Newspaper Stories 1800 - 1829 - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley

1800, May 23: Advowson of All Saints' Hartley for Sale Kentish Gazette
"Advowson and next Presentation.  To be sold by auction by Messrs Skinner and Dyke, on Wednesday, the 28th instant, at 12 o'clock at Garraway's Coffee House, Change Alley, Cornhill, London, by order of the executors and trustees of the late Mr Richard Forrest, late of Greenhithe, deceased.

The valuable Advowson and next presentation to the rectory of Hartley, situate 5 miles from Northfleet and Southfleet, 6 from Greenhithe and within 10 of Dartford and Rochester - a beautiful and healthy part of the county of Kent; comprising the great and small tithes of about 1,200 acres (in the parish) of excellent land, with a parsonage house and offices, 9 acres of glebe land, tithe barn, and proper buildings, the income about £220 per annum.  Printed particulars may be had at the Bull and George, Dartford; Crown, Gravesend; Crown, Rochester; King's Arms Printing Office, Canterbury; at the place of sale; and of Messrs Skinner and Dyke, Aldergate Street, London.

[The executors had to advertise the advowson again the following year, so it is clear it found no buyer on this occasion]

1801, January 09: Property at Ash for Sale Kentish Gazette
"To be sold by auction, on Tuesday the 27th day of January 1801, at the Bull Inn, Rochester, at 12 o'clock at noon, in 3 lots, the following freehold estates:

Lot 1: A messuage, barn outbuildings, and about 10 acres of land in Ash next Dartford, in the occupation of John Leach, tenant from year to year; and very valuable woodlands, containing about 20 acres, called Pipers and Downs Woods, in Ash, with the growth of underwood now standing on them.

Lot 2: A messuage, barn, buildings, farm and lands, containing by estimation about 60 acres, called Prestwood Farm, in Meopham, in the occupation of ____ Hunt, tenant from year to year, at the very low and improveable yearly rent of £30 pa.  The land tax of this lot has been redeemed.

Lot 3: A piece of very valuable woodland, called Swans Wood, containing by estimation, about 4 acres, at Harvell street, Meopham, with the growth of underwood now standing on it.  The land tax of this lot is redeemed.

Further particulars may be known of Messrs Twopeny, Rochester."

1801, July 07: Sale of Advowson of Hartley Kentish Gazette
"Rectory of Hartley, Kent.  To be sold by auction by Messrs Skinner and Dyke, on Thursday the 23rd of July, at 12 o'clock at Garraway's Coffee House, Change Alley, Cornhill, London, by order of the executors and trustees of the late Mr Richard Forrest, deceased.

The Advowson and next presentation to the rectory of Hartley, situate 5 miles from Northfleet and Southfleet, and within 10 of Dartford and Rochester - a beautiful, fine, healthy part of the county of Kent; comprising the great and small tithes of the parsih; containing about 1,200 acres of very good land, with a parsonage house, now in tenements, tithe barn, and outbuildings, and 9 acres of glebe land, producing an income of about £230 per annum.  The present incumbent 52 years of age.... Messrs Skinner and Dyke, Aldergate Street, London."

[The advowson is the right to appoint a Church of England vicar to the church, they still exist today but you can't put them up for sale like this any more.  In many cases such as Hartley, the owner failed to appoint someone in time and then the advowson falls into the hands of the bishop.  The indelicate reference to the age of Rev Bradley is to give the buyer an indication of how long they might have to wait until they could exercise this right.  In Hartley's case, Rev Bradley lived to 1826 by which time Edward Allen owned the advowson, he had no problems appoining a new rector as he chose...... himself!!]

1801, August 04: Theft Charge at Hartley Kentish Gazette
Summer Assizes at Maidstone, John Cartier esq, sheriff.: "William Wells, for breaking open the dwelling house of Thomas Wilson in Hartley (Woodins) and stealing a quantity of bread and pork, his property, fined 1s and imprisoned 12 months in the house of correction."

Thomas Wood, for stealing a fat hog from Thomas Edmeads of Hartley - discharged by proclamation.

Thomas Couchman, aged 40, George Mills, 38, Richard Martin, 26, for stealing in Fawkham, 2 sheep, the property of Robert Allen, and 4 sheep adn 4 bushels of wheat, of Thomas Burberry; and 4 sheep of Henry Killick, and various similar offences - Couchman acquitted, Mills and Martin - death, reprieved."

1802, February 05: Fox Hunt Kentish Gazette
"On Friday last a bag fox was turned out at Ightham Common, before Mr Simpson's harriers, of Fairlawn.  He went away towards Seal, and took over the hills to Kingsdown, and onto Farningham; there he turned to the right, and went away for Ash, from thence to Greenstead Green; he then took off to the right for Hartley, and on to Longfield, Meopham, Nursted, Shinglewell, Cobham, Shorn and Gravesend, and was taken alive at Milton, near Mr Gilby's of Dento, after a chase of between 50 and 60 miles; he had 20 minutes law."

1802, March 19: Property for Sale at Meopham and Ash Kentish Gazette
"Sundry valuable freehold estates, situate at Dartford, Darenth, Meopham and Ash, in the county of Kent, which will be sold by auction, by Kirk and Brewer (by order of the proprietor) at the Rose Inn, Dartford, on Saturday, the 20th of March 1802, at 2 o'clock in 6 lots.....

Lot 5:  A small farm, situate in the parish of Meopham, in the county of Kent; comprising a substantial brick messuage, in excellent repair, with barn, stable, and other suitable outhouses, and about 30 acres (be the same more or less) of arable and woodland, with a timber and tiled building near; let to Francis Markett esq on lease, of which 18 years are unexpired at Michaelmas last, at the low rent of £28 per annum.  Land tax allowed.

Lot 6: A small farm and butcher's shop, situate in the parish of Ash, in the county of Kent; comprising a house, shop, barn, stable and about 10 acres (be the same more or less) of arable, hop, and woodland; in the occupation of the widow Olliver, tenant at will, at the low rent of £10 per annum.  Land tax allowed.

May be viewed 7 days previous to the sale, by leave of the tenants, where particulars may be had; Bull, Wrotham, Haunch of Venison, Maidstone; Mr Wigzell's, Rose and Crown, Sevenoaks; George, Shoreham; Crown, Tonbridge; Parr's Head, Gravesend, Crown, Rochester, and of the auctioneers, High Street, Dartford, of whom further particulars may be known."

1802, April 12: Twenty Thousand Pounds Hampshire Chronicle
"April 8, 1802.  Mr Nicholson has particular satisfaction in acquainting his numerous friends and the public that the ticket No 17,993 drawn yesteray a prize of £20,000, was divided and sold by him, in 16 sixteenth shares, at his office, No 16, Cornhill, London, and registered to the following persons:

One share is the property of a gentleman at Newbury, Berkshire
Another to a shoe maker, at Kergate, Leeds
Another to a lady at Sheffield
Another to a lady at Stamford
Another to a gentleman at Dundee
Another to a gentleman at Dartford, Kent
Another to a gentleman in Long Lane, Borough
Another to a club of 20 members, at the Fishing Smack, Deptford
Another to a dealer in old clothes, Gravel Lane, Houndsditch
Two shares were sold at Bath
Another to a club of 6 members, Butcher Row, Deptford
Another to a gentleman at Cardiff in Wales
And the remaining three sixteenths were sold at the counter."

[An advert for the English National Lottery Office in the Hull Advertiser 29.5.1802 gives the names of many of the winners.  The Dartford prize winners were William Beadle and Michael Wood.  It appears from the same advert whole tickets cost £18, so their 1/16 ticket cost them £1 2s 6d, and won over £1,200.  By 16.11.1802 another advert in the Manchester Mercury expands the description of Messrs Beadle and Wood to be "poor men"]

1802, August 04: Obituary of Rev Richard Clarke Morning Chronicle
"Died suddenly on Saturday morning, 31st ultimo, in the 83rd year of his age, the Rev Richard Clarke, formerly rector of St Philips, Charleston, South Carolina, and late rector of Hartley, Kent.  He was a good man, a profound scholar, and of great philanthropy, an able and zealous advocate for the doctrine of universal love and universal restitution, which his voluminous publications testify, and that his mind was highly illumined, deeply penetrating into the hidden mysteries of genuine religion."

1802, September 22: Costs of Travel The Sun
"If ever a large tract of country and inhabitants could combine together for a particular purpose, there is now a combination from London to Paris, to pillage those of our unfortunate countrymen and women, whom business, or pleasure, brings upon the road.  I think I cannot better exemplify the fact than by a bill or two, as delivered by the Innkeepers.  As they are all nearly on a footing, I will not make an invidious distinction by giving the names, for I do not wish to hurt one in particular - the object ought to be a general reform.  At Dartford, they charge 16d per mile - because they always do so, and because it is a long stage - The first reason is nugatory, and the second ought to operate precisely the reverse, if suffered to operate at all.  At Canterbury they have just reduced the prices from 18d to 15d per mile.  At Dover it is still 18 with the usual answer, 'we always charge it' - Surely, there is nothing just now that calls more loudly for the interference of parliament, than rates in general, and particularly posting.  Not long since, in a journey of 80 miles only, I paid 13d, 14d, 15d, 16d and 18d per mile, every stage changing according to the caprice of the landlord, or that incontrovertable answer, 'we always charge it'.   In the Isle of Wight, indeed, a reason was given extra for charging 18d per mile - which was, that the traveller paid no turnpikes - Unfortunate Wight! to be imposed upon, because he is not obliged to pay justly - but to return to Dover, take a specimen of a bill for 2 persons, who, fatigued with their journey, wished a slight repast, with a glass of negus, and their beds:

Bread (1s), Beer (8d), Cider, 1 bottle (2s 6d); Boiled Fowl - chicken (4s 6d); French Beans (1s), Potatoes (1s), Lamb Chops - 2 (3s); White Wine (5s 6d); Lemon and Sugar (1s); Wax Lights (3s); Bed Light (6d); Beds - 2 (4s), Breakfasts (3s); Eggs - 2 (6d).  Total £1 13s 2d.............."

