The long, sparsely populated Cumbrian coast was perfect for smugglers. The proximity to the Isle of Man - 'The Warehouse of Frauds' where duty was far lower than on the mainland - provided Cumbrian smugglers with perfect opportunity to smuggle across the Irish Sea.

However, smuggling was illegal and had to be conducted away from the watchful eye of the Custom's Officers. Our exhibition details this game of cat and mouse and reveals some surprising facts about the smuggling trade.

From here we cross the Atlantic to America where we will learn about the prohibition of alcohol and the crime that went with it.