The Sussex Smuggler

  Book Review: Witches By Tracy Borman. "Witches" by Tracy Borman offers a captivating exploration into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of witches. Borman's meticulous research and engaging writing style bring to life a historical narrative that is both informative and entertaining. One of the strengths of the book lies in Borman's ability to blend historical facts with a narrative that keeps the reader eagerly turning the pages. Her detailed accounts of the lives of alleged witches from across the UK and Europe, the societal context in which they lived, and the trials they faced provide a rich tapestry of historical insight. The author's commitment to accuracy is evident throughout the book. Borman not only delves into the well-known witch trials but also sheds light on lesser-known cases, offering a comprehensive view of the phenomenon. The reader gains a nuanced understanding of the factors that contributed to the persecution of individuals accused...

The Landguard:Smuggling in the 18th Century. When it comes down to the subject of 18th century Smuggling, not much is mentioned about the unsung heroes of the Landguard. There are not to many public houses or taverns called 'The Riding Officer' ,but plenty called or referring to smuggling.  The Riding Officers and the Landguard had it tough, it was a thankless task and with the odds stacked against the Riding Officers. Those brave enough executing the job were open to corruption and danger. One such example of how dangerous being a Riding Officer was in 1740 Thomas Carswell found a stash of tea in a barn at Etchingham, East Sussex after shadowing its landing by none other than the Hawkhurst gang at Bulverhythe, Hastings. Carswell with assistance of some Dragoons recovered the tea from a barn and started to convey the tea to Hastings Customs house. However, 'Trip' Stanford, who was leading this particular landing received word about Carswell taking the tea. The  intoxica...

 The story of the Wreck of the VOC ship The Amsterdam, Bulverhythe, Hastings, East Sussex. The VOC Ship The Amsterdam (Replica). The story of the VOC ship the Amsterdam is one of movie proportions, However, I do hope Hollywood never get the rights to make it ! But it is still surprising a film has never been made ! The story takes on a three month maiden voyage of the VOC mirror ship (East Indiaman)  the Amsterdam. There are some technical pronunciations and titles I need to explain to the reader of this blog. Lets start with the abbreviation VOC. The abbreviation VOC stands for  Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC)  or in English, United East India Company. A mirror ship in short term is a ship owned and sailed by the VOC that took currency such as gold, silver, raw materials and soldiers to Batavia and other parts of the Dutch empire. Then returned with the purchased goods to the Netherlands. The VOC ship The Amsterdam (Replica). The Amsterdam was completed in 17...

 Who was Captain Jack Sparrow ? This is a subject that has often entered my mind after watching an entertaining film such as Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails. I often wondered who film producers used to inspire their characters. Black Sails is a mix of fact and fiction, a interwoven blend of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson and the Golden Age of Piracy researched and described by Colin Woodward in T he Republic of Pirates. However, what of Captain Jack Sparrow. Readers maybe surprised to learn that piracy took place every where in the world with many notable characters to speak off.  "The Greatest Scounderal that sailed from England" - of Captain John Ward by Sir Henry Wotton 1608. Hollywood would only have us focus on the lush Islands of the West Indies. With the 17th century Buccaneers being used in the same breadth as their redundant sailors the pirates on the Golden age of piracy  of the 18th century with a cross over of Privateers spanning centuries ...