This page got a bit out of hand. It began as a compilation of references to the Coach and Horses, up until the construction of its third incarnation, but over time it has expanded to include other references to Hilsea. I originally envisioned it as a timeline, but I’m now in the process of breaking it up into shorter pages.
There’s no attempt at a narrative here—just a collection of quotes from primary and secondary sources, a few images, and some comments.
Technically Hilsea should be within Wymering, but because I have a particular interest in Hilsea, it’s separated out into its own section.
One of the two wards at the northern end of Portsea Island, Hilsea boasts a rich military and industrial history. Originally a small hamlet on the London-Portsmouth road in the parish of index, Hilsea gained strategic significance due to its position as the northern gateway to the island. During the 18th and 19th centuries it was heavily fortified as part of Portsmouth’s defences. The Hilsea Lines—a series of moats and fortifications—were key in protecting the Royal Navy Dockyard at Portsmouth from land-based invasion.
With the expansion of Portsmouth in the early 20th century, Hilsea transitioned into a residential suburb while retaining elements of its military and industrial character.
Hilsea Barracks played a crucial role during the Napoleonic Wars and was later used by the Royal Field Artillery during World War I and the US Army in World War II. Its presence influenced the development of the surrounding area, with many facilities and businesses, including pubs, catering to the military personnel stationed there.
Events in Hilsea
General events in Hilsea that do not fit in one of the more specific categories below.
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1538: The Dissolution of the Monasteries
The Dissolution of the Monasteries transfers lands and church properties in Portsmouth, including Portsea and Hilsea, to Winchester College after the suppression of Southwick Priory. This marks a significant shift in land ownership following Henry VIII’s reforms.
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Jun 1628: Tresspasses Upon Her Rights
Dame Mary Wandesford is granted lands near Hilsea and Portsea in Hampshire as a reward for her father’s service to the crown. She fences these lands with a sea wall, but faces disputes as individuals trespass and damage her property. This prompts her to appeal to the Privy Council, resulting in several legal rulings in her favour in the 1630s.
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Aug 1756: Admiral Byng Is Turned Back
Admiral Byng is turned back at Hilsea while en route to London after his perceived failure at Minorca. Outraged crowds gather along his route, armed with pitchforks and clubs. Authorities deem it wise to order him back to Portsmouth to avoid potential violence. He safely returns to board the Royal Anne without incident.
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Feb 1766: Stealing Diverse Sheep
Three soldiers are arrested, suspected of stealing sheep from Hilsea and nearby parishes. One confesses.
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Aug 1766: In The Possession of Mr Richard Watmore
In August the house and barn previously occupied by Mr Richard Watmore, now untenanted, are offered for sale or let.
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Dec 1767: The Wife of a Boatswain
In December a waggon carrying approximately two tons of hay overturns. The hay falls on a woman passing by, trapping and smothering her. Despite urgent efforts, she could not be saved.
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Jul 1779: Samuel Norris, Blacksmith
In July, Samuel Norris, Blacksmith, advertises a property at Kingston Cross for sale.
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Sept 1793: Game Certificate Issued to John Burrill
Game Certificate Issued to John Burrill
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Jul 1797: Three Dead at Hilsea
A severe thunderstorm passes over the country in July, resulting in the deaths by lightning strike of three cows belonging to local farmers Burrell and Green. Other nearby areas, including Gosport, also suffer similar incidents. The storm causes widespread damage, including to buildings and other livestock, as far north as Newcastle.
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A few days since died, Mr. Dore, a respectable Farmer, at Hilsea.
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To be sold by auction, about 200 tons of clover and meadow hay.
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Jul 1835: At the Back of Hilsea
A piece of land at the back of Hilsea, located west of the lane leading to Copnor, is auctioned.
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David Kennedy is charged with arson for setting fire to a haystack owned by James Carter. Witnesses testify to seeing Kennedy near the haystack before the fire. Kennedy voluntarily surrenders at the police station and admits to starting the fire. He pleads guilty at the Hampshire Winter Assizes in December and is sentenced to three years of penal servitude.
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In August, a fire destroys two cottages. One is occupied by Thomas Copsey, a wheelwright, and the other by his father’s employee, carter Thomas Moore. The fire starts when a spark ignites a thatched roof, fuelled by strong winds. Despite the timely response of local workers and men from Hilsea Barracks, both cottages are lost.
Pubs of Hilsea
So far, I have evidence for six pubs in Hilsea circa 1800. Plans for Hilsea Barracks were first drawn up in 1756; until I find other evidence, I’m assuming that the Battle of Minden (attested 1768), Coach and Horses (attested 1807) and King’s Head (“newly erected” in 1813) were all established in the latter half of the 18th Century to service the barracks. The Green Post definitely predates the barracks, the Horse and Jockey was north of Portsbridge, and the Fountain was, I suspect, built with an eye to the suburban sprawl along London Road.
Unidentified Pubs
It’s incredibly frustrating that nobody thought to add the sign of the house to these accounts.
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Dec 1765: The Landlord, in the Necessary House, with the Pistol
In December, a publican at Hilsea Barracks commits suicide. It is believed that a previous fall from a horse, which dislocated his neck and possibly caused a head injury, led to the suicide.
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Jan 1813: Soldiers of the Inverness Militia Court-Martialled
A general court martial is held at Portsmouth to try several soldiers of the Inverness Militia. The charges include rioting at a public house between Hilsea and Portsmouth and striking an officer of the 42nd Regiment while he was performing his duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Carne of the East Essex Regiment serves as the president of the court martial.
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Nov 1818: Selling beer without a license
In November, at the Petty Sessions in Fareham, John McDonald of Hilsea is fined £12 10s for two offences related to selling beer without a license.
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In December a free house located a few miles from Portsmouth on the London Road is advertised for immediate lease. The ad highlights that a considerable business in the spirit trade is currently being conducted at the establishment. Inquiries are directed to John Winsom in Portsea.
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In Q4 a free house on the London Road, within a few miles of Portsmouth, is advertised for lease. The property is in a populous neighbourhood with a thriving business in the spirit and beer trade, and the current occupier is leaving to pursue another venture. Interested parties should contact John Winsom in Portsea.
Battle of Minden
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This pub was likely opened (or possibly named) between 1759 and 1768, and closed in Nov 1830.
Coach and Horses
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Hilsea has been home to three different buildings named the Coach and Horses. The earliest reference is 1807, and the third pub is still with us.
Duncan’s Head
Fountain Gardens
George Inn
Green Post
Horse and Jockey
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Extant in 1813.
King’s Head
Fortifications and Barracks
Troop Movements
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1758-1792 Troop Movements at Hilsea
These don’t really interest me so I’ve removed them from the main timeline. But having gone to the effort of linking them… well, somebody might find them useful.
Portsbridge & Hilsea Lines
Hilsea Barracks
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1768 Blown Up By Some Accident, Country News, First Column
Also see one below, Gosport town pump.
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1778 A Letter To An Agony Aunt? To The Printer, Third Column
Not sure what to make of that.
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1783 Highlanders In Trouble, Postscript, Last column Third Column Third Column Second Column Third Column Second Column Second Column, Story Below Hilsea: “America is generally supposed” Second Column, Story Below Hilsea: “Gosport, pressed”
Highlanders go off the rails when they figure out “their officers sold them to the East-India Company for ten guineas a man”, and they’re about to be shipped out to foreign parts. Soldiers seem to be being treated even worse than normally around this time. Just how many wars were we fighting at this point? Second Column, French, American, Spanish and Dutch ships captured
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From other sources, these guys were treated awfully.
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Jul 1823 Death of William Maynard
In July, William Maynard, a labourer from Havant, was involved in demolition work at Hilsea Barracks when a poorly supported chimney collapsed on him while he was clearing bricks. He was severely injured and died shortly after. An inquest determined the death to be accidental.
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1828 A Gavel-Fronted Guard-House
Following the Napoleonic Wars, Hilsea Barracks undergoes significant changes. The wooden barracks are largely dismantled, with only the hospital and a small brick building remaining. The site is transformed into a large open area surrounded by newly planted trees and renovated fences. At Portsbridge, the old guardhouse is replaced by a modern structure.
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Jun 1829: Pull Down Such Bridges as May Be Necessary
A plan to reroute the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal to a quay near Portsbridge is before Parliament. A clause in the Act allows the company to raise or demolish bridges as needed. Portsbridge is set to be raised by five feet, creating a steep incline that increases the risk of accidents, as the bridge’s short length and narrow width make it difficult for two carriages to pass safely. Concerns are raised that the trustees of the London road failed to object to this clause during its passage through Parliament, potentially endangering traffic at Portsbridge.
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1862 Progress and Challenges at the Hilsea Lines
Sir George Lewis reports that more than half the work on Hilsea Lines has been completed, with a fresh contract being prepared to finish the project, including the widening of the channel. The works are expected to be completed by September 1864.
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Mar 1872 Theft by an Artilleryman
John Sharp, an artilleryman stationed at Hilsea Barracks, is charged with stealing tobacco from the Coach and Horses. He is sentenced to one month of hard labor.
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Sept 1881 Artillery Driver Dodges Conviction
John Sullivan, a driver in the Royal Artillery, is stationed at Hilsea Barracks. He is charged with stealing a barrel of beer from a traction engine near Hilsea Pond. The barrel, owned by a Petersfield brewer, is discovered empty and broken behind Hilsea Barracks after being rolled towards the barracks by two unidentified men. Sullivan, found drunk and detained by the Military Police, is discharged by the magistrates due to insufficient evidence.
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Mar 1889 Charge Against a Hussar Sergeant
Sergeant William Henry Butler of the 14th Hussars, stationed at Hilsea Barracks, faces a District Court Martial at the Main Guard, Portsmouth. Butler faces charges of leaving his guard without orders and using abusive language towards a prisoner. Butler defends himself by stating he acted under orders to deliver letters to his commanding officer. Witnesses support his claim, but after deliberation, the Court convicts Butler.
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May 1894 Hilsea Canteen Manager Accused
Morphy, an Army pensioner and canteen manager, is accused of embezzling £24. He claims it’s a bookkeeping error. Initially arrested and set for court-martial, the charges are dropped and he’s released. Denied a character reference, he remains unemployed, raising concerns about his treatment and potential redress.
: Hilsea Canteen Token source
Hilsea Pond
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1730-1770 Plan and Profiles for Building Barracks
This plan of the new barracks at Hilsea includes two “Horse Ponds” and several smaller bodies of water.
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Feb 1834 Found Drowned in Hilsea Pond
A coroner’s inquest is held at the Coach and Horses in Hilsea after an elderly beggar woman, Elizabeth Bassel, is found drowned in Hilsea Pond. She had been drinking heavily the night before and likely entered the pond without realizing it. The verdict is “found drowned.”
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Jan 1874 Discovery of Infant Body in Hilsea Pond
A male infant’s body is discovered in Hilsea Pond in January. William Leach, a farm labourer, finds the bundle containing the body while passing with horses and leaves it in the care of another labourer, Smithers, who notifies the police. Dr. Martin examines the body, confirming it is fully developed and recently born, having lived briefly. He finds no external violence except from immersion, and suggests the child was either drowned or smothered. Despite police efforts, the mother remains unidentified. The coroner’s inquest concludes with a verdict of “Found drowned.”
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In October an inquest is held at the King’s Head pub in Hilsea regarding the death of A. J. Carlton, a tradesman from Landport. Carlton, aged 38, is found drowned in a pond in a field at Hog’s Head Bottom, and his body is temporarily stored in a shed behind the King’s Head.
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Sept 1881 Artillery Driver Dodges Conviction
In September a steam traction engine’s boiler is refilled at Hilsea Pond.
Hilsea Asylum
Lunatic asylum in Hilsea.
Question
Which building housed it? Maybe GJ Scales still owned the building when he died in 1874?
The relationship between the proprietor of the Hilsea Asylum, the Portsmouth borough council, the Portsea Island Union workhouse and the new Asylum at Milton is an interesting one to tease out.
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35 patients. 29 pauper and 6 private. Weekly charge for paupers: 9/- to 9/6 a week.
Proprietor G.J. Scales (Surgeon)
The system operating at Hilsea was criticised by the commissioners because
“Two licensed houses, those at Duddeston and Hilsea… have been established and carried on in connection with workhouses, which send to them only their unmanageable patients, and afterwards remove them when they become tolerably tranquil, without reference to the propriety of their remaining at the asylum for the purpose of cure.” (1844 Report p.44)
“The paupers are frequently sent in an advanced stage of their disease, and in a bad state. They are usually sent, in the first instance, to the parish workhouse, and are kept there as long as they can be managed, and when they become violent or dirty, they are removed to the asylum” (1844 Report p.230)
Hilsea Asylum itself was criticised because:
“…containing, in June 1843, twenty-nine patients, there is one yard of tolerable size, for the male patients, adjoining the high road, and a small one at the back of the house, which appears, from its being overgrown with grass, to be little used, for the women. We could not ascertain that any of the patients occupied themselves, with the exception of two or three of the women, who, we understood, were occasionally employed in needle and household work.” (1844 Report p.133)
One of the Hilsea patients had been responsible for the death of the previous superintendent. Shortly after recommending the use of restraint at the aristocratic Whitmore House in London, in July 1843, the visiting commissioners
“found at the asylum of Mr Scales, near Portsmouth, the widow of a former superintendent, whose hand had a few months previous been bitten by a dangerous patient, who was in the house at the time of our visit. The superintendent die from the effects of the bite, within twelve days of the injury” (1844 Report, p.148)
— Commentary on the 1844 Report of the Metropolitan Commissioners in Lunacy source
1826, Greenwood’s Hampshire
Note
This map shows the old path of the London Road. It’s possible that the northernmost building on the west of the London Road is the first Coach and Horses, but the road layout is very different from later maps (for example Copnor Road doesn’t join London Road).
May 1832: Marriage of Samuel Neat and Lucy Seal
18th May. Samuel Neat marries Lucy Seal at Alverstoke.
1856, OS Six-inch England and Wales, 1842-1952, Hampshire & Isle of Wight LXXV
source Surveyed 1856, Published 1870.
Note
Coach and Horses Public House, at the South-east corner of the junction between London Road and Horsea Lane. Note that the Hilsea Barracks and Hilsea Lines are not present on this map.
This map, surveyed in 1856, shows the new route of London Road and the first pub. This is the building that burns down in 1870.
The plaintiff, Pearce, an omnibus proprietor, seeks £5 11s., the price of a harness and the hire of an omnibus for 15 days. The defendant, Webb, argues that while he paid £3 2s. 6d. for the harness, the omnibus was lent to him in exchange for painting and repairing it, not rented. Several witnesses support Webb’s claim, leading the judge to rule in his favour.
Apr 1872 Local Liquidation Cases
Edmund Webb, of the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, licensed victualler. Creditors to meet at the offices of Mr. Edmonds, No. 46, St. James’s-street, Portsea.
