From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 24 September, 1864.

PUBLIC HOUSE PROSECUTION

Leonard Epps, landlord of the "Union Inn," was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer on Sunday morning last. The defendant pleaded that the person s who were found in the house came under the denomination of "travellers," being the crew of the Submarine Telegraph Company's steamboat, which had just entered the harbour, and to whom he supplied some bread and cheese and beer. It appeared, however, from the evidence of Police-constable Joyce that one of the men belonged to a yacht; but the bench in consideration of the good character of the house, dismissed the summons, though cautioning the defendant that although the crew of the Telegraph Company's boat might be considered as travellers, such a description could not apply to the yachtsman.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 3 May, 1867.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was held on Tuesday evening last at the "Union Tavern," before W. H. Payne, Esq., coroner, touching the death of Richard Gritlen.

Esther Gritlen deposed: I live in Round Tower Street. The deceased is my third son, and is twenty four years of age. He has not resided with me personally since the death of my husband. He has been to sea, but has not been fully occupied. He has been afflicted ever since his birth with water on the chest. He had only earned about eighteen pence during the winter. He was not fit for work. I had no means of keeping him. He said he would sooner die in the streets then go to the union. About six weeks ago he showed me his leg, and I poulticed it. I could see the water would rise and kill him. He said he had been living aboard different vessels for some weeks. The last time I saw him was last Wednesday. He asked me for some halfpence to get some tobacco, and said he would go to the union. He had a brother who was subject to fits. He had not been attended by any medical men since Dr. Heritage died. He said he was asthmatic, and that he would probably be consumptive. Deceased never complained of palpitation of the heart. He took to drinking. I think he died from water in the chest, and not from starvation.

John Spain deposed: I am a Surveyor in the Customs. On Monday I saw the deceased sitting on the step, about one in the afternoon, and a few minutes afterwards he was laying on the steps vomiting, with some people around him. I asked him if he was ill, and he said yes, but did not say what was the matter with him. I asked him if I should get him anything, but he made no reply, and I left him to attend to my duty. I saw no more of him. I heard some woman say she would go and tell his mother.

By the Jury: He appeared to be sober.

Mary Ann  Wilson said: My husband William Wilson, is a labourer on the Admiralty Pier. On Monday morning I saw Richard Griften lying on the steps, foaming at the mouth and black in the face He appeared to be quite dead. I left him in charge of the first person passing, and went to his mother. He formerly lodged with me. His mother said she could not take him in. She asked me to have him taken to the union, as she had no means of keeping him. She is a cripple, and on the parish. A policeman came and took him to the dead house. He was short of breath and troubled with his chest, and listless and feeble. I never saw him the worse for drink while he lived with me as a lodger. I do not know that he was subject to fits.

Thomas William Colbeck deposed: Yesterday about half-past one my assistant was called to the deceased. I was not in, but went this morning and saw the body. I found the deceased thin, emaciated, and patches of eruption about the legs and body. The chest was narrow and badly formed. There were no external marks of violence about the body except a slight graze above the left knee, which I believe was two or three days old. Judging from the evidence, I should think he died from fainting, caused by a weakened heart, the result of asthma together with exposure to the night air and want of proper nourishment.

The Jury immediately returned a verdict of death from natural causes, accelerated by exposure and want of sufficient nourishment.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 12 February, 1869.

CORONER'S INQUEST - THIS DAY

An inquest was held this day by the borough coroner, at the "Union Tavern," Union Street, on the body of Thomas Cook, a seaman belonging to the True Blue, a collier owned by Mr. E. P. Robinson, who had met his death by falling overboard early on the previous morning while the vessel was lying moored at the Northampton Quay.

It appeared from the evidence that the unfortunate deceased in passing between the shore and vessel missed his footing and fell into the water. Notwithstanding that a rope was thrown by a man who heard his cries and hastened to the spot, the deceased was not recovered. Drags were used till about noon, when the body was took from the water. Life had then of course been long extinct.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 April, 1869.

SUDDEN DEATH OF SHIP'S CAPTAIN

On Tuesday last an inquest was held on the body of William Shaker, captain of the ship Catherine, by the borough coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., at Epps's "Union Tavern." Mr. Green was chosen foreman of the jury.

John Orwin said: I am mate on board the brig Catherine, of Sunderland, and the deceased was master of the same ship. The ship is on a voyage from Churrant to Plymouth and Yarmouth. We have passed through the Downs and were off the Long Sands Buoy, near the Kentish Knock. At about twenty minutes past five in the evening the deceased took the wheel in order to stay the vessel and to keep her off the sand. The wind was blowing very strong from the east when she missed stay. I gave orders, and after having taken in slack of the main-sheet, I spoke to the master and told him he had better let me have the wheel because I knew I could put the ship round. He asked me if I thought he was not in a fit state to put her round, and I told him that he was not. He then said it was I that was not in a fit state, and not he. I told him that if I was not in a fit state I would go and get my pipe and sail no more with him. I went forward to the middle of the ship when one of the men turned round and said, "The captain is down again." All hands then ran aft and found blood streaming from his mouth. He was insensible and never moved afterwards. I left two of the crew with him on deck, and took two boys and one man and put the ship round. Finding that he was quite dead I put him on one side and covered the body with a new tarpaulin and made it fast so that it would not roll with the ship. I brought him to Deal first in the ship and then to Dover, the sea being so rough that we could not land him at Deal. I commenced sailing with the captain about three months and a half ago. The first part of the voyage he was not subject to drinking spirits; but during the latter time he was frequently drunk. The ship was partly laden with brandy. the captain had a considerable allowance for himself. he has had fits recently, the first was on Saturday. I should say the fits were caused through excessive drinking. The second fit was on Sunday morning at about half-past ten, and the one at the wheel was the third, under which he died. We were twelve days at Plymouth, and the captain was not sober all that time. he hardly came on deck from the day we left Plymouth. he had the key and helped himself to the spirits. I have frequently urged him not to drink, and on one occasion he struck at me and told me to mind my own business. On the ship's arrival at Dover I reported the matter to Mr. Latham, the shipping agent, and they sent a stretcher and took him ashore. he was about sixty years of age.

By the Foreman: I believe he was not intoxicated at the time he was at the wheel. I had tried to keep him from the spirits for the last two days.

Argus Smidt said: I am able seaman on board the brig Catherine. The captain was taken in a fit at about half-past five on Sunday afternoon. He was at the wheel when we were off the Long Sand Bay. I was at the wheel first, when the mate came and took the wheel out of my hands, and the captain shortly afterwards took it from him. Some altercation took place between the captain and the mate, the mate charging the captain with not being fit to take care of the vessel. The mate afterwards went to the middle of the ship. I saw the captain shortly after fall down on to the deck, apparently in a fit. All the crew went to the captain; but in about ten minutes afterwards he died. We wanted to land him at Deal, but the weather being so rough we were compelled to bring him to Dover. The captain was always drunk during the latter part of the voyage; but was sober the two days previous to his death. I should think he died in a fit.

By the Jury: I don't think the captain had strength enough to use the wheel. There was no fighting between the mate and captain. The mate is a sober man and good seaman. I have been on board the ship about three months and a half. I shipped at Sunderland.

The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died in a fit produced by excitement.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 21 May, 1869.

DEATH BY DROWNING

An inquest was held at Epps's "Union Tavern," Union Street, on Monday last, before W. H. Payn, Esq., the borough coroner, on the body of John Foley, a soldier belonging to the 1st battalion of the King's Own Royal Regiment, stationed in the garrison, which had been found in Dover harbour on the previous Sunday morning.

David Sach, a sergeant in the 1st Battalion of the 4th King's own Regiment, stationed at Castle Hill Fort, said: I have known the deceased for the last eleven months. He was a private in the regiment to which I belong. The last time I saw him alive was on Saturday evening, between five and six. he was then in barracks , and was quite sober. I heard on Sunday morning, at a quarter to eleven, that he had been drowned. He was absent from barracks without leave. his age is twenty-eight. Deceased was very much addicted to drinking.

Charles Walker said: I am a sapper in the Royal Engineers, stationed at Castle Hill Fort. I knew the deceased, having seen him frequently in the cook-house. I was in his company on Saturday evening, about 9 o'clock, at the "Phoenix" public-house, in the Market Square. he was then rather the worse for liquor. I saw him go out of the door and recommended him to go home. he replied that he would go directly. Deceased was alone. I did not see any of his comrades present.

Assistant-surgeon William John Page, of the 94th Regiment, said: I was called to see the body of the deceased. I saw no marks of violence upon him. From the general appearance of the body I have no reason to doubt but the death was occasioned by drowning.

James Albert Harmer said: I am an officer of Customs at Dover. I was on duty on Sunday morning, at twenty minutes past seven, on board the Louise Marie, a Belgian Government steamboat, lying at the Clock House Quay, when I saw something red in the harbour, at the corner of the Esplanade Quay. I sent a man round to look, and he called out that it was a soldier. I and another officer then got into a boat and went to pick up the body. We dragged the body to the steps near the Wellington Bridge and took it on shore. I saw no marks of violence on the deceased, though there were some marks made by crabs upon his face. During the time I was on board I heard no splash in the water. After we had got the body ashore I  went to the shaft guard and the sergeant sent a man to the police-station. I should say deceased had been in the water three or four hours.

Police0sergeant Stevens stated that on searching the deceased he found a purse which contained 4½d.

From a statement made by the captain of the deceased's company, it appeared that deceased had had £8 in the Post Office Savings bank; but he had drawn some out on the evening he met his death.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 16 July, 1869.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at Epps's "Union Tavern," Union Street, on Monday last, before the borough coroner W. H. Payn, Esq., on the body of James Bingham, who was accidentally drowned by the upsetting of a boat off Dover rather more than a fortnight ago.

Mr. William Henry Styles was chosen foreman of the jury; and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was taken:-

James Dickson Lilly, a mariner living at Kingsdown said: I have known deceased for many years. he was a mariner living at Kingsdown, and his age, I believe, was 29 years. I last saw him alive a fortnight ago to-day in a galley punt named the Staunch, belonging to Kingsdown, and I was one of the occupants. We cruised off Dover for the purpose of attending vessels requiring assistance. We afterwards entered Dover Harbour, and after we had been on shore a short time we again put to sea. We were out about a mile from the Admiralty Pier. The boat contained three hands, the deceased, myself, and a seaman named Henry Webb. We hoisted a lug-sail. At the time of the accident  there was a heavy sea running from the effects of the tide near the Admiralty Pier. The sea struck the forepart of the boat, and she immediately sank. I saw Webb, who was holding on with me to a spar which had floated out of the boat. I looked about, but could see nothing of the deceased, and I believe he sank and was drowned. Deceased was wearing at the time a guernsey shirt and a blue pair of trousers. I know that he could not swim. The sea was not rough, except just in the tide-way of the Admiralty Pier.

By the Jury: I was picked up by a Scotch schooner. I remained on the mast with Webb for about a quarter of a hour. We drifted down by the schooner which was lying at anchor in the bay, and they sent  a boat to our assistance.

Thomas Edward Bingham, brother of the deceased, said: I am a mariner living at Kingsdown. The deceased was my younger brother. he lived at Kingsdown and was also a mariner. I have seen the body which the Jury viewed, and recognise it as that of my brother. I last saw him alive a fortnight ago to-day, when he put off in a galley punt from Kingsdown to go to sea. He was a temperate man, and was a good sailor. He was married, and has left a wife and three children. His age was 29. I know nothing of the circumstances attending his death, but I have no doubt that he was drowned.

Robert Turner said: I am a mariner living at Dover. I was at sea in a smack off Dover and found the body of the deceased about seven miles off Dover on Wednesday last, about 7 p.m. It was floating to the westward. We tied a rope round it and hoisted it into the vessel, and brought it to Dover. I immediately gave information to the police  and helped to take the body to the dead house. I did not observe any marks of violence upon the body, and it had the appearance of a person who had been drowned. The body was floating face downwards.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned."

