Mike Loades goes behind the mask to uncover the brutal truth about the myth of the highwayman. Unlike many other criminals, they've been glamorised and idolised, their names enduring as legends. They are considered by many as dashing romantic heroes, courageous adventurers and champions of the underdog in an unjust society.

The reality was very different. Between the end of the English Civil Wars and the first decades of the 19th century, there was an epidemic of highway robbery in Britain. It was a crime wave that lasted over 100 years.

To carry out his investigation, Mike gets his hands on the tools of the Highwayman's trade, the horse and the pistol, and explores the huge part popular fiction has played in glorifying these so-called "gentlemen of the road".

And finally, Mike discovers how society finally got the scourge of highway robbery under control.

Sit back and enjoy an exciting canter through the fascinating real story of highwaymen!