Richard Hutley returned to Lentune Probus to give us a really fascinating talk on smuggling in this area and in particular Isaac Gulliver who built a very substantial fortune from "Free Trading" in the 18th century

Born in 1745 into a family well versed in the trade he started his activities at the age of 12 as a "smuggler's assistant". A tall and imposing man, by 1763 he was supplying several cities with essentials such as tobacco, tea, alchohol, lace and silk. He focussed on the then almost unpopulated area between Poole and Christchurch (Bournemouth didn't exist) with its natural harbours, chines and heathland. and was not long before he was running convoys to London, Bristol and the Midlands quite possibly encouraged by the estimated 90% of the population that supported his trade.

Isaac was pardoned by the the King in 1782 but this appears to have encouraged him to continue to build his empire and by the time he died in 1822 he was a "respectable" banker with a huge property empire and was a Church Warden of Wimbourne Minster. 

Lentune Probus Club welcomes Membership applications if you would like to to meet and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Our members meet once a month for coffee, an interesting talk on a variety of topics, followed by a drink at the bar and lunch. We also arrange a varied programme of Social events. Contact David Newnham, Club Chairman  on 01590 642124 for details.