A highwayman was a robber who stole from travellers. This type of thief usually travelled and robbed by horse as compared to a footpad who travelled and robbed on foot; mounted highwaymen were widely considered to be socially superior to footpads. Such criminals operated until the mid- or late 19th century. Highwaywomen, such as Katherine Ferrers, were said to also exist, often dressing as men, especially in fiction.
Highwayman Nicolas J
Highwayman Nicolas J. Pelletier becomes the first person executed by guillotine.
On April 25, in the year 1792, Highwayman Nicolas J. Pelletier becomes the first person executed by guillotine. This event is recorded as a Historical Events event in the history of April 25, one of 419 recorded events on this date across all of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 25, 1792 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Historical Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 3 Wikipedia articles.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 14 April 2026.
On This Date in History 419
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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