Quick Facts
Biography
The Carters of Prussia Cove were a family of Cornish smugglers active in the late 18th century operating out of Prussia Cove, Cornwall, where they had a hideout/home in a remote cliff next to the ocean.
John Carter (born 1738, mysteriously disappeared, presumed dead, 1807) was nicknamed the "King of Prussia" in reference to his smuggling operations with some of his brothers, Harry Carter (1749-1809) and Charles Carter (?). John obtained the nickname because he was said to closely resemble Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia, and was said to much admire him, and gave his name to the cove, located east of Penzance. The BBC said of the brothers, "The Carters of Prussia Cove are among the most famous of all the Cornish smugglers."
By all accounts, despite his profession, John Carter was a devout Methodist and was noted for his honest dealing as a smuggler.
Much of what is known about John and the Carters came from Harry's autobiography, The Autobiography of a Cornish Smuggler, and folklore passed down through the generations.