Tolleshunt Church operated as a warehouse for smuggled booze and tobacco in the 1770s. William Blythe a turncoat and a sexton at the church was involved in the smuggling.
Legendary Essex note: In the 1700s, the Essex coast was home to Revenue Cutters, speedy sailing vessels used by the British Customs service to enforce trade regulations and prevent smuggling. These cutters played a vital role in collecting duties and taxes on imported goods and were involved in other activities like enforcing quarantine restrictions and charting the coastline.
