Smuggling in and around Burton Bradstock
The history of Burton Bradstock could not be written without reference to its illegal seafaring association. There are many legends of the activities of smugglers operating in the area, as Burton Bradstock was a key landing place at the centre of Lyme Bay. According to experts in the 19th century, "if there was any smuggling at all in south-west Dorset, the preventive officers could be sure to find it at Burton Bradstock for this had long been a noted contraband centre and official fears of a great revival in the trade there after the peace in 1815 were well-judged. Here and at Swyre, two or three miles to the east, the Northovers had a finger in every tub and provided regular employment for the keeper of Dorchester Gaol" (more about the Northovers later).
Smugglers at work circa 1800
Softground etching by J.A.Atkinson - Source: Alan Hay collection
The following material is largely taken from an excellent book by Roger Guttridge (click here for brief biography) entitled 'Dorset Smugglers' and published by Dorset Publishing Company - sadly now out of print (see Books & Publications). We are very grateful to Roger Guttridge for giving us permission to use his book.
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