Ronnie Kray – Biography Death and Legacy of the Notorious Gangster

Ronnie Kray, along with his twin brother Reggie, dominated London’s East End underworld during the 1950s and 1960s. As co-founder of the gang known as “The Firm,” Ronnie became one of the most feared and famous criminals in British history. His life ended in 1995 after a heart attack while in psychiatric custody at Broadmoor Hospital.

Born Ronald Kray on 24 October 1933 in Haggerston, East London, he and Reggie were identical twins who built a criminal empire that extended into nightclubs, extortion, and murder. Ronnie was convicted of murder in 1969 and spent the rest of his life behind bars or in secure hospitals.

Despite his violent reputation, Ronnie Kray remains a figure of fascination, partly due to his distinctive round glasses, his alleged bisexuality, and the various films and documentaries that have told his story. This article separates documented facts from the myths that surround one of Britain’s most notorious gangsters.

Who Were the Kray Twins? – Ronnie and Reggie’s Notorious Legacy

Full Name Ronald Kray

Born 24 October 1933, Haggerston, East London

Died 17 March 1995, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough (heart attack)

Known For One half of the Kray twins, organised crime in 1960s London

Ronnie Kray was the more volatile and violent of the twins, often described as paranoid schizophrenic.
Despite his criminal life, Ronnie had a long-term partner (not officially a wife) but was reportedly homosexual – earlier sources claimed a wife, but no legal marriage existed.
His iconic round glasses became a trademark; they were not just for vision but also a signature look.
Ronnie died in Broadmoor Hospital after a heart attack, having spent 37 years incarcerated.
The last known photo of Ronnie Kray was taken shortly before his death, showing him in a wheelchair.

Category	Detail
Born	24 October 1933, Haggerston, London
Died	17 March 1995 (aged 61), Wexham Park Hospital, Slough
Occupation	Gangster, nightclub owner, criminal
Criminal penalty	Life imprisonment (recommendation 30 years; served 37 years)
Twin brother	Reggie Kray
Famous for	Running the East End underworld, mixing with celebrities, violent crimes including murder
Key crime	Murder of George Cornell in the Blind Beggar pub (1966)
Mental health	Certified insane, transferred to Broadmoor Hospital in 1979

How Did Ronnie Kray Die? – The Final Days of a Gangster

Where Did Ronnie Kray Die?

Ronnie Kray died on 17 March 1995 at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, after suffering a heart attack while at Broadmoor Hospital. He had been transferred from Broadmoor for medical treatment. The BBC reported that he died two days after the heart attack (BBC On This Day).

How Long Did Ronnie Kray Spend in Prison?

Ronnie was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1969 with a recommendation of 30 years. He served until his death in 1995, a total of 37 years. He spent the last 16 of those years in Broadmoor Hospital after being certified insane (Wikipedia – Kray twins).

Uncertainty around his death

While the cause of death is listed as a heart attack, some sources suggest that Ronnie Kray had been suffering from a degenerative condition. The exact details of his final illness have not been made fully public.

Did Ronnie Kray Have a Wife? – Exploring His Personal Life

Ronnie Kray’s Marriages and Relationships

According to available sources, Ronnie Kray married Elaine Mildener in 1985; the marriage ended in 1989. Later that same year, he married Kate Howard, and that marriage ended in 1994 (Biography.com). Earlier claims that Ronnie was married to a woman named Frances Shea are incorrect – Frances Shea was the wife of Reggie Kray. Ronnie was reportedly bisexual and had a long-term partner in prison, but no legal marriage beyond the two mentioned is documented.

The Significance of Ronnie Kray’s Glasses

Ronnie Kray’s round glasses became a distinctive part of his public image. While often photographed with them, the exact reason is not fully documented. Some speculate they were for vision correction, others that they were a stylistic choice to appear more intellectual. The lack of public medical records means the reason remains unconfirmed (The Yard Crime Blog).

The Last Known Photo of Ronnie Kray

The last widely published photograph of Ronnie Kray shows him in a wheelchair at Broadmoor Hospital, taken a few months before his death in 1995. The image is held in the Getty Images archive (Getty Images – Ronnie Kray Photos). However, the exact date and photographer are not conclusively identified.

Glasses as a trademark

Ronnie Kray’s round glasses became so iconic that they are often replicated in media portrayals. Whether for vision or style, they helped cement his recognisable image in the public mind.

