The Most Famous Highwayman, Ranked

Choose the highwayman you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 07:07
Many are curious about the enigmatic figures who once roamed highways, seizing fortunes with a mix of charm and threat. As these colorful characters from history intrigued societies, stories of their daring deeds passed through generations have shaped our cultural outlook on rebellion and justice. Ranking the most renowned highwaymen offers a structured way to see how these figures compare in the collective memory of society. This dynamic ranking serves as a bridge connecting past to present, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and curious minds alike to engage in historical exploration and contribute their perspectives. By voting on who you believe warrants the title of the most notorious highwayman, you help paint a clearer picture of these historical figures in the lens of modern understanding and relevance.

Who Is the Most Famous Highwayman?

  1. 1
    38
    votes
    Perhaps the most famous highwayman of all time, Turpin was known for his daring robberies and legendary escapes. He is said to have ridden from London to York in a single night, a feat that has become the stuff of legend.
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    An American outlaw and legendary figure of the Wild West, Jesse James was known for his daring train and bank robberies. He was also a skilled horseman and gunfighter, and his exploits have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows.
    Jesse James in other rankings
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    Ned Kelly
    Australian News and Information Bureau, Canberra · Public domain
    An Australian bushranger, Kelly is perhaps the most famous outlaw in Australian history. He is known for his daring robberies and his iconic suit of armor, which he wore during his last stand against the police.
    Ned Kelly in other rankings
  4. 4
    6
    votes

    Bonnie and Clyde

    Media and public
    Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were a notorious criminal couple who robbed banks and killed police officers during the Great Depression. They became folk heroes to some and were the subject of numerous songs, books, and movies.
    Bonnie and Clyde is a call sign referring to the notorious criminal couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who were active during the Great Depression. They gained notoriety for their bank robberies, car thefts, and murders.
    • Time period: 1930s
    • Nickname: Bonnie and Clyde
    • Occupation: Outlaws
    • Notable activities: Bank robberies, car thefts, murder
    • Escape methods: Frequent use of stolen cars
    Bonnie and Clyde in other rankings
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Captain Kidd
    Wilrooij · CC BY-SA 4.0
    A Scottish pirate who operated in the Caribbean and along the coast of North America, Kidd is known for his buried treasure and his execution in 1701. He has become a legendary figure in pirate lore and has been the subject of numerous books and movies.
    Captain Kidd in other rankings
  6. 6
    16
    votes
    Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was a notorious pirate who operated in the Caribbean and along the coast of North America in the early 18th century. He is known for his fearsome appearance, which included a long black beard and numerous weapons, and his exploits have become the stuff of legend.
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Although he may be more myth than reality, Robin Hood is perhaps the most famous outlaw in English folklore. He is known for his courage, his archery skills, and his willingness to rob from the rich to give to the poor. His legend has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows.
    Robin Hood in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    A French highwayman who operated in England in the 17th century, Duval was known for his charm, his wit, and his daring robberies. He became a legendary figure in English folklore and has been the subject of numerous books and plays.
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Charles Peace
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    A Victorian burglar and murderer, Peace was known for his intelligence, his cunning, and his ability to evade the police. He became a celebrity in his own time and has been the subject of numerous books and movies.
    Charles Peace in other rankings
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    John Dillinger
    FBI · Public domain
    An American bank robber and gangster who operated during the Great Depression, Dillinger was known for his daring escapes and his charismatic personality. He became a folk hero to some and has been the subject of numerous books and movies.
    John Dillinger in other rankings

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous highwayman. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Highwayman is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1314 views
  • 158 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Highwayman once every 24 hours. The rank of each Highwayman is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous highwayman

The term "highwayman" refers to an outlaw who would rob travelers on the roads and highways of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. These notorious bandits were known for their bold and daring exploits, often targeting wealthy merchants and nobles who traveled with valuable goods and treasures. One of the most famous highwaymen in history is undoubtedly Dick Turpin, who operated in England during the early 18th century. Turpin was known for his charismatic personality and daring escapades, which included robbing coaches and stagecoaches, as well as stealing horses and cattle. He became a folk hero of sorts, with many ballads and stories being written about his exploits. Other famous highwaymen include Claude Duval, who operated in England during the mid-17th century, and John "Swift Nick" Nevison, who was active in the late 17th century. These bandits became legendary figures in their own right, with their stories being passed down through the generations and inspiring countless works of fiction and folklore.

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