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1 Folkestone Road/Military Road
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This interesting picture of the junction of Priory
Place, Worthington Street and Military Road dates from about 1895. In
the centre is the milk shop. Here it is pictured
when the proprietor was C. Fry who, apart from selling milk products of
the Priory Farm dairy, sold lemonade, soda and ginger beer. On the right
is Ye Olde Red Cow Inn and yard which stood on the corner of Folkestone
Road and Priory Place. |
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From the Dover Telegraph, 30 December 1843.
The above advert was kindly sent to me by Lorraine Sencicle. |
The original, "Ye Olde Red Cow Inn", was set back from the road with a
yard.
It was there long before buildings appeared in Folkestone Road in 1843.
It is known that in 1810 a piece of meadow land near the pub was used to
form Priory Street.
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From the Kentish Post or Canterbury News-Letter,
December 7 to December 11, 1751.
A Notice in the ‘Post’ reads that “Stray’d on Thursday the 5th Instant
[Cows and Heifers] from the Sign of the Red Cow in Dover………..
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We also know that in 1805 it was kept by a character known as 'Mighty
Merit' and in 1791 by Thomas Starr, but the above passage from the Kentish
Post pre-dates all other mentions of this pub.
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From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General
Advertiser, Saturday 30 April, 1836. Price 7d.
DOVER SESSIONS
Sarah Hogben, aged 23, charged with stealing a blanket, the property
of Samuel Pierce, landlord of the "Red Cow," on the Folkestone Road;
where she had slept. The blanket was restored by her relations, and she
acknowledged the theft to Southerden, the officer who took her into
custody. The prisoner said she had committed the offence from
destitution.
Guilty, but recommended to mercy. One month's imprisonment.
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From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General
Advertiser, Saturday 13 June, 1846. Price 5d.
ACCIDENT
Early on Saturday morning last, as the market butchers from Romney to
Dover were on their roadm and had reached near Farthingloe, the horse of
a Mr. Smith fell, by which the driver was thrown off the cart, and
received some severe bruising, but no bones were broken. The horse on
recovering his feet, and before he could be secured, started off at a
furious rate, with the bit dangling before him, and was not stopped till
he reached the "Red Cow," where the cart came in contact with some
scaffolding poles, by which a shaft was broken, and the horse much
injured. He was then secured, and further mischief thereby prevented.
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From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General
Advertiser, Saturday 2 February, 1848. Price 5d.
CRUELTY TO A DOG
Henry Organ, licensed hawker, was charged with cruelty to a dog. Mr.
Rowland Rees deposed that on the previous afternoon, he saw defendant on
the Folkestone Road, driving three dogs in a cart, one of which he was
whipping unmercifully, although the poor brute appeared scarcely able to
crawl, and was dragged on by the other dogs. On remonstrating, defendant
made use of very abusive language, and witness considered it his duty to
the public that the case should be brought before the Magistrates.
Organ, in his defence, said that he bought the dog on the previous
day, and on taking it out for a trial it was sulky, and would not draw
at which he became much irritated, and in consequence made use of
language to complainant for which he was very sorry, and now apologised.
He could assure the Bench that the dog had not been over-driven,
as he had not been more than two miles on the road.
Mr. Look, landlord of the "Red Cow," stated that he had known
defendant, who was lodging at his house, for some time; and he always
evinced greater kindness towards his dogs than was usual with hawkers;
and that on the day in question he had not been out with the dogs more
than an hour.
The Bench, in consequence of this, and the contrition expressed,
dismissed the case on payment of 5s. costs.
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From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General
Advertiser, Saturday 1st January, 1853.
DOVER PETTY SESSIONS
Charles Toms, 23, ostler, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing
11d., the property of his master. Mr. Look, of the "Red Cow Inn," Dover,
and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
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From the Dover Express, 17th March, 1863.
DOVER POLICE COURT
The following is a summary of the police intelligence of the week:-
On Sunday John Toon, a vagrant, charged with stealing 6s. 6d. from the
till of the "Red Cow" public-house, was convicted and sentenced to one
month's imprisonment.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 26
December, 1863.
INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE
Ann Wylde, landlady of the "Red Cow" public-house, was summonsed on
the information of police-Sergeant Barton, charged with having her house
opened for the sale of liquor at ten minutes to twelve on Saturday night
last, but dismissed with a caution after paying the costs.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer,
4 January, 1867. Price 1d.
KEEPING OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Thomas Browning, the landlord, of the "Red Cow Inn," Folkestone Road,
was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of liquors until
fifteen minutes past one o'clock on the morning of Christmas Day.
Police-constable Chard said that about quarter-past one on the
morning of Christmas Day he heard loud talking in the "Red Cow Inn," and
some one offer to toss for glasses of ale, and also heard the money
thrown on the counter. He opened the door and saw six men standing and
sitting before the bar with pots of glasses before them. He told the
landlord he had no business to have his house open at that time.
Browning replied, "You have no business here, you go out, if you don't
go out, I'll put you out." He told him that it was his duty to be there,
and then Browning said that he would go and fetch the Inspector, but
that he was afraid to trust his wife with him (the constable). There
were two other policemen outside the door, and they could hear what was
being said.
By Mr. Fox: I know one who was there by name - Johnson the pipe
maker. There were two men dressed as guards of the railway. I was not on
that beat, but I was on duty close to the house. I have noticed the
house, but did not know that the guards who come down by the late train
go there to supper before they go away in the morning. Mr. browning did
not say he was afraid to trust me in the house; he said he was afraid to
trust me with his wife. I was indignant at being told I was drunk. I did
not see anything drawn or sold whilst I was there. I only heard some
money on the counter.
Mr. Smith: Is it a fact that you were drunk?
Witness: No, Sir, I was sober.
George Harman, police-constable No. 12, proved hearing the
conversation between the last witness and the landlord of the house in
question.
By Mr. Fox: I have not had a conversation with Chard upon the matter.
I saw Mrs. Browning; she was behind the bar. I do not know that the
guards go there to supper after the last train.
By Mr. Smith: I only know one person there.
