Edward Davenport: The Powerful Rise and Controversial Fall of “Fast Eddie”

A British Socialite Whose Glamour and Fraud Convictions Shaped a Notorious Legacy

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Introduction

Edward Davenport is one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in modern British high society. Known widely by the nickname “Fast Eddie,” he gained attention for his extravagant lifestyle, luxury properties, and elite social connections. His story is filled with ambition, glamour, and bold entrepreneurship.

However, his life also carries a darker side. Alongside his rise through London’s party and business world, Edward Davenport became equally known for serious criminal convictions related to fraud. His biography reflects both the powerful attraction of wealth and the damaging consequences of unlawful actions.

Quick Bio

Detail	Information
Full Name	Edward Ormus Sharrington Davenport
Known As	“Fast Eddie”
Date of Birth	11 July 1966
Birthplace	Kensington, London, England
Nationality	British
Profession	Businessman, Socialite, Property Developer
Known For	Gatecrasher Balls, Fraud Conviction

Early Life and Background

Edward Davenport was born on 11 July 1966 in Kensington, one of London’s most affluent and well-known areas. Growing up in the heart of England’s capital gave him early exposure to elite environments and ambitious lifestyles.

From a young age, Davenport showed signs of strong entrepreneurial energy. As a teenager, he began earning money through small ventures, including selling clothes at Portobello Road Market. This early hustle demonstrated his desire for success and financial independence long before he became famous.

Education and Early Ambition

Edward Davenport attended Frensham Heights School in Surrey. While not much is publicly confirmed about further academic qualifications, his early activities reveal that he was more focused on business opportunities than traditional professional paths.

His ambition and confidence helped him enter the world of high-profile social events at a young age. Even in his early twenties, Davenport was already building a reputation for creating grand experiences and attracting attention.

Career Start: The Gatecrasher Balls Era

The Rise of Gatecrasher Ltd

In the late 1980s, Edward Davenport became widely known after co-founding Gatecrasher Ltd. The company organized large-scale events called “Gatecrasher Balls,” which became famous across Britain for their extravagant style.

These parties attracted wealthy young crowds and quickly gained media attention. Davenport’s ability to create luxury environments made him stand out as a bold figure in London’s social world.

The First Legal Trouble

Despite the success, this early venture ended with serious consequences. In 1990, Davenport was convicted of VAT fraud after underreporting ticket income connected to the events. This marked the beginning of a pattern in which glamour and controversy would remain closely linked to his name.

Becoming a London Socialite and Property Figure

After the collapse of Gatecrasher Ltd, Edward Davenport shifted into property development and became a well-known socialite in London’s elite circles. He cultivated a lifestyle filled with luxury mansions, celebrity connections, and exclusive events.

One of his most notable properties was 33 Portland Place, a historic mansion in central London. The home became famous not only for its size and elegance but also for hosting lavish gatherings and high-profile occasions.

This period of his life reflected a positive image of wealth and influence, but critics often questioned the sources and sustainability of his lifestyle.

Major Fraud Conviction and Criminal Case

The Gresham Ltd Scheme

Between 2005 and 2009, Edward Davenport became involved in a far more serious case. He operated through a company called Gresham Ltd, which promised large commercial loans to clients.

In reality, the business was found to be an advance-fee fraud scheme. Victims reportedly paid upfront fees for financing that never materialized.

Conviction and Prison Sentence

In September 2011, Davenport was convicted of conspiracy to defraud. He was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison. Prosecutors described him as a central figure in the fraudulent operation.

This conviction became the defining negative chapter of his life and permanently damaged his public image.

Release

Edward Davenport was released early in 2014 on compassionate grounds due to illness. His release attracted media attention, as his name continued to carry both fascination and scandal.

Public Image and Legacy

Edward Davenport remains a symbol of extremes in British society. On one hand, he represents ambition, confidence, and the ability to enter elite circles through charisma and lifestyle.

On the other hand, his repeated legal issues and fraud conviction highlight the destructive consequences of unethical choices. His life serves as both an example of social power and a warning about the cost of deception.

Even years after his conviction, Davenport’s name continues to appear in discussions about high society fraud, luxury scandal, and controversial figures in modern Britain.

Conclusion

Edward Davenport’s biography is a powerful mix of glamour and downfall. Rising from a young entrepreneur organizing extravagant parties, he became a recognized figure in London’s elite world. Yet his story is equally shaped by fraud convictions and legal consequences that overshadow his success.

His life remains both inspiring in ambition and cautionary in outcome. Edward Davenport stands as a reminder that fame and luxury can attract admiration, but integrity ultimately defines legacy.