To be fascinated by Ronnie and Reggie

[londongirl86]

I've randomly read a book about Ronnie and Reggie kray after watching legend. It's interesting because without a doubt they did some horrendous things and were violent but they also seemed to treat the innocent with alot of respect and kindness. It's crazy that men who murdered and did all those things were also liked by celebrities. I know there are gangs still and gangsters but not like these. They were known all over the UK.

I don't doubt they deserved to go to prison for what they did. But It seems weirdly sad they were seperated and unable to see eachother anymore. Although in this day and age Ronnie would of been treated properly for his illness as he clearly was mentally unwell. Also the whole tradgedy around Reggie's first wife and her suicide. All seems such an interesting yet sad era.

Yeah they were good boys really who loved their mum 🤦‍♀️

Was it Reggie or Ronnie that used to sexually abuse teenage boys?

Ronnie apparently. It's just all so strange isn't it!

Personally I find them and the glamourisation of their horrible lives repulsive.

awwww they larved ther owld mamm

I have to say that anytime they're mentioned, soz.

People related and/or connected to me were in the circles, both north and south of the river with the Richardsons. The ostentatious displays were a mask for the vile things that happened. Sexual activity with children? Fine. As long as they were forced to marry at 16, it was just having a pretty, young wife. Domestic violence? Fine. Keep the uppity females under check. Murdering teenage boys for getting sticky fingered with the merchandise/takings? No problem, the only 'kindness' was giving them 24 hours notice via a message from the to get themselves on a ten pound ticket to Australia if they had an older male relative who could have a word in the right ear or could call in a favour. Child in need of an abortion? They'd sort it. If she ended up dead or infertile, her fault for being a slapper. Need somebody to be kept in check? Well, it would be a really bad thing if his ten year old daughter was raped, wouldn't it?

The fuss about celebrity and royal paedophiles we have now? What the fuck do you think happened? These were the people who knew it was going on, permitted it to go on and were exactly the type who could get hold of 'girls' (ie, children) for the rich and famous.

They were fucking scum. All of them. But stick a few fur coats on the girls, get photos with famous people who knew their private preferences would be right out in the open if they misbehaved, and they became fucking superstars, feted and fetishized by idiots who were stupid enough to believe that 'Ah, they were kind to people as well'.

"Reggie and Ronnie" like you're old pals

Hero worshiping criminals is never good. They also made sure people didn't see their loved ones ever again, so I have no sympathy that they weren't at liberty to see each other again.

Your user name being London.. I used to see mad Frankie lording it around the streets of Walworth, not sure if he is still alive ?

@MitziK

That's awful. I'm a late 80s baby so I have no knowledge about any of it. Someone gave me the book so I had a read. Legend the film played out the book basically. It doesn't surprise me though what you said. It's a dark place where we will never go. It's crazy how afraid everyone was of them. They had alot of power! I wonder if people like Barbara Windsor were afraid of them or genuinely liked her. I'm sure she confessed to having several abortions?

Obviously the book and film wasnt telling the reality then. People seem to say they only hurt people on their level. Although I'm sure plenty were forced Into that world. I will read something light hearted now I think!

Barbara Windsor's autobiography is an interesting read, OP, and includes her accounts of her interactions with the Krays. She does write about her abortions, but from memory these were because her pregnancies happened at times when her life wasn't settled enough to start a family.

be saying next brady and hindley were good catholic souls who lived with her gran to care for her

Mad Frank is still alive, I think.

He was interviewed by Fred Dinenage for one of those crime documentaries quite recently.

They are buried in the cemetery very close to my house. The grave is ALWAYS immaculate, with huge bouquets of beautiful flowers. There is never long grass, weeds or any leaves on the grave (even though the cemetery has many large trees.) it is weirdly perfect. Sadly most of the graves around them are in a right old state and none of them ever have any flowers so it looks even stranger.

Don't believe all you see and read. My DM was a young girl in the East End when they were at their height. Used to take 'protection money' from her ballet teacher, so no, not nice and respectful to 'civilians'

@Dinosaursdontgrowontrees

Really. I bet they have alot of tourists visiting them too. It's a shame that other people's don't get TLC. His first wife is buried there isn't she too?

@pontiouspilates no I don't believe it all. It's interesting and appreciate people correcting me. Obviously alot was left out the book and film. Sorry if I come across ignorant. It's the first time I've ever seen anything about this pair.

@ScreamingValalalalahLalalalah

I shall have to read one day. Didn't she supposedly sleep with Reggie.

@Patroclus hahaha

I've never really got the fascination with them, but I undertand an interet in crime and darker london. I am 'interested' in the ripper murders but in the victims. A books recently come out about them I would definitely recommend OP, they wernt at all what you might expect. Called The Five by Hallie Rubenhold

“Strange” and “legend” are not appropriate words for violent, abusive criminals.

What have Barbara Windsor’s reported abortions got to do with anything?

Barbara had many affairs and writes about them with frankness, @londongirl86 - her life has been very interesting. It's so sad she now has alzheimer's disease, but at least she found happiness with Scott Mitchell after years of turbulent relationships, and he's there to look after her now she's so ill. I really recommend her autobiography - I couldn't put it down.

@Patroclus just remind me of the name of the Yorkshire ripper? Is that the man who worked with a women?

@screamingvalalalalahLalalalah I will have a look into that thank you.she does seem a really interesting women!

@Dozer im just taking an interest! Barbara hung around with them and the above person said they arranged abortions etc. I understand it's not a subject everyone wants to talk about. As I've said I've just learnt a little about them this week and it's alot to take in. I don't mean any harm and sorry if my choice if words is offending you.

Yorkshire Ripper is Peter Sutcliffe.

I think the poster is referring to Jack the Ripper.

Yeah the yorkshire ripper got his name from jack the ripper. Theres been a few 'rippers' since. Jack is very much one of those dark london legends, like the Krays