Dick Turpin, English criminal (b. 1705)

Richard Turpin, whose baptism was recorded on 21 September 1705, and who met his end on 7 April 1739, remains one of England's most infamous highwaymen. His life of crime, particularly his exploits as a highwayman, was profoundly romanticised following his execution in York for horse theft, transforming him from a common criminal into a figure of legend in the public imagination.

Born in Hempstead, Essex, Turpin's early life may have seen him follow in his father's footsteps as a butcher. However, the early 1730s marked a significant shift in his trajectory, as he plunged into a life of crime. Initially, he aligned himself with a gang of deer thieves, operating in the sprawling forests and estates of the English countryside where poaching was a pervasive issue. This initial foray quickly escalated, leading him through a succession of criminal roles: he became a poacher, then a burglar, graduated to horse theft, and was even implicated in murder. This progression paints a picture of a man increasingly entrenched in the underworld, driven by necessity or perhaps a burgeoning disregard for the law.

The Enduring Myth of Black Bess and the Ride to York

Perhaps the most enduring, yet entirely fictional, tale associated with Turpin is his supposed 200-mile (320 km) overnight dash from London to York atop his magnificent mare, Black Bess. This dramatic and heroic narrative, a cornerstone of his legend, was not a contemporary account but rather a creation nearly a century after Turpin's death. It was the prolific Victorian novelist William Harrison Ainsworth who immortalised this thrilling, if imaginary, feat in his 1834 novel Rookwood, effectively cementing Turpin's place as a dashing, almost aristocratic, figure of defiance in popular culture. This fictional ride dramatically enhanced his mystique, overshadowing the grittier realities of his criminal life.

From Deer Thief to Highwayman: Turpin's Criminal Career

While his early criminal activities ranged widely, Turpin's name became most closely synonymous with highway robbery. This particular phase of his career began in earnest after the core members of his initial gang were apprehended in 1735. In 18th-century England, highwaymen were a peculiar menace, preying on travellers along the often isolated and perilous roads. They embodied a certain thrill, operating at the fringes of society, and captivating the public imagination even as they instilled fear. Turpin, however, vanished from the public eye towards the end of 1735, only to re-emerge in 1737 with two new accomplices. This period was marked by increased desperation and violence; tragically, Turpin is believed to have accidentally shot and killed one of these new associates. Fleeing the scene of this grave error, he soon encountered a man attempting to capture him, whom Turpin also killed, further deepening his criminal record and making him a wanted man with a price on his head.

A New Identity and Inevitable Capture

Seeking to evade the relentless pursuit of the law, Turpin travelled north later in 1737, settling in Yorkshire under the assumed identity of "John Palmer." He attempted to blend into local society, staying at an inn and cultivating an image of respectability. However, his lavish lifestyle and unexplained income soon aroused the suspicions of local magistrates, who began to make discreet enquiries into "Palmer's" affairs. Suspected of being a horse thief – a capital offence in 18th-century England, reflecting the immense value of horses to the economy and daily life – "Palmer" was arrested and subsequently imprisoned in York Castle, awaiting trial at the next assizes. The assizes were periodic court sessions held in various counties by travelling judges, bringing justice (or its often harsh equivalent) to the provinces.

It was from the confines of his prison cell that Turpin's elaborate disguise unravelled. He penned a letter to his brother-in-law, a seemingly innocuous act that would prove to be his undoing. This letter, rather than reaching its intended recipient directly, fell into the hands of the authorities. Its contents, coupled with investigations, ultimately revealed the true identity of "John Palmer" as the notorious Richard Turpin. The revelation sent ripples through the legal community and the public, as one of England's most wanted criminals had finally been apprehended.

Trial, Conviction, and Execution at Knavesmire

On 22 March 1739, Richard Turpin faced justice. He was tried at the York assizes and found guilty on two charges of horse theft. The legal penalties for such crimes were exceptionally severe during this period, often culminating in the death sentence. True to the brutal spirit of the law, Turpin was sentenced to death. On 7 April 1739, a mere two weeks after his conviction, Richard Turpin was led to the gallows at Knavesmire, a common execution site just outside York. His execution was a public spectacle, as was common for notorious criminals, drawing large crowds eager to witness the final moments of the infamous highwayman.

The Genesis of a Legend

Even in death, Turpin's story was far from over; in fact, his legend truly began to flourish after his execution. His exploits were rapidly romanticised, transforming him into a dashing, even heroic, figure in popular culture. English ballads and popular theatre of the 18th and 19th centuries eagerly embraced his tale, often portraying him as a bold gentleman rogue who defied authority. This idealised image continued into the 20th century, finding new life in film and television. The narrative of Turpin, the daring outlaw, resonated deeply with the public, perhaps reflecting a collective fascination with rebellion against a harsh legal system and an appreciation for the theatrical drama that his criminal life, especially the fictionalised elements, offered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Richard Turpin a real person?
Yes, Richard Turpin was a real historical figure. He was an English highwayman born in 1705 and executed in 1739.
What crimes was Richard Turpin known for?
Turpin engaged in a variety of criminal activities including deer theft, poaching, burglary, horse theft, and murder. He is most famously associated with highway robbery.
Did Richard Turpin really ride Black Bess from London to York?
No, the famous 200-mile (320 km) overnight ride from London to York on his horse Black Bess is a work of fiction. This tale was popularised nearly a century after Turpin's death by the Victorian novelist William Harrison Ainsworth.
How was Richard Turpin caught?
Turpin was apprehended in Yorkshire while living under the alias "John Palmer." His identity was revealed when a letter he wrote from prison to his brother-in-law was intercepted by the authorities.
Why did Richard Turpin become so famous?
Turpin's fame largely stemmed from the romanticisation of his exploits after his execution. He was portrayed as a dashing and heroic figure in ballads, theatre, and later in film, fitting the popular archetype of the "gentleman highwayman" despite the brutal realities of his criminal life.
When and where was Richard Turpin executed?
Richard Turpin was found guilty of horse theft and executed by hanging at Knavesmire, near York, on 7 April 1739.