The Life And Crimes Of Ronnie Kray: A Comprehensive Biography

Ronnie Kray, born on October 24, 1933, in East London, is an infamous figure in the history of organized crime in the United Kingdom. Alongside his identical twin brother, Reggie Kray, he became a notorious gangster who ruled the streets of London's East End during the 1950s and 1960s. Their lives were filled with violence, criminal enterprises, and a unique blend of community admiration and fear. This biography explores Ronnie's early life, rise to power, notorious crimes, and his lasting legacy.

Who Was Ronnie Kray?

Ronnie Kray displayed talent as a boxer in his youth, but he eventually shifted towards a life of crime with his brother, Reggie. The duo became legendary crime bosses in London during the 1960s, known for their ruthless tactics and connections with high-profile celebrities. Their reign of terror came to an abrupt end with Ronnie's arrest for murder in 1968, leading to a life sentence in prison.

Early Life

Growing up in the East End of London, Ronnie and Reggie had a tumultuous childhood. Their father, Charles Sr., was often absent, leaving their mother, Violet, to raise them. The twins were heavily influenced by their maternal grandfather, Jimmy "Cannonball" Lee, a fighter, which led them to pursue boxing. However, Ronnie's aggressive nature would steer him toward a much darker path.

East End Crime Boss

As they matured, the Kray twins formed a gang known as "The Firm." Their criminal activities included extortion, robbery, and violence, which earned them a fearsome reputation. Despite facing legal troubles, including a conviction for grievous bodily harm, the brothers continued to dominate the criminal underworld, maintaining a facade of generosity towards their local community.

Murder of George Cornell

Ronnie's violent temper ultimately led to his downfall. In 1966, he shot rival gangster George Cornell in a pub, igniting a series of violent confrontations. This act and subsequent murders marked the beginning of the end for the Kray twins, as the police began to close in on their criminal enterprise.

Imprisonment

After a lengthy investigation led by Inspector Leonard "Nipper" Read, Ronnie and Reggie were convicted of murder in 1969. Their sentencing was a significant moment in British criminal history, with the judge stating that society needed a break from their activities. Ronnie was sent to Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital, where he continued to live a life shrouded in infamy.

Wife

While incarcerated, Ronnie married Elaine Mildener in 1985, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce four years later. He married Kate Howard shortly after, but this marriage also faced challenges, ultimately concluding in 1994. Ronnie's relationships were often marred by his turbulent lifestyle and criminal past.

Death and Legacy

Ronnie Kray died of a heart attack on March 17, 1995, while still imprisoned at Broadmoor. His death marked the end of an era for the Kray twins, who had become symbols of British organized crime. The public's fascination with their story continues, evidenced by numerous films, books, and documentaries exploring their lives.

Movie Adaptations

The Kray twins' legacy has been immortalized in various films and documentaries. In 2015, actor Tom Hardy portrayed both Ronnie and Reggie in the movie "Legend," which reignited interest in their story. Their lives serve as a cautionary tale of crime, violence, and the complexities of brotherly bonds.

Key Takeaways