Watch Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues

Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues is a historical documentary series that premiered in 2015, produced by Janson Media and hosted by historian Sam Willis. The series explores the history and notorious deeds of some of the most infamous criminals in British history.

Over the course of four hour-long episodes, Willis takes viewers on a journey through time from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century, examining the lives of a variety of well-known villains with legendary reputations. Each episode focuses on a different group of society's outcasts, starting with the highwaymen of the 17th and 18th centuries, who preyed on wealthy travelers on the country's roads.

Willis introduces viewers to some of the more colorful characters of the era, such as Dick Turpin and Jack Sheppard, who have become legendary figures in British folklore. Through in-depth interviews with leading academics and historians, as well as detailed reenactments of their daring exploits, the show provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these dangerous criminals.

The second episode of the series explores the world of pirates and privateers, who terrorized the seas around Britain during the 16th and 17th centuries. Willis introduces viewers to some of the most notorious pirates of the era, such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, and examines the reasons for their rise to infamy. The show explores the complex relationship between pirates and the British government, which often employed these outlaws as hired guns in times of conflict.

The third episode looks at a different type of criminal: the smugglers who operated along Britain's coastline from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Smuggling was a highly profitable trade at the time, and many fishermen and sailors turned to illegal activities to supplement their incomes. Willis shows how smugglers outwitted the authorities by using secret hideouts and sophisticated methods of moving contraband inland.

The final episode of Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues introduces viewers to a range of other villains who have been mythologized over the centuries, including the 'gentleman' thief, the con artist, and the notorious murderer. The show explores the cultural impact of these figures, as well as their influence on literature and popular culture.

Overall, Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues is a highly engaging and informative series that provides a fresh perspective on British history. With expert analysis, vivid reenactments, and a captivating host, the show offers a gripping portrayal of some of the most fascinating and complex characters in British history. Whether you're a history buff or just a fan of exciting stories about daring criminals, this series is sure to captivate and entertain.

Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between November 30, 2015 and on Janson Media