Mr. Coram said that there was evidence he proposed to offer on the
part of the police.
Mr. Fox then submitted that there was no case at all. Mr. Browning
was on that night, supplying refreshment to travellers, and these
travellers were guards of the railway. These men went to the defendant's
house every night to supper and they are entitled to do so, and the
landlord cannot refuse to serve them. These persons have to return to
London shortly after three o'clock, and therefore they are entitled to
be supplied with necessary refreshments. There is not the slightest
evidence that any beer or liquors of any description was sold or served,
and if the police wanted to have independent testimony why did they not
call the man Johnson, for he doubtless would have told the truth. It was
their duty to do so, but for reasons of their own they had not dome so.
It was rather singular that the two policemen, who had been called for
the prosecution, had spoken exactly the same words, although it must be
remembered one was not in the house. When two witnesses differed
slightly it was more generally supposed that they were witnesses of
truth, rather then when they came up with their words cut and dried in
their mouths, and each gave their evidences in the same terms. However
he did not wish for one moment to impute that they had spoken anything
but the truth (laughter). He thought the Bench would agree with him in
saying that it was rather unfair to Browning that the policemen should
so far have misinterpreted his words, and make him say that he would not
trust the man Chard alone with his wife, was it at all likely - when
there were six men in the house at the same time, according to the sworn
testimony of the police - that he would have said such a thing? The
words made use of by Browning, according to his (Mr. Fox's)
instructions, were that he would go to the superintendent but that he
would not leave the policeman in the house. But apart from all that he
thought the Bench would take the fact in its true light - there was no
beer or any liquor served or sold at the bar during that time; and
therefore there was no infringement of license. As the charge against
the defendant was for opening his house for the sale of liquors, and as
the sale had not been proved he contended there had been no offence
committed.
Mr. Latham said the Bench considered the case proved, and argued that
if houses were to be kept open of a night for railway guards, there
would not be a house in the town closed at its proper hour. The
defendant would be fined 10s. 6d. and 10s. 6d. costs.
The money was paid.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday,
10 June, 1870.
ASSAULTING A WIFE
John Charingbould, a shoemaker, living at Union Row, was charged with
assaulting his wife, Ann Charingbould.
Ann Charingbould, a young woman who seemed in delicate health, and
carrying a young baby in her arms, said: I live at Union Row, and am the
wife of the defendant. Last night we were returning home about eleven
o'clock, when he wanted me to go with him into the "Red Cow"
public-house. I refused, and he struck me. I proceeded home, and the
prisoner followed me about an hour afterwards. On coming into the room
he dragged me out of bed and knocked me about a good deal. The defendant
was the worse for liquor; but knew what he was about. I had to seek the
protection of the landlord of the house where we lodged, and I
afterwards dressed myself and went to the station-house, where I gave
information to the police.
In reply to the Magistrates, the complainant said that he husband had
repeatedly ill-used her before.
She called James Ashcroft, who said: I am a mariner, and live at 21,
Union Row. defendant and his wife lodge with me. Last night the wife of
the defendant came home, and said that her husband had ill-treated her
at the door of the "Red Cow" because she would not go into the house and
drink with him. That was a little after eleven. About a quarter past
twelve the defendant came home, and I immediately afterwards heard a
great disturbance in the bedroom he and his wife occupy. The wife
shortly after ran to me for protection. Her nightdress was torn all to
pieces and she was struck in the mouth. This is not the first or second
time the woman has run to me for protection, and the house has been
constantly disturbed by the defendant's treatment of her.
The defendant, in reply to the charge, said that his wife was "not
civil" to him, and that that was the reason he had struck her; but he
did not hurt her, and he had never hurt her on a previous occasion.
The Magistrates thought the cruel assault had been committed, and
sentenced the prisoner to fourteen day's imprisonment, with hard labour,
without option of fine.
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Outward coaches to Ham Street, starting from the "London Hotel", picked
up passengers here and in 1882, coaches from New Romney to the inn ran every
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, returning the same day. It was rebuilt at
the turn of the century, or possibly in 1895 when Priory Place was widened.
At a sale in May 1910, when it held a thirty five year lease from January
1906, it realised £2,400 In 1912, when Lewis was the host, the motor and
livery stables next door would no doubt be an accessory.
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From an email received from Nina McSweeney, 21 September 2009.
The most exciting thing for me was your mention of Thomas Browning,
landlord of The Red Cow in 1866. I'm assuming he wasn't heard of after
1867 as that's when he ran off to France?
I know his running off caused a scandal, but I'm not sure if it would
have been in the newspapers. I'm hoping it was!
I really appreciate your help, and the whole family will be delighted
to know we finally have a name for "The man who once owned The Red Cow".
Nina McSweeney.
P.S.
There's mention in my Grandmother's diary of a Grandma Elvy, who
could possibly be the mother of Frank Browning (ex wife/girlfriend of
the publican Thomas Browning?), but she could equally be a Grandmother
on the maternal side, or as my Mum suggested she may just be an elderly
friend as they were often called Grandma.
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From an article in the Dover Mercury by Joe Harman.
Originally published circa 2000.
Travellers refreshed at Red Cow.
IT IS now 30 years since the Red Cow, at the bottom of Folkestone Road,
closed its doors and was demolished.
We know it was there in 1792, when
Thomas Starr was the landlord, and it may have dated from 1762, when
Folkestone Road was formed.
It was a stopping place for stagecoaches and
had a yard and stables for that purpose. The inn
was re-built in 1859 when Priory Street was laid out on meadow land.
Another re-build took place in 1895 when Priory Place was widened.
The
yard was used for political meetings and I am told that Ramsay McDonald
(twice prime minister) once addressed the public there.
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This was just another closure as a result of redevelopment in June 1971.
The town took possession that month and it was taken down in October the
same year so that the road could be widened. The new York Street with dual
carriageways opened to traffic on 10 December 1972 and now joins Folkestone
Road at this point the dust having long settled.
Photos above and below are of the Red Cow during demolition. By kind permission of the over Library.
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LICENSEE LIST
STARR Thomas 1791-92+
MERIT "Mighty" 1805
PIERCE John (Samuel) 1823-39+
   
