The Kray Twins: The Reign of London’s Most Notorious Gangsters

Few names strike fear and fascination in equal measure like Ronnie and Reggie Kray—twin brothers who ruled London’s East End with charm, violence, and ruthless control during the 1950s and 60s. Known simply as The Kray Twins, their legacy of crime, celebrity, and eventual downfall has cemented their place as icons of British true crime history.

Who Were the Kray Twins?

Ronald “Ronnie” Kray and Reginald “Reggie” Kray were born on October 24, 1933, in Hoxton, East London. Raised in a working-class family, the twins were immersed early in a rough-and-tumble environment during wartime Britain. By their teens, they had already developed reputations for toughness and violence.

Both briefly pursued professional boxing careers, but it was outside the ring that they would earn infamy. By the mid-1950s, the Krays had established “The Firm”, a gang involved in armed robbery, arson, protection rackets, and murder.

Rise to Power in London’s Underworld

The Krays were masters of blending brutality with a public persona. They ran nightclubs that became hotspots for celebrities, politicians, and criminals alike. Guests included stars like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and even members of the British aristocracy.

They capitalized on their connections, maintaining a façade of respectability while carrying out violent acts behind the scenes. The twins’ notoriety was enhanced by the press, which was both captivated and intimidated by their boldness.

While Reggie was often seen as the more rational of the two, Ronnie was unpredictable and openly battled mental illness, including a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. His instability only fueled the gang’s violent image.

Murders That Sealed Their Fate

The Kray Twins were not just mobsters—they were killers. Their two most infamous murders are what ultimately brought their empire crashing down.

The Murder of George Cornell

On March 9, 1966, Ronnie Kray shot and killed George Cornell, a member of the rival Richardson Gang, inside the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. Witnesses saw Ronnie enter the bar, walk straight up to Cornell, and shoot him in the head. Despite numerous onlookers, fear of retaliation kept most silent.

The Murder of Jack “The Hat” McVitie

In October 1967, Reggie Kray murdered Jack McVitie, a low-level associate who had failed to complete a contract killing. McVitie was lured to a party in Stoke Newington, where Reggie stabbed him to death in front of multiple witnesses. This murder shocked even their closest allies and proved to be a turning point.

The Fall of the Kray Twins

The Krays believed themselves untouchable, but their brazen actions and growing list of enemies caught the attention of Scotland Yard. Detective Superintendent Leonard “Nipper” Read was tasked with bringing them down.

Read launched a covert investigation, gradually gathering statements from former gang members and terrified witnesses. In May 1968, the Kray Twins were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including the murders of Cornell and McVitie.

At their Old Bailey trial in 1969, the jury found both brothers guilty. They were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a recommendation they serve at least 30 years.

Life Behind Bars

Ronnie Kray was sent to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, due to his mental health. Reggie was imprisoned in several different facilities over the decades.

Despite incarceration, the Krays remained media darlings. They gave interviews, wrote books, and even received celebrity visitors. Their myth only grew over time, with some seeing them as tragic anti-heroes rather than cold-blooded killers.

Ronnie died of a heart attack in 1995. Reggie was released on compassionate grounds in 2000 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died two months later.

Legacy and Pop Culture

The Kray Twins have been immortalized in numerous films, documentaries, and books. Perhaps most famously, Tom Hardy portrayed both brothers in the 2015 film “Legend.”

Their story continues to captivate audiences—offering a disturbing yet fascinating look at power, violence, and fame.

But beneath the glitz and gangster lore lies the truth: the Krays were murderers, extortionists, and criminal overlords who terrorized a city while charming the elite.

Final Thoughts

The Kray Twins exemplify the deadly allure of organized crime. They lived like celebrities and died as convicts—proof that even the most feared criminals can’t escape justice forever.

Their legacy is a chilling reminder that crime may pay for a while, but the house of cards always falls.