George Crawford and the Smugglers

Customs evasion was almost universal in Sussex until Newcastle's preventive efforts came unto force. Throughout the 18th century much of the Sussex coast was relatively isolated, with just small hamlets looking out towards northern France. Landing uncustomed goods would have been easy on the quiet sand or shingle beaches like Cuckmere Haven. Tubs or barrels of spirits were slung across the shoulders of the smugglers, and carried up the cliffs of Seven Sisters, or up onto Seaford Head, on swaying rope ladders — a hazardous business that claimed the lives of many men. 

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'On Tuesday evening, between two and three hundred smugglers on horseback came to Cookmere (sic) and received various kinds of goods from the boats, 'till at last the whole number were laden, when, in defiance of the King's officers, they went their way in great triumph. About a week before this, upwards of three hundred attended at the same place; and though the sea ran mountains high, the daring men in the cutters made good the landing...' 

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The smugglers were notoriously brutal and had an ugly reputation. They would board ships in the channel with the pretense of doing legitimate business (then a common practice). Once on board they would lock up the crew, kill anyone who resisted, then remove the cargo, and scupper the boat with all hands.

George Crawford, Richard's oldest friend, has been cast as the leader of the gang operating in and around Seaford throughout the book.  He did not, in fact, exist, but represents the dozens of bloodthirsty (and wealthy) smuggling leaders at the time.

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Events like the moving of the stones on top of Seven Sisters, the raid on the customs house and the murders of Challis and Barrow all took place exactly as described in Watch the Wall. The accounts can be easily found on-line, although for the Challis and Barrow affair you will need to search for Galley and Chater.