On this episode of Unexpected Essex, your host Eri Berry deep dives into the murky world of 18th century highway robbery. Today, we answer the question: just who was Dick Turpin, how was he connected to Essex, and exactly what was the real deal with highwaymen?

This episode explores the life of highwayman Dick Turpin, the circumstances of his eventual execution, and how society came to romanticise the figure of the gentleman highwayman in popular culture. Turpin was born in Hempstead, a small village in the north west of Essex. Initially working as a butcher, it isn't long before he's drawn into a shady world of poaching, robbery, and even murder.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:17 The Concept of the Highwayman

04:13 The Origin of Dick Turpin

07:25 The Gregory Gang a.k.a The Essex Gang

21:36 Turpin on the Run

26:53 A Fateful Letter

29:15 The Trial

31:02 Execution

34:25 The Legend Begins

38:52 The Myth of the Highwayman in the 20th Century

40:44 Introducing the Turpin Tally

41:19 Thanks for Listening!

41:48 Credits

Key Names and Places

Dick Turpin, Hempstead, Epping Forest, York, London, Thaxted, Waltham Forest, Lincolnshire

Show Notes and Image Attribution

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DISCLAIMER:

While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com.