Richard ANDREWS, formerly watch maker and jeweller in Dover died at his home at Charlton (by Dover) aged 63..... his wife died about 15 yrs since...
22 years before he attempted suicide by cutting his throat but was saved by his servant who called in a person named SMITH who saved his life..... After retirement from business having amassed considerable wealth (said to be upwards of £14,000) he always went to bed about 4 in the afternoon, winter and summer, took his meals at a cook's shop, except his tea which he took at home, labouring for an hour to raise water from a well via a pump.
"THE HUMOURS OF POLITICAL BILL POSTING"
"I then moved to 122 Snargate Street, rent £30 yearly. I had a pony and light cart in a stable in Worthington Lane, which I found very beneficial to my work.
One night I left my cart out, in order to make an early start the next morning with election bills in the County for Major DICKSON. I found some foolish persons had painted my cart all over with blue paint. it took me three hours to get it off, for they had been very liberal with their blue paint. On another occasion I hired the hoarding outside the London and County Bank. I had posted it full of red bills in the night. The posters for the other side covered it with blue bills. As I had sole right to it, I covered their bills up again. Old Mr RUTLEY and two more friends waited at the "Flying Horse" Hotel, and about twelve o'clock at night the "Blue" men began to cover up my bills again. My friends went across, got hold of their paste-can (about two gallons of paste) and emptied it all over them! My word! There was a set out; but it put a stop to them, for they hired the upper part on the scaffolding and made a show on their own account.
On another occasion I had a country journey for the County Election. I had got as far as Swingate, and made a good display, when a friend came along and said, "Charlie, old friend; are you going to have a glass?" In we went, and on my return to my work I found, to my dismay, the pony had drank every drop of the paste! His mouth was all over froth. I suppose the pony thought that as I was having refreshment, he would have some too.
We came back, and made another start the next day, and in driving along the road I overtook old Mr FAITH the policeman. I said "Jump up." We had not gone far on the road when down went the pony, and bundled us out. We were not hurt, and having got the pony up, I said to FAITH, "Jump up; we will have another try!" "Not me" he said, I told him I thought a policeman had more pluck. Then off he went, safe and sound.
I was once in danger. I had posted a large quantity of bills for one of the circuses, and it was usual to give the agent in advance a tip, and he left me to do the work. After I had the bills all up another agent came with his horse and cart to inspect the stations. He was as "drunk as a lord", and demanded me to come with him in his cart. He said he had been all round the town, and could not see the work. No wonder! He was too drunk to see. I did not like the state he was in, but he would make me jump up, and to avoid the excitement he made outside my house in Park Street, I jumped up, but I thought it was all up with me, for he drove at a gallop down Dour Street, and in turning the two corners the cart very nearly upset.
I showed him the bills at Charlton Green, the Cricket Ground, and at Tower Hamlets. He still drove at a gallop. I told him to pull up at the "Falcon". I got down, went in at the front door, and slipped out of the back door into Bridge Street, then into Peter Street and home as quickly as I could. He never turned up and I never saw him again.
I found it a long way from 122 Snargate Street to the stable in Worthington Street, where I used to feed the pony in the evening and lock him up for the night. One morning he had got out of his "bedroom". I had hung a bag of corn on one of the rafters. The pony, getting at that, had gnawed a hole in te bag, and all the corn fell through onto the stable floor. The pony had as much as he wanted, and more than he ought to have had. There was a bundle of green-meat there as well, and there was not much left of that. The poor old fellow, overdone by over-feeding, "turned up his heels", and was sent to the kennels. I then gave up driving, and sold the cart. When I had that turn-out I was called the "Gentleman Bill-Poster", for I had a smart cart, painted cream colour."
Mr T.F. COULTHARD retirement;
Mr Archibald WILSON is now the sole proprietor;
celebration dinner for the firm of COULTHARD & WILSON
(Dover Express 7 Jan 1876, also Feb 18 1876 p.2)
COULTHARD & WILSON:
advert for 10 youths to learn the trade
(Dover Express 3.3.1876 p.2 col.1)
COULTHARD & WILSON,
Boot & Shoe manufacturers,
5 & 6 Last Lane, and 26 Biggin Street, Dover
(PO Directory 1878)
COULTHARD & WILSON, of Dover
"Established 1710". Advert for "Castle Boots"
(front page Dover Standard Sat Jan 7 1893)
He left the greatest part of his money to his executors and the remainder in legacies to various wealthy individuals. His relations were cut off without a shilling...
He declined to be buried in his wife's vault... this was because she left her private property to her own relations which so angered him he withheld the copper name plate engraved for her coffin.
He would never allow a woman near his house to do any work; doing his own housework. He always slept in his day clothes. When he was ill (6 weeks before his death) he called in a next door neighbour with whom he had rarely
spoken before, to help. He previously had a brass plate engraved with his name to go on his coffin and to be buried with his four valuable rings on his fingers, a new pair of buckskin breeches under his head, a velvet cap in his right hand, new shirt studded with silver buttons for a shroud, and to be wrapped in his grandmother's wedding sheet... After his death an iron chest was found said to contain old gold, silver plate, gold rings and old coin of great value. He had preserved all the tools of his trade and kept them in good condition. He was buried at Charlton church (near Dover).
(Dover Telegraph Nov 23 1839, back page, col. 3)
GIBSON – formerly of Dover aged in his 106th year from his baptism.
Memorial Inscription under DARTFORD MIs by Leland Duncan, transcribed on www.kasresearch.com
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GOULDEN: "Remarkable Golden Wedding Reunion - 13 Children present - Prominent Kent Business Man -
"Mr and Mrs Henry James GOULDEN, 7 Radnor Park West, Folkestone, celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday.
Mr GOULDEN, who is 78 years of age, is Chairman of H.J. GOULDEN Ltd., of Canterbury and Dover, and is also a partner in the firm of GOULDEN and WIND, of Ashford, Deal, Dover, Maidstone and Ramsgate. He is sole proprietor of the business bearing his name in Sittingbourne, Sheerness and Tonbridge.
