Dick Turpin's Grave, York
Explore the mysterious grave of Dick Turpin in York, where history and legend intertwine in the quiet St George’s Churchyard.
Dick Turpin's Grave in York marks the reputed final resting place of the notorious 18th-century highwayman Richard 'Dick' Turpin. Located in the quiet St George’s Church graveyard, this site features a prominent headstone erected posthumously to commemorate Turpin’s infamous legacy. While the actual presence of Turpin’s remains here is debated, the grave remains a significant historical landmark tied to his dramatic life and execution in York.
A brief summary to Dick Turpins grave
- 6 Lead Mill Ln, York, YO1 9QH, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit nearby York Castle Museum to see the jail cell where Turpin was held before his execution.
- The grave is located opposite St George’s Church on Lead Mill Lane, a short walk from York city center.
- Take time to reflect on the contrast between Turpin’s dramatic life and the peaceful graveyard setting.
- The grave’s authenticity is debated; consider reading about Turpin’s life to appreciate the blend of fact and myth.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services from York city center to the vicinity of Lead Mill Lane; journey time approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, with standard fares around £2-£3. Note that some routes may not operate late in the evening.
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Walking
From York city center, a 10-15 minute walk along paved urban streets leads to St George’s Church graveyard on Lead Mill Lane. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.
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Taxi
Local taxi services can provide a direct ride from anywhere in York city center to the grave site, typically taking 5-10 minutes. Estimated cost ranges from £5 to £10 depending on time of day and traffic.
Dick Turpins grave location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Dick Turpins grave
The Enigmatic Legacy of Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin, born in 1705 in Essex, England, became one of the most infamous highwaymen of the 18th century. His criminal career evolved from livestock theft to violent highway robbery, culminating in his arrest and execution in York in 1739. Despite his notoriety, much of Turpin’s story is shrouded in myth and legend, including the famous but apocryphal tale of his legendary ride from London to York on his horse Black Bess. This grave site in York commemorates Turpin’s dramatic life and death, though historians question whether his remains truly lie beneath the headstone.A Grave Marked by Mystery and Myth
The grave is located in St George’s Church graveyard on Lead Mill Lane, York, marked by a large headstone bearing the names John Palmer (Turpin’s alias) and Dick Turpin. This stone was erected after 1918, likely to honor Turpin’s historical significance and attract visitors. Contemporary accounts suggest that after Turpin’s execution, his body was buried here but was soon disturbed by body-snatchers who sought to sell corpses for medical dissection. The coffin was reportedly filled with quicklime and reburied to prevent further theft, adding to the mystery surrounding the grave’s authenticity.Historical Context of Turpin’s Final Days
Turpin was tried and convicted for horse theft and hanged at York’s Knavesmire gallows, known as the "Three-Legged Mare," in April 1739. His execution was notable for his defiant demeanor and the hiring of professional mourners. After his death, his body was briefly stolen but recovered by an angry mob, reflecting the public’s conflicted feelings toward the notorious outlaw. The graveyard itself is otherwise unremarkable, underscoring the contrast between Turpin’s infamous life and the quiet resting place that bears his name.The Grave as a Cultural and Tourist Landmark
Today, the grave attracts visitors interested in England’s criminal folklore and Georgian history. It stands as a tangible link to the past, situated near York’s city center and opposite St George’s Church. Nearby, the York Castle Museum offers further insight into Turpin’s imprisonment and execution. The grave’s presence fuels fascination with Turpin’s life story, blending fact and fiction in a way that continues to captivate historians and tourists alike.Legacy Beyond the Grave
Dick Turpin’s legend was cemented by 19th-century literature, particularly Harrison Ainsworth’s 1834 novel "Rookwood," which popularized the tale of his daring ride and tragic end. Despite the embellishments, Turpin remains a symbol of the romanticized highwayman in English culture. The grave site serves both as a memorial and a reminder of the complex interplay between history and myth in shaping public memory.Visiting the Site Today
The grave is accessible to the public year-round and offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere contrasting with Turpin’s turbulent life. The site encourages contemplation of the historical realities behind the legends and invites visitors to explore York’s rich Georgian heritage through this evocative landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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York Castle Museum
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York Barbican
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Clifford's Tower, York
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Tower Gardens
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Brew York
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York Army Museum
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The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
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Essential places to dine
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Corner Grill House
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Valhalla York
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Arras
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Dog & Bone Vintage
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Gift Gallery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
