Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times

Museum Catalog Note This issue features "Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road," a serial adventure narrative centered on the celebrated highwayman Dick Turpin and his mare. The opening chapter depicts Turpin waylaying a carriage on Wimbledon Common carrying the recently retired Lord Mayor of London, Ezekiel Punge, and his sharp-tongued wife. The ex-mayor, absurdly preoccupied with admiring a golden testimonial cup presented by civic authorities, falls victim to Turpin's robbery. After extracting the mayor's valuables, Turpin pursues the dropped cup inside the carriage, where the ex-mayoress—displaying unexpected courage—traps him inside with her coachman and footman standing guard outside. The narrative emphasizes picturesque action, period costume detail, and comedic characterization, particularly the contrast between the pompous, frightened mayor and his domineering, fearless wife. The preface defends the work as morally sound adventure fiction depicting an obsolete profession.