Smuggling and contraband have a rich and fascinating history in Cornwall. Though much contraband was taken ashore in the hundreds of small coves around the Cornish coastline, some sailors were brave, or foolish enough to try to bring it ashore in the Port of Falmouth.
Attached to the Old Customs House (now the pizza restaurant) and with the current Harbour Masters Office just a few doors away, this three-stage brick flue chimney was built around 1814 when the Customs House was relocated here from Admiralty House on Bank Place. What was then called the Town Quay was renamed Customs House Quay on its opening.
Falmouth Customs has been involved in many incidents throughout the years, confiscating contraband spirits and tobacco, both of which were destroyed from this small compound at the back of the building on Customs House Quay. The tobacco was burned in the King's Pipe and the spirits were literally poured down a drain which leads directly into Custom House Quay basin.
Perhaps the most infamous occurrence that the Customs House officers were involved in was the Mignonette cannibal incident in 1884 which set the precedent in law for if it was ever acceptable for one person to eat another.
The Old Customs House closed it doors for the last time on 30th March 2012 due to government cost saving measures.
Congrats to leonaq and chesterblaise for the joint FTF!
