| In the 18th and in the early part of
the 19th century, smuggling was common along the Mablethorpe coast.
Customs duty on tobacco, spirits, tea and silk made it a lucrative
occupation although very dangerous. They were hard times so desperate
measures were taken to make money.
The export of wool was taxed and at one point, banded. Unsold wool
in England together with a great demand on the Continent lead to
illegal exports. If caught, men were whipped, transported to penal
colonies in Australia or sometimes, hanged.
In the middle of the night carts drawn by horses were driven through
the sandhills and out into the shallow water to waiting ships. Kegs
of gin and bales of silk were transferred and silently return into
the night. |
Sometimes the white faces of the horses
were blackened and their hooves covered with sacks. The iron shod
cart wheels were wrapped with straw. This was to deaden their sound
if they had to pass over chalk roads. Otherwise, the noise would
carry some distance on a still night. The contraband gin and tobacco
would then be hidden away in barns, cellars and in secret hiding
places in chimneys..
The Riding Officers of the Customs and Excise were established
in 1898 Their responsibility was to prevent smuggled goods from
being transported inland. They covered up to 10 miles inland.
Find more in "The Book of the Lincolnshire Seaside"
by David N. Robinson in the local library. |
