Memoirs of a Smuggler, compiled from his Diary and Journal: containing the Principal Events if the Life of John Rattenbury, of Beer, Devonshire; commonly called 'The Rob Roy of the West'.

RATTENBURY, John [SMUGGLING]:

Published by Sidmouth: Printed Published and Sold by J Harvey, First edition, 1837

About this Item

12mo., iv, 108 pages, portrait frontispiece with tissue still present, with scarce large folding map showing the country round Beer to the extent of 20 miles, original blindstamped cloth with upper cover titled in gilt, spine and some outer edges lightly sunned. A VG+ clean tightly bound copy with the scarce map present. Ex Libris John Bullon with his neat inscription to blank front free endpaper 'John Bullon, Charmouth, 25 Dec 1837.' John otherwise known as Jack Rattenbury was born in Beer, Devon in 1778 and lived in the village until his death in 1844. He was renowned throughout the South West of England as a smuggler and as an exceptional sailor. The village was a secretive, tucked-away place, which made it ideal for the lucrative but dangerous profession of smuggling. Jack and his associates used the terrain and exploited the inefficient Excise Service to good effect. He became notorious for his exploits and rejoiced in the nickname 'Rob Roy of the West.' Jack was often treated leniently by the Magistrates, who enjoyed access to a good supply of contraband French Brandy, despite the fact that, at the time, England was engaged in the Napoleonic war. During the 19th century, wealth was limited to rich land owners and merchants. The working people lived in terrible poverty. Such was the case in East Devon and it was inevitable that men and women would use, whatever opportunities existed, both in and outside the law, to provide for their families. Towards the end of his career, Jack, who was illiterate, dictated his Memoirs to a Sidmouth publisher.

Seller Inventory # 3953

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Memoirs of a Smuggler, compiled from his Diary and Journal: containing the Principal Events if the Life of John Rattenbury, of Beer, Devonshire; commonly called 'The Rob Roy of the West'.
• Publisher: Sidmouth: Printed Published and Sold by J Harvey, First edition
• Publication Date: 1837
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • History
  • Antiquarian History
  • Smuggling