William Fairall

William Fairall (c.1722–1749) was an English outlaw, highwayman, smuggler and senior member of the Hawkhurst Gang, a notorious gang of smugglers based in Kent and Sussex.

He was baptised in Goudhurst on 3 March 1722, the son of Roger and Mary Fairall, but later orphaned.

Fairall was so notorious for his brutal courage "it was not considered safe to offend him".[1] He became Thomas Kingsmill's second-in-command.[2] In 1747, he was apprehended for smuggling in Sussex and sent for trial by James Butler Esq, but managed to escape. He later attempted to murder Butler and burn down his house in revenge.[3] He was also involved in the murders of Galley and Chater.[4] Fairall was present at the Goudhurst dispute and when the gang raided the Custom House, Poole in 1747.[5]

On 26 April 1749, Fairall was hanged at Tyburn alongside Kingsmill. His body was sent to the High Sheriff of Kent to be gibbeted in Horsmonden.[6]

The Highwayman, a pub in Horsmonden, was named for Fairall.[7]

References
  1. "The Newgate Calendar - Fairall". www.exclassics.com. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  2. Furley, Robert (1874). A History of the Weald of Kent: With an Outline of the Early History of the County. H. Igglesden. p. 621.
  3. Rogers, Nicholas (2013-01-08). Mayhem: Post-War Crime and Violence in Britain, 1748-53. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-18906-3.
  4. Priestley, Samantha (2020-03-30). The History of Gibbeting: Britain's Most Brutal Punishment. Pen and Sword History. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-5267-5521-6.
  5. Thomas Kingsmill, William Fairall, Richard Perin, Thomas Lillewhite, Richard Glover, April 1749, retrieved 2022-12-30
  6. Ordinary's Account: The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913. London. 26 April 1749.
  7. "William Fairall". Horsmonden Village Kent. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
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