1804, December 07: Rev Bradley of Hartley Kentish Gazette
Marriage of Rev Bradley's daughter

1805, August 15: Invasion Fears London Courier
"Lord Keith considers the probability of an immediate attempt to invade us so great, that he had sent away his family from the coast.  They dined on Tuesday at Dartford, on their way to town."

1806, July 14: Wye v Glover The Star
Court of King's Bench, Westminster, July 12.  "This was an action brought to recover £161 19s being the value of a package lost by the negligence of the defendant's servant.

Sir V Gibbs stated that the plaintiff was the chief mate of the Walmer Castle East Indiaman, and the defendant was the proprietor of stage coaches, at the Green Dragon Inn, Bishopsgate Street.  The package in question consisted of a quantity of millinery and haberdashery, for the India market, and the defendant engaged to convey it in his own cart, to Dartford, and there safely deliver it for the plaintiff.  The defendant's servant set out with the cart and package, in the month of December, at 6 o'clock in the morning, while it was yet dark, on his way to Dartford; and in passing through Kent Street, he discovered the tail of his cart down, and the package gone.  It further appeared, that the defendant circulated a hand bill, offering a reward of 50 guineas to recover it, and made every other possible exertion in his power for that purpose.

On the part of the defendant, it was contended, that this was not the case of a common carrier, as the defendant was not in the habit of letting out his cart for hire, it being only used for his own private purposes; and at the time in question, let out at the plaintiff's own particular request, and as an act of friendship, in which all due diligence had been used by the defendant.  But if it was to be considered as coming withing the meaning of the case of a common carrier, then the defendant could not be liable, as the packing in question was above the value £5, and not entered and paid for as such, according to the notice set up in the defendant's office.

Lord Ellenborough explained to the Jury the nature of the law in such cases; and they, after a short consultation, found a verdict of £161 19s for the plaintiff."

1807, July 31: Theft at Longfield Kentish Gazette
Kent Summer Assizes: "John Smith alias Clarke, 33, for stealing in the dwelling house of Alexander Barnard, in Gravesend, a brown cloth box coat, his property, and also £2 and £1 3s in money, the property of Francis Steer - He was also charged with stealing a velveteen jacket, a waistcoat, a pair of velveteen breeches, and £7 4s in money, in the dwelling house of James Skillen, in Longfield - Transported 7 years."

1808, March 22: County Rates Kentish Gazette
Hartley (rental - £950, rates £3.19.2), Ash (£2,594, £10.16.2), Longfield (£441, £1.16.9), Fawkham (£750, £3.2.6), Ridley (£574, £2.2.10).  Levied at 1d in the pound against assessed rental in West Kent, and 2d in the pound in East Kent.

1808, August 19: Road Acident Kentish Gazette
"On Friday afternoon one of the London coaches, in passing over a part of the road near Northfleet, which had been newly repaired and had been very much raised in the middle, overset; when an officer of the Surrey militia, who was an outside passenger, feeling that the vehicle had lost its balance, made a spring from his seat, in order to escape the threatened danger; but, unfortunately, not haveing jumped far enough, the coach fell upon him as he was risig from the ground, and crushed im in a most miserable manner.  His back bone, several of his ribs, and other bones were broken, and he was otherwise so dreadfully bruised, that he languished till Saturday morning, and expired in great agony."

1809, February 14: Extreme Weather Kentish Gazette
"Continued succession of rain which has followed the late thaw, almost without intermission" has caused flooding making Thanet an island again.  Poor state of roads led to 1 hour delay in the coach from London to Canterbury

1809, March 14: County Rates - Origin of Division between East and West Kent Kentish Gazette
"In answer to the Magistrate, who assigned as a reason for communicating the information of his first letter, that is was deep and recondite; and next witheld his authorities, because he conceived them know to everyone but me; and at last deigned to given them, because he found they were unknown to a few besides me, I must be brief; as a controversy in the shape of advertisements is rather too expensive an amusement!  The writer's consistency and personality require no furhter comment.  Now for the facts!  The compromise between the two divisions of the county regarding the expense of repairing the road through the vill of Dunkirk, is stated by Hasted, to have taken place, not in 1663, but at the beginning of the last century; but as to the authorities which my opponent asserts to be there cited, non such are to b found.  It must stand therefore on Hasted's dictum, though I don not mean to doubt it.  Hasted does indeed refer to memoranda from the papers of Judge Twisden (as a better authority could not be found than that very learned legal antiquary, especially in the laws and customs of this county), as to a difficulty in 1634, of repairing this road; in consequence of which, a particular County fund was applied to it, much however, against the will of the West Kent Magistrates.  This however, is not the passage of Hasted, to which my opponent must refer, as it has nothing to do with the compromise, to which he states, and would therefore make against him.

But the most curious thing is his dating the origin of the division of the County, or of the County expenses (for he expresses himself with a convenient looseness) from this compromise; to be sure this was gaining a great point, if he could support it; for if these divisions and separate expenses be of late origin, the decree of the Abritrators stands on a rotten foundation.  But this gentleman, who announces his own researches as so profound, and is a little too triumphant over me for my supposed ignorance, perhaps may feel somewhat abashed when his historical information is cut up by the roots, by a simple reference to a book, of which after the credit for investigation which he assumed, he ought no to have been ignorant.  It appears by Kilburne's Survey of Kent, 1659, p 375, that West and East Kent then had (and undoubtedly had beyond all memory of his time) their separate sessions.  The former, held at Maidstone, at Easter and Michaelmas; the latter at Canterbury, in January and July.   That it was not the same Sessions held at each place alternately, is positive, because Kilbourne states the extent of the jurisdiction of each; their local officers, stewards, bailiffs and constables.

A strange mistake appears to have been entertained by a learned Magistrate, that this division of the Sessions arose as late as 1730, at which period indeed the present Sessions House was built, which perhaps his mistake arose.

It is true that the place at which the assizes were held was sometimes formerlhy shifted between 1558 and 1659; they were held at East Greenwich at Lent 1558, Summer and Lent 1561, and Lent 1562; at Dartford Lent 1559, Lent 1560, Lent 1563, Lent 1564, Lent 1567, Lent 1570, Lent 1573, Lent 1579, Lent 1597, Lent 1602; at the Castle of Canterbury, Summer 1565, Summer 1570, Summer 1577, Summer 1602; at Rochester Lent 1569, Lent 1571, Lent 1572, Lent 1574, Summer and Lent 1575, Lent 1576, Lent 1577, Lent 1582, Lent 1583, Summer and Lent 1584, Lent 1585, Summer and Lent 1586, Summer and Lent 1588, Lent 1589, Summer 1590, Lent 1591, Lent 1592, Lent 1593, Lent 1594, Lent 1596, Lent 1598, Summer and Lent 1599, Lent 1601, Lent 1603, Lent 1606, Lent 1607, Summer 1608, Lent 1611, Lent 1613, Summer 1615, Lent 1617, Lent 1618; at Sevenoaks Lent 1587, Lent 1590, Lent 1595, Lent 1600, Summer 1647; at Milton near Gravesend Lent 1609, Summer and Lent 1632, Lent 1633; the rest at Maidstone.

It is probable tha the expenses of the assizes were anciently paid by the Division of the County in which they were held; but as soon as the place of holdig them became fixed, or nearly fixed, West Kent began to complain of the exclusive burden.

I have understood that several well informed magistrates were as much surprised as I was at the novelty of my opponent's information regarding the origin of the division of the county, but were imposed on by the boldness of his assertion.  I think therefore I have proved myself justified in calling on him for proof; at which call his facts have vanished into thin air.  March 13, 1809 Another Magistrate."

1809, July 07: Turnpike Roads Kentish Gazette
Tolls on Dartford-Sevenoaks Turnpike: Coach/cart etc with 6 horses (old 1s 4d, new 2s), 4 (1s, N 1s 6d), 2 (6d, N 9d), 1 (4d, N 4d).  Drove of cattle - 10d per score (N 1s 3d), drove of sheep 5d per score (N 7½d).  Rent of tollgates in previous year: Orange Tree £123, Darenth £123, Farningham £64, Eynsford £122.

