What Happened To The Kray Brothers

Alright, gather 'round, folks. Let's dish the dirt on what happened to the Kray twins, those legendary gangsters who ruled London's East End in the '50s and '60s. You might've heard of them, or maybe you've seen the movie - but let's set the record straight, yeah?

From East End to the Big House

Born in Hoxton, the Krays - Ronnie and Reggie - were as thick as thieves, quite literally. They started small, running a boxing club as a front for their criminal activities. But these boys weren't just your average hoodlums; they had a certain je ne sais quoi, a charm that made people overlook their less-than-savory dealings.

They climbed the criminal ladder, becoming the kings of their domain. But their reign was short-lived. In 1968, after a string of high-profile murders and a failed attempt to bribe a police officer, the game was up. The twins were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Life Behind Bars

Now, you'd think that life in prison would be a bore for these two. But no, the Krays turned it into a right old knees-up. They had their own cells, got special treatment, and even had visitors like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Ronnie, the more violent of the two, even had a cell painted to look like a luxury apartment!

Reggie, on the other hand, spent his time writing books and painting. He even had an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. I mean, who said prison was all bad?

Till Death Do Us Part

While Reggie was the model prisoner, Ronnie's mental health deteriorated. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and spent his last years in Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital. He died there in 1995, at the age of 61.

10 Facts About the Kray Twins | History Hit

Reggie outlived him, spending 31 years behind bars before being released on compassionate grounds in 2000. He died in 2000, just months after his release, at the age of 66.

Legacy Lives On

So, what's the Kray twins' legacy? Well, they're remembered as the most notorious gangsters of their time. But they're also remembered for their charm, their style, and their defiance in the face of authority. They were the East End's answer to the Rat Pack, and their story continues to fascinate.

And there you have it, folks. The Kray twins: from East End to the big house, and into the history books. It's a tale of crime, corruption, and charisma. And, like all good stories, it's got a bit of everything - drama, suspense, and even a touch of comedy. So, here's to the Krays - may their legend live on!