Smuggling

In the past there existed tax differences between Europe and the UK. This coupled with the poor living standards, created the conditions where smuggling could flourish. During the 1700s and 1800s smuggling reached its zenith, and was rife throughout the country. However smuggling is heavily identified with Cornwall. This region, with its isolated landing places and seafaring nature; with the small close knit communities who worked together and knew  how  to keep secrets from outsiders, provided the perfect conditions.

Smuggling is usually associated with alcohol, particularly rum and brandy. This was not the case, as governments of the time levied high taxes on a variety of goods such as silk and tea. Additionally they applied protection measures for home based industries and made the importation of some products illegal.

Smuggling was a risky business, but profits could be high and the local population were poor. There were hazards if caught. Punishments could be severe such as transportation or even hanging.

Smugglers did not have it all their own way. There was opposition from  the Revenue, but it was short of resources and had too little manpower to effectively cover the area. Smuggling benefited the whole of the community. The poorly paid Revenue Men were often open to bribery, hence smuggling thrived. It was during this period of rivalry between the Revenue and the smugglers, that many legends and stories arose, such as the famous Poldark novels.

In the eighteenth century smuggling was relatively easy. Shipping just came in close offshore and landed the contraband on the beach. The sheer number of local persons that met the contraband landing, was more than enough to intimidate any influence that the authorities had.

Smuggling declined in the nineteenth century with changing conditions, more investment in policing and the creation of the coastguard. Not only were the risks of capture increased but profitability was slashed with the reduction of taxes on goods.

Spout Lantern

Smuggling during this period had to become more devious. Signaling between the those involved onshore and those offshore, had to be done in such a way, that the revenue men would not also pick it up. A method to do so was a modified lantern, the spout lantern. The spout enabled the signaling light to be seen only those it was pointed at.

Alcohol being smuggled was often sunk, anchored to the sea bottom, tethered on ropes and weighted down by rocks. This would be picked up at a more appropriate time by local fishermen. The revenue got wise to this and would trawl likely locations with grapnel hooks and pull up any weighted contraband.

Grapnel Hook 

Barrels of Drink Thrown Overboard, Waiting to be Picked Up

In Penwith the most famous son of smuggling is John Carter, who was nicknamed the King of Prussia.

The cove from which he operated still bears a reminder of him, named Prussia cove. His exploits include firing cannon at Revenue shipping and breaking in to Revenue premises but taking only his goods which had earlier been expropriated.

John Carter landed much of his contraband at Bessy's Cove.

Bessy's Cove