Wild Humphrey: The Outlaw Who Leapt Into Legend
Discover the thrilling tale of Humphrey Kynaston, Shropshire’s own Robin Hood. From noble birth to outlaw life, “Wild Humphrey” captivated 16th-century England with daring escapes and legendary exploits. His story still echoes through Shropshire’s hills today.
In the rolling hills of Shropshire, a legend was born in the late 15th century. Humphrey Kynaston, known as “Wild Humphrey”, was a highwayman who captured the imagination of locals and continues to fascinate us today. Born into nobility but driven to a life of crime, Kynaston’s tale is one of adventure, rebellion, and ultimately, redemption.
The Early Years
Humphrey Kynaston was born in 1468 at Myddle Castle, Shropshire. He was the youngest son of Sir Roger Kynaston, High Sheriff of Shropshire, and Lady Elizabeth Grey. His lineage was impressive, with connections to both Welsh princes and English nobility. Kynaston’s grandmother was Antigone Plantagenet, the legitimised daughter of Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester.
Growing up in Myddle Castle, young Humphrey was not expected to inherit the family estates. Instead, he was given the constableship of Myddle Castle, which had previously belonged to the Le Strange family but had since returned to Crown ownership.
The Making of “Wild Humphrey”
Kynaston’s nickname “Wild Humphrey” was earned through his outrageous lifestyle and frequent brushes with the law. His wild behaviour and penchant for getting into trouble set him apart from his more respectable family members.
The Turning Point
The event that would change Kynaston’s life forever occurred on 20 December 1491. Along with his half-brother Thomas Kynaston and Robert Hopton, Humphrey was involved in the murder of John Hughes at Stretton. This act led to Kynaston being declared an outlaw by King Henry VII, forcing him to flee his home and seek refuge elsewhere.
Life as an Outlaw
After being outlawed, Kynaston moved from Myddle Castle to a cave in Nesscliffe Rock. This cave, now known as Kynaston’s Cave, would become his home and base of operations for many years.
Kynaston’s Cave
The cave is located about 6 metres up on the side of a cliff. It consists of two chambers: a smaller one that Kynaston reportedly used to stable his horse, and a larger one where he lived. The cave can still be visited today, and visitors can see the worn sandstone steps leading up to it. Inside, there’s an engraving on a pillar that reads “HK1564”, though there’s debate about whether this is genuine or a later addition.
The Highwayman’s Life
From 1491 to 1518, Kynaston lived the life of a highwayman. His exploits during this time have led to comparisons with the legendary Robin Hood. Like the famous outlaw of Sherwood Forest, Kynaston was said to rob from the rich and give to the poor.
Local Support
Despite his outlaw status, Kynaston enjoyed significant support from the local population. They protected him and provided food for both him and his horse, known as Beelzebub. This support was crucial in helping Kynaston evade capture for so long.
The Three Pigeons Tavern
One of Kynaston’s regular haunts was the Old Three Pigeons tavern at the foot of the cliffs where his cave was located. Legend has it that he had a favourite seat next to the fireplace, and it’s said that he once shot someone for sitting in it. This seat can still be seen in the pub today, a tangible link to Shropshire’s infamous outlaw.
Daring Escapes
Kynaston’s ability to evade capture became legendary. One of the most famous stories involves an attempt by the local sheriff to catch him. The sheriff removed several planks from Montford Bridge to prevent Kynaston from crossing the River Severn. However, Kynaston’s horse, Beelzebub, managed to leap the gap, allowing the outlaw to escape once again.
Beelzebub: The Devil’s Horse
Kynaston’s horse, Beelzebub, played a significant role in his exploits. The horse was said to be incredibly intelligent and loyal. One tale recounts how Kynaston trained Beelzebub to climb the steps to his cave when he whistled. Another story tells of how the horse leapt over the heads of men trying to capture it and climbed the steps to the safety of the cave.
To further confuse his pursuers, Kynaston was said to have shod Beelzebub’s hooves backwards, making it difficult for anyone tracking him to know which direction he was travelling.
