Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2 3 4

Original poster

To be fascinated by Ronnie and Reggie

98 replies

londongirl86 · 22/12/2019 16:22

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.

OP posts:

Bluerussian · 24/12/2019 05:08

I agree with what you say, Donkey'sDragon.
People have an association or loose friendship with all sorts. Sometimes it's a bit of shock when facts are revealed! Could happen to anyone. I've been fooled by people in the past.

(I do like Barb. Windsor btw, didn't intend to say anything negative about her, she was a human being like us all.)

GrimDamnFanjo · 24/12/2019 07:03

I've read the Krays autobiography. It's one long excuse and they both appear to be as thick as mince.

longwayoff · 24/12/2019 08:36

Barbara Windsor married into it, forgotten his name. Once you're in, you're in and you're not leaving until they say so.

Original poster

londongirl86 · 24/12/2019 08:44

@Bluerussian sorry it's how we talk where I'm from so I have bad Grammar I guess. Sorry you can't understand lol

OP posts:

WakeyShakey · 24/12/2019 09:07

Ronnie Knight @longwayoff

longwayoff · 24/12/2019 09:10

Thanks Wakey.

AutumnRose1 · 24/12/2019 09:19

Grim when people buy a Kray book, presume the profit goes to their estate? Any danger it goes to a charity?

WakeyShakey · 24/12/2019 10:45

@AutumnRose1 criminals are not allowed to profit from their crimes, that includes books, articles and royalties, including media. 🙂

AutumnRose1 · 24/12/2019 10:50

Thanks Wakey

So with a book, the amount that would have gone to the author, where does it go please?

WakeyShakey · 24/12/2019 10:57

Normally they donate it to a charity. If they don't want to do that then it is added to their estate which upon death goes either to their benefactor if they have made a will, or to the treasury if they haven't. 🙂

GrimDamnFanjo · 24/12/2019 11:02

It's called "our story" - the Krays were interviewed by Fred Dineage who then collated the interviews into the book. The Krays are listed as the authors before Dineage.

Elfnsafe1y · 24/12/2019 11:03

Is it nature or nurture - I feel a bit of both. Did DOM encourage their entitled, selfish attitude? So looking after their dear old mum?? You mean like J Saville?

Patroclus · 24/12/2019 11:17

Dont be a complete arse BlueRussian

Patroclus · 24/12/2019 11:19

Rumours are they were actually both gay, therefore no kids. Frances' mum wore black to the wedding.

AlaskaElfForGin · 24/12/2019 11:22

@Bluerussian of course you can 'understand' the OP, you're just being a superior dick and it's totally unnecessary.

OP, genuinely, I don't understand the adoration of the Krays tbh. I just think they were just a couple of cruel, violent thugs. I don't think I'll change my mind any time soon.

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 24/12/2019 11:41

They had power people with power will always attract interest in others be it sexual or just wanting to be around them to be part of it it can make us feel safe and important

I can remember when I was younger going clubbing in London members clubs we all knew who the big time drug dealers were they always had women hanging off their arms, celeb friends and men buying them drinks wanting to be part of it even if on the sidelines and not actually involved in anyway

I am sure it’s the same now as it was in then as it was the same in the 90’s as it was in the 60’s

I think it’s how humans are we are tribal and we like excitement most soon see that it’s all a smokescreen and there is nothing exciting, glamorous and that the power is fear from others

IhateBoswell · 24/12/2019 11:54

Being rude like that only makes you look bad Bluerussian, no need for it.

Bluerussian · 24/12/2019 12:34

What did I say? I didn't think I said that much. P'raps I shouldn't think aloud.

IhateBoswell · 24/12/2019 12:44

Questioning someone on their grammar/spelling is rude on a forum such as this. There are quite a few reasons why a poster's English may not be of the standard you like.

Original poster

londongirl86 · 24/12/2019 17:29

I saw in the legend film she wore black. Yeah I also have seen Reggie had men in his life too. They were seriously messed up men!

Yeah you have a good point that people just want to be a part of it. It will be like that now still I guess but I think the police can catch people out more? Mobile phones etc?

Sorry about my grammar again. My mum's from Yorkshire originally and we have lived in Lincolnshire alot of my life. I obviously write some things how I say them. I am sure it's super irritating for you to see though with your perfect English

That's an interesting point too about profits. I'm not sure who the krays left any money too etc? They are the last in the family line I believe? Unless they had charities they support. Didn't they support boxing clubs from inside? I read the same book that was basically them their stories from inside.

I read once that a famous rapist/murderer was in with Reggie Kray and he knew he wasn't allowed to look at him. Imagine being that confident even inside. You would think people feared him less inside. Then again he attacked a few police in his time.

Yeah i definitely worded it wrong with the fascinated by them. It has been interesting learning about them though.

OP posts:

Bluerussian · 24/12/2019 22:14

longwayoff Tue 24-Dec-19 08:36:38
Barbara Windsor married into it, forgotten his name. Once you're in, you're in and you're not leaving until they say so.
.........
Ronnie Knight. He hid in Marbella for a few years from what I remember. They divorced eventually.

longwayoff · 26/12/2019 16:10

Thanks Bluerussian. I recall their being apart for some years but she rarely seemed free of him, even when he was in Spain. Awful life to be sucked into. Bits of it may look glamorous but whenever I've seen these tired old crims interviewed, millions having passed through their hands, they're housed in a shabby Del boy council flat without tuppence to their name. I'd expect better rewards from a life of crime, frankly, otherwise why bother?

Original poster

londongirl86 · 26/12/2019 18:31

@longwayoff it's no life is it. As you say what have they gained from a lifetime of crime. It must be horrible always having to watch your back etc too. I had a nosey on the netflix documenty and his old friends as you say don't seem to have benefited from the lifestyle.

Reggie Kray on his death bed too. Absolutely unreconisble from his pictures before his arrest. Can't tell it's him at all! I know it was 30 years on but what a change! For identical twins they are easy to tell apart. Ronnie is so much bigger set and I think his face looks different too.

OP posts:

Flip

1 2 3 4