Who were the members of the Hawkhurst gang?
Eventually, Thomas Kingsmill, alias Staymaker; William Fairall, alias Shepherd; Richard Perin, alias Pain, alias Carpenter; Thomas Lillywhite; and Richard Glover were all indicted for being concerned, with others, in breaking into the King’s Custom-house, at Poole, and stealing thirty hundred weight of tea, value £500 …
When was Hawkhurst gang active?
Many smugglers regularly assembled at Folkestone, though their chief place of resort was the village of Hawkhurst in Kent. The ‘Hawkhurst Gang’ was noted as early as 1735, but was especially active in the 1740s. The smugglers ‘go armed; and although they are well known, people dare not venture to molest any of them’.
What was the punishment for smuggling in the 18th century?
This statute, part of the Bloody Code, further extended the means by which a person could be convicted for smuggling and put to death without benefit of clergy. As the smuggling war continued to burden Parliament in 18th-century England, it became even more crucial to find ways to convict criminals.
How did smuggling end?
Smuggled goods were a lot cheaper than goods which had paid the duty. When Prime Minister William Pitt lowered duties in the 1780s, smuggling became less profitable. Further removal of duties in the 19th century put an end to the kind of smuggling which went on so openly in the 18th century.
Who was the leader of the Hawkhurst Gang?
Thomas Kingsmill (c1720–26 April 1749) was one of the leaders of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers that operated, from its base in Kent, along the South Coast of England from 1735 until 1749.
Did Highwaymen wear masks?
Highwaymen were usually armed with pistols and wore masks. They are famous for the phrase, Stand and deliver . They usually did not have to use force as asking for valuables at gunpoint was enough to make most people hand them over.
Who is the most famous smuggler?
One Cornish man, John Carter from Breage was perhaps the most famous smuggler. His nickname was the ‘King of Prussia’, and a line of cannons protected his base near Lands End!
How does Bess warn highwayman?
When Bess hears the highwayman approaching, she warns him by shooting herself; he hears the gunshot and escapes. The soldiers pursue him, however, and he, too, is killed. The poem is notable for the way in which it reverses our expectations concerning light and dark imagery.