HILL Johnathan 1840-42+
HAMMOND George 1843+
LOOK William 1847-52
 
WAY Elias 1854
MARSH William B 1958
MIDDLETON Palmer before 1858
WAYTE Henry 1862 end
WILD George Jan/1862+
WYLDE Ann 1863+ (Could be wife of George Wild)
BROWNING Thomas 1865-66
RICHARDSON William George 1874-82+
 
HOBDAY Walter 1895-99+
 
MILES Charles 1901
BROOKER H C 1901 end
CHAPLIN George W 1903
PINK Frederick 1903-04 end
EXELL Charles 1904-05 end
BISHOP Thomas 1905-Dec/10
LEWIS Josiah Dec/1910-13+
LEWIS Mrs Anne 1914-24 end
  
STOCKLEY Herman 1924-8 end
HART William 1928-30+
DITTON Frederick James 1932-50+
     
DITTON P J 1939-Aug/53
O'NEILL Edwin Robert Aug/1953-56+
BESTE J G 1959-61
WILSON Harold 1962-71 end
MANBY Alan A B Closed June 1971
However, seen mentioned in the Library archives 1974
obviously an overlook, but mentioned Allied Breweries Ltd as suppliers and
owners
Dover and Deal Directory and Guide 1792
From
the Pigot's Directory 1823
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-9
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From the Pigot's Directory 1839
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1895
From the Kelly's Directory 1899
From the Post Office Directory 1901
From the Post Office Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1923
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1924
From the Post Office Directory 1930
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1932-33
From the Post Office Directory 1938
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1938-39
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1948-49
From the Kelly's Directory 1950
From the Kelly's Directory 1953
From the Kelly's Directory 1956
Library
archives 1974
From the Dover Express
From the Dover Telegraph
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