Historic Events

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Harwich, with which the name of the great Admiral is so closely associated by history, paid homage to the memory of Lord Nelson by the means most dear to the Englishman’s heart – a public dinner. The function was arranged by the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Elwell), in conjunction with the proprietors of the Three Cups Hotel (Mr. T. West Carnie and Mr. C. F. Cartmale), who exerted every effort to promote the success of a gathering that will long be held in happy memory. Close upon sixty guests, including a number of ladies, assembled in the quaint old hostelry, famous for its Nelson traditions, and in the spacious coffee-room sat down to a menu which in every respect was worthy of the occasion. The chair was occupied by the Mayor, who was faced by the Mayoress, and amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. A. J. H. Ward, Colonel R. S. Barnes, Rev. E. F. and Mrs. Frayling, Rev. S. W. Tidswell, Rev. H. D. Warroll-Smith, Mr. McLearson, Mr. Franks, Mr. Chapman, Dr. Mathews, Mr. Linstead, Mr J. A. Saunders, Mr. E. S. Saunders, Mr. E. G. Watts, Mr Nalborough, Mr. Hugh Jones, Mr. E. S. W. Tidswell, Mr. And Mrs. Cottingham, Mr. And Mrs. Irlam, Mr. And Mrs. Paterson, Mr. And Mrs. Cooper-Brown, Mr. Cullum, Mr. Edgar Hulland, Mrs. C. M. Brooks, Mr. Thiem, and others. The hotel was decorated both inside and out, and the streets of Harwich bore an unwonted look of gaiety in their dressing of bright-hued bunting.

In giving the loyal toasts, which were enthusiastically honoured, the Mayor reminded his hearers that King Edward’s education was largely acquired on a man o’ war, and, referring to the Royal tour to India, said they all wished the Prince and Princess of Wales every success.

The Mayor next proposed “The Immortal Memory of Nelson.” With the title of the toast, he said, he agreed so far as it went, but he would ask them to allow him to add something else. He thought, perhaps, the toast should be given in the language of another country: “The day we celebrate, and the death (or the deaths, for there were many) we commemorate.” The day they celebrated was Trafalgar, the battle in which was the turning-point in the history not only of England, but of Europe. To England, perhaps, it was more important, more far-reaching than any battle that had ever been fought by Englishmen, and he said that with full knowledge of all that Marlborough did, of the brilliant exploits of Wellington, and of others, before and since. (Hear, hear.) That battle freed England from an incubus which had been upon it for years. Those of them that travelled along the South East Coast of England – within view almost of that place – would appreciate what was the meaning of those pigmy fortifications, the round towers. They meant that an enormous host was once gathering at Boulogne to invade these shores – shores which happily had not for 800 years been touched by a foreigner’s foot, except in love and affection. (Applause.) The victory of Trafalgar paved the way for the final subjugation of Napoleon. Probably his power would never have been broken but for that. If Napoleon had obtained command of the seas, Wellington could never have carried out the campaigns which ended in the defeat of Napoleon. Probably, Waterloo would never have been necessary but for Trafalgar. (Hear, hear.) As to Nelson, “the death we commemorate,” they must not forget the great Admiral’s many companions who fought and fell with him. It was, of course, Nelson who inspired others, and whose genius formulated the battle array. It was to Nelson, and Nelson alone, to whom the victory was due. Nelson’s name, 100 years after his death, inspired in Englishmen a feeling which no other name did. (Applause.) Our Navy, great as it was, lived on in the name of Nelson. Every man in the Navy to-day was influenced by Nelson and Nelson’s work. They felt that Nelson bequeathed a heritage which must be rendered untarnished, and although for 100 years England had never been engaged in a great maritime encounter, he left sure the name of Nelson would inspire our seamen if ever they had to face foemen on the water, (Applause.) Nelson’s name was more far-reaching than that. Witness the testimony of Admiral Togo, the greatest naval warrior of to-day, who said that Nelson was the leading spirit of his life. (Hear, hear.) One characteristic of Nelson was in danger of passing from their minds. He was not speaking of the Army and Navy, but of the modern tendency not to take responsibility. In many walks of life, they saw that men endeavoured to shelter themselves under their superiors. Nelson never did that – witness what happened at Copenhagen. If Nelson failed on that occasion he would have been shot, but he did not quail, and went on to victory. (Applause.)