1872, Licensing
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FAREHAM PETTY SESSIONS.
TUESDAY (yesterday).—Before the Rev. J. T. Maine and Rear-Admiral H.Chads.
TEMPORARY TRANSFER.—Josiah Webb, of the “New Coach and Horses,” public-house, at Hilsea, applied for a temporary transfer of the licence of that house to Thomas Nicholson, son of the proprietor of the “White Horse” public-house, West-street, Fareham.— The magistrates granted the application.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Wednesday 08 May, 1872
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PETTY SESSIONS, Monday.—Magistrates present: The Rev. J. T. Maine (chairman), Mr. Frank Bradshaw, Mr. W. H. Deane, and Rear-Admiral Chads.
Transfer of Licenses.—A special sessions for the transfer of alehouse licenses was held, and the following alehouse licenses were transferred, viz., that of the New Coach and Horses, at Hilsea, Wymering, from Mr. Edmund Webb to Mr. Thomas Nicholson; that of the Great White Lion, Gosport, from Mr. Jacob Bunker to Mr. Alfred Bartholomew Jennett; and that of the Dolphin, Havant, from Mr. Charles Lellyett to Mr. John Purvell. The following beerhouse license certificates were also transferred, viz., that of the Red House, Alverstoke, from Mr. Jeremiah Budd to Mr. Joseph Norkett; that of the Victory, Gosport, from Mr. Wm. Read to Mr. Harry Spencer; and that of the Yew Tree, Hayling South, from Mr. Thomas Downton to Mr. Ralph Snow Cutler.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Wednesday 29 May, 1872
1873, Licensing
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A SPECIAL SESSIONS for the granting of a license to perform stage plays at the Town-hall, at Havant, was held before Mr. Spencer Smith (chairman), Captain Field, R.N., Mr. Frank Bradshaw, Colonel Mansel, and Rear-Admiral Chads, and the necessary formalities having been complied with, the license was granted to Mr. E. R. Longcroft.
A Special Sessions for the transfer of alehouse and beerhouse licenses was also held before the same justices, and the following transfers were effected:—
Alehouses.—The license of the West Town Hotel, Hayling South, from Mr. George Clinker to Mr. Benjamin Walter Casper; that of the New Inn, Portchester, from Mr. John Binstead to Mr. Herbert Hill; that of the White Hart, Portchester, from Mr. William Russell to Mr. James Russell; that of the Dolphin, Emsworth, from Mr. James Chase to Mr. Frederick Fielder; that of the New Coach and Horses, Hilsea, Wymering, from Mr. Thomas Nicholson to Mr. Chas. Martin; that of the Black Dog, Gosport, from Mr. Albert Brewer to Mr. William Payne; and that of the Isle of Wight Hoy, Gosport, from Mr. George Barringer to Mr. James Parkman.
Beerhouses.—The license of the Yew Tree, Hayling South, from Mr. Ralph Snow Cutler to Mr. Edward Bundle; that of the Windmill, Peel-common, Titchfield, from Mr. John Langdon to Mr. William Heath; that of the Camden Arms, Forton-road, Alverstoke, from Mrs. Harriet Tipping to Mr. John Bartlett; that of the Heroes of Waterloo, from Mr. Henry Long to Mr. Wm. Sims; and that of the Village Home, Alverstoke, from Mr. Alexander Wm. Whitcher to Mr. John Germain.
Occasional licenses were granted to Mr. John Purnell, of the Dolphin, Havant, authorising him to keep his house open until midnight on the 19th, 20th, and 21st instant, on the occasion of theatrical entertainments to take place at the Town-hall.
A similar license was granted to Mr. Geo. Brothers, of the Coach and Horses, Titchfield, authorising him to keep his house open until midnight on the 12th inst., on the occasion of a supper to take place there.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Wednesday 19 February 1873
In July, Mr. Martin, of the Coach and Horses supplies lunch to the competitors at a casement on the Hilsea Lines.
1878, Licensing
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A SPECIAL SESSIONS, for the transfer of licenses under the Intoxicating Liquor (Licensing) Act, was held at the Sessions-room on Monday, when the following changes were effected:—
Alehouses.—The license of the Five Bells, Alverstoke, was transferred from George Wroughton to Henry Titheridge; the Fountain, Forton, Alverstoke, from Henry Kew to George Brewer; the Military Arms, Forton, from Charles William Holder to Francis Samuel Westgate; the Three Tuns, Elson, Alverstoke, from Thomas Abernethy to James Henry Cox; the Trafalgar, Forton, from Harry James Ingram to George Veek; the Castle in the Air, Fareham, from Stephen Harding to Frederick Herbert Hannan; the Royal Oak, Fareham, from Thomas Morris to Thomas Anderson; the Ship, Emsworth, Warblington, from Thomas Maynard to Frederick Crowther; the New Coach and Horses, Hilsea, Wymering, to Frances E. Martin, widow of the late proprietor.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Wednesday 05 June, 1878
1881, Tramway extension
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THE TRAMWAY EXTENSION.—At eleven o’clock this morning a service of two horse cars was commenced between North End, and the Coach and Horses, Hilsea. Between the latter place and Cosham the passengers are conveyed by omnibuses.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 04 July, 1881
1881, Body found
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THE FINDING OF A BODY AT HILSEA.—The County Coroner (Edgar Goble, Esq.) held an inquest at the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, yesterday, on the body of Charles Oakley, aged 63 years, whose body was found lying on the mud in the moat on Monday evening, as already reported by us. It appeared that deceased was a pensioner, and lived at 23, Dorset-street, Landport. On Monday morning he left home to go in search of work, and nothing was seen of him afterwards until he was found dead by a fisherman named Hinks, in the evening. At the time deceased left home there was no money in the house, but his pension would have been due in about a week from that date.—Constable Hadden deposed to searching the body and finding on it a knife, tobacco box, and empty purse.—The jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned.”
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 07 October, 1881
1882, Lost earring
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LOST.
LOST, between Coach and Horses, Hilsea, and Wiltshire Lamb, Landport, plain Gold Ear-ring. — Finder returning same to Mrs. G. Hall, Cosham, shall receive 5s. reward.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 10 January 1882
1882, Licenses
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FAREHAM.
TRANSFER OF LICENSES.—The following transfers of licenses were made by the County Magistrates on Monday:—Black Dog, Emsworth, from William Henry Allen to John Peters; Dolphin, Emsworth, from Robert Stapley to Ann Winter; King’s Head, Hilsea, from Charles Grist to Alfred Miles; King’s Head, Bedhampton, from John Newman to George Laker; New Inn, Drayton, from George Albert Martin to Norris Beerling; Railway Hotel, Fareham, from James Burley to Alfred James Dunn; East Cosham Tavern, Cosham, from Stephen Windebank to George Todd; New Coach and Horses, Hilsea, from Charles Newton to Frank Jones; Blue Bell, Emsworth, from Charles Daysh to Joseph Rawding; Brewery Tap, Stoke-road, to Ann Johnson; Coal Exchange, Emsworth, from John Kehoe to William Ward; Queen’s Head, Gosport, from Thomas Field (deceased) to Maria Field (widow).
— Hampshire Telegraph, Wednesday 05 April, 1882
1882, For Sale
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LEGAL AND OFFICIAL NOTICES.
WAR DEPARTMENT PROPERTY.
Com. Royal Engineer’s Office, Portsmouth, Aug. 12th, 1882.
TO BE LET, from Michaelmas, 1882, the “COACH AND HORSES” PUBLIC HOUSE, HILSEA, in the Parish of Wymering, in the County of Hants, situated on the London-road, about three miles from Portsmouth, with yard and all necessary outbuildings.
The conditions and forms of tender for renting the above may be obtained at the Office of the Superintendent of War Department property, Portsdown Cottage, Cosham, Hants, up to the 30th August, 1882, inclusive, between the hours of ten and four o’clock, which are to be filled up and forwarded by post to the Director of Contracts, War Office, Pall Mall, London, S.W., on or before the 6th September, 1882, marked in the left hand corner of the envelope, “Tender for ‘Coach and Horses,’ Public House, Hilsea.”
W. CROSSMAN,
Colonel Com. Royal Engineer, Southern District.
Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 19 August, 1882
Note
Notice repeated Hampshire Telegraph, Wednesday 23 August, 1882
1883, Help wanted
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WANTED. Respectable middle-aged woman for general work; widow, or one whose husband is at sea would suit.—Apply, Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 10 July, 1883
1883, Shoemaker wanted
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SHOEMAKERS.—Wanted, a good General Hand.—Apply, Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 18 August, 1883
1883, Refusing to quit
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FAREHAM.
PETTY SESSIONS.
Yesterday. — Before E. J. Sartoris, Esq. (in the chair), F. Bradshaw, Esq., and Sir Frederick Sykes, Bart.
REFUSING TO QUIT.—Charles H. Newton and Eleanor Newton, man and wife, were summoned for being drunk and refusing to quit the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, when requested to do so by the landlord, Mr. Jones, on the 2nd inst.—They were fined 15s. each, including costs.
The Evening News, Tuesday 16 October, 1883
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DRUNKENNESS. Charles Henry Newton and his wife, Eliza, were charged with having been drunk in the Coach and Horses Inn, at Hilsea, on the 2nd inst.—They were severally convicted in the penalty of 7s 6d, including costs, of seven days’ imprisonment with hard labour.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 20 October, 1883
Note
Charles Henry Newton was previously landlord. One feels he wasn’t happy about leaving. This is definitely the same court hearing, but the reporting is all over the place.
Todo
Confirm this is definitely the same hearing, because I wrote that a few years ago and I didn’t record why I thought that. Idiot.
1883, Help wanted
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Girl (respectable) wanted, about 18, as General Servant.—Apply Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 29 October, 1883
1885, Broken windows
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£5 REWARD.—Any person giving information that will lead to the conviction of person or persons returning from one of the outing parties on Saturday last, about 11.20, and pulling up at my house—the Coach and Horses, Hilsea—and breaking the windows, after my retiring to rest, shall receive the above reward.—Signed, Frank Jones, Coach and Horses Inn, Hilsea, Cosham.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 15 August 1885
1885, Help wanted
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GENERAL Servant (respectable) about 18 or 19.— Apply Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 08 September 1885
1885, House to let
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HOUSE — 366, Commercial-road — to Let. — Apply F. Jones, Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Thursday 17 December 1885
Todo
Was Frank Jones letting his previous home?
1886, Refusing to quit
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REFUSING TO QUIT.—Thomas Stubbs, of Cosham, was charged by the police with having been drunk in the Coach and Horses Inn at Hilsea, and refused to quit when requested, on the 21st ult. — The defendant pleaded guilty, and was convicted in the penalty of 20s, including costs; or fourteen days imprisonment, with hard labour, in default.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 02 January 1886
1886, A Portsmouth man drowned
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A PORTSMOUTH MAN DROWNED.—ABSENCE OF A MORTUARY AT COSHAM.—An inquest was held on Saturday at the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, before the County Coroner (Edgar Goble, Esq.), on the body of William Boyland, 55 years of age, lately living at No. 7, Cherry Garden-lane, Landport.—From the evidence of Henry Charles Boyland, a seaman serving on board H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, and a son of the deceased, it appeared that the deceased was a naval pensioner, and had worked in the Dockyard. The witness had returned from four years’ foreign service on the 21st of December last, and on the morning of that day deceased was missing as he (witness) returned home in the evening.—Sarah Boyland, the widow of deceased, deposed that deceased left his home about 20 minutes after five on the morning named, at which time she believed he was going to his work. He had a pension of 1s 1d a day, and his wages were a guinea a week in the dockyard. He was not a temperate man, and had left his home on the Friday previous and had remained absent until the Sunday, when he was in drink; he had been drinking several days, and of two sovereigns which he took away from witness on the Friday he brought back but 8s 6d. He was strange in his manner, but had never threatened to take his life.—In reply to the Foreman (Mr Budd) witness said that she and the deceased lived on very good terms, the deceased being very affectionate.—John Hall, the son of a gunner of the Coast Brigade, living at Hilsea Lines, proved finding the body of the deceased in an almost upright position in the inner moat of the Hilsea fortifications about four o’clock on Friday afternoon, and said that the body could not have been floated in by the tide.—Charles Roberts, a labourer living at Cosham, stated that his attention and that of Thomas Knight was called to the body by the last witness, and it was some 200 yards from the bridge. They assisted P C Cuell to get the body out, and being in a very bad state of decomposition it was eventually laid in a portion of Hilsea Lines.—Dr William Harris Heygate, practising at Cosham, saw the body at five o’clock on the afternoon it was found, and from a post-mortem examination which he had since made the state of the lungs showed that the deceased had breathed after entering the water. He was satisfied that death had arisen from asphyxia from drowning.—The Coroner then summed up, and remarked that on the face of the case there was no reason why the deceased should have committed suicide, except that he had had an attack of delirium tremens. The evidence as to his unsound state of mind was very slight, and he pointed out the courses which were open to the Jury.—The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was drowned between the 21st of December and the 5th instant, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how he came into the water.—The foreman subsequently drew the Coroner’s attention to the difficulty which had occurred in depositing so decomposed a body, and said that though undoubtedly the proper place would have been in one of the casemates of the fortifications, the War Department objected to that course.—The Coroner replied that although he did not happen to be the law adviser of the parish he might tell the jury that in common law it was the duty of the parish officers to provide some suitable place of deposit, and if there was no other place the body could be left in the house of the churchwarden. He did not happen to know who the churchwarden was, but it was clearly the duty of the sanitary officers to provide a mortuary.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 08 February 1886
1886, Death of a cabman
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SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO A CABMAN.—A very serious accident happened to a cabman, named William Adams, of Southsea, on Tuesday evening, who, whilst driving near the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, fell off the cab, and severely fractured his skull. He was picked up in an insensible condition, and conveyed to the hospital at Mile-end, where he has been lying ever since in a hopeless state.
