Saturday, April 1, 2006

100 years ago

Albert E Walker of the King's Arms Hotel, Foss Bridge, was summoned at the York Police Court for permitting gaming on his licensed premises and selling intoxicating liquor after hours. At about 5 minutes to 3 on the Sunday morning in question Constable Hudson heard voices coming from the direction of the kitchen of the Hotel. He summoned two other officers and together they heard dominoes rattle, and obscene and disgusting language. The following remarks were heard: "He can't play dominoes;" "You owe elevenpence;" "I haven't lost my tanner yet;" "You are a -- liar;" "Four threepenny games." They also heard glasses rattle and the chink of money. Inspector Hare subsequently entered the house and told Walker that he would be reported for permitting gambling on the premises. Mr Crombie, for the defendant, contended that the conversations were not evidence of gambling, and that a kitchen was not part of the licensed premises. "In future," he said, "I shall advise all my licensed victualler friends in the house at night that they go to the Chief Constable and ask, 'May I entertain a few friends?'" The Bench convicted, fining the landlord £5 and costs.

50 years ago

A query received by the letters page said: "Will you please settle an argument - the date, place, and person involved in the last public hanging in York?" The answer had been found. The last public hanging had taken place at York Castle on April 4, 1868. This was the execution of a 27-year-old journeyman-bricklayer, Frederick Parker, who had bludgeoned to death at South Duffield near Selby, a man named Daniel Driscoll. The case soon became known as the "Selby Murder" and aroused wide public interest. The report of the trial had filled two columns of the York Herald. The crowd waiting for seats at the trial was so large and unruly that, at times, "It was feared for the safety of those jammed near the entrance."

25 years ago

Status Quo were heading for the Spa Royal Hall, Bridlington, on May 29. The East Coast venue was something of a bonus for Quo fans. It was one of seven extra shows Quo had lined-up because the first leg of their UK tour, just ended, had been such a sell-out success. So, after their Continental stint, covering Holland, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain and France, among other places, they would be back in Britain towards the end of May. In the meantime, Quo fans could get their musical teeth into the group's new album, Never Too Late. The follow-up to their gold LP, Just Supposin', it was recorded at the Windmill Studios in Ireland and featured 10 up-tempo rock 'n' roll tracks including that foot stomper, Something 'bout You Baby I Like.

Updated: 15:55 Friday, March 31, 2006