A few events and characters to follow up from Stand and Deliver: A History of Highway Robbery–

Sawney Beane. Patriarch of an incestuous and cannibalistic gang operating out of hidden caves on the Galloway coast. Inspiration for The Hills Have Eyes, amongst others.

The Gordon Riots. Anti Catholic rioting in 1780 led by Lord George Gordon protesting a law which reversed lots of discrimination against Catholics.

Mohocks. Gangs of rich young men who roamed the London streets assaulting and terrifying members of the public.

Jack Ketch’s Warren. Streets in Clerkenwell that were turned into a no-go zone for the law and had tunnels and secret doors to help criminals escape.