Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues Season 1 Episode 3 Rogues

In season 1 episode 3 of Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues, titled "Rogues," viewers are taken on a journey through Britain's criminal underworld from the 16th to the 18th century. This episode focuses on the notorious "rogues," who were petty criminals and con artists.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the infamous rogue, James Hind, who was known as the "Royalist Highwayman." Hind was a supporter of King Charles I and became a highwayman during the English Civil War. He robbed wealthy Parliamentarians and was eventually captured by Oliver Cromwell's troops. Hind was tried and executed but his legacy lived on, as he became a symbol of defiance against the Puritan regime.

The episode also features the story of Elizabeth Cellier, a woman who was accused of organizing a Popish Plot to assassinate King Charles II. While there was no evidence to support the accusations, Cellier was found guilty and sentenced to be burnt at the stake. However, she was eventually pardoned and released from prison.

Viewers are also introduced to the world of pickpockets and con artists, who roamed the streets of London looking for unsuspecting victims. These rogues used a variety of deceptive tactics to steal money and valuables from innocent people, such as the "bump and grab" technique. One famous pickpocket was Mary Frith, also known as Moll Cutpurse. Frith was a notorious cross-dresser who frequented London's taverns and was known for her sharp wit and quick tongue.

The episode also explores the darker side of rogue culture, such as the trade in stolen children. Kidnapping was a lucrative business for some rogues, who would sell children to be used as forced labor. One such case involved Mary Carleton, who posed as a wealthy heiress but was eventually exposed as a thief and fraudster.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given an insight into the lives of these petty criminals and the harsh punishments they faced if caught. The justice system at the time was brutal, with many rogues being sentenced to transportation to the colonies, where they faced harsher conditions and even death.

Overall, "Rogues" is a fascinating look into the criminal underworld of Britain during the early modern period. Viewers will be captivated by the stories of these infamous rogues and the harsh realities of life on the streets of London.