[It is interesting to compare this with the £9,040 paid to the trustees of the New Cross Turnpike to collect dues between Dartford and New Cross on what became the A2 - Kentish Gazette 17.7.1810]

1810, January 06: Lost Cheques Morning Advertiser
"Rochester Bank - Lost, from the possession of a servant responsible for them, supposed at Dartford.  Three ten pound Rochester Bank Bills, drawn Dec 18, 1809, nos 60098, 30098 and 50051, payable at Messrs Glens and Mills's, Birchin Lane.  Whoever has found and will bring or send them, or any information so that they may be recovered, to Mr Lacy, No 6 Hoxton Square, shall receive five pounnds reward.  No greater reward will be offered, payment being stopt (sic) at London and Rochester."

[The bank Glyn Mills & Co, is now part of the Natwest Group]

1810, March 14: News in Brief Bury & Norwich Post
"Mr William Muggeridge of Horton, near Dartford had his ten 4 years old South Down wethers sold in Smithfield, on Monday last, at the following prices: 5 sheep sold for £4 18s 0d each, 5 sheep sold for £4 15s 0d each."

1810, March 15: Death of James Gibson The Sun
"Died - A few days since, in Dartford Workhouse, James Gibson, at the very advanced age of 106.  He was a native of Dover, and had been in that Workhouse about 10 years; until within the last 2 months he was in the daily habit of walking and paying his respects to Mrs Budgen and Mrs Rawlings, of that town, and never refused drinking their healths on his visits; on leaving them he was also presented with tobacco money, and with his lighted pipe and stick he would then march homewards - sometimes however, the post boys and others would ply him with so potent a cup as to render his steps not altogether steady; and one day last summer, being in that situation, he fell from the causeway to the highway (about 2 feet), and recovering himself in half a minute, he turned around and with much affected surprize (sic), exclaimed 'God bless me! Who would have thought it, how could that happen!", and then got up and proceeded home.  His intellects were preseved to him till the lamp of life was quite consumed;  he was so attached to his pipe as to enjoy it until a few hours before his death, and requested that his stick and pipe should be put in his coffin; one part of his request was complied with, and his stick is still near his hand."

1810, August 16: Coach Breaks Down General Evening Post
"Tuesday night one of Franklin's Canterbury Coaches broke down in descending Gravel Hill, between Dartford and Gravesend; when several passengers were slightly hurt.  One gentleman had his shoulder bone dislocated; a seafaring gentleman said that he had seen the operation several times performed; and if the gentleman would submit to it, he would do his best to replace it; which he very soon did most effectually."

1810, December 14: Robbing a Drover Kentish Gazette
"Old Bailey, Dec 10.  Mary Shadwell sen and Mary Shadwell jun were indicted for robbing James Williams, a Welsh Drover of £312.  The prosecutor having sold some cattle at Maidstone, was returning to Caernarvon, when he met the younger prisoner, who asked him leave to ride on his horse, which he assented to.  She followed him to Crayford; and in the Swan public house, they drank a pint of beer.  The prosecutor fell asleep, and, when awoke, missed the prisoner, and his money.  On the Monday following, she came to the house of Mr Jones, a publican, in Broadway, Westminster and offered him some Dartford  notes for change, which he refused.  Shortly after the two prisoners came back, and shewed him country notes to the amount of £116, which they requested him to inform them how they might get changed.  He put them in separate parcels, and directed them to different bankers where they were payable; but having some suspcion, he informed an officer, who caught the prisoners in a hackney-coach as they were returning through St Paul's Churchyard.  On their way to the office, they gave up a large sum which they had received in change for some of them.  The junior prisoner was found guilty of Grand Larceny.  The Senior acquitted."

[Cattle drovers were a common sight in centuries past, Mr Williams would have walked from Wales with the cattle for sale.  The price for beef was about 5-6 shillings per stone then, and assuming the cattle weighed about 700lbs would suggest Mr Williams's flock was about 20-25 beasts.  The article also mentioned locally produced banknotes for Dartford, these were commonplace until the Bank of England gradually took over after 1844]

1811, April 26: Local Militia Kentish Gazette
"Chatham and Dartford Regiment: Notice is hereby given, that volunteers will be accepted for the said regiment, on applying immediately to the adjutant or sergeant major at Rochester.  Persons enrolled in the local militia are exempt from the regular militia, during the 4 years of their service, and for 2 years afterwards.  The parishes which have not found their complement for the local militia, are liable to a fine of £15 for every man deficient; and it is expected that the penalties will speedily be enforced.  All persons fit for service will be accepted, if under the age of 40 years.  Rochester 19 April 1811, by Order Hussey & Lewis, Clerk of Subdivision."

1811, September 03: Dartford Cricket Club at Lords St James Chronicle
"On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last, a well contested match was played in Lord's Cricket Ground for 500 guineas, between the St John's Wood and Dartford Clubs, 11 gentlemena a side being selected, which terminated in favour of the Dartford players, who gained the match by one wicket, the following being the state of the innings - St John's Wood Club, 1st Innings 107, 2nd Innings 92; Dartford Club, 1st Innings 58, 2nd Innings 142."

1811, September 17: Cricket - Dartford v Kent Canterbury Journal
"Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last, a match of cricket was played in Leeds Park, between the gentlemen of the Dartford Club, with 2 men given, against all Kent, for 500 guineas, which was won by the latter by 53 runs."

1811, September 24: Turnpike Roads Kentish Gazette
Advert to let the right to collect the tolls at St John's Hole and Chalk, currently let at £2,560 per annum [the future A2]

1812, March 21: Maidstone Assizes General Evening Post
"Maidstone Assizes, Thursday March 19.  Kiam and Majon [Meajou in other reports], Lascar seamen, were indicted for violating the person of Emma Powell, spinster, 17 years of age, at Stone, near Dartford, on the 10th of October.  The prosecutrix stated that she used to carry about cakes in a basket for sale, on behalf of a poor woman at Dartford.  On the day mentioned in the indictment she was walking between Horns Cross and Jack in the Hole turnpike, which she was accosted by the prisoners, who forced her to shake hands with her respectively.  Soon afterwards they dragged her into a field by the roadside, and there severally accomplished their purpose; the one assisting the other by holding her, and putting their hands upon her mouth, to prevent her giving any alarm.  On her cross examination, she said she make all the noise she could, crying out for help, and entreating them to desist.  She denied that they had given her any money to induce her to comply with their wishes, and said she distinctly experienced what the law requires in proof to sustain a capital indictment, although she declared herself to have been an innocent girl.  She told the first person she met what had happened to her, but the prisoners were not pursued, although still in sight.  That person was not in court.  The prisoners were afterwards taken on board the John Palmer Indiaman, at Greenhithe.  At the instigation of the parish officers, she went before a magistrate, two days after the affair happened.  The prisoners, through the medium of an interpreter, stated in their defence, that they had given the prosecutrix a dollar each to induce her to comply, and that that she made no resistance.  The learned judge was about to sum up for the Jury, when a master bricklayer, named Plumb, residing at Greenhithe, said that he was prompted by humanity to state what he knew of this transaction.  On the day mentioned in the indictment, he was going near the spot where the transaction took place, and saw Kiam coming from the field where the prosecutrix said she had been abused.  He heard no noise nor screaming whatsoever.  Upon going a little farther, he saw the prosecutrix and the other prisoner together, in an improper situation.  As he knew the girl, he asked her 'was she not ashamed of herself, an impudent hussy?'  She made no answer but changed colour very much.  She did not appear to make any resistance and certainly made no noise.  He was thoroughly persuaded it was a willing compliance on her part.  There would have been no difficulty in securing the prisoners, as there was another man at hand besides himself.  After this evidence, the Jury immediately found the prisoners not guilty.

[Lascar was a word formerly used of people from India, a word of Portugese origin.  The trial is quite reminiscent of the plot of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', except that the Kentish jury either had no racial prejudice or wouldn't let any get in the way of justice.]

1812, June 05: New Gaol Maidstone Kentish Gazette
Extract from a letter from John Warde esq. about the proposed new prison at Maidstone, to replace both the current Maidstone Prison and Dartford Bridewell.  The extra cost on the rates was causing controversy.  "…..with respect to the necessity of a new Gaol, I was of opinion that the old one and the Bridewell might still have answered the purposes of the county, if not in their present state, by a lettle enlargement.  I have been into every room in both of them this day, and observed that both the gaol and Bridewell, even at this short period after the Assizes, are cruelly crowded, and all sorts of culprits, from a murderer to the father of a bastard child, are confined in the same room; there is only one, and that very small, inot which they have been obliged to put 70 prisoners; and in the Bridewell, there are 17 women in a small room from 6 to 8 feet square.  As to the enlargement of the present gaol, it cannot be done to answer the purpose of saving to the county, as it stands in the middle of a street, surrounded by houses, the property of individuals, who will not sell, but at an expense nearly equal to the ground already paid; for the purpose of building a new gaol; by the present plan, there will be a considerable saving to the county, by the Bridewell and whole establishment at Dartford being done away, and the sale of the old gaols and Bridwell at Maidstone....."