"Business started in 1840 -
"The original business was started in Canterbury by Mr GOULDEN's father, the late Alderman Charles GOULDEN, in 1840. The business of GOULDEN and CURRY of Tunbridge Wells, and F.W.A. GOULDEN Ltd., of Hastings, are owned by sons of Mr and Mrs GOULDEN.
"The occasion was marked by the reunion of Mr and Mrs GOULDEN's family (7 sons and 6 daughters) who were all present with the exception of one daughter, who is in Australia.
"The party, which consisted only of sons and daughters with their respective families, numbered 27.
"Six of the seven sons served in the war, one gaining the Military Cross and another the O.B.E."
(from Folkestone Herald newspaper 10 November 1928 p.7 col.5)
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HAMBROOK, Richard, Master of the “Starling” – accidental death:
“Fatal Accident – On Monday last a fatal accident occurred in Boulogne Harbour to Mr Richard HAMBROOK, Master of the brig “Starling” of Dover belonging to Messrs BUSSEY & Co., coalmerchants. At the evidence given at the investigation before the British Consul, it appeared that the deceased left the town shortly after ten o’clock to go on board his vessel which was lying alongside the Capicure Quay and in so doing it is supposed that he missed the ladder and, being low water, fell from a height of about 20 feet. The mate stated that, being surprised at his master’s not coming on board at his usual time he went into the town about ten o’clock and finding he had just left, returned on board where he paced the deck for some time and in the morning seeing a cap floating by the side of a vessel he became alarmed and called up the crew when, by the use of a boathook the body was found in the mud near the bottom of the ladder. On being taken on board it was found to have sustained a fracture of the arm with a frightful wound on the temple which the surgeon stated must have caused instant death. Deceased was only 36 years of age, was a sober, steady man and having been in the service of his present employers for a considerable period enjoyed their utmost confidence. This melancholy accident caused universal regret and on the vessel leaving Boulogne for Dover on Thursday morning with the corpse on board, the whole of the shipping in the harbour both British and Foreign as a token of respect hoisted their flags half mast high.” (Dover Telegraph 12 June 1847 page 8 col.3)
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Sat. Oct 19 1839 Dover Telegraph:
Deaths (back page top of column): Oct 12, on the Marine Parade, Dover, after a long and painful illness,
Rear Admiral Hancock, C.B. at an advanced age.
and on the same page, column 2 "Local Affairs":
It is with sincere regret we record in our obituary of this day, the demise of Rear Admiral Hancock, C.B. at his residence on the Marine Parade, after a long and painful illness.
The gallant Admiral entered the Navy at an early age, and has seen much service. In 1795, as lieutenant of the "AQUILON" he witnessed the capture of three line of battle ships, by Lord Bridport; and, as commander of the "CRUISER" and Captain of the "NYMPHEN", he was frequently engaged with the enemies' squadrons
and flotillas, on the coast of France and Holland, from 1804, to the conclusion of the war. He received his commission as Rear Admiral of the Blue, on the 28th June 1838.
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Mr C. BECKER, Dover Town Crier (PHOTO of him) “celebrates 80th Birthday on February 27th. Town Crier for 48 years (Dover Express 6.2.1914 p.2)
C.N.BECKER Town Crier of Dover (Post Office Directory 1878)
Charles BECKER, newsagent and Town Crier, 122 Snargate Street, Dover (Post Office Directory 1878)
BECKER, Town Crier (PHOTO) (Dover Express 23.2.1912 p.8)
Dover Telegraph 6 March 1847 p.8 col.3 (assault charge dismissed)
Dover Telegraph 29.May 1847 p.8 col.3
Dover Telegraph 26.June 1847 p.8 col.4)
And:
Betsy NASH, singlewoman, attired in male apparel, charged with creating a disturbance at the Royal Mortar. No one appearing against the defendant it was stated she had been to a Masquerade in the Eagle Gardens and appeared before the bench in her dress as "a nice young man"; was dismissed with a caution not to again appear in such unsuitable attire!
(Dover Telegraph Sat.1.1.1848 p.8 col.1)
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PAPILLON Thomas:
April 17th at Acrise, Thomas PAPILLON Esq. aged 82. (Dover Telegraph 21 April 1838 p.8 col.4, Deaths)
“The late Thomas PAPILLON Esq. – this truly excellent gentleman whose death it was our painful duty lately to announce has left behind him a name which if a life unblemished (so far as human frailties and imperfections will admit) and marked by a peculiar exhibition of those graces and virtues that form the Christian character, can lay claim to the approval of his fellow creatures, will not soon be forgotten by those, whose privilege it was to enjoy his acquaintance, or to be in any way connected with him. As a friend and neighbour, as the master of a family, as the head of a numerous tenantry, and in every relation in life, Mr PAPILLON well deserved what he so largely possessed the esteem and respect of all classes of society. Brotherly love in other words an undeviating desire to do all the kind acts in his power, and to make all around him happy, seemed to characterise a life which providence had lengthened out; and in his latter days he evinced that devout resignation to his Maker’s will, and that firm reliance on his Saviour’s merits, which must afford an unspeakable source of consolation to those who lament his loss, and enabled them without any presumption to hope that he is gone to a happier and better world. Mr PAPILLON was in his 81st year and is succeeded by his son Thomas PAPILLON Esq., of May Deacon.”
(Dover Telegraph 5 May 1838 back page col.2)[=Maydeken]
Notes: the PAPILLON family (Huguenot refugees) held Acrise for 200 years, 1656-1856, through six generations, though latterly removed to Crowhurst Park near Battle, Sussex (info from Acrise church leaflet) - Memorials in Acrise church.
PAPILLON charity was founded by Thomas PAPILLON, an MP of Dover whose son was David PAPILLON of Acrise, and grandson Philip PAPILLON was Rector of Eythorne 1784-1809. Tablet in Eythorne Church to the family.
