The 19th century Godfather of North Kent.
(The following notes suggest a different theory regarding the structure and operations of smuggling networks around North Kent, especially Seasalter …
Tag Archives: William Baldock
Contraband bargains now available at your local Customs House.
The growth of the 18th and 19th century free trade touched the lives of practically everyone. The trade was driven …
The fine House at Petham
The peak of William Baldock’s success was embodied in the House at Petham. It was designed on such a grand …
William Baldock. Freeman of the City of Canterbury by redemption
No man or woman could trade in the city of Canterbury without obtaining the ‘freedom’ of the city and this …
Baldock’s smuggling legacy. Part 4: Intriguing possibilities
Following the recent post about ‘What lies in dark cellars’, Steve Baldock made contact with some fascinating possibilities concerning: Background on …
Baldock’s smuggling legacy Part 3: What lies in dark cellars?
Small, almost insignificant details of a Last Will and Testament can often lead to hidden parts of a person’s life …
The Canterbury Catch Club of 1779. A place for glees, catches and madrigals.
Reconstructing the network of people and places that made up William Baldock’s smuggling enterprise uncovers some curious situations and characters. …
Baldock’s smuggling legacy Part 2: Rewarding the faithful
The overriding purpose behind William Baldock’s Will of 1812 is to reward loyalty and make sure that as much of his …
Baldock’s smuggling legacy Part 1: Rewarding family loyalty
The considerable wealth that William Baldock builds up during his lifetime involved some complex trust management at the time of …
The Faversham Hoy: Everything a smuggling vessel should be.
They were fast, elegant, reliable and a familiar sight around the North Kent coast, the Medway and Thames Estuary. The …
