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Before the violence… there was family, war, and survival.
In Episode 2 of The Krays Web, we go back to the beginning — exploring the roots of Ronnie and Reggie Kray, and the environment that shaped two of Britain’s most notorious criminals.
From boxing bloodlines to wartime trauma, this episode uncovers the people and events that influenced the twins long before their rise to power.
In this episode:
• The Kray family history and East End roots
• “Mad Jimmy” Kray and his life before and after World War I
• Jimmy “Southpaw Cannonball” Lee and the twins’ introduction to boxing
• Family tragedy, including the loss of a sibling
• The twins’ early childhood in 1930s London
• The impact of World War II — bombing, evacuation, and their father’s desertion
Why it matters:
Understanding where the Krays came from reveals how violence, instability, and environment helped shape their future — and challenges the myths surrounding their legacy.
Follow the show for more deep-dive episodes into the truth behind the Kray twins.
Next episode: The teenage years — boxing, crime, and the first signs of what was to come – You’re in the Army Now
Links to Resources
Check out my website for resources used and social media links : thekraysweb.com
Contact me : [email protected]
Music by Captain Fat Hands captainfathands.com
Full evacuee interviews : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKpxeXURwWw&authuser=3
