22 October 2023 , 18:25
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A notorious reformed gangster lived in an incredible 'castle' in a corner of South East London before he was found dead at home at age 64.
Dave Courtney, who previously claimed to have links to the notorious Kray twins was the proud owner of Camelot Castle. The former hardman had also claimed he was the inspiration behind Vinnie Jones' character in the cult movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He was the proud owner of Camelot Castle. In a statement on his social media today, it was announced he had been found dead after "taking his own life".
It reads: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64. Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday 22nd October, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead. Details about funeral arrangements will be provided in due course. His family ask for respect during this period of mourning."
Met Police say they were called to an address on Chestnut Rise in Plumstead at around 11:25am today (22 October), after reports of a man found dead. A 64-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, with the death being treated as unexpected and under investigation.
Dave Courtney inside his castle standing in front of a painting of himself (Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)Before his death, the 64-year-old showed MyLondon around the sprawling white mansion, which features guns, swords, suits of armour - all said to be fake - pictures of the late Queen and a bust of his own head.
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Once a former school, the home stands apart from the residential street where it is located. It is decorated with gold lion paintings and Union Jacks, as well as a sniper statue and a replica of King Arthur's Sword in the Stone.
A fake blue plaque reads: "David J Courtney born 17.2.1959 amusing raconteur, prolific author and infamous f***er resides here." Meanwhile, the back of the mansion boasts a jacuzzi, its own nightclub - which is also used as a cinema - and a 'dungeon' where he says adult films are made and which underwear brands use for modelling. A mural can even be found outside depicting him and his gangster "friends" as knights of the round table.
Dave Courtney outside his home in front of a mural (Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)Pictures and paintings of Dave can be found throughout the inside of the mansion too, including one of him with angel wings and a halo in the front room. He claimed the painter filled half a pot of paint with Dave's blood so that "the skin is his DNA".
The author of nine books, who called himself Dave Courtney OBE - One Big Ego - added at the time: "I have got this ego. I can’t deny it. I’m an entertainer. It's more important to me than anything criminal." He also collects medals, including an old OBE dating back to 1919.
The kitchen is more practical, with no memorabilia (Facundo Arrizabalaga)Dave previously said: "It states in the law books it becomes an offence to call yourself an OBE if you don’t own one. But I do own one. My own friends ask what was the Queen like!"
The royalist, who queued for 13-hours with his elderly mum to see the late Queen lying-in-state, also has an image of the monarch placed outside his front door. While giving his tour, he took a call from his mum and said: “Every good gangster loves his mum."
Referring to his gangster past, Dave previously said his phone book is "scary", but conceded that "not all of it is true" when it comes to the notorious escapades he was reported to have been involved in.
He said: "I was never as bad as it was portrayed. I was good friends with Krays. I had a thousand doormen working for me at one time - an army. I took credit and blame for what they did. It's nothing to do with you but I was in charge."
The room next to the dining room is centred around a pool table alongside pictures of Dave with his family (Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)The front room of Camelot Castle features an array of guns, knives and swords - Dave says he has the fake weapons as he lives with his best friend, Brendan, who owns a film props company.
Books, old medals, military helmets, boxing gloves and even a bust of Beethoven can be found in the dining room, while the next room is centred around a pool table alongside pictures of Dave with his family and "all the boys he was active in the criminal scene with". The kitchen is more practical, with no memorabilia, and connects to a garden with a BBQ area and a jacuzzi.
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Dave said he is "very tight" with the Plumstead locals, who may know him as the owner of a peacock that once escaped. Before his death, he was working with charities for children with autism and ADHD, and even drove to Ukraine numerous times to bring medical supplies and food to the border.
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch