Scarborough in North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Smuggler & Apprentice

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 15, 2025

1. Smuggler & Apprentice Marker

Inscription. The sculpture depicts a 19th century smuggler carrying casks of illicit brandy accompanied by his young apprentice. Smuggling existed as long as there was customs duty to evade. However, it reached a new peak as duties were extended to cover a wider range of products. During the 19th century it was a profitable hobby for fishermen in Staintondale, Robin Hood's Bay, Flamborough, Cloughton and Scarborough.

Silks, French muslin, tobacco, wines and spirits, brandy, gin and tea were made the subject of heavy duties, all in great demand. Many coastal folk felt the levies to be an unfair trick.

There were some considerable hauls of goods. Smugglers and Revenue officers were in a state of war in which many local people sided with the rebels against the authorities in the long battle. Who won? Well, in the 18th century it was admitted at Scarborough, that the price of tea was low owing to the smugglers' resources!

The Artist, Ray Lonsdale
Sculpture has always been Ray's passion. A former steel fabricator from County Durham, he is receiving increasing acclaim and attention for his highly distinctive, thought provoking work.

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Ray also created the, Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers sculpture in the North Bay on Royal Albert Drive. The drawings illustrated are some of Ray's drawings which eventually led to the final sculptures that you see now.

Smuggler and Apprentice was commissioned by Scarborough resident (Ena) Maureen Robinson. The sculpture is placed in memory of her parents, Fred and Edna Archer and, her husband Michael. It is also dedicated to staff at the former Scarborough Evening News (now the Scarborough News).

You may now wish to visit the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre at 45, Eastborough, Scarborough which is very close to the sculpture. Maureen Robinson made a generous gift to the centre which helped facilitate the purchase of the premise. Admission is free and the centre is run by a team of volunteers. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.

Erected by Scarborough & District Civic Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 54° 17.002′ N, 0° 23.704′ W. Marker is in Scarborough, England,

Smuggler and Apprentice Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 15, 2025

2. Smuggler and Apprentice Sculpture

in North Yorkshire. It is at the intersection of Eastborough and Merchants Row, on the right when traveling east on Eastborough. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 Eastborough, Scarborough, England YO11, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Newborough Bar and Borough Gaol, 1845 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The First Settlements (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Gun Batteries (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Besieged (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); World War I (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Scarborough Castle (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); A Royal Castle (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Charles Laughton (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scarborough.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.