(J.B.Jones c.1907 Eythorne notes)
Regarding PAPILLON’s charity started in 1702 –
New trustees appointed and trust money very considerably increased (Dover Express 4 Jan 1924 p.13).
Money from the PAPILLON charity, among other things paid fees for apprenticeship in Dover of many poor children – some of the PAPILLON records are at the East Kent Archives, Whitfield.
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PE PEAKE family and the “Poor Pier District” taken from
“Dover: a Reminiscence of the past by an ancient Freeman”
“Poor Pier, forsooth! With such a galaxy of wealth, honours, intelligence and business ability.
Reference has already been made to the fact that the Licensed Dover Pilots having resided in my early days in the Poor pier end of St Mary’s parish, but one of the most noted of the worthies of that locality must not be overlooked, namely, Mr Daniel Peake, ,the aged Master of the Fellowship of the Cinque Ports Pilots, who resided at the corner of Bulwark Hill, leading up to the Archcliffe Fort.
He was a great favorite of the Duke of Wellington, who kept him in his office of Master for 9 consecutive years (much to the discomfiture of the next aspirant for that honourable and influential position). Both gentlemen were conspicuous men, the Duke at that period was thin and bony, which made his prominent nose more noticed, and Mr Daniel Peake was very corpulent and fairly tall, but with a portly commanding Roman nose also.
The Master of the Fellowship and a few wardens were the Examiners at the Court of Loadmanage, who put the young candidates aspiring for Licenses through their facings. The position was a coveted one and the young skilled sea men had to pay great deference to these gentlemen decked with such authority. But the Master was pre-eminent, wore a cocked hat in early times; his jurisdiction extended also over the 50 odd Fellowship Pilots of Deal, and some 6 at Ramsgate and Margate. Power of suspension for insubordination or incompetence or dereliction of duty was vested chiefly in him and upright, he never lost an inch of his dignity, who, with his four tall brothers, had in their day made many daring feats in saving life from shipwreck, and had risen to conspicuous positions. The brothers under the Customs authority chiefly. One, Mr Henry Peake, was a riding officer, resided at Sandgate for many years, and died at Charlton, Dover. He was a terror to smugglers from Dungeness Point to Archcliff Fort. His commanding figure, with two heavy horse pistols, Long sword and galloping steed, made him conspicuous. He could blaze away and make a good big noise, but was never known to blow the brains out of any of the notorious Aldington gang. They were afraid of him, but never molested him. Some officers they shot dead, vide the Kentish Express for this year 1903” (Kentish Express, Probably an article “looking back”.)
POOLE John: aged 60, for many years foreman of the Ordnance Dept, Dover – death.
Died 24 Sept at Dover. (his wife and 6 children were killed by a cliff fall in Dec. 1810)
(Dover Telegraph 26 Sept 1835 p.8 col.4)
POOLE:
Dover, December 14. A most melancholy and fatal accident happened here this morning. – at about a quarter past six an immense portion of the cliffe situated directly over the Ordnance Yard at the top of the Upper Rope Walk adjoining Guilford Battery, came down, burying the unfortunate inhabitants of the house below. By this dreadful catastrophe, a woman and six children were crushed to death. The father of this unhappy family – a Mr POOLE – a worthy and industrious man, was just leaving the door of his house at the moment of the accident, part of the rubbish fell on him but he was extricated alive, although most dreadfully bruised. Within a few minutes after, an immense number of persons were collected together and commenced digging with the hope of extricating some more of the sufferers but from the great quantity of earth which had fallen several hours elapsed before they came to any of the bodies, which have been all taken out except one of the children. All of course dead and shockingly disfigured. – The quantity of earth and chalk fallen down is computed at many thousand tons; - indeed it is impossible to form an idea of the ravage it has occasioned. The greatest praise is due to all the persons employed in clearing away the rubbish for their prompt and unwearied exertions.
Dec. 16: A coroner’s inquest was yesterday held on the bodies of Mrs POOLE, her five children and a child of Mrs POOLE’s sister, who were crushed to death by the falling of the cliff on Friday morning last. Verdict. – accidental death. – the poor man is as well as can be expected. The last body was taken out about five o’clock on Friday evening. – most fortunate was it the accident happened so early as a workshop adjoining POOLE’s dwelling was also buried and in a few hours many workmen would have been employed therein. - Certainly with the exception of the Earthquake, this is the most dreadful of all human calamities – not a moment’s warning to the unhappy sufferers of their approaching fate – all instantaneously crushed to death!!
(Kentish Gazette 18 Dec 1810 back page col.4. ) and the next paragraph reports there was a tremendous fall of cliff in the middle of Snargate Street, eastward of the Barracks which stood above the street. Many people left their beds to run across the street. Both these accidents have happened in parts of the cliff which appeared to have been the most solid.)
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James RICHARDS, death Oct 10 at Dover - a public character better known as Jemmy Trumps whose eccentricities often contributed to the amusement of his fellow townsmen (Kentish Gazette 17 Oct 1837 p.3)
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Dr. Charles Robinson, Recorder 1770 - 1807
Dover Musem Accession no. 0.11035
3/4 length oil on canvas, approx 30 x 50"
Painted by ? Hewson, London, 1809
Portrait, seated, in wig and gown
Originally Hung in Guildhall. Transferred 1837 to Maison Dieu
Now hung in Stone Hall (left side, near door, top row)
(info ex Mark Frost)
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Dr.SIMON of Dover: succeeded in reversing image obtained by Daguerrian process of photography
(Dover Telegraph 9 May 1840 back page col.4)
Dr.J.P. SIMON aged 52. Notice of death at Tavistock Place, London. Late of Dover.