The following letter has been addressed to the editor of the Kentish Gazette:-

Sir,

Will you allow me through your column to enlist my sympathy of your readers in a very sad case which occurred last week to two Kingsdown boatmen. Two men and a boy from this village were returning home in a lugger punt from Dover harbour early on Thursday morning last (where they had been to land a pilot from a Dutch vessel), when in an instant, from a cross sea breaking over the bows of the vessel, she filled and went down, carrying one of the men with her, who was never seen again. The two others managed to cling to a spare floating mast; but before help could arrive, the second man lost his hold and was also drowned, the boy being rescued. These two hard working men were residents in Kingsdown, and have both left widows, one with three young children, and another expected, and the other with four young children and another very shortly to arrive, who are all wholly unprovided for, except so far as parochial relief gives aid. Kingsdown itself is a very small village; and from failure in the late mackerel fishing, and hard times, is pretty good just now, therefore can afford but little substantial relief in this case; but if any of your readers, sympathise with the distressed widow and orphans, would either in money or clothes help us in our existences, it would be a real act of charity. Relief in any shape will be most thankfully received and most carefully distributed by me. - Believe me to be, yours very truly,

THOMAS SYDENHAM CLARKE,

J.P. for Kent &c.

Kingsdown House, near Dover

July 3, 1869.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 September, 1869.

SHOCKING DEATH OF A COMEDIAN

An inquest was held at Epps's "Union Tavern" Union Street, on Saturday afternoon last, before the Deputy Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq., and a respectable Jury, on the body of Arthur Clifton, a comedian belonging to the Dover Theatre, who had been found drowned in Dover Harbour.

Mr. John Smith was chosen the foreman of the Jury, and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was taken:-

Jamed Montagur, said: I am a comedian, at present residing in Dover, and fulfilling an engagement at the Dover Theatre. I have seen the body of the deceased, and recognise it as Arthur Clifton. the deceased acted as prompter in the Theatre. Deceased's age I believe was 45 years. the deceased has been in Dover for about a month this season, and has filled a similar engagement here every season for some few years past. I last saw him alive about twenty minutes  past eleven on Thursday night in front of the bar at the Theatre, and I left him there. He was then slightly intoxicated and I had had occasion as stage manager to caution him during the evening. When intoxicated he was always a little inclined to be quarrelsome. Before leaving the theatre the deceased applied to Mr. Walter Browning  for some slight advance in money, but was refused, and to the best of my belief he had no money upon him.

Thomas Grey Holmes said: I am a pianoforte-tuner residing in Dover. I know the deceased. the last time I saw him alive was at the "Grand Sultan Inn," Snargate Street, where I was engaged. he came there on Thursday night, about a quarter-past twelve. he was then intoxicated. He was quite alone. I advised him to go home. he said he was out of spirits, and I asked him to have a glass of ale with me, which he did. He then said he should go down into the room, and sing a song. he went into the room and tried to sing, but broke down. he left the house shortly afterwards, and I believe he went in the direction of his house.

Daniel Hall said: I am a mariner living at Dover. I heard that a man was missing a little after seven this morning, and I dragged the Pent with the grappling irons belonging to the Royal Humane Society. I dragged near the sluice, where the body was supposed to be. The mate of the True Blue told me that the deceased's dog , which always accompanied him, had been barking there. On the second cast of the grapnel, I recovered the body of the deceased, and it was taken on the stretcher to the dead-house. There was a slight scratch over one eye and blood was oozing from that mark.

Police-sergeant Johnstone: I received information this morning about eight o'clock , that a body had been recovered from the Pent. I was present when the body was landed in a boat, and I had it conveyed to the dead house. I examined the body, and found a mark above the right eye; but I noticed no other injury. In the right hand trousers pocket I found a white handled knife, and in the left pocket a key and an old purse, which was empty. In the watch pocket I found a brewer's cheque, with some pencil whiting upon it, but the memoranda were not of importance.

the Jury returned  a verdict to the effect that the deceased was found drowned; but that there was no evidence to show how he had come into the water.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 October, 1869.

MYSTERIOUS AND FATAL ACCIDENT

On Saturday afternoon last, the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., and a respectable Jury, held an inquest at the "Union Tavern" Union Street on the body of James Saunds, an ordinary seaman on board the collier Premier, belonging to Dover, who had been found drowned in Dover Harbour.

Mr. David Houlden was chosen foreman of the Jury, and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was adduced:-

Benjamin Morris said: I am a master of the collier premier, belonging to this port, and I reside in Dover. I knew the deceased , James Saunds, who was an ordinary seaman on board the premier. he had belonged to the ship since January last. He was very steady and temperate. His age was nineteen years, and his parents resided in Dover. I last saw him alive about ten o'clock this morning, when he was on board the premier. He was then working out the coal with some others of the crew. I heard that he was missing about twenty minutes past eleven in the morning. I ascertain that he had been in the boat for the purpose of cleaning the outside of the vessel. I saw the crew get the grapnels. I and another man used them and succeeded in recovering the body, after half-an-hour had elapsed. I suspected that he had fallen into the water, as he had been missing for so long a time. The ship was lying alongside the Northampton Quay and he was picked up near the spot. I could see no marks of violence upon the body when it was picked up. I sent a man to the police-station, and then had the body conveyed to the dead-house. there had been no quarrelling among the crew. Deceased was not a quarrelsome youth; but was very quiet. I should think he probably fell into the water by attempting to get from the boat to the vessel.

By the Jury: The mate gave him orders to clean the outside of the vessel.

Charles King said: I am a mariner on board the premier and was at work with the deceased , this morning cleaning the vessel. We began to clean the outside of the vessel at half-past ten and continued working till a quarter to eleven, when I quitted the boat to go on board to work the coals out, leaving the deceased in the boat. I told him when leaving the boat that a cart had come down and that we must go to work again on deck and get the coals out. The deceased said, "Very well," Finding he was not in the boat when we looked for him shortly afterwards, we thought he had gone on shore. We loaded two carts after that, and finding that the deceased had not come on deck we became alarmed and thought that he must have fallen overboard. We procured the grapnels and pulled the body up out of the water. Information was afterwards given to the police. I did not see any marks of violence upon the body.

 Mr. Edward Duke said: I am a surgeon residing and practising in Dover. This morning shortly after twelve o'clock I was called to see the body of a man which had been taken out of the water. I went to the vessel, and saw the body lying on the deck of a collier. I examined it externally; but did not see any marks of violence upon it. he had the appearance of a drowned man. I should think he had been drinking about half-an-hour. There was nothing to indicate that he had been drinking.

By the Jury: the body was quite cold.

The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was "Accidentally drowned."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 11 February, 1870.

SUDDEN DEATH IN DOVER

On Wednesday afternoon last an enquiry was held at Epps's "Union Tavern" by the borough coroner, W. H. Payn., Esq., on the body of William Hagar a journeyman tailor, who had suddenly dropped down dead on the preceding day, while he was on his way to his daily employment at the shop of Mr. Meling, tailor, Commercial Quay.

Mr. James Greenfield having been appointed foreman of the jury, and the body, which was lying at the dead-house, having been viewed, the following witnesses were examined.

Frederick Finn: I am a shoemaker, and live at 23, Adrian Street, Dover. The deceased lodged at my house. He was a tailor, and was in the employ of Mr. Meling. He had been living at my house for about four months. He was not a very steady man, I believe he was addicted to drink. He did not enjoy very good health, and was in the habit of complaining of his heart. Since Christmas he has complained more than usual. I last saw him alive yesterday, about twenty minutes before twelve, I passed by the shop where he was employed, and, seeing me from the window, he nodded at me. He had left his house to go to his work, about a quarter past nine the same morning. He complained before he had his breakfast, and asked me to put my hand to his heart. I did so, and felt that it beat very heavily. His age was forty five years. He is a native of Greenwich, and I believe he had no relations in Dover. I knew the deceased had been treated for heart disease, as he told me that he had been in a London hospital on that account. He also complained of rheumatism in the hips. The deceased was living with a woman who passed as his wife shortly before his coming to live with me, and she was coming back to him on Saturday. There was a child living with him, about eight years of age, and he always spoke of her as his daughter.

Isaac Foredike: I am a labourer living in Dover. Yesterday, between twelve and one o'clock, while walking along the Commercial Quay, I saw the deceased in front of me. He was walking along the Quay, when he suddenly tumbled down on the pavement. He remained quite still after falling. I ran to him and picked him up, and found that he was sensible. He said he was all right, and I left him, and turned up a passage into Snargate Street. I shortly afterwards returned from Snargate Street, through another opening, to the Commercial Quay, and I then found the deceased lying on the pavement in front of the tailor's shop where he had been employed. The deceased was quite alone when I saw him fall, and he was going in the direction of Mr. Meling's shop. I assisted to carry the deceased into the shop and lay him by the counter, when a doctor was sent for. The doctor quickly arrived in a cab, and pronounced the man to be dead.

Dr. Allen Duke: Yesterday morning I was sent for to see the deceased. I attended immediately, and examined him with the stethoscope. I found he was quite dead; and from what I have heard and what I saw at the time I have not the least doubt that the deceased died from disease of heart.

The Jury at once returned a verdict of "Death from natural Causes."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 21 April, 1870. Price 1d.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH AT DOVER

An inquest was held at the “Union Tavern,” Strond Street, on Tuesday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., on the body of a retired butler, named Thomas Crowhurst, about 60 years of age, who was found dead on the previous morning, on the beach at East Cliff.

Alfred Newbury, a baker, living and carrying on business at Hastings: I have seen the body of the deceased, and recognise it as that of Thomas Crowhurst. I believe he had been a butler in a gentleman’s family, and had retired. I saw him alive a fortnight ago last Friday, at the Hastings Railway Station. I spoke to him, and he told me he was going to Dover for the benefit of his health. I know he has been effected in the head, through some cause arising from the spine, for some years past. I have known him about three years. He frequently complained to me of the state of his health. He was a widower, and had two daughters. I know nothing of the circumstances of his death. He was a very respectable man, and generally temperate. I was at Folkestone on business this morning, when I met a friend who had gone down in the train from Hastings as far as Folkestone with the deceased, and he told me Crowhurst was dead, and, knowing there was nobody in Dover who knew him, I came down here. He was not a likely man to commit suicide. Or do anything of that sort.

Emma Archer, the wife of John Archer, landlord of the “Salutation Inn,” Biggin Street: I have seen the body of the deceased, and recognize it as that of a gentleman who has frequented my house for the last fortnight. He was rather lame, and generally came in for rest and refreshment. I last saw him alive on Saturday, when he told me he was subject to rheumatism and that if it attacked him in the chest he was liable to fall down. He quitted our house a little after one o’clock in the day time, and appeared to be quite well. He borrowed 2s. 6d. of me, and left the empty purse produced with me, and I have not seen him since. I believe he had brought out a wrong purse with him. He was quite sober when he quitted our house. He told me he had come to Dover for a change of air, and that he felt much better.

Mary Hobday Ainslie, wife of George Robert Ainslie, landlord of the “Terminus Inn,” Beach Street: I have seen the body of the deceased, and recognise it as that of Thomas Crowhurst, who has been staying at our house for the last fortnight. He was very regular in his living, and the last time I saw him alive was on Good Friday. He went out about nine o’clock, and complained of feeling unwell. I did not see him after that. He did not pay for his lodgings, and owes about 35s.

Dr. John Marshall, a surgeon practising in Dover, deposed: On Monday morning, about five o’clock, I was sent for, to see the deceased, at the dead-house. I examined the body, and found he was quite dead. I had the body undressed, but discovered no marks of violence upon it. I believe the deceased was drowned, but it is quite possible that he may have had a fit and fallen into the water. The general appearance of the body would indicate that he was a man likely to have an apoplectic seizure. He appeared to have been dead two or three hours, but I cannot speak positively as to that.

