The Madness of Ronnie Kray: Inside the Mind of London's Most Infamous Gangster
As the doors of Broadmoor slammed shut in 1979, Ronnie Kray—the once feared kingpin of London’s East End—began a new chapter: one of visions, paranoia, and madness that history still struggles to unravel. The story of Ronnie Kray and his twin brother, Reggie isn't merely one of crime and violence; it's a deep dive into the fragile human psyche amidst the glamour, brutality, and shifting societal norms of 1960s London.
Early Life and Early Signs of Madness
Ronald James and Reginald Kray were born on 24 October 1933 in Haggerston, East London, to Charles David Kray and Violet Annie Lee. Both parents were thorough Eastenders—Charles from Shoreditch and Violet from Bethnal Green—and were apparently of mixed Irish, Austrian Jewish, and Romanichal descent, though this heritage has been disputed. Their parents already had an older son, Charles James, and an infant daughter, Violet, who died young.
The Kray household was dominated by their mother, Violet, who became somewhat of a local celebrity for successfully raising healthy twins during a time of high child mortality. Violet's intense closeness with the twins fostered a powerful familial bond, which Ronnie later encapsulated by stating, “We had our mother, and we had each other, so we never needed no one else.” Their father, Charles, was largely absent, known for his heavy drinking and nomadic lifestyle as a rag-and-bone man. He deserted from the British Army during WWII, spending 15 years as a fugitive, further distancing him from his family.
From a young age, Ronnie exhibited troubling signs of mental instability. Childhood acquaintances recalled his sudden mood swings, night terrors, and episodes of aggression. His unpredictable temperament often resulted in violent outbursts, alarming peers and teachers alike. These early incidents hinted at the severe psychological issues that would later define his criminal career.
Adolescence and the Path to Violence
Influenced by their maternal grandfather Jimmy "Cannonball" Lee, the twins pursued amateur boxing—a popular pastime among East London’s working-class youth. Ronnie was particularly aggressive, frequently initiating street fights and developing a reputation for relentless violence. British scholar Jonathan Raban described Ronnie as having a "low IQ" but noted his intense interest in historical figures known for their aggressive or strategic prowess, such as T.E. Lawrence and Al Capone.
Ronnie's violent tendencies escalated significantly after a brief and disastrous stint in the British Army. After conscription in 1952, the twins quickly found themselves in trouble, assaulting a corporal and later a police constable when attempting to escape their military duties. Prison psychiatrists at the time classified Ronnie as "psychopathic, schizophrenic, and insane," underscoring the seriousness of his mental instability. The brothers were the last people to be imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Rise to Power and Increasing Instability
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Ronnie and Reggie built their criminal empire, initially operating protection rackets and eventually owning prominent nightclubs. The Kray twins became central figures in London's "Swinging Sixties," mingling with celebrities and politicians, including Barbara Windsor and Judy Garland. However, beneath this glamorous façade, Ronnie’s instability intensified.
Associates often witnessed Ronnie’s sudden violent rages, frequently triggered by perceived slights or imagined betrayals. His paranoia led him to distrust even his closest allies. His violence was unprovoked, brutal, and often sadistic, earning him a notorious reputation within London's underworld. Ronnie openly idolised violent gangsters and consciously emulated their methods, such as having his hair styled by a personal barber at home to imitate American gangsters of the 1920s.
Violent Manifestations of Madness
Ronnie's madness manifested repeatedly through severe violence. Victims recounted how Ronnie would unexpectedly unleash vicious beatings using iron bars, bottles, or knives, leaving some with lifelong injuries. His paranoia meant anyone could suddenly become a target if Ronnie suspected disloyalty, disrespect, or ridicule. Associates often described an unsettling tension, never knowing when Ronnie might snap into a violent rage.
The Murder of George Cornell—A Turning Point
The most infamous demonstration of Ronnie's madness occurred on 9 March 1966, when he murdered rival gangster George Cornell at the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. Cornell had allegedly insulted Ronnie with a derogatory remark, triggering Ronnie’s paranoia and anger. Witnesses reported Ronnie's calm, emotionless demeanour as he shot Cornell in the head, underscoring his deep psychological deterioration. This shocking public act symbolised Ronnie’s profound descent into violent instability and madness.
Further Violent Outbursts and Criminal Escalation
Ronnie's violent behaviour did not end with Cornell's murder. He was deeply involved in orchestrating the gruesome murder of Jack "the Hat" McVitie in 1967, another violent crime that solidified the twins' ruthless reputation. Ronnie's increasingly erratic and violent behaviour began to isolate him, with even trusted gang members fearing his unpredictability and brutality.
Ronnie in Broadmoor—Descent into Madness
After being imprisoned in 1969, Ronnie’s mental health deteriorated further, leading to his diagnosis as a paranoid schizophrenic and subsequent transfer to Broadmoor Hospital in 1979. Inside Broadmoor, doctors meticulously documented Ronnie’s severe paranoia, hallucinations, and frequent violent outbursts. Despite medication, his madness persisted, manifesting through continued episodes of aggression and delusional thinking.
Ronnie Kray's Legacy and Cultural Impact
Ronnie Kray’s life and madness have significantly influenced British culture. Films like Legend (2015), books, and documentaries continue to explore his violent acts and psychological profile. His life remains a cultural touchstone for examining complex intersections between mental health, criminality, power, violence, and sexuality.
Ronnie Kray died of a heart attack in 1995, yet his story remains compelling. Understanding the depth of his psychological turmoil helps explain his violent trajectory, providing critical lessons on the dangers of untreated mental illness, particularly when combined with unchecked power. His life serves as a chilling exploration of the fragile line between fame and infamy, sanity and madness, reflecting societal attitudes and biases that often prevent timely intervention and understanding of mental illness.
