DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Dover, February, 2024.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 06 February, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1838-

Prince of Orange

Latest Feb 2008

8 New Street (Turne-againe Lane) (28 in 1911Census)

Dover

Prince of Orange 1905

Above picture from an advert in Pike's Blue book 1905. Stating:- "The Prince of Orange, Queen's Gardens. Has just been rebuilt, and is now thoroughly up to date, with well fitted Saloon, Smoking-room, etc. All Wines, Spirits, and Cigars are of the best only. The Most Private and Comfortable House In The Town. Rigdens Celebrated Faversham Ales and Stout.

Prince of Orange 1971

The pub is top right, shown in 1971 during the demolition of York Street for the dual carriageway.

From the Dover Gazette, 8 October 1980.

Prince of Orange 1980

This aerial photograph of Dover's town centre pinpoints the ten acres that has proved such a rich harvest ground for the archaeologists. The ten acres are bounded by the Market Square (bottom right), York Street (to the left), and Biggin Street (to the right). Some of the Roman and Saxon ruins can be seen. Off York Street are the new Maybrook House Offices with the Folkestone Road roundabout behind. In the far distance the grounds of Dover College, Dover Town Hall, High Street, and Priory Hill can be seen. The "Prince of Orange" is highlighted centre.

Prince of Orange 1987

Above photo 1987.

Prince of Orange circa 1980

Photos above and below Prince of Orange circa 1980 by Barry Smith.

Prince of Orange circa 1980 Prince of Orange sign 1991

Prince of Orange sign August 1991.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Prince of Orange July 2009

Prince of Orange 19 July 2009, photo by Stuart Kinnon.

Prince of Orange 1972

Above photo circa 1972, kindly sent by Mark Jennings, who says it was taken by his Great Uncle Aubrey Pemble and could well be from the first dig in 1971.

Prince of Orange sign

Above shows the Prince of Orange sign in 2007.

Orange Tree brick grafitti.

Above brickwork showing graffiti cut into it by an F. White in what looks like 1932 or 1939. No idea who is was. Kindly sent by Barry O'Brien.

 

Mentioned in Pigot's Directory 1840 under "Taverns and Public Houses". As a beerhouse of 1846 it presumably honoured the prince, who was reported off Dover, with five hundred ships and transports, on 3 November 1688. His landing was much further West but the result was significant.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 24 April 1838.

The Apollonian Club, held at the "Prince of Orange Tavern," closed its season on Friday. The company was very numerous, and the gentlemen of the orchestra provided a rich musical treat. The annual supper will take place on Monday evening, when a piece of plate of about £20 value will be presented to Mr. Henry Palmer, for his valuable and gratuitous services as leader of the orchestra.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 15 March, 1845. Price 5d.

CORONERS INQUEST

On Wednesday, at 8 o'clock in the evening, an inquest was held at the "prince of Orange," New-street, before G. T. Thompson, Esq., coroner to the borough, on the body of ----- Tart, who was taken in a fit while in the act of shaving himself, and never spoke afterwards.

Several witnesses were examined, and the jury, after a brief deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from natural causes.

 

Dover Chronicles 7 March 1846.

Dover Petty Sessions. Monday.

This being the transfer day for ale house licences, the following transfers took place.

"Prince of Orange," to George Frederick Hart.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 March, 1871. Price 1d.

AIDING A SOLDIER TO DESERT

William Beercroft, a miserable-looking man of the vagrant type, was charged with aiding a soldier to desert from the 67th Regiment, stationed in this garrison, and with having in his possession a tunic, a pair of braces, a belt, and a cap, the property of the crown.

