The Hawkhurst Gang was a notorious criminal organisation involved in smuggling throughout southeast England from 1735 until 1749. One of the more infamous gangs of the early 18th century, they extended their influence from Hawkhurst, their base in Kent, along the South coast, where they successfully raided the Custom House, Poole. After they were defeated in a battle with the Goudhurst militia in 1747, two of their leaders, Arthur Gray and Thomas Kingsmill, were executed in 1748 and 1749, respectively.
The Oak and Ivy Inn, Hawkhurst
The Mermaid Inn, Rye
Title page of book, written at the time, about the murder of the two men.
A Representation of members of the gang breaking open the King's Custom House at Poole.
Goudhurst is a village and civil parish in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England. It lies in the Weald, around 12 miles (19 km) south of Maidstone, on the crossroads of the A262 and B2079.
High Street, Goudhurst