[A petition against the new prison mentioned in the Canterbury Journal of 22.12.1812 claims "Tha the said Justices, in adopting this extensive plan, proposed to remove the Bridewell at Dartford, which is capable of holding upwards of 50 persons, is in very good condition, and most conveniently situated for the numerous offences which occur in the vicinity of the dockyards, and other public establishments in that populous part of the county, and removal of which will be injurious instead of beneficial.  The Kentish Gazette of 19.2.1813 carries the reply of the promoters to this point "The Bridewll at Dartford is in such a defective state, as to cause considerable expense in maintaining it for the present, and is a very insecure, ill-arranged building.  It has been, in fact, considered ever since the year 1793, in consequence of which bad state, and for the sake of the police of the county, to be essential to bring the house of correction for West Kent into one establishment, so that, by an uniform system of government, the objects may be better attained."  The paper carries the petitioners' reply to this reply.  They say £100 has been spent in the last 4 years bringing Bridewell into good state of repair.  Do not agree it is a good idea to have only one prison in West Kent.]

1812, July 31: Hartley Cricket Club Robert Pocock's Diary
This day was a cricketing match at Hartley Bottom, between Gravesend against Meopham and Hartley: Gravesend beat. There was also a donkey race.

1812, August 13: Hartley Cricket Club Robert Pocock's Diary
Cricketing between Gravesend and Meopham and Hartley in the Old Prince of Orange field.

1812, October 16: Theft at Hartley Kentish Gazette
West Kent Quarter Sessions: "Henry Mockeridge, for stealing in Hartley, about a gallon of wheat the property of Francis Treadwell - to be six months in Maidstone Bridewell…"

1814, June 08: General Blucher visits Dartford London Courier
Extract from article about the Allied Sovereigns' Visit to England in 1814, following Napoleon's initial defeat….."The only triumphal entry was that of the venerable and gallant Blucher.  He was met 4 miles beyond Dartford by a detachment of horse, and he approached the town amidst the enthusiatic shouts of surrrounding myriads.  They avoided Shooter's Hill, and crossed Bexleyheath to Eltham.  Indeed the whole way from Dover it was one continued Jubilee....."

[of course in the following year General Blucher made the decisive intervention in the Battle of Waterloo to enable victory for the Alllies]

1814, October 31: Secreting Letter Morning Post
"Charles Huske Allen, aged 16, a letter sorter in the General Post Office was indicted for embezzling a letter directed to Mr Wentworth of Wandsworth, and taking thereout a £10 bank note.  Richard Clarke was in the employ of John Hall, at Dartford, and on the 19th July he enclosed a £10 note in a letter to Mr James Wentworth, at Wandsworth.  The note was numbred 5325, May 21, 1814.  Witness took the letter to the Post Office - Henry Heron was Postmaster at Dartford on the 19th July last.  He forwarded all the letters to London that day - Charles Reid receives the mails at the Post Office as they come from the country.  On the 19th of July the Dartford mail came safe.  The prisoner opened that mail, as being clerk at the table where he had to sort his portion of letters - Charles Piesse was at the same table with the prisoner on the 19th July.  They opened the bags, and assisted in sorting letters from the country, to be delivered in another part of the country.  Witness handed over all his letters regularly that morning - James Wentworth, servant to Mr Hall, who is a millwright at Dartford, proved that he received no letter from Hall, containing a remittance of £10, although he expected one on the 20th of July - Robert Nash, shopman to Mr Elsworth, linen draper, in Bishopsgate Street, proved that the prisoner came to his master's shop on the 20th of July, and bought 6 handkerchiefs, which he paid for with a £10 note.  Prisoner wrote on it, 'C Wilbraham, Trafalgar Place, City Road' - Peter Dowling, a clerk in the office of Mr Parkin, Solicitor to the Post Office, had enquired diligently at Trafalgar Place, but found no such person as C Wilbraham living there, nor any trace of him.  The note was then read, and found to correspond to date and number with that which Mr Clarke enclosed at Dartford; in a letter addressed to James Wentworth.  Mr Parkin received the note in question from one of the inspectors of the bank -  The prisoner said nothing in his defence, and a number of respectable persons gave him an excellent character.  The jury found the prisoner guilty - death."

[The Newgate Prison Register says his sentence was respited (postponed) for life and on 9 July 1815 he was transferred to Prison Hulk Retribution at Sheerness]

1815, July 14: Turnpike Tolls to be Let Kentish Gazette
"New Cross Turnpike Roads - The trustees of these roads will meet on Saturday the 29th day of July instant, at the Greenman Inn, Blackheath at 12 o'clock at noon, to let by auction for 1 year from 12 o'clock at night of the 30th day of September next, the several tolls payable at the following gates and bars erected on the said roads, that is to say, the Greenman Gate, New Cross Gate, Deptford Bridge Gate, Limekiln Road Gate, Crook Log Gate, Dartford Hill Gate, Foots Cray Gate, Farnborough Well Gate, Loampit Hill Bar, Limekiln Bar and Crook Log bar, except the toll for overweight, but including the toll authorised by law to be taken to defray the expenses of watering certain parts of the said roads, from the 1st day of May to the 1st Day of October in the next year."  To be auctioned in a number of lots.  The total paid for 1814-1815 year is £11,160.  [Later adverts show tolls in 1816-17 let for £10,800 (Public Ledger 30.8.1817) and £11,780 in 1817-1818 (Public Ledger 7.7.1818)]

1815, July 20: Drunk Driving - Newcombe v Roberts & Others Statesman
"This was an action against the defendants, as proprietors of the Old Canterbury Coach, for an injury which the plaintiff had sustained by the coach being overturned near Dartford.  Mr Serjeant Best for the plaintiff, stated the circumstances of the case, as they were afterwards detailed in evidence.  It appeared that the coach was much overloaded, both as to passengers and luggage, and that the plaintiff was one of the outside passengers, and was taken up at the Half Way House, between the Bricklayer's Arms and Deptford.  The coachman was stated by one of the witnesses to be in liquor at the time the coach started from the White Bear, in Piccadilly.  In going down the hill near Dartford, about 10 o'clock at night, the horses havieng no breeching, and the coachman not having locked the wheel, the coach was driven down with its ordinary velocity, which soon became increased from the declivity of the hill, until, at length, at a turn in the road, the horses ran upon the bank, and the coach was overturned.  The plaintiff was found lying in the middle of the road, upon his back, incapable of motion, and was taken as soon as possible to a neighbouring Inn at Dartford, where medical advice was instantly called for.  It appeared, by the evidence of the surgeon who was called in, that a great discharge of blood at taken place without any external wound, in consequence of a severe contusion of the perineum, and that the plaintiff was confined at the Inn from the middle of March, when the accident happened to the end of May, when he was scarcely able to leave the place with his crutches; during which time his expenses at the Inn, and his doctor and nurse, amounted to little short of £150 - the surgeon also stated, that he had seen him about a week ago, and that he was but just able to walk with his crutches, and that, in his judgement, he would never be free from the accident as long as he lived.

Mr Gurney then addressed the jury in mitigation of damages, but called no witnesses.

Lord Ellenborough in summing up, stated that no personal fault was alleged to attach to the defendants.  It was, however, their duty to keep a watchful eye over their servants, and to employ such as would be likely to execute their duty properly.  n this instance, he thought that sufficient negligence had occurred on the part of the coachman to render the defendants liable, and the jury would assess what the plaintiff ought to have in addition to what he had laid out.

The Jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff - damages £250."

[According to the Bank of England Inflation Calculator £150 in 1815 is worth £14,200 in 2021]

1815, August 26: Waterloo Collection Times
Collection for families of soldiers who died at Waterloo - £5 donated by Fawkham and £3 by Longfield

1816, March 05: Coach Accident Caused by Poor Road South Eastern Gazette
"On Friday last, the Dartford coach having drawn up in Eltham, to take up a passenger, Mr Horne's Maidstone coach in passing and trying to avoid a deep rut came into contact with a wheel of the other coach, and was in consequence overturned.  There were several outside passengers, and we are sorry to say that Mr R Tassel, grocer, of High Street, in this town, had the misfortune to break one of his legs by the fall.  None of the other passengers were hurt.  No blame is attached to the Maidstone coachman, as the accident occurred through the narrowness of the passage left between the Dartford Coach and the rut."

1816, June 21: Longfield Court for Sale Kentish Gazette
(there are a number of spelling mistakes in the advert) "Longfield Court, Manor & Estate. To be sold by auction by Messrs Robins at the Marquis of Granby at Dartford.  On Saturday, 20th July at 12 o'clock, a very valuable and desirable estate, called Longfield Court, 8 miles from Dartford, comprising near 250 acres of excellent meadow, pasture, arable and woodland, with Manor House, barns, stables, and other outbuildings; and also the manor, with all rights and privileges, extending over the whole parish of Longfield, in the occupation of Mr Andrews [Andrus], at a yearly rent of £175.  May be viewed 14 days prior to sale, when particulars may be had on the premises; Crown, Rochester; Bell, Maidstone; Ship, Gravesend; Granby, Dartford; of John Ellis esq, 8 Grays Inn; and of Messra Robins, Covent Garden."

1816, July 19: Kent County Accounts Kentish Gazette
Publication of the annual accounts for the county authorities between Easter 1815 and Easter 1816.

