The Krays
About The Programme
Britain’s most notorious gangsters of all time were East-end duo, identical twin brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray. They went from rags to riches and became legends in their own time. But the two brothers’ lives were tragically intertwined.
Throughout the Swinging Sixties, the Kray twins unleashed a reign of psychotic terror across London’s crime-ridden East End, leaving a gruesome trail of violence and murder in their path. Ron and Reg ruled the city with 100 thugs on call 24/7. But inside, they were prisoners of their own madness, celebrity-lust, and denial.
More than money, the twins wanted fame. They were gay, but unwilling to sacrifice respect. At once, they were each other’s greatest companions and worst competition. Finally, unable to control the schizophrenia brewing inside, the consequences were explosive.
Though they spent most of their lives in jail, their legend continues to both haunt and enthral. When they died, their funerals were like royalty. Tens of thousands turned out in London’s East End. On his deathbed, Reg said, “I would do it all again.”
The Twins
Ronald and Reginald Kray were the most feared organised crime leaders in London during the 1960s.
Born in Hoxton, in the East End of London, the twins were influenced by their grandfather, Jimmy 'Cannonball' Lee, who led the boys into amateur boxing. Reggie and Ronnie were so successful that they never lost a bout before turning professional at the age of 16.
Their criminal career started with buying a seedy club in Bethnal Green, and and progressed into several protection rackets. By the end of the 1950s, the Krays were involved in hijacking, armed robbery and arson.
By the 1960s, they were prosperous night-club owners and part of the swinging London scene. Their club was frequented by celebrities and the sharp-suited gangsters were photographed by David Bailey.
Their violence continued to escalate and in 1967, Reggie killed Jack 'the Hat' McVitie, a small-time member of the Kray gang who had stepped out of line. They were also implicated in the deaths of Frank Mitchell and George Cornell, the latter being shot at the notorious Blind Beggar pub by Ronnie in 1966. Apparently Cornell was shot for calling Ronnie a “fat poof.”
In 1969, the twins were found guilty for the murder of Jack McVitie. Both were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 30 years.
The years inside took their toll. Ron was certified insane and lived out the remainder of his life detained in a mental institution, dying in 1995. For many years Reggie was a Category A prisoner, one who is denied almost all liberties, and can not mix with other prisoners. He was eventually freed on August 26 2000 on compassionate grounds as a result of inoperable cancer. On October 1st 2000 Reg Kray died a free man.