DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Dover, January, 2023.

Page Updated:- Monday, 09 January, 2023.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1755-

(Name from)

 White Horse

Open 2021+

St. James' Street Pigot's Directory 1832-34Pigot's Directory 1839Pigot's Directory 1840Kelly's Directory 1950

Castle Hill before 1903 Bagshaw's Directory 1847Post Office Directory 1874Kelly's Directory 1899

Dover

01304 213066

https://www.thewhitehorsedover.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/white-horse

White Horse 1886

Above photo, 1886, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.
White Horse 1890

Above photo, from Paul Wells, 1890.
White Horse 1901

Hubert Terrace off Woolcomber Street, 1901, showing The White Horse on the right. By kind permission of Dover Library. ILL/457.
White Horse 1920

Above photo from the John Gilham collection, circa 1920.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 September, 1907. Price 1d.

St. James's Church and White Horse 1907

Above picture showing scenes at the funeral of Sir Wollaston Knocker after the service at St. James's Church. The "White Horse" is the building on the left.
1937 map

Above map 1937.
White Horse 1942

White Horse and St. James Church by W. Fairclough, June 1942.
White Horse circa 1950

White Horse and St. James Church circa 1950. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the watercolour below wasn't taken from the picture above.

White Horse
White Horse 1980s

Above photo kindly sent and taken by John Fagg in the 1980s.
White Horse circa 1980

Above White Horse circa 1980 by Barry Smith.
White Horse date unknown

Above date unknown. Below circa 1990.
White Horse circa 1990

Above photo, date unknown.
White Horse 1996

Above photo, 1996, kindly sent by Michael Lock.
White Horse 2016

Above photo kindly sent by White Horse, 2016.
White Horse sign 1978

Above sign 1978, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

 

On the corner with Hubert Passage, this had been known earlier as "The City of Edinburgh", the title changing previous to 1792.

Barry Smith found reference to this pub address as in the Buckland area, the dates given for the licensee named John Edward Butler are from between 1847 and 1852. Further research tells me this is actually this pub in St. James's and not another with the same name in Buckland.

 

Kentish Gazette, 31 March 1820.

On Tuesday a Coroners Inquest was held at the "White Horse Inn," Dover, on the body of George Somers of Dumpton, in the parish of St. Peter, Thanet, late a prisoner in Dover Castle, when a verdict was returned—

Died by the visitation of God.

 

From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, 23 August, 1822.

Thomas Bullard, landlord of the "White Horse, St James's street, Dover, was on Friday last taken into custody, charged with shooting at his wife with a loaded pistol; he was committed but has since been liberated, on bail being tendered for his appearance. It is said the offence was committed in a fit of jealousy. When searched another loaded pistol and a knife was found on his person. Bullard has a large family by former wives; his present wife is a young woman to whom he had been married but a few months, and who had been confined only a few days previous to the commission of the offence.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 5 April, 1836.

DOVER CONSTITUTIONAL ASSOCIATION

The annual supper of the first branch of this society took place on Wednesday evening, at the "White Horse Inn," in St. James's Street. The cheer, old English substantials, did infinite credit to the provider, and the evening was spent by the company with much hilarity, regulated by due decorum. After the healths of the King, the Queen, and Royal Family, the Duke of Wellington, &c, the members for Dover, and long may they continue our representatives, were duly honoured. Mrs. Fector and family were also drunk with unbounded applause, as were the healths of the Mayor and several gentleman of Dover. At a seasonable hour the party separated, much pleased with their entertainment, and expressing warm obligations to the chairman, Mr. W. Griggs, under whose judicious arrangements everything had proved so much to their satisfaction.

Dover Telegraph.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 7 February, 1846. Price 5d.

CORONERS INQUEST

An inquest was held on Tuesday (at which Mr. Kennett officiated in the absence of the Coroner,) at the "White Horse," top of St. James's-street, on the body of a child found in Eastbrook, and relative to which the following evidence was adduced:-

Mary and Ann Goodwright- At about four o'clock this afternoon, while passing, in company with Mrs. Barton, Jennings's garden at Eastbrook, we stopped to gather some bay leaves, and whilst doing so saw a bundle lying by the palings on the inside of the garden, which we supposed contained broken victuals. Mrs. Barten wished to let it remain, but I said "Let us inspect it," which we did, and on opening the bundle perceived a child's foot. We then called a policeman, (Gardner,) who took the body to the "White Horse."

The evidence of the last witness having been fully corroborated by Caroline Barton, the inquest was then adjourned till seven o'clock on the following evening, in order that time might be allowed for a post-mortem examination of the body.

On Wednesday the adjourned inquest took place, and prior to the examination of witnesses being resumed, the coroner (Mr. Kennett,) remarked that from several observations made to him during the day relative to Mrs. Goodwright, and the fact of her husband also having been in the vicinity of Eastbrook on the day of finding the body, he had been induced, in the presence of the foreman and some others of the jury, to a private interrogation of the woman, but nothing elicited afforded any ground for the least suspicion, or cast the slightest imputation on the parties.- The investigation was then resumed, at which the following additional particulars were detailed:-

George Edwin Williams, resident medical officer at the Dover Dispensary- I have made a post-mortem examination of the body, but have found no external injuries. I am certain that the child was born alive. It appeared about twelve hours old. I consider the immediate cause of death to have been the neglecting to fasten the umbilical cord in a proper manner.

Caroline Barton again confirmed the evidence given by the witness Goodwright, on Tuesday, and stated that at the time of finding the body they observed no one loitering near the spot. Mrs. Goodwright was disposed at first to say nothing about the finding of the bundle, but on my saying that those who would consider a murder were equally guilty with those committing it, we decided on making the matter known, and did so without delay.

John Goodwright, mariner- On Tuesday morning, ay 10 o'clock, I went to my brother-in-law's, who resides in Woolcomber-street, where I had a glass of beer. I then left and went to Charlton by the lane leading to Mr. Jenning's house. When I got as far as Mr. Elgar's meadow it began to rain, on which I returned home, accompanied by a man named Datlen, with whom I am acquainted. I saw no one else there at the time.

No further evidence having been adduced, the coroner summed up, and the jury retired, and after nearly an hour's consultation returned the following verdict:-

"That the infant died from the neglect of its mother, but by whom it was placed in the garden there has been no evidence to show."

 

Dover Chronicles 10 April 1847.

An inquest was held before G. T. Thompson Esq, for the Borough on Monday afternoon last, at the "White Horse," St. James's Street, on view of a body of Sarah Newman, widow, Trevanion Street, age 81, who died from injuries she sustained by her clothes catching fire on the previous Saturday night.

William Martin, waiter, Woolcomber Lane, deposed:- On Saturday night, about 11:30, as I was in my house, I heard my neighbour, Mrs. Mackett, crying "Fire!" in the street. I ran out, when she told me Mrs. Newman was on fire. I went to the gate of Mrs. Newman's yard, but it was fast. I broke the gate down, and upon entering the yard found the poor woman there on her hands and knees. She had a portion of her clothes around the upper part of her body, which was then in a blaze; the lower part of a dress had been entirely consumed. Not finding any mats handy, with which to extinguish the fire, I took a tub of water which stood near me, and threw the water over her, and it extinguished the flames. Her burns were chiefly confined to the lower part of her body. The persons living in the same court had by this time entered the yard, and appeared to have been called up from bed; and I left deceased with them, and went into her home. I saw an elbow chair on fire, standing by the left-hand side of the door, and under the window. I put that out. I also saw a lighted candle standing on a table, on the opposite side of the room to where the chair was. It was in a candlestick. There was no fire in the grate. The chair was much burnt on the right arm, the cushion, and seat. I then went to see after the woman again, who I found with the neighbours, who had covered her over with a cloak. A medical man arrived while I was there; but the deceased had expired before he arrived.

Mrs. Mackett, Trevanion Lane, deposed:- On Saturday night last, between twenty minutes past eleven and half-past, I heard a scream. Thinking it was a quarrel, I looked out, when I saw in the yard close by deceased's house a flare, as of linen burning, which lasted but a moment, and then there was a quantity of sparks. I smelt a peculiar stench, as of woollen burning, upon which I ran out and gave the alarm.

Mrs. Jane Taylor:- I live next door to deceased's house and know her very well. I was in the frequent habit of looking in upon her, to see how she did. She was very old and weak, and lived entirely alone. On Saturday night last, at half-past ten, I saw deceased at home. She was sitting in her arm chair, (which was placed under the window,) taking some tea. Her tea-things were on a chair, which was placed by her right hand somewhat in front of her. The fire was out. I then went home to bed, and about half-past eleven was aroused by the cry of "Fire." I got up, and went into deceased's house. I saw her elbow chair on fire. Her tea things had been put into her cupboard, in there accustomed order, and her tea-board hung against the wall as usual. She was dead before she was carried into her house. On Saturday night she wore a cotton gown. She was very eccentric; and I believe her to have been in the habit of sleeping all night in her arm-chair. Did not see her reading on Saturday night. Think she could not read.

