Section A: crime in the 18th and 19th centuries

Why did smuggling increase in the 18th century?

More goods such as cloth, wine and spirits were taxed, making smuggling more profitable.

Who were the Hawkhurst Gang and when were they active?

A powerful smuggling gang controlling much of the south coast from 1735–1749.

What happened to Arthur Gray and Thomas Kingsmill?

Both were caught and hanged in 1748 and 1749.

Why did local communities often help smugglers?

Smugglers were seen as heroes, and locals benefited from cheap luxury goods.

Why were smugglers difficult for authorities to catch?

They worked at night in remote coastlines and were protected by communities and upper classes.

Why did smuggling decline by the 19th century?

Import duties were reduced by William Pitt in the 1780s and again later, making smuggling less profitable.

What was highway robbery?

Attacking and robbing travellers on highways.

Why did highway robbery increase in the 18th century?

More people carried cash, isolated roads existed, and road improvements increased travel.

What were footpads and highwaymen?

Footpads robbed on foot; highwaymen robbed on horseback.

Who was Black Harry?

A famous highwayman in Derbyshire, later caught and executed at Wardlow Mires.

Why was highway robbery treated as a serious crime?

It occurred on the King’s highway and disrupted the postal service.

What law was introduced in 1772 regarding highway robbery?

Death penalty for anyone armed and disguised on a high road.

Why did highway robbery decline in the 19th century?

Mounted patrols were introduced and banks developed, reducing the need to carry cash.

What did the 1723 Black Act do?

 Made poaching a capital offence and banned blackening faces in hunting areas.

Why was the Black Act unpopular?

It favoured wealthy landowners who could hunt freely, and punished the poor harshly.

When did poaching stop being a capital offence?

From 1823.

What Act decriminalised witchcraft ?

1735 Witchcraft Act

What punishments replaced execution under the Witchcraft Act?

Fines and imprisonment.

Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs arrested in 1834?

Officially for taking an illegal oath, but actually for forming an early trade union (‘friendly society’).

What happened after their arrest?

They were transported for seven years, mass protests erupted, and they were pardoned four years later.