Reginald “Reggie” Kray, born 24 October 1933 in Hoxton, London, was one half of the infamous Kray twins who terrorised the East End underworld in the 1950s and 1960s. A former boxer turned gangster, he ran the criminal organisation known as “The Firm” alongside his twin brother Ronnie. His life of extortion, armed robbery, and murder ended with a 1969 conviction for killing Jack “The Hat” McVitie, leading to decades behind bars.
Reggie Kray died on 1 October 2000 in Norwich at age 66 from terminal bladder cancer, just weeks after being released on compassionate grounds. His story continues to fascinate, spawning films, books, and endless speculation about his wealth, appearance, and the true nature of the Kray twins’ reign.
Who Was Reg Kray? A Biography of the Notorious Gangster
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reginald “Reggie” Kray |
| Born | 24 October 1933, Haggerston, East London |
| Died | 1 October 2000, Norwich, England |
| Known For | Notorious gangster, Kray twins, organised crime in 1960s London |
- Controlled but ruthless: Reggie was the more level-headed twin compared to paranoid schizophrenic Ronnie, yet equally violent when necessary.
- Tragic marriage: His wife Frances Shea died by suicide in 1967, a loss that deepened his criminal resolve.
- Charismatic figure: Despite his crimes, Reggie was known for charm and socialised with celebrities and politicians.
- Boxing background: He fought as an amateur boxer in his youth, showing promise before turning fully to crime.
- Life sentence: Convicted in 1969 for the murder of Jack McVitie, he spent 32 years in prison.
- Compassionate release: Freed in August 2000 due to terminal bladder cancer, he died weeks later.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Sentenced for murder | Life imprisonment for killing Jack “The Hat” McVitie in 1969 |
| Compassionate release | August 2000 due to terminal cancer |
| Amateur boxing | Fought under the name “Reggie Kray” |
| Arrest date | Taken into custody in 1968 after a major police investigation |
| First wife’s death | Frances Shea died by suicide/overdose in 1967 |
| Glasses | Wore them primarily for reading, not as a constant accessory |
What Was Reggie Kray’s Personal Life Like?
Who Was Reggie Kray’s Wife?
Reggie married twice. His first wife, Frances Shea, wed him in 1965. Their marriage was troubled, and she died by suicide or overdose in 1967. In 1997, he married Roberta Jones (Roberta Kray), who remained with him until his death.
Did Reggie Kray Have Children?
No credible sources confirm that Reggie Kray had any children. This remains a matter of public record, though some unverified rumours have circulated.
How Tall Was Reggie Kray?
Multiple sources, including BoxRec, list his height as 170 cm (about 5 ft 7 in).
Reggie Kray was often photographed wearing glasses, primarily for reading. It is not clear whether he wore them full-time, but they became a recognizable part of his image in later years.
How Did Reggie Kray Die?
Reggie Kray was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer in 2000. He was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August of that year and died on 1 October 2000 in Norwich, aged 66. His death was confirmed by medical reports and death certificates.
What is Reggie Kray’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy?
The Kray twins made money through extortion, armed robbery, protection rackets, and arson. However, a reliable verified figure for Reggie Kray’s net worth at death does not exist. One secondary source claims his net worth was effectively £0, but this is not corroborated by authoritative records.
No official accounting of Reggie Kray’s wealth has been made public. Estimates range from nothing to a few hundred thousand pounds, but these are speculative.
Claims of hidden wealth remain unsubstantiated. The most reliable sources, such as the New York Times, do not provide a figure.
Which Movies and TV Shows Feature Reggie Kray?
Reggie Kray has been portrayed in several films. The 1990 film The Krays dramatised the twins’ story, and Legend (2015) featured Tom Hardy playing both brothers. Other productions include documentaries and television series.
How Did Ronnie Kray Differ from Reggie?
Ronnie Kray was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was considered more volatile and violent than Reggie. Reggie was seen as the more controlled and charismatic twin, but he was equally capable of brutality. The two operated as a unit, with Ronnie often the instigator of extreme violence.
Reggie Kray: A Timeline of Key Events
- 24 Oct 1933 – Reginald Kray born in Haggerston, East London.
- 1950s – Begins petty crime and amateur boxing; later moves to armed robbery.
- 1965 – Marries Frances Shea.
- 1967 – Frances Shea dies by suicide.
- 1968 – Arrested with Ronnie for the murder of Jack McVitie.
- 1969 – Sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years.
- Aug 2000 – Released on compassionate grounds due to terminal bladder cancer.
- 1 Oct 2000 – Dies in Norwich, aged 66.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Reggie Kray?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) – confirmed by BoxRec and other sources. | Net worth: no official figure; estimates vary widely and are unverified. |
| Cause of death: bladder cancer – confirmed by medical records. | Glasses: worn for reading, but whether he wore them constantly is uncertain. |
| Convicted of murdering Jack McVitie – established in court records. | Hidden wealth: claims of secret funds have never been proven. |
What Was the Cultural Impact of the Kray Twins?
The Kray twins operated in London’s East End during the 1960s, a time when rival gangs like the Richardson Gang were also active. They cultivated a glamorous public image, mingling with politicians, actors, and even royalty. Their downfall came after a police crackdown and testimony from former associates. Their legacy persists in films, books, and tourism, symbolising the dark side of 1960s Britain.
What Do Official Sources Say About Reggie Kray?
“The Kray twins were the last of the old-style gangsters, operating in an era before the rise of international drug cartels.”
Wikipedia (citing The Kray Twins: A Study of a System of Crime)
“The Kray twins became celebrities of the 1960s London underworld – but their violent crimes put them in prison for decades.”
London Museum
“I am not a monster. I am a man who made terrible mistakes.”
Reggie Kray (from prison letters)
Reggie Kray: The Final Verdict
Reggie Kray remains one of the most notorious figures in British criminal history. His life – from promising boxer to ruthless gangster, from tragic marriage to a 32-year prison sentence and a final release days before his death – continues to capture public imagination. For more on the criminal underworld, read Rehman Dakait – The True Story of Karachi’s Feared Gangster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reggie Kray
Did Reggie Kray have children?
No credible sources confirm that Reggie Kray had any children.
What was the relationship between Reggie and Ronnie Kray?
They were identical twins and close partners in crime, with Ronnie more volatile and Reggie more controlled.
Where did Reggie Kray live after prison?
He was released on compassionate grounds and died shortly after; he did not establish a permanent residence.
What happened to Reggie Kray’s money?
No verified accounting exists; some sources claim his net worth was near zero, while others speculate about hidden assets.
Was Reggie Kray a boxer?
Yes, he fought as an amateur boxer in his youth before turning to full-time crime.
How old was Reggie Kray when he died?
He was 66 years old.
What is the best book about Reggie Kray?
Several biographies exist, including “The Kray Twins: A Study of a System of Crime” and “Reggie Kray: The Final Word.”
Did Reggie Kray wear glasses?
He was photographed wearing glasses, primarily for reading, but not always.
What is the difference between the Kray twins?
Ronnie was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was more violent; Reggie was more charismatic and controlled.
Why were the Kray twins famous?
They were notorious gangsters who also mingled with celebrities, creating a glamorous public image.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.