Reginald “Reggie” Kray, born on 24 October 1933 in Haggerston, London, rose to infamy as one half of the Kray twins – the most feared gangsters in the East End underworld. Alongside his twin Ronnie, he led a violent criminal empire during the 1950s and 1960s, and his life remains a subject of fascination, tragedy, and debate.
From the murder of Jack McVitie to the suicide of his wife Frances Shea, Reggie Kray’s story is marked by extreme violence, deep personal loss, and a complicated legacy that continues to draw public curiosity.
This article draws on verified sources including the London Museum, Wikipedia, and biographical records to provide a neutral, fact-based account.
Who are the Kray twins?
Key insights
- Reggie Kray was the twin brother of Ronnie Kray, together leading the Kray firm.
- He married Frances Shea in 1965; she died by suicide in 1967.
- After prison release in 1982, he married Roberta Jones in 1989.
- He died of a heart attack in 2000 at age 66.
- His criminal activities included extortion, armed robbery, and murder.
- The murder of Jack McVitie in 1967 led to his life sentence.
- Reggie was released on compassionate grounds in August 2000, weeks before his death.
Snapshot facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reginald Kray |
| Birth | 24 October 1933, Haggerston, London |
| Death | 1 October 2000, Norwich (heart attack) |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Shea (1965–1967 her death), Roberta Jones (1989–2000 his death) |
| Conviction | Murder of Jack McVitie (1969), sentenced to life imprisonment |
| Release | Released on compassionate grounds in 1982 (terminal cancer, but lived until 2000) |
The Kray twins operated a gang known as “The Firm” and were involved in a wide range of criminal activities. Their influence extended into London’s nightlife and even attracted celebrity connections, but their violent methods eventually led to their downfall. The investigation led by Detective Superintendent Leonard “Nipper” Read resulted in their arrest in 1968 and conviction in 1969.
Who was Reggie Kray’s wife?
Reggie Kray married Frances Shea in 1965. The marriage is described by sources as brief and troubled. Frances, then 23, died by suicide in 1967. Her death occurred shortly before the murder of Jack McVitie, an event that many see as a turning point in Reggie’s life. According to the London Museum, Frances’s suicide deeply affected Reggie and may have contributed to his later violence.
Who was Frances Kray?
Frances Shea, known as Frances Kray after marriage, was a young East End woman who became the wife of Reggie Kray. Multiple biographers and family members have stated that she was the love of his life. After her death, Reggie reportedly never fully recovered. The exact circumstances of her overdose remain a subject of some uncertainty, with some anecdotal accounts questioning the official suicide verdict. Official records, however, list her death as suicide.
The official record from the Metropolitan Police and court documents confirm suicide by overdose in 1967. Some biographers have raised questions about possible foul play, but no credible evidence has emerged to contradict the official finding.
What did Reggie Kray do to his wife?
There is no evidence in the available sources that Reggie Kray physically harmed his wife. The tragedy of their relationship lies in the emotional turmoil and pressures of being married to a gangster. Frances’s suicide note and accounts from those close to her suggest she felt trapped and fearful. Reggie’s reaction to her death was one of profound grief and guilt.
Who were the Kray family members?
The Kray family was deeply rooted in the East End. Reggie and Ronnie’s parents were Charles Kray and Violet Lee Kray. They had an older brother, Charlie Kray, born in 1927. The family history, as recorded by Findmypast, includes generations associated with notoriety, disorder, and organised crime.
Who was Violet Kray?
Violet Kray (née Lee) was the mother of the twins and Charlie. She was a central figure in their early lives and remained devoted to them. After their arrests, she visited them in prison. Violet is buried alongside Ronnie
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.