The History of the Remarkable Life of John Sheppard

The story centers on Jack Sheppard, a notorious thief and escape artist in early 18th-century London. Despite a humble beginning as an apprentice carpenter, he turned to a life of crime, becoming a beloved figure among the poor due to his audacious prison escapes. His exploits, including four successful escapes from custody in 1724, captivated the public and highlighted the ineffectiveness of the "Thief-Taker General," Jonathan Wild. Ultimately, Sheppard's criminal career ended tragically with his execution at Tyburn.