(Dover Telegraph 22 May 1847 p.8 col.4)
McWHEENEY, William, V.C.:
We noted the Memorial to this man awarded the V.C. in visit to St James (council) cemetery, Copt Hill, DOVER on Saturday: "Wm McWHEENEY, V.C. 1866"
The Register of the Victoria Cross book gives this information:
William McWHEENEY (or McWHINEY) Sergeant
Unit/Force: 1st Bn., 44th Regiment (later The Essex Regiment)
Place/Date of Deed: Crimea - 20 Oct and 5 Dec 1854
and 18 June 1855
Place of Birth: Bangor, Co.Down, Ireland - 1837
Place/Date of Death: Dover Kent - 17 May 1866
Memorial: St James Cemetery, Dover
Town/County connections: Bangor and Newtonwards,
Co.Down, Ireland and Dover, Kent.
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TURNPENNY:
From East Kent Mercury July 19 2001 page 5: Announcement of death of Dover's oldest inhabitant:
Lilian TURNPENNY has died at the age of 108, at Kearsney Manor Nursing Home on Sunday. Her son John said he believed she was the oldest person in the County of Kent.
Mrs TURNPENNY had lived in Dover for over 100 years and attended the Dover County school (later to become the Boys Grammar). She had a degree from Bedford College, London, and married Sydney TURNPENNY of the Dover furniture company in London Road, and had two children, John (now 78) and Suzanne three years older. She was born Lilian VASS, of Scottish parents in Ireland on St Valentine's Day 1893.
Funeral service will be held at Barham Crematorium on Monday.
George WATTSON, post and job master "Last of the old Kentish Coachmen" "one of the best whips in Kent" father and sons were favourites on the road from Dover to London (more information)
(Dover Chronicle Jan.5 l884 p.6 col.5 and 6 'Ramsgate'.)
Paul BOYTON (Captain) April 10 1875 attempted to cross Channel in a floating dress;
May 29 1875 paddled across Channel in his life-saving dress
(Dover Express 24.8.1923 p.8 col.3)
1875 10 April BOYTON in “costume” (Dover dates)
1875 - 29 May BOYTON succeeded (Dover dates)
sketch of a shoemaker
from publication of c.1870s
From published memories of Charles BECKER, Town Crier of Dover
Captain Boyton, an American, crossed the Channel in his life-dress on the 28th and 29th May, 1875. The dress, which is made of valcanised india-rubber, consists of two parts, the upper half covering the body, head, arms and hands, leaving an oval opening in the hood for the face, and the lower pantaloons and boots united, the two parts being joined at the waist by a steel belt enclosed in the india-rubber. The dress has five chambers for inflation, with tubes within reach of wearer's mouth. Clad in thei unique dress, with a paddle, a lantern and other appliciants, Boyton started from Dover at 2.30am on the 10th April but the weather proving inclement, he gave up near the Varne, after being in the water for fifteen hours. On the 28th May, he tried again, starting from Cape Grisnez, in France, and succeeded in reaching the South Foreland, after being in the water twenty-and-a- half hours.
The death occurred on Monday, in her 100th year, of Mrs Henry Brenchley, of 10 Camden Crescent, Dover. Mrs Brenchley, who had been in ill-health for over a year, reached her 99th birthday on Sunday. The widow
of Captain Brenchley, who died some 40 years ago, Mrs Brenchley has for many years been a very generous donor to charities, also to St Marys Church.
The funeral takes place tomorrow morning at St Marys Cemetery.
Charles Dickens resided at 10 Camden Crescent for three months in 1852. Charles Dickens was then writing "Bleak House" and living in London, complained that he was unable to 'grind sparks out of his dull blade' . He
originally intended to go to Paris for a change, but came to Dover where he was "able at last to work!"
He remained at 10 Camden Crescent till October 1852, when he went to Boulogne.
From Dover Express and East Kent News Friday 17 February 1928: page 9 column 5;
"DEATH OF MRS. HENRY BRENCHLEY:
Neville Henry Peniston CAYLEY, Artist, born 1853 Dover, Kent died 1903 Sydney Australia.
(information from Berry Museum, 135 Queen Street, Berry, NSW, Australia -
it is thought this museum has some of his paintings - staff very helpful.
SIR LUKE SMITHETT
"Captain Luke SMITHETT, a Dover man, was Commodore of the Dover Packet Service, and in those days the vessels that he personally commanded nearly always made the quickest passages. Amongst the steamers on the Passage, in 1846, the swiftest were the "Princess Alice", the "Onyx", and the"Violet". Captain Luke Smithett was very proud of the "Princess Alice", and did not believe that she could be beaten. When the "Onyx" came on the Passage, in 1846, a race was arranged between that vessel and the "Princess Alice", which had then been running two years. In a run of an hour and a half along the Kentish coast, the "Onyx" proved swifter by nine minutes. The average time of the "Onyx" between Dover and Calais from 1846 to 1848 was one hour and twenty-five minutes." (page 166 "Annals of Dover" by J.Bavington Jones, 2nd edn 1938)
"The Smithett PAPERS range from A.D.1096 to 1912, and contain the pedigree of the ancient SMITHETT family, compiled by Mr.J.L.SMITHETT of Highbury, London, who traces the family back to Norman times. From a very early period the SMITHETTs settled in Kent. The most noteworthy member of the family in connection with Dover, was Sir Luke SMITHETT, a Dover magistrate, who was knighted for his services as Commodore of the Royal Packets on the Dover passage. During the war with Russia, Sir Luke was temporarily transferred to the French government to assist in the embarkation of the French troops for the Crimea. Earlier, another member of the family was Mayor's Sergeant at Dover for many years." (Catalogued as No.212 in the Dover Corporation records cabinet) ("Records of Dover" by J.B.Jones, Honorary Library to Dover Corporation, published 1920, page 94 "Pedigrees and family papers". These papers should be among those deposited at Kent County Archives)