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THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT HILSEA.—On Saturday the Coroner for Portsmouth (T. A. Bramston, Esq.) held an inquest at the Royal Portsmouth Hospital touching the decease of William Henry Adams, aged 38, a cab-driver, lately residing at 10, Hambrook-street, Southsea, who died as the result of injuries sustained in the overturning of a landau at Hilsea on Wednesday last.—The father of deceased gave evidence of identification, and said that his son had, as a child, been subject to fits, but had outgrown them.—E. Pharaoh, of 89, Grigg-street, said that on Wednesday she, with others, hired a landau, of which deceased was driver. They drove to Cosham, calling at one or two public-houses. Deceased was slightly the worse for liquor. When they reached the Coach and Horses, at Hilsea, deceased was very drunk. He got up on the box and took hold of the reins, immediately after being seized with a fit, causing him to fall over into the landau. The party all got out of the landau, and deceased came round shortly. Witness alone re-entered the landau, and got on the box by the side of the driver. After going about 100 yards deceased gave the near rein a sudden jerk, causing the horse to swerve and upset the landau into the ditch by the roadside. Witness and deceased were thrown out, the latter being under the horse. Witness got up, and deceased was assisted by some soldiers. He was taken into the Coach and Horses, where his head was bathed. He was subsequently removed to the Infirmary at Hilsea, and thence to the Royal Portsmouth Hospital. Witness was under the influence of drink.—George Jacobs, a carter, of Hilsea, said he saw the last witness drive up on a landau to the Coach and Horses, deceased, who was drunk, and hanging over the side of the box, being besides her. Mrs. Pharaoh asked for the landlady, but did not get off the box. She then turned the horse’s head towards Portsmouth, and as the turn was made too sharply the landau was upset. Mrs. Pharaoh and deceased were thrown out, but neither appeared to be injured. Deceased, after the landau had been righted, went to the bank and caught hold by both hands. He rocked to and fro for a time, and then staggered back six or seven yards, falling heavily on the road and striking his head on the ground. Deceased bled very much. As far as witness could see Mrs. Pharaoh was sober.—Thomas Purser, a groom, said he saw deceased and Mrs. Pharaoh at the Coach and Horses, and at the time of the accident deceased was driving.—In other respects his evidence was corroborative of that of the previous witness.—Mr. William Robert Smart, acting house surgeon of the Royal Portsmouth Hospital, in the absence of a post-mortem examination, gave it as his opinion that the probable cause of death was inflammation of the brain, caused by a fracture of the skull and aggravated by delirium tremens. Deceased was drunk when admitted.—The Coroner summed up at length, and, having animadverted upon the conduct of Mrs. Pharaoh and her companions, said that no doubt the whole of the occurrence was the result of drink. He, however, felt that death was brought about by an accident, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. They also expressed great dissatisfaction with the way in which Mrs. Pharaoh had given her evidence. The Coroner concurred, and said that she had run a very narrow risk of being prosecuted for perjury.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 02 August, 1886
Note
This report was repeated verbatim in the Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 07 August, 1886
1888, Daring theft of whiskey
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PETTY SESSIONS.
Monday.—Before F. Bradshaw (in the chair), W. H. Deane, and C. E. Radclyffe, Esqs., and Captain Turner-Irton.
DARING THEFT OF WHISKEY.—Daniel Hogan, John Williams, William Dobson, and Amos Hough, soldiers belonging to the South Lancashire Regiment, were charged with having stolen a jar containing two gallons of whiskey, value £1 14s. 6d., the property of Messrs. A. and J. Brickwood, at Hilsea, on Friday last.—Mr. Whitlock prosecuted.—The evidence showed that the four prisoners were at the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, at four o’clock on Friday afternoon, when some beer was being taken into the house by a drayman in the employ of Messrs. Brickwood, and as prisoners were moving some barrels they were ordered to go away. A jar of whiskey had been placed under the verandah outside the house while the landlord (Frank Jones) and the drayman went into the cellar. During the time they were there the prisoners were seen to pass the house on several occasions, and upon a search being made for the whiskey it was found to be missing.—John Carter, who was working on the Hilsea Lines, stated that about four o’clock on Friday afternoon he saw four soldiers come from the direction of the Coach and Horses and pass down the old turnpike road into the Hilsea Lines. Two of the soldiers were carrying a jar, and they all went in behind some bushes. A few minutes afterwards all four left without the jar, and his suspicions being aroused he went to the bushes and found it concealed under some weeds and rubbish. He at once gave information to the police, and prisoners were apprehended at Cosham by P.S. Hood and Constable Ceull. When charged they admitted that they had been to the Coach and Horses that afternoon, but denied all knowledge of the whiskey.—The prisoners elected to be tried summarily, and were each sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 01 September, 1888
1889, A fortunate sailor
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Monday.—Before J. Carpenter-Garnier, W. H. Deane, F. Stapleton-Bretherton, and C. E. Radclyffe, Esqs, and Admiral Sir Henry Chads, K.C.B.
A FORTUNATE SAILOR.—William Jones, able seaman, of H.M.S. Excellent, who wore two good-conduct badges, was summoned for refusing to quit the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, when requested to do so, and for being drunk on those licensed premises.—On Sunday, the 24th ult., defendant went to the Coach and Horses with two soldiers, and called for some ale. The landlord, Mr. Jones, noticed that they were under the influence of drink, and refused to serve them, whereupon they used objectionable language, and were ordered to leave. They refused to go, and a constable was sent for.—A warrant officer said that defendant bore a good character, and the Magistrates dismissed him with a caution.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 07 December, 1889
OS Six-inch England and Wales, 1842-1952, Hampshire & Isle of Wight LXXV.SE
Revised 1895, Published 1898
1897 Strange death
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HILSEA MYSTERY.
STRANGE DEATH OF A DOCKYARD PENSIONER.
At the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, on Wednesday, the county coroner (Mr. E. Goble) held an inquest touching the death of a manwho was found under the ice in Hilsea Pond on Tuesday morning.
Henry George Piddell, a bricklayer’s labourer, living at 52, Guildford-road, Kingston, was the first witness. he identified the body, which lay in the coach-house of the inn, as that of his father, Henry Piddell. Deceased was a pensioned shipwright. he last saw him on the 9th inst., when he left home and did not return.
James Probert, of 22, Butcher-street, Portsea, said he kept a private lodging-house. He identified deceased as a person who came to take lodgings with him on the 9th inst. Deceased gave his name as Hall, and said he had hurt his foot while getting out of a train at Portsmouth Harbour. In consequence of this he could not travel to the Isle of Wight, and his baggage had gone on. Deceased stayed at the house seven days, leaving on the 16th. He did not drink much, but was very strange in his manner. He used to say, “I’ll have him,” “I’ll get him,” “I have got him,” and such like phrases. Before he left deceased borrowed 10s. of witness. He had not paid anything for his lodgings.
Dr. W. H. Heygate, of Cosham, stated that he saw deceased on Tuesday afternoon, and came to the conclusion that the body had been in the water some days. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had been a healthy man. There were a few slight abrasions on the body, and marks on the fingers, showing that deceased had scraped the bottom of the pond with his fingers. Death was due to drowning. The brain and other organs were quite healthy. In answer to questions by the Coroner concernign the pond, Dr. Heygate said that about a third of the pond was skirted by a public road, and was unfenced. He had always looked upon it as in a most dangerous condition. Indeed, all through the district there were ditches unfenced which were quite dangerous, and it was a wonder that people did not break their necks.—In a conversation which ensued, a Juryman said it was quite easy for a man affected a little by drink to walk into the pond. It would be easy to prevent this with proper fencing.
William Doe, a boy, son of a gunner in the R.A., at Hilsea Barracks, said that on Tuesday morning he was sliding on the pond, when he saw the deceased under the water. He sent another boy, who was with him, to give information, and the body was afterwards removed by the police.
Constable Lawrence said the deceased was under unbroken ice about ten to fifteen feet from the road, in about three feet of water. No hat could be found, but otherwise the deceased was fully dressed. There was an empty purse, two keys, and a pocket handkerchief in the pockets, but no money or papers. The body was not at first identified, but a full description was inserted in the Evening News, and the deceased’s son recognised it, and afterwards identified the body as that of his father.
After a discussion in private, the jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned,” being of opinion that were was not sufficient evidence whether the deceased had committed suicide or been accidentally drowned. They added a rider drawing attention to the unfenced state of the pond.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Thursday 21 January 1897
1900 Smoking concert
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SMOKING CONCERT AT HILSEA.—A very enjoyable smoking concert was held on Wednesday evening at the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, by the non-commissioned officers of the batteries stationed at Hilsea, to bid farewell to comrades under orders for South Africa. The departing warriors were heartily toasted, and a capital programme was successfully carried out.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 13 January 1900
1901 Census
| Name | Relation | Condition | Age | Occupation | Where born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward L Hind | Head | Married | 33 | Licensed Victualler | Blyth Rotherham, Yorkshire |
| Jessie L Hind | Wife | Married | 26 | — | Portsmouth, Hants |
| Thomas Hunter | Nephew | Single | 13 | Coal Merchant’s Clerk | Portsmouth, Hants |
| Mirian E Feast | Servant | Single | 23 | Cook (Domestic) | Fonthley, Hants |
| Everest Chandler | Boarder | Single | 22 | ??? | Manchester |
| John Stroud | Boarder | Single | 50 | ??? | N. York, USA |
| Earnest Porter | Boarder | Single | 21 | Foreman ??? | Huling, Warrington |
| Charlie Hollis | Servant | Single | 20 | Cellar Man | Darfield, Yorkshire |
| George Kirchen | Boarder | Single | 38 | — | ??? |
— 1901 Census, Sunday 31 March 1901
1901, Help wanted
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WANTED a Young Man to make himself generally useful. Live indoors; must be good character.— Apply “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 27 April, 1901
1901, Stabling available
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Good Stabling (now up to date), to Let, all modern fittings; would suit gentleman for polo ponies, or private horses.—Apply “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 03 May, 1901
1901, Fratton Park
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NO DRINK LICENSE FOR FRATTON PARK.
Mr. Hind, the landlord of the “Coach and Horses,” applied to Messrs. A. W. White and G. E. Couzens at the Portsmouth Police Court this morning for an occasional license for the supply of drinks at Fratton Park this afternoon between 4 and 7.30 o’clock.
Mr. White said he did not see why they should grant a license to practically an outsider to step in and rob the license-holders near the ground of their trade.
The applicant informed the Bench that he was to supply on contract, but Mr. White said they could not help that. The game only lasted about two hours, and they had to consider whether it was a necessity. If they could not do with a cup of tea or a cup of coffee for a couple of hours they must do without. The application would be refused.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 04 September, 1901
Note
A W White is the father of Gladys White.
1901, Tramway fares
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SIR,—I would suggest that the tramway fares for through journeys from any part of the town should not be more than 4d., and that in as many junctions as possible the charge should not be more than a penny. I am an old inhabitant of the town and know the routes well, and I think that in this list of distances and fares there will not be much to grumble about.
Cosham to Point, Clarence Pier, Dockyard (via Commercial-road), or Eastney (or Circle), 4d.
Copnor Crossing (viâ Lake-road) to Dockyard (viâ Fratton-road), Clarence Pier, Eastney (or Circle), Clarence Pier, or Palmerston-road (viâ Commercial-road), 2d.
Dockyard to Eastney, 2d.
Dockyard to Clarence Pier, 2d.
All the above are through journeys.
The following are junctions for which the fare should be a penny:—Palmerston-road to Vic-Hall, Clarence Pier to Town Hall, Floating Bridge to Town Hall, Rugby-road to Town Hall, Town Hall to All Saints, Town Hall to Lake-road (Fratton-road end), Dockyard to Town Hall, Copnor Crossing to Lake-road (Fratton end), Cosham Station to “Coach and Horses,” “Coach and Horses” to Kingston-cross, Kingston-cross to Fratton Bridge, Fratton Bridge to Albert-road, Albert-road to Circle or Eastney, Kingston Cross to All Saints’ Church, All Saints to Town Hall, Dockyard to King’s-road, King’s-road to St. Jude’s Church, and St. Jude’s Church to South-parade.
From South-parade to Cosham, 4d.
All through journey tickets, changeable on any car, 4d.
NIMBLE NINE.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 17 September, 1901
1901, Death of a baby
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HIND—On the 15th inst., at the “Coach and Horses,” Edward Hunter Hind, the dearly-loved baby of Edward and Jessie Hind, aged three months and 14 days.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 18 March 1902
1902, Shooting match
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The formatting here would be a complete pain to convert to Markdown, so I’ve left it as an image.
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PORTSMOUTH RIFLEMEN
MEET AN “EXCELLENT” TEAM
The members of the Portsmouth Rifle Club met a team from H.M.S. Excellent, Whale Island, in a shooting match, at Hilsea Range, on Tuesday afternoon, the weather being all that could be desired, but the wind was very tricky and gusty, making good shooting rather difficult. After a close contest the Excellents beat their opponents by only 20 points. The members of the Rifle Club entertained their visitors to a meat tea at the “Coach and Horses” after the match.
A word of praise is due to the markers, who signalled the result of each show in a very creditable and prompt manner, reflecting great upon the butt superintendent, Sergeant A. Smith, of the 3rd Hants. The following were the scores of each team:—
[…]
Meaning, Farley, Hid, Maguire, Feldwick, McClelland, Pratt, Scopes, Muid, Robertson, Fowler, Pulley, Bedford, Fry, Lent, Tucker, Wren, Jones, Whimshaw, Holt
[…]
The return match will take place at Tipnor in a few weeks time.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 26 April, 1902
1902, Lost whip
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LOST—Between Cosham and the Coach and Horses, a Lady’s silver-mounted Driving Whip.—Apply White, The Poplars, North End.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Thursday 06 November, 1902
Note
There’s a good chance that the lady who lost her whip was Gladys White, who Gladys Avenue is named for.
1903, Mangle sale
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For Sale, medium-size Box Mangle, cheap.—E. Bye, back Coach and Horses, Hilsea, after 8 p.m.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 20 February 1903
1903, Costers’ race
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A COSTERS’ WALK.
ARRANGED AT PORTSMOUTH.
The costers of Portsmouth have for some time past been talking of a walk in imitation of their London confreres, and the project took practical shape in the Fish Market this morning.
The proposal is that the competitors should assemble about four o’clock on the 1st June on the Grand Parade, Portsmouth, and walk up Commercial-road, to the “Coach and Horses,” at Hilsea, and thence through Copnor and Eastney, returning along the Front to the Grand Parade.
Each competitor is to push his truck, and top hats will be worn. About a hundred entries are expected, and the event is arousing great interest. The prize will be a gold medal, and the winner will be entitled to the proud title of “champion coster walker of Portsmouth,” while there will be also money prizes of £3, £2, and £1, and 5s. for each one who finishes. There will also be a sealed handicap, with time allowance.
Collections are being made for the necessary funds in the Fish Market and amongst the fruit merchants.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 20 May, 1903
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THE COSTERS’ RACE.
GREAT CONTEST AT PORTSMOUTH.
45 MEN AND FIVE WOMEN START.
What will go down to posterity as the “Great Portsmuff Cawster Barrer Race of 1903” was “pushed off” on Wednesday afternoon.
The start was from the Grand Parade, Old Portsmouth, once the haunt of people quite at the other end of the social scale to costers, and the time of starting was four o’clock. Soon after three the competitors began to collect, and with them a quickly increasing crown, who came to cheer, to criticise, and to chaff.
An oblong reserved area was soon formed by the police, under Supt. Moss, and as the barrows and their owners came up the officials placed them in rows, of about eight in a row, which stretched along the wall of the Garrison Church.
SOME QUAINT COSTUMES.
