Explore the fascinating story of smuggling in 18th and 19th century Britain, when high taxes led to an dramatic increase in illegal imports. As the "free trade" grew, smugglers openly landed contraband in full view of the customs authorities: columns of heavily-armed thugs protected the cargoes.
Click History of Smuggling in the menu at top left to read how a popular small-scale trade grew into a vast and violent industry. Guide-Book details 850 smugglers’ haunts, with interactive maps to lead you straight to their coves, caves, tunnels and pubs all around Britain's coast. Trace Smuggling Roots is a simple guide to help you find out whether your ancestors were smugglers.

Last updated 14 April 2008