Telescope, first half of the 19th century, Verdmont
Look up at the eaves in the attic space at Verdmont and you will see the remnants of a cupola, an octagonal tower that enabled views for miles over land and sea. Urban legend has it that Thomas Smith, Collector of Customs, and the second owner of Verdmont, used the cupola and a telescope to spot ships sailing off the South Shore to the Town of St. George to unload cargo. Apparently, if the vessel was not expected, he would mount his horse and gallop east to check that duty was paid on the goods. Whether this was feasible is highly questionable, as it would have had to include a ferry ride. However, “two spying glasses” were listed in Smith’s 1782 probate inventory. This leather-clad brass telescope, on display in the attic, was made by Carys of London and was gifted to the Trust by Elsie Gosling. It’s a reminder of the days when the Collector of Customs played I-spy to gain revenue for the island…