Most extraordinary garbs were to be seen. The coster top hat, which in most instances appeared to be a family heirloom, so aged and dishevelled was it, was, of course, de rigueur, but beyond this item of dress the fancy of the competitors was allowed free play. This liberty was exercised to the full. One man, to economise weight, cut his hat down to the depth of a soup plate; perhaps, on second thoughts, it may be that he, being of frugal mind, had joined the presentable parts of two hats together.
Another man was dressed as a tatterdemalion Zulu, his robe being of the bed-curtain tint. He did not trouble to black himself, however. A third man did, and looked most effective. Yet another man dressed in convict’s garb, with conspicuous broad arrows; but it is only fair to state that he hardly looked the part. Still, most of the men took the race seriously, and attired themselves in such running costume as they could procure. There were cricket shirts, football shirts, white shirts, and coloured shirts; there were running knickers, and there were trousers of cloth and duck. The cloth trousers were turned up to the knee—this being an easy process, the cut being what is knows as the “Blimey” pattern. The legs were generally bare, and the footgear varied from canvas running shoes to hob-nailed boots.
In age, too, the competitors showed much variety. One or two men were nearing sixty, and some of the “barrer pushers” were hardly in their teens. Yet all were intent on going the course, and none more so than the women, who were encouragingly received as they came on the parade ground. They dressed in light, attractive, summer costumes, with short skirts, and sported “Harriet” hats, one of prodigious perimeter. Their barrows took the palm for ornate decoration and elaborate festooning, in addition to tricolour painting. All the barrows were well greased at the axle, and one old gentleman took the precaution to keep dust out by covering the hub with brown paper.
THE START.
The rows were arranged according to seniority, with the ladies first. Just before four the ex-Mayor and Mrs. Emanuel drove up, and were received with three cheers by the competitors, who in turn were cheered by a view of the championship medal and the statement that the winner would also receive his portrait, painted in colour.
By this time a tremendous crowd had gathered together, particularly at the High-street entrance to the Parade. Punctually at four o’clock, Alderman Emanuel let drop the “Pompey” flag, which was handed to him, and the women, five in number, of of whom two and the women, five in number, of whom two were married (one, so she herself said, being the mother of seven children), were off on their ten-mile journey.. One strapping lass took the lead, and the group was quickly out of sight. Five minutes later Alderman Emanuel started the men. There were 45 of them who started, out of 58 entries. The old men in the front row were quickly overtaken—one of fifty off sumers dropped two ranks in as many yards—and when the High-street was reached the competitors were allowed to break from a walk into a run, and the race then became until the finish a “go as you please.”
THE ROUTE.
The route from High-street lay through Commerical-road, Kingston-crescent, and London-road, turning by the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, roudn the back of the barracks, through Copnor, down New-road, Kingston-road, Fratton-road, up St. Mary’s-road, round the Workhouse, through Milton, past the Board School, through Eastney, thought Lump’s-lane, past the South Parade Pier, along South parade and Clarence Parade, across the Common, through Pembroke-road, and High-street, finishing at the Grand Parade.
A couple of mounted policemen preceded the leader all the way.
OFFICIALS AND PRIZES.
The time-keepers were Messrs. A. Amatt and J. Holley; and judges, Lieut. Fenwick, Messrs. G. Williams, G. W. Hooper, J. H. Burton, F. W. May, F. Vince, J. Burgess, W. R. Burridge, G. Newman, R. Day, Palmer, T. W. Sibley, J. Sibley, A. Thomas, W. H. Hooper, with Mr. A. E. Hooper, hon. sec. The judges were stationed all along the route to see that competitors adhered to the rules, particularly as to the hats, though for that matter most of the costers tied them on with string.
As the men went up High-street at good pace was cut out by the leaders, and it was rumoured that there was every likelihood of the distance being covered by the winner in an hour and a half, a feat which, it was whispered on the ground, had already been achieved, “though don’t you believe it, guv’nor” said a bystander.
There was no lack of prizes, no fewer than twenty-six being offered. There were six for the first sextette in, the winner receiving the Mayor’s championship medal, £2, and his portrait in colours; six sealed handicap prizes, four prizes for the women, and three men’s and two women’s prizes for decorated barrows. The special prizes comprised a cradle for the first married man finishing; two shallow baskets for the first fish coster finishing; a leg of mutton for the oldest man first finishing the course; a silver medal for the first youngest coster finishing. The first ten men home (excluding prize winners) under 2½ hours were to receive 4s, each; all others finishing under 3 hours to get 2s. 6d. each.
PAST THE TOWN HALL.
The human lining which had spread itself out along the route was perhaps at its densest in front of the Town Hall, whither sightseers had flocked in their thousands by common consent in order to get “a good place to see.” The steps in front of the building were thronged, and the crowd stood many persons deep on each side of the tramway track. The familiar cry, “Here they come!” was raised as the minute hand neared quarter-past four, and soon the advanced guard of the mounted police hove in sight, frantically waving back the throng that persisted in surging inward on the track. Behind the police came a body of cyclists and some vehicles, and then the first coster behind his barrow, looking a little tired already but very determined. No. 2. of the competitors close after him, was a lady coster, brawny and full of business, who pushed her way along right bravely. At varying distances—with traps, waggonettes, broughams, and cycles in-between—came the rest of the competitors—or what was left of them, for a few had fallen out already. Stout costers and slim costers, young costers and old costers, male costers and female costers, white costers, black costers, whitey-brown costers, costers running costers walking; but all in fancy costumes, and all with barrows. In every case but one the barrows were being pushed; the exceptional competitor was pulling his. The crowd looked on and smiled, sometimes breaking out into a laugh when a competitor more grotesquely “made-up” than the rest ambled past, and once or twice encouraging the female contestants with cries of “Go on, Sally!” and the like. Now and again a sympathiser who saw that his particular fancy was well in the rear would be heard to grumble that they hadn’t “‘arf a chance,” with all the vehicles in the procession to block their way; and the complaint did appear to be justified. It took about six minutes for the whole show to pass by, and then the crowd broke up and wended its several ways home, beginning to think about tea—a tea that for many would necessarily be devoid of shrimps, or whelks, winkles, or cockles. The costers were otherwise engaged.
AT NORTH END.
North End people manifested intense interest in the race, and turned out in hundreds to see it. Long before the time that the costers were due to start the thoroughfares were crowded, and at four o’clock tram traffic at Kingston Cross was practically suspended. At 4.22 the first coster, Spencer, appeared in sight, headed by two constables, and reached Kingston Cross a minute and 22 seconds ahead of B. Robinson. More than a minute divided second and third, G. Tally, and 90 seconds separated him from B. Cleife. F. Cleife was next, 120 yards behind, and then came a bunch of four. The first “lady” was about tenth in the race, and the last was one but last.
AT COPNOR.
The long pull from North End and through Hilsea and New-road to Copnor told pretty heavily on some of the men, and older competitors lagged behind very much. At the Workhouse, Spencer was still first, eight minutes in front of B. Robinson. He passed at five o’clock. After an interval of about a minute G. Tally went gaily by, and then a dozen passed all in a bunch in the next minute. It was half past five before the first of the women, Norah Mills, went past. She was loudly cheered by a tremendous crowd.
AT EASTNEY.
Spencer was leading at Eastney by seven minutes from B. Robinson. G. Tally was third, and R. Spikesley followed within 100 yards.
THE RESULT.
The first six men finished as under:—
H M S 1. Spencer 1 38 30 2. B. Robinson 1 42 13 3. G. Tally 1 45 16 4. R. Spikesley 1 46 5 5. F. Cleife 1 46 45 6. B. Robinson, junr. 1 48 12 OTHER PRIZEWINNERS.
The result of the sealed handicap was as follows:—1, B. Robinson, snr.; 2, B. Robinson, jnr.; 3, F. Cleife; 4, L. Jackson; 5, R. Spikesley; 6, Spencer.
For the best decorated barrow (men’s), L. Jackson was awarded the first prize, Wallis, jun., second, T. Page third, and Fletcher fourth.
Miss Norah Mills was the winner of the first prize for the best women’s decorated truck, second Mrs. Polly Hunt, and third Mrs. Burroughs. Mrs. Polly Hunt also took a special prize for the first married woman to pass the winning mark.
Prizes were awarded to all the female competitors who went the whole of the course, and those securing the awards were Miss Mills, Mrs. Polly Hunt, Mrs. Burroughs, and Mrs. Ward. Harriet Passingham was the only one who did not finish.
Robinson, sen., being the first married man to arrive home, was presented with the cradle, and being the first fish coster home he also took the two shallow baskets.
S. Ripner, as the oldest coster, got the leg of mutton, the silver medal for the youngest coster going to G. Tally. Robinson, jun., was given a box of sweets, being the next youngest.
H. Bampton, aged 61, was presented with a special prize for covering the course.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Thursday 11 June, 1903
1904, Bankruptcy notices
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BANKRUPTCY NOTICES.
(From Friday Night’s “London Gazette.“)
Receiving orders.—Portsmouth.—William Frederick Curtis, Longleat, Dunbar-road, Eastney, decorator; Edward Lupton Hind, the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, licensed victualler; Charles Smith, 40, Spring-street, house agent.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 12 November, 1904
1904, Creditors meetings
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CREDITORS’ MEETINGS.
CURIOUS CASE OF THE “COACH AND HORSES.”
THE LEASE OF A FREE HOUSE.
The first meeting of the creditors of Edward Hind, licensed victualler, of the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, was held at the Official Receiver’s office, Portsmouth, this afternoon.
The liabilities amounted to £310 17s. 9d., and the assets totalled £27 14s. 5d., leaving a deficiency of £283 3s. 4d. The failure was attributed to insufficient turn-over in business and increased assessments.
The Official Receiver’s statement showd that the debtor was originally a commercial traveller in tea, but gave up this calling in favour of an off-license business. Having saved £120, in 1897 he took over the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, from the War Department, the lease, by consent of the War Department, being held by the United Brewery Company, who found the purchase money. The rates had increased from £42 to £152 while he was tenant of the house, and he had lost about £120 in the business.
The chief debtors were:—Portsmouth United Breweries’ Company, £176 15s. 8d.; Mr. B. Murtough, £25 6s. 1d.; Mr. Miller, tobacconist, £16 16s. 1d.; Meyhew and Arnold, £14 2s. 6d.; and Mr. Rose, £10 16s. 9½d.
The Official Receiver said that the United Breweries Company paid £1,400 for the lease, and with the consent of the War Office took the lease on mortgage. It was a remarkable fact in this case that the house was supposed to be a free one. Yet in the lease the brewers were allowed to become mortgagees, and the brewers, he pointed out, were always ready to tie a house. A quesiton was whether the lease was void, because it contained a bankruptcy clause.
Mr. Franckeiss (who appeared for the Brewery Company) said he had looked through the lease, and there was no bankruptcy clause.
The Official Receiver pointed out that that removed a difficulty from the case. He went on to suggest that the house should either be advertised or handed over to the United Breweries’ Co.
Mr. Murtough thought the latter course would be the best, and it was ultimately agreed to.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 21 November, 1904
Note
I believe Mr. B. Murtough to be Bernard Murtough, mineral water manufacturer, who would have been ~67 at the time of the creditors’ meeting. I have a photograph of the Coach and Horses (not yet published here) showing an advertisment for Webb & Salmon mineral water on the side of the building a few years previously.
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DEATHS.
HIND—On the 28th ult., Edward Lupton Hind, of the “Coach and Horses,” the beloved husband of Jessie Hind.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Thursday 01 December, 1904
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The death is just one week after the creditors’ meeting.
Todo
Order death certificate. Not that I can trust it in cases of suicide.
1904, License transfer
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LICENSING TRANSFERS
GRANTED AT PORTSMOUTH.
At a special transfer sessions held at the Portsmouth Town Hall this morning, the Licensing Justices on the Bench were Mr. G. S. Lancaster (chairman), Alderman J. H. Corke, Messrs. J. Howarth, John W. Gieve, J. J. Sapp, J. Bead, and H. Kimber.
The Justices granted transfers of licenses as follows—
ALEHOUSES.
“The Wellington,“ High-street, Portsmouth, from George Mitchell to George Augustus Collings; the “Royal Swan,” Pembroke-road, from Marion Annie Brown to William Wilson; the “King and Queen,” Common Hard, Portsea, from Elizabeth Pearce to Matthew William New; the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, from Edward Lupton Hind (deceased), to William Frederick James Hunt, trustee in bankruptcy of the estate of deceased; the “Spread Eagle,” St. Mary’s-road, from George Henry Catt to Henry Holt.
BEERHOUSES, ETC.
“The Star,” St. George’s-road, from William Wilson to John Williams; “The Stag,” 89, St. Thomas-street, from Arthur Samuel Heath to Joseph Barfoot; the “Fairy Brewery,” 20, Prince George-street, from Edward Robbins to John Stevens; the “Duchess of Edinburgh,” 72, Queen-street, from Charles Walter William Sexton to John Holford Box; the “Falstaff,” 50, St. James-street, from Catherine Rooke to Sophia Moore; the “Duke of Devonshire,” Albert-road, from Joseph Gard to Edwin Evan Rees; the “Coopers Arms,” 22, Arthur-street, from Edith Worledge to Albert John Martin; “Temple Bar,” 9, Church-path North, from George Westbrook to Charles Foundly; “Commercial Arms,” 297, Commercial-road, from Charles Foundly to John Carter; the “Florence Nightingale,” 2, East-street, Southsea, from George Henry Chivers to Alexander Robert Peebles; the “Bedford Arms,” Kingston-road, from Elizabeth Ann Poore (deceased) to Joseph Bray (the trustee and executor under the will of the deceased licensee); the “New Inn,” 86, Oxford-street, from Edward Fletcher to Samuel Carter; the “Russell Arms,” Russell-street, from Richard Kewell to Jane Louisa Kewell, widow of the deceased; the “Highbury Barn,” 250, Somers-road, from Ernest Vincent to George William Harman; “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” 15, Somers-road, from Rosina Clem to Charley Archibald Dobson; “The Battle and the Breeze,” 91 and 93, St. Paul’s-road, from Luke Hamilton Summers to Sarah Ann Foster; the “Sir Charles Napier,” 15, Telegraph-street, from Emma Caroline Davis to George Charles Davis; the “Up-to-Date” Restaurant, 8, Edinburgh-road, from Charles Francis Turner to Baptiste Albertolli; no sign, 126, Hereford-street, from Thomas George Beard to William Edward Hodges; no sign, Central Buildings, Commercial-road, from John Charles Dollar to Thomas Higgins; no sign, 114, King’s-road, from George Read to Frank Dunn.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 28 December 1904
1905 Coach and Horses death
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HODGE.—On the 22nd Jan., at the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, John Archer, son of John and Emily Hodge, aged 15 years and 3 months.
— Hampshire Chronicle, Saturday 04 February 1905
1905, Car crash
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MOTORS IN COLLISION.
TWO CARS SMASHED AT HILSEA.
A serious motor accident occurred on Monday afternoon near the “Coach and Horses” Hotel, Hilsea.
