When Did Highwaymen Live?

Highwaymen were "as common as crows" from around 1650 to 1800. In an age where travel was already hazardous due to the lack of decent roads, no one rode alone without fear of being robbed, and people often joined company or hired escorts. Travelers often wrote their wills before they traveled.

What era is highwayman?

Highwaymen increased in number in the early 18th century. They targeted stagecoaches, carriages, farmers returning from market and the mail coaches. Highwaymen were usually armed with pistols and wore masks. They are famous for the phrase, Stand and deliver .

What did highwaymen steal?

Some highwaymen robbed alone but others worked in gangs. They often targeted coaches because they did not have much defence, stealing money, jewellery and other valuable items. The penalty for robbery with violence was to be executed by hanging.