Who Were the Highwaymen
The highwaymen were criminals who robbed travelers on roads and paths, especially in Britain and Ireland. They usually targeted stagecoaches, mail coaches, and lone riders. Their crimes peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Highwaymen in History
Famous highwaymen include Claude Duval, Dick Turpin, and James Hind. They became legends for their bold robberies and sometimes courteous behavior. Many were eventually caught and executed for their crimes.
Legacy of the Highwaymen
The term highwayman is still used to describe robbers who target travelers or drivers. The image of the highwayman lives on in folklore, literature, and film. You can learn more about highway robbery history on the British Library website Highwaymen.