Jacob Robbins, landlord of the "Prince of Orange" public-house, York Street, said: About eight o'clock last evening the prisoner came into my house. He left a small parcel there, and went out, as he said, to see about a dog. He came back in about five minutes with two soldiers. He asked for a pint of beer. I brought him in the beer and he said I might as well make a pot of it. Prisoner then asked me if I had a private room. I told him I had not. He said he wanted to write a letter, and I told him that he could go into the smoking-room. He said that that would not do, and I told him that I could not accommodate him further. He then asked me if I had a aback yard. I told him I had, and one of the soldiers and the prisoner then went out together into the yard. Shortly afterwards the other soldiers followed him. The prisoner took his bundle with him; and as the yard was full of linen, which was drying, I followed them, in order to look after my property. When I got out on the step leading into the yard, which was about twelve yards from them (I could not see them very well, because the clothes were in the way), I heard them chattering to themselves. When they observed me, one of them said, "All right, governor, you can go back." I stood waiting in the yard for a few minutes, and as I thought they had been there long enough, I went towards them. When I got within two or three strides of them I heard a noise at the back gate, and on reaching them found that one of the soldiers had got over the wall. The prisoner had the tunic, and belt, and the braces produced on his arm and the cap was on the ground. I could not see whether the soldier who was getting over the wall was dressed, or not. The soldiers were in uniform when they came into my house. Prisoner wanted me to take the things and let him go; but I told him he was in the wrong hands for that.

Sergeant George Smirl, of the 67th Regiment, deposed: I am a colour-sergeant in the D company of the 67th Regiment. The braces, the belt, the tunic, and the cap are all the property of private William Choice, who belongs to my company. He has been absent since yesterday afternoon. He had no right to part with his regimentals.

In reply to the Magistrates, Mr. Robbins said that the bundle the prisoner had with him when he came into the house disappeared at the same time as the soldier.

The prisoner had no real defence to offer; but he told a rambling story, apparently with the object to leading the Bench to think that his unsuspecting innocence had been imposed upon.

The Magistrates told him that he had been guilty of a grave offence, and sent him to prison for three months, with hard labour.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 May, 1878

TRANSFERS

John Hills applied to have the license of the “Prince of Orange” transferred to him.

The Superintendent said when permission to draw was granted, the applicant stated that he had been keeping the “Blue Anchor,” at Chatham. He wrote to Chatham, but the authorities there knew no such place. Applicant's wife had taken out a summons against her husband for knocking her about, so that if the landlord and landlady were going to quarrel it was better the license should not be granted.

The Bench refused the application, and ordered the house to be closed immediately.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 17 May, 1878

SELLING WITHOUT A LICENCE

John Hills, proprietor of the “Prince of Orange” public-house, New Street, was summoned for selling intoxicating liquors without a licence.

Police-sergeant Hemmings deposed that he visited the house on the night of the 7th inst., where he found two men with a pot containing malt liquor. The landlord told him that he had permission from Mr. Kingsford to draw beer.

Mr. Stillwell, Justices' Clerk, proved by the registry licenses that the defendant was not licensed to sell beer in the house in question.

In defence, the defendant said he gave the man beer for cutting up some wood, and he called a man named James Jonah, who said that he lived at the “Prince of Orange,” and was asked by the defendant to cut up some wood, when he afterwards offered him some beer, which he accepted, and gave some to the other man.

The defendant was fined 40s. and costs.

The Bench reminded him that he had made himself liable to a penalty of £50.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 31 May, 1878

STEALING WEARING APPAREL

Barton Conley was brought up charged with stealing off a line in a garden of 43, High Street, a quantity of wearing apparel, the property of Mr. W. R. Hood.

William Robert Hood said: I am a Trinity pilot, residing at 43, High Street, Charlton. On the 14th inst., I had occasion to go into the garden to fetch some clothed which were hanging on a line. I took in the heavy things and left out the flannel petticoat, one shirt, one cravat, three babies frocks, a white chemise, two towels, two tea cloths, and one pair of drawers. I missed them on the morning of the 15th. I did not say anything then, but on the night of the 24th I received information which induced me to communicate with the Police. My garden is the fourth one from Barwick's Alley, and there is a hole through the wall. The value of the articles stolen amount to 30s.

Mary Ann Hood, daughter of the last witness, identified the flannel petticoat produced as belonging to her.