Henry Horn, superannuated coast-guardsmen, and brother to deceased, deposed. Deceased was very eccentric, and preferred living alone to going into the Union; and though witness had repeatedly wished her to remove to his home, where proper care wound be taken of her, she would not be persuaded to do so. Think she did not go to bed for nights, which might have been owing to the dangerousness of the ladder by which he had to proceed to her bedroom.

After a brief consultation, the Jury returned a verdict:- "That the deceased, Sarah Newman, died from injuries she received by her clothes accidentally taking fire."

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday, 10 April, 1847. Price 5d.

CORONER'S INQUEST

Another inquest was held before the same Coroner, on Monday, at the “White Horse,” on the body of Sarah Newman, widow, aged 81. The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken:-

Thomas Marks, waiter, Woolcomber Lane, deposed: On Saturday night about half past 11, I heard Mrs. Mackett cry out fire. I went out to her, and she told me Mrs. Newman's house was on fire. I went to the gate, but found it fastened. I broke the gate down, and on entering the yard found deceased on her hands and knees, with her clothes in a blaize; and not finding any mats, I threw a pail of water over her, which extinguished the flames. Some of the neighbours then came in, and wrapped a cloak round her. On going into her house, I saw an elbow chair close to the fire in flames, which I extinguished. There was a lighted candle standing on a table, in the opposite part of the room. There was no fire in the grate. The right arm and cushion of the chair were much burnt. A surgeon, Mr. Jones, then arrived, but deceased had expired.

Sarah Mackett, residing in Trevanion lane, deposed: On Sunday about half past 11, I heard a scream, and on looking out of the back window, I saw a blaize in the yard, close to the house of deceased, and then a quantity of sparks. There was a strong smell of burning woollen, and I thought it was Mrs. Taylor's house on fire. I then ran out and gave an alarm.

Jane Taylor, wife of Isaac Taylor, residing in Trevanion Street, deposed: I have lived next door to deceased about 4 years. She was very infirm, and I usually looked in the last thing in the evening. On Saturday night I went in about half-past ten o'clock, and found her sitting in the arm-chair, taking some tea. The tea things were by her side in a chair, and a candle was burning on the same chair. The fire was out. I did not speak to her as she was very deaf. I then went to bed, and was awakened by persons calling out fire. I got up and found deceased lying in the yard. On going into her room, I found the tea things put into the cupboard, and the tray hung up in its usual place. Deceased, who lived alone, was very eccentric in her habits, and usually slept all night in her chair.

Henry Horne, brother of deceased, deposed: My sister was 81 years of age. He husband died about 4 years since, and I then wished her to come and live with me, but she would not do so, nor go to the Union.

Verdict – That deceased died from her clothes accidentally catching fire.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 3 June, 1848. Price 5d.

PETTY SESSIONS

John Butler, licensed victualler, was summonsed by Mr. Jacobs, clerk of the Dover Loan Society, for the sum of £2 14s. It appeared that defendant had become security to the society for a loan to John Nash, of which the above sum remained unpaid. - The Clerk said he considered the society ought first to proceed against the borrower, and then, in the event of not getting the amount due, to sue the surety; and the case was adjourned for that purpose.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 27 May, 1856.

CORONER'S INQUEST

On Friday evening an enquiry took place at the "White Horse Inn," before the borough coroner, Mr. Thompson, touching on the death of Ulrich Muller - soldier of the British Swiss Legion, who was killed at the Castle Barracks by the discharge of a firelock. The deceased for some misconduct, had been reduced from a sergeant to the ranks, another had also been reduced, and both had agreed to destroy themselves. As they had no ball ammunition, pieces of tallow candle were submitted, with large charges of powder; and by these means the deceased shot himself. A verdict of "temporary insanity" was returned. The other one having failed in his attempt to shoot himself, tried to throw himself over the cliff, but was frustrated.

 

 

The early brewers connected with the premises were Iken, (or Jekin), and Coleman and they later amalgamated with Edward Rutley.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 September, 1863.

OF UNSOUND MIND

A middle-aged gentlemanly looking man, attired in a black frock-coat, and having the appearance of a well-to-do man of business, was placed at the bar. He gave the name of Thomas James, and said he belonged to Liverpool, and he had been removed from the "White Horse Inn," St. James's Street, early the same morning, at the request of the landlord.

Mr. John Friend, the landlord of the "White Horse," said the gentleman at the bar was brought to his house about half-past eight o'clock on the previous evening by a couple of artillerymen, respectable young men apparently, who said they found him wandering about in Frith meadows, evidently ignorant of his whereabouts. The gentleman seemed perfectly rational when first brought into the house, and asked if he could have a bed there. He was told that he could, and he then seated himself in the parlour, where he was supplied with a couple of glasses of whiskey and water. After that he had supper, and went to bed about eleven o'clock. He (Mr. Friend) saw that the defendant was comfortably in bed, and then took away his candle, but as he was leaving the room, the defendant told him he must get to his office in Liverpool by nine o'clock next morning and made several other strange remarks. Witness quietened him as well as he was able, but after he had left him he watched his bedroom door for upwards of an hour. The defendant remained perfectly quiet during this time, and nothing occurred to disturb the house till about four o'clock in the morning, when there was a great noise in the defendant's room. On getting to him he (Mr. Friend) found him in a very excited state, declaring that his room had undergone an alteration during the night, and that he could stay there no longer. He also raised the window and shouted for the police, and as the police answered his summons, he (Mr. Friend) thought they had better take the gentleman under their care, although he (Mr. Friend) had no charge to prefer against him.

Superintendent Coram said that among the property found upon the defendant was a valuable gold watch and a through ticket to Paris via Dover. He also understood that he had a carpet-bag and a portmanteau (a case or bag to carry clothing in while travelling, esp. a leather trunk or suitcase that opens into two halves) on arriving at Dover, but what had become of them now it was impossible to say.

The defendant, in reply to the Magistrates, seemed to be unaware that he had had any baggage, and made a very rambling statement. He adhered to his first description of himself, however, that he belonged to Liverpool. This account of himself, from other circumstances, appeared to be correct, and the Magistrates therefore ordered that he should be detained till the following day, and in the mean time a telegraph message dispatched to Liverpool, in order that his friends might be communicated with.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 3 October, 1863.

TUESDAY BEFORE THE MAYOR. REMANDED CHARGE

The gentleman of unsound mind remanded from the previous day, was now handed over to the care of his son, who had arrived from Liverpool to take charge of him.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 19 March, 1864.

THE PIG NUISANCE

After the retirement of the Inspector of Nuisances, the Town Clerk informed the Board that in the case of the alleged pig nuisance at the rear of the "White Horse Inn," whereby some of the inhabitants of Hubert Terrace had experienced annoyance, and in consequence of which instructions had been given to prosecute the owner of the swine, Mr. Friend, the hearing of the case had been adjourned till Friday (yesterday), and he mentioned the circumstances in order to obtain the opinion of the Board as to the desirability of applying for a case, in the event of the Magisterial decision being taken against the Board, so that the legal merits of the prosecution might be decided by a superior court. It was evident that at present the Board and the Justices differed in their interpretation of the act under which these prosecutions were conducted. The Board held, and he thought properly so, that pigs kept so as to be a nuisance to any neighbour, came within the act of Parliament; but the Magistrates seemed to be of a different opinion, and he thought it would be convenient, as well of as some importance to the public, to have the legal point thus raised by the authorities of a higher Court. The course he proposed to take, supposing the decision adverse to the Board, was to apply for a special case, and then take the opinion of council before proceeding.

Mr. Fox reminded the Town Clerk that if he made application for a special case, he would have to give recognizance for carrying it to an issue.

The Town Clerk had the impression that this course was not compulsory, but Mr. Fox maintained that it was.

Mr. Rees asked if the difficulty would not be met by allowing this case to take its course, and in the event of the decision being adverse, council's opinion be taken and another summons taken out for the purpose of raising the legal question. He was sanguine (confident) however, that the decision would be this time against the nuisance, seeing that there would not be the anomaly of the informer (the Inspector of Nuisances) coming forward to declare that he could not conscientiously declare his information to be true. (A laugh.)

The Town Clerk: No, we have guarded against that ; but I understand the Inspector of Nuisances has been subpoenaed by the other side. (Renewed laughter.)

In reply to observations made by other members of the Board, the Town Clerk said his own opinion was that a case should be asked for, supposing the decision to be again adverse to the Board.

Mr. Rees said that, as this was the conviction of the Town Clerk, and as the case was one of much public importance, - for he believed some of the most vital interests of Dover were involved in the question whether one man could keep pigs under the parlour window of his neighbours with impunity - he would move that instructions be given to the Town Clerk to make the application suggested, in the event of such a course being necessary.

Alderman Robinson seconded the motion, but on a division it was negatived by 5 to 4.

