, Esq.,) on the body of John Penn, baker, High Street.

Mary Brace said: I am the mother of the widow of John Penn, deceased, who was a baker carrying on business in High Street, but resided at, 13, Wood Street. I have been living at the house of the deceased for the last two years. He was 45 years of age. His health was very bad and he told me very often he was nervous and suffered with severe head aches. The deceased was a sergeant-major of the Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers. I saw him last alive yesterday morning at half-past five, when he was going round to the bake-house. He seemed low in spirits but didn’t say anything. The deceased leaves a wife but no children.

Thomas Appleton, assistant, proved finding his master handing in the outhouse from a beam, and running to Mr. Browning’s for help to cut him down.

Mr. Arthur Long, surgeon, who was called in said he found the deceased had been dead about an hour.

The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 March, 1883.

The “Park Inn,” at Dover, very narrowly escaped destruction on Sunday week. A fortunate discovery was made that the joints under the dining room hearth were alight. It is an old tale, though the “Park Inn” is a very modern erection. The builders had simply cemented the sides of the hearth stones, so that on a large fire being kept up the material became over heated and set fire to the wood below. It is rightly remarked in the report that numerous fires occurring in this way are put down as “origin unknown.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 29 July, 1938

PARK INN LANDLORDS FATAL

The Dover Borough Coroner, Mr. E. T. Lambert, held an inquest at the Town Hall, on Tuesday afternoon, on the body of John Frederick Bent Strange, aged 45 years, the licensee of the "Park Inn," Park Street, who died a few minutes after falling in the cellar of his house.

The Coroner sat with a jury, as follows:- Messrs. T. Parks (foreman), G. Porter, W. H. Hudsmith, W. S. Lelliott, M. S. Lear, A, Campbell and A. Harvey.

Mrs. Muriel Elizabeth Strange, widow of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. She said that deceased had not been well for the past week, but was up and seemed all right o Saturday night. He had suffered from gout off and on, but they did not think it was necessary to have a doctor to attend to him because he knew what to do during these spells of gout. When he came down on Sunday morning he said that he was quite fit for work, and wanted to get on with the cleaning of the cellar. He went down into the cellar at about eleven o'clock, while witness was polishing the canvas in the bar. The cellar, which was lighted by electric light, was not very high, and one had to stoop when in it. It was right by the side of the river, and the floor, which was of concrete, was always wet and slippery. At about a quarter past eleven witness called down to deceased, asking him to turn on the beer-tap, which he did. A few minutes later she heard him call her name and she answered. He did not reply, and she called, "Why don't you answer Me?" She went down to see what had happened, heard him giving awful gasps, and found him lying against one of the barrels. He was unconscious and bleeding very badly at the head. Witness could not tell what had happened. There were no signs of his slipping because the floor was so wet. He was alone in the cellar all the time.

Miss Lilian Langley, who is employed at the "Park Inn," said that she was in the kitchen at about 11.20 on Sunday morning. She had seen deceased earlier that morning, and he appeared quite happy, as usual, and did not complain of feeling ill. She heard Mrs. Strange shout out to her to fetch a doctor, and she went for one, but he was not in, and, returning, she found the ambulance outside the house.

Mr. Edward Prescott, of the Eight Bells Lodging House, New Street, said that he was in the "Park Inn" on Sunday morning. He was talking to Mrs. Strange when she went down into the cellar. He was deaf and did not hear deceased shout. The previous witness came to him and said that Mrs. Strange needed help, so he went down into the cellar and helped her to carry the deceased upstairs. They then summoned the ambulance from the Fire Station. As far as he knew, there was no one else in the house at the time.

Dr. S. Marinker, House Surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital, said that deceased was admitted to the hospital at 1135 a.m. on Sunday. He was bleeding at the head, and there were no signs of life. Witness made a post mortem examination the same evening, and found a haemorrhage on the brain, which was due to a severe contusion of the brain. Here was no fracture of the skull, but it seemed evident that the haemorrhage on to the brain had been caused by a violent impact on the skull. This could have been caused by a fall. Deceased seemed quite healthy, and there was no evidence of disease of his internal organs. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure, and expressed their sympathy.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 7 January, 1966.

After six years as landlord of the Park Inn - Dover Corporation's only public house - at Park Place, Mr. George Hawkins is leaving at the end of the month. He and his wife Kay will continue to live in Dover.

A former member of the crew of Dover lifeboat, Mr. Hawkins has been in the trade for 20 years. Before moving to the Park Inn he was for three years licensee of the Green Man at St. Margaret's Bay.

From the Dover Express, 19 May 2003.

Above photos shows Ola, Tina (manager) and Gemma.

The Park Inn has been serving the people of Dover since 1863 and with the ever-changing face of European and world travel it is a popular stop-off point for tourists and business travellers from around the world.

Whether they call in for a sandwich and a coffee, a bar snack, the restaurant menu, just a drink or bed and breakfast, the attraction of the English pub is just as great as it ever was. With the many offerings of food, drink, entertainment and accommodation, the Park Inn is well equipped to attract every type of customer.

A free house, the Park Inn has been managed by Tina Holley for the past 13 months. Arriving from a major chain outlet where she was a deputy manager, Tina is surprised at how close and friendly a traditional pub can be. "There are no barriers here between staff and customers. It is a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The range of clientele is staggering. Young couples, middle-aged, older couples, single clientele and families with young children, and they all feel at home here," says Tina. One of Tina's first challenges as manager was to stem the high turnover of staff. Tina adds: "Customers like to maintain relationships with my staff.

