A renewed ambition

On my return to Mudeford in 1781 I renewed my ambition to become the most successful smuggler working out of Christchurch Harbour, so I replaced the Phoenix with a new boat. In accord with her fabulous namesake she was likewise named Phoenix.

I also resolved to spend more time on land with my family, so I put the new Phoenix and her crew, which on a smuggling run comprised about 30 men, under the command of one William May.

Inspired by the example of Isaac Gulliver, who had gained great wealth by running other businesses alongside smuggling, I set up a tobacco manufactory at my home in Stanpit. In those days almost everyone wanted tobacco. The wealthy smoked it in long stemmed pipes or inhaled it finely ground and scented as snuff, but most smoked it in cheap and fragile clay pipes.

Of course, this manufactory enabled me to process contraband tobacco along with legitimately imported leaves. My house had a clear view across the Harbour to Warren Hill on Hengistbury Head, so I could easily watch for a lookout signalling that the Phoenix was returning or that a Revenue cutter had been seen in the Bay.

In 1784 I acquired a second boat, named Civil Usage, to operate alongside the Phoenix. It was a financial gamble, but I had reckoned that I could recover her cost from only three or four successful smuggling runs. I put her under the command of the dependable William May.

To command the Phoenix I hired a new man, one William Parrott. He was from the Isle of Wight, but like me had settled in Christchurch after marrying a local girl. Nevertheless, it would be true to say that I did not know his character well - an oversight I would come to regret.

Did you know?

Old maps show that in the 18th century, a tower-like summerhouse stood on Hengistbury Head’s highest point. Today, a National Coastwatch Institution lookout post is sited on Warren Hill in much the same position.

You can listen to the audio track for this trail spot below, or read the audio transcript.