The Wars of the Roses Connection
The period of Kynaston’s activities coincided with the latter stages and aftermath of the Wars of the Roses. This long-running conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York had left the Welsh Marches, where Kynaston operated, a lawless no-man’s land.
Kynaston’s family had connections to the Yorkist cause. His father, Sir Roger Kynaston, had been an official for the Duke of York, serving as Constable of Denbigh. This Yorkist connection may have played a role in Kynaston’s outlaw status, particularly as the Lancastrian Henry VII came to power in 1485.
In December 1487, before the murder that led to his outlawry, Kynaston was involved in a skirmish in Oswestry along with his half-brother Thomas and two other Kynastons. This event, occurring just two years after Henry VII’s accession, may have been related to lingering Yorkist resistance.
The Path to Redemption
Despite his long career as an outlaw, Kynaston’s story has a surprising twist. In 1513, he reportedly provided 100 men to aid Henry VIII in his campaign in France. This act of service to the Crown led to Kynaston receiving a royal pardon three to five years later.
Later Life and Legacy
After receiving his pardon, Kynaston settled on a small estate near Welshpool in Powys. He lived there until his death in 1534. His will, dated 1 May 1534, was proved on 26 January 1535.
Kynaston was married at least twice and possibly three times. His marriages produced several children, ensuring that the Kynaston line continued.
Humphrey Kynaston in Popular Culture
The story of “Wild Humphrey” Kynaston has captured the imagination of Shropshire residents for centuries. His daring exploits, his famous cave, and his legendary horse have all become part of local folklore.
Today, visitors to Shropshire can explore several sites associated with Kynaston:
- Kynaston’s Cave: Located in Nesscliffe, this cave offers a tangible connection to the outlaw’s life.
- The Old Three Pigeons Tavern: This pub in Nesscliffe still has Kynaston’s supposed seat.
- Montford Bridge: The site of Kynaston’s famous leap across the River Severn.
- St Mary’s Church, Welshpool: Kynaston is buried on the right-hand side of the chancel in this church.
The Humphrey Kynaston Way
In recent years, a series of horse riding routes have been established in Shropshire under the name “Humphrey Kynaston Way”. These routes, which vary from 2.4 to 14 miles, allow modern-day adventurers to explore the landscape that Kynaston would have known. While primarily designed for horse riders, the routes are also suitable for cyclists and walkers, offering a unique way to connect with Shropshire’s outlaw history.
Separating Fact from Fiction
As with many historical figures who have become legendary, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction in Kynaston’s story. While the basic outline of his life — his noble birth, his outlawry, and his eventual pardon — are well-documented, many of the more colourful tales may have been embellished over time.
For instance, while Kynaston is often portrayed as a Robin Hood figure, robbing the rich to give to the poor, there’s little concrete evidence for this beyond local legend. Similarly, while the story of his leap across Montford Bridge is a staple of Kynaston lore, it’s difficult to verify whether this actually happened.
However, these stories, whether strictly true or not, have become an important part of Shropshire’s cultural heritage. They speak to the complex realities of life in late medieval and early Tudor England, where the line between nobleman and outlaw could be surprisingly thin.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of “Wild Humphrey”
The story of Humphrey Kynaston continues to captivate us more than 500 years after his death. Perhaps it’s the romance of the outlaw life, or the image of a nobleman turned rebel. Maybe it’s the connection to a turbulent period in English history, or simply the thrill of imagining daring escapes and midnight rides.
Whatever the reason, “Wild Humphrey” Kynaston remains an integral part of Shropshire’s history and folklore. His cave stands as a lasting memorial to his life, inviting modern visitors to step back in time and imagine the days when an outlaw roamed the hills of Shropshire, evading capture and becoming a legend in the process.
In Kynaston’s story, we see echoes of broader themes in English history: the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses, the sometimes fragile nature of law and order, and the complex relationships between nobles, outlaws, and common people. But above all, we see a uniquely Shropshire tale — a local legend that continues to inspire and intrigue to this day.
Bob Lynn / 01-Oct-2024
