Visitors to the graves of notorious gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray at Chingford Mount Cemetery in North London have sparked controversy as images circulate on social media showing fans grinning and leaving floral tributes. The brothers, who were infamous for their violent reign over London's East End during the 1960s, were responsible for numerous crimes including murder, armed robbery, and intimidation. Despite the criminal legacy they left behind, some visitors romantically refer to these grave visits as a 'pilgrimage.'
Bobby Teale, a former member of the Krays' gang who became a key witness against them, shared his dismay in an interview with the Daily Mail, characterising their fanbase as "literally clueless." Teale, now aged 83, recounted his traumatic experiences under the twins' influence, stating, "They were domestic terrorists. They did harm to anyone they felt like." After testifying against the Krays for their involvement in the murders of George Cornell and Jack 'the Hat' McVitie, Teale fled to America for 40 years out of fear for his safety.
His brothers, David and Alfie Teale, echoed similar sentiments, describing the twins as "absolute psychopaths" and expressing bewilderment at their posthumous idolisation. David Teale commented, "How can you make serial killers legends?" and reflected on the fear that the Krays instilled in the community during their criminal reign. He stated, “Everyone said it after the twins were dead, we said it before and to their faces.”
Photos posted online depict various groups of people at the cemetery, some of whom travelled significant distances to pay their respects. Reports include a man who came from Newcastle and another from Manchester, both asserting they were there to honour the memory of the twins. One individual even shared that visiting the graves had long been a 'dream' of his. The gravesite is often adorned with flowers and alcoholic beverages, including bottles of wine, symbolising an odd celebration of the brothers' notorious lifestyle.
Criticism surrounding the glorification of the Krays has grown, with experts linking their influence to modern-day figures such as Andrew Tate, a controversial social media personality. Laurence Johns from The Mankind Project UK, who experienced the culture surrounding the Krays in his youth, explained the allure of criminal figures for young men seeking identity and power: "If you’re somehow seeking for identity, you don’t feel powerful, you don’t feel respected, and you look around and you find a couple of characters like the Krays; that’s very attractive for a young man."
While the family's historical influence continues to evoke both fascination and horror, Bobby Teale strongly condemned the lauding of the Krays, calling it "the most sickening thing" he could imagine. He emphasized the critical need to confront the true nature of the individuals behind such a fearsome legacy.
The teachings and remnants of the Krays still resonate in discussions today, provoking a contentious debate regarding crime, legacy, and the sometimes romanticised perception of notorious figures in popular culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services