Mrs. Lyon, of 3, Castle Bank, South Parade, Southsea, was driving a small Panhard car on the main road in the direction of Portsmouth, when a large car belonging to Mr. Cox and driven by F. Clark, also of Southsea, came out of the by-road and a bad collision occurred.
Mrs. Lyon’s car was absolutely wrecked, whilst the other was also badly smashed. Mrs. Lyon’s driver was injured about the face, and Mrs. Lyon was badly shaken. The occupants of the other car also escaped with a shaking. Mr. Cox’s car was towed back to Southsea by Mr. F. Ould, of the Granada Motor Company.
Mr. Cox himself was not in his car, as was stated last evening.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 08 August 1905
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NOTICES OF RELEASE OF TRUSTEES
Debtor’s Name Debtor’s Address Debtor’s Description Court No. of Matter Trustee’s Name Trustee’s Address Trustee’s Description Date of Release Hind, Edward Lupton The Coach and Horses, Hilsea, Hants Licensed Victualler Portsmouth 41 of 1904 W. F. J. Hunt Cambridge Junction, Portsmouth Official Receiver Nov. 6, 1905 — The London Gazette, Friday 24 November, 1905
1906, Coach and Horses, death
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HODGE—In ever-loving remembrance of John Archer (Jacky) at “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea who passed away 22nd January, 1905, aged 15 years and three months. Deeply mourned by father, mother and family.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 22 January 1906
1906, Unfounded allegations
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UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS.
CHARGE AGAINST HILSEA GUNNER DISMISSED.
Serious allegations were made at the Portsmouth Police Court this morning, before Alderman R. Barnes and Sir William Dupree, by Martha Williams, the wife of a labourer, living at 30, Walden-road, Stamshaw against Archibald Kinnaird, a young gunner in the 111th Battery Royal Field Artillery, stationed at Hilsea Barracks, who was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating the woman on February 17th.
The prosecutrix stated that shortly before midnight on February 17th, she was returning home from Cosham, where she had been to meet a woman who was going to lodge at her house. She did know the woman except by sight. The woman worked in the fields at Hilsea, and had arranged to meet witness at the “Coach and Horses,” but did not keep the appointment. Witness was returning home at midnight when she met the defendant and another soldier. They said “Good night” to her, and passed on, but defendant turned round and followed her. She then alleged that he attempted to indecently assault her, and broke her umbrella with which she had struck him.
The defendant on oath denied the charge, saying that when he and a comrade were returning to Barracks they met the woman, who was loitering near the barracks. She accosted them, but defendant told her to go away, as he had nothing to do with such characters as her. It was then that she struck him with the umbrella.
Gunner Sheath and Gunner Hallam gave evidence as to the woman accosting them several minutes before the defendant arrived on the scene. Hallam said that the woman was walking slowly from North End towards Hilsea, and she was not returning from Cosham as she stated.
Corpl. Roberts, R.F.A., stated that he was the corporal of the guard on the night in question, but heard no disturbance. If there had been such a disturbance as the prosecutrix described near the Barrack gates, he would have heard it. He heard of no disturbance, but when the defendant entered the gates the woman ran after him and attempted to strike him with her umbrella.
Detective Ford stated that he had made inquiries in the case, but could find no corroboration of the woman’s story. On the other hand, he had ascertained that the woman’s husband was not at work, and also that the woman had been barred from entering several publichouses at Stamshaw because of her conduct.
On this evidence the Bench dismissed the case.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 06 March 1906
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This report also appeared verbatim in the Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 10 March 1906
1906, Death notice
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HIND—On the 22nd, at her mother’s residence, 37, Porchester-road, Woolston, Jessie, widow of the late Edward Hind, aged 31, late of the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 25 April, 1906
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Age 31, and 14 months after her husband died during bankruptcy proceedings.
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1907, For sale by auction
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E. R.
By Command of His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the War Department.
THURSDAY, JULY 18th, 1907.
To Brewery Companies, Brewers, Spirit Merchants and the Trade.
HALL, PAIN AND GOLDSMITH are favoured with instructions to offer for SALE by AUCTION, with possession, at their Estate Sale Rooms, 57, Commercial-road, Portsmouth, on the above date, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon:
Lot 1.—The Well-known Fully Licensed Freehold Property.
“THE COACH AND HORSES”
PUBLIC HOUSE, HILSEA, PORTSMOUTH.
Remarkably well situated on the main London-road, at its junction with Horsea-lane, close to Hilsea Barracks, as shown on the plan attached to the particulars, being the first licensed property on entering the Borough.
The Premises, which are substantially erected, with slated roof and stucco front and slated verandah, have the following accommodation:—Excellent drained cellar, bar parlour, three- division public and private bars, club-room, china closet, coal store, sitting-room, scullery, wine cupboard under the stairs, drawing-room, five bedrooms, box-room, and w.c. Adjoining there is a Building of two floors containing store and two rooms.
The Stabling, which is modern and well-built of bricks, with slated roof, contains five stalls, paved with blue Staffordshire bricks, and coach-house. There are two outside w.c.’s and a urinal. Gas and water are laid on, and there is a nice garden well stocked with fruit trees.
This Lot has a frontage to London-road of about 165ft. and a return frontage to Horses-lane of about 175ft 3in., the whole being let to Sir Wm. Thos. Dupree, together with the land comprised in Lot 2, for the remainder of the term of 21 years, expiring on the 29th September, 1907, at the yearly rent of £125.
Lot 2.—The Block of FREEHOLD LAND adjoining Lot 1, and having a frontage to the main London Road of about 83ft., a width in the rear of about 118ft., and an extreme depth of about 90ft.
Full particulars and conditions of Sale, together with plans, may be obtained of the Auctioneers, 57, Commercial-road, Portsmouth; or of Mr. W. H. Klwell, Land Agent to the War Department, War Office, Whitehall, S.W., and Maxwell House, Arundel-street, Strand, London, W.C.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 08 June, 1907
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The same notice, with very minor textual differences (eg “5” for “five”) also appears in the Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 06 July, 1907
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“COACH AND HORSES” SOLD.
BREWERY CO.‘S £9,500 PURCHASE.
WAR DEPARTMENT AS VENDORS.
By command of the Secretary of State for War, the “Coach and Horses” publichouse, Hilsea, was on Thursday afternoon offered for sale by public auction, and, after spirited bidding, was purchased on behalf of the Portsmouth United Breweries Co. for £9,500.
The auctioneers were Messrs. Hall, Pain, and Goldsmith, and the sale took place at their rooms, 57, Commercial-road, Portsmouth. It was explained that the fully licensed premises on offer were freehold and were War Department property, the Portsmouth United Breweries Co., holding the license on a lease. The auctioneers dilated upon the value of the property, and the growth of the district as a residential suburb of Portsmouth, and upon the fact that there was no public-house within half a mile of the “Coach and Horses.” The premises were situated on the only main road out of Portsmouth, and the house was the first hostelry met on entering the town and the last on leaving. In addition to being on the main road, the premises were also at the junction with Horsea-lane, giving direct access to the alternative main thoroughfare to the eastern side of Portsea Island.
The property has a frontage to the London-road of about 178ft. 8in., and a return frontage to Horsea-lane of about 175ft. 3in. It was pointed out that the premises were admirably fitted up for the purposes of a licensed house, and that the outbuildings included a slated cottage and a five-stall stable. To the main building was attached a pleasant verandah, a public drinking trough for cattle, and a garden well stocked with fruit trees. The Land-tax had been redeemed, but there was a tithe-rent charge of 1s. 6d., payable to the Vicar. With the exception of the “Green Posts,” there was no licensed house within a radius of three-quarters of a mile. Trams passed the door.
The bidding was quickly advanced to £8,000, and then followed a lively duel between the bidder acting on behalf of the United Breweries and another gentleman. The latter made a bid of £9,000, and the lot was then knocked down to the United Breweries Co. at £9,500.
This lot, together with the lot mentioned below, is held upon lease by Sir Wm. Thos. Dupree, for the remainder of a term of 21 years, expiring on September 29th, 1907, at the annual rental of £125. The price obtained for the house (£9,500) is stated to be more than was anticipated.
The other lot sold was a block of freehold land adjoining the “Coach and Horses,” having a frontage of about 69ft. 8in. to the main London-road, and a depth varying from 30ft. to 90ft. The land is at present used as a garden, but is ripe for building purposes. It was sold for £500 to another purchaser.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 20 July, 1907
1908, Hilsea moat mystery
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This is a terrible scan. I attached it and transcribed what I can. I think the dead man’s name is probably Blake.
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HILSEA MOAT MYSTERY.
MUTINY VETERAN’S DEATH.
IMMERSION AND EXPOSURE
The circumstances […] Portsbridge on Friday morning […] by the Borough Coroner […] at the Portsmouth Town Hall this afternoon.
Henry James […] a constable in the Portsmouth Police Force said that he identified the body as that of his father, James […] who was an Indian Mutiny Veteran, and in receipt of a pension […] Deceased was quite blind in one eye.
Other of the deceased’s sons gave evidence that their father stopped with […]
On Wednesday […] deceased went to the home of a Mrs […] where some time ago he lodged for a fortnight, and asked if she could put him up. He stopped there until Thursday […] when he said that he was […] had all been very good to him.
Mr. John Hodge, the landlord of the “Coach and Horses” public-house, Hilsea, said that on Thursday the 9th inst., at about 6.45 p.m., the deceased came to his house, and after purchasing some whiskey, left saying that he was going to Cosham.
James […], caretaker of the Hilsea Lines, described how he discovered the body, which was lying […] yards from the water on the Portsmouth side of the moat, and on the left side of the main road. From the position of the body and the fact that the clothing was damp, the witness […] that deceased must have fallen into the water and clambered out again. One of the piles which were placed in the bank of the moat had been pulled down. The deceased would have had […] but there was a gate fifty yards from where the body was found, through which he might have entered.
The police were called to the spot, and P. C. Band telephoned to the Kingston Cross police station, and Mr. Andrews, undertaker, was asked to convey the body to the mortuary.
Mr. […] Maybury attributed the death to partial immersion in the water and subsequent exposure.
A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 13 January 1908
1908, The sale of the Coach and Horses
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THE SALE OF THE “COACH AND HORSES.”
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE “EVENING NEWS.“]
Sir,—Sir W. T. Dupree was not compelled to give £10,000 for the “Coach and Horses,” either by a supposed reserve or alleged bogus bids. He gave this sum simply because he wished to acquire the licensed property. But he knew, as everybody knew, that the Government was pledged to a bill imposing a time limit (Lord Peel’s Commission suggested seven years, whereas fourteen are given under the Bill), and therefore must have known the purchase to be speculative.
I should like to ask one question. Sir W. T. Dupree says, “I have had this property valued” (minus the licence), the valuation “giving an average of £2,150 as the value of the whole of the land with the bricks and mortar.” Will Sir W. T. Dupree tell us the value of the property plus the licence, knowing, as he does, that he is certain of the licence for fourteen years, or of compensation if cancelled within that time. More than that, is there a reasonable probability of losing the licence even after fourteen years, taking into consideration the situation of the house?
Yours faithfully,
A. F. AVENS.
41, Britannia-road,
Southsea.— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 14 March 1908
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING POST
SIR,—I and other Members of Parliament received a circular dated March 12 and signed “W. T. Dupree,” in which the following statement was made with regard to the Coach and Horses at Hilsea:
“I have had this property valued (minus the licence) by three of the principal firms of valuers in Portsmouth, with the following results: Messrs. Hall, Pain, and Goldsmith (the Government agents who sold the property), £2,500; Messrs. King and King, £1,950; and Messrs. Low and Cooper, £2,000; giving an average of £2,150as the value of the whole of the land with the bricks and mortar. In the common division of brewery holdings—one-third Ordinary Shares, one-third Preference Shares, and one-third Debenture Stock—the investment work work out as follows: £3,333 6s. 8d. Ordinary Shares, £3,333 6s. 8d. Preference Shares, and £3,333 6s. 8d. Debenture Stock. With a time limit as proposed in the Government Bill the whole of the Ordinary Shares would disappear, the whole of the Preference Shares would disappear, and, accepting the mean valuation of the figure quoted, £1,183 6s. 8d. belonging to the Mortgage Debenture Stock holders would also be lost.”
It will be observed that Mr. Dupree, of the Portsmouth United Breweries (Limited) represents the value of this house as having been reduced to £2,150. I know nothing of the Coach and Horses, but the following telegram was sent on my behalf, reply paid, at one o’clock on Monday to the Portsmouth United Breweries, Portsmouth:
“At what price would you sell the Coach and Horses and plot of land at Hilsea for? We have a client ready to offer £4,400 for prompt acceptance.”
No reply has been received to this telegram and my offer has, therefore, not received “prompt acceptance,” although it amounted to more than double the sum to which the value was said to have been reduced. This makes an interesting warning as to trade figures during such a campaign.
I many mention that what emboldened me to make this offer was my experience during the agitation of the trade which culminated in the Act of 1904. The cases of individual hardship which were at that time put forward with the greatest authority where the two which were cited by Sir Ralph Littler in an appeal which reached all Members of Parliament, and the two which were put forward by the leader of the trade deputation which waited upon Mr. Balfour. After an investigation into these cases, in which I was assisted by the Church of England Temperance Society, I offered to give £100 to any charity connected with the trade if either those cited by Sir Ralph Littler or those of the trade deputation were decided to be approximately correct by and judge of the High Court, after hearing at statement on each side.—Yours, &c.,
A. CAMERON CORBETT.
— Morning Post, Friday 20 March 1908
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SPEECH BY SIR WM. DUPREE.
MORE ABOUT THE “COACH AND HORSES.”
Sir William T. Dupree on Wednesday evening spoke at some length at a Conservative meeting in the Fratton-street Council School upon the Licensing Bill.
He observed at the outset that brewery and public-house investments had always been regarded as legitimate. In respect to the recent purchase of the “Coach and Horses,” at Hilsea, he had received letters asserting that he was supposed to have given as much for the licence, but he went on to observe that even at the price he paid a return of 3½ per cent. was assured, and surely that was a fair rate for a sound security considering the returns now made upon gilt-edged investments. Sir William, proceeding, pointed out what trouble would be to railway shareholders if railway debentures based on a 14-year time-limit, and referred to Mr. Balfour’s late statement that Sir William ought to have known that a purchase of Bills as involving the principle of a time-limit was abandoned. Well, he (Sir William) pointed out, as evidence of the insecurity of the Bill from a financial standpoint, what was going to happen on the Stock Exchange to-morrow, and all the Liberal and Labour Members of Parliament he (the speaker) had met had stated that they would have been quite as satisfied to have been able to purchase a house like his (Sir William’s) under a Bill such as the Licensing Bill was going to contain.
BREWERY SHARES SAFE.
