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, 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 Intelligencer, 21 April, 1870.

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 affected 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 out house a little after one o'clock in the day time, and appeared to be quite well. He borrowed 2s. 6d. off 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 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.

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 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 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, 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, 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.