When darkness fell across the rugged cliffs of North Devon, a different kind of commerce came alive. For three centuries, this wild coastline became the backdrop for one of England's most lucrative and dangerous trades smuggling.
From the treacherous rocks of Hartland Point to the hidden coves of Ilfracombe, discover the untold stories of the men and women who defied the Crown's tax collectors and built underground empires.
Journey through moonlit adventures where a single cargo could make or break fortunes, where revenue officers played deadly games of cat and mouse with local smugglers, and where the line between hero and villain blurred like morning mist. Uncover the secret tunnels still hidden beneath coastal villages, the coded signals that warned of approaching danger, and the epic chases that became local legend.
This isn't just the story of brandy and tobacco it's the tale of ordinary people who chose extraordinary risks, of communities that created their own laws, and of a coastline that harboured secrets as deep as its hidden caves. From the golden age of "free trading" to its decline, experience three centuries of adventure, betrayal, and survival.
Prepare to see North Devon's picturesque harbours and scenic footpaths in an entirely new light as the stage for England's greatest maritime rebellion.
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Until next time, keep your eyes on the horizon and remember history's greatest adventures often happened in the shadows.