Thanks to Paddie for sharing details of this recent talk. Ed
A smuggler hiding in one of the churchyard’s tombs to escape customs and excise men was just one of the interesting stories heard by a capacity audience during a talk about ‘Smuggling in Niton’ given by Dr Richard Smout in Niton Parish Church.
The area was rife with smuggling and it is probable that no one in the middle of the 19th Century on the Isle of Wight was not in receipt of smuggled alcohol at some time.
Customs and Excise men and coastguards were never able to stay long in an area because once they were recognised they became very unpopular and had to be moved, some as far away as Norfolk.
Fascinating talk
Dr Smout brought along artefacts from the days of smuggling, together with maps and photographs, all adding to an interesting, informative and, often, very amusing talk.
As Patrons of the Stonework Appeal the Rt Rev Bishop Christopher Foster and the Arcdeacon, the Venerable Peter Sutton were both present.
Next event
The next talk in this series of Heritage Events will be at Niton Parish Church on Wednesday 13th April at 7.30pm where Geoff Allan of the Western Front Association will present ‘Niton in the First World War’.
All are welcome.
