J stands for Jamaica Inn,

In a bleak windswept part of Bodmin Moor Cornwall stands the infamous Jamaica Inn, which was a staging post for changing horses. It also was notorious for it's strong association with smuggling. 

Daphne du Maurier wrote the much loved story of Jamaica Inn in 1930. It happened, one day , a few years before, Ms Du Maurier was out horse riding on Bodmin Moor, when she was suddenly embroiled in a thick and swirling fog, realising she was lost and by chance she came upon Jamaica Inn, fortunately she was able to take refuge there. Whilst she was recovering from her ordeal she was suitably entertained by the local Rector who told her tales of the smugglers and also some hair raising, spooky yarns of the ghosts, who allegedly inhabited the Inn.

  Is this the rector (below)  who regaled Ms Du Maurier with his fanciful tales of smugglers and ghosts? In my mind he looks more like a ghostly brigand than a clergyman but then, a pirate would hardly carry a bible around with him, would he ?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

A mural on the wall of the bar in the Inn.

   When Daphnie eventually  wrote Jamaica Inn, it  was assumed that she based a character in her book, ( the enigmatic Vicar of Altarnun) upon the chance meeting with The Rector. The plot follows a group of 'wreckers'who would deliberately use beacons to misguide ships in stormy weather, thus running them aground.

 As the  crew tried to make for shore the murderous 'wreckers' would kill the beleaguered sailors. Then they would set about stealing the valuable cargo.

The Museum at the Inn displaying some ill gotten gains.

The murderous bunch would then make their way to the Inn to sort and distribute the contraband. Even the local dignitaries would turn a blind eye upon the actions of the 'wreckers' as they would benefit by receiving fine silks from China  and brandy for their own use.

Jamaica Inn is a wonderful piece of work an if you haven't  already read it I implore you to do so, it is really quite scary in parts!

My sincere thanks to the JOYOUS Denise for creating   ABCW, also to Roger for his  JUST and fair way in doing what he does so well. Finally the JAZZY team of helpers who assist Roger and Denise in visiting other ABCW...ers.

Regards to  all from  Di xx