HISTORY QUESTION #8971
Which highwayman was immortalised by the novelist William Answorth in his novel "Rookwood" from 1834?
Dick Turpin
Explanation
The English highwayman Richard "Dick" Turpin (1705-1739) followed in his father's footsteps as a butcher early in life. He began his criminal life in 1730s, when he teamed up with a gang of deer thieves and later became a poacher, robber, horse thief and murderer. Moreover, 100 years after his death, he was made famous by novelist William Answorth. Turpin took the name John Palmer as a cover after several murders, but he was nevertheless quickly suspected to be a horse thief, leading to imprisonment. His true identity was revealed by a letter he sent from prison to his brother in law. Turpin was then sentenced to death and executed on 7th April 1739.
Statistics
Answer time 0s (0s). 45% have previously answered correct on this question. The question was created 2012-06-19.