Sir Luke Smithett’s RESIDENCE: "Immediately below the "Gate" in Snargate Street, No.17, now the office of the "Dover Standard", had been the residence of Sir Luke SMITHETT and, earlier, of Sir John HAMILTON, Sir Luke's father in law, the latter taking up residence there in June 1845, when the London and County Bank vacated those premises to occupy those lower down. The strong vaults of the Bank are still left in the basement of the premises. Sir John HAMILTON was one of our sea warriors of the 18th century. He commanded the "Active" on October 11 1797 when Admiral Duncan, with sixteen sail of the line, attacked and captured the Dutch Fleet, under Admiral de Winter, off Camperdown. For that victory Duncan was elevated to the Peerage, and Hamilton was knighted. Sir Luke SMITHETT also won his honours on the sea, but more peacefully. He was born in the year 1800, and at the age of 25 took command of one of HM Packets on the Irish Station, and later, on the Mail Service between Dover and Calais, which he continued to be associated with until 1854. He was generally selected to accompany the Royal yacht, and to conduct Royal visitors to and from this country. He was in command of the vessel which brought the Prince Consort to this country in 1840; and although he had ceased to be regularly employed on the passage, he commanded the vessel which brought over the Emperor and Empress of the French in 1855, and he was engaged at Calais in 1854 at the embarkation of the French Fleet for the Baltic. He married Jane, the youngest daughter of Sir John HAMILTON. Sir Luke, after his retirement, settled in Dover, was made a Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Kent and was knighted in 1862. He finished his course on the 17th December 1871, and his interment in Cowgate Hill Cemetery* was the occasion of a public funeral." ("Dover" by John B.Jones, 1906 p.160-161, "Below Snar Gate") [*burial ground at that time for Dover St Mary parish]
JACOB REUBEN appears in Pigot's 1823 as a slopseller, and the same again in 1838 also a fancy bazaar proprietor at 5 Snargate Street. Masonic records circa 1800 note him as a chapman (per "The Rise of Provincial Jewry" Cecil Roth 1952). He was one of Dover's earliest Jewish inhabitants, and in 1833, with others he petitioned Dover Harbour Board for land in Hawkesbury Street to be dedicated for use as a synagogue. He was probably in 1827 subscriber to the Institution for the Relief of the Indigent Blind of the Jewish Persuasion in London.
In the 1851 census, at 5 Snargate Street, he is listed as a clothier aged 63 born London, together with wife Sarah 64 born London, and children: Fanny 29, Rachael 27, Kate 24 and Julia 19 all born Dover. This means he must have been born circa 1777. He died 26.12.1851, age varying 65/68/70, and was interred at the Canterbury Jewish Cemetery on the Whitstable Road where the headstone still stands.
Also at the Canterbury cemetery (where Dover's Jews were buried until 1868) are Julia, described as his eldest daughter aged 23 years 9 months 12.4.1831, and daughter Hannah aged 25 on 28.4.1833, Rebecca on 30.9.1844, Amelia 21.4.1847 stones also believed to be still standing.
There are no Reuben burials in the Dover Jewish cemetery so the widow and remaining family must have left Dover.
Son George, and any other sons, may feature in the Circumcision Register of Rabbi Ash of Dover 1765-1818 whose Hebrew notebooks were translated (at my behest) by the late Rabbi Susser and produced as one of the "Studies in Anglo-Jewish History" in association with the Jewish Museum, London. Unfortunately all the names are in Hebrew nomenclature so it is impossible to relate them to the names by which they were known in British society. However it would seem most of the offspring were female.
JAMES OLIPHANT PASCALL (PILOT) was lost at sea on 6th February 1850 aged 45 years, his wife died soon after and their two orphans (Mackie PASCALL and Louisa Jane PASCALL) were taken to Australia by an aunt, Anna Pile MACKIE. (Descendants in recent years in Sydney, Australia).
"Disasters of the late Gale: Since Sunday evening we have been visited by another gale from the W.S.W...... As previously reported many fatal wrecks have occurred in the vicinity of the river, and some nearer our own port, during the hurricane of last week. ....... we regret to observe that we have to add the total wreck of a fine West Indiaman, and, it is feared, the loss of all on board, including our respected fellow townsman, Mr James O. Pascall, Cinque Ports Pilot, who was shipped from the pilot cutter off Dungeness on Monday night. The ship of which Mr.Pascall took charge was named the "Sarah", Capt.Bridges, and bound from Jamaica for London, with a cargo of rum, pimento, &c. From the "Globe" of Tuesday last we extracted the following additional particulars: (here follows a word for word report, as in the previous item, above, which included): " ....... many fatal wrecks happened even in the vicinity of the entrance of the river during the recent hurricane. We have now to add a more calamitous event, viz. the wreck of a fine West Indiaman, and it is feared, the loss of all on board of her. On Tuesday, the "Sarah", (Bridges, Master), bound from Jamaica for London, made the Margate-roads, and in the course of the forenoon, was taken in tow by the Trinity steam-tug. As the day advanced the gale sprung up with a destructive fury unfortunately too well known. The ship and the tug laboured sorely, and between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when running through the Prince's Channel, the towing hawser snapped asunder, and the ship got adrift. The tug immediately brought up, in the hope that the weather might moderate. The wind, however, continued, to increase until it blew a perfect hurricane, and about midnight the steamer was driven from her anchorage. She lost cable and anchor, and was compelled to run for safety. The "Sarah" was then lost sight of, and from the tempestuous weather that prevailed during the following 24 hours, and the fact that nothing has been seen of her since, although she was right in the track of vessels trading to and from the river, coupled with the circumstances that a quantity of West India produce has been picked up in the vicinity of where she went adrift, as also pieces of wreck apparently of the same class of vessel, there is little doubt that she perished, with all hands. (Dover Telegraph 16 Feb 1850 p.5 cols 1/2 "Margate")
and "Confirmatory of the apprehensions entertained with respect to the "Sarah", we may also observe, that on Sunday, the Blue Eyed Maid fishing-smack, of Dover, came into our harbour with 9 puncheons of rum and 40 bags of pimento, which had been picked up at sea between the North Foreland, and the Galloper; that at Ramsgate 2 casks of rum, a bag of pimento, pieces of the bulwark of a vessel of the tonnage of the "Sarah", and a quantity of cocoa-nuts, were washed ashore; and that 91 bags of pimento, and 2 Chinese umbrellas had been taken into Calais harbour, having been picked up at sea by a French boat at a distance of about 10 miles from Dover. "The schooner, "Thora", which arrived in Dover harbour yesterday morning, reports that when about 18 miles from the North Foreland, she passed the hull of a large vessel, copper-bottomed, and turned upwards; and that a quantity of casks and spices were floating around the wreck. Little doubt can exist but that this was the hull of the ill-fated ship."