Emma Gatehouse said: I am a single woman, living at Barwick's Alley. I know the prisoner. He has been living with me up till the last fortnight. Since then he has been living at the “Prince of Orange” public-house, New Street. About a fortnight ago, in the evening, I saw the prisoner coming up the alley with a bundle under each arm. On the morning of the same day he came to my house with a chemise, a pair of drawers, and a white scarf, and asked my sister to buy them. She told him she had no money, and he took them away. He said he had got them from three or four walls from where we lived. About five days afterwards he came to me and asked me to buy the flannel petticoat produced for two shillings. I told him I had no money and he then offered it to me for a shilling, but I refused to buy it.

Caroline Dane said: I am the wife of Edward Dane, who is a general dealer in St. James' Street. On Thursday last the prisoner came to my shop and asked me to buy the petticoat produced for a shilling. He said his landlady wanted a little money and he was trying to sell it for her. I gave him nine-pence for it. A Policeman came and asked about it and I gave it up to him. I have never seen the prisoner before he came into my shop.

Police-sergeant Stevens said: On Saturday, the 25th, from information I received I went to the last witness's shop. I described a number of articles that had been stolen, and asked her if she had bought any of them. The last witness gave me the petticoat produced, and I took possession of it. I saw the prisoner at the Canterbury County Police Court, and charged him with stealing a quantity of wearing apparel from a garden at 43, High Street. Prisoner in reply said he was innocent. I thereupon brought him to Dover.

Prisoner had nothing to say in defence, and was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 July, 1878

LICENSING BUSINESS

Permission to draw was granted to a man from Sheerness at the “Prince of Orange,” New Street.

 

 

WHITING Henry John

Personal Estate £50

Who died 14th January 1889 at the said Tavern was proved at the Principal Registry by Jane Elizabeth Whiting of the said Tavern Spinster and sole Executrix.

19 June. The Will of Henry John Whiting late of the "Prince of Orange," Beerhouse, New Street, Dover in the County of Kent. Beerhouse keeper who died 20 April 1889 at the "Prince of Orange" was proved at Canterbury by Jane Whiting of the "Prince of Orange" Widow the Relict the sole Executrix.

 

 

Rigden and Company had plans approved for rebuilding in 1901 and on completion it stood on the corner with Queen's Gardens. It later passed to Fremlin and extensive alterations to the bars were made by Ernest Lee in 1980.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 23 August, 1901. Price 1d.

NEW STREET IMPROVEMENT

Mr. Wightwick, solicitor, applied on behalf of Messrs. Rigden & Co., Brewers, Faversham, for approval of the plans of the new public house to be erected in New Street, to replace the “Prince of Orange.” The Dover Corporation had arranged with the owners to take a portion of the land upon which the present house stood, and were giving them land in exchange. The owners proposed to take down the existing house and erect a new one, and the object of this application was that when they came for a renewal of the licence, the Bench could see that it was erected according to the plans.

The Bench examined the plans, and asked that the following alterations be made: That the door at the rear of the house should be closed, that the side door should only be used by the household, and that only two entrances in front should be used by the public. With the exception of this, the Bench were satisfied with the plans.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 11 December, 1903. Price 1d.

APPLICATION

Alterations to the "Prince of Orange," New Street, were approved, on condition that a back entrance be bricked up.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 12 May, 1905. Price 1d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

The Magistrates' Clerk said that all the licenses would be renewed, except that of the “Prince of Orange,” New Street, the landlord of which had just died, and Messrs. Rigden would make the necessary steps in that case.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

