The legacy of notorious East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray continues to evoke strong sentiments nearly three decades after their deaths, particularly as fans visit their graves at Chingford Mount Cemetery in North London. Recent photos captured visitors posing happily by the twins' black marble headstone, which features etched images of the brothers. Some tributes included flowers, bottles of wine, and proclamations of admiration on social media, with one visitor describing their journey as a "pilgrimage". The phenomenon of fanfare surrounding the Krays has incited outrage among those who suffered at their hands.
Among the most vocal critics are the Teale brothers—Bobby, David, and Alfie—who suffered gravely during their association with the Krays. Bobby Teale, who was a key witness in the brothers' conviction for murder, expressed his disgust at the idolisation of the twins, calling it "sickening". Speaking to MailOnline, he described the brothers as "domestic terrorists" who inflicted terror on anyone who crossed their path. Teale, who claims he was raped by Ronnie Kray, believes that those who celebrate the twins are "clueless" about the brutal reality of their rule.
The visitation of their graves has drawn attention not only for the nostalgic tributes but also for the bizarre behaviour exhibited by those who visit. Some enthusiasts have travelled over 200 miles just to pay their respects, and a man even brought his dog, named Bronson, to their gravesite. Comments made by visitors ranged from reflections on the duo's infamy to expressions of gratitude for the chance to visit the resting place of such notorious figures.
Bobby Teale's brothers, David and Alfie, both also shared in the remembrance of the Krays' violence, labelling them as "absolute psychopaths". They recalled in court how they faced the brothers and called out their murderous ways long before their eventual convictions. David noted the historical revisionism that often gives the Krays a legendary status, stating, “how can you make serial killers legends?” The brothers' upbringing was marred by fear and bullying, with Alfie recalling how the Krays monopolised their lives after initially befriending them.
The complexity of the Krays' legacy is complicated further by the growing trend among certain societal sectors that idolise criminals. Men's mental health charities have drawn parallels between the glorification of figures like the Kray twins and current influencers, such as Andrew Tate, suggesting a cultural crisis in identity and power among young men. Laurence Johns from The Mankind Project UK warned that young men, seeking identity and respect, might gravitate towards figures embodying perceived strength and dominance, despite their real-world consequences.
Reflections on the Krays, their reign of terror, and the rise of fan culture challenge the narrative of glamour often portrayed in films and media. The enduring interest in the Kray twins raises questions about society's fascination with villainy and the romanticisation of a life of crime. The duality of admiration and abhorrence seems to define their legacy, as seen through the contrasting testimonies of those who lived under their influence and the fervent supporters who regard them as icons.
Source: Noah Wire Services