Who were the members of the Hawkhurst Gang?
Thomas Lillywhite was acquitted. Kingsmill, Fairall and Perrin were found guilty and sentenced to death. Richard Glover was found guilty, but recommended for mercy by the Jury and became the only member of the gang to be pardoned. Jeremiah Curtis escaped before he could be brought to justice.
Where were the Hawkhurst Gang from?
The Hawkhurst Gang were perhaps the most famous gang of smugglers operating along the South Coast from Dorset to Kent during the 18th Century.
What was the punishment for smuggling in the 18th century?
This statute, part of the Bloody Code, further extended the means by which a person could be convicted for smuggling and put to death without benefit of clergy. As the smuggling war continued to burden Parliament in 18th-century England, it became even more crucial to find ways to convict criminals.
How did smuggling end?
Smuggled goods were a lot cheaper than goods which had paid the duty. When Prime Minister William Pitt lowered duties in the 1780s, smuggling became less profitable. Further removal of duties in the 19th century put an end to the kind of smuggling which went on so openly in the 18th century.
Why is smuggling hard to stop?
The decline of smuggling Smugglers were often executed as a deterrent to others. However, as so few were caught it did not stop the problem of smuggling. When the Government reduced tax on tea and other goods in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, smuggling declined as it was no longer so profitable.
When was the Bloody Code abolished?
When did the Bloody Code end? The Bloody Code was abolished in the 1820s when Robert Peel reformed criminal law. Changing attitudes continued to push reforms throughout the 19th century.
What was the most common crime in the 1800s?
The total number of cases reported is 4780, with breaching the peace, drunkenness and assault being the most common crimes, and labourers being the most common offenders of these crimes. One murder case was reported, the offender being a mill worker, and 123 prostitutes were arrested for ‘Loitering and Importuning’.
What did Cornish smugglers smuggle?
The famous Custom House in Falmouth will close in 2012. In the past, Cornwall was a centre for smuggling of illegal contraband such as brandy and gin. Smuggling reached its peak in the county during the 18th Century. Today the Isles of Scilly is a peaceful haven attracting holidaymakers from all over the world.
What is the crime of smuggling?
Smuggling is a crime entirely created by governments. In the 18th century, the British government collected a good deal of its income from customs duties – tax paid on the import of goods such as tea, cloth, wine and spirits. The tax was high, up to 30%, so these items became expensive.
Who is the most famous smuggler?
One Cornish man, John Carter from Breage was perhaps the most famous smuggler. His nickname was the ‘King of Prussia’, and a line of cannons protected his base near Lands End!
What crime was the black act tackle?
The government introduced the Black Act, formally “An Act for the more effectual punishing wicked and evil disposed Persons going armed in Disguise and doing Injuries and Violence to the Persons and Properties of His Majesty’s Subject, and for the more speedy bringing the Offenders to Justice”, to Parliament on 26 …
How did Robert Peel help end the Bloody Code?
Obsolete laws were repealed. Sir Robert Peel, as Home Secretary persuaded Parliament to abolish the death penalty for over one hundred offences. Death penalty ended for all offences except murder, attempted murder and treason.