The Rocket Series #6 Smugglers Cache
In the 18th Century Robin Hood’s Bay was reportedly the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coast. Its natural isolation, protected by marshy moorland on three sides made it an excellent ideal place for smuggling.
Vessels from the continent brought contraband which was distributed by contacts on land and the operations were financed by syndicates who made profits without the risks taken by the seamen and the villagers. Tea, gin, rum, brandy and tobacco were among the contraband smuggled into Yorkshire from the Netherlands and France to avoid the duty.
Smuggling at sea was backed up by many on land who were willing to finance and transport contraband. Fisherfolk, farmers clergy and gentry alike were all involved. Fierce battles ensued between smugglers and excise men, both at sea and on land, and Bay wives were known to pour boiling water over excise men from bedroom windows in the narrow alleyways. Hiding places, bolt holes and secret passages abounded. It is said that a bale of silk could pass from the bottom of the village to the top without leaving the houses.
The threat of the excise men was not the only danger to Bayfolk. In the late 18 th century and early 19 th century, the Press Gangs were feared and hated. Sailors and fishermen were supposed to be exempt but, in reality, rarely were. Once ‘pressed’, their chances of returning to their homes were not high. Village women would beat a drum to warn the men folk that the Press Gangs had arrived and it was not unusual for the Press Gang to be attacked and beaten off.
http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/robin-hoods-bay/history
Nowadays legitimate activities in Robin Hoods Bay are tourism and fishing.
Number 6 in the Rocket Series. The Rocket Series is based on the Rocket Post field on the Cleveland Way near Robin Hoods Bay.
Just a small clip box container with room for swag and trackables. Please do not disturb the wall, it's not there.
Thanks to the National Trust for allowing me to place these geocaches on the Cleveland Way.
Maximum stealth is required due to it being a busy muggle area! Good footwear is also recommended. Please put exactly where it was found to ensure it doesn't get muggled.
THE ROCKET SERIES
#1 Rocket Mannn
#2 Rescued by Rocket
#3 Treasure Chest
#4 Rocking Lighthouse
#5 Jurassic Coast Part One
#6 Smugglers Cache
#7 Sea View
#8 Bay Ness
#9 Jurassic Coast Part 2
#10 Bottom House Farm
#11 A Fine View
#12 Hideaway