Henry Norris, a boatman in the Coastguard Service stationed at the Casemates, East Cliff: Yesterday morning, about a quarter-past three , I was on duty near the boat-house at East Cliff. About fifty yards from the stone groyne I saw what appeared to be the body of a man lying under the falloff the beach. I went up to it and found the deceased, whom I afterwards ascertained to be Thomas Crowhurst. I saw he was quite dead. I acquainted the chief boatman of the circumstances and left him in charge, while I went and gave information to the Police. The deceased could not have fallen off the top or the groyne, or else he would have been carried out to sea. He must have fallen just close to the edge of the water while it was at full tide. The body was conveyed to the dead-house. I saw no marks of violence on it. I did not examine the pockets. The body lay about high water mark.

Stephen Henry Williams, a Police-constable: I saw the body of the deceased, Thomas Crowhurst, conveyed from East Cliff to the dead-house. I examined the pockets of the deceased on the beach, and found in them a pair of eye glasses and case, a snuff box, a pen knife, a scarf pin, three pocket handkerchiefs, several religious tracts, and a card of the “Terminus Inn,” with some writing upon it. There were no marks of violence on the body.

The Jury returned an open verdict of “Found Dead.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 28 April, 1870.

SUDDEN DEATH AT DOVER

Yesterday afternoon the Borough Coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., held an inquest at the "Union Tavern," on the body of a young woman, twenty two years of age, named Mary Fordham, who had been living as a domestic servant in the house of Mr. William Cessford, 18, Esplanade, up to the time of her death, which occurred under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence.

Mr. R. Elgar was chosen foreman of Jury, and after the body of the deceased had been viewed, the witnesses deposed as follows:-

Eliza, wife of Mr. William Cessford, lodging house keeper 18. Esplanade, Dover: The deceased Mary Fordham, was living with me as housemaid. She had been in my service about 13 or 14 months. She came from Yalding, near Maidstone. Her health was generally good; but she complained occasionally of short breathing, especially when she caught cold. On Sunday morning she complained of having a slight sore throat, and I gave her some embrocation to rub it with. She went about her work as usual. Towards tea time she got a little worse; but it did not prevent her going out. Tuesday was her customary evening for going out, and she went out as usual after tea. I recommended her to go to a chemist's and get something for her throat before she returned. I suggested that the chemist had better see her throat before prescribing. She returned soon after nine, and told me she had been advised to put on a mustard poultice and to have get feet in mustard and warm water. These remedies were furnished to her at once, and she got up the next morning, about half-past eight, saying she felt a little better. She remained up about an hour and a half, but she did not seem well, and I recommended her to go to bed again and keep herself warm and quiet. She did so; and I sent her up some bread and milk about noon, and she took a small portion of it. About two o'clock, my little nursemaid came to me and told me that the deceased was lying in my bedroom. I concluded that she had probably felt herself getting worse, and had got to my room, knowing that there was a bell there, so that she would be able to summon assistance. I went up to my room immediately, and found the deceased lying on the floor, between a box and a chest of drawers. I raised her up directly and got brandy, with which I wetted her mouth, and I also rubbed her arms and hands with eau de Cologne. I at first thought she had fainted; but I have no doubt that life was then extinct, for, on further assistance coming, we found it impossible to restore her to consciousness. Medical aid was sent for immediately, and Dr. Duke attended in a few minutes. He at once pronounced her to be dead. In addition to using the other remedies, she had taken some pills on the previous evening. I am not at all aware of the cause of death; but her mother, who is here, states that she has suffered from heart disease. She was twenty-two years of age.

By the foreman: The deceased was of a very happy cheerful disposition, and I have not the slightest reason to suppose that she died by her own design.

In reply to question put by the doctor, Mrs. Cessford said that the deceased had had fainting fits twice or three times while she had been in her service.

Mary, wife of John Burr, said she was the mother of the deceased, who was her daughter by a previous husband. Her husband was a labourer living at Yalding, near Maidstone. The deceased, who was her eldest daughter, had complained a good deal at various times of her heart; and thought her general health was pretty good, she was frequently troubled with her chest. When she first went to service she was laid up for a month with an affliction of the throat and chest. That was at Maidstone. She never complained of anything that would  make her unhappy. She seemed very comfortable in her place, and she wrote witness a cheerful letter last week.

In reply to the doctor, the witness said the deceased had often to stop in going upstairs. She coughed a good deal of times. When laid up at Maidstone the doctor said that her heart was afflicted on account of the narrowness of the chest.

Sr. Allen Duke, said he was a surgeon and physician, residing and practising in Dover. He was called on the previous afternoon to No. 18, Esplanade, to see the deceased. He found her upon a bed in the room in which the previous witness had found her lying on the floor. He examined her, and found that she was quite dead. From her appearance and from the evidence they had heard he should think she must have died from spasm of the heart.

These were the whole of the witnesses examined. In the course of the enquiry the nursemaid, who last seen the deceased alive, was called; but she could give no evidence of value. Mr. Peake, the chemist who had supplied the deceased with a gargle and a couple of pills, was also in attendance. He stated, in reply to the coroner, that the gargle was a simple acid gargle and the pills were anti-bilious pills.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 6 January, 1871. Price 1d.

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE AT DOVER

On Wednesday afternoon last the borough coroner, W. H. Payn, Esq., held an inquest at the "Union Tavern" on the body of Mr. Samuel Septimus Usherwood, a lodging-house keeper, of 19, Waterloo Crescent, who had committed suicide by hanging himself in his bedroom the previous afternoon. Mr. Richard Edgar was chosen foreman of the Jury, and the following evidence was adduced:

Ann Palfrey: I have been living in the house of the deceased for the past three weeks, Mrs. Usherwood being my sister-in-law. Since Christmas Day the deceased has not been so well as usual; but he has not complained about anything in particular. I last saw him alive at one o'clock yesterday. He was then in bed. I asked him if he was coming down to dinner. I had previously sent him up some breakfast, but he had not taken it. In reply to my question, he said he did not want any dinner, but that if he was not down stairs by three o'clock I might call him. I went upstairs at three o'clock but I received no reply. I knocked loudly, but failing to make him hear I pushed the door partly open, when I saw a line over the door and heard the fall of a heavy body. I put my head into the doorway and found the deceased lying on the floor, apparently dead. I ran and summonsed assistance immediately, and a doctor was at once sent for. Mr. Ottaway arrived very shortly afterwards and found that life was quite extinct. My belief is that the deceased was not always in his right mind. He was certainly in the habit of talking as if he was not in his right senses. He was 48 years of age.

James Cuthbert Ottaway: I am surgeon residing and practising in Dover, I was called to attend the deceased shortly after three o'clock yesterday afternoon. I went directly, and on going up to the deceased bedroom followed by the police constable I found the door blocked. With the help of the constable I pushed the door open, and on entering the room I found the deceased behind the door in a corner of the room, in a sitting posture, with his head almost doubled under him. The constable followed me. On feeling his pulse and his heart I found he was quite dead, and I noticed the rope produced by the police constable, with a noose, very, very tight, round his neck. I judged that life had been extinct fully an hour. From the appearance of the rope one end seemed to have been placed over the top of the door, while there was a running noose in the other. The deceased had died from strangulation undoubtedly; and the probability is that he suspended himself from the door and remained there till the door was opened. The deceased suffered from dyspepsia, and I considered this to have been produced in great measures by intemperate habits.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 21 February, 1873.

FATAL ACCIDENT

A fatal accident occurred to an old labourer named William Ingleton, in the employ of Mr. W. Bussey, on Wednesday morning last at East Cliff. It seems that he was employed with some others in loading carts with ballast at East Cliff; and having loaded one of the carts, Ingleton led it out of the enclosure in which it had been filled, and handed the reins to a boy named Husk who, it appeared, had been accustomed to driving the horse for some few months. No sooner however, did the animal find that the reins had changed hands than it started kicking violently. The boy was obliged to leave go the reins, and Ingleton on running up to endeavour to arrest the horse’s progress, was knocked down by one of the shafts of the cart, the wheel of which ran over him. Ingleton did not speak after the accident. As one witness at the inquest expressed it, “He didn’t so much as groan.” Dr. Astley was sent for, and was on the spot in a few minutes; but he pronounced life extinct immediately he arrived. Ingleton was a married man; and had a family of seven children, who fortunately are all grown up, and able to provide for themselves.

The Borough Coroner Mr. W. H. Payn, held an inquest on the body at the “Union Tavern” yesterday afternoon.

Mr. G. T. Wilkins was chosen foreman. The body having been viewed, the following depositions were taken:-

James Ingleton deposed: I am a bailiff in the employ of Mr. Bussey, coal merchant and farmer, and I reside at Buckland. The deceased was my eldest brother. He was 61 years of age, and was also in the employ of Mr. Bussey, as a labourer. Yesterday morning the deceased was sent to East Cliff to fill some carts with chalk for ballasting a vessel. The deceased was a very sober, steady man. I never remember seeing him the worse for liquor in his life. He had seven children, all grown up. I know none of the circumstances attending deceased’s death.

Henry Husk said: I am a driver in the employ of Mr. Bussey, and am sixteen years of age. I was engaged in driving a cart to and from East Cliff to a vessel in the harbour. A cart had been filled yesterday morning, and was led out of the gates by the deceased. I had just taken the reins from deceased when the horse began kicking. I hung on to the reins as long as I could; but there being another cart in the road, I was compelled to leave go. The deceased ran up to catch hold of the horse’s head, but one of the shafts of the cart struck him in the breast and knocked him down. The wheel of the cart passed right over his body. The horse went on, but was afterwards stopped by a coast-guardsman near Guildford Battery. A man named Ratcliff picked up deceased , and he was carried into the rocket-house at the coastguard station. He was dead then. The horse that I had charge of is in the habit of kicking when in a cart. I have driven the same horse many times before in a plough. I have been in the habit of driving it for about three months, and have never had an accident with it before, not any trouble whatever.

By the Foreman: The horse has never run away before.

By a Juror: The last thing the deceased said before he was knocked down was “Don’t let go.”

Henry Ratcliffe said: I am a labourer in the employ of Mr. Bussey. I was engaged yesterday morning loading some carts with chalk for ballasting. The deceased, William Ingleton, was engaged with me. I saw the deceased lead a cart out of the yard into the road and give up the reins to the last witness. The horse then started kicking. I came out of the yard to see what was the matter. A green-grocer’s cart was standing in the road. The horse continued to kick, and the boy was obliged to let him go. The horse started running away, and Ingleton ran after it and endeavoured to stop it. The shaft of the cart struck him in the breast and knocked him backwards. The deceased lingered about eight minutes and then died. Some other men and myself picked him up and carried him to the rocket-house. A doctor was immediately sent for, and Dr. Astley soon attended and found life extinct. I think the man who was sent with the horse ought to have remained with it.

By the Foreman: the man did not speak after he had fallen.

By a Juror: The horse had taken other loads the same morning.

Edward Ferrand Astley deposed: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, and reside and practise in Dover. Yesterday morning, at about a quarter past ten, I was called to go to East Cliff, an accident having taken place there to a man in charge of a cart. I went immediately and found the deceased lying in the road on his back, the head supported by the last witness. I saw from his appearance from an examination I made that he was dead. After remaining a few moments, I suggested that he should be removed, and this was done. I have no doubt that deceased’s death was caused by internal injuries, occasioned by the cart passing over him.

The Coroner then summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 19 December, 1873.

SUSPECTED CHILD MURDER AT DOVER

On Thursday (Christmas Day) morning, about nine o’clock, Mr. John Love, sexton of Copt-hill Cemetery, discovered the body of a newly born male child, wrapped in a petticoat, lying in the channel, on the lane side just above the cemetery. The infant had the appearance of having been newly born and was in every respect fully developed. The garment in which it was wrapped was an alpaca one, bound round with faded coloured calico, and lined partly with lambs-wool much worn.

Mr. Love at once took the body to Mr. John Walter, surgeon to the police force, who on examination found it to be fully developed, but from an external examination only could not say positively whether it had breathed or not. When found, the child’s face was covered with a caul which had the appearance of being pressed on the mouth. There appeared to be no other sign of violence. At the time we write no clew to the parentage of the child has been discovered; there are no houses where it was found, the nearest being those at Charlton and Charlton Green.

