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Crime

15 Legendary Bandits Who Became Folk Heroes

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8. Dick Turpin

dick turpin jumping hornsey tollgate
Dick Turpin and his horse clear Hornsey Tollgate, in Ainsworth’s novel, Rookwood. Source: Wikipedia

Dick Turpin, an infamous English highwayman of the 18th century, became a legendary figure in British folklore. Originally a butcher, he turned to a life of crime, robbing travelers on the roads of England. His audacious exploits and daring escapes from the law captured public imagination, leading to his romanticized portrayal in stories and ballads.

Turpin is perhaps best known for his legendary 200-mile ride from London to York, which has been immortalized in literature. Despite his criminal activities, he became a folk hero, symbolizing rebellion against authority and the allure of the outlaw lifestyle in a changing society.

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