The toast was drunk upstanding, and in silence.

The vicar gave “The Mayor and Corporation of Harwich.” He observed that when first he came to that interesting and antique place – (laughter) – he understood that the chief business of the Corporation was to enter into competition with other towns, and spend large sums of money on useless improvements. (More laughter.) Since then, he supposed, he had learned wisdom – (hear, hear, and laughter) – or the Mayor and Corporation had learned wisdom. At all events, he had learned with satisfaction that the rates were to be considerably reduced in the ensuing six months, which seemed to show that the Corporation had given up that interesting game of competing with other towns. (Hear, hear). He hoped that an admirable suggestion made by the Mayor at a recent meeting of the Town Council would be carried out. A large population was growing up at Shotley, and surely it should be attached to Harwich. He hoped easy means of communication would be established with Shotley, so that Harwich, not Ipswich, would be benefitted. Ipswich had no Naval traditions as Harwich had. Harwich had been christened “Happy-go-lucky” Harwich. It would be happy-go-lucky indeed if it did not start a ferry, or bring pressure to bear upon those who should undertake such a venture, in order that Shotley might be a suburb of Harwich, and not a suburb of Ipswich. (Applause). In concluding, the Vicar paid a tribute to the Mayor, who, he hoped, would allow himself to be offered for re-election. (Applause).

The toast was honoured with music, and the Mayor, in the course of his reply, referred to the Vicar’s suggestion that he should allow himself to be again nominated for the office of Mayor. He remarked that the Vicar was a great deal more sanguine than he was. He had recently had a spice of what the Corporation’s opinion was, and he would not put himself forward for the office. He accepted the verdict of the majority, and he bowed and made his exit. (“No, no.”) The Vicar seemed to think that the Corporation’s principal occupation in the past if not the present, was to make the rates as high as possible. He could assure him that some of them had fiercely and successfully fought for a reduction of expenditure. (Hear, hear.) Harwich was under a cloud, but they hoped the days of prosperity would return. Time bought many changes, and they had seen towns rise on their ashes. They believed that the time would come when the whirligig would bring round to Harwich the prosperity it formerly enjoyed. (Applause.) The Mayor heartily congratulated the managers of the Cups Hotel upon the result of their labours to adequately commemorate Nelson Day in the borough of Harwich.

The last toast, “The health of the ladies,” was given by Mr. A. J. H. Ward, and happily acknowledged by the Mayoress.

While Mr. Edgar Hullard played a pianoforte solo, the ladies retired to the Nelson room, still in the full glory of oak panelling, and hung with the old and valued prints of Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar. The Nelson relics displayed upon a quaintly-carved oak table were inspected with great interest. They include one of the great hero’s snuff-boxes, and a case of crested dessert forks, which were used in his canteen on the Victory. In these pleasant surroundings the remainder of the evening was passed. An admirable programme of musical and elocutionary effort was presented by several London artists, including Mr. Edgar Hullard, the brilliant pianist associated with the Serenatas: Miss Alexander, who contributed some pleasing coon impressions; Miss Anna Mather, an elocutionist of marked dramatic ability; and Mr. Guy Pertwee, a robust baritone. The function, to sum up, was a great success. (East Anglian Daily Times, 23rd October, 1905)

HARWICH, June 22.

