Charles Bronson, one of Britain's longest-serving inmates, has opened up about his five decades in prison, describing the experience as "horrendous and brutal" at times, yet maintaining hope for eventual freedom. The 73-year-old, who changed his name to Salvador in 2014, first entered the prison system in 1974 for armed robbery and has since spent time in various facilities, including Broadmoor Hospital.
Memorable Encounters with Infamous Criminals
Speaking from high-security HMP Woodhill, Bronson recounted his most memorable interactions with some of the UK's most notorious criminals. He stated, "I've met some of the greatest characters that people only ever read about. Legends, icons. The Great Train Robbers, I've met them all. I've done bird with all of them." Bronson emphasized that despite the hardships, these encounters were a unique part of his journey, adding, "I have lived with them, fought with them, I've cried with them. Sometimes, it's been horrible, sad, and tragic."
Ronnie and Reggie Kray: The Most Memorable Inmates
Bronson singled out the infamous east London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray as the most memorable people he has met inside. He praised them, saying, "There's no-one compares to them two. They were gentlemen. They were legends. They were decent human beings. They never went against their own. They stood loyal." He particularly highlighted Ronnie Kray, describing him as "very, very special."
Advice from 'Mad' Frankie Fraser
Bronson revealed that the best advice he ever received behind bars came from gangster 'Mad' Frankie Fraser, though it may have contributed to his extended stays. Fraser told him, "Don't think it, do it," which Bronson interpreted as a mantra for action, even if it led to violence. He reflected, "I think that's the greatest advice. Not so much if it is crime and violence but, in the outside world... don't think it, do it."
Art as a Lifeline and Rehabilitation
Bronson credits his artwork with saving him from a darker path in prison. He explained, "My art is a gift of life. I only wish I would have found that gift 40 years ago. It would have saved me a lot of pain, misery, grief, heartache, brutality." Before discovering art, he was prone to agitation, but now, he focuses on creating pieces that he donates to charity. "Every time I create something, I send it to a charity. They sell it, and I'm helping people. And that is a gift of life," he said.
He insists that art has been his primary form of rehabilitation, asserting, "The prison system keeps going on and on and on about rehabilitation. They've never rehabilitated me. I've rehabilitated myself. Absolutely." Bronson claims to have been a "model prisoner" for nearly a decade, attributing this change to his artistic pursuits.
Parole Hopes and Future Plans
Despite being denied freedom eight times by the Parole Board, Bronson remains optimistic. He stated, "I've still got hope. I've got faith." His original sentence for armed robbery has been repeatedly extended due to attacks on prison staff and inmates. If released, he plans to adopt two bull mastiffs and name them Ronnie and Reggie, in tribute to the Kray twins.
Bronson, diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder, was given a discretionary life sentence in 2000 for taking a prison teacher hostage. The Parole Board continues to assess his applications, with his latest hearing pending. He concluded, "I have had more porridge than Goldilocks and the three bears and I'm sick of it. My soul is good. For ten years, I've been a model prisoner. When I get out, I'm going to do a lot of good things."
