What’s Next for the Kray Twins After Amazon Prime Cancels Their True Crime Special?

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The Infamous Legacy of the Kray Twins: A True Crime Exploration

Ronnie and Reggie Kray were not just criminals; they were a phenomenon that captured the imagination of a generation. Known for their ruthless reign over London's East End during the 1950s and 1960s, the Krays were involved in a myriad of illegal activities, including murder, robbery, and extortion. Their rise to infamy has been chronicled in numerous films and documentaries, the latest being Amazon Prime's special, "Kray: London Gangsters," which promises to delve even deeper into their complex and notorious lives.

Born on October 24, 1933, in Hackney, London, the Kray twins grew up in a working-class family, where their early years were marked by violence and instability. Their father, Charles, was a wardrobe dealer, while their mother, Violet Annie Lee, struggled to keep the family together. The twins had an older brother, Charles, and a sister, Violet, who tragically died in infancy. The harsh realities of their upbringing would later shape their criminal trajectories.

Early Life and Influences

Encouraged by their maternal grandfather, Jimmy 'Cannonball' Lee, the Krays took up boxing at a young age. They had potential in the sport, but their boxing careers were cut short when they were drafted into the Army during the National Service in 1952. However, a dishonorable discharge followed quickly after they assaulted a corporal and went AWOL, marking the transition from aspiring boxers to hardened criminals.

Upon their release, the twins found themselves in and out of trouble with the law, their behaviors becoming increasingly erratic. Their penchant for violence escalated during their time in prison, where they orchestrated incidents such as dumping a latrine bucket over a sergeant and handcuffing a guard to their cell bars. These actions solidified their reputation as dangerous individuals even within the prison system.

The Birth of The Firm

In the early 1960s, the Krays purchased a run-down snooker club in Mile End, which became the foundation of their criminal enterprise known as The Firm. This venue served as a front for their illegal activities, including armed robbery and extortion. As they gained notoriety, they began to rub shoulders with London's elite, establishing connections with celebrities and influential figures, which only enhanced their public persona.

• **Celebrity Connections:** They mingled with stars like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Windsor, and Dame Joan Collins.
• **Nightclub Ownership:** Their nightclub, Esmerelda’s Barn, became a hotspot for London's high society.

As their fame grew, so did their criminal activities. The twins operated with an air of invincibility, believing they could evade the law due to their connections and public image. However, this illusion would soon shatter, leading to a series of violent confrontations that would ultimately seal their fate.

The Pivotal Murders

The turning point in the Kray twins' criminal saga came in March 1966 when Ronnie shot and killed George Cornell, a member of a rival gang known as the Richardsons. This act of violence was particularly significant as it marked the first murder the twins committed together, showcasing their descent into a darker, more dangerous realm of crime.

Following Cornell's murder, tensions escalated, leading to further bloodshed. In October 1967, the Krays executed Jack 'The Hat' McVitie, a member of The Firm who had failed to carry out a hit on their financial adviser. Luring him to a flat, Reggie stabbed McVitie, cementing their reputation as ruthless killers. This act of betrayal caused unrest among their gang members, many of whom feared for their lives.

The Downfall

The Kray twins' reign of terror was relatively short-lived as law enforcement began to close in on them. Detective Leonard 'Nipper' Reed led a persistent investigation that spanned several years. After two prior investigations in 1964 and 1967 yielded little evidence, Reed's efforts finally paid off in 1968 when members of The Firm began to talk, leading to the twins' arrest.

In March 1969, Ronnie and Reggie were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Cornell and McVitie. Their once-glamorous lives had crumbled, and they faced the harsh reality of their actions. Ronnie, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was committed to Broadmoor Hospital in 1979, where he remained until his death in 1995. Reggie, on the other hand, was released on compassionate grounds in 2000 due to terminal cancer, passing away just weeks after his release.

The Cultural Impact of the Krays

The story of the Kray twins is far from over. Their criminal exploits have inspired a multitude of films, books, and documentaries, making them cultural icons in British history. The 1990 film "The Krays," starring Gary and Martin Kemp, was one of the first to dramatize their lives, followed by Tom Hardy's portrayal in the 2015 biopic "Legend." These adaptations have romanticized their lives, depicting them as anti-heroes rather than the violent criminals they were.

In addition to films, several documentaries have sought to unpack the complex lives of the Kray twins. Amazon Prime's "Kray: London Gangsters" aims to provide new insights and perspectives by featuring interviews with those who knew them best. This documentary is part of a larger trend of revisiting their story, fueled by public fascination with true crime narratives.

FAQs about the Kray Twins

What crimes were the Kray twins involved in?

The Kray twins were involved in various crimes, including armed robbery, extortion, illegal gambling, and murder. They were notorious for their violent actions against rival gang members and even associates within their own gang.

How did the Kray twins become famous?

Their notoriety stemmed from their violent criminal activities and their connections with celebrities and influential figures in London. They owned a trendy nightclub and mingled with the elite, which contributed to their larger-than-life persona.

What happened to the Kray twins after their arrests?

After their arrests, Ronnie and Reggie were sentenced to life imprisonment. Ronnie was sent to Broadmoor Hospital due to mental health issues, while Reggie was imprisoned until his release on compassionate grounds due to terminal cancer.

What is the legacy of the Kray twins?

The Kray twins left a controversial legacy, becoming cultural icons in British history. Their lives have been depicted in numerous films, documentaries, and books, often romanticizing their story as one of brotherly loyalty amid a life of crime.

The Kray twins' story is a complex tapestry of crime, celebrity, and ultimately, tragedy. As their legacy continues to evolve with new interpretations and portrayals, one cannot help but wonder: what drives society's obsession with figures like the Krays? Are we drawn to their audacity, or is it our fascination with the darker sides of human nature? #KrayTwins #TrueCrime #Gangsters

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