Income  £22,603 (including Brought forward £1,179, Receipts of 2d in the pound county rates made 17.7.1815 and 15.1.1816 £17,590)

Expenditure £12,350 (including Apprehending and Conveying Vagrants £451, Administration of Justice £1,336, Prisons £4,259 (Dartford Bridwell was £633 of this), Bridges £1,591, Trading Standards (Weights) £6, Militia £498, General Admin and Wages £3,483)

New Maidstone Prison fund now has £30,151 including receipts of £8,807 from a 2d county rate levied 23.10.1815.

1816, July 28: Accident at Dartford Brent Johnson's Sunday Monitor
"Last week, John Baker, a servant to Mr Collyer of Crayford, returning from the marshes at Greenhithe, in a cart, met a coal waggon on the road, near Deptford Brim (sic - should be Dartford Brent), when he drew aside to give way for it to pass, in doing which, one of the wheels went upon a stump, and overturned the cart, by which unfortunate accident the poor fellow was thrown under the wheels of the waggon, which passed over his body and killed him instantly."

[Another case showing narrowness of roads and their poor state, and according to the report of this accident in the Star of 25.7.1816 this was the turnpike road, which were supposed to be the best maintained and yet were not wide enough for two vehicles to pass]

1816, July 30: British and Foreign Bible Society South Eastern Gazette
"A correspondent from Dartford has favoured us with an account of the first anniversary of the British and Foreign Bible Society; the following extract is all that we are this week able to give of it, the remainder of the communication shall appear in our next - 'On Saturday his RH Duke of Sussex, arrived at Dartford, to attend the first anniversary meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society.  On this occasion, above 500 persons assembled.  The meeting was conducted in a most orderly manner, and the greatest unanimity prevailed, yet we observed but few of the principal inhabitants of the town, and fewer of the Clergy of the Established Church!'"

[The British and Foreign Bible Society was a non-denominational charity, one of whose founders was William Wilberforce, who as well as enabling the abolition of the slave trade, was involved in the foundation of the RSPCA and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution]

1816, September 17: Daring Footpad Robbery South Eastern Gazette
"On Sasturday evening last, a little after 7 o'clock, as James Sharpe esq and his brother were coming from London to Leybourne in a gig, they were stopped within 20 or 30 rods of the barn on Wrotham Hill, by 8 footpads; all armed with pistols, and having the appearence of labourers.  The ruffians robbed the gentlemen of 1 note of £5, 4 of £1, a guinea, 2 dollars, some small silver, 2 pocket books and 2 watches, altogether of the value of £30; after which they permitted the gig to drive on.  When the gentlemen arrived at Wrotham they made an immediate alarm, and giving information to the Rev George Moore, that Magistrate took the most active measures for the pursuit and apprehension of the daring robbers.  The constable of Wrotham, accompanied by several young men of the town, went out for that purpose, and dividing, agreed to take different roadsd, both parties to meet at Green Street Green near Dartford.  On Sunday morning about 6 o'clock, a party of 5 of the pursuers fell in with an equal number of the gang, near Green Street, and a desperate conflict took place, but the Wrotham people not being sufficiently powerful to take them they got clear off.  A bag was found by this party, which the robbers had thrown over the hedge.  It contained £6 in notes, and some loose silver, 3 pistols, ammunition and a tin cooking kettle; they afterwards found on the road one pocket book and the other party found one of the watches.  There is but little doubt that the perpetrators of this robbery will be apprehended, as they were so numerous, and the whole neighbouring country is alarmed, and on the look out."

[The article has no headline in this paper, the headline here is taken from the same story in The Sun.  A dollar was a shortlived 5 shilling coin]

1816, October 01: General Retail Price of Provisions in Maidstone South Eastern Gazette
"General Retail Price of Provisions in Maidstone: Beef per lb 7½d, Mutton per lb 7½d, Pork per lb 7½d, Veal per lb 8d, Fresh Butter per lb 1s 2d to 1s 3d, Best Salt per lb 11d to 1s, Best York Bacon per lb 8d to 8½d, Potatoes per gallon 2½d to 3d, Eggs 13 and 14 for 1s, Milk per quart 4d, Beer per quart 4½d, Best Wheatern Bread the quartern loaf 1s, Houshold quartern loaf 11d."

[A quartern loaf at Canterbury was 4lb 5½oz, for comparison a modern large loaf is 800g or 1lb 12oz.  A gallon of water weighs 10lb, potatoes have a greater density but will also have air spaces]

1817, April 17: Longfield Court for Sale Times
Longfield Court for sale - currently leased for 21 years from 1814 to Mr Andrus at rent of £175

1817, October 18: Grand Dover Road Public Ledger
"The improvements of the Kent Road are proceeding with as much rapidity as the magnitude of the undertakings will admit.  The greatest part of the cutting of the south side of Shooter's Hill is already done, and the earth from the excavation is well disposed in the hollow, so that the rise is now very gentle, and creates a considerable saving of the time and fatigue in travelling.  The labour at Boughton Hill near Canterbury, is a work of much greater extent.  The object there is to raise an entire new road at the side of the old one, from the town of Boughton to the south side of the hill, for which purpose the cutting has been carried to a great depth from the summit, and the earth deposited, with several layers of faggots, at the lower part of the hill, so as to render the road level from the point where the rise on that side was very severe.  By this means the old road will be abandoned, and travellers will find their journey considerably accelerated by passing this level, instead of the great declivity on the northern side of the hill.  The soil which has been turned up is of a loamy soft nature, and requires much hard and stony materials to be mixed with it to render it anywise practicable for a solid road.  The great number of men both these works have employed, affords an additional utility in the undertaking.  Bexleyheath, which was formerly a dangerous wilderness, is now become a village.  Several handsome houses and shops have been very lately erected, which have given an air of cheerfulness to the neighbourhood, and rendered the communications between Welwin (sic - assume they mean Welling) and Crayford, Dartford etc more easy and agreeable."

1818, January 25: Tour of their Imperial Highnesses the Archdukes John and Lewis of Austria Through England British Neptune
"The following remarks are taken from the Journal of these distinguished travellers, who seem to have possessed every qualification necessary to their remarks on our agriculture, manufactures and the various other branches of industry…......

Oct 23.  We left Dover at 9 o'clock.  The post horses are excellent, the roads admirable, the postillions steady, and the travelling extremely quick.  The country is much better cultivated than France, which gives it a pleasing appearance, though, properly speaking, it is not beautiful.  The chalky soil is mixed with gravel.  Canterbury, 16 miles from Dover is the first stage.  The city lies in a valley, and its fine cathedral rises magnificently above the houses.   As we had resolved not to stop, we put off the view of the city till our return.  The post office is at the same time an inn, which is often the case, in England as well as in Germany.  As we proceeded, we were struck with the number of turnpikes, at which travellers must pay.  They consist of two small houses, between which the road is closed by a gate; on each side is a narrow way for foot passengers, and in the middle a scale, which shews the weight of the carriages.  The repair of the roads is undertaken by private persons whod pay a certain sum to the government, and are authorised, by act of Parliament, to take toll, for the purpose of keeping the roads in order.  The breadth of the roads is just sufficient for 2 carriages to go abreast, and on both sides are footpaths, raised 2 or 3 feet.  The roads are kept in good repair with gravel.  It was dark when we reached Dartford, and we arrived in London at 8 o'clock in the evening......"

1818, April 20: National Lottery Winner Morning Advertiser
Advert by T Bish announces he sold two of the big £30,000 winners in the lottery, tickets number 4,706 and 17,595.  Each was sold in 16th parts.  1/16 winners at Dartford, Maidstone, and Tonbridge as well as many other places nationwide. 2/16 and 1/16 prizes at Canterbury.

1818, September 11: Fraud at Dartford Turnpike Gate Morning Chronicle
"Several complaints having been lately made to the trustees of the New Cross Roads, respecting impostions practised at the Dartford Gate Turnpike, the trustees, feeling it a duty which they owe to the public, to put a stop to these impositions, order the Collector of the Toll at that gate to appear before them on Saturday se'nnight at the Green Man, Blackheath, and only one impostion being on that occasion charged against him, the Chairman, in his capacity as magistrate, inflicted on him the penalty directed by law.  As impositions of this nature have been carried on for some time, to the injury of the public, it is to be regretted that a fine of 40 shillings, which is the utmost penalty the law allows, is far inadequate to the extent of the offence, and the probable amount of the toll gatherer's illicit gains.  It appears that there are two distinct artifices to which these collectors of tolls resort, according to circumstances, in order to screen attempts at imposition.  The toll is 6d for a chaise and pair, a shilling demanded.  If the traveller, ignorant of the legal toll, and unsuspicious of fraud, complied with the demand, the collector gains his object; if, on the other hand, he knows the legal toll, and remonstrates against the charge, the latter apologises for his pretended error, by professing a belief that the traveller intended to pay also for the post chaise before him, if any happened to be in sight.  If two post chaises belonging to one party come to the gate together, recourse is hand to a different artifice.  Another person then makes his appearance, and demands a shilling for each post chaise, which there is reason to believe is too often paid.  If a remonstrance takes place, the person is prepared with his excuse, alleging that he had perhaps mistaken the toll, but that he would go and consult his master.  He returns, acknowledging his error, and if enquiry is made why his master did not attend himself, the answer is, that his master was busy making up his accounts."