Three of the Justices, it turned out, voted with the majority, and Alderman Robinson commented in no very complimentary terms on what he conceived to be the ill-state of a course so much at variance with the traditional dignity of the magisterial mind.

THE OBJECTIONABLE SWINE

John Friend, landlord of the "White Horse Inn," was summoned for unlawfully keeping swine on his premises to the annoyance of his neighbourhood. Mr. W. Knocker appeared in support of the information, and Mr. Minter for defendant.

Mr. Minter made application that the case might be remanded. The summons was not served till Saturday, and Mr. Friend was then out of town. He did not arrive home until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it was too late for him to gather any evidence for the defence. He (Mr. Minter) hoped the Magistrates would grant a remand, as he intended to subpoena the entire neighbourhood.

Mr. Knocker objected to a remand being granted, urging that defendant had had time to obtain his learned friend's assistance, and he had therefore had ample time to collect his witnesses.

The Magistrates, however, adjourned the case till Friday (yesterday).

THE ALLEGED PIG NUISANCE

John Friend, the landlord of the "White Horse Inn," was summoned for keeping pigs at the rear of his house, so as to be a nuisance to the family of Mr. A. Penny, the rear of whose premises in Herbert Terrace abuts upon the pigsty's in question. The prosecution was undertaken by the Local Board of Health, and the Town Clerk attended in support of it. He made a long and elaborate address upon the legal bearings of the case, and evidence was then called to show that the pigs, said to be not less than ten in number, were a nuisance to the residents of Mr. penny's house. Mr. Minter, who appeared for the defendant, replied on the legal representation of the Public Health Act, referred to be Mr. Knocker, and called witness, including the Inspector of Nuisances, and several persons living in the neighbourhood, to show that the pigs were not offensive and were kept as cleanly a manner as it was possible to keep animals of this description. One of the witnesses, Mr. Broadley, said the pigsty was the "prettiest little pigsty he had ever seen in his life." In cross-examination, the Inspector of Nuisances said the pigsty was never cleaned out in his presence. The Magistrates considered the complaint established and fined defendant 1s. costs, ordering him at the same time to remove the pigs forthwith.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 28 May, 1864.

REMANDED CHARGE OF FRAUD

Hugh McMath, remanded from the previous Saturday for fraudulently detaining in his possession a quantity of drapery goods, the property of Mr. P. Thompson, draper, Snargate Street and Castle Street, Dover, was again placed at the bar. Mr. Stroud of Cheltenham, now appeared for prosecution, and Mr. Fox, of Dover, for the prisoner.

Peter Thompson, having been sworn, said: I am a draper carrying on business in Castle Street and Snargate Street, Dover. The prisoner was in my employ as traveller up till the 26th instant. On the morning of the 16th, about 9 o'clock, I paid the prisoner his wages. I asked him if he had anything to be booked against him. He said he had not. I then asked him how many pairs of shoes he had had mended, and he replied three. I remarked that he had only accounted for two pairs. He said he had nothing to give up to me, and he then left me, but returned between 11 and 12 o'clock and took three boxes away. I can swear positively to two of the boxes. On the following Thursday I went to Folkestone, and then I saw the prisoner with the mackintosh wrapper and leather strap produced. He had a quantity of articles strapped up in the wrapper. Prisoner ought to have returned the wrapper and strap on leaving me, as they were only supplied to him for his use while he was in my employ. I asked him whether he had started in business on his own account, or whether he was travelling for anybody. He replied that he was doing neither. We then went to the "Railway Bell" together, and I there had him taken into custody. At the Folkestone station-house, I opened the pack prisoner had on his back when I met him, and found two pieces of calico, each containing six yards, and two five-yard lengths of skirting. The calico bears my private mark in my own hand-writing, but the skirting has no mark on it. I had twenty yards of skirting, and I find on measuring the pieces I have by me that ten yards are gone. The mackintosh also has my mark upon it, and although the strap bears no mark I can swear to it as my property, as I have used it myself for the last fifteen years. I returned to Dover, but the train on the same evening, and went as soon as possible, with Sergeant Baily, to the "White Horse Inn," where three boxes belonging to prisoner had been left. The three boxes produced were taken to the station-house, and on searching them I found that they contained one pair of Scotch tweed trowsers, value 28 shillings, two pairs of stays, one flannel shirt, one scarf, and twelve yards of mohair check. All these things bear my private marks; I value the whole of the goods I have positively sworn to as £4. All of them should have been given up to me when prisoner left me.

Mr. Fox: The last remark prosecutor has made, I contend, puts an end to the case. Prisoner, by prosecutor's own showing, only retained them in his possession, but not with a felonious intent, and, therefore, the prosecutor has his remedy in another Court.

Mr. Stroud: That would certainly be an easy way of getting rid of a very grave charge. I apprehend that a felonious aspect had already been given to the case.

Prosecutor said that the boxes were removed from his house after he had paid prisoner his wages, and all the goods produced were found in the boxes, except three sunshades, and the goods found upon prisoner at Folkestone.

In cross-examining by Mr. Fox, prosecutor said: On the 1st April, 1863, prisoner came into my service. The terms of our agreement were that he should travel for me for three years, provided he conducted himself properly. Nothing was said about terminating the agreement by notice. I agreed to give him £25 a-year, and pay all his travelling expenses. He has ultimately to have received £30 a-year if he suited me. I gave him one month's notice.

Mr. Fox: Why did you give prisoner notice to leave you?

Witness: Because I was not satisfied with him. He managed somehow to ride about on horseback, and in flies, and on one occasion I had a bill sent to me for traps he had engaged at Hythe, instead of walking his rounds. He has also kept very late hours, and I have lately had suspicion as to his honesty, having missed goods and been unable to trace them anywhere.

Mr. Fox: Have you ever verified there suspicions?

Witness: Not till after I had discharged the prisoner, I could not get sufficient proof, or he would have been here before now.

Mr. Fox: Where there no other reasons?

Witness: None that I know of.

Mr. Fox: How do you calculate the prisoner's wages when you discharged him?

Witness: At the rate of £25 a-year. I paid him £8 16s. 6d., the amount due to him, after deducting the cost price of some cloth he had had of me and the cost of one pair of boots. Prisoner did not always go out for the purpose of selling goods. On Tuesday his duty was to solicit orders and collect the accounts.

Mr. Fox: How were the prisoner's ordered supplied to him?

Witness: Sometimes I supplied them, but occasionally he cut them himself, and he was then supposed to enter all he took from the shop in an account book, which I produce.

Mr. Fox: Have you examined your book with respect to the particular items mentioned in this charge?

Witness: Some of them I can swear are not entered, and among them are the parasols, or sunshades, and the skirting. The things were found in his own clothes boxes. The strap and mackintosh cover had been in prisoner's possession ever since he first came into my employ, and he should have given them up on leaving. One of the parasols has "L.O." marked upon it. "L.O." is a private mark of mine. The other is marked in my wife's handwriting, and the third bears a mark in prisoner's handwriting.

Mr. Fox: Can you swear that it is prisoner's handwriting?

Witness: To the best of my belief it is.

Mr. Fox: Will you positively swear that the mark on this parasol is in the prisoner's handwriting?

Witness: Well, I won't swear positively.

Mr. Fox: Well, now, how do you identify the trowsers as your property?

Witness: They correspond exactly with those I have on.

Mr. Fox: Do you mean to say that your private marks are different from the private marks of any other tradesman in the same line of business?

Witness: Well, I dare say they are. We never tell each other our private marks, and if there are any like mine it is quite by accident. But I will undertake to swear there are no other private marks like those I have pointed out to you, more especially as those marks are in my hand writing. When I took prisoner into custody I told him that I charged him with stealing these things, and the wrapper and strap.

Charles Ovenden, police-constable of the borough of Folkestone, said that he took prisoner into custody at the "Railway Bell Inn," Folkestone. On arriving at the police-station with prisoner, he said, "I know that Mr. Thompson has an account against me for the goods I have received, and not accounted for."  He asked witness what he thought prosecutor could do to him for this offence. Prisoner also asked whether the things in the pack he had on his back when taken into custody would be shown to prosecutor. Witness identified part of the things sworn to by the prosecutor, as those found in the pack at the Folkestone police-station.

William Cheesman, an omnibus driver, deposed to removing for prisoner three large boxes from 69, Castle Street, to the "White Horse Inn"; but he could not swear positively to the description of boxes.

John Friend, landlord of the "White Horse Inn," said that on previous Monday morning the prisoner called at his house and said he had two or three large boxes he was going to bring there. About noon on the same day, prisoner returned to his house in an omnibus, and brought three large wooden boxes like those produced. They were placed in the front parlour, and when Mr. Thompson came in the evening with Sergeant Bailey, the boxes were shown to them.

Sergeant Bailey said he had received a bunch of keys from the constable Ovenden on the previous Thursday. On the same evening about 10 o'clock the boxes produced were brought from the "White Horse" by his direction to the station-house, and on the following morning were opened in the presence of Mr. Thompson. Witness produced a list of the articles he found in the boxes, several of which formed part of the present charge.

