Smuggling in Essex
Essex has always been particularly suited to smuggling. It has over ninety miles of coastline bordering the North Sea, and an even greater length of navigable rivers, tidal creeks and backwaters. Graham Smith's meticulously researched book describes the smuggling industry in detail along each section of the Essex coast, explaining the various methods used. He introduces the legendary characters involved, including Mrs Gregson, the female 'Fagin' of Barking who employed a gang of local boys to obtain smuggled tobacco to supply to London merchants; and Michael 'Micky' Steele who landed a small C