1818, October 17: Highwaymen at Wrotham Morning Advertiser
"On Saturday evening, as Mr Edmeads of Wrotham was returning from Dartford market, he was stopped near his own house by 2 footpads, who robbed him of his watch and some silver.  Some persons who were near the the spot at the time, on hearing the noise came to his assistance, and succeeded in securing one of the robbers, who is now in custody."

1819, January 19: Eating Wager Public Ledger
"Two men of the gourmandising tribe undertook, for a small wager, to eat 16lb of fish, of the skate kind, and 3 gallons of potatoes, in one hour; which they did a few days ago, with the exception of 2 or 3 of the potatoes.  These worthies live in the vicinity of Dartford."

1819, January 29: National Lottery Winner London Packet
"Kent: However the Kentish speculators may have been unfortunate in the article of hops, during the last season, there are some articles in which they have been most fortunate: namely in the selection of lucky numbers in the Lottery.  Of the ticket, No 5,535 recently drawn a prize of £30,000 and sold by Bish, a gentleman residing at Dartford got a half; and as if Fortune was resolved not to do things by halves, this was in addition to another share of £30,000 sold to him by Bish in a former lottery.  A great number of capitals have been also obtained by persons residing at Maidstone, Canterbury, Margate etc etc.  This has produced a very lively spirit of adventure throughout Kent, and will no doubt give full employment to Bish's agents in this county."

[The Sun 29.1.1819 said it was ordered by someone who dreamt it would win, but as they only wanted a small stake the rest was offered to the public, one of whom was the man from Dartford - some confusion in the accounts as to whether he had a half or a sixteenth share.]

1819, February 25: Fraud at Dartford Turnpike Gate New Times
"The trustees of various roads leading into London from Kent, met at Dartford lately, to consider of the best means of preventing the very great frauds practised by collectors of tolls upon persons travelling post, particularly foreigners, when they considered that the following amendments to the existing laws were most likely to effect the object:

1.  To extend teh penalty for taking more than the toll, or otherwise misbehaving, from 40 shillings to 5 pounds.

2.  To compel every postmaster to deliver to the travellers a printed bill, containing his own name and sign, the number of post miles in the stage, the postage per mile, the number and names of turnpike gates, with the tolls payable at each of them, and the names of the postboys, under penalty for any omission.

3.  To enforce a penalty upon postboys connniving at the frauds of collectors."

1819, April 06: Unparalleled Pedestrian Undertaking of 72 miles per day for 12 days Morning Advertiser
"Daniel Crisp, the Norfolk pedestrian, arrived at Crib's, the Golden Lion, Borough Market, from Dover on Sunday evening at 25 minutes past 10 o'clock, he having let the Castle at Dover at 3 on that morning, and arrived before 10 on Saturday evening from Crib's.  The 216 miles in the three first days is more than many horses can be found to do, and it is computed tht there are 17 miles of hill in each journey - betting is 2 to 1 on time, but the pedestrian thinks he can win.  Sunday was a day of extra toil to him, and particularly from Dartford to London, the number of followers being very numerous.  He complained of dryness and fever in the feet, which were well rubbed before he went to bed, and he started yesterday morning from the Borough Market at half past 2 o'clock.  His supper consisted of two mutton chops, roast potatoes, porter and mutton broth."

1819, May 28: Bishop of Rochester Visitation Canterbury Journal
"On Tuesday se'nnight the lord Bishop of Rochester Diocese, held his triennial visitation, and also a confirmation, on which occasion a very large number of young persons were confirmed at the Cathedral.  After the ceremony, the Bishop and clergy of the diocese attended Divine service at teh parish church of St Nicholas, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev Samuel Brown.  His lordship and clergy then returned to the Cathedral, where an impressive charge was delivered, embracing a number of important topics, of which the Naitonal Institutions for Educating the Poor, adn for Promoting Christian Knowledge, goether with the objects of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, were the most prominent, and were strongly recommended to the attention and support of the Clergy and all the friends of the established religion.  The Right Reverend Bishop also held a confirmation at Town Malling on Monday, and on Wednesday and Thursday at Dartford and Gravesend, at which several places large numbers of persons presented themselves for confirmation."

1819, July 16: Dartford Bridewell to Close Canterbury Journal
"At an annual General Session of the Peace held at Maidstone on Thursday se'nnight, it was determined that the prisoners in Dartford Bridewell should be removed to the new County Gaol at Maidstone.  The Dartford establishment will therefore in future, be unnecessary, and much expense and inconvenience thereby will be saved to the county."

1819, July 11: Extracts from 'An Account of the Gaols, Penitentiaries and Houses of Correction' British Neptune
Dartford Bridewell capable of containing 80 prisoners, highest number in 1818 was 113.  Maidstone Gaol, capable of holding 220 prisoners, highest number in 1818 was 236.

1820, January 04: Plant Theft English Chronicle
"Thursday se'nnight, a cart was stopped by the patrole, on the Kent Road, which contained about 1,500 ash, cherry, and other plants, recently pulled up, and supposed to have been stolen in the neighbourhood of Dartford; the party was committed for further examination at Union Hall."

1820, April 22: Pennis House, Fawkham Times
"Elegant Freehold villa and 261 acres of land - by Mr W M Stevens at the Mart on Tuesday May 16 at 12, by order of the assignees of Mr F Devey.

Pennis House and Farm, a very desirable and compact freehold estate, land tax redeemed, delightfully situated in Fawkham, a most romantic part of the county of Kent, and distant 4 miles from Farningham, 6 from Dartford, 6 from Gravesend and 21 from London; the property consists of an elegant residence, cased with Roman Cement, erected within a few years at a considerable expense, and calculated for the occupation of a famiy of the first resepectability, surrounded by extensive pleasure grounds and plantations, the whole arranged with peculiar (sic) taste, and 261 acres of arable, meadow, pasture and coppice lands, a substantial farm house, barn, stabling, and requisite outbuildings, a convenient cottage residence, with capital garden,and 2 other cottages.  May be viewed by leave of the tenants ......

[A few fields of the Pennis estate are in the parish of Hartley]

1820, May 05: Dartford Savings Bank Evening Mail
"At a quarterly meeting of the officers and committee of the Dartford Savings Bank, on Thursday last, it appeared that there had, since its establishment in April 1816, been deposited, by 354 depositors, in 3,387 payments, the sum of £6,443 2s 1d; and there had been added to such deposits, for interest and other advantages, the sum of £341 18s 10; that there had been repaid to depositors the sum of £2,323 16 6½d; adn there was then inveseted in Government debentures the sum of £4,532.  We always feel pleasure when we have anything to communicate to our readers that tends to show the result and advantages arising from these useful institutions, because we anticipated from the first establishment of Savings Banks (whilst they were upheld by the sanction and security of government, as they now are), that they would, in no distant period, become a great public good, from the great facility they afford to the industrious to deposit their money, and the effectual security and sure profit and accumulation to their stock, whatever might be the amount.  The above statement of the Dartford Savings Bank shows, upon a small scale, what industry and care can accomplish; for it is evident, from the number of payments made by the depositors of this institution, that hte single deposits could be but small, and must have been often repeated, to have reached to the sum which appears to have been paid into this bank; and it is also evident, fromt he sums added to the deposits for interest, and the sums paid back to the depositors, that the advantages derived by them have been such ass were not, until the establishment of Savings Banks, within the reach of persons possessing but small sums; we can therefore only repeat what we have before expressed, that these institutions have our best wishes for their success, and we conceive that men of property and influence cannot deserve more gratitude from their country than by giving facility to the security and accumulation of the fruits of industry preserved by the frugality of the possessors.  (Maidstone Gazette)."

1820, June 15: Hartley House to let Times
"To be let, with immediate possession, a newly-erected convenient small house (Hartley House), with garden, and 2 stall stables, chaise house, well of excellent water, 3 acres of pasture and orchard land, very pleasantly and salubriously situate in the parish of Hartley .... this will be found a very desirable situation for a small family wishing for a healthy situation or for a summer residence.  Apply to Mr Hooks solicitor, Dartford, or Mr Santer, 49 Chancery Lane, London

1821, April 03: Georg and Bull Inn, Dartford Morning Post
"The old established line of posting to Dover and continent.  George and Bull Inn and Post House, Dartford, Kent.  Thomas Cullen respectfully acknowledges his sincere thanks to the nobility, gentry and public in general, for the numerous favours conferred on him since he has conducted the above establishment, and begs to inform them that he has connected himself with that highly respectable and long established line of posting viz - The Crown, Rochester; Rose, Sittingbourne; Fountain, Canterbury; and Ship, Dover; and begs to assure those families who may please to honour him with their commands that the most strict attention shall be paid to their accommodation, having fitted up his house in a style of neatness and comfort, with excellent beds, and a selection of the choicest wines, which have been objects of his peculiar care and attention.  Excellent horses and carriages of every description, two, three and four stall stabling, and lock up coach houses."

1821, April 27: Death at Hartley Court Canterbury Journal
"On Saturday, the 14th instant, th following singular and melancholy occurrence took place near Dartford.  The ladder that led up to a granary, belonging to Mr Bensted of Hartley Court, being deficient of some rounds, a rope with a loop at the end was affixed to enable persons to asend.  On the day in question, a boy, about 11 years of age, named Bowers, was found dead suspended by his neck in the loop of the rope."