This was the whole of the evidence; and Mr. Fox having declined to address the Bench on prisoner's behalf, the usual caution was read to prisoner, and he was fully committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Prisoner did not make application to be released on bail, and he was therefore sent to prison.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 17 December, 1864.

ALLEGED INFRINGEMENT OF LICENSE

John Friend, landlord of the "White Horse Inn," St. James's Street, was charged by Barton with serving at a quarter-past eight on Sunday morning last.

The defendant in this case, admitted the charge. He said that when Barton came into his house a man was standing at the bar. He had just served him a glass of brandy.

The Magistrates, receiving a good account of the manner defendant's house was usually conducted, mitigated the fine to 1s., and costs 9s. 6d., which was paid 

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 4 November, 1865. Price 1d.

CHARGE OF ASSAULT

John Friend, landlord of the "White Horse Inn," was charged on the information of Thomas Broadley with assaulting him. Mrs. Friend was also summoned, but did not appear in consequence, as her husband said, of illness.

Superintendent Coram proved the services of the summons on Mrs. Friend; and the case was then proceeded with.

Thomas Broadley: I reside in Herbert Terrace, Dover, and the defendant keeps the "White Horse Inn," close by, at the top of St. James's Street. On Friday morning I was sitting in the tap-room of the "White Horse." presently Mr. Friend came in and then Mrs. Friend came in. They locked the door and said I should not go out of the room, nor yet out of the house, till I had signed a piece of paper. They had a piece of paper, but I did not read it, and I don't know what it contained. They "hauled" it down on the table once or twice, with pen and ink, for me to sign, but I refused to sign it, and they kept me locked up for two hours. Mrs. Friend took off my hat and put it on the table and then began feeling on the outside of my coat pockets.. I told her to leave off. At the expiration of two hours they unfastened the door, as company wanted to come into the room; and I then went out.

Magistrates' Clerk: Did they say what the paper was about?

Witness: Not particularly, they didn't. (A laugh.) They said I owed 'em a bill, or something of that sort.

Mr. E. Elwin: I am a solicitor, and usually act for Mr. Broadley. In consequence of something he said to me I had an interview with Mrs. Friend on Saturday, but not on this business. When she was with me I spoke to her with reference to it. I said "Mr. Bradley tells me you locked him up for two or three hours yesterday afternoon." She said "It is quite true, and he deserved it." She mentioned that he owed her a bill.

Mr. Friend, in his defence, said he had more cases to complain of Mr. Broadley had of him. Mr. Broadley had received every indulgence at his hands. He used the house just as if it were his own; and in return for this kindness he abused everyone in it, including himself and Mrs. Friend. He denied that Broadley was locked up; but he (Mr. Friend) did stand in the room with his back to the door, and say that he should not leave till he had told them on what authority he had made slanderous statements in reference to Mrs. Friend.

The Magistrates, after very brief consideration dismissed the case.

 

 

It was sold, together with the "Five Alls" in 1865. Satchell was the owner by 1881 but that year it went to the Kingsford brothers for £370. It was described then as a freehold property in the hamlet of Uphill. Later still, it went to George Beer and opened at five a.m. from 1890.

 

The Era 19 January 1901.

DEATH. SPAIN.

Dec. 20th, 1900, at the "White Horse Inn," Castle-hill, Dover, of consumption, Harry Beaufoy Spain, son-in-law of the late Mr. Isaac Kemp, many years proprietor of the "Phoenix Music Hall," Dover.

 

 

An inquest here, in 1826, sought the identity of a body taken from the sea by Sir Sidney Smith's Caves. The man had slept the previous night at the "Royal Standard" and was identified as Henry Palmer, a clerk from East India House.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 13 September, 1929. Price 1½d.

DOVER LICENCE CHANGE AFTER TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, the licence of the “White Horse Inn” was transferred from Mrs. Spain to Mr. Harry Banks, of Tonbridge, Secretary of the Constitutional Club there. Mrs. Spain has held the licence since 1901, after the death of her husband, who had been there since 1890.

 

From the Dover Express, Friday 8 April 1938.

A music and singing licence was granted to Alfred John George Faiers of the "White Horse Inn," St. James's Street.

 

There were other houses with this title in the town. A seventeenth century token once circulated with the inscription, Robert Gallant, "White Horse Inn" and showed an image of a horse prancing, it is suggested in the book "Traders Tokens of the seventeenth century by Williamson" the token belonged to this pub, but to date no Robert Gallant can be traced as licensee. Also with the name of "White Horse" was a beerhouse trading at Tower Hamlets from 1842 to 1885. Another was positioned on the South side of the Market Square in 1690 and John Butler kept another addressed simply Buckland, from 1847-52.

 

Perhaps of interest, alterations to these premises in 1952 brought to light a programme for the Dover Theatre, dated 1809, and advertising Harlequin and Mother Goose.

 

From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 4 July 1952.

A FIND IN A PUB

Workmen engaged in carry out alterations to the "White Horse," at the bottom of Castle Hill, have discovered a programme dated 1809 for "Harlequin and Mother Goose," at the Dover Theatre.

"This play," says the programme, "was performed at Covent Garden 197 times with unbounded applause, admiration and attraction to brilliant and overflowing audiences."

 

From a photo held by the Dover Library and dated 1978. ILL/5192.

White Horse 1978

The landlord in 1978 was J A Aubrey, who I am informed are the people in the photo above.

 

In the 1800s the "White Horse" was said to have the coldest cellar in Dover - even during the summer.

Apparently this is because in their cellar lives a ghost called George - the spirit of a mariner who sadly drowned at sea and was buried under the cellar.

Some locals have even claimed that George has pulled them a pint!

 

In 1895, coaches from St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe ran to the inn every day except Sunday.

 

Much renovation has of necessity been made over the years but its old world charm and antiquity is still very much in evidence.

 

A Fremlin house.

 

Now Freehouse (2007).

 

Greenpeace collection 1986.

Kindly supplied by Stuart Kinnon.

Greenpeace collection at the White Horse.

A HOUSE-to-house collection locally by environmental group Greenpeece has raised over £600.

The money will be used to help meet the cost of replacing the group's ship Rainbow Warrior and its other campaigns.

Counting the money raised from the collection are local members (left to right): Peter Kelly, Yoka Harcourt, Richard Beer, Julie Kelly, Linda Pearson, Neil Middlebrooke, Andy Chandler, lan Kinnon, Stuart Kinnon, and AIan Bennett.

 

From the Dover Express 21 July 1989

WHICH is Dover's oldest pub, asked Bill Hopley, of St Radigund's Road in a letter to the Dover Express.

I think it's mine, says White Horse Inn landlord Charles Willett.

And he sends along a document to show that The White Horse on St James Street, Dover, is also one of the town's oldest residences. It was built during the reign of Edward III in 1365.

At that time, says the document, the sea washed to the front of St. James' Church next door. The churchwarden lived in the property now the pub.

In 1539 with the dissolution of the monasteries the church gave up the house, in the hamlet of Uphill.

In 1574 the house occupied by Dover's "ale taster" and for the next 55 years was home of successive post holders whose duties included checking on the quality of ale on unlawful measures.

He also had the responsibility of reporting anyone who kept a disorderly house.

There were various owners and tenants most of whom were involved in checking or making ales and ciders. In 1652 Nicholas Ramsey was presented to two magistrates at Dover and granted a licence to sell ales and cider from premises adjoining St James Church.

"Olde, at the foot of the hill the hamlet of Uphill," say ancient documents.

In May 1635 Ramsey was granted permission to call the premises "City of Edinburgh" after an American merchantman that sank in the Dover Strait in a storm that year.

Ramsey was said to have retrieved the name-board from the wreckage and to have hung it above the tavern door.

Old papers show a line of successive owners and in the 18th centaury the "City of Edinburgh" became the meeting place of actors and players of the Dover theatre.

In 1818 the name of the inn was changed to the "White Horse". It was about this time that inquests were held there mainly on bodies washed up from the sea.

In 1821 an inquest was held on the body of a man taken from the sea, near Sir Sydney Smith's Caves. He was identified as Henry Palmer, clerk from East India House, who had spent the previous night at the "Royal Standard": verdict misadventure.

In 1865 John Friend sold the "White Horse" along with another tavern the "Five Alls" to Messsrs Iken and Coleman, brewers.

They in turn sold the Kingsford Brewery in 1881 for £870 and eventually it sold to John Rigden who later amalgamated with George Beer and later with Fremlins.

From 1890 until the early part of the twentieth century, coaches ran from St Margaret's-at-Cliffe to the White Horse every day except Sunday. It was also in 1890, until well into the twentieth century, that the inn opened at 5 a.m. for Dockers and others working different shifts.

 

From the Dover Society Newsletter December 2010. By Joan Liggett.

