Their names are synonymous with the violent underbelly of 1960s London. Ronnie and Reggie Kray, identical twins from the East End, built a criminal empire on fear and brutality while simultaneously charming their way into celebrity circles. They were gangsters who posed for photographers, ran nightclubs, and committed murders. Their story remains one of Britain’s most enduring true-crime legends, a tale of power, glamour, and ultimate downfall.
For decades, the Kray twins have fascinated the public. They were not simply criminals; they were characters who seemed to belong to both the underworld and the high society of Swinging London. From the streets of Hoxton to the front pages of national newspapers, their influence was felt across the city.
Who Were the Kray Twins?
Ronald Kray and Reginald Kray were born on 24 October 1933 in Hoxton, East London. They were the sons of Charlie Kray and Violet Lee Kray, and grew up in a working-class environment where their mother was the dominant figure due to their father’s frequent absences. The twins started their criminal careers early, becoming involved in boxing and protection rackets before forming their own gang, which they called “The Firm.”
- Born: 24 October 1933, Haggerston, London
- Died: Ronnie 17 March 1995 (aged 61), Reggie 1 October 2000 (aged 66)
- Crimes: Murder, armed robbery, arson, protection rackets
- Sentences: Life imprisonment (minimum 30 years) for murder of Jack McVitie (Reggie) and George Cornell (Ronnie)
Key Insights into Their Infamy
- The Kray twins were iconic figures of 1960s London, blending celebrity status with violent crime.
- Their reign was marked by a mix of glamour and brutality, attracting attention from both the public and police.
- Despite their imprisonment, their legacy persists through films, books, and documentaries, turning them into cultural anti-heroes.
- Their story highlights the rise and fall of organized crime in post-war London and the role of celebrity in criminal legend.
- They were among the most studied British gangsters of the 20th century, with numerous biographies detailing their lives.
- Their mythology is unusually strong because they occupied both the criminal underworld and the celebrity press.
Key Facts About the Kray Twins
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Names | Ronald “Ronnie” Kray, Reginald “Reggie” Kray |
| Born | 24 October 1933, Haggerston, East London |
| Died | Ronnie: 17 March 1995 (Broadmoor Hospital); Reggie: 1 October 2000 (Norwich) |
| Crimes | Murder, robbery, arson, protection rackets, assault |
| Sentences | Life imprisonment (minimum 30 years) for murder |
| Net Worth (estimated) | £1–2 million at peak (2025 adjusted) – uncertain due to hidden assets |
| Notable Victim | Jack McVitie (Reggie), George Cornell (Ronnie) |
How Did the Kray Twins Die?
Neither twin is alive today. Ronnie Kray died on 17 March 1995. He had been certified insane and spent his final years in Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, where he suffered a fatal heart attack.
Reggie Kray outlived his brother by five years. He was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000 after being diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer. He died eight weeks later, on 1 October 2000, at the age of 66. Both twins are buried alongside their mother Violet at Chingford Mount Cemetery in east London.
Ronnie Kray died of a heart attack. Reggie Kray died of bladder cancer. Both deaths are well-documented and not in dispute.
What Was the Kray Twins’ Net Worth?
Establishing a reliable figure for the Kray twins’ net worth is challenging. The available records and sources do not provide a single, audited number. Much of their wealth came from criminal activities – protection rackets, armed robbery, and control of nightclubs – which by their nature are not transparent. Some estimates suggest their peak wealth might have been around £1–2 million in today’s terms, but any exact figure remains speculative.
Their income was tied to reputational power and fear. They ran clubs like Esmeralda’s Barn and charged local businesses for “protection.” However, without official financial records from their criminal enterprise, pinning down a precise net worth is not possible based on the information currently available.
Any published figure for the Kray twins’ net worth should be treated as an estimate. There is no verified primary source documenting their total assets. Their wealth was hidden and linked to illicit proceeds.
Kray Twins in Media: Books, Movies, and Netflix
The Kray twins have been the subject of extensive media coverage, from books to major motion pictures. Their lives have been retold repeatedly, contributing to their status as cultural anti-heroes.
Kray Twins Movie: The 2015 Film “Legend”
The most prominent recent film is “Legend” (2015), directed by Brian Helgeland. In this movie, Tom Hardy played both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, using visual effects to portray the twins on screen together. The film focuses on their rise and fall, and their complex relationship. It is one of the most well-known biopics about the pair.
Kray Twins Book: The Definitive Biographies
Several books explore their lives in depth. “The Profession of Violence” by John Pearson is often considered a standard biography. Another notable work is “Our Story” by Reginald Kray, written from his perspective. For readers seeking a more recent account, “The Krays: The Final Word” offers updated analysis.
Kray Twins Documentary and Netflix Availability
As of 2025, there is no dedicated Netflix documentary series solely on the Kray twins. However, the feature film “Legend” is available on Netflix in some regions. Documentaries and true-crime specials about the twins have been produced by the BBC and other broadcasters, and are often found on streaming platforms or YouTube.
Who Were the Kray Twins’ Associates and Family?
The Krays did not operate alone. Their mother, Violet, was a central figure in their lives, and their older brother Charlie Kray was involved in their criminal activities, though he was never as notorious. Charlie Kray died in 2000.
