The Recording of this talk has already been broadcast.
Joe started by saying that smuggling is often romanticised and often generalised with Smugglers hiding goods from customs men. But not all gangs were the same and some could be quite vicious and some gang leaders became infamous criminals with their gangs likened to paramilitary mafiosi, with their parallels today being the drug cartels in South America.
Smuggling was driven by taxes and took place in every part of the UK and the Empire too. The government needed money to fund wars as there were constant conflicts at home and in Europe in the 18th century. Most people’s earnings covered virtually just their bed and board and there was no income tax in the 18th century. Hence, the government taxed land and imports. However, the more the government relied on revenue from import taxes the more smuggling increased. No one wanted to pay tax and it was not considered by the population as a crime, as everyone tried to avoid paying tax where and when they could. Therefore, smuggling was, in some shape or form, being undertaken or supported at all levels of society.
The most smuggled commodity in this era was Tea. Tea had become very fashionable particularly in London. Joe estimated that it made up 80%, of all smuggled goods and attracted the highest tax, rising to almost 100%.
The Hawkhurst gang started out like any other gang but over time became particularly brutal as they could more or less do what they wanted. They beat and humiliated both customs men and local people and didn’t need to hide away. They could carry on their business as usual as the authorities lacked the power to apprehend them and they could literally get away with murder. Although they didn’t need to as more likely they would kidnap adversaries put them on a smuggling ship returning to France and sell them to the French who would put them to work rowing ships as ‘galley slaves’.
This was the time of the Jacobite Rebellion which was fought mostly in Scotland over the throne, with the Scots aided by the French against the English. Customs men were limited by numbers they could field and although not all were corrupt some would be persuaded to overlook what the smugglers were up to by threatening the customs men’s families and friends. But with the military tied up in wars the customs could not requisition military help. Although, bringing in the military was unpopular with people who were uncomfortable with them being the law enforcers. Limits on gun ownership was also unpopular with the populace.
Elections were not by secret ballot in the 18th century and parliamentary candidates made deals with smugglers to coerce the electorate to vote for them. The politician having agreed to ‘make charges go away’ for the smugglers’ family and friends. Hence, the Hawkhurst gang were able to grow in bravado and viciousness.
The Hawkhurst gang leaders were brothers Arthur and William Grey, Thomas ‘Jockey Tom’ Carey, George and Thomas (aka Staymaker) Kingsmill the latter took over leadership after the Grey brothers. And, Jeremiah Curteis who was leader of the Hastings Outlaws prior to their merger with the Hawkhurst gang.
In the early morning of 26th December 1740 The Hawkhurst Gang shot dead customs officer Thomas Carswell who had found and seized a quantity of contraband hidden at Silverhill on the outskirts of Hastings.
Smugglers were threatening national security and Parliament passed the so called ‘The Gazetting Law’ (1746 Act). This law directed that those suspected of smuggling could have their names published in the Gazette. They then had 40 days to turn themselves in to the authorities or a large bounty was put on their heads and their punishment when apprehended would be death!
Trials were held in London where it was more difficult for the outlaws to influence the jury.
In 1747 three villages around Hawkhurst; Goudhurst Cranbrook and Ticehurst formed a Militia of local men in the community. They were not soldiers but formed an Anti-Smuggling Committee to challenge the Smugglers. The Hawkhurst Gang threatened to burn down the village if the militia was not disbanded. But the Smugglers were confronted at Goudhurst and several of the gang were shot dead. This broke the hold the outlaws had on them.
But the Battle of Goudhurst was not the end of the Hawkhurst Gang. It was the murders at Poole Customs House later the same year that clipped their wings. The Hawkurst Gang had been hired to seize back confiscated goods held at Poole Customs House. Customs Officers took statements from informers. However, on the way back home they got lost and were found by the smugglings and kidnapped. They were tortured by the smugglers and stoned to death. Although, it is thought that one of the informers was probably buried alive. The Duke of Richmond was horrified by the murders and rounded up the Smugglers. Cornered at the top of a cliff one chose to throw himself off, but others were apprehended and put on trial. The leaders: Arthur Grey, Thomas Carey and Thomas Kingsmill were hung. William Grey died in prison, George Kingsmill had previously died at the Battle of Goudhurst. Jeremiah Curteis escaped only to die from smallpox in 1753.
Smuggling did not completely cease after this but it settled to a level that the government were comfortable with.
After the talk Joe answered questions and we had one of the best discussions as several members told of their ancestors who were smugglers. Joe kindly returned later in the evening to answer questions after the recording.
About the speaker: Joseph Dragvich is from Pennsylvania USA but now lives in Wales. He studied History and Classics at the University of Pittsburgh, USA before studying for a Masters in History at Durham University, UK. His dissertation focused on the political economy of 18th century smuggling and The Hawkhurst Gang was the subject of his first book. He has also written for the New York Times, History Today, SD Times and has also been featured on BBC Radio Kent.
Report by Tricia Baxter – Virtual Speakers Secretary for Kent FHS