Dick Turpin probably did ride in and through Stilton during the stage coaching era. His real name was Richard Turpin but he also used the name John Palmer. Myth and legend tried to create him as a dashing and daring highwayman but this was far from true. He was born in 1706 in Essex and probably became a butcher like his father. It was all too easy to steal sheep, lamb and cattle to supply his butcher's shop.

He became a member of the Essex gang who invaded isolated farm houses demanding money or valuables. Highway robbery was his next venture and was lucky to escape capture. The King has offered a reward of £50 for the capture of the gang members. He worked with Tom King a well known highwayman and in 1737 another bounty of £100 was offered for capture. A game keeper tracked Turpin to Epping Forest but was shot by Turpin who had now become not only a robber but a murderer. Turpin had forced a man called Major to exchange horses. Major issued a description of the horse and Turpin. The horse was traced to the Red Lion pub in Whitechapel. Tom King was accidently shot by Turpin when they arrived to collect the horse and capture was likely. Turpin was forced to leave the area and headed for Yorkshire using the name of John Palmer. His life of robbery continued but he was eventually arrested and the full extent of his activities was discovered. According to legend, Turpin hid in the Bell, Stilton for nine weeks while he was being hunted by the law. Surprised by a raid one night, he threw open the window and jumped out onto his horse, Black Bess, before galloping off up the Great North Road, now the A1.

While in York prison he wrote to his brother asking him to arrange for a character reference to help his release. The letter was returned to the Post Office as his brother refused to pay for the stamp. A Mr. Smith, who was Turpin's school master, happened to notice the hand writing when the returned letter was opened. Although the letter was signed John Palmer Mr. Smith could still identify the writing. This was the end for Turpin as he was convicted for his life of crime and on April 7th 1739 he was hung at York race course.