Villages by the Sea: Robin Hood’s Bay: Smugglers, Fishermen, and Tales of the Yorkshire Coast
The picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay has captivated travellers, historians, and locals for centuries. Its stunning cliffside views, winding cobbled streets, and ancient cottages make it one of Yorkshire’s most beloved coastal gems. But there’s much more to Robin Hood’s Bay than meets the eye. In Episode 4 of Season 1 of Villages by the Sea, archaeologist Ben Robinson delves into the village’s shadowy history of smuggling and its enduring connection to the sea.
From dangerous smuggling operations to a thriving fishing industry and the unique Gansey jumpers, Robin Hood’s Bay is rich with stories that bring history to life. Just a scenic drive from Cliff House Holiday Cottages, this village is a fantastic destination for visitors looking to experience the culture, heritage, and breathtaking beauty of Yorkshire’s coast.
The Dangerous World of Smuggling in North Yorkshire
In the 18th century, Robin Hood’s Bay was a hotspot for smuggling. With high taxes on goods like tea, brandy, and tobacco, the coast became the perfect location for smuggling operations. Smugglers and their supporters had an intricate system of tunnels and hidden passageways, allowing them to move goods between houses without being seen. The locals played their part too, often aiding smugglers in hiding the goods and avoiding excise men—government officers tasked with seizing smuggled items and arresting smugglers.
The risks, however, were high. Smuggling was punishable by death, and any captured goods could spark a fierce fight. One of the most notorious clashes occurred in 1779 at the Old Fisherman’s Arms, where villagers faced off against excise men, determined to reclaim the goods that had been seized. This intense battle highlights just how seriously the people of Robin Hood’s Bay took the smuggling trade; for them, it was a matter of survival as well as resistance against government taxes.
From Smuggling to Fishing
As the government lifted taxes on these goods, smuggling naturally declined. The villagers then turned to fishing as a legitimate source of income. By the early 1800s, Robin Hood’s Bay was a bustling fishing port with as many as 45 fishing boats, or “cobbles,” lining its shore. Fishing became a lifeline for the community, with the village’s fishermen hauling in impressive catches that would be sold locally and exported as far as the Mediterranean.
The fishing culture brought a renewed sense of purpose and identity to Robin Hood’s Bay. Today, while the number of fishing boats has dwindled, the spirit of those hardworking fishermen lives on. You can still see cobbles and fishing relics along the coast, offering a reminder of the village’s connection to the sea.
Annie, Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire
The Story of Gansey Jumpers
As the fishermen faced the cold winds and rough seas, they needed clothing that was both durable and warm. Enter the Gansey jumper, a tightly knit, wool sweater that became essential for Yorkshire fishermen. The Gansey wasn’t just practical—it was personal. Each village had its own unique pattern, and it was said that these designs could even help identify drowned sailors when they washed ashore.
Whether or not this identification system is true remains up for debate, but the tradition of the Gansey jumper has certainly left its mark on Yorkshire’s coastal culture. Today, many visitors to Robin Hood’s Bay are fascinated by these intricate jumpers, which stand as a symbol of both the region’s fishing history and its resilience.
The Story of “Visitor” and the Lifesaving RNLI Crew
Robin Hood’s Bay’s connection to the sea goes beyond fishing and smuggling. It’s also home to countless stories of bravery and heroism, especially through the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has rescued countless lives over the years.
One of the most famous rescues involved a boat called the Visitor. In the late 19th century, Visitor became stranded in rough seas. With the crew in grave danger, the Robin Hood’s Bay RNLI attempted to launch but couldn’t. A telegram was sent requesting the Whitby life boat to launch, but they couldn’t either. Instead, a team of 18 horses and 200 men, dragged the boat the 7 miles to Robin Hood’s Bay cutting their way through snowdrifts in the way in order to launch it. Despite the high winds and strong currents, the lifeboat crew braved the storm and succeeded in bringing the crew of the Visitor back to safety.
Visiting Robin Hood’s Bay Today
Robin Hood’s Bay is an unforgettable destination for anyone staying at Cliff House Holiday Cottages. Walking through its steep streets and narrow alleys, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s so much to discover, from the hidden pathways used by smugglers to the shoreline where fishing cobbles once lined up, waiting for their next trip out to sea. And with each twist and turn, there’s another story waiting to be told. You can watch this episode of Villages by the Sea: Robin Hood’s Bay on BBC iPlayer.
Explore the coast, soak in the history, and, if you’re visiting during cooler months, keep an eye out for Gansey jumpers in local shops—a nod to the tradition that once kept the village’s fishermen warm.
Robin Hood’s Bay isn’t just a village; it’s a place where Yorkshire’s history, culture, and resilience come together in a spectacularly scenic setting. Have a look at some of our other posts to learn more about Robin Hood’s Bay
