Dick Turpin. The name conjures up images of a dashing rogue on horseback, galloping through the night with a pistol in hand and a mask across his face. He’s the quintessential highwayman of English folklore, a Robin Hood-like figure romanticized in ballads, books, and films. But strip away the myths, and what remains is a tale of crime, audacity, and a surprising amount of connection to London.
Far from being just a rural bandit, Turpin had a significant relationship with the capital. He didn’t merely rob the rich on the outskirts of the city; he also lived, schemed, and hid within its labyrinthine streets. Londonopia delves into the real story of Dick Turpin and his London adventures.

Humble Beginnings in Essex
Born at the Blue Bell Inn in Hempstead, Essex, on September 21, 1705, Richard ‘Dick’ Turpin grew up in an environment tainted by criminal activity. His father, John Turpin, owned the inn and was said to have been deeply involved in smuggling, a common yet illicit trade in coastal regions of England.
As a young man, Turpin apprenticed as a butcher in Whitechapel, an area already infamous for its rough-and-tumble reputation. But his stint as a butcher’s apprentice didn’t last long. Turpin moved with his wife, Elizabeth, to Buckhurst Hill, just on the edge of Epping Forest, where he opened his own butcher shop. However, the daily grind of honest work soon lost its appeal.
Tempted by the easy money to be made from the poaching trade, Turpin began buying and selling meat illegally sourced from the many poachers operating in Epping Forest. This small step into the world of crime would set him on the path to infamy.
A Butcher Turned Outlaw
Turpin’s dealings with poachers quickly escalated, and he joined the Essex Gang—a band of thieves notorious for their violent raids on farmhouses and deer parks. Their exploits often centred around Epping Forest, a natural haven for criminals operating near London.
Epping Forest, just a few miles from the city, was a prime location for Turpin’s activities. Its dense woods provided cover, while its proximity to the capital ensured a steady flow of wealthy targets. The Essex Gang’s robberies made headlines, but as members of the gang were captured or killed, Turpin struck out on his own.
Hiding Out in Whitechapel
After the Essex Gang disbanded—thanks to arrests and executions—Turpin struck out on his own. For a time, he returned to London’s East End and took refuge in Whitechapel. Far from the gentrified neighbourhood we know today, 18th-century Whitechapel was a rough-and-tumble area, full of narrow streets, overcrowded taverns, and seedy inns—the perfect hideout for a wanted man.
While in Whitechapel, Turpin likely mixed with the city’s thriving underworld. He’d have been surrounded by cutpurses, counterfeiters, and other unsavoury characters who thrived in London’s shadows. The area also provided easy access to the Thames, which could be used for a quick escape if the authorities came knocking.
Crimes Along London’s Roads
Turpin’s highway robbery exploits flourished during this time. The roads leading into and out of London—such as the Great North Road and the road to Epping—were prime hunting grounds for highwaymen. These routes were busy with merchants, mail coaches, and wealthy travelers, all carrying valuables ripe for the taking.
Turpin became infamous for his boldness. Unlike many highwaymen who relied on stealth, Turpin embraced audacity. He would block roads, brazenly demand money at gunpoint, and vanish into the night before the authorities could catch him. His exploits made headlines in the capital’s newspapers, further fuelling his growing legend.
Millbank: Another London Connection
As the law closed in, Turpin moved to Millbank, an area on the western fringes of London. In the 18th century, Millbank was a semi-rural district dotted with fields and riverside paths—a far cry from today’s urban sprawl. It was an ideal spot for a fugitive looking to keep a low profile while still remaining close to the action.
During his time in Millbank, Turpin continued his life of crime, often retreating to the area after his robberies. It’s easy to imagine him skulking through the muddy lanes, pistol hidden beneath his cloak, plotting his next heist while keeping an eye out for constables.

The Myth of the Ride to York
No article about Turpin would be complete without mentioning the famous ride to York. The story goes that Turpin, pursued by authorities, rode his trusty horse, Black Bess, from London to York in a single night to establish an alibi for a crime. It’s a thrilling tale that has inspired countless books and films—but it’s almost certainly fiction.
The myth was popularized by William Harrison Ainsworth’s 19th-century novel Rookwood. In reality, Turpin’s movements were far less dramatic. While he did eventually end up in York, it wasn’t through a heroic overnight ride. Still, the story adds to the larger-than-life image that has come to define him.
The Bow Street Runners and London’s Hunt for Turpin
London’s authorities were relentless in their pursuit of Turpin. The Bow Street Runners, an early precursor to the modern police force, were established to tackle crimes like highway robbery. They patrolled the city’s roads and worked tirelessly to bring highwaymen to justice.
Despite their efforts, Turpin’s cunning and mobility allowed him to evade capture for years. His ability to disappear into London’s sprawling underworld frustrated the authorities and enhanced his reputation as an elusive outlaw.
Capture and Execution
Turpin’s downfall didn’t come in London but in Yorkshire. After fleeing the capital, he assumed the alias John Palmer and continued his criminal activities in the north. However, his luck finally ran out when he was arrested for shooting a neighbour’s cockerel—a petty crime that led to his true identity being discovered.
In 1739, Turpin was tried and executed in York. His death drew a large crowd, many of whom saw him as a folk hero rather than a villain. Londoners, too, would have read about his execution in the papers, cementing his status as a legend.
Turpin’s London Legacy
Dick Turpin’s connection to London is an essential part of his story. The city provided him with a hideout, a stage for his crimes, and a source of the myths that would immortalize him. From Whitechapel’s crowded streets to Millbank’s muddy paths, London was both his sanctuary and his hunting ground.
Even today, traces of Turpin’s legacy linger in London. His name appears in pub signs, stories, and urban legends, a reminder of a time when highwaymen roamed the city’s outskirts and terrorized its roads. While the real Turpin was far less glamorous than his fictional counterpart, his life remains a fascinating chapter in London’s history—a tale of crime, chaos, and the blurred line between villain and hero.
TAGS: Dick Turpin, highwaymen, Stand and Deliver, Epping Forest, Whitechapel
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