History: Smuggling

In the 18th and early 19th centuries smuggling was rife in England and no more so that on the Romney Marsh. Spirits, silk, lace,  tea,  tobacco and such like were smuggled in while tin, graphite and particularly wool, were smuggled out.
Smuggling on the Marsh was at its height during the from  period 1700 to 1840.

The main reason for all this illegal activity was the taxes imposed on certain home manufactured and imported goods and the embargo on the export of others, mainly wool.

It was made illegal to export wool from other than designated ports in an attempt to protect our own clothing trade.

As far as Romney Marsh was concerned, its proximity to Europe and London, quite beaches and its local sheep trade made it a focal point for hundreds of smugglers.

Smugglers
" When next you see a moonless night
Keep away from smugglers!
For across the stormy sea
Will come the fast flying luggers"  
more

Owling, as the illegal export of wool was known, gave rise to many smuggling gangs in Kent, who used the Romney Marsh coast to transport the sheep fleeces, and some live sheep, across the Channel. The long stretch of sand and shingle, together with its dunes to provide cover, made Greatstone beach an ideal landing and launching site for smuggled goods. [albeit the coastline at Greatstone in 1700 and in 1840 were completely different - see Greatstone at the Beginning]

To learn more about Smuggling in Kent please read:
Smuggling in Kent and Sussex, 1700-1840

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