Could this unassuming house before you really be linked to a notorious highwayman? This is Dick Turpin House. It stands as a silent witness to intriguing tales. Though not definitively his birthplace, its connection to the legend of Dick Turpin adds a layer of mystery to this building.
Dick Turpin was born in Hempstead in 1705. He wasn’t the dashing hero of novels. Turpin was a complex figure who captivated and terrorized the public. The stories around Dick Turpin House intertwine with the man’s real life. They also include the fictional embellishments that turned him into a legend.
Let’s unravel some truths about Dick Turpin. His early life saw him follow his father’s footsteps as a butcher. This occupation led him to involvement with the Essex Gang, a group of deer thieves. Turpin’s role evolved from purchasing poached venison to participating in poaching himself.
As the Essex Gang’s activities escalated, so did their crimes. They progressed to violent robberies, assaults and even murder. Turpin did not discriminate between rich and poor. This dispels the romanticized image of him as a Robin Hood figure. One shocking example is the Earlsbury Farm robbery of 1735. Elderly Joseph Lawrence was brutalized. His servant Dorothy was also a victim of the gang.
Following the breakup of the Essex Gang, Turpin turned to highway robbery. He terrorized the areas between Epping Forest and Mile End. Rewards were offered for his capture but he evaded authorities. It is rumored that Dick Turpin even hid in the Netherlands during this period.
A fateful altercation changed Turpin’s life forever. It led to the death of his accomplice Matthew King. Some accounts say Turpin shot King accidentally. Fleeing to his hideout in Epping Forest, Turpin was spotted by Thomas Morris. Morris was a gamekeeper’s servant. Turpin shot and killed him. A large reward was offered for Turpin’s capture.
To evade capture, Turpin assumed the alias John Palmer. Under this new identity, he posed as a horse trader in Yorkshire. Ironically, his downfall began with the murder of a gamecock. After threatening John Robinson, local justices intervened. Turpin was imprisoned. He was never freed.
While awaiting trial, Turpin wrote a letter. It was to his brother-in-law. His former schoolteacher recognized Turpin’s handwriting. The teacher alerted authorities. Turpin’s true identity was revealed. He was charged with stealing horses.
During his trial, Turpin maintained his innocence. The charges against him were technically invalid. Despite this, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Dick Turpin was hanged in 1739.
Even after death, the story of Dick Turpin took another twist. Body snatchers stole his corpse. The body was recovered and reburied. This time it was buried with quicklime.
Dick Turpin’s legacy has transformed over time. The gruesome details of his crimes were overshadowed by romanticized tales. William Harrison Ainsworth’s novel “Rockwood” solidified Turpin’s image as a dashing highwayman. This image endured through ballads, plays and films.
So, as you stand before Dick Turpin House, remember the real man behind the myth. He was a complex figure whose life became the stuff of legend. His story continues to fascinate and intrigue. It offers a glimpse into the darker side of 18th-century England. It also reveals the power of storytelling to transform a common criminal into a folk hero.