SMUGGLERS’ DOMAIN

The Cornish coastline has long been awash with smuggling associations, and this south-east corner is no exception. Smuggler’s Cott is an ancient building in East Looe, situated between Middle and Higher Market Streets. It dates back to the first half of the 15th century. A 3ft (1m) high tunnel in the cellar, rediscovered in the 1930s, leads to the quay. To the east, on the Rame Peninsula, a fleet of more than 50 smuggling vessels operated out of Cawsand Bay during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Rame History Group has researched an interesting account of smuggling: “A large tombstone to the right of the porch of Rame Church marks the final resting place of members of the Edwards family, who were 18th century squires of Rame. They had a colourful history. One of them, Stephen, was the last squire of Rame and was deeply involved in smuggling. One January night in 1788, the smuggling vessel ‘Revenge’ anchored off Kingsand carrying kegs of spirit. The booty was heaved up the shore and hidden in the cellars of houses. However, Navy patrol boats arrived on the scene, and in the ensuing scuffle, some of the smugglers jumped overboard to try and escape. Others were captured by the Navy when they took control of ‘Revenge’. The next day, an excise officer arrived with a warrant to search houses in Kingsand. He had the power to seize any contraband discovered.” The report continues: “When a huge cache of spirits was found, a mob of over 100 villagers turned out and pelted the customs officers with stones and bottles. They took refuge in the Rising Sun inn, where all the windows were smashed by missiles thrown by the mob, which had now increased to 200. Among those taking part was Stephen Edwards. He was arrested along with other local men, and eventually, seven of them stood trial at the Old Bailey. Smuggling trials did not take place locally, as the jury were generally sympathetic to the defendants, if not engaged in smuggling themselves. Stephen Edwards’ trial took place on 8 June 1791, and he was charged, with another man, ‘of unlawful and violent assault on the customs officer and another man in the execution of their duty, also for obstructing and opposing the same officer’. Edwards was further charged with assaulting the customs officer who led the rescue party. The first offence was very serious and carried the death sentence, but, for Edwards, it was reduced to a misdemeanour. Edwards was found guilty and sentenced to three years in jail.” For more information, visit www.ramehistorygroup.org.uk