The Running Trade
Douglas, Isle of Man
In the 1700s the Isle of Man had lower taxes than Britain, so huge amounts of brandy, tea and tobacco were landed there legally, then smuggled across to England, Scotland and Ireland. This 'running trade' made the island rich.
Read the full story, see it on the map, get directions and find what else is nearby in the free Hidden Britain Atlas map.
- When
- 1700s
- Where
- 54.1500, -4.4800
- Group
- Pirates
Visiting
The Manx Museum in Douglas tells the story.

Blood and Gold
Sixteen true stories of mutiny, mercy, treasure and the gallows from the Golden Age of Piracy: Henry Every, Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts, Edward England, Howell Davis, Christopher Moody, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Charles Vane, Benjamin Hornigold, Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, Israel Hands, Calico Jack, Edward Low, Captain William Kidd and Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy. Where the record is uncertain, the book says so.
Nearby mysteries
- The Fairy BridgeUnexplained · Near Santon, Isle of Man · 5 miles away
- The Buggane of St Trinian'sBigfoot & Hominids · St Trinian's Church, near Crosby, Isle of Man · 6 miles away
- King Orry's GraveMysterious grave · Laxey, Isle of Man · 7 miles away
- Slieau WhallianWitches · Near St John's, Isle of Man · 8 miles away
- Castle RushenExecution site · Castletown, Isle of Man · 9 miles away
- Illiam DhonePlot · Hango Hill, Castletown, Isle of Man · 9 miles away