Files from the National Archive reveal preposterous acts both grand and petty. Julian Putkowski distills them down.

When HM Customs and Excise want to transfer Falmouth's steam launch to a more important port the locals raise a stink. Canny civil servants think they have fobbed them off with an inferior boat until the sailors play the ultimate trump card.

Reader: Crawford Logan

Producer: Matt Thompson
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4. Show less