The White Horse Inn is one of the town's oldest residences dating from 1365. It was built during the reign of Edward III as a dwelling for the Churchwarden of St James Church which stood next door. With the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the church gave up the house. In 1574 it became home to Dover's "ale taster" and for the next 55 years was the home of successive post holders whose duties included checking on the quality of ale and on unlawful measures. He also had the responsibility of reporting anyone who kept a disorderly house. There were various owners and tenants most of whom were involved in checking or making ales and ciders.

In 1635 a Nicholas Ramsey was granted permission to call the premises "City of Edinburgh," after an American ship that sank in the Dover Straits. Later in 1652 he was presented to two magistrates at Dover and granted a licence to sell ales and cider from premises adjoining St James Church. Old papers show a line of successive owners and in the 18th century the "City of Edinburgh" became the meeting place of actors and players of the Dover Theatre. Alterations to the pub in 1952 uncovered a programme for the Dover Theatre dated 1809 advertising Harlequin and Mother Goose; this programme is still displayed in the pub today.

In 1818 the name of the inn was changed to The White Horse and it was about this time that inquests were held there, mainly on bodies washed up from the sea. These are said to have been stored in what is now the dining area to the rear of the property.

From 1890, until the early part of the twentieth century, coaches ran from St Margaret's-at-Cliffe to the White Horse every day except Sunday. It was also in 1890, until well into the twentieth century, that the inn opened at 5am for Dockers and others working different shifts. Today the White Horse still is a local pub dispensing various beverages including, nowadays, coffee. It also records on its walls, ceiling and doors details of many Channel Swimmers from all over the world.

Channel swimmers signatures

Above showing a section of the interior wall.

(References: Charles Willett/Dover Express)

 

From the Dover Mercury 13 July 2000 by Mary Louise.

Landlady's bitter row with brewery.

White Horse landlady

LANDLADY Andrea Barber is saying goodbye to her dream of running Dover's oldest pub because of changes proposed by Whitbread.

Her customers are united with her in their opposition to the brewery's planned alterations that they claim will ruin The White Horse Inn in St James Street, Dover.

Miss Barber, 35, a former finance manager, took on the lease of the pub seven months ago, but she has handed in her notice due to proposals for internal alterations and a 33 per cent rent increase.

Dover District Council planners approved Whitbread's application for changes to the Grade II listed building on Thursday. These involve the removal of some internal walls to open up the layout and enlarging and extending the toilets.

Many customers had written to the council to protest. Miss Barber and her customers feel Whitbread has ridden roughshod over their views and will ruin their treasured 14th century hostelry. They believe the alterations will destroy the pub's character and atmosphere.

Miss Barber is concerned that changes to load-bearing walls will lead to the building collapsing.

She said: "The brewery reckon that people would not want to eat in here because it is old and tatty, but that is just not true. Foreigners love it and it was heaving at the weekend."

A rent rise from £300 to £400 a week was the final straw for Miss Barber.

She said: "I had to get rid of all my staff because I could not afford them. The brewery says they will not negotiate on rent and I think they are being completely hard-nosed."

Anton Strobl, a regular at the White Horse since the early 1970s, said: "People just don't want these changes, it is a traditional English pub.

"I am pretty gutted about what they want to do. I think they are going to ruin a perfectly good pub."

Stephen Websdale, operations director for Whitbread pubs, said: "Miss Barber has been involved in discussions about the scheme from Day One. "She has decided that she wants to leave and we will be looking for a successor with whom we shall discuss the pub's future. We will take into account their views and the views of all the customers.

"We are aware of the sensitive nature of the site. I am confident that we will produce a scheme that enhances the pub. Some of the facilities are not up to modern standards."

Mr Websdale said the company was aware of the pub's history and heritage and would "go to great lengths" to preserve them.

The White Horse was built in 1365 and was attached to St James Church. The sea used to lap at the front door.

In 1574, Stephen Warde moved into England's third oldest pub as "ale tayster to the parte of Dover".

It was used for inquests in the 19th century. When bodies were washed up, they were stored in the cellar, "the coldest place in Dover".

It is claimed The White Horse has a mischievous ghost, known as George, who turns lights on and off. Many landlords, including Miss Barber, have said they have experienced it.

 

From the Dover Express, 10 August 2000.

White Horse Toni Clifford WHEN a history re-enactment group failed to turn up for a show at a Dover pub, one of the members hastily improvised.

Embarrassed organiser; Toni Clifford, left, anxiously waited outside The White Horse Inn, wearing 19th Century dress, for the other Cinque Port Volunteers to show up.

When they failed to arrive, enthused Toni, recited full pelt the history of The White Horse.

She played the character of Mrs Nunn landlady of The White Horse in the 19th Century, and outlined the pub's intriguing history.

White Horse landlady, Andrea Barber congratulated Toni on her remarkable performance. She said: "The volunteers caused me such embarrassment after not showing I was mortified.

I went to so much trouble publicising the event and putting on a buffet for the group. I've decided not to be a member anymore."

 

From the Dover Express, 16 August, 2001.

Pub is now open again.

White Horse

ENGLAND'S third oldest pub, the White Horse has reopened after refurbishment costing £105,000.

The inn dates back to 1365 and was a magnet for actors and players as well as a place to house bodies for inquests after drowning at sea.

It was this grisly fame that attracted the name as a white horse is a ghost which rides the waves.

The present inn has been transformed into an eating house to attract locals and tourists.

A spokesman for the Laurel pub chain said: "We worked with English Heritage over the refurbishment because of the historical significance."

 

From the Dover Express 23 August 2001.

AUGUST 2001 History of the White Horse.

AS a previous licensee of the newly refurbished White Horse Inn, St James Street, Dover; I feel I must write to give you some interesting facts.

When built in the 14th Century it is believed that two cottages stood on the part of St James Street which was the main road from Dover to Deal etc. These cottages were connected with St James Church the other side of Hubert Passage. Somewhere around 1600 William Smith bought and converted the building to an inn.

Walking on the beach one day Smith found a piece of timber with a ship's name, the City of Edinburgh inscribed. He took it home and nailed it over the door of the inn. The City of Edinburgh traded for something like 200 years before becoming The White Horse Inn, the first recorded Landlord being Thomas Parry from 1791-93.

The name White Horse is common in Britain for pubs, the White Horse sign was brought here by Saxon invaders - it was really a sort of logo.

The house has a very strong atmosphere on occasion. The first or second night of our tenancy my wife and I were awakened by someone raking an iron fireplace on the end wall of the bar. Trouble is, there isn't one, just gas in those days! There is also a blocked tunnel in the passage of the second entrance on Hubert Passage, a monk's refuge maybe?

We spent 12 happy years at The Horse with our wonderful customers and were overjoyed when in 1988 the pub was named as one of Britain's Classic Town Pubs. While I lament the passing of a wonderful ale house and also losing the contact of so many great friends I cordially wish the new incumbents all the luck in the world and many happy years.

Charles Willett, Lydden

 

From the Dover Express 23 August 2001. Advertising feature.

White Horse Staff 2001

Above staff 2001 and below interior 2001
Inside White Horse

THE White Horse at St James Street, Dover has recently undergone a transformation.

Peter Harrison and James Coulson took over the lease and re-opened just three weeks ago after having completely refurbished The White Horse, ensuring that the improvements enhance the unique character of this lovely pub.

"It has been a hectic few weeks," said Peter. "When we arrived the pub needed an enormous amount of work to bring it up to standard, but it has been well worth it."

Built in 1365, The White Horse was originally occupied by the Vergers of nearby St James Church, but after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the building became used as an ale-house by local residents and actors appearing at the local playhouse.

As well as being a hostelry, The White Horse housed the bodies of those who died at sea in preparation for the necessary inquests.

"We have a ghost named George who lives on the top floor," said James. "He is a friendly chap, but sometimes is a bit mischievous, radios are sometimes switched on and off and things are moved around. We don't know his history but we'd be very interested in finding out. If anyone knows anything about him, please drop in and tell us."

The White Horse now boasts a wide selection of cask and real ales including Master Brew, Abbot Ale and London Pride. Wine is sold by by the bottle at just £6.95 or by the glass and fresh coffee is always available.

There is a varied bar menu offering all the traditional fare such as traditional sausages with creamy mash and onion gravy and the delicious stilton and broccoli bake - all being served with a choice of potatoes, vegetables or salad. The specials board, which is changed weekly, features such delights a boozy bullocks pie at only £6.25 or minty Barnsley chop at £6.95. The Sunday roasts have become very popular and booking is advisable.

The pretty patio garden is enclosed by napped flint walls and makes a glorious venue to sit and enjoy a meal or a snack with your drink on a balmy summers evening.

The White Horse is open from noon to 11 pm Mondays to Saturday, serving lunch between noon and 3pm and 6pm and 9.30pm. Sunday hours are from noon to 10.30pm, serving food between noon and 3pm and 7pm to 9pm. There is plenty of local parking.

For further information or to reserve your table for the Sunday roast, please call 01304 242974.

White Horse patio

Above picture shows the outdoor patio garden.

