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برودمور - تشارلز برونسون رحلتي إلى الجحيم
THE CLOSEST PLACE ON EARTH THAT YOU WILL GET TO HELL - Charlie My Journey Into Hell documents the story of long-term prisoner Charlie Bronson and his five-year stay at Britain's most notorious mental hospital, Broadmoor. His journey has, until now, never been told.In the winter of 1979, aged just twenty-seven, the inmate who would come to be known as 'Charlie Bronson' was considered uncontrollable by the prison system. Certified insane, he was transferred from Parkhurst Prison to the most infamous high-security psychiatric hospital in England, Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane. There he embarked on a one-man campaign to retain his sanity, and to fight against the brutality of a largely hidden regime that relied on enforced drug control.This outstandingly honest account takes the reader back to those dark days. It is a journey filled with sadness, and yet it is one that includes much laughter and pathos, as well as detailing the camaraderie among fellow patients, who included Ronnie Kray and Frankie Fraser. How Charlie Bronson survived Broadmoor, what he endured and the things he witnessed are, for the very first time, documented in this sad, moving, often chilling and sometimes funny account of one man's journey into madness and his methods for surviving the UK's most feared and notorious psychiatric hospital. Capturing Bronson's unique voice, it is a roller-coaster ride of madness, pain, laughter and tears.
311 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Charles Bronson
42 books83 followersEnglish criminal and former bare knuckle boxer.
Bronson is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain".Bronson wasa petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1974.
While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon, often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again.
Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London. His promoter was unhappy with his name and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations.
While in jail in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed.
This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam.
Bronson is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain".Bronson wasa petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1974.
While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon, often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again.
Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London. His promoter was unhappy with his name and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations.
While in jail in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed.
This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 11, 2023
كانت "لورين ايذرينغتون" تتصفح على الإنترنت فعثرت على تشارلي برونسون على موقع إلكتروني يدعم إطلاق سراحه وقامت بالبحث عنه وحاولت أن تتحدث معاه ليكتب قصته.. وها نحن أمام قصة "تشارلي برونسون" رحلتي إلى الجحيم
"فكر جيدًا، أيهما ستختار؟ فكر في الأمر وأجبني لاحقًا( أو من الأفضل أن تنتظر حتى أنهي قصتي، وعندها يمكنك اتخاذ القرار الأكثر حكمة)، فإما أن تعلق مشنقتك ويحفر قبرك، وإما أن تبدأ رحلة عبر بوابات الجحيم إلى برودمور، وتصبح برودموريًا شهيرًا، مجنونًا رسميًا لن ينظر العالم إليك أبدًا كما نظر إليك من قبل، وذلك فقط إن تمكنت من الخروج من ذلك الجحيم."
يتحدث الكتاب عن "تشارلي برونسون" السجين المرعب في بريطانيا وعن حياته وفترته في مستشفى "برودمور" للأمراض العقلية حيث قضى ٤٠ سنة متنقلاً بين السجون والمستشفيات المختلفة ولكنه يتحدث عن "برودمور" تحديدًا و الذي يعتبرها سجن وليست مستشفي للعلاج بل للجنون في حد ذاته..
كتاب قوي و قذر لأقصى درجة ( نعم قذر بالمعنى الحرفي) فأنت تشاهد المرضى المختلين عقليًا وتصرفاتهم وأفعالهم الغير منطقية و ترى المباني الثمانية في "برودمور" وكل مبنى يتسم بصفة الجنون بشكل آخر عن مبنى ثاني..
"أما القطار فلن يتوقف، وأما أنت فمسافر فيه أبدًا، لذلك، بلغ تحياتي إلى عقلك!"
"فكر جيدًا، أيهما ستختار؟ فكر في الأمر وأجبني لاحقًا( أو من الأفضل أن تنتظر حتى أنهي قصتي، وعندها يمكنك اتخاذ القرار الأكثر حكمة)، فإما أن تعلق مشنقتك ويحفر قبرك، وإما أن تبدأ رحلة عبر بوابات الجحيم إلى برودمور، وتصبح برودموريًا شهيرًا، مجنونًا رسميًا لن ينظر العالم إليك أبدًا كما نظر إليك من قبل، وذلك فقط إن تمكنت من الخروج من ذلك الجحيم."
