ERO Presents: Dick Turpin - Fact and Fiction
Join speaker Dr Jonathan Oates as he talks about Dick Turpin, possibly the most famous highwayman in England and a man of Essex.
Dick Turpin is a name well known to many people as the most famous highwayman in British history. There have been many plays, poems, songs, films and TV dramas about him and his exploits. But how true to life are these stories? Even when attempts are made to demythologise him, these versions are often at fault, based on limited research. This talk attempts to separate history from myth.
Dr Jonathan Oates is a prolific author specialising in the history of Jacobitism and historical crime and has had over 40 books published. His day job is Borough Archivist for Ealing.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

Essex Record Office Presents: Maldon, Vikings, Saxons
Join speaker Professor Catherine Clarke whose new book, 'A History of England in 25 Poems' which tells the story of England in a fresh way.
- Dates: January 6, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £6.50

Essex Record Office Presents: The 381st Bomb Group USAFF
Join speaker Mike Peters for this talk about the 381st Bomb Group USAAF and their part in the daylight bomber offensive.
- Dates: February 3, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £6.50

Essex Record Office Presents: Beaulieu Park Station
Join speaker Gary McDonnell for this talk where he provides a brief history of the Great Eastern Mainline and go through the financial and technical challenges of creating a new mainline railway station.
- Dates: March 3, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £6.50