Welcome to St Matthews Church, an integral location in the story of the Kray twins. Situated in the heart of Bethnal Green, this church holds a special place in the Kray brothers’ history, symbolizing the complex relationship between faith, community, and crime in their lives.
The Krays’ Connection to Faith
While the Kray twins were infamous for their violent criminal activities, they were also known to have had a deep connection to their local church. St Matthews Church was not only a place for the Kray family to attend services, but it also played a role in their attempt to present a respectable image to the local community. The brothers, despite their criminal dealings, often attended church services and had strong ties with the church’s clergy, making it a significant part of their story.
A Community Hub
St Matthews Church was a central part of life in East London, and the Kray family’s involvement with the church was a way for them to stay connected to the local community. It was common for the Krays to be seen here, with the church acting as a backdrop for both their public and private lives. The contrast between their criminal activities and their involvement with the church provides a fascinating insight into the duality of the Krays’ personas.
A Symbol of Their Legacy
Despite their violent and infamous lives, the Kray twins were never entirely disconnected from the sense of community and faith that St Matthews Church represented. For many, the church serves as a reminder of the Krays’ complex legacy—where religion and criminality intersected in a way that was unique to their story.
Join The Krays Tour as we visit St Matthews Church and reflect on its significance in the lives of Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Learn about the brothers’ complicated relationship with religion and the local community, and explore how this church fit into the larger narrative of their rise to power.