First up it's absolutely correct to pay full respect to Mr Roger Guttridge: rogerguttridge....
Roger and I are as yet to meet but are related....though I can't at present correctly describe that relationship. Roger has conducted extensive research into genealogy, smuggling and much more. Amongst other books he is the author of 'Dorset Smugglers' and has given countless talks on the subject. The facts and tales presented here are born of his efforts in researching Dorset's history, Thank you Sir!
I live in a van the old school way with my dog and at the moment I make these videos with a cheap smartphone and an aging laptop. At times that does show, sorry about that. Better equipment is on its way.
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Our journey into the world of the Dorset Smugglers starts with Roger Ridout, an ancestor who is arguably Dorset's most notorious smuggler. We may find that contention is tested as the series goes on! In terms of legendary tale though, Roger is definitely up there.
Roger's story sees us start in Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast at the Western edge of the Isle of Purbeck. This was an important location for the smuggling trade and seems to have been Roger's preferred spot to bring in his contraband from the French ships. Tubs of Brandy, gin, rum, bales of tobacco, tea, salt and silk. All of which and more were subject to high levels of customs duty in the 18th Century.
From Lulworth we move up through the heart of Dorset along the ancient route that Roger used with his gang and string of horses. The route passed through West Lulworth, Wool, Bere Regis, Winterbourne Whitchurch, Stickland and Turnworth to Roger's home in the Blackmore Vale at the Mill in Okeford Fitzpaine. We hear a description of the string that was given in the 1895 edition of Dorset Proceedings.
After getting a flavour of the man and his wife Mary we go on to explore the good's journey to his stash at Fiddleford Mill and the likely reason why he chose that particular place. We learn how his maternal grandfather who was a Yeoman left Roger a legacy that was to set him up for a life of smuggling.
Tales of Roger's interactions with the locals of Sturminster Newton, his relationship with Ridout's Ratted Tail and some potential bribery of Dashwood, the local Justice of the Peace provide us with further context and legend.
A night time run in with an excise man on the road from Fiddleford back to Okeford involving a jar of brewer's barm and a ditch tells us something of the quick thinking of the smuggler's mind before we finish at Roger and Mary's graveside with the tale of Roger's very brief stay at his majesty's displeasure.
A whistle stop tour through the life of an 18th century hero/villain...depending on your perspective!
This series will go on to explore the other main characters, the wider historical/social context and the logistics and technicalities of the trade. I find this all fascinating and hope that you do too!
Please check out the One dog and his man living in a van vlogs too, they combine an insight into Alf and me's way of life with some of my music, interests and concerns.
Thanks for watching and see you again.
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