Unlike Dick Turpin, who was little more than a thug and a cutthroat, England’s second most famous highwayman, Claude Duval, may have actually deserved some of his dashing reputation and legend.
Claude Duval’s Early Life
Claude Duval was born a miller’s son in Normandy in 1643. He left home around age thirteen or fourteen and went to the city to make his fortune. In 1660, when Charles II was return to the throne of England, he took employment as a footman for the Duke of Richmond and came to England. It was in this capacity that he learned the manners of a gentleman. However, the life a servant was not the life for him, and he soon took to the road as a gentleman robber.
Claude Duval Highwayman
It is hard to separate the fact from the fiction in Claude Duval’s life of crime. However, there are a number of stories that are often told, and if they can’t be proved true, they also cannot be debunked. Probably the most famous story is when he robbed a couch driven by a gentleman that Claude knew to be carrying £400. During the robbery, a lady who was accompanying the gentleman attempted to show her disinterest by playing a musical instrument. Claude pulled out a musical instrument of his own and accompanied the lady, then asked for the pleasure of a dance. The lady agreed and they danced together on the road. After the dance, Claude demanded payment and was given £100. Satisfied, Claude sent the gentleman and the lady on their way, still carrying the other £300.
In another story, Claude convinced an accomplice to done a bull costume, and slide down the chimney of a local tavern in order to create a diversion. During the confusion, Claude helped himself to a wealthy farmer’s money sack.
Claude Duval’s Capture and Death
According to the London Gazette, Claude Duval was at one time the most wanted man in England. As tales of his exploits grew, the hunt became greater. Eventually, Claude was tracked down and cornered in the Hole-in-the-wall tavern in London, too drunk to fight. In 1670, Claude was sentenced to death, and though many ladies apparently pleaded for his life, he was hanged later that year.
After his death, his fame continued to grow as hack-writers and poets made use of his name to sell their stories. Today, he is one England’s best known criminals, and the image of him dancing on the road has become iconic of the dashing life of the highwayman.
Primary Information for this article taken from Discovering Highwaymen by Russell Ash, Shire Publications Ltd., 1994