The body was handed over to the police and placed in the dead-house to await an inquest held at the “Union Tavern” at two o’clock this afternoon.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 2 January, 1874. Price 1d.

CHILD MURDER

An inquest was held before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payne, Esq.), on Friday afternoon, at the "Union Tavern," Strond Street, on the body of a newly-born male child, found near St. Mary's Cemetery-gate, on Christmas morning. The circumstances of the discovery are detailed below:-

James Love deposed: I am Superintendent of St. Mary's cemetery. At half-past eight yesterday morning I was going to the cemetery when I saw a bundle of something wrapped up in an alpaca petticoat. It was near the gate, close by the side of the road. I picket it up, and found it contained the body of a newly-born child. I moved it inside the gate, and called the attention of the police to it. It seemed a newly-born child.

Police-constable Walker deposed the last witness came to him about nine o'clock on the previous morning and called his attention to the child. It was a male child. He examined it, and took it to Dr. Walter. There were no marks of violence on the body, nor was there a chord round its neck. There were no marks of identity upon the petticoat.

Dr. Walter said he made a post-mortem examination of the body about three o'clock in the afternoon of Thursday, and found that the child was born at the full time, and could only have been born a few hours. It died from want of skilled attention during the birth. The cause of death was suffocation in consequence. It was evidently born alive.

The jury considered that the child came by its death by the wilful negligence of some person or persons unknown, at the time of its birth, and therefore recorded a verdict of wilful murder.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1 January, 1876. 1d

DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR

An inquest was held at the "Union Tavern," on Saturday, before the Borough Coroner, (W. H. Payn., Esq.), on the body of Robert Penfold, who was picked up in the Wellington Dock the previous day.

William Masters said: I am cordwainer living in Dover. The deceased is my son-in-law. he was a mariner, but had no employment at the time of his being missed. I last saw him alive last Tuesday 5 weeks. He then came to my house in company with a young woman. he was quite sober at the time. I have not seen the woman since.

John Hewson said: I am a mariner, I belong to the dredger lying in the Wellington Dock. Yesterday morning about a quarter-past eleven, I was on board the dredger, when I saw what I took to be the body of a man floating alongside. I called a man named Ray, to assist me to get it on shore. I went to the Police Station  and gave information, and afterwards helped to remove the body to the dead-house. I did not know the deceased. The body was very much decomposed. I saw several marks about the head.

Mary Jane Olifant said: I am the wife of Jeken Olifant, who keeps the "Northampton Arms," Northampton Street. I knew the deceased. I last saw him alive six weeks ago to-day in the afternoon. he was not sober. He was in company with three other persons. One was a sailor on board the Maid of Kent, one was a soldier, and the other a young woman. They all went to the tap room together and they went out together at half-past three in the afternoon. The deceased returned about a quarter of an hour afterwards, and asked me if they had been back. I told him they had not, and he went out again directly. In the tap-room the deceased wanted the woman to go to Whitstable, and she wanted to go to Folkestone.

Police-constable Charles Hemmins said: Between eleven and twelve yesterday morning Hewson brought information to the Police Station that he had found a body in the Wellington Dock. I returned with him, and had the body conveyed to the dead-house. I searched it, and found in the trouser pocket two clay pipes  and a box of matches, I called Dr. Duke immediately. The body appeared to have been in the water some time.

Dr. Edward Duke said: Yesterday morning between eleven and twelve o'clock, I was called by the last witness to the dead-house to examine the body of a man, who was lying there. I attended at once, and after making a careful examination, I found several contused and lacerated wounds of the scalp and forehead. I could not detect any fractured or depressed bone of the skull. I attributed the cause of death to drowning.

The jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 February, 1878

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

Edward Smith, master mariner, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting the Police while in the execution of their duty, on Saturday night.

Sergeant Stevens said: About half-past eight on Saturday evening I was on duty in the Pier, when I was called to the “Union Tavern.” I took Police-constable Cadman with me, and when we got there the landlord asked me to put the prisoner, who was in front of the bar, outside. Prisoner was drunk and refused to go out when I asked him. He afterwards walked away a short distance, but then came back and gave Cadman a sharp blow in the face. We closed with the prisoner, who was very violent, and after some trouble handcuffed him.

William Everson said: prisoner came to my house about half-past seven. He called for half a pint of beer, which, when it was given him, he did not drink, but began to interfere with the customers and to get disorderly, so that I had to ask the people in the bar to put him out. He returned in a few moments, and commences hitting right and left at the people in the bar. I sent for a Constable, and gave him into custody.

Police-constable Cadman corroborated the evidence of Sergeant Stevens.

The Bench inflicted a fine of 36s., including costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 6 September, 1878

DOVER ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS

The annual sitting of the Dover Magistrates Licensing Committee took place on Monday at Dover, for the purpose of renewing public-house licenses, and hearing applications for new ones. The Licensing Committee consists of E. F. Astley, S. Finnis, R. Dickeson, T. E. Black, R. Rees, W. R. Mowll, and C. Stein, Esqrs. They were all present except Mr. Dickeson, who is in Cumberland.

THREATENED REPEAL OF THE UNION.

Mr. Wollaston Knocker appeared on behalf of Messrs. Alfred Leney and Co., and Mr. W. Everson, to ask the Bench to transfer the license of the “Union Tavern,” Union Street, of which Mr. Everson was the present tenant, Nos. 1 and 2, Commercial Quay, which were about to be altered. The application was made in consequence of the Harbour Board having determined to pull down the present house, for the purpose of a public improvement.

Mr. Henry Hayward produced the plans of the proposed alterations, and Mr. Alfred Leney proved having received notice from the Harbour Board, of their intention to pull the existing house down.

The Bench refused the application.

Mr. Knocker said the decision of the Bench had probably been given in consequence of the insufficiency of evidence forthcoming; but that was his misfortune. He might say that it was a matter of very great importance not only to Mr. Leney but also to Mr. Everson. Who for the second time had been turned out in consequence of improvements on the other side of the street, and had now invested his all in the “Union Tavern.” There was a section in the Act empowering parties to apply at Special petty Sessions for the removal of licenses from one house to another, but Mr. Everson had thought it the most straightforward course to apply for a new license. Perhaps the Bench would allow him to apply at Special Petty Sessions.

The Bench again retired, and on returning said their formal decision was informal. The case would be adjourned to Broadstairs, and re-adjourned again to the Special Licensing Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 9 May, 1879. Price 1d.

TRANSFERS

In the case of the "Union Tavern" an application was made by Mr. Knocker, on behalf of W. Everson, for an order declaring the provisional grant for the removal of the license to the new premises to be final.

The application was granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 13 June, 1879. Price 1d.

NEW QUAY

The new quay where the "Union Tavern" stood is now levelled and made smooth with shingle. On the side next Union Street the line of footway is marked off by a line of posts, but the side next Commercial Quay is yet undefined, but it appears to be the intention of the Harbour Board to add several feet to the street, so as to make a fairly wide thoroughfare.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 20 February, 1880. Price 1d.

A SOLDIER DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR

An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon at the “Union Hotel,” Commercial Quay, before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payn, Esq.) on the body of John Bradley, private of the 49th Regiment.

Mr. Falconer was chosen foreman of the Jury, who, after viewing the body, heard the following evidence:-

James Moran, private of the 49th Regiment, stationed at the Citadel Barracks, Dover, said: The deceased, John Bradley, was also a private in the same regiment, and a comrade of mine. We were out together on Saturday night, and remained absent without leave. About a quarter past 11 we were close to the General Post-office when the deceased saw a piquet, and said to out, “Look out; piquet; run!” We ran to the edge of the Pent, and ran up Northampton Street, the deceased being about 20 yards in front of me, and when near a crane I saw him run up against some projecting timber, and then fall overboard. I heard the splash and knowing the deceased could not swim I jumped in after him, but I could not get near him. I heard him shout “Plank!” twice, but as it was so dark I could not see anything of him. I saw nothing further of him, so I struggled for myself, and a rope was thrown me, and I was pulled up.

Robert Hosburgh, private in the 49th Regiment, said: I was on pass on Saturday night about 20 minutes past 11 near the Post-office, and on my way to the barracks, when I saw two soldiers run across the road in-between the timbers, and then I heard a splash. I cried for help, and ran to the spot at the said of the quay. I was just in time to see a soldier jump into the water after the deceased. I stood there with several others, and then I saw a civilian fall into the water, so I jumped in after him as I can swim. The piquet threw some planks in the water, and I pushed one under the civilian’s arm, holding onto one myself. I was soon after hauled up by a rope, and the civilian was picked up by a boat. I saw the piquet run across after the two men.

By the Jury: Everything that seemed possible was done to get them out.

Police-constable Pilcher said: On Saturday night about 20 minutes past 11 when at the top of Snargate Street I heard a great noise neat the School of Art. I went there, and saw two soldiers in the water, a piquet and some others standing by. They were clinging onto some planks which had been put into the water. I ran to the School of Art and got the drags, and with the assistance of the piquet drew Moran out of the water. We then lowered a rope to Hosburgh, and got him out. I saw nothing of the deceased. I heard the corporal of the piquet say a soldier had been drowned. I helped to drag with two sailors of the schooner Louise for an hour after to try and recover the body, but without success.

William Greggs, lance-corporal of the 86th Regiment, said: I was in charge of a piquet near the Post-office on Saturday night, the 14th instant, about 20 minutes past 11, when I was called by two garrison military police to pursue two soldiers who had been seen, and were absent without leave. The men ran in the timbers, and we followed. I saw both of the soldiers go in the water. I ordered some planks to be lowered, and sent two soldiers with a borough constable to fetch the drag. We got Moran out, but the soldier, who is the deceased, went down. I saw a civilian fall over, and another soldier go in after him. We got the soldier out, and the civilian got into a boat.

James Horn, boatman, of Dover, said: On Monday morning last, about seven o’clock, I dragged for the deceased about five minutes, and at once came across the body. I pulled it on to the quay, and helped with the police to take it to the dead-house. I saw no marks of violence, and it appeared as if the man had been drowned.

Mr. Walter said: I was called by the police yesterday morning to see the body of the deceased at the dead-house. I examined the body and found no marks of violence. He appeared to have died by drowning.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death,” and at the same time requested the Coroner to write a letter to the Harbour Board suggesting the fencing of the Wellington Dock. The Coroner promised to do so.

The men Moran and Hosburgh were then called in by the Jury, who commended them on their courage shown by them in attempting to save their fellow creatures, the latter more especially.

The deceased was buried with military honours on Wednesday afternoon.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 27 February. 1880.1d.

THE RECENT CASE OF DROWNING

The following is the copy of the letter addressed to the Dover Harbour Board on the subject of protection for the public round the docks:-

To the Right Honourable the earl of Granville, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Honourable Commissioner of Dover Harbour.

My Lord and Gentlemen, - I am directed by the Jury empanelled to enquire into the death of a soldier of the 49th Regiment, named John Bradley, stationed at Dover, who met his death while running away from the piquet on Northampton Quay, on Satuday night last, to again call attention of your Honourable Board and your officers to the unprotected state of Northampton Quay, the poor soldier not finding any post and chains to protect him from precipitating himself accidentally into the water in the dock, and was drowned. A companion soldier named Moran plunged into the water as well. A civilian also at the same time from want of like protection fell in, but was rescued by the bravery of a young soldier named Horsburgh, standing by. I am sorry to address your Lordship on these local matters concerning the loss of lives of her Majesty’s subjects. But your Lordship and Commissioners well know that my duty as Coroner on behalf of the Queen, compel me to trouble you on these matters.

The Jury suggest that a post and chain should extend along the Quay to protect persons at risk at night from going accidentally over it, and serve as a caution to prevent future loss of life in accordance with the wish of the Jury.

I have the honour,

My Lord and Gentlemen,

To be your very humble servant,

William H. Payne,

Coroner for Dover and Liberties.

19th February, 1880.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 21 May, 1880. Price 1d.

DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR

On Sunday afternoon a boy named Newman fell into the harbour and was drowned.

