The Tale of the Smuggler King

The Legend Behind The Smugglers at The Queens Head

In the heart of 18th century Cullercoats, high on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea,

lived a man with a secret.

Captain Thomas Armstrong—known to most as Tommy—was no ordinary local. By title,

he was His Majesty’s Customs Officer. But by reputation, he was the original Smuggler

King of the North East.

From his coastal home, Tommy masterminded a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the

cliffs, perfect for hiding away exotic contraband from across the seas. With a wink and a

nod, he played both sides—lawman by day, smuggler by night. A true poacher turned

gamekeeper, he became something of a folk hero. While he shared a little of his fortune

with the poor, he kept the lion’s share of his treasures stashed in what he proudly called

“the Cockpit.”

Eventually, Tommy’s luck ran out. He was caught shortly before his death at 51—but the

story didn’t end there. Ironically, the next Customs Officer was his own son, Nicholas,

who kept the family trade alive for years to come.

By 1820, the Armstrongs had vanished from Cullercoats, and their once-secretive

hideaway had become a modest boarding house known as “Smugglers Rest.”

Today, we honour Tommy’s unforgettable legacy by renaming our pub & restaurant The

Smugglers at The Queen’s Head —a warm, welcoming tribute to a loveable rogue whose

story deserves to live on.