يتحدث الكتاب عن "تشارلي برونسون" السجين المرعب في بريطانيا وعن حياته وفترته في مستشفى "برودمور" للأمراض العقلية حيث قضى ٤٠ سنة متنقلاً بين السجون والمستشفيات المختلفة ولكنه يتحدث عن "برودمور" تحديدًا و الذي يعتبرها سجن وليست مستشفي للعلاج بل للجنون في حد ذاته..
كتاب قوي و قذر لأقصى درجة ( نعم قذر بالمعنى الحرفي) فأنت تشاهد المرضى المختلين عقليًا وتصرفاتهم وأفعالهم الغير منطقية و ترى المباني الثمانية في "برودمور" وكل مبنى يتسم بصفة الجنون بشكل آخر عن مبنى ثاني..
"أما القطار فلن يتوقف، وأما أنت فمسافر فيه أبدًا، لذلك، بلغ تحياتي إلى عقلك!"
March 9, 2024
bunch of toss, just a stream of thoughts over 180 pages
September 18, 2016
Although I'd heard of Charles Bronson, I didn't really know anything about him. I am however fascinated by Broadmoor as I live very close to it. As a teenager me and my friends used to spend ages wandering around it, occasionally having a picnic on the green opposite (We were a morbid lot).
Mixed feelings about this book. It's very entertaining. The way it's written keeps you turning pages, if you don't like bad language then I would avoid this one. Bronson particularly enjoys the C word. However I would take everything he says with a pinch of salt.
The foreword is written by his fiancée, one of those weird women who start randomly writing to prisoners. She lets us know that Bronson shouldn't still be in prison because he's never killed anyone. He is however prone to random acts of violence. Maybe he shouldn't have gone to Broadmoor, I don't know, I'm not a Doctor. But if he was sane, surely he would have realised the key to release would be good behaviour?
But no, he moans about being sent to the office after he's assaulted another prisoner. He moans about the guards being rough with them but I feel this is unfair as they are surrounded by people who commit random acts of violence all day, as Bronson documents here several times.
He has an 'I am a victim' air about him at times which gets on my nerves. He manages to get on the roof of Broadmoor three times(seriously! What were the guards doing?). And then moans he is lied to when he gets down. Oh woe is me! Look at the bloody damaged he caused! Why did they even give into any of his demands? I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to do that.
Also I understand why they kept the prisoners drugged up, what else are they supposed to do with voient people who can kick off at anytime? Surely it's better to keep them in a state where they can't hurt themselves or anyone around them?
I will agree with him on one thing though, Broadmoor is a prison and not a Hospital. They can change it's name all they want, no one around here refers to it as anything but a prison. Which brings me to my final point, he also moans that it's pretty hellish in Broadmoor and it should be made nicer. Yeah.....I'm sure that will go down well with the taxpayer. Well they are currently rebuilding the bloody thing, land that should have gone towards affordable housing if you ask me.
Would I recommend this? Yes! It's a cracking read but like I said about, I wouldn't take too much fact away from it. There are two sides to every story and I have a book about one of the guards to read next. I wonder how the accounts will differ?
Mixed feelings about this book. It's very entertaining. The way it's written keeps you turning pages, if you don't like bad language then I would avoid this one. Bronson particularly enjoys the C word. However I would take everything he says with a pinch of salt.
The foreword is written by his fiancée, one of those weird women who start randomly writing to prisoners. She lets us know that Bronson shouldn't still be in prison because he's never killed anyone. He is however prone to random acts of violence. Maybe he shouldn't have gone to Broadmoor, I don't know, I'm not a Doctor. But if he was sane, surely he would have realised the key to release would be good behaviour?
But no, he moans about being sent to the office after he's assaulted another prisoner. He moans about the guards being rough with them but I feel this is unfair as they are surrounded by people who commit random acts of violence all day, as Bronson documents here several times.
He has an 'I am a victim' air about him at times which gets on my nerves. He manages to get on the roof of Broadmoor three times(seriously! What were the guards doing?). And then moans he is lied to when he gets down. Oh woe is me! Look at the bloody damaged he caused! Why did they even give into any of his demands? I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to do that.
Also I understand why they kept the prisoners drugged up, what else are they supposed to do with voient people who can kick off at anytime? Surely it's better to keep them in a state where they can't hurt themselves or anyone around them?
I will agree with him on one thing though, Broadmoor is a prison and not a Hospital. They can change it's name all they want, no one around here refers to it as anything but a prison. Which brings me to my final point, he also moans that it's pretty hellish in Broadmoor and it should be made nicer. Yeah.....I'm sure that will go down well with the taxpayer. Well they are currently rebuilding the bloody thing, land that should have gone towards affordable housing if you ask me.