DEATH OF THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' SECRETARY

The death occurred on February 3rd of Mr. George Alfred Husks, landlord of the “Prince of Orange,” Queen's Gardens, after a few days illness, at the age of 66 years. The funeral took place on Monday at Faversham, the deceased's home. The deceased was for many years the Secretary of the Dover and District Licensed Victualler's and their Seller's Protection League. The mourners present were his brothers and sisters, and Mr. Pay; whilst the following representatives the Licensed Victuallers' Society:- Messrs. E. G. Ovenden, P. King, H. Maslin, and H. Chapman. Floral tributes were sent from his brothers Sam and all at Beckenham. Edie, his brothers and sisters; Emma, May and Tom, Mr. and Mrs. Booker; Nurse Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Lamoon; the officers and brothers of the “Duke of Connaught Lodge.” R.A.O.B., G.S.R., the officers and brethren of the “Dover Priory Lodge,” A.O.D. (No. 401), the Dover and District Licensed Victualler's and Beer Sellers' Protection Society; the officers and brethren of “The pride of Dover Lodge.” R.A.O.B., G.S.R.; and the officers and brethren of the South East Kent District, R.A.O.B., G.L.K. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. B. J. Andrews, of 22, New Street, and 1, Westbury Road, Dover.

 

Dover Express 25th August 1944.

At the Dover Licensing Sessions on Friday last, a music and singing licence was granted to the “Prince of Orange”, New Street.

 

 

Unfortunately currently closed, hopefully temporarily. (March 2008).

 

Another pub had displayed this sign. It traded from Stembrook and older residents will remember it more readily as the "Ancient Druids".

 

From the Dover Mercury, 1 January 2003.

All change for pub-goers.

CUSTOMERS of a Dover public house have noticed some major changes at their local.

As well as new landlords at the Prince of Orange in New Street, the pub has undergone a complete transformation following a massive refurbishment costing £40,000.

Pubmaster, who own the Prince of Orange, aimed to enhance its quality and character and it now boasts a new kitchen as well as brand new fixtures and fittings,

The landlords, Carl Hood and Derek Fletcher, took on the tenancy at the pub after realising the potential it had. Having worked in the licensed industry for many years, the pair bring a wealth of experience with them.

As well as introducing food which includes bar snacks, an a la carte menu and traditional Sunday roast, Carl and Derek have also organised a football team to represent the pub in local leagues and live entertainment every Sunday evening.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 20 February 2003.

Prince of Orange advert

From the Dover Mercury 20 March 2003.

Ingredients are just right at refit pub.

CHEF Carl Hood has mixed the perfect ingredients to make the Prince of Orange in New Street, Dover, the name on satisfied customers' lips.

As the new manager, he has masterminded a £40,000 refit of the centuries-old hostelry to create what he proudly calls "a country pub in the middle of town".

Carl added: "It was a beer house in 1846 and was rebuilt in 1901. Now it has a family friendly atmosphere after a four-month refurbishment programme. We also have a pool table and new furnishings."

Carl, 35 was head chef of a top hotel before deciding on his new challenge.

"I came to Dover and saw for myself the potential of both the town and the Prince of Orange," he said.

"There's a fully-equipped kitchen and we specialise in producing quality food at affordable prices, whether for bar snacks or full meals."

The Prince of Orange Sunday roast is £4.50 but there are baguettes and jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings, specials every day and a vegetarian menu with unusual and mouth-watering dishes such as sweet potato and chestnut bake, as well as veggie burgers.

With a team of trained staff to look after visitor needs, regulars and tourists alike can be confident that The Prince's reputation for hospitality is as strong now as it was 150 years ago.

Prince of Orange bar area

New Look: The newly-refurbished bar at the Prince of Orange.

 

From the Dover Mercury 25 January 2007.

Pub row ends in jail term.

A CONSTRUCTION worker who admitted assault, twice breaching an ASBO and possessing cannabis has been jailed for six months.

Paul Morris, 33, of Longfield Road, Dover, breached the ASBO by going into the Prince of Orange pub in May and assaulting Katherine O'Reilly after an exchange of words.

After she threw her drink over him, he retaliated and unintentionally hit her on the chin with his glass, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

Morris said he had been reckless.

The ASBO was handed out by Folkestone magistrates in August 2004.

One of its conditions was that Morris kept out of pubs and clubs in Dover because of his history of alcohol-related offending.

But on July 22 last year, a CCTV operator saw him go into the Golden Lion in Priory Street.

Police were called and Morris admitted going into the pub, but said his ASBO had only 30 more days to run.

