Thomas Rowlandson (London 1756-1827)

The highwayman was romanticised during the 17th and 18th centuries in England. It was an age when few rode alone without fear of being robbed. Consequently people often hired escorts or joined company. The fabled highwayman was said to be a gentleman, well dressed with a 'kerchief over his face, greeting travellers with the immortal lines 'Stand and deliver' or 'Your money or your life!'. In truth, those that were well-born and well-mannered were far outnumbered by those that practised their trade with extreme brutality. The four main roads to London were famous for criminal activity. Dick Turpin, perhaps the best known robber of all, was a highwayman along the Great North Road.