Reggie And Ronnie Kray: The Legend Of The Twins

The story of Reggie and Ronnie Kray is one of London's most infamous and captivating tales. These twins, born into the gritty East End, rose to become notorious figures in the criminal underworld during the 1950s and 1960s. Their reign of terror and influence has been immortalized in books, films, and popular culture, solidifying their place as legends—albeit dark ones—in British history. So, let's dive into the lives of these complex characters, exploring their rise to power, their criminal activities, and the ultimate downfall that led to their imprisonment.

Early Lives and the Making of a Gang

Reggie and Ronnie Kray, identical twins, were born on October 24, 1933, in Hoxton, East London. From an early age, it was clear that these two were inseparable and fiercely protective of each other. Their upbringing in a working-class family during the tumultuous years of World War II and its aftermath undoubtedly shaped their worldview and their approach to life. Their grandfather, Cannonball Lee, was a huge influence, an amateur boxer who encouraged them to box, this was where they learnt how to fight and defend themselves. Boxing quickly became their passion, instilling in them discipline, resilience, and a sense of camaraderie. They saw it as a way to make a name for themselves and escape the poverty that surrounded them. They did well at boxing for a while, but their criminal activities put an end to their boxing careers. This early success in the ring built their confidence and established their reputation as formidable fighters. This reputation would later serve them well in the criminal underworld, where respect and fear were essential currencies.

As they grew older, the twins' involvement in petty crime escalated. They formed a gang known as "The Firm," which quickly gained notoriety for its violent tactics and ruthless efficiency. The Firm engaged in various criminal activities, including protection rackets, armed robberies, and assaults. Reggie, often considered the more charismatic and strategic of the two, took on the role of the public face of the organization, handling business dealings and maintaining relationships with other criminals and influential figures. Ronnie, on the other hand, was known for his unpredictable and often brutal behavior. His mental instability and violent tendencies made him a dangerous and unpredictable asset to the gang. Together, Reggie and Ronnie formed a formidable partnership, their complementary skills and shared ambition driving The Firm to greater heights of power and influence. Their control over the East End grew steadily, and they became feared and respected figures in the criminal underworld.

The Krays' Criminal Empire

The Krays' criminal empire was built on a foundation of fear and intimidation. Reggie and Ronnie Kray established a network of protection rackets, extorting money from local businesses in exchange for "protection" from rival gangs and other threats. Those who refused to pay faced severe consequences, ranging from property damage to physical violence. The twins also ran illegal gambling dens, nightclubs, and other illicit businesses, further expanding their wealth and influence. Their control over the East End was absolute, and they operated with impunity, seemingly untouchable by the law.

Their nightclubs, such as the Double R Club, became popular haunts for celebrities, politicians, and other influential figures, providing the Krays with valuable connections and a veneer of respectability. They cultivated relationships with prominent individuals, using their charm and charisma to gain favor and avoid scrutiny. These connections proved invaluable in protecting their criminal enterprise from law enforcement and maintaining their grip on power. The Krays became celebrities in their own right, sought after by the media and admired by many for their rebellious spirit and defiance of authority. However, beneath the glamorous facade lay a dark and violent reality, one that would eventually lead to their downfall.

The Krays' reign of terror was marked by several high-profile incidents, including the murder of George Cornell, a member of a rival gang, in 1966. Ronnie Kray shot Cornell in the head at the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel, sending a clear message to anyone who dared to challenge their authority. The murder sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld and the wider community, but the Krays remained untouchable, protected by their network of loyal associates and their ability to intimidate witnesses. The police struggled to gather enough evidence to bring them to justice, and the Krays continued to operate with impunity.

Another notorious incident was the murder of Jack "The Hat" McVitie in 1967. McVitie, an associate of the Krays, had fallen out of favor with the twins and was lured to a party where he was brutally stabbed to death by Reggie Kray. The murder was particularly gruesome, and the details of the crime were later revealed in court, shocking the public and exposing the true extent of the Krays' brutality. The McVitie murder proved to be a turning point in the Krays' reign of terror, as it finally provided the police with the evidence they needed to bring them to justice.

The Downfall and Imprisonment

The downfall of Reggie and Ronnie Kray was a long and complex process, involving years of investigation and relentless pursuit by law enforcement. Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read, a determined and incorruptible police officer, led the investigation into the Krays' criminal activities. Read faced numerous obstacles, including witness intimidation, lack of cooperation from the public, and political interference. However, he remained steadfast in his determination to bring the Krays to justice.

Read meticulously gathered evidence, piecing together the puzzle of the Krays' criminal empire. He built relationships with informants, protected witnesses, and patiently built a case that would stand up in court. The investigation was painstaking and time-consuming, but Read's persistence eventually paid off. In 1968, Read finally had enough evidence to arrest the Krays and several members of their gang. The arrests sent shockwaves through the East End and the wider community, signaling the end of the Krays' reign of terror.

The trial of the Krays was a sensational event, captivating the nation. The twins were charged with murder, conspiracy, and other serious offenses. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing the Krays' criminal activities and their involvement in the murders of Cornell and McVitie. Witnesses testified about the Krays' brutality and their control over the East End. The defense attempted to portray the Krays as Robin Hood-like figures, protecting their community from outside threats. However, the evidence against them was overwhelming.

In 1969, Reggie and Ronnie Kray were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. The sentences marked the end of an era in London's criminal history. The Krays' reign of terror was finally over, and the East End could begin to heal from the violence and intimidation that had plagued it for so long. Despite their imprisonment, the Krays remained figures of fascination, their story continuing to capture the imagination of the public.

Life Behind Bars and Legacy

Life behind bars was challenging for Reggie and Ronnie Kray, but they adapted as best they could. Ronnie, due to his mental instability, was eventually confined to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility. Reggie spent his time in various prisons, maintaining a relatively low profile and focusing on his writing. Despite their imprisonment, the Krays remained in the public eye, their story continuing to be told and retold in books, films, and documentaries.

Reggie Kray was released from prison in 2000, after serving more than 30 years. His release was met with mixed reactions, some welcoming him as a reformed character, while others viewed him as a dangerous criminal who should never have been set free. Reggie attempted to live a quiet life after his release, but he struggled to escape the shadow of his past. He died of cancer later that year, bringing an end to the life of one of Britain's most notorious criminals.

Ronnie Kray remained in Broadmoor Hospital until his death in 1995. His mental health continued to deteriorate, and he spent his final years in a state of near-total isolation. Ronnie's death marked the end of an era, symbolizing the final chapter in the story of the Kray twins. Their legacy, however, continues to endure, their story serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of crime and the consequences of violence.

The story of Reggie and Ronnie Kray remains a captivating and complex one. Their rise to power, their criminal activities, and their ultimate downfall continue to fascinate and intrigue. They represent a dark chapter in London's history, a reminder of the violence and corruption that can exist beneath the surface of society. The Krays' story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of crime and the importance of justice. Their legacy, though controversial, continues to endure, ensuring that the names of Reggie and Ronnie Kray will not soon be forgotten.