High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! John "Sixteen String Jack" Rann (1750 – November 30, 1774) was an English criminal and highwayman during the mid-18th century. He was a prominent and colourful local figure renowned for his wit and charm, he would later come to be known as "Sixteen String Jack" for the 16 various coloured strings he wore on the knees of his silk breeches among other eccentric costumes.