Introduction

Henry Sconce was one of the most notorious figures of the 17th century in England. Although he lived a relatively short life, he left behind a legacy that would immortalize him as a legendary highwayman. Sconce’s exploits made him famous, and his name became synonymous with daring and adventure on the remote roads of England. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Henry Sconce.

Early Life and Family

Henry Sconce was born in the small village of Cholesbury, in Buckinghamshire, England, in the year 1644. He was the youngest of five children, and his father was a local farmer. Growing up, Sconce had a fascination with the adventures of highwaymen, and would spend hours listening to the stories that were told around the local pub. As he got older, Sconce became more fascinated with the idea of living a life of adventure outside of his small village.

First Run-In with the Law

At the age of 18, Sconce ran away from home and joined the army. However, his time in the army was short-lived, as he was constantly in trouble with his superiors. After being caught stealing from a fellow soldier, Sconce was dishonorably discharged from the army and sent back home to Cholesbury. It wasn’t long before Sconce was in trouble with the law again, this time for stealing a horse from a nearby farm.

Life as a Highwayman

After being released from prison, Sconce turned to a life of crime on the open road. He quickly gained notoriety as a daring and cunning highwayman, robbing travelers along the remote roads of England. Sconce was known for his sharp wit and charm, and he would often let his victims keep some of their belongings if they were kind to him. However, he was also known for his ruthless nature, and would not hesitate to use violence if necessary.

The Great Mare Robbery

One of Sconce’s most famous and daring robberies was the Great Mare Robbery. In this robbery, Sconce and his gang intercepted a group of travelers who were transporting a valuable mare. Sconce held the travelers at gunpoint and demanded that they give him the mare. However, the mare was difficult to handle, and Sconce had trouble getting it to cooperate. In a stroke of genius, Sconce turned his coat inside out and used it as a makeshift blindfold for the mare. With the mare unable to see, Sconce and his gang were able to make their getaway with the valuable horse.

The End of an Era

Sconce’s life as a highwayman came to an end in 1676, when he and his gang were captured by authorities. Sconce was sentenced to death for his crimes, and was hung at Tyburn on September 6th, 1676. Despite his violent and criminal past, Sconce’s legacy lived on, and he became a folk hero in the eyes of many. His story was immortalized in ballads and stories, and his name became synonymous with the daring and adventurous spirit of the highwayman.

Legacy

Henry Sconce may have lived a short and violent life, but his legacy endures to this day. He is remembered as one of the most daring and notorious highwaymen in English history, and his exploits continue to inspire awe and fascination more than three centuries after his death. Sconce’s story is a reminder of the allure of adventure, and of the danger and excitement that can come with living outside of society’s norms.

Conclusion

The story of Henry Sconce is a testament to the lasting power of legends and folklore. Despite his violent and criminal lifestyle, Sconce was able to capture the imaginations of the English public, and his name became synonymous with daring and adventure on the open road. Although his life was cut short, his legacy lives on, a reminder of the allure and danger of a life beyond the boundaries of society.