"Before I joined there had been a high staff turnover, but we have settled down and on the rare occasion a position becomes available we have a high demand from applicants.

"Staff training and specialised courses have given us a strong staff base. This consistency is good for us."

She is now aiming to work closely alongside new Head Chef Jamie Colvin to promote the exciting menu on offer. Tina says: "We have a busy food trade and we have hosted large parties for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.

"But I firmly believe a lot of people in White Cliffs Country are still to discover us and what we have to offer.

"For whatever reason when on a visit to Dover, we can cater for all their needs if they wish to dine with us."

Jamie Colvln, 20, and an employee at the Park Inn for nearly 4 years, has been awarded the coveted position of Head Chef. Jamie explains: "l joined the team here as a kitchen porter and immediately felt part of the family. A professional kitchen set-up and a good working atmosphere made me realise that I wanted to progress here and enhance my catering knowledge." Following the past two years working under the guiding hand of the experienced Darren Knight, Jamie and the Park Inn management team feel he is ready for the challenge.

Jamie adds: "l have the support of two good chefs which will allow me to concentrate on looking for new directions to take our menu. I aim to add some modern cuisine to our more traditional dishes. A very 'something for everyone' menu is something I look forward to achieving here." The Dover born chef believes he can achieve award-winning recognition for the Park Inn. Jamie states: "My belief in using fresh local produce blended with a twist of imagination and listening to the views and opinions of my diners will encourage me to produce the best traditional English cuisine outlet in the area." His backup is provided by recently appointed Michael Riley and Steven Holley.

Tina Holley, Manager at the Park Inn, has announced the latest employee to be offered a training course. Paul Andrews is to attend a Bar Managers Workshop at the courage Brewery in Reading, Berkshire. The three-day course includes all aspects of work in the pub industry including customer service, good service, beer quality, health and safety and the BII National Licensees Certificate. Following two other staff members' successful attendance on the course last year Tina states that is is another indication that the Park Inn believes in employing, quality staff and is prepared to back this belief with certificates. Tina says: "A certificate confirms your professionalism and puts the whole aspect of the pub industry in perspective. We strongly believe that in-house training sets the standards of an employee but achieving awards allows the person to measure his progress as seen by a third party.

New Head Chef Jamie Colvin has just completed NVQ Level 2 in Catering and is awaiting commencement of Level 3. Paul Andrews is looking forward to the challenge. He says: "When I was offered the position here I was promised backing to be allowed to advance my career. I thoroughly enjoy the pub/restaurant business and hope to make a successful career from it. This is a great way to start."

Tina Holley adds that his can only be of advantage for the Park Inn. "Staff training here has proved successful in the past and will do so again in the future," she says.

With the completion of five en suite rooms in September 1999 the Park Inn offers everything a visitor to Dover may wish for. Manager Tina Holley is 'amazed by her guests' enthusiasm. Tina says: "Many visitors, particularly American guests, love the feel and atmosphere of an English Inn, and the business traveller relishes the warm and relaxing atmosphere of the cosy rooms." With an English Tourist Council Four Diamond Silver Award and AA Four Diamond Award, the Park Inn boasts one of the best ratings in White Cliffs Country. Tina adds: "The success of our rooms is measured by repeat business. If guests have stayed with us before, they always wish to return to us on their next visit to Dover.

"The en suite rooms are decorated in period Victorian colours and have retained features from when the building was first constructed in 1861. Tina says: "A popular feature is the original marble fireplace in our four-poster room. Guests love the sense of history that emanates from such a feature." An ideal location for all local attractions and amenities, the future appears bright for Tina's five rooms. She says: "We offer tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press, alarm clock/radio and a popular attraction is the satellite TV channels. After a good night's sleep I like to serve my guests a hearty English breakfast which sets them on their way for the rest of the day whether business or pleasure."

ELVIS, BUDDY, ELTON and FREDDIE ...

Just the one name is enough to set against a famous face from the history of rock 'n' roll. The one thing they all have in common is that they have all performed at the Park Inn.

Yes, the look-a-like tribute acts commenced here in 1998 and have become must-see shows in Dover. Park Inn employee Ola Swan-McVie has seen several shows during her two years' employment. She says: "The atmosphere on the night is electric and the standard of the performance is extremely high. Gary Mullen as Freddie Mercury in 2001 was incredible. He had just won a television show and his show was amazing. It was as near to watching the real thing as ever could be." Her fellow employee Gemma Stannard mentions the counterfeit Beatles Duo and the recent Billy Fury Tribute as nights that customers still talk about. Gemma says: "A drink or three, a lovely meal and superb entertainment is a unique night out in the Dover area and I feel our customers appreciate these special evenings." Tonight, Thursday 19 June 2003, the tradition is continued with a performance by the Beached Boys and on Saturday 21 June the Park Inn Talent Contest is staged for the fourth year running.

SIX REAL ALES

Paul Andrews joined the Park Inn during March of this year to tend the bar and manage the busy cellar. His biggest task is ensuring the quality of the six real ales on offer. Paul explains: "Actually the job of keeping these 6 ales is made all the more easier by the high turnover of them all. The headaches would come if any of them were sitting around but they all sell so well."

Old house favourites such as Marston's Pedigree and Old Speckled Hen along with the very popular Courage Best are backed by a Theakstons Pump and two guest ales. "A great boost in my position is a customer commenting on a 'cracking good pint!'" says Paul. "It makes all the effort worthwhile."  all the' effort worthwhile."

Advert below appeared in the Dover Express 4 January 2007.