II. ST GEORGE'S CHURCHYARD

Our second stop is at St George’s Churchyard, which contains the marker for Dick Turpin’s grave. Although, doubt has been cast as to whether it really holds his remains. Turpin is one of the most well-known highwaymen of the eighteenth century and perhaps one of the most well known in contemporary times. Originally from Essex, Turpin has become forever associated with York. He was executed by hanging at the Knavesmire Tyburn on the 7th April 1739, after his criminal career came to light, following a series of rather extraordinary events. After shooting his landlords cockerel he was imprisoned first in Beverley, but was transferred to York Castle Jail when his horse theft crimes were revealed. He wrote to his brother for help but it was returned to the local post office where Turpin’s old schoolmaster recognised his handwriting. Turpin’s identity was thus revealed and, because of a murder he committed in London, he was tried, convicted and condemned to death in March 1739. ​