Lundy Island has been the refuge of persons of high and low degree.  No small number of smugglers have made it their abode, as from thence formerly they could carry on their lawless trade with impunity.  The most noted of them was a man named Benson, at one time a member of Parliament, who had ultimately to escape to "foreign lands" to avoid punishment.  The pirates also in days of yore used to make it their headquarters; indeed, Marisco, who built the castle, may be included in the category of outlaws.  He, with a daring band of followers, long carried on their depredations on foreign and mercantile shipping, until they were all captured and hanged.