The Life And Legacy Of Reggie Kray: England's Infamous Gangster

Reggie Kray was not just a name; he was a symbol of the notorious underworld of London. His story is one of ambition, crime, and ultimately, downfall. Born into a world that shaped his aspirations, Reggie's life is a riveting tale that reflects the complexities of human nature and the choices that define us. How does a promising boxer become one of England's most feared gangsters? Let’s explore his life.

Who Was Reggie Kray?

Reggie Kray showed promise as a boxer growing up, but he chose a life of crime instead. He and his twin brother Ronnie Kray eventually built up their own gang, known as "The Firm", to engage in an array of illegal enterprises, from extortion to murder. In 1968, Reggie was arrested on murder charges, marking the end of his criminal life when he was convicted the following year. Reggie spent nearly the rest of his days as a prisoner and died in 2000.

Early Life

Born on October 24, 1933, in East London, Reggie Kray ruled London’s East End in the 1950s and 1960s with his twin brother Ronnie. The Kray brothers are still remembered as two of England's most infamous crime bosses. They were very close to their mother, Violet, and her family, while their father, Charles, a second-hand clothes dealer, drifted in and out of their lives.

Reggie showed a talent for using his fists early on, winning several boxing tournaments, including the 1948 Hackney Schoolboy Boxing Championship. In 1951, he had to trade in his boxing gloves for a uniform to perform his national service, but he and his brother were not interested in military life and rebelled in their own ways, leading to their dishonorable discharge in 1954.

East End Gangster

In the mid-1950s, Reggie and Ronnie turned to crime, engaging in extortion and robbery. They built up their gang, known as "The Firm", which became a dominant force in the East End. Each brother had distinct strengths: Reggie was known for his charm and brains, while Ronnie was recognized for his might and short temper. Their high-end suits became part of their signature look, as they rubbed elbows with celebrities like singer Frank Sinatra and actor George Raft.

Despite their polished appearance, no amount of charm could hide the Krays' vicious actions. Reggie created a brutal move called the cigarette punch, where he would feign putting a cigarette in a victim's mouth only to strike them. Both brothers spent time behind bars for various offenses, but this did not deter their criminal activities.

Murder of Jack 'the Hat' McVitie

Reggie's downfall began in 1967 when he killed Jack "the Hat" McVitie. The Krays had hired McVitie to carry out a hit, but when he failed, their relationship soured. McVitie made the mistake of threatening the Krays, prompting Reggie, at Ronnie’s urging, to eliminate him. After a failed attempt to shoot McVitie, Reggie stabbed him with such ferocity that his liver reportedly fell out.

Prison Time

In 1968, the Kray twins were arrested for McVitie's murder, as well as for the 1966 murder of rival gangster George Cornell, a crime committed by Ronnie. They were convicted the following year and spent the rest of their lives in prison, separated from each other. During his time behind bars, Reggie wrote several books, including the 1988 dual memoir Our Story with Ronnie and another autobiography Born Fighter (1991). He also claimed to have found religion in jail and became a born-again Christian.

Wife

Reggie’s first marriage to Frances Shea was brief and troubled. They married in 1965, but Frances reportedly left him within weeks. Due to Reggie's possessiveness and fear of retribution, Shea remained married to him for two years until she tragically committed suicide at the age of 23. Reggie married his second wife, Roberta Jones, in 1997 and remained with her until his death.

Death and Legacy

In 2000, Reggie was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer. He received compassionate leave from prison to spend his final weeks with Roberta. Reggie died on October 1, 2000, at the age of 66 at a Norwich hotel.

Funeral

Reggie was given a significant send-off in his native East End, though far fewer mourners attended than for his brother Ronnie’s funeral. Reggie's funeral had an estimated 2,500 attendees compared to Ronnie's 60,000. Services were held at St. Matthew’s Church, which focused more on Reggie’s later life as a born-again Christian rather than his criminal past. The entire Kray family is buried at Chingford Mount Cemetery in North East London.

The Krays' Movies

The Krays’ story has inspired countless books, news stories, and documentaries. They have been depicted in several films, including The Krays (1990) and Legend (2015), which starred Tom Hardy as both brothers.

Key Takeaways

Reggie Kray's life is a complex narrative of ambition, crime, and redemption. While he is remembered for his nefarious deeds, his story also reflects the human capacity for change and the quests for love and acceptance. His legacy continues to intrigue many, reminding us that every tale of crime has layers that reveal much about society and human nature.