What Prison Were The Krays In?

What Prison Were The Krays In? The Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, notorious for their criminal activities in London during the 1950s and 1960s, were held in several prisons over their lifetime. This article explores the different prisons they were confined in, providing detailed insights into their time behind bars.

What Prison Were The Krays In? Early Imprisonments

In the early stages of their criminal career, the Krays experienced multiple incarcerations. Initially, they were held in Shepton Mallet Prison during World War II for failing to report for national service. This period marked the beginning of their tumultuous relationship with the prison system.

The High-Security Prisons

What Prison Were The Krays In? Post their conviction in 1969, the Kray twins were sentenced to life imprisonment. Ronnie Kray was committed to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital, due to his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. On the other hand, Reggie Kray was incarcerated in several high-security prisons, including HMP Maidstone and HMP Parkhurst.

What Prison Were The Krays In? Broadmoor Hospital

Ronnie Kray spent a significant part of his sentence in Broadmoor Hospital. Known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals with mental health issues, Broadmoor provided Ronnie with the necessary medical supervision. His time here was marked by several incidents and interactions that are still talked about today.

Transfers and Final Years

What Prison Were The Krays In? Throughout their sentences, both brothers experienced numerous transfers. Reggie Kray was moved from HMP Parkhurst to HMP Wayland and later to HMP Gartree. These transfers were often due to security concerns or health issues. Ronnie Kray remained in Broadmoor until his death in 1995.

Life in Prison

The Krays maintained a certain level of influence even while incarcerated. They were known to receive numerous visitors and had a notable presence within the prison community. Their time in prison was not without controversy, involving various privileges and instances of misconduct.

What Prison Were The Krays In? Legacy and Cultural Impact

What Prison Were The Krays In? The Kray twins left a lasting legacy that continues to captivate the public imagination. Their story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Their time in prison, in particular, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two of the UK’s most infamous criminals.

FAQs

  1. What prison were the Krays in first?

    • The Krays were first imprisoned in Shepton Mallet Prison during World War II.
  2. Did Ronnie Kray stay in Broadmoor for his entire sentence?

    • Yes, Ronnie Kray spent the majority of his life sentence in Broadmoor Hospital due to his mental health condition.
  3. What high-security prisons housed Reggie Kray?

    • Reggie Kray was held in several high-security prisons, including HMP Maidstone, HMP Parkhurst, HMP Wayland, and HMP Gartree.
  4. How did the Krays influence prison life?

    • The Krays maintained a significant influence within the prison community, often receiving special privileges and numerous visitors.
  5. Did the Krays ever attempt to escape?

    • There are no recorded attempts of escape by the Kray twins from their respective prisons.
  6. What were the living conditions like for the Krays in prison?

    • While they faced the standard conditions of high-security prisons, the Krays managed to secure certain privileges due to their notoriety.
  7. What impact did the Krays have on Broadmoor Hospital?

    • Ronnie Kray’s presence in Broadmoor Hospital highlighted the facility’s role in housing high-profile criminals with mental health issues.
  8. Were the Krays kept together in prison?

    • No, the Kray twins were not kept together in prison. Ronnie was in Broadmoor, while Reggie was moved between various high-security prisons.
  9. How long did Reggie Kray spend in prison?

    • Reggie Kray spent over 30 years in prison, being released on compassionate grounds shortly before his death in 2000.
  10. What prison held Ronnie Kray at the time of his death?

    • Ronnie Kray was held in Broadmoor Hospital at the time of his death in 1995.

Summary and Conclusion

What Prison Were The Krays In? The Kray twins’ imprisonment history is a testament to their notorious legacy. From their early days in Shepton Mallet to their final years in Broadmoor and HMP Gartree, the Krays left an indelible mark on the UK prison system. Their story continues to be a source of fascination, shedding light on the complexities of their criminal lives and their time behind bars.

For further reading on the Kray twins and their prison life, visit some news articles here. Read about other prisons such as Chelmsford Prison.