The First James GUNMAN: Where Pencester Road now is, stood Gunman’s mansion, which may have existed since the Commonwealth time. The Gunman’s line began, as far as we know, with Captain William Stokes, RN. a freeman of Dover. It is probable Captain Stokes dwelt in the Biggin Street mansion. He had a daughter Elizabeth, who married Edward Wivell, who became a free¬man, a member of the Corporation and six times Mayor. Edward Wivell resided at the mansion. He was a man of impor¬tance, and owned the manor of Buckland. His daughter Elizabeth married Captain James Gunman, and brought to him the Buckland manor. James was the first of the Gunmans that we hear of in Dover, and he had a younger brother, Christopher. The first we learn of Captain James Gunman is that he was one of the bearers at the funeral of Mr. Henry Matson in 1722; and Madam Elizabeth Gunman, nee Wivell, was one of the bearers at the funeral of Mrs Minet in 1738. Captain James Gunman became mayor in 1737. He only appears to have been Mayor one year, and died before his brother Christopher, to whom he bequeathed his estate, including the manor of Buckland.
Christopher Gunman was three times Mayor in 1751, 1760, and 1773. Little is recorded respecting Christopher, except a tradition that he was rich. How the Gunman’s obtained their wealth is not known but it is pre¬sumed it was inherited, as they were connected with some of the principal families in Dover. In Christopher Gunman’s time the family mansion may be pictured as abutting on Biggin Street, occupying not only the top of Pencester Road, but also a considerable portion of the frontage round the corner in Biggin Street towards the town hall. A gateway to the mansion fronted onto the street and the lawns, gardens and grounds eastward occupied the whole of the dour side land from Park Street to Dieu Stone Lane.
The second James Gunman: Christopher Gunman left a son, James Gunman - James also was mayor of Dover three times, - 1776, 1784 and 1789. In addition to possessing the Buckland Manor, he purchased the manor of Shepherdswell. After his last mayoralty, James lived 38 years in Dover, dying at Biggin Street on the 29th of June 1824, in his 76th year.
(above information extracted from "Dover" by J.Bavington Jones)
This James Gunman of Dover and Coventry married Sarah Hussey Delaval in 1805. She was the only daughter of Edward Delaval who inherited Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire in his 80th year. Delaval accomplished a great deal but died 6 years after succession to Doddington. When Edward’s widow Mrs Hussey Delaval and his daughter Mrs Gunman succeeded him, they bought Sir John Astley's part of the Doddington estate and Col. Jarvis bought the remaining part.
James Gunman had lands in Warwickshire, in Yorks, and around Dover where he lived. He was the last of a family of sailors and was collector of customs at Dover. The contents of his Dover house went to Doddington. He died in 1824 and his wife died of consumption in 1825. Mrs Gunman left everything she owned to her lover, Lt. Col. George Ralph Payne Jarvis. When her mother died in 1829 age 78, she also left most of her property and possessions to JARVIS. He must have been a man of great charm. (Jarvis served at the Battles of Rolica and Vimiero, under Wellesley and at Corunna under Sir John Moore etc… He moved to Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire in 1829) …. At Doddington is a portrait of James Gunman and Sarah Delaval (Mrs Gunman). The upper stairs are hung with nautical paintings associated with the Gunman family. Very appropriately a portrait of George R. Payne Jarvis hangs near that of Sarah Gunman.
(source of some of above information from a book on Historic Houses of Lincolnshire. C.1990s)
James and Sarah GUNMAN are buried at Dover St Marys church, there is a memorial – a Sarcophagus shaped plaque - to the right of the South Door to them:
“Sarah Hussey Gunman widow of James Gunman Esquire IV May MDCCCXXV”
Registers for St Marys Dover, say:
burial on 12.5.1825: Sarah Hussey GUNMAN of Biggin Street Dover;
burial on 8.7.1824: James GUNMAN of Biggin Street age 77
J.W.SHARP: “Death, in the Dover Union, Jan 10th, Mr J.W. SHARP the popular comic singer well known in Dover”
(Sir) Arnold BRAEMS – Brass memorial tablet to his wife. He was a merchant in Charles I time, a royalist, hid away in Cromwell’s time, but emerged later and went into Parliament. He bought up land all along the front at Dover and so manipulated the harbour rights, that he made a vast fortune, which he spent on building a great house at Bridge which ruined him. The remains of his great house are now part of stables in Bourne Park, behind the village street…
(Arthur Mee’s “Kent” page 69)
Arnold BRAEMS: …. Union Street and the Quay… begun in 1580 … and the Ordnance stores which were removed in 1844. Here, also were the ‘Old Buildings’ destroyed by a great fire in the year 1808 which old buildings were originally the warehouses of Arnold BRAEMS who farmed the harbour revenues in the time of Charles I and were subsequently utilised by Isaac MINET who founded a shipping agency in the time of William III …. sole remnant of the Union Street buildings now left is a warehouse …
(“Dover” by J.B.Jones, pp.213-214)
Jacob BRAMES, merchant, aged 15 and half years + more, was admitted a freeman of Dover at this age so he could continue a business, his father being deceased 27 Jan 1612-13
(Dover Freemen ROLL, Kent Co.Archives)
1676: There was a quay in 1676 called James HAMMOND’s Quay, adjoining James HAMMOND’s house and along where Custom House Quay is, also quays owned by Mr BRINDER, Major BRAEMS and John MATSON. In due course of time these came under the control of Dover Harbour Board and the road along them became public.
