Victorian Crime. Curse of the Highwayman

Long Bank in the 1700's was just a mud track, a short cut across Gateshead Fell between Sunderland, Newcastle and Durham. Today the same road runs from the village of Wrekenton, near Gateshead to the Western by pass. Now the road is known for its highway in 1770 it was more well known for its highwaymen.

Margaret Banson was a wealthy spinster returning from Durham in her carriage late one evening, when she reached Long Bank, a man rode alongside wearing a long cloak and dark mask on a grey horse. He pointed a pistol at her driver forcing the carriage to stop. According to records of the time On looking out of her window she discovered to her horror, that there was a real flesh and blood highwayman menacing the postilion with a pistol.

The robber opened the door of the chaise presented the weapon at the lady's head and demanded her purse, watch and whatever other property she had about her. The robber was trembling from head to foot and this circumstance no doubt greatly abated the good lady's alarm. At any rate she found her tongue and made good use of it. Cursing at him she told the highwayman she had no money, but with his pistol in her face she gave him half a guinea.

After the highwayman had gone Margaret went on her way back to Newcastle, but just a short while later she met another man on horseback. This time it turned out to be a postman carrying two sacks full of cheques and other valuables. Margaret told the postman to be on his guard against the highwayman. Again according to the records the postman would not turn back, however in deference to the lady's alarm, he inquired at a toll-house for a pistol. Not getting what he wanted he boldly made up his mind to go forward at all risks.

Presently he met up with another man on horseback and from his appearance, took him for a rustic making homewards after the labours of the field. To this simple peasant he opened his troubled mind so far as to tell of the dreadful highwayman lurking about and to confess his regret that he was unarmed. Something he would soon regret. After a couple of miles the horseman asked the postman for his bags and pointed a pistol at his head, he ordered the postman to move away from his horse and the bags. The horseman then chased away the horse picked up the bags and rode off, leaving a very embarrassed postman.

Unfortunately for the highwayman his first robbery against Margaret Banson at Long Bank had been witnessed by a small boy who had been out walking and recognized the horse. After seeing the robbery the boy had gone to the constables of Gateshead to tell them about the robbery and the horse, a grey mare which he had seen the week before at the blacksmiths in Washington village. The boy told them the horse was A powerful and spirited animal, such as a highway robber would have. Moreover the animal had been taught sundry curious tricks likely to serve its master at a pinch.

The constables then went to see Bill Allison, the Washington village blacksmith, yes he had a customer who came every Friday with a beautiful grey mare and he always paid well. The next Friday the constables waited in the blacksmiths shed, but not for long as at lunchtime the man on his grey horse approached and jumped off his horse. As the blacksmith went out to meet the rider he could tell something was wrong and made to get back on his horse, the constables came from the shed and forced the rider to the ground.

The constables knew they had caught the highwayman, for when they searched his saddle bags they found his pistol and black mask. When enquiries were made it was found that the mans real name was Hudson but he had been using the name Robert Hazlitt. He had been a clerk for a wealthy merchant in London, but for unknown reasons had suddenly left. In an attempt to save himself from the hangman Robert confessed to the robberies and also where the stolen postbags could be found but fate it seems was against him.

He was tried at Durham Assizes before Sir John Fielding a magistrate from London. Unfortunately for Robert, Sir John recognized him as the highwayman who had robbed him also, just a few months earlier in London. This might explain why Robert had left London in such a hurry. What ever his reasons for getting away from London, Sir John was not letting him get away with robbery. He was sentenced to death by hanging. On Tuesday 18th September 1770, Robert Hazlitt was hanged at Durham. His corpse was then carried on a cart to Gateshead Fell and hung in a gibbet.

A curse is said to hang over Washington's smithy, now used as a restaurant. When Robert Hazlitt was arrested there it is said he placed a curse on all its owners. The executed felon's curse seems to be still working as the electric supply at the premises has been cut off for no apparent reason. On a number of occasions workmen have been called out but have been unable to find any fault.

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