20 Facts About Charlie Kray

Charles James Kray was an English professional boxer and convicted criminal.

Charlie Kray was the elder brother of Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

Charles James Charlie Kray was born at 26 Gorsuch Street, Hoxton on 9 July 1927, to Charles David Charlie Kray, a wardrobe dealer, and Violet Annie Lee.

Charlie Kray's father was of Irish descent and his mother was Romani.

When Charlie Kray was six, his mother had identical twins, Ronnie and Reggie Charlie Kray, with Reggie born 10 minutes before Ronnie.

Charlie Kray attended Laburnum Street School in Haggerston, where he was selected for the football team.

Young Charlie Kray was brought up on stories about fighting and boxing, and often dreamt of winning the Lonsdale Belt as Champion of the World.

In 1943, Charlie Kray represented the Royal Navy as a welterweight against the Army and the Air Force.

Charlie Kray soon took up boxing again and trained in the local gyms.

Charlie Kray's grandfather set up a punch bag in an upstairs room in Vallance Road.

Charlie Kray later joined the Navy where he boxed as a welterweight.

Charlie Kray was given a 10-year sentence for being an accessory to the murder of George Cornell.

Three years into his sentence, Charlie Kray's health started to deteriorate.

Charlie Kray later discovered Moore had been having an affair with George Ince, but stayed with her for the sake of his family.

Charlie Kray had been a confidant of Jackie Collins, Judy Garland, Sonny Liston and Christine Keeler.

Charlie Kray said he found life difficult and claimed he was "unemployable" because of his surname.

Charlie Kray had been suffering from a heart condition prior to his death.

Charlie Kray died in the presence of his girlfriend, Diane Buffini, and two other friends.

Charlie Kray's surviving brother Reggie was released from prison to attend the funeral.

Charlie Kray's funeral was held at St Matthew's Church, Bethnal Green on 19 April 2000 and he is buried at Chingford Mount Cemetery.