RESEARCH by a University of York professor is claiming that Dick Turpin, the infamous 18th century highwayman, is unlikely to be buried in the marked grave in a York cemetery as previously thought.

Dick Turpin was tried, convicted of horse theft and sent to the gallows in York in 1739.

Contemporary accounts say he was buried in St George’s graveyard, where a large headstone marks his final resting place.

However evidence has emerged following research undertaken for The York Dungeon attraction by James Sharpe Professor Emeritus of Early Modern History at the university.

“Contemporary accounts tell of how Turpin’s body was taken from the gallows and buried in St George’s graveyard, said Prof Sharpe, author of the book, Dick Turpin: The Myth of the English Highwayman.

"However body-snatchers attempted to steal the body, so the coffin was filled with slaked lime to render it unusable to the body-snatchers and reburied.

"While researching my book I became increasingly sceptical that the grave visible today actually contains Dick Turpin’s remains.

"It is unlikely that a convicted felon would be buried in a marked grave and all of the other gravestones in the small graveyard date from after Turpin’s death.”

After being contacted by The York Dungeon, Professor Sharpe dug a little deeper and says he has now uncovered new evidence that casts further doubt on the final resting place of Dick Turpin.

He added: “My investigation of new sources shows that there was no Dick Turpin headstone in St.George’s graveyard prior to 1918, meaning the current headstone is a recent addition.

"Wherever Dick Turpin is buried is a mystery, but it seems very unlikely that he’s under the current headstone.”

Stuart Jarman, general manager at The York Dungeon, said: "At The Dungeons we are renowned for presenting fascinating aspects of history in a scary, fun and entertaining way, but we always strive for historical accuracy.

"There is a mystery surrounding what happened to Dick Turpin’s body, which we’d like to get to the bottom of.

“After nearly 300 years it is amazing to think there may be another twist to the Dick Turpin story, and one we hope to look deeper into in the future.”

Essex-born Turpin was an infamous highwayman in the south of England, but fled to Yorkshire having shot and killed a man who attempted to capture him.

After his cover was blown, he was imprisoned in York Castle and hanged at Tyburn on the Knavesmire in 1739.

His story is still a big draw to visitors to York.