1821, May 30: Bull Inn Dartford New Times
"E Potter, late of the Granby Inn, respectfully returns thanks for the extensive patronage with which he has been honoured at Dartford, for the last 18 years, and begs to acquaint his friends and the public that he has recently fitted up the Bull Inn with every convenience calculated to insure comfort and perfect accommodation; he has improved the yard with new and roomy stall stabling, and secure and dry lock up coach houses; good horses, with civil, steady drivers and glass coaches and postchaises through to Dover always ready."

1821, October 27: Coach Accident at Dartford Morning Post
"Yesterday after the Dover mail coach had changed horses at Dartford, is passing through the town, broke down, in consequence of one of the wheels breaking.  The coach was full of passengers, inside and out, but we are happy to say, they all escaped injury.  The mail was immediately taken out, and forwarded to the General Post Office in Lombard Street, in a chaise and four, accompanied by a guard and 2 passengers.  The distance, 14 miles, was accomplished in one hour and 25 minutes."   [I think they were impressed with the speed, which is 10 miles an hour]

1822, April 03: Poor Rates on Crown Lands The Sun
"House of Commons.  Mr Calcraft called the attention of the surveyor general of Woods and Forests to the situation of some parishes in Kent, where land had been newly acquired by the Crown.  In consequence of the land in the hands of the Crown being exempt from Poor Rate and other burthens, the rest of the parish was much distressed.  He wished to call the attention of the Rt Hon Gentleman to the propriety of affording them some relief, which he proposed with the more confidence, as it had been done in the case of other parishes.  The parishes he alluded to were Swanscombe and Fawkham.

Mr Huskisson said, there would be no objection to apply not as a matter of right, but of indulgence, the principle which had been appleid to other parishes.  Where the Crown had newly acquired property, viz, to grant a sum out of the rent equal to the burthen on the average of 7 years before the Crown came into possession of the land."

1822, July 25: London Committee for Relief In Ireland Public Ledger
List of many donations to relief in Ireland [following failure of potato crop in parts of the island].  The committee had received £188,206 up to 18th July.  List of contributors included Ash next Dartford by Rev W Lambarde - £18; Ridley by Rev J Hallward - £4 13s 6d; Independent Chapel, Gravesend by Rev William Kent - £20 19s 3d.

Same paper of 23.7.1822 lists donations from Dartford, from house to house by Re J Currey - £61 12s 0d

Morning Post 11.7.1822 lists Independent Chapel Dartford Kent by Rev S Hawthorn - £11 1s 3d; Darenth, Kent by Rev G Hemming - £9 17s 0d; Fawkham by Rev G Hemming - £5 5s 0d

Public Ledger 7.12.1822  lists Dartford by Rev H Cooke £22 0s 6d.

1823, September 27: Furious Driving Morning Advertiser
Union Hall Magistrates Court: "A post boy named Nightingale, who is in the servie of Mr Potter, of the Bull Inn, Dartford, was brought up, charged with having wilfully run a postchaise in contact with the gig of Mr Wilde, a merchant, residing in Cursitor Street, to the imminent danger of his life.  Mr Wilde stated that on Thursday night, on his return to  town from Chislehurst in his gig, accompanied by a friend, as he was proceeding up the London Road, he saw a post chaise approaching with great rapidity, and the prisoner driving two other men and shouting and hollowing.  The complainant, on seeing the danger, immediately drove up to the pavement, as close as possible; but the defendant whipped on his horses in a desperate manner, and ran the chaise in such a manner against the gig as to dash it to pieces, and overturn Mr Wilde and his friend on the road; Mr Wilde's friend was so much injured by the violence, as not to be able to attend.  A constable proved that the prisoner and his companions were intoxicated upon being taken to the watch house.  The gig which followed Mr Wilde was also upset, and the driver prostrated.  Mr Allen regretted, that the punishment he had it in his power to inflict was so inadequate to the offence.  All he could do was to fine the defendant 10 shillings for furiously driving, but he recommended Mr Wilde, for the sake of the public and of himself, to bring an action against the proprietor of the chaise."

[Union Street bench is the ancestor of Tower Bridge magistrates court.  At the time it dealt with cases from Lambeth and Southwark]

1823, November 06: Sales of Property The Star
"Messrs Driver - Freehold estates in Kent, situate between Dartford, Farningham and Bexley, the property of the late John Williams esq, exonerated from land tax.

(includes) Skidder's [Scudders] or Fawkham Farm, 3 miles from Farningham and 6 from Dartford, containing 218 acres of arable, including 6 acres of meadow land, all in high cultivation, with good farm house, and all necessary offices; let to a respectable tenant, on lease for 9 years from 1818, at the rent of £200 per annum.  The estate subjet to the payment of a perpetual annuity of £25 per annum.  Put in at £2,000, sold for £3,750.

Fawkham Green Farm and Speedgate Farms, between Farningham and Horton Kirby, containing 247 acres of arable, including 12 acres of hop land, all in good cultivation, with good farm house and extensive offices; let to a good tenant, for 3 years from 1822, at £137 per annum.  Also 61 acres of wood in  hand.  Put in at £2,000, sold for £3,800."

1823, December 23: Kent Winter Assizes Weekly Despatch
"Thomas Russell was charged with stealing from a field near Dartford, a bay pony, the property of Mr Thomas Cullen, landlord of the Bull and George, Dartford.  It appeared the prisoner had just left his situation in London, and hired by one Woodman to fetch the pony for him to Lewisham, he expecting it to be the property of the said Woodman.  The statement appearing to be correct, the prisoner was acquitted.

James Croutch was indicted for breaking and entering the churchyard of Beckenham, and stealing the body of John Dickenson, who had lately been interred therein.  The body was sold to the surgeions for 12 guineas.  The principal evidence against the prisoner, was that of two persons in his own vocation, who, not having shared in the proceeds of the body, came forward in support of the indictment.  The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentences to 12 months' imprisonment in the County Gaol."

1824, March 16: Committee for the Relief of Refugees from Spain The Star
The committee announces that they have raised £6,000 and disbursed £4,000 already.  Latest list of donors includes "A Few friends at Dartford per Mr H Ellis £1 13s."  another notable donor was the Duke of Norfolk with £50. [This could almost be a forerunner of the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s.  A democratic government in Spain had sidelined the nominal head of state King Ferdinand.  He persuaded the French to invade with the support of most of the great powers, including Britain, and the Roman Catholic Church, and an absolutist monarchy was restored.  It seems from other press reports that the refugees were from the democratic side]

1824, April 07: Abolition of Slavery The Star
Parliament: "Mr Honeywood presented petitions from the inhabitants of Dartford and Tonbridge, praying for the abolition of negro slavery."

1824, May 18: Flooding of the Darent and the Cray Canterbury Journal
"The late heavy soaking rain has swollen the Stour so much as to overflow its banks both above and below this city [Canterbury]….. The River Cray has likewise been remarkable for the height it rose to, as well as the Darent, at Dartford.  At Deptford, by the irresistable force othe immense body of water, two large warehouses were completely washed down and destroyed, as well as a floor cloth and sugar manufactory.  At Crayford the water reached the horses' knees; the oldest inhabitant cannot recollect a similar circumstance.  A melancholy accident occurred at Cadd's bridge between Bexley and Eltham; the water came down in such large quantities that the bridge was literally forced up by the swell and, at the identical time, a post chaise, containing an elderly lady, who had been spending the day with some wedding folks, was thrown into the river; and it is needless to say, the unfortunate creature was drowned, without the possibility of any assistance being rendered; the horses shared the same fate; bu the post boy although swept by the rapidity of the stream a considerable distance, was taken out alive..."

1824, May 22: Destruction Caused by the Rain Norwich Mercury
"The heavy and continued fall of rain, unprecedented, we believe, at such as season, at least during many years, has laid several parts of the suburbs of the metropolis under water, and turned roads and meadows into lakes.  At Battersea, those beautiful meadow grounds, corn fields etc, for miles in extent, which only a few days previous bore such a promising aspect of the season, are now completely laid waste; scarsely anything was perceptible to the spectator's eye on Sunday last, but a flowing stream of water.  The rural walk from Long Edge Farm, on the Wandsworth Road, accross the corn fields, leading to the Red House at Battersea is totally impassable, and a number of houses let out in tenements, which lay low in the streets from the main road of Wandsworth, are so completely surrounded by the flood, that the inmates are confined within their dwelling, the water having entered the houses several feet deep.  No less than 7 bridges, some of them of substantial brick, and one even of considerable breadth, over which there was a good public road, have been swept down or broken in, and, indeed, it can only have been by the timely falling in of those on the higher part of the torrent, and which, by forming dams above, turned so considerable a portion of the water into th sider road, that any of hte communications between the villas and cottages in this neighbourhood and the road escaped from only common wreck.  Trees have been torn from the banks, and hurled into the channels; the planks and timbers of the bridges were swept away.  The fragments of thick walls, with which the embankments in several places were defended, now obstruct the stream they were meant to confine; the banks upon each side have been broken, and portions of gardens, shrubberies, and plantations, hurrried with the torrent into the Thames.  The inhabitants of the villas and cottages, whose oramental grounds have been thus invaded, wwere to be seen on Sunday morning, standing on the broken verge of their yet remaining territory, with dismal and impatient faces, waiting the arrival of planks and timbers to afford them the temporary means of communication with the road.  The basement stories of many of the comparatively fortunate houses have been filled with water; and some families on the western side of the road have been washed out of their ground floors.  But some of the new cross streets between the Brixton and Clapham roads, exhibit a still more melancholy picture.  Gardens have been completely innundated, and that to a considerable depth; and hot beds, plants, and glass frames have floated like wrecks of Noah's flood; while rows of houses, whose foundations have been absurdly laid in beds of clay and sloping hollows, have been flooded, not only above the tops of the garden pales, but some of them almost to the ceilings of their ground floors.

