Author : Terry Townsend
Publisher : PiXZ Books
ISBN 13 : 9780857101037
Total Pages : 144 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (1 download)
Book Synopsis Isle of Wight Smuggers' Pubs by : Terry Townsend
Download or read book Isle of Wight Smuggers' Pubs written by Terry Townsend and published by PiXZ Books. This book was released on 2016-07-05 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Smuggling, although always illegal, was a major trading activity in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. This `delicious deception¿ was an activity inhabitants of the Isle of Wight engaged in with enthusiasm. The Island¿s prominent smuggling role can be largely attributed to its offshore location with its sheltered coves and sandy beaches. Much of the contraband shipped by Island smugglers was destined for mainland customers. The Island became a natural forward base for traffic to and from the continent. Separated from the mainland by The Solent, this diamond shaped landmass was a natural gift to the `free traders¿ and developed into a main dumping depot where contraband purchased in Northern France and the Channel Islands could be stockpiled reasonably safely. The nerve centre of smuggling operations was predominantly the local pub, where plots were hatched, arrangements for transportation agreed and runs commissioned. The smugglers¿ pub served as a meeting place, recruitment centre, secret storage facility, distribution depot and valued customer. This copiously illustrated guide features a significant number of authentic pubs patronised over two centuries ago by Isle of Wight smugglers. These wonderful old buildings with their low-beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, inglenook fireplaces and secret hiding places are where, with a little imagination, one can sense the desperate days of smuggling¿s golden era.