Swanlake: A Hotbed of Smuggling Intrigue

Nestled just 6 miles west of Tenby, the picturesque Manorbier Castle stands proudly. A stone’s throw away lies Swanlake Bay, an idyllic setting for tales of treachery and loyalty dating back to 1825.

Smuggling Treachery Unveiled

In 1825, a Swanlake resident’s betrayal unfolded a gripping smuggling story. A confiding man revealed Mr. J’s hidden contraband barrels in his cellar. The wife, eyeing a reward, tipped off customs officials. Yet, Mr. J swiftly outsmarted them, relocating the goods to Sunny Hill and Bullslaughter Bay.

Manorbier Castle: A Haven for Smugglers

Manorbier Castle, a key player in the smuggling narratives, reveals its secrets. A well within the castle served as a smugglers’ storage space, and rumours persist about hidden cellars permeating the castle’s foundations.

Captain Jack Furze: The Jolly Smuggler

Around 1800, Captain Jack Furze made Manorbier his base. Disguised as a farmer and coal miner, he used the castle’s cellars for contraband storage. His charisma won locals over, but his smuggling activities eventually caught up with him.

A Daring Escape

Captain Jack Furze faced a perilous escape as King’s ships closed in. The Saucy Jane, his ship, engaged in a dramatic chase. Captain Jack emerged unscathed, evading cannon fire with nimble manoeuvres, declaring, “The timber is not spliced; that’ll run down Jack Furze!”

Jack Furze’s Retreat

The close call prompted Captain Jack Furze to retire from smuggling, opting for a quieter life. Manorbier’s smuggling tales linger, echoing through the castle’s corridors and captivating visitors with tales of treacherous escapades.

Intrigued travellers can still explore the castle’s well, peering into its depths and imagining the clandestine tunnels leading to the sea. Swanlake and Manorbier, once hubs of illicit activities, now stand as witnesses to a bygone era of smuggling adventures, inviting visitors to step back in time and unravel the secrets hidden within their historic walls. These smuggling stories and locations echo of treacherous escapades, creating an immersive experience that allows enthusiasts to envision the daring manoeuvres, secret cellars, and jolly smugglers that once defined the clandestine world of Swanlake and Manorbier Castle.