Would I recommend this? Yes! It's a cracking read but like I said about, I wouldn't take too much fact away from it. There are two sides to every story and I have a book about one of the guards to read next. I wonder how the accounts will differ?
August 18, 2025
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January 29, 2018
Excellent! Absolutely excellent!
I couldn’t get enough of this book, and can’t wait to read more by Charlie Bronson.
His writing style is engaging and chatty as he talks to the reader as if he’s enjoying a pint with you on a Saturday afternoon before football.
Charlie Bronson (or Charles Salvador, as he’s now known as) started his career as a petty criminal, rose quickly through the ranks to armed robbery, served seven years in prison and upon release took up bare-knuckle fighting in London’s East End. He lasted 69 days before he was arrested for robbing a jeweller, for which he given another seven years.
That was in 1988 and he’s still inside now, almost 30 years later.
Now there’s no denying he’s had his moments, but he’s never killed anyone, and yet, as he discusses here, there are people who’ve committed several murders, been imprisoned, been paroled, killed someone else and sent back to jail, and all the time Charlie Bronson has remained inside, serving many, many years in solitary.
This book covers his time in Broadmoor, the most infamous of Britain’s high security ‘loony bins.’ I use that term because, even though it isn’t politically correct, Bronson continually refers to himself and other patients/inmates as Loons.
The irony, of course, isn’t lost on him, and he demonstrates an excellent sense of humour. Charlie Bronson, for all he’s been through, is blessed with the Heaven-sent ability to laugh at himself. And it’s possibly this which makes this book so readable.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you know nothing about Charlie Bronson, yet are concerned that a prisoner who’s been handed a seven-year sentence can still be inside 30 years later, but are also believing everything you’ve read in the papers about him being “Britain’s most violent prisoner” then allow him to tell his own story. You may be surprised to discover the humane, decent and honourable to Charlie Bronson.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
I couldn’t get enough of this book, and can’t wait to read more by Charlie Bronson.
His writing style is engaging and chatty as he talks to the reader as if he’s enjoying a pint with you on a Saturday afternoon before football.
Charlie Bronson (or Charles Salvador, as he’s now known as) started his career as a petty criminal, rose quickly through the ranks to armed robbery, served seven years in prison and upon release took up bare-knuckle fighting in London’s East End. He lasted 69 days before he was arrested for robbing a jeweller, for which he given another seven years.
That was in 1988 and he’s still inside now, almost 30 years later.
Now there’s no denying he’s had his moments, but he’s never killed anyone, and yet, as he discusses here, there are people who’ve committed several murders, been imprisoned, been paroled, killed someone else and sent back to jail, and all the time Charlie Bronson has remained inside, serving many, many years in solitary.
This book covers his time in Broadmoor, the most infamous of Britain’s high security ‘loony bins.’ I use that term because, even though it isn’t politically correct, Bronson continually refers to himself and other patients/inmates as Loons.
The irony, of course, isn’t lost on him, and he demonstrates an excellent sense of humour. Charlie Bronson, for all he’s been through, is blessed with the Heaven-sent ability to laugh at himself. And it’s possibly this which makes this book so readable.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you know nothing about Charlie Bronson, yet are concerned that a prisoner who’s been handed a seven-year sentence can still be inside 30 years later, but are also believing everything you’ve read in the papers about him being “Britain’s most violent prisoner” then allow him to tell his own story. You may be surprised to discover the humane, decent and honourable to Charlie Bronson.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
April 13, 2022
Bronson the notorious prisoner.
Most dangerous prisoner in the British system.
I can assure you, Bronson is not the most dangerous.
Well, I can't assure but the Prison office I've spoken to can.
And I believe it, just a charismatic individual that has stories.
But by no means is this man not intelligent, the books themselves detail serious issues within the system and this man has gone through all of them.
I would give credit to anybody that has lived through that level of pain and austerity.
Definitely read, great books to read for entertainment. Especially crime-related.
Most dangerous prisoner in the British system.
I can assure you, Bronson is not the most dangerous.
Well, I can't assure but the Prison office I've spoken to can.
And I believe it, just a charismatic individual that has stories.
But by no means is this man not intelligent, the books themselves detail serious issues within the system and this man has gone through all of them.
I would give credit to anybody that has lived through that level of pain and austerity.
Definitely read, great books to read for entertainment. Especially crime-related.
