Collections
New gallery open from 17 May 2008
Enter an unseen world of smuggling, intrigue and detection where things are not always what they seem.
'Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered' is the national museum of HM Revenue and Customs. It is the only one in Britain, drawing on contraband seizures and other archive material from all over the country. These fascinating exhibits tell the controversial story of Britain’s taxes and duties.
The history of tax is a subject that affects us all. At some time in our lives we all make use of hospitals, schools, roads, museums and other public services. They are paid for by taxes raised by the Government. If we didn’t pay tax these services would disappear. In the museum you can find out how Revenue and Customs officers throughout history have worked on our behalf to raise taxes to pay for services we all use.
This has not always been an easy job, as people have always felt strongly about tax. When they feel they have been taxed too hard or unfairly they protest. Ever since medieval times people have taken to the streets and rioted over taxes on such things as meat, cider and tea. In more recent times taxes on fuel led to widespread protest and demonstrations in 1993 and 2004.
Revenue and Customs officers also also protect us by controlling the import of illegal goods, such as guns and drugs. Officers at ports and airports use ingenuity and daring to beat smugglers. They also enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulations, controlling the trade in wild animals and plants.
Find out more about some of the unusual discoveries they have made and the extreme lengths that smugglers go to in order to conceal contraband goods in 'Seized'. Visitors can also test their powers of investigation to see if they'd make a good Customs officer.
Some of the highlights from the collection can also be seen on this website.