Charles David Kray, Sr.

Charles Kray, Senior, was the father of the notorious Kray Brothers : Charles, Reggie and Ronnie (qq.v.). He was born in Stene Street, Hoxton, the son of Jimmy Kray, a stallholder in Petticoat Lane Market. His mother had been in domestic service in Highgate. Although the name "Kray" is Austrian, most of his ancestry was Gypsy. Charles became an itinerant dealer in clothes and jewellery. On the 6th. March 1927, at Kingsland Road Registry Office, he married Violet Lee (q.v.). When the Second World War broke out, he went on the run from the Army and was, technically, a deserter for the next 23 years. He died seven months after his wife ; it is said that he had pined for her ever since her death. Whereas the twins were, famously, let out of prison to attend their mother's funeral, they did not seek permission to do the same for their father. The inscription, which is, in part, obscured, reads : "May you both rest peacefully. Our love and memories are always with you. May God bless you both." (bio by: [fg.cgi?page=mr&MRid=46514200" target="_blank Iain MacFarlaine)]

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 22 2018, 5:30:37 UTC