An inquest was held on the body on Tuesday afternoon at the “Union Hotel,” Commercial Quay, before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payne, Esq.), then lying in the dead-house. Mr. C. Kirby was chosen foreman of the Jury, who, after viewing the body, heard the following evidence:-

George Newman, a mariner, residing at No. 2, Prospect Cottages, said the deceased was his step-son. His age was 14 years. He last saw the deceased alive at half-past two on Saturday afternoon, when he left his house saying he was going to St. James’s Sunday School. Witness saw no more of the deceased until about five o’clock when he went and saw him dead at the Sailors’ Home. There were no marks of violence.

Frederick Edward Savage, a lad employed by Mr. Foster, castle Street, said that about four o’clock on Sunday afternoon he was on the Custom House Quay with some more boys when he saw a boy get out of the boat lying nearly opposite Mr. Bradley’s corn stores on the iron ladder running up the side of the harbour wall, and then the deceased jumped into the boat alone. Witness was then walking away when some one cried out that the deceased was overboard drowning, having fallen in on trying to get from the boat back on to the ladder. The deceased struggled in the water and shouted the name “Winter” four times, that being the name of one of the boys near. There was a great cry for ropes, but none were got. One boy named George Coulson went down the ladder and put out his foot, but the deceased was too far out. He sank and did not rise once. There were a good number of people, but no one went in the water after him. Witness then ran home and told the parents of the deceased.

By the Foreman: The boat had previously been lent to him and his companions. On their leaving the deceased got into it.

Harry Eversfield, in the employ of Mr. Taylor, clothier, Snargate Street, said he was on the quay and saw the deceased try to get up the steps, but slipping he fell in and shouted, but no assistance was given except by a boy who tried to reach him with his leg.

By the Jury: there were about three or four men near but no sailors. There were some planks but too far off.

James Bowles, employed by the Harbour Board and who was at work at the Granville Dock gates about four o’clock on Sunday, said he heard a boy had fallen overboard and had drowned. He therefore procured a boat and grappled and went to the spot, and after three hauls pulled the deceased up, it being great trouble through the mud at the bottom. Witness got him in the boat and took him ton the steps near the Granville Dock Bridge, and then on to the Sailors’ Home, Dr. Colebeck had been sent for and followed round to the Home.

By the Jury: Witness did not think it would have been better to pull the body up the side. The deceased appeared quite dead. He had great trouble in pulling the deceased from the mud. The dock gates were being closed, and that would cause an under current he thought.

Dr. Colbeck said on Sunday afternoon shortly after four o’clock some one came to his door to say a boy had fallen in the harbour and they were getting him out. He and his assistant, Mr. Tomlin, at once prepared a room for the deceased to be brought into, but another person came saying they were taking him to the Sailors’ Home. He at once followed and met them crossing by the bridge and the deceased was apparently dead then. Witness examined the body and found that such was the case, death being through drowning. The deceased had been dead about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour.

The Coroner addressed the Jury and said it seemed very singular that in the middle of the day with so many people about not one could swim or help the deceased from drowning, the boys instead of helping seemed to be too frightened. He then left it in the hands of the Jury to return their verdict, which, after a short consultation, they returned the following verdict:- “That the deceased was accidentally drowned whilst stepping from a boat to some upright steps in the Granville Docks.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 18 June, 1880. Price 1d.

FOUND DROWNED

An inquest was held on Tuesday, before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payn, Esq.), at the “Union Hotel,” Northampton Quay, on the body of one of the crew, name unknown, belonging to the American barque, Bella Mudge, which was lately lying in Dover Harbour.

Mr. Holt was chosen foreman of the Jury, and after viewing the body heard the following evidence:- Mr. James Durden, deputy harbour master, said he had seen the body and identified it as one of the crew belonging to the Bella Mudge, an American barque which had been lying in the Granville Dock. Witness didn’t know the deceased’s name, but he believed he had been carpenter on board. He saw the deceased picked up in the dock the previous day and taken to the dead house. The ship left he believed about the 5th inst., but was not sure without his reference book. His age would be about 50 years. The vessel had been in the harbour about a month. She was laden with Indian corn.

Daniel Hall, mariner, who was at work on board the Rose-bud when the body was first seen, said about ten minutes to two the previous day, by order of a constable whose attention had been called to the floating body, he got a boat and towed it across the harbour, as it was near Mr. Bradley’s corn stores in the Granville Docks, and helped with others and the constable to take him to the dead house. Witness saw no marks of violence, and thought the body looked a if it had been in the water nearly a month.

Dr. Marshall. Physician and surgeon, residing at 13, Liverpool Street, and practising in Dover, said he was called the previous day to the dead house. He went accordingly and examined the deceased, finding the body in a state of decomposition. There was no external evidence of any injuries, and he believed the cause of death was suffocation by drowning.

The Jury returned an open verdict of “Found Drowned.”

There were several of the crew who left this ship a short time ago, three of whom were brought before the Magistrates and sent ton prison. The captain must have supposed the deceased deserted with the others.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 7January, 1881. Price 1d.

FOUND IN THE DOUR

An inquest was held on Wednesday at noon, at the “Union Hotel,” before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payne, Esq.), on the body of a newly born male child lying in the dead-house.

Mr. Watts was chosen foreman of the Jury, and the body having been viewed, the following evidence was taken:-

John Oates, engine driver at the Tan Yard, said: On Sunday morning last, about 20 minutes to nine, my attention was called to something in the river by Due Stone Lane. I went immediately and succeeded in picking up the deceased male child, which had been stopped in the stream by some small bushes. I went and fetched Police-sergeant Harman, who took the body away in a bag. The child’s face and body were covered in mud, and a part of the stomach had been squeezed out.

By the Foreman: There was no clothes on the child. I should think it had passed through one of the mills.

Mr. Walter said: On Sunday morning I was called by the police to see the body of a newly born male child. On examination I found it had apparently been in the water some days, as it was covered with mud and vegetable matter. I am certain it had no proper attention at its birth. Yesterday I made a post mortem examination, and I believe the child was born alive, and that with proper attention and nourishment, would have lived. I would not like to swear whether it died by drowning or before it was placed in the water.

The Jury, after a short consideration, returned a verdict that the deceased newly born male child was killed by reason of wilful neglect at its birth, and through throwing the same into the river Dour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 7 January, 1881. Price 1d.

DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR

An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon last at the “Union Hotel,” before the Borough Coroner (W. H. Payne, Esq.), on the body of a body found in the harbour.

Mr. B. A. Igglesden was chosen foreman of the jury, and after the body had been viewed at the dead-house, the following was taken in evidence.

Francis Turner, a mariner, living at Rye, said: The deceased, William Henry Tiltman, was my brother-in-law, he being also a mariner on board the fishing smack Frolic, at Rye. The deceased was a steady man, and aged about 29 years. I last saw him alive about a month ago.

A telegram was here handed in, in answer to police enquiries, which stated that the vessel Frolic was at sea.

W. C. R. Jackson, landlord of the “Princess Maud” public-house, said: I know the deceased well, and last saw him alive on Christmas Eve, when he was in my bar drinking. The deceased left my house at about half-past 10, having been there about three-quarters of an hour. The deceased seemed to have had an extra glass, and I made the remark to him, “Now you be careful as to how you get aboard tonight,” and the deceased answered that he didn’t like me telling him of it. The next day two of the crew of the Frolic, which was lying opposite the “Mariner’s Arms” at the Commercial Quay, came to my house, and from what they said search was made for the deceased, but nothing was heard till the body was picked up.

By the Jury: I didn’t serve the deceased with any spirits to take away with him. The small bottle of rum produced I know nothing about. The man had had enough for me to tell him to be careful, but was not drunk.

Isaac Locker, a mariner, said: Yesterday (Monday), at about 20 minutes to seven, while walking along the Crosswall Quay and looking down into the outer harbour, opposite the “Paris Hotel,” I saw a body lying at the bow of the Calais boat, and at once procured a boathook, and with assistance took the deceased to the dead-house.
Police-constable Bailey gave evidence as to assisting in taking the body to the dead-house, and searching the deceased, finding among other articles a small bottle of rum.

Mr. Walter said: I was called yesterday morning to the dead-house, and examined the deceased. There were no external wounds, and I believe the deceased died by drowning. The body had been in the water about a fortnight.

By the Jury: The marks on the face I should think were caused by the fish.

The Jury returned an open verdict of “Found Drowned.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 22 May, 1885.

FOUND DROWNED

An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel,” Commercial Quay, on Thursday, before the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq., on the body of John Adams, a cabinet maker.

The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken:-

John Charles Adams, a traveller, living at Bromley, Kent, said: the body the Jury have viewed is that of my father. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and in the employ of Messrs. Hart and Co., Dover. He was 61 years of age. His home was at Canterbury, where his wife was living. He was in the habit of going home every Saturday. He left on Monday between nine and ten o’clock to come to Dover. His health was very good.

Richard Pay, landlord of the “Half Moon,” Durham Hill, said: I saw deceased on Tuesday morning last about eight o’clock. He had a glass of porter, and wanted to know what time the train went to Canterbury. I told him. He then left and went towards the Military Road. He said that he wanted to sit down and rest. He appeared to be tired and unwell.

Horace Edward Marshall, a clothier, in the employ of Messrs. Hart and Co., Snargate Street, said: The deceased was employed at the furniture shop, Queen Street, where he had been about six weeks. I saw him last on Saturday morning about nine o’clock. He has not been to the shop since Saturday night. I have known him for some years. He seemed in his usual good health.

Jessie King, a boatman, in the employ of the Dover harbour Board, said: Yesterday morning, about three o’clock, I was on duty in a boat making some ropes fast. I saw the body of deceased lying in the Granville Dock opposite the “Swan.” He was lying face downwards.

The Jury returned an open verdict of “Found drowned.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 15 June, 1888. 1d.

THE SAD DOVER BOATING FATALITY

On Friday evening last an inquest was held by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.) on the bodies of H. Finnis and G. Took, two young men, members of the Dover Rowing Club, who lost their lives on Whit-Monday, but whose bodies were not recovered until early on Friday morning last. The inquest was held at the “Union Hotel,” Strond Street, and the following gentlemen were on the Jury: Messrs. H. Toms, W. J. Cullen, J. Burden, R. J. Adams, G. Stevens, C. J. Parish, J. Torr, C. Sherwood, W. Worledge, C. Brown, T. Clancy, R. J. Pexton, J. Baker, and J. Lander.

Mr. W. J. Cullen was, on the proposition of Mr. Adams, chosen foreman of the Jury.

Mr. E. Lukey and Mr. H. W. Thorpe were present on behalf of the Dover Rowing Club, also Mr. Harby.

The Coroner, in opening the enquiry, said the Jury had been summoned to enquire into the death of two young men belonging to Dover. It appeared that on Whit-Monday they took one of the Rowing Club skiffs out for the purpose of going to St. Margaret’s. They arrived safely there, and were seen safely off again, but were never heard of until they were picked up. The boat was found bottom upwards on the following morning. He had no doubt that the Jury would have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that it was a case of accident.

George Finnis said: I am a Trinity Pilot living at Dover. I have been to the dead house and have seen the bodies, but am not able to identify them, as I cannot recognise the clothing. The greatest difference between the two was that my boy was much broader shouldered than the other. My boy had a mole in the pit of the stomach by which I could identify him if the body was stripped.

The Foreman said the Jury had examined the bodies, and the mark described by the witness was on one of the bodies.