Brewery investments had always been looked upon as safe, and his little savings from his salary he had from time to time put into investments of this nature. Many men had taken their hard-earned savings and put them into what they considered safe securities, but at the end of fourteen years their capital was to disappear. (Shame.) From the 3½ per cent. shares it was quite impossible to set up an adequate sinking fund. Sir William proceeded
to point out that his purchase of tithe was based on a year’s lease, and yet that if he had met a man from the backyard during the evening as an ardent alter 15 years arrived with a pension of sixpence a day. (Shame.) Would the Government were only adopting a one year’s continuation. Shame. With the Government it seemed to be a case of “head I win; tails you lose.” (Hear, hear.) At least that was how they were treating the Trade to which Sir William belonged. The reduction of beer was an innocent luxury, and statistics proved that the greatest output corresponded with the period of the country’s greatest prosperity, and in all countries but England the sale of beer was encouraged, the English spirit being discouraged.
THE IRISH ATTITUDE.
Sir William proceeded to wonder why Ireland was not included in the scope of the measure, and stated that he had been informed that the Irish party, though individually greatly interested as a Trade, had decided to abstain from voting on the Bill in view of the fact that there was no reduction of Irish Licences. The Licensing Bill, he declared, was one for the confiscation of real property, and regarding the nature of the source of taxation, Sir William stated that he knew very well from his visits to the source that the presence of Government’s own valuation in the Licence was as a matter of fact so little marked a sum. Mr. Liddell offered striking confirmation upon this point. In concluding, Sir William observed that he was certain that Irish landlords would not allow themselves to be influenced.
“LIKE AN EEL SKINNED ALIVE.”
Mr. Liddell made a bright, spirited speech upon the Bill. It was said of the Licensing Trade that it was always “interested” in its action, but surely an eel about to be skinned alive was entitled to be interested in its future. (Laughter and hear, hear.) The speaker maintained that the increasing sobriety of the nation; the insufficient powers given to the 1904 Act—an Act accepted by the Trade on an equitable and sincere basis—was a reason for bringing such a drastic Bill, with damaging arguments against the Government, and he reminded his audience of this liberal abuse over the Local Veto Bill 15 years. There could be no doubt that by causing licences in general, if not in particular, to become forms of private property, and the expenditure upon renewal was one of the many difficulties upon manufacturing establishments. As stated, the Bill had assessed and taxed the property as such. Mr. H. Haldane’s reference had been that W. T. Dupree was “Coach and Horses,” and Mr. Haldane had yet to wriggle or rather continue to endeavour to wriggle out of the hornets’ stinging criticisms upon which Sir William had thrice bitten. (Hear, hear and laughter.)
Mr. Liddell proceeded to point out that the Bill, with gross unfairness, included in the claims those whose sole conduct the presence of the publican’s goodwill which appeared to be included in the tenure and tenant, and, after examining these three sections of the Bill, considered it would be impossible for its strict laws. And Mr. Asquith was practically saying that under the new Bill the publican would not only have to provide a large license of £15,000, but that he was also a huge dealer of it in future.
IN FAVOUR OF THE BILL.
GOSPEL TEMPERANCE UNION.
Under the auspices of the Gospel Temperance Union a large meeting was held in the Ebenezer Lecture Hall on Wednesday evening, the President, Rev. John Kemp, being in the chair. The Chairman congratulated the meeting upon the fact that the Church of England Temperance Society had declared itself in favour of the Licensing Bill.
The principal speaker, the Rev. J. J. Cornish, gave an exposition of the Bill, and answered questions. Upon the motion of the Rev. W. F. Newham, seconded by Mr. Henry Smith, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:—“We most heartily thank Mr. Asquith and H.M. Government for the Licensing Bill recently introduced into Parliament, which, with satisfaction the 14 years’ time limit, and the right of local veto for the issue of new licences provided further that this control should be placed upon the Statute Book, and some 14 years of age be allowed to enter any licensed premises, and we urge that the Bill may be passed into law at the earliest possible date.”
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 21 March 1908
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Letters to the Editor.
We are not responsible for opinions expressed by writers under this heading.
THE LICENSING BILL.
Greenrock, 21st March 1908.
Sir,—Are our temperance friends going to do anything to show their appreciation of the present Licensing Bill recently introduced into Parliament by Mr Asquith? The Trade all over the country is beating the big drum in opposition to it. Surely temperance people ought to show their interest in the matter. If we are in earnest, we should show our feelings by petitions or any other way as advised. Every organisation ought to be active and at once show that the country is in earnest in this great reform. Trusting that immediate action will be taken by all reformers.—I am, yours, etc.,
Forward.
LICENSING BILL.
Temperance Institute, Greenock, 21st March 1908.
Sir,—As you gave the fullest publicity in your columns to a letter from Sir William Dupree a few days ago re the sale of the Coach and Horses, a public-house in Portsmouth, it seems only just to your readers to hear the other side, and I enclose a letter, copied from a contemporary, from Earl Russell, which, as it is not nearly as long as Sir William’s, I trust you will publish it in full.—I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William D. Thomson.
57 Gordon Square, W.C.,
March 17, 1908.
Earl Russell has written the following letter to Sir William Dupree with reference to the sale of the public-house the Coach and Horses, at Hilsea, Portsmouth, a question explained by Mr Haldane in the House of Commons on Monday:—
“Earl Russell is in receipt of a statement from Sir William Dupree concerning the purchase of the Coach and Horses public-house at Hilsea, near Portsmouth. Earl Russell regrets that this document has not had the effect on his mind which it was evidently intended to have. He gathers that a brewery company willingly and voluntarily, and only on the purchaser’s urgent advice, put £10,000 into property worth £1750, the difference in value being accounted for by the prospect that the right to make indecent profits on the sale of liquor must be uniformly large if in one public-house they are considered adequate to pay interest on £8250.
Sir William Dupree further seems to be under the impression that he has suffered some injustice, or, as he says, been “robbed” by the introduction of a Licensing Bill. Compulsory reduction of licences with compensation became law in 1904. Had Sir William Dupree must have been the only inhabitant of these islands who was not aware that the present Government were pledged to extend that system and to introduce a time limit. This knowledge was not, as he suggests, confined to the Cabinet.
The conclusion of the whole matter appears to Earl Russell to be that Sir William Dupree has trafficked with the enormous profits of a business that causes more poverty and crime than any other in this country, and that the windfall that appears likely to be an unfortunate one.”
— Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Monday 23 March 1908
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THE SALE OF WAR OFFICE LICENSED PROPERTY AT HILSEA.
The sale of the Coach and Horses Inn, Hilsea, was the subject of several questions in the House of Commons on Monday.
Mr. Bottomley asked the Prime Minister whether he was aware that the Coach and Horses Inn at Hilsea, Portsmouth, was recently sold by the War Office for the sum of £10,000 shortly before the introduction of the Licensing Bill, and that the purchaser complained that had he been aware of the intention of the Government to attach a time-limit of fourteen years to all licences he would not have purchased the property at the price he paid, and that the profits of the inn were inadequate to enable him during the contemplated time-limit to provide the necessary sinking fund for the redemption of his licence; and whether, in these circumstances, the Government would consider the justice of either annulling the contract for the sale or returning a substantial portion of the purchase price.
Mr. Haldane, who replied, said: No such complaint has reached the War Office, and I am unable to give any explanation further than that already afforded in reply to previous questions on the subject. The Government do not propose to annul the contract.
Mr. Remnant: Before the Government fixed a reserve price in this case, had its own valuer placed the value of the licence of this house at £7,500?
Mr. Bottomley: Before he concluded the sale of this property, was the right hon. gentleman personally acquainted with the terms of the Licensing Bill?
Mr. Haldane: The property was put up in the ordinary course. It was well known to the public that the Government proposed to deal with the whole question of licensing (Ministerial cheers).
Mr. J. Ward: Is it usual for purchasers of Government property under the War Office when they make a bad bargain to expect compensation? (Ministerial cheers).
Mr. Lyttelton: Does the right hon. gentleman think that the intention of the Government to impose a time-limit should have had a material effect in this transaction, and that its failure to disclose this fact was not a material omission; and whether, under the circumstances, the right hon. gentleman considers it fair that the War Office should retain the whole of the purchase money, while it is quite clear that the purchaser *cries of “Speech,” and “Order.“)
Mr. Haldane: I have already said that no complaint has reached the War Office from the purchaser, and if there had been any complaint he would have found it very difficult to formulate it in any intelligible language (Opposition
laughter and Ministerial cheers).Mr. Bottomley: Has not the right hon. gentleman, in common with other members of the House, received a printed complaint from the purchaser?
Mr. Haldane: I have received an immense mass of printed matter about the Licensing Bill, but none from this purchaser.
Mr. Lupton: Has the purchaser definitely asked to be relieved of his bargain?
Mr. Haldane: Not that I am aware of.
— Hampshire Chronicle, Saturday 28 March 1908
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> LICENSING QUESTION AND REPLY.
To the Editor of the SHEPTON MALLET JOURNAL AND CITY OF WELLS REPORTER._
DEAR SIR,—I accept the challenge which you published in last week’s Journal. Your correspondents (for the Licensed Victuallers’ agent’s glove covers more than one hand), state that the purchaser of the “Coach and Horses” at Hilsea for £10,000 was defrauded by the Government of £7,500; because that house, after the introduction of the Licensing Bill would only be worth £2,500.
Now, Sir William Dupree, who bought the house declares that:—“I have no grievance over the purchase of the house,” and he has refused to name any price at which he will sell it.
Again, not only up to 1904, but up to last Friday, April the 10th, 1908, as the law now stands, a license is the personal holder of the license, his name is commonly painted over the door, and at the latter date, by a decision at the Clerkenwell sessions:—The renewal of the license of the “Three Colts” public house, rated to be worth £13,500, was refused without compensation, because the holder of the license did not reside on the premises, had no real business there, and only casually visited the house.
Finally, in the alleged case of the death duties being overcharged on £850, instead of £750,—the sum paid would have been refunded upon the production of proof of over-payment. The childish repetition of the charges made in your columns on the 27th March can be confuted by anyone who compares my published letters to you with the distorted version of them in the letters you published over the signatures “G.” and “A. J. Harris.”
I claim that the statements I have made are reasonably confirmed by the above facts.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN HIGGINS.Pylle, Somerset, 13/4/1908.
— Shepton Mallet Journal, Friday 17 April, 1908
1908 Pink’s Pictorial
Todo
Track it down, because it might contain a new image of the Coach and Horses
There’s at least one copy of this extant, in a library somewhere, because I’ve spoken to a historian who has used it as a source.
Quote
“PINK’S PICTORIAL”
“What do you think of Pink’s Pictorial?” asks the Editor of the new illustrated monthly magazine. We reply that it is a very creditable performance and a welcome addition to the local literature. It invades no one’s field, and yet covers much ground of interest to the antiquarian, the historian, and the general student of men and things. In this number the first of a series of illustrated articles upon “Celebrated neighbours” is devoted to Mr. W. L. Wyllie, R.A., there is a description of Cosham Fair, Government House, Portsmouth is pictured and described, the now more than ever famous “Coach and Horses” is shown, and the story of its sale retold, and a right of way grievance at Hayling Island is pictorially represented. For frontispiece there is an excellent portrait of the new Commander-in-Chief.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 10 April, 1908
1908 Barmaid job wanted
Quote
WANTED, a Situation as a Barmaid; good references, country preferred.—Direct Coach and Horses, Hilsea, Cosham, Hants. Telephone, 8 Cosham
— Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 16 June, 1908
Note
A telephone number… 8!
1906, Planning permission
Todo
Proofread below
> ALTERATIONS OF PUBLIC HOUSES.
Plans were presented by Mr. E. C. Hand, on behalf of Messrs. Nalder and Collyer, of Croydon, for alterations to the St. George’s Commercial Hotel, St. George’s square, it being desired to put the bar back a few feet.
Mr. A. E. Cogswell then submitted a series of three plans. The first two were in respect to the Western public-houses, St. James’-street, Portsea, and the Mile End Tavern, Commercial-road, Messrs. Pike, Spicer, and Co., being the owners, In regard to the Western it is proposed to make the present addition into a smoking-room and turn the smoking-room into a saloon-bar, two internal doors, previously screwed up, being opened. At the Mile End Tavern the front of the house is to be improved by the use of tiling and different wood.
With respect to the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, owners the Portsmouth United Breweries, Mr. Cogswell said there was a large room adjacent to the bar, and it was proposed to throw it into the bar and form, in accordance with the practice of this firm, one large bar with nests of seats.
Mr. Grigsby: You do not propose to do anything to destroy its historic interest?—(A laugh.)—Mr. Cogswell: No, sir. We also ask to extend the verandah round the whole extent of the house.
All four plans were passed.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 11 November 1908
1908 Coach and Horses mural
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Proofread below
Quote
Hampshire has played a somewhat prominent part in the matter of the Licensing Bill. In the early history of that measure the “Coach and Horses” at Hilsea won fame, and is so proud of its noteriety that a celebrated cartoon has been adopted as the sign of the house. Yesterday Hampshire was doubly represented, for in the House of Commons Mr. Carell Sclater, K.C., the Unionist member for the Basingstoke Division, was the mover of the rejection of the measure; and an hour or two later the mover of the first reading in the House of Lords was Lord Emiley, a wellknown Hampshire Liberal leader, better remembered, perhaps, as Mr. Shaw-Lefevre.
1910 The Dog’s Hind Leg
Todo
Proofread below (there’s a lot of hallucination here).
> COPNOR ROAD.
PROGRESS OF THE IMPROVEMENTS
50 FEET MOTOR WAY TO SOUTHSEA.
The Portsmouth unemployed are now actively engaged in creating out of the Hilsea-Copnor country lane a fine 50ft. motor approach to Southsea. In parts the lane was only 15 feet wide; in other parts it pressed close together two right-angle turnings suggestive of a dog’s hind leg; while in others there were kinks which made it very pretty to the view but bad for main-road traffic.
The enterprise upon which the unemployed are working creditably completes an important improvement, namely, the formation of a 50ft road all the way from Hilsea Barracks to the main London-road at the “Coach and Horses.” Bit by bit the idea has been carried out, and though “bottle-necks” still remain, they are but a mile or two in length. Shortly the public service owners will display that public spirit which will enable even the few to be eliminated.
In order to attract motorists off the main tram road as they enter the town, and so give relief to the present congestion of traffic at week-ends and at holiday times, the entrance at the “Coach and Horses” has been made bell-mouthed, the extreme width measured from the drinking trough parallel to the tram track being one hundred feet. The dangerous corner with the quickest hedge on the north, the scene of many an accident, has gone. So has the subsequent 15ft. road, and the new thoroughfare stretches away before the eye to the copse in which the Garrison Church is hidden away, reaching it by an easy curve which is almost unnoticeable as you pass along; or, rather, which will be, for the work at the curve is still in progress, and, by the way, the mud is truly awful.