From the Dover Express, 18 July 2002.

BALD SUPPORT FOR CHARITY.

James Coulson 2002

THE landlord of the White Horse pub in St James' Street, Dover, raised money for the Aspen Unit at the weekend when he had his head shaved.

James Coulson sacrificed his long locks as part of a huge fundraising drive for the unit which caters for children with special learning needs.

James said: "I raised more than £100. The Aspen Unit is a worthwhile cause."

From http://www.bbc.co.uk Accessed 22 August 2010.

Who you gonna call?

If there's something weird in the neighbourhood, who're you gonna call? Well, if you live in Kent then perhaps Jeane Trend-Hill should be your first port of call. Meet the ghost buster...

Jeane Trend-Hill spends her life with ghosts. Not the green and slimy ones from the film or even the terrifying ones that lurk in a child's worst nightmare - but the ones that cling to people and places because they have a story to tell. Jeane is one of those rare people that can interpret these stories and who can, like Cole Sear in 'The Sixth Sense', see dead people.

Dover investigation - May 2006

St. James' Church was founded in Saxon times and was used by the Barons of the Cinque Ports until 1851. The church was almost completely destroyed by the German long-range guns during the Second World War but the ruins were kept as a reminder of Dover's suffering during those years. Here is an account of Jeane's investigation:-

"At St James Church ruins in Dover, I took a quick walk around and also held a piece of stone which I found on the ground to see what I could pick up from it. The local newspaper sent a photographer along and when he arrived and unpacked his equipment and one of the first questions he asked me was if I ever have any trouble with cameras during paranormal investigations? I said it often happened and asked him why? He showed me a photo his camera had apparently taken by itself whilst on his way there. It showed a streak of yellow light across a darker background. It wasn't from anything inside his camera bag and there was no obvious explanation!

"On moving along the chapel aisle I detected the presence of a woman called Agnes who appeared to be around because she was mourning the loss of someone buried there, it was quite emotional in that spot, very sad and I could have easily cried. When we left I picked a daisy and left it in the area where I had sensed her.

"Further along I felt as though there had been some kind of dual fought, a man called Richard with a connection to the Cinque Ports had been involved and I felt like laughing because they had set down their weapons and got into a fist fight almost like a pub brawl / punch up!

"In the corner I found the lovely energy of two Victorian children running in and out playing games and hiding. They were dressed in drab dark clothes the little girl wearing a bonnet and the boy a cap. The energy next to it by the archway was not so nice. Someone had been killed there, stabbed twice, once in the back and once in the thigh. He died from loss of blood to the thigh wound and I felt a searing pain in my leg and as someone pointed out, seemed to be walking with a limp for a minute or two.

"Next we moved on to the White Horse Inn next door, to see if I could find another spirit - 'George' as the locals refer to him. He is believed to be the ghost of a previous Landlord. There were also stories that the place had been used as a temporary morgue or for carrying out autopsies. I had a quick wander around and got the name "Edward" not "George" whom I'd been looking for. He seemed most annoyed that I wanted George and kept repeating "I'm Edward". I felt like he was keeping an eye on things.

"Chatting to the current Landlady later, she revealed that there had been some poltergeist activity with things being moved around but like me didn't feel it was in any way malicious, more playful. I sensed a few bodies had been laid out for a wake but didn't get a feeling that there had been any autopsies carried out there.

"A few of us went out to the patio and were amazed when we spotted lights which seemed to be moving. A couple of people noticed it in their camera monitors. At first I wondered if they were street lights but they went from one side to the other as we watched. I also managed to capture some orbs in one shot. I felt the spirits were around and amused at what we were doing!"

 

 

The CAMRA meeting of 18th January 2010 reported that the "White Horse" is now under new management.

 

From the Dover Express 28 January 2010.

PAIR PLAN TO RESUSCITATE WHITE HORSE

Report by Yamurai Zendera

Mandy Richards and Jeanette Harper

Double act: Mandy Richards and Jeanette Harper have big plans for The "White Horse."

 

TWO women hope to breath new life into a Dover pub.

Mandy Richards, who already owns the "Park Inn" pub, has bought the lease on The "White Horse" in St James's Street and her first act was to ask Jeanette Harper, an experienced hand in the pub trade, to be manager.

Mother-of-two Jeanette is convinced the venture will be a success. She said: "Mandy asked me if I would manage it and I took two weeks to really think about it.

"But you can't let The "White Horse" go past you because you know it will work. There's just so much scope for improvement in there. If you get the food going in there and the opening hours right it can work."

Qualified chef Jeanette, 40, brings a wealth of experience to bare, having worked on and off in pubs for 23 years.

She said: "We don't want to change it too much, but it does need a bit of doing up. It was built in 1365 so in many ways we want it to be a proper landmark in Dover."

 

From the Dover Mercury, 27 May 2010.

PUB SCRABBLE LEAGUE NOT FOR 'ANORAKS'.

SCRABBLE enthusiasts are being invited to join a league based at a Dover pub.

Andy Cooper plans to start the league, at The White Horse in St James' Street, in the autumn.

"It would run on Tuesday nights from September to June with a Christmas break, with decent prizes for the winner and runner up," he said.

"I'm looking for between 12 and 18 members. Membership would be free, with a small weekly fee, around £2, to cover boards and the prizes."

Mr Cooper said players would score three points for a win and one for a tie, and a small weekly prize would be awarded to the player with the highest individual word score.

A full set of rules would be drawn up.

"The idea is to have a bit of fun on a weekly basis without it being too serious. I know a lot of people take Scrabble very seriously, and we would have to have an arbiter to resolve any squabbles, but hopefully people will see it as a social occasion and not an anoraks' convention.

 

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 7 October 2010.

Report by Yamurai Zendera

CHANNEL SWIMMERS A UNIQUE TRADE FOR PUB.

Niche market good for business

Mandy Richards and Jeanette Harper

A DOVER pub is to be featured on a BBC documentary about channel swimming.

The "White Horse" in St. James' Street will be shown on "Inside Out" because of its unique association with cross-Channel swimming in Dover.

Visitors to the pub will notice some of the walls covered with messages from swimmers before and after their cross-Channel swims.

Manager Jeanette Harper was recently interviewed for the show - although she had no idea the crew was turning up at the pub.

She said: "They just turned up at about midday. They wanted to take quite a few shots of all the signatures and messages on the walls.

"They asked me what they brought to the pub. I told them it's brought a lot of extra business because I  have got the niche market. It's almost like a museum to channel swimmers."

Jeanette, who became manager this year when lease changed hands, said she believes the wall signing ritual began eight years ago.

She said: " The first signatures were written on the walls in 2002. There's stuff on there marked as before that time, say in the eighties, but it was only written after 2002.

"I've had a really busy summer because of it. When someone swims the Channel there're normally in the area for several weeks beforehand, eating and drinking in my pub because they know of its link with channel swimming."

Regular Darren King believes the messages on the walls were started by one of two brothers - Peter or Albert Bardoel.

He said: "They were there one day and one of them said he was going to swim the Channel. He said that when he swam it he would come back and sign the wall. It all expanded from there."

"Inside Out" is due to be shown on BBC One on October 14 at 7.30pm.

 

From the Dover Express, 9 December 2010.

CHIMNEY BLAZE

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a chimney fire at a property in Dover on Monday.

Crews from the town and one from Folkestone were sent to the site of the blaze in St James Street at 10.05am after reports of a fire on the first floor.

It took the crews almost three hours to extinguish the flames behind a fireplace and make the scene safe.

 

From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 6 January 2011.

SWIMMERS' FAVOURITE PUB SHUTS.

A POPULAR Dover pub closed its doors on Monday.

The "White Horse Inn," in St James' Street, had a sign on the door saying the closure was temporary and "watch this space".

The pub was popular with Channel swimmers who signed their names on the walls and ceiling.

It was built in 1365 as a home for the churchwarden of St James' Church. In the 17th century it was called the "City of Edinburgh" and was a meeting place for those appearing at the Dover Theatre. It became the "White Horse" in 1818 and was the venue for inquests, mainly on bodies washed up from the sea.

A year ago, Mandy Richards, of Dover's "Park Inn," bought the lease on the "White Horse" and Jeanette Harper was manager.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 6 September, 2012. 65p.

REGULARS MOURN LAST ORDERS ON WHITE HORSE

ANOTHER local business opening its doors for the last time this weekend was the "White Horse" pub.

The St James Street tavern was given a rousing send-off by local bands before it closed on Sunday.

Regular visitor Phil Eyden said: “It was quite busy last night. There were about 50 people there when I turned up at eight so it got a good send-off.

“It was a sad day really for one of the nicest pubs in Dover. There just isn't enough money any more. It's a shame - it's the end of an era.

“I'm sure it'll be back with a new landlord but things are never quite the same.

“At the end of the day it's not just a drinking hole. The regulars are a small community really. Their meeting point is then taken away and they'll have to find a new place to meet up. Pubs have a social role too.”