He also handed over to officers a small amount of cannabis, saying it was for pain relief because he had a back problem.

Peter Alcock, defending, said Morris picked up a lot of work in pubs.

"The risk of harm to the public is low," Mr Alcock added.

 

From the Dover Express, 9 August 2007. Report by Rhys Griffiths.

SMOKING BAN - PUBS FEEL THE EFFECTS A MONTH ON.

The Prince of Orange in New Street, barman Ricky Stepney said business had slowed and predicted the worse was yet to come.

He said: "Trade has dropped quite a lot, nobody likes having to go outside to smoke. The people who supported the ban don't come in and when the weather changes it will get worse."

 

From the Dover Express, 6 March 2008. Report by Yamurai Zendera.

Pub sale has ‘left void’ says landlord Dave.

FORMER pub baron Dave Bliss, who was at the helm of the Prince of Orange when it closed, has told the Express in the week it was put up for sale, that losing it has “left a void” in his life.

In his 41 years in Dover, Mr Bliss, 61, has managed a string pubs, his last being the Prince of Orange, with wife Ann, 58, as the tenancy holder.

Last November their New Street boozer closed because, as Mr Bliss puts it, their losses became “colossal”.

The pub’s dire financial woes at the time, which he partly attributes to losing a lot of customers last June because of a leaky roof, has resulted in a dispute with the owners Admiral Taverns.

Last week, the Prince of Orange was put on the market for £250,000 with Admiral Taverns only prepared to say: “It no longer fits in with our pub portfolio.”

Mark Grieg, managing director of property agency Paramount Investments, which is overseeing the sale, said: “The pub could be redeveloped as housing if no-one is willing to take it on as a going concern. Obviously the hope is that it should continue as a pub.”

Speaking from his two bedroom bungalow in Whitfield, Mr Bliss, who has become reclusive since the closure, said: “For all the stress, it’s still very sad it had to go the way it did. I put five years of my life into it. It’s left a bit of a void in my life to say the least. Basically, I’ve got nothing to do. I just spend my time watching the TV or going on the computer. My wife works part-time in the NHS.”

Since moving to Dover from Folkestone, the former legal clerk has gained a reputation for investing in a number of businesses in the town.

He and second wife Ann have run The Orange Tree, The Flagship, The Royal Oak and the Prince of Orange and for 10 years he owned the now defunct Coastal Taxis, before selling it in 1980.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday 12 June, 2008.

Prince ready for rebirth

Prince of Orange, 2008

UNCERTAINTY surrounding the future of the Prince of Orange pub in Dover has finally been resolved after it emerged the property has been sold to a local pub landlord.

The New Street boozer had been on the market for £250,000 through property agency Paramount Investments since February.

It was put up for sale by owners Admiral Taverns, who at the time said: "it no longer fits in with our pub portfolio".

The last tenancy holders of the Prince of Orange were husband and wife Dave and Ann Bliss of Whitfield, (shown below) who ran into financial difficulties.

Dave and Ann Bliss

Paramount Investments previously stated their desire for the freehold to be taken on by someone wishing to keep it going as a pub.

Company spokesman Andy Bernyeat confirmed an offer matching the asking price had been made. He said: "It's been sold, subject to the contracts being exchanged.

"The idea is that it will stay as a pub. We are talking about someone local in the trade, who wants to keep it open."

Mr Bernyeat said the sale was good news for the pub trade, which has had to change the way it works since the introduction of the smoking ban last year.

He said: "We are pleased that it will stay as a pub.

"We're always glad to see pubs open. They are under a lot of pressure at the moment, and some have had to close for various reasons."

Final paperwork is expected to be tied up this week.

 

 

Currently closed February 2008.

The CAMRA branch meeting of June 2008 reported that the pub had been sold and will be reopening some time in the future. September reported that the change of use application that was submitted had been refused and it was up for sale again.

 

From the Dover Mercury 13 November 2008.

PUB CONVERSION

DISTRICT councillors are being asked to approve the change of use and conversion of the former "Prince of Orange" public house in New Street, Dover, to four one-bedroom flats, and the construction of a first floor extension above a flat roof.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday 20 November, 2008.