What Films Have Been Made About Ronnie Kray? – Portrayals in Media

The Krays (1990)

The most notable film about the Kray twins is “The Krays” (1990), directed by Peter Medak, with Gary and Martin Kemp playing Ronnie and Reggie. The film was a commercial success and earned money for the Kray family (BBC News).

Legend (2015) and Other Media

Another major film is “Legend” (2015), directed by Brian Helgeland, in which Tom Hardy played both twins. Numerous documentaries have also been produced, including those by the BBC and Crime+Investigation (Crime+Investigation).

Romanticisation of violence

Critics argue that many films about the Kray twins glamorise their criminal activities, downplaying the brutality of their murders. Viewers should be aware of the gap between cinematic portrayal and historical reality.

The Rise and Fall of Ronnie Kray: A Timeline of Key Events

1933: Ronnie and Reggie Kray born on 24 October in Haggerston, East London.
1954: Ronnie conscripted into the British Army but soon dishonourably discharged.
1960s: Kray twins become prominent in London nightlife, owning clubs like Esmeralda’s Barn and mingling with politicians and celebrities.
1966: Murder of Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie (by Reggie, with Ronnie present).
1968: Arrested and convicted of murder; sentenced to life imprisonment.
1995: 17 March: Ronnie Kray dies of a heart attack in Wexham Park Hospital, having been transferred from Broadmoor Hospital.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Ronnie Kray?

Established Information

Ronnie Kray was born 24 October 1933 and died 17 March 1995.
He was convicted of murder and received a life sentence.
He died in hospital after a heart attack.
He wore distinctive round glasses.

Unconfirmed or Myth

Claims that Ronnie Kray was married to a woman (he never legally married).
The exact reason for his glasses (whether medical or purely style) is not fully documented.
The identity of the person in the ‘last photo’ may vary; Getty has a claimed last photo but not conclusively proven.

Why Does Ronnie Kray’s Story Still Matter?

Ronnie Kray remains a complex figure in British criminal history. His rise and fall reflect the changing underworld of sixties London. Media portrayals have often romanticised him, obscuring the violence and mental illness. Understanding his life requires separating fact from legend, especially regarding his personal relationships and the exact nature of his crimes. For more on other notorious criminals, read about Malcolm Fairley – The Fox Crimes Capture and Death and El Mencho – How Cartel Leader Was Killed in 2026.

Key Sources on Ronnie Kray’s Life and Crimes

“Ronald Kray (24 October 1933 – 17 March 1995) were English identical twin brothers from Haggerston, East London, who were heavily involved in organised crime.”

– Wikipedia – Kray twins

“Twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray became celebrities of the 1960s London underworld – but their violent crimes put them in prison for decades.”

– London Museum – The Kray Twins (source)

“Ronnie Kray had a heart attack at Broadmoor Hospital on 15 March 1995. Two days later, he died at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough.”

– Walks.com – The Krays in London (source)

Ronnie Kray’s Legacy in a Nutshell

Ronnie Kray, alongside his twin Reggie, left an indelible mark on London’s criminal history. From his early days in the East End to his life sentence and death in custody, his story is one of violence, celebrity, and mental illness. The fascination with the Kray twins endures, but the real legacy is a cautionary tale of crime and its consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ronnie Kray

Was Ronnie Kray married?

No, Ronnie Kray never legally married. He was reportedly homosexual and had a long-term partner, but no official wife exists despite some sources claiming a wife named Frances Shea (Frances was Reggie’s wife).

Why did Ronnie Kray wear glasses?

Ronnie Kray’s round glasses became his trademark. While some speculate they were for vision correction, others claim they were a stylistic choice to appear more intellectual. Medical records have not been made public to confirm a prescription.

What is the last known photo of Ronnie Kray?

The last widely published photo shows Ronnie Kray in a wheelchair at Broadmoor Hospital a few months before his death in 1995. It is held in the Getty Images archive.

How long were the Kray twins in prison?

Both were sentenced to life in 1969 with a recommendation of 30 years. Ronnie served until his death in 1995 (37 years). Reggie was released on compassionate grounds in 2000 and died later that year.

What films have been made about the Kray twins?

Notable films include ‘The Krays’ (1990) with Gary and Martin Kemp, and ‘Legend’ (2015) with Tom Hardy playing both twins. Numerous documentaries also exist.

Where is Ronnie Kray buried?

Ronnie Kray is buried in Chingford Mount Cemetery in East London, alongside his brother Reggie.

Did Ronnie Kray have children?

There is no evidence that Ronnie Kray had any children.

What was the name of the Kray twins’ gang?

The gang was known as “The Firm”.