The Kray Twins: Fact And Legend Behind London's Gangsters

The Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, remain two of the most infamous figures in British history. Their names evoke images of London's criminal underworld in the 1960s, a time when they reigned supreme. But beyond the newspaper headlines and sensational stories, who were the Krays, really? This article delves into the legend and the reality of these notorious gangsters, exploring their rise to power, their brutal crimes, and the enduring fascination that surrounds them.

From East End Boys to Criminal Kings

The Kray twins' story begins in the East End of London, a tough neighborhood where survival often meant playing by your own rules. Born in 1933, Ronnie and Reggie were virtually inseparable from childhood. Their early lives were marked by poverty and a strong sense of family loyalty. Boxing became an early outlet for their aggression and a means to gain respect. They quickly became formidable fighters, using their skills to protect their family and establish themselves in the local community. This early reputation for toughness laid the foundation for their future criminal careers.

As they grew older, the Kray twins turned to petty crime, engaging in activities like theft and protection rackets. Their boxing prowess and intimidating presence allowed them to quickly gain control of the local underworld. They established "The Firm", a criminal organization that included a network of associates and enforcers. The Firm's activities expanded to include armed robbery, extortion, and even murder. The twins' control over the East End grew, and they became increasingly powerful and feared. Their nightclubs and gambling dens became popular haunts for celebrities and politicians, further solidifying their influence and adding to their mystique.

The Kray twins were masters of manipulating their image. They cultivated a public persona that was both glamorous and menacing. They were often seen in fashionable clothes, surrounded by celebrities, and photographed by the paparazzi. This carefully crafted image helped them to maintain their power and control, as people were both drawn to and intimidated by them. They understood the power of publicity and used it to their advantage, becoming celebrities in their own right.

However, beneath the glamorous facade lay a brutal reality. The Kray twins were ruthless criminals who were willing to use violence to achieve their goals. They were responsible for numerous deaths and acts of brutality. Their reign of terror cast a dark shadow over the East End, and many people lived in fear of them. Despite their criminal activities, the Kray twins also enjoyed a certain degree of public support. Some people saw them as protectors of the community, who stood up to the authorities and provided a sense of order in a chaotic world. This complex and contradictory image is one of the reasons why the Kray twins continue to fascinate people to this day.

The Crimes That Defined Them

The Kray twins' criminal activities were not limited to petty crime and protection rackets. They were responsible for some of the most notorious crimes in British history. One of their most infamous acts was the murder of George Cornell, a member of a rival gang. Cornell was shot and killed in a pub in broad daylight, sending a clear message to anyone who dared to cross the Krays. The murder was a brazen act of violence that shocked the nation and cemented the twins' reputation as ruthless killers. Ronnie Kray was eventually convicted of Cornell's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Another infamous crime was the murder of Jack "The Hat" McVitie, an associate of the Kray twins. McVitie was lured to a party and brutally murdered by Reggie Kray and other members of The Firm. The murder was particularly gruesome, and McVitie's body was never found. The McVitie murder was a turning point for the Kray twins, as it led to their eventual downfall. Witnesses to the murder came forward, and the police were finally able to gather enough evidence to bring the Krays to justice. Reggie Kray was also convicted of McVitie's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

These murders were not isolated incidents. The Kray twins were responsible for numerous other acts of violence, including assaults, robberies, and extortion. They ruled the East End through fear and intimidation, and anyone who dared to challenge them faced severe consequences. Their criminal activities had a devastating impact on the community, and many people suffered as a result of their actions. The Kray twins' crimes were not just about money and power; they were also about establishing and maintaining their reputation as the most feared gangsters in London.

The Law Catches Up: Arrest and Imprisonment

The Kray twins' reign of terror eventually came to an end in 1969 when they were arrested along with several members of The Firm. The investigation was led by Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read, who had been pursuing the Krays for years. Read faced numerous challenges in his pursuit of the Krays, including witness intimidation and a lack of cooperation from the local community. However, he persevered and eventually gathered enough evidence to bring the Krays to justice. The trial of the Kray twins was a major media event, and the nation was captivated by the proceedings. The twins were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. This marked the end of their criminal empire and brought a sense of relief to the East End.

Ronnie and Reggie spent the rest of their lives in prison. Ronnie, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was eventually confined to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility. Reggie was initially incarcerated in a regular prison but was later transferred to a more secure facility. Despite being behind bars, the Kray twins continued to exert influence over the criminal underworld. They remained celebrities, and their lives were the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. They gave interviews from prison, and their opinions were often sought on matters of crime and justice. The Kray twins' imprisonment did not diminish their notoriety; in fact, it may have even enhanced it.

The Kray Twins: More Than Just Criminals?

The Kray twins were undoubtedly brutal criminals, responsible for violence and suffering. However, their story is more complex than simple good versus evil. Some argue that they were products of their environment, growing up in poverty and facing limited opportunities. They were also fiercely loyal to their family and community, providing a sense of protection and order in a chaotic world. This is not to excuse their crimes, but it does provide a more nuanced understanding of their motivations.

The Kray twins also tapped into a deep-seated fascination with the criminal underworld. They were glamorous and charismatic figures who lived outside the law. They represented a rebellion against authority and a defiance of social norms. This image appealed to many people, who saw them as anti-heroes. The Kray twins' story is a reminder that the line between good and evil is not always clear, and that even the most reprehensible figures can possess complex and contradictory qualities.

The Enduring Legend

Even after their deaths (Ronnie in 1995 and Reggie in 2000), the Kray twins remain a significant part of British popular culture. Films like "The Krays" (1990) and "Legend" (2015), starring Tom Hardy as both twins, have perpetuated their image as both terrifying gangsters and charismatic figures. Documentaries continue to explore their lives and crimes, and books about the Krays are still being published. The fascination with the Kray twins shows no signs of waning. They represent a dark chapter in British history, but also a compelling story of crime, violence, and celebrity.

The Kray twins' legend continues to grow, fueled by nostalgia for a bygone era and a fascination with the criminal underworld. They remain a reminder of the dark side of London's history, but also a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend. Whether they are remembered as villains or anti-heroes, the Kray twins will continue to fascinate and intrigue people for generations to come.