Hairdresser Shares Captivating Stories of the Kray Twins

Maureen Flanagan, a hairdresser, has shared her enthralling experiences with the infamous Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, revealing insight into their lives and the criminal world they inhabited. Flanagan’s journey began unexpectedly when she met Charlie Kray in an afternoon club, a popular venue for socialising, where he asked her to style his mother’s hair. What followed was a deep dive into the lives of these notorious gangsters.

Charlie, brother to Reggie and Ronnie, hinted at the twins’ darker side, explaining that while they were known for helping people, they could also inflict significant harm. Over time, Flanagan became a regular visitor to the Kray family home in Vallance Road, where she offered her hairdressing services to their mother, Violet Kray. This connection provided her with a rare glimpse into the operations of a criminal empire that included protection rackets, armed robbery, and even murder.

Born in 1933, the Kray twins developed a telepathic bond, according to Flanagan. “Ronnie was the dominant one, but Reggie, the eldest by 15 minutes, was always the strongest,” she recalls. Their mother, Violet, played a crucial role in their upbringing, famously insisting on taking Ronnie home from the hospital despite medical warnings about his fragile condition after contracting diphtheria. Remarkably, within two days of being home, he recovered, showcasing the unique bond between the twins.

Flanagan maintained a relationship with the brothers even after their incarceration for murder. During visits to separate institutions, she observed their profound connection. “Reggie would tell me Ronnie was calling soon, and then he would call an hour later,” she stated. This extraordinary link persisted even during their time in custody, with Reggie sensing Ronnie’s deteriorating health before anyone else.

On March 17, 1995, Ronnie Kray died from a heart attack while serving a life sentence for his crimes, including the murders of Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie and George Cornell. In a poignant act of brotherly love, Reggie sent tape recordings to Ronnie before his death, encouraging him to focus on positive thoughts. One tape, set to be featured in an upcoming Amazon Prime documentary titled *Krays: London’s Gangsters*, reveals Reggie’s heartfelt message to Ronnie, underscoring their deep bond.

Flanagan also witnessed the tragic marriage of Reggie to Frances, which ended with her suicide in 1967. “The wedding was the most miserable affair,” she recalls, lamenting the couple’s struggles. Despite the Krays’ notoriety, they gained fame and were photographed by David Bailey in 1965, appearing on television as respectable business owners.

Through her part-time modelling career, Flanagan mingled with celebrities, including Liza Minnelli and Barbara Windsor. She recalls her experiences at the Esmerelda’s Barn nightclub, which was owned by the Krays. The twins’ public personas often clashed with their criminal activities, and Flanagan provided insight into their complicated lives.

Ronnie’s sexuality was another topic of discussion, as he openly embraced his homosexuality in an era when it was illegal. Flanagan noted that he once brought a young boyfriend to the club, showcasing his defiance against societal norms. Meanwhile, whispers circulated about Reggie’s bisexuality, with Flanagan confirming that he had relationships with women and had been intimate with Frances, although their marriage was never consummated.

The Krays’ violent tendencies were evident in their criminal activities. Flanagan recounts the night Reggie stabbed McVitie to death after a botched contract, a moment that solidified their fearsome reputation. In March 1969, both twins received life sentences, with a minimum term of 30 years, the harshest ever handed down at the Old Bailey for murder.

Following their deaths—Ronnie in 1995 and Reggie in 2000—their legacy continued to impact many. Flanagan dedicated her life to charity work, raising significant funds through auctions of celebrity-donated items. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was honoured with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List of 2024.

Reflecting on her experiences with the Kray twins, Flanagan expressed a fondness for Ronnie, praising his generosity and loyalty. Her memories of Charlie Kray highlight their friendship, as they often enjoyed nights out together after his release from prison. “He would tell people, ‘We had everything. We had every club, every pub, casinos—celebrities wanted to be with us. We had a good life till my brothers started murdering people,'” she recalls.

Maureen Flanagan’s remarkable stories offer a unique perspective on one of London’s most infamous criminal families, blending personal anecdotes with the historical context of the era. As the Krays’ legacy continues to captivate audiences, her insights help paint a fuller picture of their complex personalities and the lives they impacted.