Highwayman

The highwayman was a type of robber who attacked people who were travelling. They were common in the British Isles from the time of Elizabeth I to the 1800s. Highwaymen rode on horses. They were thought to be socially superior to footpads (who robbed on foot).^[1]

Old print of a highwayman. Image source unknown.

Crimes

Some highwaymen robbed alone, but others worked in gangs. Some were men; others were women. They often targeted coaches because they did not have much defence, They stole money, jewellery and other valuable items.

The penalty for robbery with violence was execution by hanging. Soldiers attempted to catch highwaymen.

Famous highwaymen

The 17th-century highwayman James Hind was hanged, drawn and quartered. As a supporter of King Charles, the Protectorate charged him with treason.

One of the most famous highwaymen was Dick Turpin, who was hanged for his crimes in 1739. The Australian bushranger Ben Hall was said^[who?] to be one too.

Not all highwaymen were men. The worst^{[clarification needed]} places for highwayman were Shooter's Hill and Finchely Common.