Tuesday last was launched from Mr. Graham's yard, a beautiful new ship of 74 guns, called the Vangeur, after the French ship of that name sunk in the memorable action of 1st June. The town, during the whole day, was rendered one continued scene of gaiety and bustle by the immense concourse of beauty and fashion, which this interesting spectacle had attracted hither. About a quarter past one o'clock the ship took to the water in the highest style amidst the huzzars and acclamations of thousands of spectators; every vessel in the harbour was decorated with flags and ensigns of every description, the greater part of them being full of company: in short, such a brilliant and interesting scene was never before witnessed by the oldest inhabitant of this place; in the evening there was a grand ball at the Three Cups at which Harmony and the Graces might be truly said to preside. 

From the inside pages:

The launch from Mr Graham's yard of this town, on Tuesday last, of a beautiful new 743-gun ship, upwards of 2000 tons burthen, named Le Vengeur, brought a greater concourse of spectators to witness this majestic and highly gratifying display of national grandeur, than was ever remembered on any similar occasion. All the carriages, gigs and horses, within twenty miles, were hired; upwards of 900 vehicles, of different descriptions, passed the tollgate. It is supposed, that at least 6000 persons were present. The tops of the buildings were loaded with spectators; all the boats, wherries, and vessels of every kind, were put in requisition, and crowded; the men of war in the harbour had their yards manned; and the packets were decorated with the colours of their respective nations. After all her shores were struck away, and the dog-block knocked off, the promise she gave of being launched produced an instantaneous silence; and in the finest of majestic grandeur, she immediately went off with 4300 persons on board, into the middle of the harbour, where she was brought up to the King's moorings. - A great number of officers from the neighbouring garrisons were present, and a military band stationed in a vessel, near the dock, added to the effect. The fineness of the day, the brilliant shew of elegant women who graced the scene, and this most excellent launch, which everyone present had witnessed, caused a glow of satisfaction on every face, and amply gratified the curiosity which had been so generally excited. In the evening there was an assembly at the Three Cups Inn, which was numerously and respectfully attended. (The Ipswich Journal, 23 June 1810)

The Three Cups Inn within a few yards of St Nicholas's Church in Harwich's Church Street, is arguably the ancient borough's most historic building. Behind a Georgian facade lies an inn of Tudor and earlier origins.

It was certainly well known to the Elizabethan sea-dogs who put in at the Port of Harwich and it is even claimed that in 1326 Queen Isabella ('the she-wolf of France'), wife of King Edward II, stayed at the Three Cups when she landed with a French force to meet her lover Roger Mortimer and to overthrow, to depose and later to cruelly murder, her husband.

Horatio Lord Nelson and his paramour Emma Lady Hamilton stayed at the Three Cups, Samuel Pepys savoured his ale in its parlour and it was well known to the Mayflower's master Christopher Jones. It was at one time a Court House. In 1607, a court sitting there concicted a Mary Hart of witchcraft and sentenced her to death by hanging. The Three Cups has had royal visitors too. In 1728, Frederick Prince of Wales was entertained at the Three Cups - at a cost of £6.75.

Today, new life has been breathed into this ancient hostelry as a lively and outgoing young couple - both Harwich born and bred - take it over with the firm intention of making it the most popular, as well as the most historic, inn within the twin communities of Harwich and Dovercourt.

For the past few months Ricky and Kim Good - encouraged, if not helped, by their three year old daughter Ericka - have been working with the building contractors to bring the Three Cups to the standard expected of the first class licenced premises in the final two decades of the twentieth century, while ensuring that the inn loses nothing of its historic character and atmosphere

They acknowledge with gratitude the structural work of alteration that has been undertaken by the brewers - the Norwich Brewery - and have complimented the work of refurbishment, redecoration and refurnishing that they have personally undertaken.

Have they succeeded in transforming the Three Cups while retaining its ancient historic character? Well, you'll have to call in and see for yourself. In some ways their work has been one of restoration. In the ceiling of the saloon bar there are now time-blackened structural oak beams to be seen that were previously hidden by the plaster.