The "White Horse," which has served as a hub for cross-Channel swimmers visiting the town, was also the site where broadcasting enthusiasts first got together to discuss what became Dover Community Radio.

The pub is believed to be Dover's oldest, with the history of the premises going back to the reign of Edward III in 1365. Over the years members of Dover Rowing Club have been frequent customers.

The attractive premises was once known as The "City of Edinburgh," and at one stage was considered a handy place to hold inquests.

Landlady Jeanette Harper said she, did not wish to comment on the closure of the business.

 

 

Unfortunately the pub closed at the start of September 2012, but is now again open for business again (December 2012).

I am informed in 2016 that it is part of the Enterprise chain.

 

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 11 January, 2013. 65p.

REGULARS' DELIGHT AS HISTORIC PUB OPENS

Tony and Janis Zammit

FRESH START: New owners of The White Horse, Tony and Janis Zammit

DOVER'S oldest pub has reopened, much to the delight of the locals.

The White Horse, in St James Street, invited punters back in for a pint on Friday, December 21.

New owner Tony Zammit, who has taken over the pub with wife Janis, told a 200-strong group on Facebook: “As you'll appreciate we've been extremely busy preparing for the re-opening of your pub. However D Day's finally here.”

The launch appeared to go down well with visitors.

One user said the pub looks “remarkably unchanged, though a bit less crowded than on closing day.”

Former landlady, Jeanette Harper, was force to shut The "White Horse" in September last year. The tavern, which has served as a hub for cross-Channel swimmers visiting the town, was also the site where broadcasting enthusiasts first got together to discuss what became Dover Community Radio.

The pub is believed to be Dover's oldest, with the history of the premises going back to the reign of Edward III in 1365. Over the years members of Dover Rowing Club have been frequent customers.

 

From http://www.ghostpubs.com accessed 17 June 2015.

HAUNTED.

In 1778, the 25th Foot Regiment, the Edinburgh Regiment, was in garrison at Dover and the name of this pub was "City of Edinburgh" after that occasion. Although there is another legend that the City of Edinburgh named the pub after a wrecked freighter of that name, in the Dover Straits when they used the name-plate off the ship. It was renamed the "White Horse" in 1791. People used it to hold inquests during the early 1800s. After one such inquest on a sailor washed ashore from a wrecked ship, there have been reports of a man in uniform playing a tin whistle and haunting one of the bars. The original building was constructed during the reign of Edward 3rd in 1365. It was then occupied by the verger of the adjacent St James's Church. By 1574, it was the home and offices of the Ale Taster for Dover. Inside are bare wooden floors, a white painted ceiling and black beams. The bar counter is built of brick.

 

From the Dover Express, 24 September 1015. By Joe Kasper.

Swimmers’ graffiti is welcomed at this pub.

Cross-Channel athletes leave their mark.

THE writing is on the wall for these pub landlords - literally.

As you enter the White Horse Inn it is very noticeable that there are thousands of words daubed on the walls and ceiling.

According to Tony, 66, and Janis Zammit, 63, these are messages from Channel swimmers.

Tony Zammit and grafitti

The married couple of 28 years moved in to reopen the boozer in 2012 and found the writing. They decided they would continue the tradition and welcome the athletes to leave the messages.

Tony & Janis Zammit 2015

Tony said: “We’ve had a lot of Channel swimmers over the last three years - about 200 every year.

“The other day ten came in. The latest one was an Australian lady who did it three times in one swim.”

The pair have played host to all sorts of people coming from all over the world, including America, Iceland and Mexico.

But the interesting stuff does not stop there for the Castle Hill Road pub, as its fame has reached as far as Kenya after a film crew used the White Horse as a stop off.

Filming.

Tony said: “Last year we had five or six crews here - TV and film. They were filming a reality program and the aim was to take a Tusker beer from Nairobi to London and this was one of its stop off points.

“Then there was another show we were on - Channel Patrol. We were on the first episode of that on BBC2.”

For Janis, being around famous people is nothing new. She used to work in the White Lion Hotel in Tenterden when royalty including the Queen Mother and Princess Anne stayed.

When Tony was made redundant as a national account manager in 1996, the couple paired up at the Vine Inn, also in Tenterden, minding the pub for a friend.

A year later, they moved to the Huntsman and Horn near Herne Bay and in 2008 switched to The Frenchman in Folkestone.

On moving to the Dover pub, Tony said: “We saw the potential. It was closed when we saw it and it was in a pretty sorry state.

“We’ve got enough experience to know what can be achieved.”

But with the St James scheme developing right in front of them, what does the future hold?

Tony said: “I think it’s a good thing. Not only a good thing in this particular area but for the whole of Dover.

“It’s going to raise the profile overall. We are actually in the prime position.

“You never know what’s going on in the future but we will see how it goes.”

White Horse grafitti

TIMINGS: The athletes have recorded their swim times and swimmers have left their mark at the White Horse.

From an email sent 6 December, 2016.

White Horse licensees 2016

Above photo showing the licensee in 2016, Julian Cowley (left) and Stuart Fox (right).

From the Dover Express, 19 October 2017. By Lauren MacDougall.

Seaside pubs on the short list for county’s best boozer award.

THE finalists for the Kent Tourism Awards 2017 have been announced, with three pubs making the shortlist for best boozer.

The awards, organised by Visit Kent, recognise 22 businesses in the county across seven categories, including family friendly business of the year, large visitor attraction of the year and the hidden gem award.

Sponsored by Shepherd Neame, the Raising the Bar Award honours the county’s tourism pub of the year. This year the nominees comes from across east Kent with pubs in Dover, Margate and Wingham.

The White "Horse Inn" in Dover is one of the town’s oldest residences, dating from 1365.

It was built during the reign of Edward III as a dwelling for the Churchwarden of St James Church, which stood next door.

Today the "White Horse" is a local pub dispensing various beverages including delicious coffees, a superb collection of trendy gins and a selection of well-loved pints.

It also records on its walls, ceiling and doors details of many Channel Swimmers from all over the world, as well as hosting tourists from afar afield as America.

 

From the Dover Express, 7 December 2017. By Sean Doherty.

Kent's oldest pub raises bar as it is named boozer of the year.

Stuart Fox & Julian Crowley 2017

Managers Stuart Fox (left) and Julian Crowley with their award.

DOVER’S oldest pub has been named the Tourism Pub of the Year at the Kent Tourism Awards.

The White Horse in St James Street, Dover, was presented with the Raising the Bar Award at a ceremony on November 24.

Managers Julian Crowley and Stuart Fox were delighted at having their achievements recognised. Julian said: “It’s fantastic. I still can’t believe we have won.”

Julian and Stuart, who have been together for 12 years, took over the venue in September 2016.

Since then, the couple have achieved incredible success in a short time - despite neither having any previous experience managing a pub.

Julian said: “We both decided to throw caution to the wind and take over a pub, and this was the only one we were interested in.”

Within a year, they managed to improve the pub’s TripAdvisor rating from being the 25th highest-rated restaurant in Dover to the second, where it currently sits, while briefly managing to snag the number one spot from Indian restaurant Namaste.

Success.

Julian believes that his history in hospitality, having spent 12 years working for P&O Ferries, and Stuart’s experience as a senior charge nurse at Medway A&E have contributed to their success at The White Horse.

He said: “I would say my training at P&O and Stuart’s training in the hospital, his ability to speak with people, really helped us.

“And our enthusiasm. We haven’t taken over the pub just to sit behind the bar. We both work.”

The pub has an illustrious history, having been built in 1365 to house the churchwarden of St James’ Church in 1365 and has been used as a pub since 1652, originally under the name "City of Edinburgh."

Since 2002, swimmers who managed to cross the Channel have written their names, nationalities and details about their swim on the walls of the pub.

Rachel Silver

Channel swimmer Rachelle Silver finds space for her name.

Although the walls have since run out of space, the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation has provided a book for people at the pub to sign.

Julian said: “There are swimmers who have swam the Channel many years ago who have offered to come to scrub their names off and sign them smaller which is a very nice gesture.”

The pub offers a range of 40 gins and in May 2017 gained Cask Marque accreditation.

Stuart said that the food offered by the pub has also been instrumental in bringing it up to its current high standard.

He said: “We have done so well on the food side. We offer traditional English pub food, home-made, and try to source everything as locally as possible.”

Stuart said that while the large number of guest houses has led to its recognition as a valuable tourist spot, the pub also has retained and attracted a large, loyal custom basis of residents.

He added they are open to trying new things with The White Horse and are currently hosting the pub’s first free art exhibition, showcasing work from local art conglomerate Art31, which will run until December 31.

At the awards, Julian and Stuart were told that their use of social media in promoting the pub played a role in their winning.

As well as their Facebook page, the pub maintains a presence on Instagram and Twitter.

Stuart said: “We take photos of the staff, of the customers, of swimmers from different countries whose friends then see them. It helps make the pub more international.”

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 12 July 2018.