Mr. Finnis: I could not identify the bodies by the clothes, as they were only dressed in a jersey, a pair of drawers and a cap. My son’s name was Henry Wilmot Finnis, and his age was 19 years and 7 months, and he was an apprentice at Messrs. Flashman and Co., Market Square, Dover. I cannot speak as to the identity of the other body, but have no doubt but that one of the bodies is that of my son. I last saw him alive on Whit-Monday about a quarter past six in the evening. He had come from Deal, and I wanted him to go in the country along with me, but he said he had promised his friend George, meaning George Took, to go for a spin with him in a boat, and he left home. He had his tea at a Temperance Hotel, and when he came home he only had a cup of tea. That was the last I saw of him. He had walked from Dover to Deal that day, he rowed a boat back that he had left there the previous Saturday, and he got home about two o’clock. The weather on Whit-Monday was fine and there was no wind. My son was a first class swimmer, and he and Took belonged to the Dover Swimming Club. I can only recognise the body as that of my son from the skull and head. My son had lost no teeth. I also saw the other body, but I am not able to say for certain that the body is that of George Took. They are both dressed alike, but to the best of my belief the other body is that of George Took. Both pair of shoes are alike and were drab colours, with India-rubber soles. The age of George Took was 19 years, and he was an assistant at Mr. T. V. Brown’s, leather cutter, Dover. They were good scullers, and belonged to the Dover racing crew. My son was asked to race in the senior crews at the forthcoming regattas.

Walter John Took said: I am a clerk at Mr. T. V. Brown’s, Market Square. I have been to the dead house, and have seen both the bodies there. The body lying on the table is evidently that of me brother, but I cannot tell from the clothing. My brother was wearing a white jersey and drawers and white canvas shoes, with India-rubber soles. I have no doubt that the body is that of my brother. His age was 19 years last birthday, and he was also in the employ of Mr. T. V. Brown. I last saw him alive about ten o’clock on Whit-Monday morning. He was a very good swimmer, and I should think that he could swim half a mile comfortably. At five o’clock the same day he said, at home, that he had had his tea at the Gordon Hotel, and that he was going out for a row with Finnis. I believe he said he was going to St. Margaret’s. We heard nothing further of him, and in the morning we found the accident had happened.

Edward Lukey said: I am a wine merchant living at Dover, and am Captain of the Dover Rowing Club. George Took called upon me about ten o’clock on Whit-Monday morning and complained of the conduct of the boatmen of the Dover rowing Club in refusing him to take the racing pair-oared skiff out, and I replied that the boatman was acting under instructions and was quite right, as no member was allowed to use the racing boats without permission. He replied that he thought it very hard, as Finnis and himself wanted to have a practice. As I knew them to be two good oarsmen, having rowed in the races last year, and having won one or two prizes in the boat they wanted to use, and knowing them to be good swimmers, I told Took there would be no objections for them to have the boat for a practice. I thought they were getting off there and then. The racing boats are only meant to be used for practice and racing, the latter taking place in the bay. A novice could not use the boat, but Took and Finnis could use it better than anybody, having used it last year.

The Foreman said he thought there ought to be a rule, and a fine imposed for taking the boat out of the bay.

By the Foreman: George Took came to me about ten o’clock, and I gave him permission to take the boat out at that time. He never said they were going to St. Margaret’s, and I thought he was going off then. The boats never go round to St. Margaret’s for practice, but practice in the bay.

The Coroner said most of the deaths he enquired into were from the want of a little common sense, and he supposed that case would come under the head of it.

William Bailey said: I am boatman of the Dover Rowing Club. On Whit-Monday the two young men, Finnis and Took, came down in the evening about six o’clock, and I saw them go off in the skiff. They said they had permission from Mr. Lukey to have that particular boat, which was named the Louisa Norgrove. She is a pair-oared racing skiff. They did not say where they were going, and I said nothing further of them. They were dressed in white vests, white drawers, and rowing club caps. I do not know what colour shoes they were wearing. When they put off they pulled to the eastward and the weather was fine, but it came on to blow in the evening but not hard, and was blowing from the north-east. The closer they kept to the shore the smoother the water would be, but it would be worse round the point near the lighthouse.

The Foreman: Did you raise any objection in the morning about them taking the boat?

Witness: I did; and when Took said he would have the skiff, I told him he could have her if he got permission. He afterwards brought me a verbal message, and I was satisfied that they could take the boat. I was not aware that they were going to St. Margaret’s. there was sufficient wind to make a popple in the bay, but it would be worse round the lighthouse.

George Richard Newman, a bricklayer, living at St. Margaret’s, said: On Whit-Monday, in the evening, about 6.30 p.m., I was in the bay with my family when I saw a skiff coming from the direction of Dover. I went down and asked the two young men, who were in the skiff, if I should assist them in landing; but they said they thought they could manage as the water was very smooth. The water was smooth at the time, and the tide, which had been high, was just going down. They landed and took the boat up a little way on the beach. They went into the direction of the “Green Man,” turning somersaults as they went, and I made the remark of how quick they did it. They went in the “Green Man” and remained five or ten minutes, but no longer. When they came out they turned somersaults again. I sat laughing at them. I was told that they had had a warm by the fire at the “Green Man,” as they said they were rather chilly. They took the boat and put it in the water, stepped in, and pulled away towards Dover. They were close in land, and I watched them till they got round the point, and they were then pulling steadily. That was about half-past seven o’clock. Before they landed at St. Margaret’s they put a little spurt on and shipped a little water. I remarked that if they pulled far like that they would soon pull the boat under. There was no wind when they landed, but it got up about half-an-hour after they left.

By the Foreman: They got round the point before dark. I went out in a boat after they left, but did not see any of them.

The Foreman said he thought the likeliest way they lost their lives, was through running foul of a lobster pot, as they had laid right in the track of a boat.

The Coroner said he did not think it was necessary to take the evidence of a man who picked the boat up.

Mr. Harby said there were no marks on the boat, and it was in good order.

Mr. Lukey said he saw from the tide table that it was high tide on May 21st (Whit-Monday) at 7.13 p.m.

William Burville said: I am a boatman, and live at East Cliff. Whilst rowing with others to go fishing off the Convict Prison at four o’clock this (Friday) morning, I saw something floating in the water and we rowed to it. We found it to be the body of a man, he was dressed in a white jersey and rowing shoes. We put a rope round the body and towed it to the harbour. I afterwards assisted in taking it to the dead house, and placed it on the table. The body was very much decomposed. We found the body about half a mile off the shore, and it was ebb tide.

James Makey, a boatman, living at 11, Russell Place, said: This (Friday) morning, about five o’clock, I picked up the other body in the water off the Cornhill Coast-guard Station, whilst drawing up my lobster pots. The body was floating on the outside of our boat, about half a mile from the high water mark on the cliff. I rowed to it, and secured a rope round the body and towed it to the harbour. There was a white jersey on the body, and shoes with black India-rubber soles, but no drawers. I gave the body in charge of a police constable, and afterwards saw it conveyed to the dead house, and it was placed on the floor.

In answer to the Foreman, witness said he had had his lobster pots down for a month, and they were at low water time about fifty yards from the shore, and were right in the track of rowing boats at high water, but the buoys held them under the water. There were several other persons with lobster pots down, and the pots reached from the Eastern Jetty to the other side of St. Margaret’s Bay. Some pots were further out from the shore than those of witness’s.

Clement Cuthbert Walters said: I am surgeon to the police, and was called this (Friday) morning to go to the dead house. I went and saw the two bodies; both of them were very much decomposed. It was impossible for me to find any marks of violence if there had been any. I should think the bodies had been in the water about three weeks, judging from the appearance. I cannot give any opinion at all as to the cause of death. There were no marks of violence as far as I could see.

The Coroner, in summing up the facts of the case, said both the deceased had come to a very untimely end. The Club had very wisely made certain rules as to the use of the racing boats; and he hoped these boats would not be used again by the members for the purpose of pleasure. The deceased had lost their lives, he thought, through the want of a little discretion in taking the boat to St. Margaret’s. He was sure they all sympathised with the friends of the deceased. There was no one to blame in the matter.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

THE FUNERAL

The internment of the bodies took place on Saturday afternoon in St. Mary’s cemetery, Copt Hill. The coffins, which were of polished oak with handsome fittings, were covered with wreaths, and amongst those sent were some from Sir E. Dickeson, E. Lukey, Esq., the Members of the Dover Rowing Club, and the Members of the Dover Swimming Club, etc. There was a short service held in the church, conducted by the Rev. A. Collett, who also officiated at the graveside. Much sympathy was shown to the friends of the deceased by all those present. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. Flashman and Co. Amongst those present at the funeral were W. Lukey, Esq., Captain of the Dover Rowing Club, Mr. Councillor F. Clark, Mr. J. Scott, late Captain of the Swimming Club, and others. A large number of the members of both the above mentioned clubs, were also present.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 29 March, 1889. Price 1d.

DROWNED IN THE WELLINGTON DOCK

On Saturday afternoon an inquest was held before Sydenham Payn, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the “Union Hotel,” Commercial Quay, on the body of Thomas Henry Lambert, a sailor, who was drowned on Thursday night in the Wellington Dock under circumstances detailed in the following evidence:-

William Valentine Lambert said: I am a beet-maker living at 11, Denmark Road, Ramsgate. The body at the dead-house is that of my brother, Thomas Henry Lambert. He was a boot-maker by trade, but had gone in a smack. His age was 41 years last November, and he was a married man. I have not seen the deceased for the last four years.

George Saunders said: I am the landlord of the “Lord Wolseley Inn,” Snargate Street. There is a back entrance on Commercial Quay. The deceased has been in the habit of using my house, and I last saw him alive the night before last in the front bar, at ten minutes to eleven, when he went through the back to Commercial Quay. I did not notice what state he was in; he appeared sober and could walk all right. He went out alone. His smack was lying not far from my house.

Henry Middleton said: I am mate of the smack Excel belonging to Dover. The deceased was fourth head on board my vessel. I last saw him alive at the “Lord Wolseley Inn” on Thursday evening about 7.15, when I left him quite sober. My smack was lying outside the harbour tug and another smack. I went on board when I left the public house, and remained there until the next morning. I heard nothing during the night, but the next morning I found that the deceased was missing.

Mary Ann Saunders said: My husband keeps the “Lord Wolseley Inn.” On Thursday evening, just after teatime, the deceased came to our house and remained about an hour, when he left, telling me he was going to the “Clarence.” He returned about nine, and was in and out of the house until nearly eleven, when he left the house by the back way. He appeared all right, and not the worse for drink.

James Horn said: I am a mariner, living in Middle Row, Dover. Yesterday afternoon about four o’clock I was informed that the deceased was missing, so I took my drags up to the harbour tug lying in the Wellington Dock. I tried by the sponson of the tug and hooked the body. The Police were communicated with, and the body was taken to the dead-house. I hooked the body at the sponson next to the smack; it was a dangerous place.

Mr. Clement Cuthbert Walters said: I am surgeon to the Dover Police. Last evening I was informed that the body of the deceased was about to be brought ashore, and I went down to the dead-house, and finding the body there I examined it. It was fully dressed, and there were no marks of violence with the exception of a slight crack on the back of the head, but that was of no importance. From the appearance of the body I am of opinion that death was due to suffocation from drowning.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 September, 1889. Price 1d.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A GENTLEMAN

BODY DISCOVERED AT DOVER

On Wednesday morning about five o’clock a line Policeman was on the South-Eastern Railway, named Gatehouse, found the body of a gentleman in the surf opposite the entrance to the Dover end of Shakespeare’s tunnel. It appeared as though the body had been in the water about a month. The clothing consisted of a shirt, light trousers and waistcoat, and Oxford shoes. He had no coat, collar, or tie, and nothing was found by which he could be identified. There were some business papers found in his hip pocket, consisting of a list of customers in the North of England. The discovery of the body having been announced in the daily papers on Thursday morning, the London City Police telegraphed to Superintendent Sanders at Dover for a fuller description, and the result was that the Detective Sergeant Taylor and Herr A. Honrichs came down and attended the inquest at the “Union Hotel” on Thursday afternoon. It appeared that a gentleman, answering the description of the deceased, had been missing from the “Manchester Hotel, Aldersgate Street, and that the following bill had been issued:-

“£50 Reward

MISSING

Since 22nd August last, from the “Manchester Hotel, “Aldersgate Street in this city, where he arrived that day from Plymouth.