(John Bavington-Jones “Dover” page pages 187-8)
Walter BRAEMS one of 7 men (including mayor of Dover) who were deputed to make a survey on the port of Dover and made a report on 20 Jan 1676 and on following several days
(page 111 from "Annals of Dover" by Bavington-Jones, 1916)
Thomas LONGLEY "Her Majesty's Heaviest Subject": "There is now living in Dover, a publican named Thomas LONGLEY, who claims to be the heaviest man in Her Majesty's dominions. He was born in 1848. His parents were both of great size, his father being upwards of six feet high. When Longley was about twelve years of age he was as heavy as an ordinary man; and he has continued to grow stouter year by year. He is now 37 years of age, and he weighs no less than 40 stone, or (560?) pounds. He is 6ft. threequarter inches in height. He measures 66 inches round the chest, 80 round the waist and 25 round the leg. He began life as a butcher and afterwards took the Star Inn in Dover. For some time he carried on the business of an inn-keeper in Dover. He has a moderately good appetite, and his favourite beverage is gin or Hollands. He enjoys pretty good health and is generally cheerful. Notwithstanding his great bulk, he sometimes serves in the bar. He does not now take walking exercise. He was recently photographed by Mr.J.W.Browning of Dover. The photographer attended at the inn and succeeded in taking a good photograph of Longley as he was sitting in a room. Longley wears a moustache and a beard cut in the American fashion. He has been married fourteen years and has three children, the eldest aged eleven and the youngest aged seven. His eldest child, a girl, is very stout for her age. He feels his great bulk a decided inconvenience, but does not, so far as is known, adopt any regimen in order to reduce his size. It is stated that he was offered £1,000 to go to America, but declined the offer, fearing the effects of a sea voyage.
He was born in Dover, and though he may have some rivals in the matter of weight, the general opinion of the inhabitants is that his claim to be the heaviest subject of Her Majesty is well founded”.
Dover St Mary Parish Census 1891, “The Star” Church Street, ref RG12 743, schedule 98:
Thomas LONGLEY head married 43 Pub Innkeeper born Dover
Helen LONGLEY wife marr. 44 born St.Albans, Herts
Esther M. LONGLEY dau single 17 Innkeeper's Assistant born Dover
Helen LONGLEY dau single 15 " " "
Ernest LONGLEY son single 11 scholar born Kennington, Surrey
Ellen LONGLEY sister single 34 Housekeeper (domestic) born Dover
Folkestone Herald 6 August 1892:
Thomas LONGLEY: "The heaviest British subject in the world, according to a London paper, is Thomas Longley, a native of Dover, in which historic port he resides at the present time. When last weighted he scaled 593 lb - 42st., and as thatwas about a year ago, it is safe to suppose that he has since added to his enormous weight. Mr.Longley was born in 1848, and is the son of a Dover butcher. His father is still living, and is a man of average size, weighing about 14 stone. His mother, who died a few years ago, was an average sized woman. He has two brothers living, who are respectively 12 stone and 17 stone in weight. Mr.Longley was brought up to the business of a butcher but, for some years past, has been "mine host" of the "Star" Inn, Dover, where he holds receptions, on a small scale, of those who come to gaze upon his mighty bulk. He is assisted in the business by his wife and daughters. His height is 6ft three-qtr inches, measurement of chest 70-ins., waist 85-ins. and calf of leg 26 ins. As a youth there was nothing striking in his appearance, and he was then fond of outdoor exercise, being accounted a good runner and expert swimmer. It was after his marriage that Longley began to increase in size and weight, and for several years he put on flesh to the extent of three stone per annum. This rapid increase has now ceased, but his weight is still being added to, though more slowly. With respect to diet, he partakes of ordinary food, beef and mutton, for example, but does not touch new bread or beer. His huge size keeps him a close prisoner in his little bar-parlour, and with the exception of two or three drives, he has been constantly indoors for ten years past."
Dover Express 5 Sept 1958, with photo:
Thomas LONGLEY: "Few have not heard of Dover's heaviest man, Thomas LONGLEY, who was at one time landlord of the Star Inn, in Church Street. This photograph has been lent to us by his son, Ernest, through his old St.Mary's School chum, Mr.E.J.Parton, both of whom live in London. Mr. Longley died in 1904 aged 56. Recorded under the photograph are these particulars: Weight 597 lbs, height 6-ft and threeqtr inches, chest 70 ins., waist 85 ins., calf of leg 26 ins, and "The Heaviest British Subject in the World".
Dover Reference Library : Thos LONGLEY, fat man of Dover, see newspaper photo and information ref. ILL/2938,
There is also a photo of him in Dover Museum.
Dover Express 26 February 1904, includes photo as before: Thomas LONGLEY: "Death of Mr.T.LONGLEY, GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE FUNERAL: The death occurred on Monday at Dover, at the age of 56 years, of Mr.Thomas Longley, a member of a very old and much respected Dover family. His father was a butcher in Dover, and he was born in Snargate Street. For many years Mr.Longley has been the landlord of the Star Inn, Church Street, a quiet hostelry at the rear of St.Mary’s Church. From his youth he developed great size of body, more especially in his chest
measurement. As he grew older his size increased, and in course of time he came to be regarded as the heaviest man in the Kingdom. His great bulk doubtless caused him discomfort and inconvenience, nevertheless he, until recent years, enjoyed good health. Visitors to the inn mentioned the fact of his remarkable size to their friends, and he became in a way somewhat of a curiosity, which could not have been pleasant to one who was naturally of a retiring disposition. Of late years his portrait has appeared in several London papers and, without much regard to his feelings, his weight, girth and height were published and comparisons made between him and other heavy men known in recent history. It is said that this notoriety caused him to receive offers to go on "show" but he shrank from anything of the kind. Now that death has claimed our townsman, it becomes a matter of history to record that he was beyond question, previous to his illness, the heaviest man in the United Kingdom, his weight being 46 stone, and his chest measurement 86 ins. Owing to his bulk he did not look tall but he was 6 ft and three quarter inches. For thirteen years Mr.Longley had been confined to his house. The last time he visited London he had to travel in the guard's van since it was found impossible to pass his huge bulk through the doorway of an ordinary carriage. Heavy as he was, Mr.Longley was 6 and three quarter stone below the weight of the bulkiest man of whom history has any record - Daniel LAMBERT. Some idea of the great girth of this celebrity who was born at Leicester in 1770 and died at Stamford (Lincs) in 1809, may be gathered from the fact that his waistcoat, which is still preserved at the inn where he died, is sufficient to enclose seven ordinary persons…….
