Mike Bell

Mike Bell was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1956. He has been researching and writing about the outlaws who formed the gang that was known as "the Wild Bunch" for over fifty years, ever since he was taken to see the film, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" as a thirteenth birthday present. He has published numerous articles in British and American journals and in 2019 was awarded the Wild West History Association's prize for international research and writing. Mike's research includes material that traced the history of Butch Cassidy's family in the United Kingdon, before they left for the United States, including the fact that Cassidy's mother was born in Mike's home city of Newcastle upon Tyne. His book, Wyoming Outlaws, was published to acclaim by historical societies in the United States and the UK, and is described as "one of the most important books on outlaw history published in decades." It examines Butch Cassidy's often-overlooked years between 1889 and 1896, before he became an infamous outlaw. The Day the Train Robbers Came, examines the Parachute, Colorado, train robbery of 7 June 1904, with a particular focus on the train crew and ranchers who faced the bandits. Mike examines the arguments for the identity of the train robber who died in the chase after the robbery. Mike has travelled extensively to outlaw history sites in both North and South America, on foot, on horseback, and - when he was being sensible - in a four-wheel drive. His books are published by the English Westerners' Society.