The Sinews of Power

In the days before income tax and VAT or even purchase tax the main source of the British government's income was duty imposed on imports and exports. When a cargo landed at a port like Greenock the captain made his way to the Custom House (now restored) and there, at the long counter, he gave details of his cargo, duty was worked out and paid. It was incredibly well organised for the 18th century and was remarkably efficient and effective as a means of financing the government. This was all without computers, internet, faxes, photocopiers, or even typewriters.

It was so good that the historian John Brewer called the tax system "The Sinews of Power" since it financed Britain's military power against the French.

No wonder the Custom Houses were such imposing buildings.