THE DOG’S HIND LEG.
It is at this point that the “dog’s hind leg” years ago grew into being. The now fast-disappearing Hilsea-Copnor-road at this point was in olden days merely two country lanes, running roughly north-west and south-east at different parallels out of the old London-road. This old London-road ran from Cosham to Portsmouth practically in a bee-line, but at the point where it crossed over the main road the Lines defended made a diversion in the form of an irregular hour, and this how is the present main road. All that now remains of the ancient London-road out of Portsmouth is the cul-de-sac running straight ahead and away from the main road north of the R.F.A. Barracks, ending in fields alongside Major Hume’s house—the house hidden away to the north of the Garrison Church; and the corresponding cul-de-sac south of Cosham railway gates, at the point where the tram road turns sharp to the south-west.
The straightening-out of this “dog’s hind leg” has been a somewhat costly matter, for in the hind leg lies one of the Water Company’s big mains, and this has necessitated the laying of new pipes in the new road. In all parts the widening process has necessitated the cutting away of one or both hedges, and unfortunately it has also been necessary to cut down six big trees, in addition to a large number of smaller ones, and the observer is bound to confess that what the road will gain in usefulness it will lose, for years at least, in beauty, since the old road was certainly picturesque. New wooden fences, straight runs, and cutaway banks are not a charming substitute for a winding road meandering between hedges and trees.
OLD POND DISAPPEARING.
The well-remembered pond has already been practically filled up, but most of the earth dug away from the banks to widen the road has been used to fill up natural dips and hollows which occurred here and there in the old road, and to fill in the ditches, which have been piped. In some places a give-and-take line has been arranged with the War Department, in others the widening is as much as 10 to 50 feet, until at length Gasworks-lane is reached, which is the limit of the present enterprise, and is in itself the completion of the much larger undertaking involved in the creation of the 50-feet Eastern-Hilsea motor road out of a narrow country lane.
The Borough Engineer (Mr. P. Murch) naturally regards the virtual completion of the scheme with pride. The final objective has always been kept steadily in view, as, for instance, in the building of Copnor-road Bridge and the setting out of the straight road from the Bridge to Milton, to take the place eventually of the present curve in the main road. Many landowners have very fairly, and often generously, met the Corporation. Mr. F. M. Aylen, for instance, gave up a big piece of land from Bursledon-road right to Gas Works-lane, and Win-… Gas Works-lane, and Winchcombe-road; and other portions were acquired from Mr. Stebbing and others. To Mr. Aylen, in particular, too much praise cannot be given, for without his public-spirited action the fine curve at present in process of construction would not have been possible.
OLD ROAD DISAPPEARING.
But the new roadway, the new idea, the new standard, has practically wiped out the old road, the old way of doing things, and the old standard of Portsmouth thoroughfares. Not only has the road been made 50 feet wide, but it has been brought up to modern ideas in every way, and one is bound to confess that, in its way, the new road is very fine. For though it lacks the picturesque beauty of the old road, it has, on the other hand, to make up for that, an air of usefulness and dignity which cannot but appeal to those who have to make use of it. The old road was not good for motor traffic, and that the new road will be.
The new road, too, gives a much better idea of the space and extent of the surrounding country, and in spite of the removal of the trees, one gets a much better idea of the lay of the land and the general configuration of the district. There are those who regret that the old road has been done away with, but, as the “Copnor Courier” says, “after all, we live in a changing world, and we cannot afford to keep the old landmarks just because they are old.” The new road is a great improvement, and the sooner it is completed the better.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 19 February 1910 source
1912 Boy scouts
Todo
proofread below (there’s a lot of hallucination here).
> A FIELD DAY IN THE TOWN.
The following rules have been drawn up for the field day in Portsmouth to-morrow:—
- Motorists and cyclists to meet at the Town Hall-square at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10th.
- All to wear a distinguishing white armlet. All Scout cyclists will be attached to the B.S.A.A. and also meet at the Town Hall-square.
- Scouts will assemble at the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, at 2.45. The object of the Scouts is to get as near as possible to the top of Palmerston-road, Southsea. Scouts will work in patrols of eight as far as may be. They may not go through any street blocked by a defender. They must turn back and try another street.
- No defender may pass Scouts from the rear. Should he by accident find himself in rear of Scouts he must work round till he discovers a clear route to get in front of them again. This rule must be strictly observed.
- Should the Scouts get as far as the semi-circle made by the railway the proceedings will be considered a draw; beyond that, a Scout victory.
- At 4.15 every patrol leader is to make a note of his position, and Scouts will mass at the following places, where cyclists will meet them to obtain reports:—Lion-terrace; Fratton Station (and Fratton Bridge); top of Palmerston-road, Common.
- The motorists and bicyclists will meet at 4.30 outside the “Parade” Hotel, Southsea Common.
- No Scouts may use vehicles of any kind. The motorists and cyclists aide may be on foot if they like.
- Spies allowed both sides. All “punctures” to vehicles to last 15 minutes.
PORTSMOUTH BOY SCOUTS.
District Orders by District Scoutmaster
W. S. Kerwood.
Saturday, 10th Feb., 1912.
- Field Day.—The troops of the district will parade at the “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, at 2.15 p.m., to take part in the monthly field day to-day (Saturday, 10th inst.). S.M. Prichard will be in command, and detailed instructions will be issued at the rendezvous.
- Test Certificate.—The examiners have certified that Leader N. Galpin, 191st Troop, has satisfactorily passed the first class test, to date 6th January.
GEO. BRYAN, W.S.M.,
Dist. Adjutant P.B.S.— Hampshire Telegraph, Friday 09 February 1912 source
Note
I can’t help wondering, when reading this, how many of these kids ended up dead in the mud a couple of years later.
1912 Portsmouth Cut Off
Todo
Proofread below.
Quote
PORTSMOUTH CUT OFF.
EXPERIENCE AT HILSEA.
TRAMS AND MOTORS HELD UP.
The exciting incidents of Boxing Day will indelibly imprint the recollection of Christmas, 1912, upon the memory of Cosham and Hilsea residents. There is no record in living memory, nor, so far as can be ascertained in the pages of the local history, of such a remarkably flood as that which formed so effectual a bar over the only road out of the borough as to practically isolate Portsmouth from the mainland.
When the gale was at its height the water running through Port Creek overflowed the bank and flowed up-hill to the slope of the Ports Bridge approach; it became locked in the hollow under the Arch, reaching a depth of 5ft., and extending from the Ports Bridge to beyond the Coach and Horses on the Portsmouth side, while on the Cosham side of the bridge there were also extensive floods.
The last tram ran through the flood a little before one o’clock, and one which happened then to be on the Cosham side was forced to remain there all night, the tram-men having to return to Portsmouth by train. For some time the water was so deep that only high horsed vehicles could pass through, and even they sometimes hesitated, as the water came up to the tracets, and in several instances flooded the bottoms of the cars.
This morning there was still a couple of feet of water at the deepest part, and at nine o’clock there were three motor vehicles, which had attempted to get through, helpless, with exhausted engines and blocked pipes, being hauled back clear of the flood. With this prospect before it, it was at nine o’clock that the tram service was resumed. Up to 12 o’clock it was still impossible for the trams to pass along. The Coach and Horses, which it will be recalled, is situated on a considerably higher level than the roadway, had its cellars flooded to a depth of about 3ft.
The surrounding fields, one of which has lately been planted for market gardening, were flooded, and much damage was occasioned.
SHEEP DROWNED.
An unfortunate incident of the flood at Hilsea is the loss by drowning of a number of sheep belonging to Mr. George Mills, the well-known cattle dealer. About a hundred sheep were penned in hurdles on the Grammar School ground, and though the majority of them have been recovered, it is certain that a number have perished in the floods.
It appears that the sheep were close to the spot where the bank gave way and allowed the water to break through, and they were scattered by the inflowing current. Some of them were later found drowned, but others of the flock lot must have met the same fate.
Over a hundred acres of grass land in the vicinity of the Farlington Racecourse are inundated with water, and immense damage done to the grazing land. Fortunately no cattle appear to have suffered. All along the shore by the racecourse the bank was much damaged, and 40 or 50 men were this morning engaged in making good the damage. The occupants of a cottage on the Hilsea Grammar School ground were completely flooded out.
FIRE BRIGADE AT WORK.
In order to turn the water back into its native channels, and as a necessary precaution against the effects of stagnation, a contingent of the Portsmouth Fire Brigade proceeded to Hilsea in the early hours this morning, and engaged in the novel and interesting work of dealing with the floods.
The effect was slow, but satisfactory.
IN THE OLD TOWN.
VICTORIA PIER AND SALLY PORT WRECKED,
“I have known Portsmouth for the last fifty years, and I do not remember such a high tide with such a gale of wind, or such floodings as we had on Thursday,” said Mr. Crafts, the coxswain of the Southsea lifeboat, to a “News” representative this morning, when discussing the gale and the havoc it had caused. The appearance of Broad-street, Bath-square, East-street, the Victoria Pier, etc., fully justified his assertion.
Victoria Pier is almost a wreck. Large portions of the decking had been forced up, the landing stage at the Pier head carried right away, and the overhead structure, with its iron girders, etc., at the entrance to the Pier proper, were completely demolished.
The Sally Port, that historical spot where Lord Nelson and so many other Naval heroes embarked or landed, is no more—that is, so far as the wooden platform and steps are concerned.
BROAD STREET A RIVER.
The gale was at its height between twelve and two. In Broad-street the water was in some parts from three to four feet high, and it made its way up High-street to beyond the Soldiers’ Institute. East-street and White Hart-row were full of water, and the sea washing over into Bath-square poured through the narrow roads into Broad-street like some wild mountain torrent. The beams from the broken Pier structure and Sally Port were floating about in the water in Broad-street. At the King’s Bastion great seas broke over the wall, and dense masses of foam obscured the houses in Battery-row and were blown over the houses and so up the High-street. Necessarily, all the houses in Broad-street and East-street were flooded, and the water rose sufficiently high in some of the ground floor rooms to put out the fires.
Heavy watermen’s wherries and other boats were used to take people from their houses in Broad-street to where they could “wade up the High-street,” in order to catch a tramcar. As indicating the height of the water it may be mentioned that the deep moat in front of the ramparts was so full at one time that there was every prospect of its overflowing into the Pembroke Gardens, while big wherries, drawing two and a half feet of water were floated from the Camber right over on to the Quay. The Floating Bridge Pier was slightly damaged.
At the “Star and Garter” Hotel, Broad-street, Mr. Browne, the manager, informed the “News” representative that the water began to flow across the road at about a quarter to twelve, and the ground floors of the hotel were soon flooded. In the bar and other rooms there was close on three feet of water, the heavy chairs being almost afloat. At previous high tide floods there has never been more than eight or nine inches of water. A massive landing stage at the back of the hotel, from the Camber, was completely wrecked, and the fire in one of the sitting-rooms put out by the rising water.
A HOUSE WRECKED.
Mr. Feltham, the well-known boat-builder, of Bath-square, had an unenviable experience. The back of his premises, which looks out on to the entrance to the harbour, rested on a very massive concrete wall. This wall has been completely demolished, and the back of the premises smashed in, a sitting-room being completely destroyed, while two large boats were carried away and probably smashed. The house was flooded all through, and Mrs. Feltham had to be carried out of it to one of the other houses, for safety. The back of Mr. Feltham’s house is now gradually sinking, so that it will be necessary for him to move out of it at once.
HIGHEST TIDE FOR 23 YEARS.
Mr. H. Bailey, chemist, of Broad-street, said the tide had not risen so high for 23 years, and then, although it was very high and flooded the houses, it did no other damage, but on Boxing Day his shop and ground floor rooms were flooded. It was custom at all such high tides to place “tide-boards” at the doorways, but the water flowed over them. There was quite six inches of water in his shop.
WEDDING PARTY EXPERIENCE.
A wedding party had a novel experience. The bride was residing with her married sister, at a house in Broad-street, to which there was a back entrance from a road near Bath-square. At the time fixed for leaving for St. Thomas’s Church, the ground floor room had been flooded, and the furniture was all afloat. Nothing daunted, though, willing helpers carried the young lady from the back of the house down a side road to where the landau was awaiting her in shallow water. The wedding guests found their way to the carriages in similar manner. By the time they had returned the water had began to recede, and the wedding party were, after all, enabled to have a pleasant gathering and wish the young couple every happiness.
No damage was done to the shipping in the Camber.
AT SOUTHSEA.
Most of Southsea Common this morning presented the appearance of a vast lake, while the esplanade was covered with shingle and seaweed. On the Clarence Esplanade Pier some of the deck boards were forced up and seat stanchions had been carried away, but otherwise the Pier was not much damaged.
The tramcars from the Town Hall to Osborne-road or the Pier could not get beyond the “Pier” Hotel, passengers having to walk round to another waiting car “beyond the flood.”
RUDMORE RESIDENTS’ PLIGHT.
At the other end of the town Rudmore-passage was the scene of much excitement. The water from the wharf overflowed the steps, flooding most of the houses, getting beneath some of the floorboards and forcing them up as the floods rose. The houses near the water had the ground-floors inundated to a depth of 2ft. or 3ft., in several instances level with the top of the fireplace. The occupants, shoeless and stockingless, endeavoured with buckets to stem the flowing tide, but finding it impossible to cope with the rush of water betook themselves to the floor above to await the turn of the tide.
The “Ship and Castle” public-house was flooded, and some excitement was occasioned in chasing many large rats driven from the quay.
The men were carrying the womenfolk from house to house.
IN THE DISTRICT.
A 40 YEARS’ RECORD AT PORTCHESTER.
In recent years there have been occasional “cloud bursts” at Portchester (writes our correspondent), but it is nearly forty years since an overflow of the sea by the mile sea-bank as that of yesterday afternoon.
Between one and two o’clock, the tide for a great distance was a veritable cascade, and in a short time it completely deluged the whole of the land from the Castle to the county main road. The rush filled Castle-street, and swept round into the Portsmouth road, stopping traffic of every kind. Later the water had to be pumped out of one of the houses at the cross roads, and the bucket was called into requisition at others.
Several houses were cut off for hours, and passengers from the trains had to make circuitous paths to their homes. The water could only slowly subside, as there are but two sluices in the whole stretch of sea wall.
The Castle end of the village was also severely visited. A young lady gallantly endeavoured to cycle through the rising water, but failed, and getting into the flood, left her machine against a wall and proceeded by foot towards Cosham.
Two hares in a meadow in front of Mr. Curtis’s house were surrounded by water on a high piece of ground. An attempt was made to capture them, but they swam through the field and across the road and defied their pursuers. The scene from the train and hill was one not to be forgotten.
HAYLING TRAINS SUSPENDED.