SEIGMUND MAYER,

A German, aged 24, height 5 feet 6 or 7 inches, complexion fresh, hair and moustache dark brown, aquiline nose, small but pronounced Jewish features, a commercial traveller in the employ of Carl Bier, fancy leather goods manufacturer, of Frankfurt; may have assumed the name of Charles Beck. The above reward will be paid by Alexender Honricks, 39a, Threadneeded Street, London. Information may be sent to Alexender Honrichs or the Inspector of the Detective Department, City of London, 26, Old Jewry, London E. C.

12th September, 1889.”

The Jury, of which Mr. Pryer was the foreman, having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken:-

Louis Gatehouse said: About half-past five yesterday morning, whilst walking along the Viaduct, I saw the body which lies at the dead-house floating on the surf. I went down and got it out. I then gave information to the Dover Police who removed it.

Police-constable Baker said: Yesterday morning about half-past six I went along the beach, and opposite Shakespeare’s tunnel I found the body of the deceased. I obtained assistance and removed it to the dead-house, I afterwards searched the body and found in the hip pocket the papers produced; on the fourth finger of his left hand a gold signet ring; and on his shirt “S.M.” was marked.

A. Henrichs, barley merchant, said: I cannot identify the body as I have never been acquainted with S. Mayer. I have been shown writing similar to that on the papers found on the deceased in the possession of a brother-in-law of S. Mayer whom we supposed the deceased to be. At the beginning of the month some friends of mine in Frankfort telegraphed, asking me to meet Mr. Popper at Holborn Viaduct Station and give him all the assistance I could. He stayed at the “Royal Hotel,” Blackfriers. I met him there, and he told me that he was Mr. Mayer’s brother-in-law. He said Mr. Mayer was an English traveller for a German firm, and was about to leave their employ, but had not been heard of for some time. I went to the City Police, and asked for the assistance of one of their detective sergeants. From enquiries made, we found that on the 22nd August the deceased came up from Plymouth and went to the “Manchester Hotel.” He engaged a room and had his luggage taken upstairs. Having changed his hat he went out, and was never seen afterwards. The bill produced was printed and circulated all over the country. When he was last heard of he had £20 in notes and two watches. He had a large sum of money left to him some years ago, which he could have had at once on simply making an application. I have in my possession a letter of Mayer’s sister, giving an exact description of his clothing, which exactly tallies with that found on the deceased. On one of the papers found on the body is a memorandum that he sold £18 worth of goods to a man named Carlisle. I have telegraphed to him asking when he last saw Mr. Mayer. I have a suspicion that he has met with foul play.

Mr. Walters said that he had examined the body but could not form any opinion as to the cause of death. The body is so much decomposed that he could not say whether there had been any marks of violence. He imagined the body had been in the water five weeks. The body answers to the description given of S. Mayers.

The Coroner said that Mr. Popper would start from Berlin that day for Dover, and he thought that as something further might turn up the enquiry should be adjourned till that day week.

The enquiry was accordingly adjourned and the Jury bound over to appear.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 September, 1889. Price 1d.

THE DOVER MYSTERY

The inquest on the body of S. Mayer, which was adjourned on Thursday week was resumed yesterday at the “Union Hotel.”

Mr. H. Honricks again appeared for the friends of the deceased.

The Coroner briefly recapitulated the facts of the discovery of the body and its identity by the articles found on it, as appeared in last week’s Express. He said every enquiry had been made by the detectives, but they have not been able to trace him since he left the “Manchester Hotel” till he was found dead on this coast. On Saturday the brother-in-law of the deceased, Mr. Popper, arrived from Berlin. He identified the clothing on the body as belonging to S. Mayer. He also produced a shirt exactly similar to that found on the deceased. They had no further evidence to offer, and the matter rests as it was last week. The Coroner added: Mr. Honricks informs me that S. Mayer wrote to his mother on the day before he disappeared from Bath. He said he was perfectly well and there was nothing to show that he intended to commit any act which would deprive him of life. Beyond that they could not conceive how he lost his life. The enquiry is being continued by his relatives.

The Superintendent of Police said that on Saturday last Mr. Popper arrived at Dover from Berlin, being the brother-in-law of the deceased. He showed him the gold ring found on the body, and the remains of the trousers, shirt, and socks, and they were identified by him as belonging to S, Mayer. He also produced a shirt of the deceased’s exactly similar to that found on the body. His description of the man tallied with that of the body so far as could be shown. The luggage left in London had been examined, but nothing had been found which threw any light on the affair.

The Coroner said that was the whole of the evidence which could be laid before them. If anything turned up to show that he met with foul play the matter would be taken up by the Police. He thought that an open verdict was the only thing the Jury could bring in.

The man Gatehouse, who found the body, then came forward and asked the Coroner if he would have the £50 reward.

The Coroner said that it was a matter which he could not deal with.

Mr. Honricks said he understood the reward would be given if the man was found alive.

The Jury, after consultation, brought in an open verdict of Found Dead.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 27 December, 1889.

DEATH FROM DRINKING

On Saturday morning, a man named James Martin was found dead in his bed at his residence in Union Row. It appears that he had been drinking since September, and this brought on apoplexy. An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” on Monday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.). Mr. W. Masters was chosen foreman of the Jury.

Margaret Martin said: I am the wife of the deceased, whose name is James Martin. He was sixty years of age last August and was a labourer. He lived at Union Terrace, and last night about ten we went to bed, he going to his own room. He had been very poorly, and was just getting over the effects of drink to which he has given way since last September. He was unable to take any solid food, except sops. I heard him cough about six o’clock but did not hear anything more. About half-past eight I went into his room and spoke to him and getting no answer I shook him and then found that he was dead. He was lying on his side, the bed clothes were on and in order. The deceased had given way to drink for the last thirty years.

Bernard Martin, son of deceased, said: I sleep in the same room as my father. He seemed queer, and had a job to get to the top of the stairs. On the following morning about six I heard my father walking about. He said he was cold, and I said “you are out of bed,” he then said “I am dreaming,” and got in bed again, and I soon afterwards left to go to work.

Mr. A. G. Osborne said that he found the deceased lying on his right side in bed, with his arm bent over his chest. He was dead, and was stiff but warm. He thought death had taken place within two hours. He believed that death was caused by apoplexy brought on by excessive drinking.

The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 February, 1890.

TWO MONTHS IN THE WATER

On Monday morning, a fisherman named Cole, who was in a boat near the South Foreland, observed a body floating on the water. Attaching a rope to it he towed it to Dover Harbour. The body was very much decomposed, the face and hands being gone. It was afterwards identified as that of John Fagg, a Foklkestone fisherman. It appeared that he went out on the 19th of December, about one in the morning, with two companions named Richard and John Milton in a cod punt, the Blue Ribbon. They did not return, and nothing more was heard of them, except that a mackerel boat observed tubs and gear of a boat, floating about ij the channel the same morning. An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel,” on Tuesday afternoon, when a verdict of found drowned was returned.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 9 June, 1893. 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH IN THE STREET

An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” on the Tuesday afternoon by the Borough Coroner on the body of a man named John Stone, who dies suddenly in Clarence Place on the previous day. Mr. J. Simmonds was chosen foreman of the Jury. The following is the evidence taken:-

Mrs. Rosanna Stone said the body at the mortuary was that of her husband, John Richard Stone. He was a baker, and was 48 years of age. Witness last saw him alive on the previous afternoon about half-past three. He left home to carry a portmanteau to the South Eastern Station from Church Place. He seemed in his usual health, having had a rather bad cough for some time. He had not worked at his trade since Christmas. He was then employed by Mr. Clark, Charlton. He had since done anything he could. Deceased was not a strong man and suffered from asthma, and had frequently bad attacks of coughing. Witness had seen her husband fall to the floor from the violence of the cough. Deceased took a very hearty dinner on Monday. He had at times spat blood. Deceased left a family of five there being a baby of nine months old.

George Hunt, a porter at the South Eastern Railway Station, said he saw deceased on the previous day about five minutes to four at the station with a small deal trunk on his back and a brown Gladstone bag in his hand. Deceased appeared to be hurrying to catch the four o’clock train, and was apparently exhausted. He afterward went outside the station and commenced to cough. He said he had a pain I his right side. He spat some blood up. He then went on, and some ten minutes later witness saw him by the “King’s Head Hotel” being held up by a Custom House officer and a porter.

Mrs. M. McKeen, wife of a boatman, living at Sever Star Street, said about four on the previous afternoon she saw the deceased pass her house and get as far as the “King’s head Hotel.” He appeared to be very ill and fell at the corner. A porter and Customs House officer, at witness’ request helped the deceased. Water was obtained, but he did not seem to recover, and was placed in a cab to be taken to the Hospital.

William Copp, a Custom House Officer, said his attention was called to the deceased by the last witness. Witness, on failing to restore the deceased who was unconscious, had him put in a cab to take him to the Hospital. In passing Mr. Hambrook’s the chemist, witness saw Dr. Colbeck’s carriage outside, and Dr. Colbeck, who was there, found deceased to be dead. Witness then had the cab driven to the Police Station, and afterwards drove back to the dead-house with two constables, where the body was left.

Dr. Colbeck said that from the evidence of the witnesses and the appearance of the body the deceased died from suffocation by internal haemorrhage, caused by the extra exertion.

The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 29 December, 1893. 1d.

INFANTICIDE AT DOVER

An Inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” on Wednesday afternoon, on the body of a newly born male child found in the Dour on Saturday last.

Mr. Couch was chosen foreman of the Jury.

Frank Ellen, engine driver for Messrs. Chitty and Co. said that about half-past two on Saturday he was to clear away weed on the grating in front of the mill wheels when he found a bundle. He undid the outer covering, a packing apron, and the inner one a white and a grey flannelette petticoat and found the body of a male child. Witness fetched the foreman of the Mills, who sent for the police. Witness was the last person who cleared the grating – on Friday afternoon.

Mr. C. Walters said that he saw the body at the Police Station on Saturday last. The child was newly born, a full born one. There were no marks of violence, but the features had been flattened by force. Death had apparently not taken place more than twelve hours before, but the body had been in the water several hours. He made a post mortem examination on Monday. He could not say whether the child had a separate existence. Death ensued from suffocation before immersion and neglect at birth. The child had breathed.

The verdict was “Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 6 April, 1894. 1d.

DEATH FROM LOCKJAW

An Inquest was held at the Dover Union on Monday afternoon by the Borough Coroner (Sydenham Payn, Esq.) on the body of Albert Johnstone, who died in the Infirmary, fro lockjaw, on Friday March 30th.

Mr. F. Pennel was chosen foreman of the Jury, and after viewing the body, which was lying in the mortuary, the following evidence was taken:-

Mr. John Sandercook, Master of the Dover Union Workhouse, said that the deceased Albert Johnstone was admitted on the 24th March at 1.30p.m. he walked up with his wife. He appeared to be very weak and could not speak. Mr. Fenn was at once sent for, and he came and ordered the deceased’s removal to Hospital. He died on the 30th inst., at 11.30 p.m.

By a Juryman: The deceased had an admittance order for himself and his wife from Mr. Hicks, Relieving officer.

Emma Johnstone, an inmate of the house, said the body in the mortuary was that of her husband. He was 73 years of age and was a carver. They had previous to coming in the house, lodged at 48, Union Road. About three weeks ago the deceased came home very late at night with his head bleeding. There was a cut over the right eye and it was bleeding very much. Witness asked how it had happened and he said that a stone had been thrown at him on the Primrose Road turning. He was not quite sober. Witness dressed the wound. He was very restless and witness called the landlady up. The wound continued painful and he did not go to work again. He went out several times and witness accompanied him to Hospital. His face commenced to swell and get black, and he felt pains at the back of his neck and was unable to speak. He lost his speech about a week after the accident. His jaw seemed fixed and he could not eat. An order for the House was obtained and they came in on the 24th.

By the Coroner: His jaw was fixed so that he could not eat or speak when he was attending the Hospital. At first he could just speak but it got worse and a piece of wood was put between his teeth so that he might be able to swallow liquids.

