Introduction:
Buster Edwards was a notorious thief in Britain during the 20th century. His life of crime earned him notoriety, and he is known as one of the perpetrators of the Great Train Robbery of 1963, one of the biggest heists in the history of Britain. Over the years, Edwards’ story has been popularized in movies and interviews. However, one question still lingers in the minds of many: what was the net worth of Buster Edwards? In this post, we dive deep into this mystery, uncovering the fortunes and the life of Britain’s most infamous thief.
Early Life and Education:
Bruce Reynolds recruited Buster Edwards to be one of the members of his gang responsible for robbing the Glasgow-to-London mail train in August 1963. Edwards, whose real name was Ronald Christopher Edwards, was born in Islington, North London on January 27, 1931. He was brought up in a council flat in Chatham, Kent.
However, Edwards did not receive formal education and left school at the age of fourteen. He took up various jobs such as building, roofing, and plumbing before eventually moving on to a life of crime. Therefore, it is challenging to guesstimate his total net worth before he became a thief, but Edwards is believed to have led a humble life before his curiosity for crime took over.
Infamy:
Edwards, along with his accomplices, held up the train in question and made off with around £2.6 million (equivalent to £50 million in today’s money). The heist made Edwards a celebrity and a wanted man. Despite efforts to flee the country with his share of the loot, he was eventually captured in 1966 in a Sydney hotel room. This marked the beginning of his fall from grace.
Over the years, Edwards became a symbol for the criminal underground and a reminder of the harsh realities of the life of a criminal. Despite this, he was viewed as a folk hero by some who saw his story as one of a man trying to stay true to his principles in a world that offered little hope.
The Aftermath:
After serving nine years in prison, Edwards was released in 1975. However, life outside of bars proved challenging, and he was unable to find steady employment. His notoriety made it impossible for him to live a comfortable life, and Edwards resorted to living on the streets.
Despite his efforts to turn his life around, Edwards could not escape his past. He died by suicide in 1994, leaving behind a legacy that still captivates audiences today.
The Net Worth:
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much Edwards was worth at the time of his death. While his role in the train robbery made him a wealthy man, his life as a fugitive and his long-time spent in prison drained most of his resources. Therefore, he had nothing to his name when he passed away, and his estate was mainly used to cover his funeral expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What was Buster Edwards’ real name?
Buster Edwards was born Ronald Christopher Edwards.
2) What was Edwards’ role in the Great Train Robbery?
Edwards, along with his accomplices, held up the Glasgow-to-London mail train and made off with around £2.6 million (equivalent to £50 million in today’s money).
3) How much time did Edwards spend in prison?
Edwards served nine years in prison for his involvement in the Great Train Robbery.
4) Did Edwards ever turn his life around after his release from prison?
Edwards attempted to turn his life around after his release from prison but struggled to find steady employment. Unfortunately, he died by suicide in 1994.
5) Was Buster Edwards wealthy at the time of his death?
No, Edwards had lost most of his wealth during his time as a fugitive and his long-term imprisonment. Therefore, he had nothing to his name when he died.
6) What was the impact of the Great Train Robbery on Edwards’ life?
The Great Train Robbery made Edwards a celebrity and a wanted man. Despite his efforts to flee the country with his share of the loot, he was eventually captured in 1966 in a Sydney hotel room. After serving nine years in prison, he struggled to find steady employment before eventually taking his own life in 1994.
7) Why is Buster Edwards still talked about today?
Edwards is still talked about today because his story is one of a man trying to survive in a harsh world. His life of crime offers insights into the criminal underworld, and his story remains a cautionary tale on the dangers of seeking fortune through illegal means.
Conclusion:
Buster Edwards remains an enduring figure in British crime history. While his role in the Great Train Robbery brought him notoriety, his life after the heist was one of struggles and hardship. Despite this, Edwards’ story continues to inspire curiosity and interest among audiences today. And while he may not have left behind an impressive net worth, his legacy serves as a reminder of the dangers of a life of crime and the desperate measures some people take to escape their challenging lives.