Highway Robbery (12)

Question 1

Increase in Trade

Answer 1

1. Greater need to move goods and money around.
2. There were no cheques or debit cards and there were only a few banks where money could be left for safe-keeping, so many people often carried large sums in cash.
3. This increased highway robbery.

Question 2

Improvements in Roads

Answer 2

1. Turnpike trusts improved the road surfaces (in C18th), they charged travellers a toll to pay for these improvements
2. This led to more travel
3. This meant there were many more people and valuable items to steal.

Question 3

Death Penalty

Answer 3

1. In 1772, the death penalty was introduced for anyone found armed and disguised on a high road.
2. This was effective as a deterrent as after 1815 it became less common
3. The last reported case was in 1831.