October 5, 2022
Intriguing autobiographical account of an experience of Broadmoor. Bronson certainly is a personality to say the least. Much is likely true with the dubious history of psychiatric treatment, and it gives a unique perspective as a patient. However if you want much intellectual stimulation, look elsewhere, I'm not exactly sure what I ought to take away from this book; although he's been badly treated, Bronson's casual praise and defence of violence shows him not to exactly be a guru. Enjoyable enough read, nonetheless.
January 29, 2024
Audiobook. Basically lots of examples of how badly he was treated and bragging about his protests. Would probably have been a better experience reading the actual book as the audiobook narrator made it sound like a kids book.
February 12, 2019
Really enjoyed this book.
I found it very fascinating and honest.
I found it very fascinating and honest.
September 14, 2024
An interesting account of one man's five year long stay in Broadmoor.
Charlie Bronson has served about forty years in prison, yet is not a murderer. Convicted for armed robbery as a 22 year old in 1974, he hasn't lived as a free man for more than a few short months during the last fifty years. In the late 1970s, he was certified mad and sent to Broadmoor Hospital, at the same time as Ronnie Kray was there.
Bronson admits he's a bit insane, but, as he says, who isn't? The other inmates appear to really need their time at Broadmoor, Rampton or Ashworth, as, unfortunately, they do seem to have mental health problems. There are several stories of Bronson's antics to try and achieve better conditions in some parts of Broadmoor, like having warm showers, not cold, but despite several roof top protests, nothing seemed to change during his time there.
Charlie Bronson expresses his views on how he feels about the few men who have been convicted of crimes against children. The way he expresses his opinion to me, is quite rational. He appears to talk common sense a lot of the time.
Bronson also tells some funny anecdotes about his fellow 'patients' (inmates, as he calls them). The language leaves a lot to be desired, but that's to be expected.
Whilst this is not the type of book to read if you disapprove of bad language, it's a good book to read if you want to have a bit of an insight into what life can be like as a prisoner in Broadmoor. After reading this book, I wonder how anyone survives life in the hospital, as the guards (nurses) treatment of the men (and women) isn't the best. How much is true, and how much has been embellished, I can't say, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Charlie Bronson has served about forty years in prison, yet is not a murderer. Convicted for armed robbery as a 22 year old in 1974, he hasn't lived as a free man for more than a few short months during the last fifty years. In the late 1970s, he was certified mad and sent to Broadmoor Hospital, at the same time as Ronnie Kray was there.
Bronson admits he's a bit insane, but, as he says, who isn't? The other inmates appear to really need their time at Broadmoor, Rampton or Ashworth, as, unfortunately, they do seem to have mental health problems. There are several stories of Bronson's antics to try and achieve better conditions in some parts of Broadmoor, like having warm showers, not cold, but despite several roof top protests, nothing seemed to change during his time there.
Charlie Bronson expresses his views on how he feels about the few men who have been convicted of crimes against children. The way he expresses his opinion to me, is quite rational. He appears to talk common sense a lot of the time.
Bronson also tells some funny anecdotes about his fellow 'patients' (inmates, as he calls them). The language leaves a lot to be desired, but that's to be expected.
Whilst this is not the type of book to read if you disapprove of bad language, it's a good book to read if you want to have a bit of an insight into what life can be like as a prisoner in Broadmoor. After reading this book, I wonder how anyone survives life in the hospital, as the guards (nurses) treatment of the men (and women) isn't the best. How much is true, and how much has been embellished, I can't say, but I certainly enjoyed it.
June 28, 2023
Review on the Audible audiobook.
If you are looking for a book which is more about Broadmoor than the author himself then look elsewhere.
Thankfully it's quite short and I didn't DNF but the first half felt like random unfinished stories because Bronson digress too much and can't hold his patience to tell the stories to the end. Pretty much like he is unintentionally describing himself by bullying everyone around, knowing better how to do others job and basically calling everyone c*nt by the first chance.
It has some good bits and no denying that this 'hospital' has been a hellhole and the abuse is real but be prepared to listen to someone who acts like the centre of world without really regretting anything what he has done while blaming his anger on others.
Great performance though. Probably that kept me from not stopping midway.
If you are looking for a book which is more about Broadmoor than the author himself then look elsewhere.
Thankfully it's quite short and I didn't DNF but the first half felt like random unfinished stories because Bronson digress too much and can't hold his patience to tell the stories to the end. Pretty much like he is unintentionally describing himself by bullying everyone around, knowing better how to do others job and basically calling everyone c*nt by the first chance.