How a scathing negative review led The White Horse in Dover to win a national award.

Getting the odd negative review here and there is part and parcel of owning a pub or restaurant.

While scathing comments from customers on TripAdvisor, Google and other tourism platforms are like water off a duck's back to some in the hospitality business, to others they are seen as an opportunity to stand out and make a name for themselves.

And that's exactly the attitude the owners of the "White Horse" pub in Dover had when they received a critical review by a Google user.

In it, he called the St James Street pub "expensive", "more of a restaurant" and said there were "posers sat the bar". But instead of taking his comments to heart owners Julian Crowley and Stuart Fox hit back in a creative way - and won an award for the way they did so.

The pair turned a negative into a positive, posting on social media asking which of their customers wanted to own up to being the 'poseurs'.

They posted a picture of the review on Facebook, saying: "Lovely Google review has appeared.

"To all our lovely customers; please feel free to step up to take credit for being the 'poseurs'.

"Kitchen open tomorrow lunchtime 12 -2 and evening food service from 6 - 8pm. The other 7 hours we are open, we function only as a pub. Sorry."

Stuart Fox & Julian Crowley 2018

The "White Horse" managers Stuart Fox (left) and Julian Crowley (right)

This generated so much positive attention and comments on The White Horse’s social media pages, that a new hashtag was created: #PoseursAtTheBar.

A chalkboard artist wrote ‘Poseurs at the Bar’ above the bar, and now tourists and locals alike pose, take selfies, and even bring props with them to have their photographs taken under the sign.

For their efforts, Ei Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has voted the publicity drive the ‘Best Marketing Initiative’ at its inaugural Awards for Excellence.

The awards also recognised an older initiative by the pub.

White Horse posers

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 21 December 2019.

The 33 pubs in Kent you have to drink at in 2020 according to CAMRA.

In total Kent has heaps of pubs listed in the guide and, while 33 of these are new entries, others have appeared in previous editions of the guide.

A total of 33 pubs from around Kent make up the new entries that feature in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide is produced annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the independent guide to the best boozers in the UK that is researched by unpaid and independent volunteers nationwide.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.”

This pub is included in the 2020 list.

White Horse, Dover.

The pub is one of Dover's oldest residence, having first been the home of St James' churchwarden in 1365

What the guide says: "This Grade II-listed building can trace its history saloon bar. Quiz night is the third Thursday of each month."

 
From the https://www.kentlive.news By John James, 21 September 2019.

We visited 5 of Kent's best pubs according to CAMRA in one evening: Here's what we thought:-

We headed for Dover and visited five accredited real ale good time pubs in and around the town centre.

The beer lover’s manual of all the haunts in the country, the 2020 CAMRA guide, has been published.

It’s no surprise that Kent features heavily among the selections, with entries from across the county.

In the interests of journalism, we thought we’d try out a few.

But rather than re-visiting the usual suspects (your Canterburys, your Sevenoaks, your Tonbridges), we thought we’d go somewhere you might not normally associate with real ale.

Join me on this journey as I literally drink on the job.

The White Horse, St James St.

Next stop on my quest was The White Horse, a quaint little bolt hole opposite the St James retail park.

Incidentally, you can find out what I thought of their food offerings here.

Anyway, this pub is what I would call a proper local.

It's small but cosy inside with a good selection of ales and lagers, the cheapest being £3.85 for a Cornish Tribute ale.

White Horse inside 2019

The cosy interior of the White Horse.

The food here is famous around these parts, but before I can mention I'm from KentLive and that maybe I'm entitled to a taster I'm told otherwise.

"We don't serve food on Wednesdays," says Alice Bridges, who recently started working here behind the bar." On Wednesdays we get the locals in."

White Horse bar staff 2019

The friendly bar staff at The White Horse.

White Horse walls 2019

The walls of The White Horse are covered in writing.

Rather than read it myself and make an educated guess, I asked Alice.

"They're the names of those who've swum the Channel. We've actually run out of space, but we made an exception this week for Sarah Thomas, she swam it four times without stopping."

I went for further exploration and stumbled across a beautiful hidden terrace that looked out onto a ruin of some sort. There I met an American named Hunter.

We bonded over our mutual admiration for Logan Paul and the weird, but very true fact that the ruin we were staring at was older than his country.

White Horse garden 2019

The Hidden Terrace.

Before I left I asked Hunter what he thought of The White Horse.

"England does the best pubs in the world bro!"

Five stars then from Hunter.

To previous pub on tour.               To next pub on tour.

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 6 November 2019.

Kent’s cosiest pubs with gorgeous log fires that will shield you from the cold.

These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors and tasty food.

Is there anything better than curling up next a toasty log fire, pint in hand?

With the winter months drawing in and November predicted to be one of the coldest ever, knowing your local cosy pub with a gorgeous log fire is more important than ever.

Whether you're looking for a tipple after a brisk walk or just after a warm afternoon out, there's plenty of choice.

These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors and tasty food.

Some of them even have more than one wood burner, so you won't be fighting for the coveted space in front of the flickering flames.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out our list below.

The White Horse.

White Horse staff 2019

Julian and Stuart, seen here with staff members Charlotte (left) and Beth (middle), have achieved great success since they started running the pub in September 2016.

Where : St James St, Dover CT16 1QF.

What : Located in St James Street, Dover, this particular pub has the names of countless swimmers who have attempted to tackle the Channel.

The cosy atmosphere is perfect for a celebratory pint and Sunday roast after tiring swim.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Having enjoyed the Summer menu at the White Horse, the much longed for Sunday Roast's were back! and, they were as good and delicious as always...

"We only planned to have lunch, however the company of the hosts and their staff along with the great atmosphere prolonged our visit!"

 

LICENSEE LIST

JEMETT (widow) 1713+

ELDRIDGE Honor 1755-63 ?

GALLANT Robert ????

Pub name was "City of Edinburgh" before this landlord.

PARRY Thomas 1791-93

PAIN Thomas 1791-92 Dover and Deal Directory and Guide 1792

BULLARD Thomas 1805-23 Pigot's Directory 1823

HORN James 1826-40+ Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34Pigot's Directory 1839Pigot's Directory 1840

BUTLER John Edward 1847-52+ (age 30 in 1851Census) Bagshaw's Directory 1847Dover Telegraph

BULL John 1851+ (carpenter age 39 in 1851Census)

SPICER William 1858

SPICER John Jan/1860 Dover Express

FRIEND John Jan/1860-66 Next pub licensee had (age 48 in 1861Census) Dover Express

HARRIS Alfred Mar/1870-May/80 (age 49 in 1871Census) Dover ExpressPost Office Directory 1874

CLEMENTS Thomas May/1880+ Dover Express ("Hawkhurst Hotel" tap-keeper)

WESTLEY William 1881 (age 47 in 1881Census)

WESTLEY Richard 1881-82+ Post Office Directory 1882

SPAIN Harry Beaufoy June/1890-1901 (age 28 in 1891Census) Dover ExpressPost Office Directory 1891Pikes 1895Kelly's Directory 1899Post Office Directory 1903Post Office Directory 1903Kelly's 1903

SPAIN Mrs Selina 1901-Sept/29 (age 47 in 1911Census) Dover ExpressPost Office Directory 1913Post Office Directory 1922Pikes 1924

BANKS Harold Sept/1929-32+ Pikes 1932-33 (Former Club secretary, Tonbridge)

IMRIE William Alexander Richie 1936-37 end Next pub licensee had

FAIERS Alfred John George 1937-45 end Pikes 1938-39

ATKINSON Cyril F 1945-50 dec'd Kelly's Directory 1950 Kelly's Directory 19531953

ATKINSON Mrs F E 1950-66 end Kelly's Directory 1956

BAILEY Herbert John 1966-78 end Library archives 1974 Whitbread Fremlins

AUBREY J A 1978

WILLETT Charles S T 1980-91 retired

CONNELLY Trevor 1991

Last pub licensee had AMOS Nigel 1993

BARBER Andrea 2000

HARRISON Peter and COULSON James August 2001-02+

BEATON Jack & Jill AYRES to Jan/2010

HARPER Jeanette Jan/2010-Sept/2012

ZAMMIT Tony Dec/2012-Sept/16

CROWLEY Julian & FOX Stuart 12/Sept/2016+

 

Dover and Deal Directory and Guide 1792Dover and Deal Directory and Guide 1792

Pigot's Directory 1823From the Pigot's Directory 1823

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

Pigot's Directory 1839From the Pigot's Directory 1839

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

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Post Office Directory 1891From the Post Office Directory 1891

Pikes 1895From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1895

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

Post Office Directory 1903From the Post Office Directory 1901

Post Office Directory 1903From the Post Office Directory 1903

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Post Office Directory 1922From the Post Office Directory 1922

Pikes 1924From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1924

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

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

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

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

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

Library archives 1974Library archives 1974

Dover ExpressFrom the Dover Express

Dover TelegraphFrom the Dover Telegraph

CensusCensus

 

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