Ronald “Ronnie” Kray and Reginald “Reggie” Kray, born on 24 October 1933 in the East London district of Haggerston, were identical twin brothers who became two of the most infamous criminals in British history. Their criminal empire dominated London’s East End from the late 1950s through the 1960s, and their story remains one of the most compelling and enduring tales of organized crime in the UK.
Early Life and Background
Ronnie and Reggie Kray were raised in a working-class family in the East End. From a young age, they showed toughness and resilience, traits that would serve them well in their later criminal endeavors. The twins were inseparable, developing an unbreakable bond that was both a source of strength and a contributing factor to their notoriety.
The Krays initially tried to steer clear of serious trouble during their youth, but the rough streets of Bethnal Green, a tough area of London, were fertile ground for crime. The brothers were physically imposing and quickly gained a reputation for violence and intimidation.
Formation of The Firm
By the late 1950s, the twins had founded their gang, known as “The Firm.” Based in Bethnal Green, The Firm was involved in a wide array of criminal activities, including armed robbery, arson, protection rackets, illegal gambling, and assaults. The Krays operated with ruthless efficiency and were feared throughout London’s East End.
The twins’ gang was also notorious for its involvement in murder. Ronnie Kray, in particular, was linked to several brutal killings, including those of George Cornell and Jack “the Hat” McVitie, which later formed the cornerstone of the case against them.
Celebrity and Social Standing
Unlike many organized crime figures who remained hidden, the Krays sought celebrity and mingled with London’s high society. They were photographed by the famous photographer David Bailey and rubbed shoulders with celebrities, socialites, and politicians. The twins were known to frequent nightclubs and were even interviewed on television, which added to their mystique and public fascination.
This unusual blend of gangland brutality and celebrity glamour made them larger-than-life figures in 1960s London.
Downfall and Arrest
Despite their influence and the terror they inspired, the Krays’ reign began to unravel in the late 1960s. The Metropolitan Police launched a thorough investigation, spearheaded by Detective Superintendent Leonard “Nipper” Read, who was determined to bring them to justice.
On 8 May 1968, Ronnie and Reggie Kray were arrested. The police also apprehended several other members of The Firm. The evidence against the twins included witness testimonies and forensic evidence related to the murders and other crimes committed by their gang.
Trial and Conviction
The trial of the Kray twins was one of the most high-profile criminal cases in British history. In 1969, both were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Their conviction marked the end of an era of organized crime dominance in London’s East End.
Imprisonment and Later Life
Ronnie Kray was later certified insane and transferred to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility. He spent the remainder of his life there until he died of a heart attack on 17 March 1995.
Reggie Kray served his sentence in prison and was released on compassionate grounds in August 2000 due to terminal cancer. He passed away eight weeks later on 1 October 2000.
Legacy
The Kray twins remain iconic figures in British criminal history. Their story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including the acclaimed 1990 film The Krays. While their violent actions brought fear and suffering, the twins also captured the public imagination with their complex personalities and paradoxical blend of brutality and charisma.
Their lives reflect a darker chapter of post-war London, where crime, power, and celebrity intersected in dramatic and often tragic ways.