It has some good bits and no denying that this 'hospital' has been a hellhole and the abuse is real but be prepared to listen to someone who acts like the centre of world without really regretting anything what he has done while blaming his anger on others.
Great performance though. Probably that kept me from not stopping midway.
November 1, 2024
I have always been fascinated about Charles Bronson and this book didn’t let me down at all. I have found out a lot about Charles and how the prison system has treated him over the years. I give the guy credit for getting up and keep going day after day. I honestly think he should be allowed out of prison now to live his life yes he done wrong but he has changed over the years. This book was so informative and so inspiring to read. I can’t believe Charles climbed the prison roof 3 times and it still didn’t help the poor man get the justice he needed for the fellow inmates and the treatment they were and still get to this day. I can’t wait to read more of Charles books. Xxx
March 22, 2025
Bronson has been institutionalised for decades, including a stint in the notorious Broadmoor. This is his memoir of his time there. Although classed as a violent criminal, he does appear to have standards. He gleefully talks about paedophiles and serial killers such as Sutcliffe getting what was coming to them. It's a fascinating look into the mind of a criminal and how corruption in institutes affects all. Well worth a read.
April 20, 2024
This book demonstrates what an egotistical, self-obsessed person CB is. He describes himself as a Legend, amongst other things and talks about his violent acts with pride instead of contrition. The worst part may well be having to read his “poetry” which makes Vogon poetry seem snappy, witty and upbeat.
September 28, 2023
This was genuinely really interesting. At times the narrative got a bit repetitive, but it was so interesting to hear about Charles and the other infamous inmates. Broadmoor is somewhere that absolutely fascinates me, and this was such a good insight
August 24, 2024
It is an interesting book, and the way the book is written makes it easy to read and was like having a conversation with Charlie.
I would like to know how the move from Broadmoor to Ashworth had since been. Overall, really enjoyed.
I would like to know how the move from Broadmoor to Ashworth had since been. Overall, really enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 3, 2025Hard to empathise with Bronson even though he's likely right about the 'prison culture' in Broadmoor. He paints himself as a hard done by hero and idolises violence and those who commit it (i.e. Ronnie Kray etc).
August 2, 2025
thought this was a sad read. Here is a man who has been in prison nearly all his life for just one crime. he has mental issues and has been troublesome whilst in different prisons. here is his story about his stint in Broadmoor. opens up questions as to whether we fail prisoners.
October 7, 2025
اقتباس من الكتاب؛
"لا أكره برودمور بل إني آسف على الحراس المؤذين والأطباء المزيفين لأنهم سيمتلكون لاحقاً ذكريات مخجلة تنغص عليهم حياتهم.. فدائماً ما تكون ذكرى الجبان هي الأسوأ، وعندما يشيخون ويعرفون أنهم اقتربوا من الموت لن يكونوا سوى ضحايا لأنفسهم."
"لا أكره برودمور بل إني آسف على الحراس المؤذين والأطباء المزيفين لأنهم سيمتلكون لاحقاً ذكريات مخجلة تنغص عليهم حياتهم.. فدائماً ما تكون ذكرى الجبان هي الأسوأ، وعندما يشيخون ويعرفون أنهم اقتربوا من الموت لن يكونوا سوى ضحايا لأنفسهم."
April 2, 2019
Whatever this man's crimes are you have to applaud his fight for the mentally ill
August 3, 2019
Interesting but stupid
March 26, 2020
Great snapshot into the life and mind of Charles bronson!
February 3, 2022
Would not have liked to be in Broadmoor back then even now
November 6, 2022
Extremely eye-opening! Gives a great but sad and tragic insight into these ‘hospitals’
February 15, 2023
Brilliant read. Charlie is captivating and provides a unique insight into what life is like as a Broadmite. I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster. I can’t wait to read more of his books!
March 14, 2023
This is possibly the strangest thing I've read, very interesting though
March 19, 2023
Very interesting book on what goes on behind closed doors in infamous Broadmoor, we follow Charles Bronsons journey through his time at Broadmoor learning what it's like and how patients are treated
September 30, 2023
It’s ok…. Good insight into what goes on in these places .
January 15, 2024
Interesting and insightful read. Some hilarious and worrying stories. Quick and easy read
February 20, 2024
Very insightful - you are left to form your own opinion of him. Beware of the language throughout though - not for you if you don't lile certain swear words!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews