Mr Palmer as Tom King

Theatrical souvenir plate engraved with a portrait of the actor Mr Palmer on horseback in the role of Tom King. This print was published by A. Park. Such sheets were sold as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Tom King was a highwayman. He was associated with Dick Turpin, with brought him fame. In 1834 a novel was published about King and Turpin, called Rockwood. Another novel, Paul Clifford, The Highwayman, is credited with creating the figure of the romantic highwayman at the time of the crime's decline. It was also made into a play.