Millbank side of Westminster, extending up to Pimlico, has suffered to an alarming degree; the plantations have been torn up, and the hot-beds bereaves of their coverings, and conveyed down the stream.  At Deptford a large range of buildings, occupied by Mr Brown, a currier, in which a quantity of leather had been recently deposited, was washed down, and carried, with the whole of its contents, along the stream into the river; a house also, occupied by a poor widow woman and her four children, near Millstream, on the same spot, was also forced down the current, with the whole of the furniture, the family narrowly escaping with their lives.  Part of a sugar house was washed away, with several hogshead of sugar, and the mill below seriously injured.  The Maidstone road from Lee Green to Eltham was one vast sheet of water of considerable depth; and from Shooter's Hill to Welling a great part of the road was under water.  At Crayford the lower rooms of a row of houses opposite the Swan public house were inundated, and the inhabitants obliged to take shelter in the upper stories.  Several carts were employed to carry persons over the water at a penny each, going to and returning from Dartford.  But the most lamentable consequences took place in the parish of Bexley.  A stream of water passing through the grounds of J Smith esq MP uniting with one from Danson Hill, the seat of J Johnstone esq and which crosses the road just below Bridgen, caused such a deluge, that about 10 o'clock on Saturday night, the bridge thrown across the rivulet was borne down by the force ofhte waters; the bricks and materials which composed it were carried into the grounds of the Rev Mr Frith of Brigden Place.  Shortly after, a post chaise, belonging to Mr Plater of Foots Cray, was returning from Plumstead, the post boy, not aware of the destruction of the bridge, attempted to pass, but fell into the chasm, and was carried away by the violence of the current.  The chaise was broken to pieces, and the horses and a poor woman by the name of Munk, who was inside the vehicle, were drowned.  The post boy escaped by clinging to the branches of a tree which overhung the stream.  The body of the woman was forced from the chaise, and was not found till 11 o'clock on Sunday morning.  Mr Charles Francis, surgeon of Bexley, who was returning from Lord Eardley's in his gig, accompanied by his servant, was providentially forewarned of the danger by a woman, the wife of the London carrier, who was looking out for her husband with a lantern.  His horse had entered the waters, when the cries of the woman who had just perceived him, apprised him of his danger in time to turn his horse's head.  In another moment he must have plunged into the abyss wher he must inevitably have perished."

[It is interesting to see the references to fields and meadows in those little villages of Battersea and Wandsworth!]

1824, June 27: Stopping a Witness Testifying Englishman
Court of Exchequer: "Sir William Owen moved that the Recognizance of a young man named Evans might be discharged.  He was bound in the year 1821, when 16 years of age, to appear against a man who was charged with a certain offence, at the assizes for Maidstone.  He swore that when he arrived at Dartford he was met by a man named Brown, who decoyed him into a public house, where he was made drunk, and having been locked up by Brown, he was unable to attend the trial.  The learned gentleman submitted that the circumstance of his age was a sufficient ground for discharing the recognizance.  The court was of opinion that it should have been expressed in the affidavit, whether he was locked up against his will and there detained for the whole week.  If this application was allowed on the present affidavit, anyone might be absolved from his promise to appear, provided another paid the price of his getting drunk.  The court therefore directed the affidavit to be amended."

1824, July 17: The Weather Baldwin's London Weekly Journal
"Wednesday night the metropolis was visited with one of the most severe storms of thunder and lightning we ever witnessed.  It commenced about 9 o'clock, when the lightning flashed every instant, the thunder pealed, and the rain descended in torrents.  The lightning wasa particularly vivid, and many of hte flashes had the appearence of a vast sheet of sulphurous flame.  The stomr continued for upwards of 3 hours, though the rain had ceased for some time; but about 12 o'clock it fell in such torrents, that it resembled one continued stream of water........ Mr Wallace, a carman, of Dartford in Kent, had one of his horses killed by lightning at the door of the Swan Inn at Crayford...."

1824, September 08: Improvements to Future A2 Morning Post
"New Roads.  Among the improvements undertaken in London and the environs, none seem more useful than the extensive works now going on for making new roads and levelling hills.  In Kent and Surrey the advantages gained this way are highly important.  Shooters Hill, which sometime since was almost insurmountable, is now much more easy of ascent.  The soil to a great depth has been cut away from the highest part, and thrown into the declivity, in consequence of which great relief is afforded to the horses, and the progress of travellers much accelerated.  Solid chalk hills have been cut through near Northfleet, and the road much improved.....  Similar exertions in other parts near London shew a spirit of activity which cannot fail in producing some of the best roads in the world."

1824, September 21: Brands Hatch Farm for Sale Morning Herald
"Branshatch Farm, Kingsdown, Kent.  By Messrs Driver at the Auction Mart, on Tuesday the 28th instant, at 12 o'clock.  A very extensive and desirable freehold estate, abounding with game, situate in the parishes of Kingsdown, Farningham and Fawkham, in the county of Kent, about 3 miles from Farningham, 5 from Wrotham, 8 from Dartford and only about 20 from London, called Branshatch Farm; containing a very capital brick built sporting residence, in excellent repair, large barn, extensive stabling, cart lodges, oast house, granary, and other agricultural buildings, and an old farm house, which might be converted into cottages, together with 476 acres of arable, meadow and hop land and 284 acres of exceedingly thriving woodland, making together an eligible property of 760 acres, lying remarkably compact, and well adapted for sporting.  To be viewed upon application to Robert Mills, at the Porto Bello, Kingsdown; of Messrs Aldridge and Smith, Solicitors, Lincoln's Inn; of Mr John Staples, Highlands, near Dartford; at the Auction Mart, London; and of Messrs Driver, Surveyors and Land Agents, 13 New Bridge Street, Blackfriars."

1824, October 24: Reward for Information Morning Herald
"250 Guineas reward - Robbery at the Coach office at Maidstone.

Whereas about 5 o'clock yesterday morning, a banker's parcel addressed to Sir Peter Pole baronet, Thornton & Co London, was stolen from the Coach Office at Maidstone, containing the undermentioned cash notes, cheques and bills of exchange; a reward of 250 guineas is hereby offered to any person who will give such information as may lead to recovery of the property and apprehension of the offenders; and any one detecting persons attemption to circulate any of the said notes etc will be handsomely rewarded by applying to Mr Brown or Mr Cope, at the Marshal's office, Mansion House.  Payment of the whole is stopped.  London, Oct 20, 1824."

Cash Notes include ones issued by the following banks: Ashford, Ashford Commercial, Brighton, Canterbury, Canterbury Union, Chatham, Cranbrook, Dartford (payable at Masterman & Co, no 7,591), Deal, Dover, Faversham, Gravesend (payable at Williams & Cos, numbers 3,587; 8,128; 11,903-12; 7,417; 7,405; 8,804; 7,571; 6,751; 8,286; 10,155; 9,506), Hailsham, Hastings, Hastings Union, Lewes, Reigate, Rochester, Rye, Sandwich, Sheerness, Sittingbourne & Milton, Tonbridge.  Details of bank, sum,  drawer and payee for the cheques and bills of exchange given.

1824, December 09: Kentish Railway Company Morning Advertiser
(Advert) "Kentish Railway Company to pass through Greenwich, Dartford, Gravesend, Rochester, Chatham, Canterbury and Dover with branch railways to Ramsgate and Margate.  The great and increasing commercial intercourse between England and France, the dangers attending the navigation from London to the Port of Dover, call for a medium of communication, at once safe, expeditious and economical; this will be afforded by the construction of a railroad from London to Dover, and by connecting the important cities and towns of Canterbury, Chatham, Rochester, Gravesend, Ramsgate and Margate therewith.  The capital of this company is one million; the shares are 10,000 of £100 each.  The deposit will be £1 per share.  The profits of the shareholders will be great.  The company will be governed by 18 directors consisting of gentlemen of the first eminence and importance in the county of Kent.  Persons desirous of procuring the shares not disposed of, must tender for the same immediately, either to Messrs Sir W Kay baronet, Price and Co, Mansion House Street; to Messrs Wilks and Verbeke, solicitors, 36 New Broad Street; or to Messrs Elmes and Hollingsworth, 8 Regent Street, Pall Mall.  36 New Broad Street, December 9, 1824."

[Very early date to propose a railway, given George Stephenson had not built Locomotion No 1 by then.  The company never succeeded building the railway.  Dartford and Gravesend would have to wait to 1846 when the South Eastern Railway built their line]