Application to turn Prince of Orange pub into flats.

HOPES of keeping open the Prince of Orange pub in New Street, Dover, a drinking establishment since 1846, appear to be dashed. A planning application- has been made by Victor Evans to change the use of the pub by the provision of four one-bedroom flats, with a first-floor extension above a flat roof area. The ancient property, in what was once Turn-again Lane, was rebuilt in 1901.

 

Former Prince of Orange

Above photo by Chris Whippet, Creative Commons Licence.

 

LICENSEE LIST

HATTON John 1840+ Pigot's Directory 1840

POULTER James 1844

HART George Frederick Mar/1846-58+ Bagshaw's Directory 1847Melville's 1858

HATTON Mary 1861+ (age 53 in 1861Census)

ESCOTT Mrs Sarah 1874 Post Office Directory 1874

HUDSON George Mar/1877+ Dover Express

RIGDEN July/1878+

FAGG William 1879

TURNER John 1879 end

BOLLEN Charles E 1881+ (age 37 in 1881Census)

WHITING Henry John pre 1891

WHITING Jane 1891+ (widow age 48 in 1891Census)

GILLETT J 1897 end

SCOTT George junior 1897-98 end

Last pub licensee had CLAYSON Isaac Stephen 1898-99 Kelly's Directory 1899

WILLIAMS Mrs Eliza F 1901

FRANCIS H 1901-03 end Post Office Directory 1903

DEETH Percy 1903+ Kelly's 1903

MARTIN William June/1904-09 end Dover Express (From Ashford)

MARTIN Charles 1909

MAITH W 1909 end

ROBINSON Charles 1910-Apr/12 (age 53 in 1911Census) Dover Express

DEETH Percy 1913? Post Office Directory 1913

HINKS/HUSKS George Alfred Apr/1912-Mar/22 dec'd Dover ExpressPost Office Directory 1913Post Office Directory 1922

PAY Mrs Edith M to Apr/1922 Dover Express

HARRISON Raymond or W R Apr/1922-Nov/25 Dover Express (Of Sheffield)

REES Albert Nov/1925-Jan/27 Dover Express(Engineer from Barham Hill, London)

DENT Edward Barry Jan/1927-42 end Dover ExpressPost Office Directory 1930Pikes 1932-33Post Office Directory 1938Pikes 1938-39 (Late P.T. instructor at Duke of York's R.M. School)

MARTIN W 1942

NICE Charles Frederick 1942-56 end Pikes 48-49Kelly's Directory 1950Kelly's Directory 1953Kelly's Directory 1956

McLERNON Horace Percival Victor 1955 ?

Last pub licensee had BEER Peter William 1957-66 end

EADES Cyril J 1966-78 end Library archives 1974 Whitbread Fremlins

McNELLY M 1978

WYLDEBORE Frank 1978

LEE Ernest 1980-84 end

BANNAN James 1984+

HOOD Carl & FLETCHER Derek 2003+

ARMSTRONG James 2005-06 (also "Flagship")

BLISS Dave to 2008

 

The Dover Express reported George Hinks to be from Faversham.

 

Pigot's Directory 1840From the Pigot's Directory 1840

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Melville's 1858From Melville's Directory 1858

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

Kelly's Directory 1899From the Kelly's Directory 1899

Post Office Directory 1903From the Post Office Directory 1901

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Post Office Directory 1922From the Post Office Directory 1922

Post Office Directory 1930From the Post Office Directory 1930

Pikes 1932-33From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1932-33

Post Office Directory 1938From the Post Office Directory 1938

Pikes 1938-39From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1938-39

Pikes 48-49From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1948-49

Kelly's Directory 1950From the Kelly's Directory 1950

Kelly's Directory 1953From the Kelly's Directory 1953

Kelly's Directory 1956From the Kelly's Directory 1956

Library archives 1974Library archives 1974

Dover ExpressFrom the Dover Express

CensusCensus

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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