Storylines are delighted to be collaborating with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to explore smuggling as part of their forthcoming Smugglers: Cornwall’s Outlaw Coast exhibition (2027-29).
Over the next couple of months we will be holding a series of recorded conversations in pubs around Cornwall. We’ll be focusing on places with a deep history of smuggling and are looking forward to hearing people’s stories and reflections. We’ll be delivering these alongside the fabulous maritime historian Dr Jo Esra who will be sharing some of her knowledge and musings on the theme. We had the joy of recording Jo a few years back for the Gwelan podcast, as she shared with us local myths, legends and stories from Mounts Bay. It’s always a treat to hear Jo talk and we’ve already learnt some great local anecdotes about smuggling in Cornwall.
Admiral Benbow, Chapel Street, Penzance
Saturday 19th September 2026- 1-3pm
The first pub on our tour is the Admiral Benbow. So if you’re in the Penzance area, please come and join us for a drink (on us!) and a chat. Landlord Chris has told us about the tunnels which run under the pub, and indeed the wreckage and maritime artefacts dotted around the pub tell a tale too.
Following this tour of Cornish pubs, Storylines will be weaving together audio extracts from these conversations to form part of the forthcoming Smugglers exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. This major exhibition will open in March 2027 and run for 2 years. We’re excited to be involved and get our teeth into this fascinating theme.