Apart from being so well known, Mr.Longley will be very much missed by the poor in the neighbourhood of his house. Whenever he heard of anyone in distress he was always anxious to assist.
The funeral took place yesterday at St.Mary’s Cemetery, Copt Hill, where the grave was dug close by the Church (chapel.) It was a seven feet deep grave and was eight feet long by three feet three inches. The service was impressively conducted by the Rev.Prebendary A.L.Palmes, who came over from Saltwood to add his last tribute of respect to the memory of an esteemed former parishioner. The immense size of the deceased gave rise to rumour that it would be necessary to interfere with the structure of the Star Inn to get the coffin out, but Messrs.Flashman & Co. who undertook the funeral, found no need to do this, and the coffin, which was 7 ft long by 2 ft 9 in. high by 2ft 5ins., was slid through the window of the bar on to the hearse, which was drawn up close to the window for the purpose. At the graveyard the bearers numbered ten, and additional help had to be given in carrying the remains up the slope. The funeral was timed to leave the house at 2pm. There was a dense crowd round the Star Inn when the procession started, taking the route Castle Street, Maison Dieu Road, Park Avenue, Salisbury Road and Frith Road. The procession was
followed by hundreds of people, whilst thousands witnessed it en route. At the grave side there was probably between two and three thousand people present, and in all probability there was as much public attention given to the funeral as there was on the occasion of that of the late Sir Richard Dickeson, and in addition to the general public, there were many who mourned the deceased as a very good friend. There were many beautiful wreaths upon the coffin from his immediate relatives and friends, whilst behind the procession was a carriage filled with beautiful wreaths and floral devices from his wider circle of friends. The chief mourners were: In the 1st carriage - Messrs. Ernest Longley, E.Longley, W. Longley and Lutwytche. In the 2nd carriage - Messrs. Gates, W. Norman, R. Norman, and Wood. In the 3rd carriage: Dr.Ormsby, Messrs. Emery and Carey. Other carriages contained a large contingent of his fellow licensed victuallers and well known Dover people. In addition to the wreaths from the widow and children of the deceased, his sisters and grandchildren, there were wreaths from Sir William Crundall, Councillor H.W.Thorpe, Dr.Ormsby, the Dover Licensed Victuallers Association, Mr.R.W.Philpott and family, Mr.A.J. Emery and an old friend, Mr. and Mrs. Holbourne, Mr. and Mrs. E.G.Holbourne, Mr.J.Ralf, Mr.R.W.Pepper, "J.B.", Mr. and Mrs. Norman, Mr. and Mrs. J.B.Friend, Mr. W.B. and W.S. Baker and families, Mr. J.T.Gates and family, Mr.J.Crosoer, Mr.Gillett, Mr.G.F.Forster family, Mrs.Hall and Chris., Mr. and Mrs. Knight and family, Mr. and Mrs.Tart, Mr. and Mrs.Ernest Morgan, Mr. And Mrs.Fred Adams, Mr.V.P. Kemp, Mrs.Knowles, Mr.J.Tabor, Mr.Frith, Mrs.Brown, Mr.J.Ward, and Mrs.Corteel, Mr.and Mrs.B.T.Buss, Mr.J.Evans, and Mr.E. Barrit. Mrs.F.Hicks and family, Mr. And Mrs.J.G.Gates, Mr. and Mrs.Simmons, Mr.J.Crosoer, Mr.Craig, etc."
Dover Observer, 5.3.1904 p 9: – Obituary including 3 photos
Dover Observer, 26.2.1904, p 7: Thos Longley death, on 22 February, 1904, aged 56, with reference to cause of death as kidney disease.
Other information: It is thought, after he died, that his (daughter or wife?) kept the "Star" between 1904 and 1907 It would appear that Thomas LONGLEY was at the "Star" from about 1883 (when he returned from Surrey?) to 1904. He is likely to have been there prior to his stay in Surrey also. It is noted, in 1879 there was a man called FAWCETT at the "Star".
And - Some years ago, when a Mr.BECK had a shoemaker's business in the Tower Hamlets area of Dover, he had in his window a pair of shoes he had made for Thomas LONGLEY
(above information noted by Mr.Joe Harman, - someone he knew had seen these large shoes).
Dover Express 10 August 1973: there was another article about him, featuring photo of a gold ring (of belt and buckle design) which had belonged to Thomas LONGLEY. The ring, made by local watchmaker William Potter, of Military Road, had been brought into the Express office where it had been photographed.
See also 27 November 1997 Dover Express article reporting the presentation of this ring with photographs and cuttings to Dover Museum by the family… Andrew Ellis, 15 and his mother Sheila, following a promise in 1973 by Andrew’s grandmother Ivy Ellis.
1881 Census:
1 Belmont Villa Choumert Rd, Camberwell, Surrey PRO RG11; 0675/99 page 35:
Thomas B. OSBOUCE head married male 27 Telegraph Clerk (Civil Service) b. St Albans Hertford
Fanny OSBOUCE wife married female 29 b. Dover, Kent
William LONGLEY visitor married male 66 retired butcher born Lydd Kent
Esther LONGLEY visitot female 64 b. Dover Kent
(William and Esther LONGLEY are thought to be Thomas’s parents and Fanny one of Thomas’s sisters)
Baptism:
Thos LONGLEY christened 5.3.1848, son of William and Esther LONGLEY
Wm.Barber CLARINGBOULD, "an eccentric and well known individual" - drunkenness. Proved. 14 days prison in default of paying 10s fine and costs. Dover Police.