Their network of associates, often called “The Firm,” included a range of enforcers and loyalists. They also had famous connections. Photographers like David Bailey captured their image, and they socialized with entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Barbara Windsor. These associations helped build their celebrity status, but many specific details about their political and celebrity links remain unverified or unclear.
The Kray family tree includes parents Charlie and Violet, brother Charlie, and the twins themselves. The family remains a subject of genealogical interest, with records held by ancestry services like Findmypast.
A Timeline of Key Events in the Kray Twins’ Lives
- 1933: Birth of Ronnie and Reggie Kray in Haggerston, London.
- 1950s: Start of criminal activities, involvement in boxing and protection rackets.
- 1960s: Rise to power, nightclub ownership (e.g., Esmeralda’s Barn), celebrity status.
- 1966: Murder of George Cornell by Ronnie Kray.
- 1967: Murder of Jack McVitie by Reggie Kray.
- 1968: Arrest on 9 May, followed by trial.
- 1969: Conviction in March; both sentenced to life imprisonment.
- 1995: Ronnie Kray dies of a heart attack in Broadmoor Hospital.
- 2000: Reggie Kray dies of bladder cancer, released on compassionate grounds shortly before death.
Separating Fact from Speculation: What Is Known vs. What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth and death dates of both twins | Net worth figures (estimates vary widely; no official audit) |
| Convictions for murder of Jack McVitie and George Cornell | Extent of involvement in other unsolved crimes |
| Imprisonment details and life sentences | Alleged connections to politicians and celebrities (mostly unverified) |
| Cause of death for Ronnie (heart attack) and Reggie (bladder cancer) | Exact number of associates and their roles |
Why Do the Kray Twins Remain Culturally Significant?
The Kray twins operated in a unique era of London’s East End, where crime mixed with the emerging “Swinging Sixties” culture. Their criminal empire was built on intimidation, violence, and protection rackets, but they also cultivated a public image as gentleman gangsters. Their downfall was accelerated by increased police pressure and internal betrayals, leading to one of the most famous trials in British criminal history. Their legacy is complex: condemned for violence yet romanticized in popular culture, reflecting society’s fascination with outlaw figures. For those interested in the broader social scene of that decade, the story of Princess Margaret – Life, Love, and Legacy of the Rebellious Royal provides context on the celebrity world they infiltrated.
Sources and Quotes on the Kray Twins
Several primary and secondary sources provide different perspectives on the Kray twins’ lives. The London Museum offers a curated historical view, while Wikipedia provides a general overview. Crime-focused sites and biographies offer more detailed narratives.
“We were not criminals, we were businessmen. But we used violence to protect our business.”
Reggie Kray, as quoted in various biographies
“The Krays were the last of the old-time gangsters. They ruled by fear and respect.”
London Museum exhibit notes
“They were the most notorious gangsters London has ever seen.”
Wikipedia
The Lasting Impact of Ronnie and Reggie Kray
The Kray twins remain a powerful cultural touchstone in Britain. Their story, combining extreme violence with celebrity glamour, continues to captivate audiences. Tours of Kray-related locations in London, such as the Blind Beggar pub, remain popular. The legend of the Kray twins, much like the fictional Sweeney Todd – The Truth About the Musical and Movie, shows how London’s history is intertwined with tales of crime and retribution. They are a stark reminder of a specific time and place, where a pair of twins from the East End almost managed to rule both the streets and the society pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kray Twins
What is the best Kray twins book?
Several books about the Kray twins exist, including ‘The Krays: The Final Word’ by John Pearson and ‘Rogues’ Gallery: The Krays’ by John Pearson. The most famous is ‘The Profession of Violence’ by John Pearson.
Is there a Kray twins documentary on Netflix?
As of 2025, there is no dedicated Netflix documentary series, but the 2015 film ‘Legend’ (starring Tom Hardy) is available on Netflix in some regions.
Where did the Kray twins live in London?
The Kray twins were active in East London, particularly in Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, and the area around the Blind Beggar pub.
Who was Reggie Kray?
Reginald ‘Reggie’ Kray was the younger twin by 10 minutes. He was considered more charming and controlled than Ronnie, but was also convicted of murder.
Did the Kray twins have an older brother?
The Kray twins had an older brother, Charlie Kray (born 1926), who was involved in their criminal activities but not as notorious. He died in 2000.
Who were the main enemies of the Kray twins?
Their main rivals included the Richardson Gang, a South London criminal firm. Tensions between the groups escalated into violence during the 1960s.
What was the name of the Kray twins’ gang?
The Kray twins led a criminal group called “The Firm,” which was active in London’s East End from the late 1950s to the late 1960s.
How long were the Kray twins in prison?
Both twins were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1969. Ronnie died in prison in 1995. Reggie was released on compassionate grounds in 2000, shortly before his death.
Are the Kray twins buried together?
Ronnie and Reggie Kray are buried alongside their mother Violet at Chingford Mount Cemetery in east London.
Can you visit places associated with the Kray twins?
Yes. The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel, where Ronnie murdered George Cornell, is still open. Walking tours of the East End often include Kray-related locations.
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Amelia Foster covers the economy, business and consumer affairs for BritView.uk.