Smugglers and Smuggling - strange doings p.3

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This extract, taken from the introduction, describes the mood of the early 19th century, in which 'men were disposed to make haste to be rich'. As a result, 'there were strange doings by night in the creeks and hollow ways and caves of the southern coast'. Smuggled goods lined the beaches: there you would find fishermen's boots stuffed with French lace or jewellery; ladies petticoats 'quilted' with silk stockings; and loaves of bread hollowed out to hold pairs of gloves.

About Reminiscences of Smugglers and Smuggling

This collection of smuggling stories from early 19^th century Hastings includes curious tales of jewellery hidden in fishermens' shoes, and of silk stockings sewn into the lining of petticoats. The author also incorporates a number of sailors’ songs.