The Curse of Brink's-Mat

by Wensley Clarkson

On 26 November 1983 six armed robbers escaped with £28 million worth of gold bullion from a Brink's-Mat warehouse at London's Heathrow Airport. The Curse of Brink's-Mat reveals the pulse-racing full story of the crime itself before moving to its chilling aftermath, which still reverberates to this day. The heist made the careers of many of the underworld's biggest names, and changed the face of British crime forever but in the years that followed the robbery, many of those involved, innocent and guilty alike have been sent to an early grave. Two decades on, the death toll is still rising.

Nobody knows more about that extraordinary morning's events than Wensley Clarkson. Nobody is better placed to track the vicious, violent and unexpected waves that followed in its wake or bring to life its cast of larger-than-life characters. From small-time crime in south-east London, to ‘the heist of the century' and its bloody consequences, Wensley Clarkson's The Curse of Brink's-Mat is an epic tale of villainy, gold and revenge.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Biography, History

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2012

Reviews

[Dignan107 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured in two days this proved a really interesting fast-paced book. Biggest robbery in UK history detailing what happened to most of those involved in the aftermath which seems to continue to this day (for those that survive). Although this contained tons of interesting info on the robbery and other related events, I do get the impression the full story is not contained here. However this did not detract from a very enjoyable book. Highly recommended

[Paul baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

out of date

It is unfortunate that the book was published before two events that expand greatly on the theme pursued. Firstly John Palmer was shot dead in his garden with six bullets in his chest. A sniper’s nest was built into a fence surrounding the property and Palmer was shot as he mowed his lawn. There were no witnesses. Extraordinarily for a week Police said he’d died of natural causes after recent surgery. It was the Coroner at the Post Mortem examination who pointed out the six bullet wounds. Many complained that the Police error gave the murderer every chance to cover his tracks. The crime remains unsolved.
The second major event concerns Brian Reader who stood trial with Noye on both the Fordham killing and the conspiracy to handle Brinks Matt gold. He was acquitted of the murder but found guilty of the conspiracy to handle and sentenced to 9 years I believe. In more recent times he was accused of organising the theft from the Hatton Garden Depository security boxes of untold valuables and possibly ‘sensitive’ documents relating to Brinks Matt. He pleaded guilty to some charges and despite his advanced age awarded a number of years in prison and ordered to pay a large sum of money deemed to be the Proceeds of Crime. The crime was given almost as much publicity of the Brinks Mat robbery itself partly because of the fact that most of those involved were elderly men.

[Carl Sweeting · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, refreshing my memory regarding the facts of the actual robbery and those involved. The construction of the storyline is poor though and beyond the account of the actual robbery everything else should be taken with a pinch of salt. In fact it seems like the author has walked in to an East End Pub, spoken to a couple of regulars and taken it for gospel. Statements such as “from someone who knows” does not add credibility to the storyline at all and It appears the “facts” have been romanticised somewhat beyond reality. Parts of the book became boring and unnecessary such as those describing surveillance of Kenneth Noye. There also seems to be a huge dose of poetic licence in the latter half of the book where the author tries to link nearly every major crime in the 20 years following the robbery to the stolen money which I found to be total poppycock and totally turned me off this book.

[Roz Sherris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but over-sympathetic to the villains

I recently watched 'The Gold' and wanted more background on the Brink's-Mat robbery. This provided lots of information but gave me the impression of telling the story too much from the point-of-view of the robbers, money launderers and other associated crooks. I'd have preferred a more objective perspective. The very title is a case in point - many might call it divine retribution, rather than a 'curse'.

The book was published over a decade ago, so can't cover any more recent developments.

I'd also have welcomed a few photos of the key participants - surely there must at least be press pictures of all those convicted?

So slightly disappointed overall.

[Tony Styles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crime doesn’t pay…? Don’t you believe it…

Fast paced, compelling and worrying. Crime really shouldn’t pay but for these guys it did…for a while. The body count continues to rise because of the perceived links to Brinks-Mat but, although highly intelligent the criminals who buck the trend and who would do their mothers for the gold, they haven’t learnt that money, property and the adrenaline rush of the caper, does not make one happy. Crime can pay dividends if you’re prepared to spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder. Good read.

[Jack Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book does read at times as if the author is relying on a fair amount of East End pub gossip. But given what frequently happens to "transgressors" in the Brink's-Mat story, he can perhaps be forgiven for not wanting to give too much away about his sources! It's a fascinating tale that I found impossible to put down, even if in its telling it does become quite "samey". Inevitably the criminals are often referred to as "villains" (a term that irritates me but one that I can live with), but I wish the author had avoided describing some of them in their youthful days as "scallywags".

[David Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK. starts poorly with loads of cliches (you can take the boy out of Bermondsey....etc) and unattributed quotes but once the robbery happened it settles down quite quickly. Obviously a book that has been put together using other sources rather than original research but gives a reasonable account of the Brinks Mat robbery and the so called curse. One day, the definitive book will be written on Brinks Mat. This isn't it but it'll have to do for now. Would have given 3.5 stars if I could.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is split into 3 parts, part 1 was really interesting charting the rise of of serious and organised crime in the UK. Part 2 started of interesting describing how the raid was carried out etc and how they where caught. It then starts getting heavy going following the trial and appeals etc.
Worth a read to hear about 1 of the biggest bullion robberies in British history.

[Julian Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author provides a fascinating insight into the criminal minds at work here - both in the build up to the job, and in long tail of the aftermath (wherein the curse of the title comes into play).

Written like a thriller, it is both a page-turner and a chilling historic assessment of the underworld of the time.

A fab and enjoyable read for all fans of true crime.

[Alice B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Some interesting facts and insight into the event, recommended to anyone interested in real crime. Easy book to pick up if you’ve just a few minutes to spare.
4* A’s it’s not fictional reserve another star for imagination.

[Wayne Stimpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting case. A must read for any crime enthusiast.

[Jackie Thurston · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime

[Andrew Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, what an insight into crime of the century & the gangsters behind it

[D NEWTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime book

This is an excellent read about a true crime event,and the aftermath of death and distrust
We could not put the book down

[A D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was going through a phase of reading this kind of stuff. All much of a muchness. Either pretty poor or pretty ordinary. This was ordinary.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Adam Treen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, worried about writing a review and getting attention. Great as I know the areas mentioned around Kent and London. Crazy how much/little money was recovered!

[Kevin O Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible story of how the 1983 gold and cash robbery worth £28m from a security depot has reverberated bloodily down the years, as police and criminals have tried to locate the dosh. The book is full of violent characters and vicious killings, and it's all a long way from television cop shows. Author Wensley Clarkson must have had his work cut out locating and getting 'faces' from the shady side of life to talk to him, but he pieces together a lurid story. By the nature of this kind of investigation, it's hard to know how much of it is sharply accurate and who's on the level, and it's a shame there's no index. But it is very readable, and in places pretty frightening.

[John Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'll be passing on Mr Clarkson's further efforts. He tells a good story that's why I rated it a 3 star, however so much is just speculation. John Palmer, despite being one of the main men, hardly gets a mention. When Noye is arrested in Spain he fails to mention that the murdered lads fiancé was there with the UK police to identify Noye. He seems to think every crime committed after '83 was financed with Brinks money and he labels nearly everyone a Brinks Mat associate. Where that the case all the London underworld would have been involved in it.

[Ray Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Wensley Clarksons tale of the murder and mayhem in the book of the Brinks Mat robbery and its aftermath.The amount of money involved caused deception and corruption at the highest level.The curse in the title refers to the people killed over money and double dealing.As they say"money is the root of all evil"

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable book of facts revolving around the Brinks-Mat robbery, before and after the event!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ok read. If you like the Essex boys stories and gangster reads this is really worth a read.

[Clive Leworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Mary Mattis · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was ..indeed... murder and mayhem.........and the aftermath curses are still happening today......................loved it.....

[terry hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read