Why was the Isle of Man important to smugglers?

Question

What was smuggled in and out,by whom to where? Don't post if you don't know-it's tiresome

..like "give me vote"

Thanks for proper answers

The major shortage in the IOM nowadays is Manx people...

Answer 1

The Isle of Man had a thoroughly deserved reputation for smuggling. For three centuries it was a private domain, outside of the control of the crown, and even today the island maintains a degree of autonomy that is unparalleled on the British mainland.

Henry IV granted trade freedom for the island to Sir John Stanley in 1405, and the status of the Isle of Man was theoretically that of a kingdom quite separate from the rest of England (or Britain, after the Act of Union incorporated Scotland in 1707). The ruler of the island was for centuries known as King of Man.

The Isle of Man operated a free-trade policy, and its people regarded the English customs duties as protectionist. Smuggling on the island in the early eighteenth century took the form of merchants importing goods from mainland Britain, and claiming the 'drawback' — a refund of import duty paid. The now uncustomed goods were then shipped back to England. This system grew rapidly, and eventually ocean-going ships began to sell direct to the Manx — a simple drawback fraud had become wholesale smuggling.

Answer 2

Could it be anything to do with the fact that the IOM is not part of the UK?
I can see the island from 100yds from my house here in Co Down so it's conceivable that smugglers used the shortest crossing of the Irish Sea to move their contraband. They would have smuggled whatever was in short supply or had higher taxes in that part they were smuggling to. e.g. during the war butter, eggs & sugar was smuggled from South to Northern Ireland. And nowadays it's tobacco and diesel/petrol coming North. Smuggling is still big business, but what are they short of now in the IOM?

Answer 3

Latter day smugglers came to know Port Erin very well, using the solitude of the bay to mask their activities and kept safe from observation by the steep hills and perpendicular cliffs surrounding the village.
www,isle-of-man.com

Answer 4

I do know that in the nineteenth century a lot of gherkins were being smuggled in to the Isle of Man. Sorry,now I come to think of it, it was the Isle of Dogs.

Answer 5

outside control of the crown

Answer 6

give me vote

Answer 7

try this site
www.isle-of-man.com/
manxnotebook/
history/ap/ap_40b16.htm
hope it helps
x