Smuggling Luggers Old and New
I am writing as I hope readers might be interested in the boat I am building at Morwellham Quay (it is a private venture and I have nothing to do with the Garlandstone), as something that is perhaps of interest to fellow members.
'Alert' is a brand new replica of an 1835 clinker smuggling lugger. The design represents a type rather than an individual vessel. She has been built to a high specification with bronze and copper fastenings, lead ballast and bronze keel bolts, oak framing, larch and oak planking.
Noteworthy points of the hull form are the fine entry and long run culminating in a full lute stern while above the waterline she keeps a full beam relatively far forward (this will help her stand up to her foresail.) On deck special features include a genuine 19th century capstan and a small cannon.
I have some connected family history which may be of interest as well. My very great grandfather through my mother is Admiral Sir Robert Barlow KCB. As a Lieutenant he had the Revenue Cutter 'Barracouta' and 'cruized with success against the Westcountry smugglers'. When off Brest Barlow's brig the Childers was the victim of the first act of aggression by the French Republic in 1793. On the declaration of war he sailed from London and was the first to capture a privateer, 'Le Patriote' off Gravelines. Barlow was later knighted for the capture of the French Frigate 'Africaine' in the Mediterranean.
In 1805 with the 'Triumph' he was 1st Captain of the North Sea Fleet. When he went ashore he became Commissioner of Chatham Dockyard and later Deputy Comptroller of the Navy. His daughter married William Nelson which makes Horatio my very great uncle's brother.
There are many photos on the website below.
Revenue Cutters and Smuggling Luggers
Morwellham Quay
Tavistock
Devon
PL19 8JL
Tel: 01822 890 427
http://www.cuttersandluggers.co.uk
From Will Stirling
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