Abandoned & Forgotten Smugglers Tunnels in West Sussex

Описание: For two hundred years from the mid – seventeenth century the smugglers ran contraband cargoes from landing sites. The goods included brandy, gin, tea, coffee, spices, lace and a range of other highly prized goods. They used caves dug into the cliffs, which led to tunnels connecting the cellars of houses and Inns under the Streets . At night the cliff ‘preventative officers’ patrolled top paths. At one time windmill sails were used to signal that the coast was clear.

As traditional Sussex industries declined, such as fishing, weaving and iron production, men sought other ways of supplementing a meagre income. Tub carriers could earn up to 10/- a night carrying tubs from the beach up to local hiding places, which compared favorably to a laborers weekly salary. However, although smuggling could be highly lucrative it could also be exceptionally dangerous and although it was generally only the gang leaders that were convicted, these men risked their lives and their livelihoods. Sea smugglers faced naval service on a man-of-war and land smugglers risked transportation and possibly even death if convicted.

The remoteness of the village combined with its proximity to the sea made This area a popular spot with smugglers. The illegal merchandise was hidden anywhere and everywhere. Stashed in barns, tunnels and even churches, the goods waited transportation to the London black market.

These times were romanticized in Kipling’s, A Smugglers’ Song, “Five and twenty ponies/Trotting through the dark/Brandy for the Parson/Baccy for the Clark. these were some of the smugglers’ favorite chants.

The last case of smuggling in the area was reported in 1827 where smugglers attacked and severely beat Liet. Digby of Blockade Division
’ #Olightuk #1066Logos
massive shoutout to paul Jones now the 4th member of UrbanExplorersUK welcome to the team bro!