As for the famous people of the past who have patronised the Three Cups, there's little doubt that Samuel Pepys, Harwich's best-known member of parliament - who certainly liked his creature comforts - would have appreciated the luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting in both the saloon bar and the lounge. He'd have approved of the modern furnishings too, as elegant to the eye as comforting to the weary body. Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton would surely have liked the splendidly appointed indoor toilets that have replaced the outside loos. His Lordship would have had to concede that they were a vast improvement on the 'heads' of the Victory though he might not have thought much of being kept waiting for his meal while his Emma repaired he make-up and her coiffure over the sparklingly modern vanity unit that has been provided in 'the Ladies'.

Modern residents of Harwich and Dovercourt, who patronised the Three Cups before its renovation, cannot fail to be impressed by the enormously enlarged saloon bar where there are to be for music when required. The bar itself has been lengthened (there'll be no question of having to queue for a little space there!) and brought up to thoroughly modern standards.

They'll like the new landlord Ricky Good and his young wife, Kim. Married for just five years they are keen to inject their own magic ingredients of youth and enthusiasm into this centuries old business. Ricky and Kim hope that the reborn Three Cups will prove to be a real 'local' for the people of Harwich and Dovercourt - a place where they can relax with their friends over a pint of ale or a glass of wine.

They hope, too, that their historic pub will attract the many tourists whose visit to the north-east Essex 'sunshine coast' holiday resort towns isn't complete without a tour of the narrow streets and alley-ways of old Harwich. The Three Cups has its own car park at the rear and there is usually ample free on-street parking within a short distance.

Ricky and Kim, who say apologetically that the facard of the Three Cups isn't yet as attractive as they hope to make it, have great plans for the future too. The inn has a large well-appointed kitchen and Kim feels that well-cooked and economical pub meals may well be a feature of the Three Cups once she and her husband have established themselves. Then there are six large - some would say enormous! - bedrooms upstairs, with some splendid views of the harbour from those at the rear. The possibility of providing over-night hotel accommodation is one that Ricky and Kim are considering for the future. In the mean-time, all who appreciate the special charm of historic Harwich will wish this charming Harwich born-and-bred young couple every success in their new venture at the Three Cups. (The Standard, Thursday 8 April 1982, p.9; accompanied by eight advertisements from tradesmen and companies wishing Ricky and Kim well for the future making up to a full page)

'HARWICH, ESSEX. The LAUNCH of the CONQUEROR, of 74 Guns, On SATURDAY, the 21st instant, At Twelve o'clock, A.M.

Wm. BULL, of the Three Cups Inn, begs Leave to inform the Gentleman and Ladies of Harwich, Ipswich, and their vicinities, that in consequence of the Launch of the Conqueror,the finest ship ever built at this port, there will be an ASSEMBLY at his house on the evening of the 21st inst. Admittance 3s.6d. each, Tea and Coffee included. The early attendance of the Company will be deemed a favour. N.B. A good Larder, and Dinners dressed at the shortest notice. (The Ipswich Journal, 14th November 1801)

'Tuesday se'nnight a very elegant entertainment was given by Lord Temple and the Officers of the Royal Bucks, to a party of their friends at the Three Cups, Harwich. Between 8 and 9 the ball began; near 40 couple danced; at one, the supper tables were spread with every delicacy in season, soups, wild fowl, game, fruit and ice in profusion. Between 2 and 3 the dancing recommenced, and continued with great spirit till 5, when the company departed, highly gratified with the polite attention of Lord and Lady Temple,and the officers of the corps. The company consisted of more than 100, amongst whom were Major and Lady Arabella Macleod, Miss Harvey, Gen. Manners and his Aid de Camp, Col. Birch, Capt. Smith, Major Chabot, Col. Freemantle, the Mayor of Harwich, some Officers of the Royal Navy, &c.' (The Ipswich Journal, 8th October 1803)

