The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars: A Tale of Roguery, Romance, and Redemption

In the annals of English history, the name Bampfylde Moore Carew stands out as a legend. Known as the 'King of the Beggars,' he was a figure of both fascination and notoriety, whose life of roguery, romance, and redemption has captured the imagination of countless writers and readers over the centuries.

The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew King of the Beggars; containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary Man

by Cathy Lisa Schneider

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	537 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life and Education

Bampfylde Moore Carew was born in 1693 to a wealthy Devonshire family. His father, Thomas Carew, was a respected clergyman, and his mother, Elizabeth Moore, came from a noble family. Bampfylde received a privileged education, attending prestigious schools such as Blundell's School in Tiverton and Exeter College, Oxford.

However, Bampfylde's love of adventure and his rebellious nature soon got the better of him. At the age of 17, he ran away from home and joined a band of gypsies. With them, he learned the art of begging, thievery, and deception. He quickly rose through the ranks of the gypsy community, becoming known for his cunning and charm.

Life as a Beggar

As the years went by, Bampfylde Moore Carew became one of the most successful beggars in England. He adopted a distinctive appearance, dressing in rags and wearing a large hat over his face. He traveled the country, begging from rich and poor alike. His wit, charm, and ability to tell a good story made him a popular figure with the public.

Bampfylde Moore Carew's fame as a beggar reached its peak in the 1730s. He was often featured in newspapers and pamphlets, and his exploits were the subject of numerous plays and songs. He became known as the 'King of the Beggars,' and his name became synonymous with the art of begging.

Adventures and Misadventures

In addition to his begging activities, Bampfylde Moore Carew was also a notorious criminal. He was arrested and imprisoned on several occasions for theft, robbery, and assault. However, he always managed to escape or receive a pardon, thanks to his connections and his skill at manipulating the legal system.

Bampfylde Moore Carew's criminal exploits often had a romantic twist. He was a skilled seducer, and he had numerous affairs with women from all walks of life. His most famous conquest was Lady Isabella Finch, the daughter of the Earl of Winchilsea. Their love affair caused a scandal, but Bampfylde Moore Carew remained unapologetic, even after Lady Isabella was forced to marry another man.

Later Years and Legacy

As Bampfylde Moore Carew grew older, he became disillusioned with his life of crime and deception. He turned to writing, publishing his autobiography, 'The Life and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars,' in 1745. The book was a huge success, and it helped to rehabilitate Bampfylde Moore Carew's image. He spent his later years as a respectable gentleman, traveling the country and giving lectures on his experiences.

Bampfylde Moore Carew died in 1759, at the age of 66. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's Church in Tiverton, Devon. His grave is still a popular tourist attraction, and his story continues to be told and retold to this day.

The life of Bampfylde Moore Carew is a fascinating tale of roguery, romance, and redemption. From his humble beginnings as a runaway to his rise to fame as the 'King of the Beggars,' Bampfylde Moore Carew lived a life that was both extraordinary and unforgettable. His adventures and misadventures offer a unique glimpse into the social history of 18th-century England, and his ability to charm and deceive people from all walks of life is a testament to his undeniable charisma.

Bampfylde Moore Carew may have been a criminal and a beggar, but he was also a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a master of disguise, a skilled seducer, and a gifted storyteller. Above all, he was a survivor. He lived a life on the fringes of society, but he always managed to stay one step ahead of the law. His story is a reminder that even the most unlikely people can achieve greatness, if they have the courage to follow their dreams.

The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew King of the Beggars; containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary Man

by Cathy Lisa Schneider

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	537 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE