Smugglers Ahoy!

As part of their work on the swashbuckling 19th century smuggling adventure story Moonfleet, Mrs Stone’s Year 7 English class were transported back in time at Chichester’s Novium Museum.  

The workshop focused on Chichester's rich history of pirates and smugglers and was both educational and entertaining, with an array of displays that brought the past to life. One of the highlights was a short video that gave a dramatic overview of how a terrifying band of local south coast smugglers operated along our coastline.  The infamous Hawkhurst Gang have certainly left their mark:  from a gibbet in Selsey, to the Smuggler’s Stone on the Broyle Road, both serving as a reminder of the harsh punishments for smugglers.

We also took part in several interactive group tasks, including looking at authentic clothing worn by smugglers, complete with secret pockets in coats and false heels in shoes. The museum also featured a collection of silks, lace, a leather cat-o’-nine-tails and other artefacts — the most unusual being a beautiful compressed and embossed block of tea; at the time, the most efficient way to transport loose tea from China.  

The trip was a fascinating insight into the daring and dangerous lives of pirates and smugglers, and it made our local history feel vivid and exciting. So, next time you’re in and around Brandy Hole Lane, have a think about whose footsteps you’re walking in!

Jas Stone, Teacher of English