Monument To Ransley Family, About 10 Metres South East Of Church Of St Mary Magdalene

The monument to the Ransley family is located about 10 metres southeast of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Ruckinge. It commemorates James and William Ransley, who died in 1800. The monument consists of a simple wooden plank supported by iron posts with spear finials at either end and a central iron split-post. The wooden board may have originally been painted with an inscription. James and William Ransley were part of the Aldington gang, led by Cephas Quested and George Ransley, and were hanged in 1800 for smuggling offences. Due to their local significance, the Ransleys, who were born in nearby Ransley Cottage, were given an honourable burial in the churchyard. The Aldington gang inspired the novel "The Smugglers" by G.P.R. James and the Dr. Syn adventure series by Russel Thorndike.