The gale at Hayling Island was one of the worst experienced for many years along the front, the sea was terrific and quite denuded the beach of gravel at the Bath House and Beachland, the sea when it hit the groynes was thrown a great distance in the air. Quite a number of bathing huts were wrecked, and many more blown over. At North Hayling between the Railway Station and the bridge the sea washed away large portions of the embankment, flooding the land and main road to a considerable depth. The train could not run between midday and 4.30, but after that time the usual service was resumed. At Langstone there was an exceedingly high tide, flooding the road and houses, whilst fowls and pigs were drowned.
HOUSES WRECKED AT BOSHAM.
The gale was the worst known for a great many years at Bosham, and the damage done to property was very great, amounting probably to £800 or £1,000. Ten houses in a terrace of thirteen known as Giffard-road, near the railway station were stripped of their roofs, which were blown away in a field at noon. The hurricane was at its worst for about ten minutes and practically all the damage was done within that space of time. The occupiers fled from the houses terrified. The upper rooms were exposed to the storm, and to stay in the lower rooms was only courting further disaster. Most of the people were accommodated in some empty cottages in Williams-road, whither they were conducted as quickly as possible, and coals were provided for them by the owner, Mr. Duffield. A carpenter’s shop at Bosham, also belonging to Mr. Duffield, was split in two by the wind, and part of it was hurled against a house, which was so put out of shape by the impact that the occupier, Mrs. Howison, was advised to move out, lest the building should collapse.
EXTENSIVE EMSWORTH FLOODS.
There was an extraordinary tide accompanying the gale at Emsworth, the highest and probably the roughest ever known. The early flood gave signs to the residents near the water to prepare for an inundation. The wind increased in violence as the tide neared its full. The worst of it was felt, perhaps, at the county bridge in Queen-street, where the road is rather low-lying. Half an hour before the tide was at its full the water began to pour into the doors of the houses, and the furniture was, as much as possible, taken upstairs, where the occupants had to take refuge until the tide ebbed. It was a most uncomfortable experience. Pick-a-back rides by people living in some of the houses were obtained at a small charge, whilst after the water had subsided a little a horse and waggon conveyed travellers from one side of the bridge to another. The tide rose so high that it covered the walls each side of the bridge, and huge trunks of trees were carried high and dry as far as the path leading to Lumley. A considerable area was flooded. Motorists on the way to Portsmouth from Brighton got as far as the bridge, and had to return to Southbourne and to Havant by way of Westbourne and Denville.
LEE AND HILL HEAD.
The sea was remarkably rought at Hill Head and Lee-on-the-Solent. At the former three or four boats were smashed, a wall was blown down and an old tramcar in one of the gardens was blown right over on to its side.
At Lee a large quantity of cliff collapsed near Beachcroft.
ISLE OF WIGHT.
BOATS IN HIGH STREET, COWES.
The combination of fierce gale and extraordinarily high tide led to serious flooding in the Isle of Wight.
There was an exceptionally high tide at Cowes yesterday after the highest sea at the famous yachting port for a great many years. The Parade and Esplanade as far as “Egypt” were impassable in most places, whilst in High-street and Medina-road there were several feet of water. This, of course, caused serious flooding in many of the shops and houses, including Poole’s picture palace at the Victoria Hall, where the Boxing Day matinee had to be cancelled. The ferry was stopped for several hours, and boats were rowed in a part of the High-street.
The lower levels of East Cowes suffered similarly, and many of the occupants of the houses in High-street, Castle-street, and other parts were engaged bailing water out of their houses. Considerable damage was done.
SANDOWN ESPLANADE SEA-SWEPT.
Weather of quite an exceptional character was experienced on the east side of the Island. In the course of the morning a heavy thunderstorm accompanied a fierce gale, and with a high sea running, the scene on the coastline was magnificent.
The wind was blowing with terrific force from the south-west, and the Sandown Esplanade was cleanly swept by “white horses” riding high over the roadway. The main road near the Granite Fort was rendered impassable, and some sight-seers, over-venturesome, got thoroughly drenched.
The fishermen had an anxious morning, and sharp work was necessary in running in their boats to positions of safety. Not for some years have such heavy seas been experienced.
WESTERN WIGHT IN DARKNESS.
The telephone service was cut off at Freshwater and Ryde. The River Yar overflowed into Freshwater Gasworks, putting out the fires and filling the mains with water, leaving Western Wight in darkness last night.
For the time-honoured Boxing Day meet of the Isle of Wight Hounds at Bowcombe Down, the elements were about as wretched as possible. A fierce gale was accompanied by drenching rain and thunder and lightning, but notwithstanding this there was a large field. Hunting in such weather was impossible. A fox was unkennelled, but by this time most people had turned homewards, and thus the day’s sport abruptly terminated.
DISCOMFORT AT NEWPORT.
There was considerable flooding of the quay side stores and houses at Newport during the abnormally high tide, and damage was done to some contents and in a private house, and horses were standing in the stable in about a foot of water.
During the height of the storm the outside cavity wall of a house occupied by Mr. C. W. Cooper in South-view, Newport, was blown down, but no one was hurt.
ROUND THE COAST.
A SOUTHAMPTON STOPPAGE.
The phenomenally high tide in the Solent affected Southampton Water. For the first time on record the West Station at Southampton was seriously flooded, and incoming trains slowed down axle-deep in water.
The Corporation Electric Light Works on the Western Shore were invaded by the tide, the electric tram service was suspended for three hours, and boats were requisitioned in the streets of the low-lying quarters of the town.
“TIDAL WAVE” AT LYMINGTON.
A Lymington correspondent telegraphs: Considerable damage was caused at Lymington by a “tidal wave.”
The railway was a foot under water, shipyard and riverside stores were cut off, and poor dwellings were flooded to a depth of three feet.
DAMAGE AT “BUNGALOW TOWN.”
“Bungalow Town,” between Worthing and Shoreham, suffered much damage. The fronts of two or three of the bungalows at the Lancing end were smashed in by heavy seas.
The breach made in the protecting bank midway between Lancing and Norfolk Bridge last winter was materially widened by seas which broke through with considerable force. Sweeping across, the wild waters broke in showers of spray over the main Brighton-Worthing road, a quarter of a mile distant.
The sea also made a fresh breach in the shingle bank to the west of South Lancing, turning the low-lying land on the other side into a miniature lake and temporarily flooding another stretch of main road.
RESCUES BY LIFEBOATS.
The Mumbles lifeboat last night was called out to the schooner Alice, of Dunkirk, which had gone ashore near Swansea, and took off two of the crew. A Swansea steamer had endeavoured to liberate the Alice from her dangerous position prior to the arrival of the lifeboat, but the tow rope parted. Another rope was, however, later secured to the schooner, which, with the remainder of the crew, were brought safely into Swansea. The Alice left Swansea last Monday, but experienced heavy weather off Lundy, and had to return. The crew were in an exhausted state.
Yesterday afternoon the Tenby lifeboat went off to a French schooner lying in Caldy Roadstead and showing signals of distress. In the evening the crew of six men were landed in Tenby Harbour. The vessel was the Marie Emilie Andrea, of Lorient, bound from Cardiff with coal. A very heavy sea was running, and as she was beginning to drift the crew decided to come ashore.
STORMY CHANNEL PASSAGES.
A severe gale prevailed in the Channel yesterday, when there were also heavy rainfalls. Channel passengers had very unpleasant experiences. As an empty boat express was being backed off the Admiralty Pier extension several of the carriage windows were smashed by the heavy sea. It was impossible to deal with the passenger traffic at the Admiralty Pier under such conditions, and the boats in the remaining Continental services used the Prince of Wales Pier.
THE RIVER THAMES RISING.
Throughout the Chertsey, Egham, Sunbury, Shepperton, and Staines districts yesterday the gale was accompanied by a downpour of rain. The Thames, the Wey, and the Bourne rivers were rapidly rising, and a flood is feared. All the sluices at the weirs were open.
At Chertsey Lock the water yesterday morning was 3ft. 2in. above normal tail water and 6in. above head. Between nine o’clock and noon it had risen two inches, and the water was still rising. Much meadow land was waterlogged by the side of the Wey at Weybridge. The stream at Chertsey Weir was very little faster than in the height of summer, due to the water in this district being kept back by the flooded area at Weybridge.
At Laleham and Shepperton the river was level with the banks.
ECHOES OF THE GALE.
As a result of the gale telegraphic communication with Jersey has been interrupted.
The trawler St. Andrew was wrecked at Strathy Head, off Thurso, yesterday. The crew were saved.
Boat communication between the warships and the shore at Sheerness was stopped last night owing to the gale and the heavy seas.The White Star steamer Arabic, from Boston for Queenstown and Liverpool, experienced terrible weather in the Atlantic, and was unable to call at Queenstown to land passengers. She proceeded direct to Liverpool.
Yesterday morning two of the gaslighted buoys at the entrance to Queenstown Harbour broke adrift, and were carried out to sea. A tug was dispatched in search of the buoys, which were discovered about three miles off the coast, but the sea was too heavy to allow towing, and they had to be abandoned.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 27 December 1912 source
1913 Boy scouts
Todo
Proofread below.
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PORTSMOUTH BOY SCOUTS.
SATURDAY’S FIELD DAY.
Meet for both sides: “Coach and Horses,” Hilsea, Saturday next, March 8th. Scouts will leave the “Coach and Horses” at 2.30. Motorists and cyclists may not leave till 3 p.m., as 2.45 is ample time for B.S.A. arrivals.
Scouts will take up positions anywhere outside the semi-circle Wymering Bridge, Fort Widley, Fort Purbrook, Farlington Church. Every Scout will be worth one point, Scoutmasters ditto.
Every individual on the B.S.A.A. side will be worth ten points; their object being to carry through a number of despatches to certain places without being intercepted by a superior number of Scouts. They may go singly or in groups, but it is important to note that only one despatch may be carried by any one group, and that the number of despatches which have to be run will be one for every individual present; and that at 4.15 any despatches left at the “Coach and Horses” will be handed over to a Scoutmaster and be considered captured. Also, whenever a group starts with a despatch, the whole group must go together to the destination of the despatch. Any despatch runner may leave his machine and journey on foot, provided that he makes no attempt to conceal the white handkerchief on his arm. He may cross any road he likes, provided he does not cross the main road, which is out of bounds for both sides. Any despatch runner may drop a passenger to carry a despatch part way on foot and pick him up again further on.
The places to which despatches are to be carried are roughly in or beyond the semi-circle made by Portchester, Purbrook and Bedhampton. On arriving at his destination each despatch runner must get someone to initial his despatch, preferably at the local post office or public house. The despatch is then immune from capture. It is to be retained and given up at the “George” (top of Portsdown) to the umpire at the close of the proceedings (4.30). His runner, having delivered his despatch, should, if time admits, go back to the “Coach and Horses” for a fresh despatch.
When a despatch runner is met by a superior force of Scouts, if he sights them within ten yards, he is at liberty to turn back and try some other route. Otherwise he is to hand his despatch over to the Scouts. No concealing of despatches is allowed. He should then return to Hilsea and get a fresh despatch.
The despatches will be in sealed envelopes, which must not be opened by anyone except the umpire. They will vary in value from 0 to 50 points.
Operations will close at 4.30. No despatch not handed to the umpire at the “George” by 4.45 will be counted. Victory will go to whichever side has most points to its credit.
Spies are allowed either side, but no puncture cards.
Special note.—Should the weather be very cold or damp the scheme may be altered so that despatches are run into Southsea. The following has also been agreed to: Should it rain continuously in Portsmouth between twelve and one on the day of any field day, then the field day will be postponed to the following Saturday (March 15th, in this case).
— Hampshire Telegraph, Friday 07 March 1913 source
Note
The “play as training for war” undertones seem a lot clearer here than they were a year earlier. I have to wonder if, by this point, war was expected in a way it wasn’t in 1912.
1914, Motor mishap
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MOTOR MISHAP AT HILSEA.
Milton Lady taken to Hospital.
There was a motor car accident a little distance from the “Coach and Horses,” on the road to Cosham, this afternoon, as the result of which two ladies were thrown out, and one was rather badly cut about the face.
Mrs. Kathleen Symons and Miss Kathleen Masters, of 5, Milton-road, Portsmouth, the former 61 years of age, were being driven towards Cosham, when it is understood something went wrong with the steering gear, for the car ran into the bank by the side of the road, also coming in contact with a tramcar standard.
The police motor ambulance was summoned, and conveyed the two ladies to the Royal Portsmouth Hospital. The elder (Mrs. Symons) as stated, sustained a serious cut on the side of her face, and was also suffering from shock. She was detained. Her companion was fortunately not hurt beyond being considerably shaken.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 01 June 1914 source
1915, Tramway Traffic Blocked
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Tramway Traffic Blocked.
The tram traffic over Ports Bridge, Hilsea, was obstructed for some time yesterday morning owing to a somewhat remarkable mishap to a motor-car. A London car belonging to a London firm, and driven by a man named Payne, on nearing the entrance to the bridge attempted to pass another car going in the same direction, but skidded, turned broadside on, and became jammed between the sides of the bridge. Fortunately beyond slight damage to the car there were no injuries, but inconvenience was caused by the blocking of the tramway line.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Friday 09 July 1915 source
1915, For sale
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FOR SALE, Contractor’s Plant, three brick carts, three sets cart horse harness, 50 navvy barrows, useful scaffolding, etc.—Apply at once, Contractor’s Yard, Hilsea, next to Coach and Horses.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 08 May 1915 source
1915, Help wanted
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WANTED at once. Potman.—Apply Coach and Horses London-road, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 22 May 1915 source
1916, Pups for sale
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TWO Irish Terrier Dog Pups, 9 weeks, well bred, 10s 6d.—Coach and Horses, Hilsea.
— Portsmouth Evening News, Wednesday 20 December 1916 source
1917, Motorbike crash
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Find source in BNA and link it
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A MOTOR-CYCLE SPILL — On Sunday afternoon there was a motor-cycle accident near the “Coach and Horses” Hotel at Hilsea, in which three persons were involved. It appears that the bicycle belongs to Mr. Egbert W. Batchelor, butcher, of Arundel-street, who was seated in the side-car attached. Miss Ruby Martin, of Adames-road, Kingston, was driving the machine, and seated on the carrier behind was Mr George Colehorn, plumber, of Sydenham-terrace, Fratton. When turning at the back of the “Coach and Horses” Hotel” Miss Martin came round too sharply, with the result that the machine turned over, throwing out all the occupants. Miss Martin sustained a dislocation of the right shouldtr and a slight abrasion of the facel Mr. Butchelor also had his face slightly grazed, and Mr. Colborn escaped with shock. They were attended to at the Y.M.C.A. hut near by, and P.C. Hayott subsequently conveyed all three in the police motor ambulance to the Royal Portsmouth Hospital. Here they received attention from Dr. Pamplin, house surgeon, and afterwards they proceeded to their homes.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Friday 16 February 1917 source
Useful links
Davies, Mrs. Andrew (1906) History of Cosham, Wymering and Widley and Hilsea source1 source2