WITH reference to The Press article “Dick Turpin’s grave is set to be revamped” (The Press, September 16), in keeping with all the claims and counter-claims where Richard III’s last resting place should be, Dick Turpin’s last rites may lead to discontent from others who declare an interest.

Dick Turpin, son of a farmer, was apprentice to a butcher in Whitechapel and was noted early for his boorishness and brutality. He married a girl from Eastham and soon began a career stealing cattle and cutting them up for sale.

His reputation for gallantry or the horse he rode – Black Bess – has no basis in fact, and the reported ride to York from London was orchestrated by another highwayman, a Yorkshireman, Nevison.

Notorious spots where the highwayman operated were Finchley Common, Hounslow Heath and Epping Forest. Turpin operated with others of his ilk, namely Claude Duval, Will Holloway and Jack Shepherd.

One of the latest recorded murders by a highwayman was that of a Mr Steele as late as 1806.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.