Joan Hannington, a name synonymous with one of the UK’s most infamous diamond thieves, lived a life that was as dramatic as any crime novel. Her love story with her husband, Boisie Hannington, an antiques dealer leading a secret double life as a thief, is now the focus of ITV’s highly anticipated drama “Joan,” starring Sophie Turner. Set in 1980s London, the series brings to life Joan’s
transformation from a council house mother to the most feared and revered diamond thief in Britain. But behind the headlines was a tale of love, loss, and tragedy. Let’s dive deeper into the real story of Joan Hannington and her husband Boisie, who played a pivotal role in shaping her life.
Joan’s Early Life and Tragic First Marriage
Joan’s life was never easy. After running away from home at the young age of 13, she was forced to navigate the streets of London. Four years later, she married Ray Pavey, a convicted armed robber, in what seemed to be a match influenced more by survival than
love. Their relationship was turbulent, and it wasn’t long before Joan’s life began to spiral into chaos after their split. During this time, she had a daughter, but the challenges of her personal life made it difficult for her to maintain custody, and social services stepped in.
The Fateful Meeting with Boisie Hannington
Joan’s life changed drastically when she crossed paths with Ronald Thomas Hannington, better known as Boisie, in a London pub. Their encounter was anything but ordinary—Joan was involved in a brawl, and Boisie stepped in to help. This brief moment sparked the beginning of a relationship that would shape the rest of Joan’s life.
Boisie wasn’t just any antiques dealer; he was also a skilled thief. The chemistry between Joan and Boisie was undeniable, and within weeks of their meeting, Boisie moved in with her. He introduced her to his world, teaching her how to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit antiques and how to navigate the world of auctions. This partnership became the foundation of their romantic and criminal relationship.
Their Life of Crime and Lavish Wealth
The couple’s ventures in crime were highly lucrative. Boisie’s double life as a thief allowed him to amass enormous wealth, which soon transformed Joan’s modest council flat into a treasure trove of stolen antiques and art. Overnight, Joan’s once bare home was filled with priceless artifacts, including oil paintings and Chippendale furniture.
Joan herself recounted how they would earn thousands of pounds a week from their stolen goods, often stashing their wealth in deed boxes at the bank. However, despite their success, Joan was often unaware of just how much money they had accumulated. Reflecting on that period of her life, she noted, “I had no idea of the total value of our cash and assets, but it must have run into millions.”
Boisie’s Tragic Death
As time went on, Joan and Boisie’s relationship began to suffer. Their once thrilling romance was fading, but their bond remained strong. However, tragedy struck when Boisie disappeared while working on a job. Four days later, Joan learned that her beloved husband had died in a tragic accident. Boisie had attempted to burn down a house for an insurance payout, but the plan went terribly wrong, resulting in a deadly explosion that claimed his life.
Joan was devastated. Boisie, while not conventionally handsome, had treated her with respect and love, qualities that were rare in her chaotic world. His death marked a turning point in Joan’s life, one that pushed her to reconsider her future.
Joan’s Decision to Leave Crime Behind
Following Boisie’s untimely death, Joan found herself at a crossroads. She had more than enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her life, but the thrill of the criminal world had lost its allure. In a bold move, Joan decided to leave her life of crime behind. She sold Boisie’s antique shops, cleared out her home, and started afresh in Islington, North London.
Looking back, Joan explained her decision: “I decided to go straight.” It was a new chapter in her life, one marked by reflection and a desire to move away from the world that had once defined her.
The Legacy of Joan and Boisie Hannington
Joan’s story, though filled with crime and intrigue, is ultimately a tale of resilience and transformation. Her relationship with Boisie was complex—he was both her partner in love and in crime. Together, they built a life based on deception, but in the end, it was Boisie’s tragic death that forced Joan to reevaluate her choices and seek a different path.
The new ITV drama “Joan” shines a light on this incredible story, showcasing the highs and lows of Joan’s life, as well as her deep connection to Boisie. As audiences tune in to watch Sophie Turner portray Joan, they will witness the fascinating and multifaceted life of a woman who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on history.
Conclusion
Joan Hannington’s life was far from ordinary. Her relationship with Boisie Hannington played a significant role in her transformation from a struggling mother to one of the most notorious diamond thieves in the UK. Their love story, though marked by crime, was
also filled with passion and respect. With Boisie’s tragic death, Joan chose to leave her criminal past behind and start anew. The ITV series “Joan” will undoubtedly bring this incredible story to a wider audience, reminding us that behind every notorious figure is a human story of love, loss, and redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Boisie Hannington?
Boisie Hannington, whose real name was Ronald Thomas Hannington, was an antiques dealer and a thief. He had a relationship with Joan Hannington and played a significant role in introducing her to the world of crime.
How did Boisie and Joan meet?
Boisie and Joan met in a London pub when Joan was involved in a brawl. Boisie intervened, and soon after, they became partners in both love and crime.
What happened to Boisie Hannington?
Boisie died tragically while attempting to burn down a house for an insurance payout. The plan backfired, and he lost his life in the resulting explosion.
Why did Joan Hannington leave her life of crime?
After Boisie’s death, Joan realized that she had more than enough money to live comfortably. She decided to leave the criminal world behind, sell Boisie’s antique shops, and start a new life.
What is the ITV series “Joan” about?
The ITV series “Joan” is based on the real-life story of Joan Hannington, Britain’s most notorious diamond thief. It explores her life, her relationship with Boisie, and her transformation from a council house mother to a master criminal.