'The old Three Cups, Harwich, is a hotel in which Nelson often stayed; therefore it is appropriate that the Trafalgar centenary should be specially commemorated there. The celebration will not be the least notable of those which next week is to bring in the provinces. As far as possible the banquet will be a replica of that given to the immortal Admiral by the City of London when he was presented with the freedom, and special menu cards for the occasion are being made of wood from the rectory of Burnham Thorpe, Nelson's birthplace. (The Pall Mall Gazette, Thursday 12 October 1905)

The Three Cups was a highly popular establishment, and many organisations held functions here, such as in 1901 the Annual Dinner of the Harwich railway station staff. (Goodwin, P. R. Harwich and Dovercourt Pubs, Gloucestershire, 2004, p33.) 

A Police Subscription Dinner was held at the Three Cups in Church Street in 1904.  (Goodwin, P. R. Harwich and Dovercourt Pubs, Gloucestershire, 2004, p33.) 

The newspaper reported in October 1892 that the clematis tree at the Three Cups was, according to annual custom, prettily decorated with fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns. The tree was planted by Mrs Bull in 1851 and covered the whole courtyard. (Goodwin, P. R. Harwich and Dovercourt Pubs, Gloucestershire, 2004, p33.) 

 At seven o'clock the members landed at Harwich Pier and proceeded to the "Three Cups" Hotel, where they inspected in turn the Nelson suite of rooms and 17th century fittings of this well-known hostel, and the famous
Clematis in its central courtyard. A substantial meat tea was served in the
Coffee Room, after which a short formal Ordinary Meeting (the 284th) was
held for the nomination of a new member and other business, Mr. Miller Christy in the chair. [232, 1910]

HARWICH, Dec.2
Wednesday being St. Andrew's Day, the Corporation met at the Town-hall, when Charles Cox, Esq. was elected Mayor of this borough for the year ensuing; and in commemoration of the day, a splendid dinner was given by the late Mayor at the Three Cups Inn, to the principal inhabitants of the town, who were honoured by the presence of the Earl of Abergavenny, Major General Lord Charles Fitzroy, and the Officers of the Royal Bucks and West Essex regiments. Many loyal toasts and sentiments were drank upon the occasion, and the day concluded with the greatest conviviality.  The London Gazette, Admiralty Office, 1 December 1803)  

“This year the Brewery employees, to the number of about 400, celebrated their annual outing by a trip to Harwich. A special train had been chartered for the occasion, and this left Romford station soon after 7... In the afternoon nearly the whole of the foremen of the various departments dined together at the Three Cups Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. Guyatt” (The London Stratford Times​, a​nd The Bow, a​nd Bromley News, a​nd The South Essex Gazette​,​ 23rd July 23, 1879, p.5)

The Loyal Harwich Volunteers were forces of volunteers for home defence. Details of the Corps events have been taken from their Minute Book. 'The weather in the winter of 1800/1 must have been particularly bad, for it was not possible to hold any parades from September to April, but on 17th April the Corps was able to celebrate Nelson's Victory over the Dane's on 2nd April, 1801, and on 4th June "the Corps met upon the Lawn and fired three excellent volleys in honour of His Majesty's Birthday", before partaking of a dinner at the Three Cups, paid for out of the Corp's funds.' (Weaver, Leonard T. Harwich Papers, 1994, p.94)

In the first book of the Chamberlain's Accounts, the Innkeeper of the Three Cups, Samuel Newton (Capital Burgess and Mayor in 1676), was paid £2.0.0 for wine. 'Some idea of the amount of food consumed can be got from the copy below of the payments made in 1680:

Paid to Kirke for six stone and five pounds of Beefe for Session Dinner £1.0.0

Pd for four Turkies 0.6.0

Pd for tenn Pulletts & four Couple of wildfowl 0.10.0

Pd for seaventeen Lobsters

Pd the Parkkeeper for halfe a Buck from Sir Phillip Parkers

Pd to Mr. Samuel Newton for wine £2.0./0

Pd Richard Kirke for five pounds and a halfe of sewett for the Pastie 1/4d

Pd for a peck of brankie [Buckwheat] 6d

Pd for Two leggs of Mutton 0.3.4 

At times, in addition to 5 or 6 stone of beef, there were joints of pork (called crops of pork, and weighing about 10lbs, at 2d per pound).

The total bill for the food given above comes to £2.19.6, which is far below the average, and may be regarded as a snack for around 40 people' (Weaver, Leonard T. Harwich Papers, 1994, p.78)

'Our Correspondent informs us, that the Theatre was patronized on Wednesday evening by the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Veteran Lodge; when the play of A Bold Stroke for a Wife, and the farce of The Irishman in London, were performed in a manner highly creditable to the manager and performers. The house was completely filled in all parts. The Brethren walked in a handsome procession from the Three Cups Inn to the Theatre, attended by torches, and the band of the 55th regiment. The performance at the Theatre concluded with God Save the King; after which, the procession again formed, and they returned to the Three Cups, attended as before, the whole forming as gratifying a sight as has been seen in Harwich for some time. (The Suffolk Chronicle, 7th January 1815)

'The Court being finished, the Corporation landed at Harwich, where an excellent dinner had been prepared at the Three Cups, which was attended by the principle gentleman in Harwich, and the day was spent with great conviviality and pleasure. In the evening the Corporation returned to Ipswich' (The Suffolk Chronicle, 15 August 1818)

'On Monday last, came the Election of Members to serve in Parliament, for this Borough, on the resignation of the Right Hon. N. Vansittart, and the Right Hon. C. Bathurst. In the course of the morning, the right Hon. George Canning, and J.C. Herries Esq. arrived; and after paying their respects to several members of the Corporation, proceeded to the Town Hall, where they were elected without opposition. About one o'clock, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the new Members were chaired round the town; on their return to the Hall, each Gentleman returned to thank his Constituents. They afterwards dined with the Mayor, Corporation, and about 150 of the principal inhabitants of Harwich and its vicinity, at the Three Cups Inn, where an excellent dinner was served in the Ball room, which was tastefully and appropriately decorated for the occasion.' (The Norfolk Chronicle, 15th February 1823)

HARWICH NEW CHURCH. In honour of laying the first stone of the intended new church, at Harwich, on Monday, the 5th of June next, dinner will be provided, by Mr. Wm. Bull, at the Three Cups Inn, in that town. Tickets twelve shillings each, wine and dessert included. (The Suffolk Chronicle, Saturday 20 May 1820) 

The price of dinner, with wine and dessert: 12 shillings in 1820 = £366 in 2000!

At the annual general meeting of the Essex Archaeological Society, held at the Town Hall, Colchester, on Wednesday 4th May 1929. Mrs Valentine asked if anything could be done to secure the preservation of the oak crane in the Old Naval Yard at Harwich, as the yard was now up for sale. Attention was also drawn to the dilapidated condition of the "Nelson Room" at the Three Cups Hotel. The Hon. Secretary said that he hoped to visit Harwich shortly when he would take the opportunity to look into these matters.  

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HARWICH YACHT CLUB. EASTERN COAST SECOND REGATTA will take place in Harwich Harbour, MONDAY 29th August, 1853. A Piece of plate, value 50 Guineas, to be sailed for by yachts of any rig or tonnage belonging to a Royal Yacht Club. Time Race. The winner to pay £5 to the Regatta Fund.  A Arcedeckne, Esq., Vice-Commodore, has again kindly consented to allow his yacht “Novice” to be the Committee and Starting Vessel. A Full Band will be in attendance. A Regatta Dinner will take place as usual, at the Three Cups Hotel. In the above Matches no Entrance Fee to be paid, and Three Vessels to start or no Race. All Vessels intended to compete for either of the Prizes must be entered at the Club House by Nine o’clock a.m., on the day of the Regatta. The Committee reserve to themselves the right of making such alterations in Terms and Conditions of the Matches, as, from the state of the weather or other causes, they may think desirable. (The Court Journal: Gazette of the Fashionable World, Literature, Music, and ..., p.567)

There was no official demonstration of this event but many residents had bunting displayed from their windows, whist the Bells of the Harwich Parish Church, rang merrily. At night an event which will be long held in happy memory, took place at Harwich in the shape of a public dinner, and it was only fitting that the same should take place at that famous old hostelry, The Three Cups Hotel, which has in its past decades sheltered many notabilities. The promoters, viz, The Mayor (W. H. Elwell, Esq), and the proprietors of the hotel, (Messrs T. West Carnie and C. F. Cartmale), are to be congratulated upon the success of their undertaking, 60 ladies and gentleman were present. Mr. Cartmale is also to be congratulated upon the recherche repast, which was well placed on the tables, a la continental style, whilst the menu carts were indeed works of art, printed in gold and on Oak from the old pulpit of Burnham Thorpe Church, in which Nelson's father preached. The after dinner speeches were but few and commenced with the loyal ones, after which the Mayor proposed " The immortal memory of Nelson," speaking on the result of the battle of Trafalgar, which was, he said, the turning point in the history not only of England, but of Europe. Nelson bequeathed a heritage which must be rendered up untarnished. [Applause.] - The toast was drunk upstanding, and in silence. - The Rev. E. F. Frayling, vicar, in giving the toast of "The Mayor and Corporation," spoke in favour of the proposed ferry from Shotley to Harwich, and paid a tribute to the mayor who he hoped would allow himself to be offered for re-election. The toast was honored with music, and the Mayor in reply, said he would not put himself forward to the office, having had recently a spice of what the Corporation's opinion was. The concluding toast was that of "The Ladies," which was proposed in happy turns by Col. A. J. H. Ward, and humorously acknowledged by the Mayoress. Afterwards the company adjourned to the famous Nelson room decorated with many a Nelsonian relic, here in the quaint surroundings admirable program of musical and elocutionary efforts was presented by several London artists, which included Mr. Edgar Hulland, the brilliant pianist, associated with the Serenaders, Miss Clara Alexandra, Miss Ann Mather, and Mr. Guy Pertwee. A bowl of punch was brewed, and the function - distinct success - was concluded at twelve o'clock by "Auld Lang Syne." 

(Harwich & Dovercourt Free Press, Saturday 28 October 1905, p.4.)

A preliminary meeting was held at the Three Cups Hotel, Harwich, on Wednesday, to consider the question of holding a tradesmen's dinner. Counciller Brewester presided, and the meeting desired to hold a dinner on 31st. A committee was formed to carry out the necessary arrangements. 

(Harwich & Dovercourt Free Press, Saturday 6 January 1906, p.4.)

The official and business life of Harwich and Dovercourt were represented by a company of about 60 gentlemen at dinner at the Three Cups Hotel, Harwich, on Wednesday night. The Mayor (Councillor W. McLearon) presided, and Alderman R. Hill filled the vice-chair.

The toast-list was interspersed with a most diversified and highly entertaining programme. Mr. Douglas Beaufort, of London, treated the company to a number of highly-finished card tricks and sleight-of-hand manipulation. Songs were contributed by Mr. G. D. Hugh Jones, Mr. Jno. Everett (although just 81 years of age), Councillor Johnstone, Mr. A Greenwood, Mr. Haggar, and Mr. Wm. Tyrrell, the latter gentleman performing the duties of accompanist. 

The loyal toasts having been honoured, the Mayor submitted "The Town and Trade of Harwich." He said he knew where the town was, but he was afraid the trade was missing. (Laughter). Trade in Harwich had been very slack, and there, had been nothing doing for a great number of years now, and until some great development took place, he did not think that the trade of the old town would look up. What they wanted was the big dock scheme (applause), the scheme they had heard so many rumours about. Another matter he desired to mention was that of the communication between Harwich and Shotley. It was absolutely essential that something should be done, but for the present the hands of the Corporation were tied, because the Marquis of Bristol had given the to understand that he was intending to run a ferry over. If he were to do so, it would be no use the Corporation going to the heavy expense. The trade of Shotley, which would develop now they had the barracks there, was a trade which really belonged to Harwich. (Applause). The longer the ferry was deferred, the more chance Ipswich would have of securing the trade of Shotley. He hoped that before very long  the Marquis of Bristol would have the ferry running over. One of the most necessary amusements at seaside town was a good golf links. (Applause.) They would be pleased to hear that there was a scheme on hand which should work out very well. The ground had been let to them, and although there were at present one or two small obstacles in the way, they would soon be removed, and he hoped the work put in hand. The ground they had would make splendid golf links. He was of a opinion that a splendid nine-hole course could be made. 

Mr. John Everitt responded in a witty speech. He said he could tell them a good deal about old times when Harwich was governed by 24 people and when these 24 use to send two members to Parliament. (Laughter). That was a good time, although it was a hard time sometimes.  The principle part of the trade of Harwich at the time was the stone trade. The stone was brought into the town and made into Roman cement, and that gave shipwrights and blacksmiths plenty of work. (Laughter). There was now quay at that time, and one had to go down steps to get to the beach. Where the Pier Hotel now stood there used to be a brewery. Where the Great Eastern Hotel stands stood at that time what was called The Alley, where smuggling was carried on. He also could recollect when there was no railway. He also remembered the time when it cost 8d. to send a letter to London , and sometimes it took two days before it got there. (Laughter). A coach- and- for used to run from the Cups Hotel four times a week, the fair inside being a guinea and outside 16s. for a single journey only. 

Councillor John Stone propesed the toast of the Mayor. - The Mayor, in reply, said he would endeavor to carry out the duties with the same amount of dignity as they had been carried out by his predecessors. He was following the chain of a lot of very old and experienced predecessors, and of one notably - his father. (Applause). He was highly respected in the town - the town of his adoption - and had he been alive, he would have filled the position which he (The Mayor) was now occupying. He was proud to follow in his footsteps, and he hoped to carry out the duties in the same manner he did. 

(Harwich & Dovercourt Free Press, Saturday 3 February 1906, p.4.)

A meeting of Friendly Societies was held at the Three Cups Hotel on Thursday evening, and was presided over by P.C.R. Bro. A.J.H. Ward, supported by Col. R.S. Barnes, and the Vicar (Rev. H.L. Norden), honorary members of the Order. There was a large attendance of Foresters and Oddfellows. - In opening the proceedings, the Chairman suggested the singing of the National Anthem, which was sung heartily. After a few appropriate remarks from the Chairman, also Col. Barnes and the Rev. Norden, it was unanimously decided to have a church parade on Jubilee Sunday morning to St. Nicholas Church, Harwich. - Col. Barnes, represented the Jubilee Day Procession Committee, asked the members to assemble on Jubilee Day and form a procession to march in order in company with the Mayor and Corporation, this was also agreed to. - An Executive Committee was then appointed to carry out the details, viz., R.F. Till and W. Sealey from Court 2,578, G.T. Helsdon and A. Philo from Court 4,415, and J. Farthing and J. Thornhill from Excelsior Lodge of Oddfellows. Information can be obtained from any member of the Committee. (Harwich & Dovercourt Free Press, Saturday 19 June 1897, p.4)

FIREWORKS. - On Thursday evening Mr. J. Tye, of the Three Cups Hotel, gave his annual display of fireworks on Harwich Green. There was a large number of people present, but on account of the unfavourable state of the weather it was decided to postpone the same. The Excelsior Band, under Mr. J. Coombe, were engaged to perform a selection of music, but this also had to come to an abrupt termination from the same cause. (Harwich & Dovercourt Free Press, Saturday 12 September 1885, p.4)