Ronnie Kray #95

Early Life

Ronnie Kray was born in Hoxton, East London, to Charles David Kray and Violet Annie Lee. He and his twin brother Reggie were raised in a working-class family and grew up in the tough environment of the East End. The twins were inseparable from a young age and shared a close bond. They both developed a reputation for being physically tough and became involved in petty crime during their teenage years.

Rise to Power

During the 1950s, Ronnie and Reggie Kray established themselves as prominent figures in London's criminal underworld. They were involved in various illegal activities, including protection rackets, armed robbery, and murder. The twins owned several nightclubs in the West End, which served as fronts for their criminal enterprises. They mingled with celebrities, politicians, and socialites, which allowed them to cultivate a glamorous image despite their criminal activities.

Ronnie Kray was known for his volatile temper and violent tendencies. He was openly homosexual at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK, and his sexuality was an open secret within the criminal underworld.

Criminal Activities and Arrests

The Kray twins' criminal empire expanded throughout the 1960s, but their activities eventually drew the attention of law enforcement. Ronnie Kray was directly involved in several murders, the most infamous being the killing of George Cornell, a member of the rival Richardson gang. On March 9, 1966, Ronnie shot Cornell in the head in front of witnesses at the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel, an act that shocked London.

The Kray twins' reign of terror came to an end in 1968 when they were arrested by Scotland Yard. The authorities had built a case against the twins, and they were charged with multiple crimes, including murder. In 1969, Ronnie and Reggie Kray were both convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation that they serve at least 30 years.

Imprisonment and Death

Ronnie Kray was incarcerated in several prisons, including Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital, after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. His mental health issues, combined with his violent behavior, led to his placement in Broadmoor, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Ronnie Kray died on March 17, 1995, from a heart attack while still in custody at Broadmoor Hospital. He was 61 years old.

Legacy

Ronnie Kray remains a notorious figure in British criminal history. The Kray twins' story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including the 1990 film The Krays and the 2015 film Legend, in which Ronnie was portrayed by actor Tom Hardy. Despite their criminal activities, the Kray twins have become part of British popular culture, remembered both for their brutality and their charisma.

Ronnie Kray's life was defined by his rise to power as one of London's most feared gangsters, his involvement in violent crime, and his eventual downfall. His legacy, intertwined with that of his brother Reggie, continues to captivate public imagination decades after his death.