Smuggling in Sussex

Smuggling was endemic along the Sussex coast during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Large gangs controlled the trade for much of this time, working closely with suppliers across the Channel and buyers in London. The notorious Hawkhurst Gang were involved in a fatal skirmish with Royal Dragoons at Sea Place in 1745. John Olliver, the Miller of Highdown was reputed to be an important figure in the smuggling trade. In February 1832, a violent affray in Worthing town centre led to the death of smugglers' leader, William Cowerson. In his talk, Chris Hare will give details of these and other incidents in the local history of smuggling.