"But there were more Highwaymen, Cudgellers, Footpads and Hugger-Muggers around in those days.
Christ, talk about clutching at straws....."
Indeed.
You're claiming that these "accidents" were actually the results of murderers and robbers carefully and completely covering their tracks by disguising the outcome of their evil activities to make them look like mishaps with carriages and horses?
Christ, at least our straws are a teensy weensy bit stronger than yours! ; - )