Mrs. Emma Barwick, 48, Union Road, said that her husband was a carpenter. The deceased and his wife had lodged with witness nearly two years. On March 13th witness heard the deceased come in about 12 o’clock. She knew the deceased was a little the worse for drink by his walking. Witness went to bed and was afterwards called up by the last witness. The deceased was in bed and was bleeding very much from a wound over the eye which was very deep. Witness bathed it but could not stop it bleeding until she put some cobweb on it. Witness spoke to him but could make nothing of him. The next morning he knew nothing about it. He appeared very weak and remained in bed. He gradually got worse and on the second day witness persuaded him to go to the Hospital. He went there about three times. On the 23rd inst., the deceased became very bad and Dr. Long was sent for and his assistant came. On his recommendation the deceased was brought to the House. After the fourth day from the accident his jaw began to stiffen and on the third day his neck had became black.

By the Jury: Someone accompanied the deceased home on the night of the accident, and witness heard him say “good night” to the deceased but witness could not find out who it was.

Mr. Edward Parker, dispenser at the Dover Hospital, said the deceased came to the Hospital so far as witness was aware, by himself on the 20th. In answer to witness he said he had a fall. Witness knew the deceased and as he appeared to speak in his usual manner. The deceased was attended to by the House Surgeon, and he came four days running and was attended on each occasion by the House Surgeon.

Dr. Fenn, medical officer at the Workhouse said that he was sent for to see the deceased on the 24th inst., on Saturday afternoon. He was in bed in the Hospital. His jaw was fixed and a piece of wood put between the teeth to prevent it quite closing. There was a deep wound over the right eye which was partially healed. It was about an inch long and appeared to have been cut by a stone or a rough instrument of that kind. He was perfectly conscious and could understand what was said to him but could not speak. He could not swallow and the attempt to do so brought on the spasms. The deceased was kept alive by injections of beef tea and brandy. He got gradually weaker and died on Friday night the 30th. The actual cause of death was exhaustion from tetanus and lockjaw. This arose from the wound which must have affected the nervous system.

The Coroner said that his opinion was that the man fell down in coming home and received the injury.

A Juryman (Mr. Paramour) said he believed there was foul play, and that the man had been knocked down by half a brick.

Twelve Jurymen were in favour of returning a verdict of accidental death.

Jammed Fagg, an inmate, said that he met the deceased about a fortnight ago in the street and he told witness that he had received a fall.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”, the injury being the result of a fall.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 25 January, 1895.

DANISH SAILOR DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR

An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” on Wednesday afternoon to enquire into the death of a sailor lad, Hans Peter Hansen, who fell into the Granville Dock on Monday night while crossing from the “Invicta” to the “Druistik” where it was supposed he intended to see some friends before he left port with his ship the next day. Mr. W. Jarry was chosen foreman of the Jury and after viewing the body the following evidence was taken:-

Filmer Chas. Baldwin, clerk at Messrs. Hammond’s Shipping Agents, said he was present at their office on Saturday when seven men were shipped on board the barque Framnes, bound for Mandal, and to the best of his belief deceased was one of these men. His name was Hans Peter Hansen; his age was 17, and he came from Copenhagen. Witness saw the Captain of the Framnes on Tuesday morning when he told him that Hansen was missing. The Framnes sailed the same day.

Malmar Felt, a boy serving on board the Druistik said that on Monday night about half-past eleven he was on watch on board their ship when he heard a splash near the wheelhouse of the Invicta. Witness saw a person in the water close to the ship and threw him a bucket which deceased held on to for about a minute while witness gave the alarm, but before they could help him he was gone. One man Brandheim, jumped overboard but was unable to do anything.
Oct Lind, second mate on board the Druistik, said that on Tuesday morning he got the drag out. They hooked the body at the first attempt and handed it over to the Police.

Mr. C. Walters, Surgeon, gave evidence to the effect that death was due to drowning.

P.C. Scutt said that about noon on Tuesday he went to the Granville Dock, where, lying in the boat of the Druistik, was the body of the deceased. Witness took it to the mortuary and on searching it found a watch and chain, a knife, and a tin box.

A verdict of “Death my Misadventure” was returned.

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

MURDER OF A CHILD

An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” yesterday afternoon on the body of a newly-born female child found at the back of the South Eastern railway Station on Monday last. Mr. Mutton was foreman of the Jury.

Herbert H. Body, a boy about 13 years of age, living at 35, Seven Star Street, said that on Monday last, about a quarter to four, he was walking with a boy named Wilson on the beach opposite Archchiff Fort. About four or five yards from the water’s edge they saw a parcel tied up in newspaper. It was very wet, and witness cut the string which was round the parcel, and then saw an apron (produced). Wilson pulled this aside, and they found the dead body of a child. The string was tied very tightly, and the child jammed together all in a heap. They left it there and told the hovellers by the Pilot Tower, and at their direction he went for a policeman. The water was falling at the time, and had been where the baby was found.

Mr. C. C. Walters, Police Surgeon, said that he had examined the body. It was a female child, and had been dead two or three days. On Tuesday morning witness made a post mortem examination. The child was much compressed and had been wrapped up very tightly. The child was new-born and had not been attended to at birth. Witness was of opinion that the child was born alive, and witness thought that the cause of death was from haemorrhage from want of proper attendance. Witness was of opinion that the great pressure which had been used to compress the body of the child had been made before death, and probably accelerated it.

The Superintendent said the Police were making every enquiry.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder” against some person or persons unknown.

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

MAN FOUND IN THE HARBOUR

An inquest was held at the “Union Hotel” on Monday afternoon, on the body of a man named William Watt, who was found in the Granville Dock, on Friday afternoon. Mr. A. Wood was chosen foreman of the Jury, and the following was the evidence taken:-

Ellen Richmond, 1, St. Michael Square, Folkestone, said that the body at the dead house, was that of William Watts, with whom she had been living. A fortnight ago, on October 26th, he left witness to join a ship at Dover. He told her that he would get 10s. advanced, and send it to her, but it never arrived. He was about 33 years of age.

Horace Fry, in the employ of the Gas Company, said he kept the accounts in relation to the “Bristow.” He had seen the body and recognised it as that of the man who shipped on the “Bristow” on Saturday, October 25th. As soon as he signed the articles he had ten shillings advanced, with a promise of 5s. more, if he sent it off to his wife. In the afternoon whilst witness was on board, a complaint was made that the man would not work. He was called down to the cabin, and was the worse for drink. The captain read the articles he had signed, and he was then ordered to go about his work. He wanted another advance, but it was refused. On Monday it was reported that the man was missing and had not been seen since Saturday, and did not sleep on board that night. The “Bristow” was lying in the Granville Dock, opposite the “Harp Hotel.”

Thomas Henry Hodgman, a labourer, said that on Friday about a quarter past one, his attention was called to something floating in the Granville Dock, opposite Mr. Pickford’s Stores, and he found that it was a body. Witness got into a boat and towed it opposite the dead house, where the Constable took it in charge. Blood was flowing from the eyes.

Mr. C. C. Walters said he had examined the body. It was not particularly decomposed then, but it was beginning to set in. the forehead over both eyes had been very much eaten, probably by fish. There was also a wound on the back of the head, which might either be caused by a fall or blow, or by fish. Death was probably due to drowning, as the blow on the back of the head was not serious.

The “Bristow” is at present at Sunderland taking a cargo of coal, and it was decided to adjourn the inquiry for a fortnight to obtain further evidence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 July, 1896.

BOY RUN OVER IN FOLKESTONE ROAD

Shortly after noon on Saturday, a horrible accident occurred in Folkestone Road, near the Priory Station, whereby a ten-year-old boy, William Gill, was run over, and sustained such injuries that he died immediately.

An inquest was held before the Borough Coroner, Sydenham Payn, Esq., on Monday, at the “Union Hotel.” The Jury was as follows:- Messrs. D. Houlden (foreman), C. Rendall, J. G. Whorwell, G. W. Stanley, W. J. Rigden, W. Spratt, G. Hartnell, J. Kennett, W. Ward. L. Edwards, G. Ainsley, J. Morris, H. Williams, and J. Beazley.
After the body had been viewed at the mortuary, where it had been removed, the following evidence was taken:-

John Gill, of 6, Colbran Street, Charlton, identified the body as that of his son William, aged 10 years.

T. W. Gisby, a carter, said he was in the employ of Mr. Curling, and lived at 4, Maxton Cottages. Deceased was with him on Saturday, since the early morning, assisting him, for which witness was to give the boy two-pence. Witness was driving his cart – a covered refuse one – down the Folkestone Road on Saturday about twelve. The boy was resting on the front board, and witness was sitting on the shafts and talking to a man who was walking beside him. A shout attracted witness’ attention, and pulling up, he saw the boy had gone under the wheels, which had passed over him. The cart was full and weighed about two tons. The boy was picked up and attended to by a doctor who was passing.

E. C. May, a messenger boy on the Channel boats, deposed to seeing the accident. The boy was sitting on the front board, when he over balanced himself and fell, striking the shaft, and going under the front wheel, which passed over him.

Chas Wood, M.R.C.S., of 4, Effingham Crescent, said he was passing the spot about he time the accident occurred and examined the lad. The bones of the right side of the head were crushed, and the boy was bleeding profusely. Death was almost instantaneous.

The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that it was hard to say that anyone was to blame; the place where the boy was sitting was not meant to ride on.

The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 June, 1915. Price 1d.

UNION HOTEL PROSECUTED

At the Dover Police Court this (Friday) morning, before Messrs. M. Pepper (in the chair), H. Hobday, A. Clark, and Dr. Wood.

William Charles Arthur Dixon, landlord of the “Union Hotel,” was summons for on June 8th, allowing a child, 13 years of age, to be in the bar.

Mr. Vosper prosecuted, and Mr. Mowll, who defended pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Roberts said that from information received on the 8th he went, about 7.45 p.m. to the “Union Hotel” with Gunner Denton, R.N. He saw the landlord and asked if the boy whom Mr. Denton had detained there had been served with beer. He said, “I do not know.” He then called his daughter who was serving and said she had served the boy with three quart bottles of beer, pointing to the private bar. Witness told the landlord that the boy was only thirteen last March and that he had been sent there by some soldiers for the beer. Witness had seen the three quart bottles of beer in the officers’ quarters on board the ship. Two were sealed but one apparently was broken by carrying it. He then took the boy home.

Gunner Herbert Denton, R.N., belonging to one of H.M. torpedo boats, said that on June 8th the boy was seen coming over the gangway with a sack. The sack was opened and three bottles of beer were taken out.

Mr. Mowll said this had nothing to do with the case and was prejudicing his client.

Witness said he went with the boy to the “Union Hotel” and asked the defendant if the boy was served there. Defendant and a woman who was there both said they did not know. The boy pointed out a young girl and she admitted serving the boy.

Mr. Mowll said that there was in the Act, a provision that gave an exception if the child was apparently over the age of fourteen years. The boy had been in the house before and had said that he was over the age of fourteen. If that was so there was an end of the case. A boy could not carry his birth certificate round his neck. If the question was asked, and care taken, there was an end of the case.

He called may Dixon, who said that she helped her father in the business of the “Union Hotel.” The boy, George Smith, who was served with three bottles of beer, had been in the house about a week or fortnight before. He came into the private bar, and witness asked if he were fourteen years of age. He said, “Yes.” She did that before supplying him with anything. She afterward repeated the enquiry, and he said that he was fourteen, and she believed that was true.

By the Magistrates: She was 16; and asked him two or three times.

The boy, Smith, was called into Court, and he denied that he ever told the witness that he was fourteen. He did not know how many times he had been in the house. He had been there for beer. Sailors sent him for the beer.

The Magistrates said that they would give the defendant the benefit of the doubt, but he must be careful.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1 January, 1918.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

On the 20th March, 1917, Arthur Williams, of the Union Hotel, Commercial Quay, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises, he was fined 20s. Notice of appeal was given, and at the Quarter Sessions the appeal was allowed; and the house, which had been placed 'out of bounds' by the Competent Military Authority, was placed 'in bounds' owing to the decision of the learned Recorder. Three men who were found drunk on the premises pleaded guilty and were each fined 5s.