THOMAS Sympson was born in Romsey and grew up to become one of the most remarkable figures in Hampshire’s history.

The stories told about Sympson have become legend, and in their telling he emerges from the 17th century as one of the most unlikely highwaymen of his time, or, according to other tales, a robber who roamed the south relieving the local gentry of their money and valuables.

According to some, Sympson, who became known as “Old Mobb’’, survived to a ripe old age before he was finally captured and executed.

In some versions of his story it is claimed that he often wore a skirt, rode side-saddle and enjoyed the reputation as “a gentle spirit’’.

One account said: “He rarely murdered his victims, never tortured them, frequently blew them kisses, and was even willing to accept cheques.’’ Some historians said Old Mobb never married and when he met his end at the end of a hangman’s noose he was still dressed as a woman.

“It was noted, with astonishment, at the execution that the official hangman seemed to be wearing lipstick on his collar,’’ said one enigmatic entry in a history book.

Others say Old Mobb lived in Romsey with a wife, five children and a number of grandchildren until he was apprehended and put to his “shameful’’ death in May, 1690.

Among all the stories about Old Mobb is one account so detailed that some have dismissed it as fiction, although others believe it is so exact that it has to be true.

“One day Old Mobb overtook the stagecoach going for Bath, with only one gentlewoman in it,’’ says the history book.

“When he had commanded the coachman to stop, and was come to the door to raise contribution after his usual manner, the passenger made a great many excuses, and wept very plentifully, in order to move him to pity; she told him she was a poor widow, who had lately lost her husband, and therefore she hoped he would have some compassion on her.

“‘And is your losing your husband then an argument that I must lose my booty? I know your sex too well, madam, to suffer myself to be prevailed on by a woman’s tears.

“‘Those crocodile drops are always at your command; and no doubt but that dear cuckold of yours, whom you have lately buried, has frequently been persuaded out of his reason by their interposition in your domestic debates.

“‘Weeping is so customary to you, that everybody would be disappointed if a woman was to bury her husband and not weep for him; but you would be more disappointed if nobody was to take notice of your crying; for according to the old proverb, the end of a husband is a widow’s tears; and the end of those tears is another husband’.’’ Old Mobb was at last apprehended in Tuthill Street, London, committed to Newgate and tried at the Old Bailey on 36 indictments, 32 of which he was found guilty.

On Friday, May 30, 1690, he was executed at Tyburn, “without making any speech or confession, but continuing to act with his usual intrepidity’’.