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Smuggling

South Devon Smugglers

Smuggling started in the UK around 1300, when King Edward imposed customs duties on wool products traded to Europe. Until 1421, no means existed to ensure that due payments were made, so people got the idea that the king wasn't really serious about his new tax, and its avoidance by so called "free traders" developed into a fully fledged industry all over Britain.

As more and more goods became liable for customs duty and the authorities began to take steps to ensure duty was paid, the ongoing drama of smuggler versus excise men began to take shape.

Driven by rural poverty, smuggling was prolific in Devon and Cornwall and the exploits of local smugglers have become part of local folklore. The tactical advantage offered by a convoluted coastline thinly policed by customs men, created perfect conditions for informal smuggling in which entire communities were involved. The stories of compliant vicars and "friendly" magistrates may be exaggerated, although churches were regular hiding places for contraband, and obtaining convictions with local juries was near impossible at times.

The Mount Pleasant Inn at Dawlish Warren was a regular stash point for contraband. Other landing points were at Teignmouth, Shaldon, where the old smugglers' tunnel is still the access to the Ness Beach, and Holcombe (at the end of Smugglers' Lane). Further south, Burgh Island off Bigbury was home to the infamous Tom Crocker, who, after a lengthy career, was shot and killed by the excise men just outside the Pilchard Inn - which is still open for (honest) trade today.

You can follow the stealthy footsteps of these folk-hero smugglers at www.smuggling.co.uk.

(Picture: Courtesy of Richard Platt)

For more information on smuggling in South Devon, have a look at the Smuggling South Hams website.