While teaching in London in the 1960s, I would go to the London Hospital Students Club in Whitechapel with friends. Out of curiosity on our first visit, we called in for a pint to the Blind Beggar. A gangland pub frequented by the Kray twins and other EastEnd gangsters.
The Blind Beggar is a salubrious pub with a vibrant history. Notoriously famous as the scene of the murder of George Cornell, an East End gangster.
On March 9th, 1966, Cornell and his friends were seated on stools next to the bar. Ronnie Kray approached Cornell, took out a 9mm Luger and shot him in the forehead above his left eye.
Witnesses to this blatant killing were not forthcoming. There is a plaque on the wall behind the bar where the bullet entered. This killing exposed the links between criminal gangsters, politicians, show-biz personalities, corrupt police members and also secret society members. This hindered attempts to stamp down on crime and gang warfare.
Brutally Honest
In Nefarious, A Life In Crime, Ronnie Field, ably supported by his co-writer Martin Knight, gives a brutally honest and cynically humorous insight into the social issues and experiences faced by families following the bombing of houses in London in the 1939-44 war.
Gang Shootings
Many of the issues highlighted may shock some readers since they correlate closely with the current growth of gangs within inner cities linked to drugs, violence, gun warfare and wealth. The authors’ contention that “the public wasn’t in general danger” from the gangs is an understatement and a misconception.
They fail to acknowledge that severe acts of violence cause fear and panic for innocent people within the community. This has been evident in the drug warfare in Liverpool and gang shootings in Manchester, The Midlands and London.
The book highlights how Ronnie Field’s childhood experiences of violence, disjointed family relationships, bullying, violence and, unfortunately, an inappropriate curriculum combined with sadistic teaching methods led to a failure within the school.
This background created a vulnerable young person and promoted his personal “need for vengeance”. Ronnie gives a vivid account of his attraction to the world of “reckless abandon”. He was also enticed into the criminal underworld of South London.
He describes how he was “snared” when Joey Pyle, a notorious South London gangmaster, offered him friendship by asking if he “fancied a bit of work”.
Low-Risk and High-Reward
This escapade resulted in him earning a few thousand pounds, a flashy hand-cut suit and becoming one of Joey’s Firm.
His involvement soon opened up a “ray of profitable experiences”. Including unlicensed boxing, the club life of Soho, Mayfair and meeting such gangster luminaries as Frankie Fraser, Roy Shaw and Ronnie Kray.
Working for Joey Pyle gave him status in this underground world. He moved into the low-risk, high-reward profession of putting the “frighteners on people”.
Readers with awareness of how children and young people become trapped in the highly profitable world of county lines drug dealing can appreciate how Ronnie’s vulnerability and exposure are replicated within the life experiences of feral and sofa-surfing children today.
Parkhurst Prison
The authors make many pertinent points regarding corruption, punishment, prison life, the status of prisoners and the creation of redemption. They highlight how many elite gang members amassed considerable wealth from their exploits. In a humourous anecdote regarding the benefits gained from the dangerous underworld of South London. Ronnie Field opened his father-of-the-bride speech at his daughter’s wedding. He said, “I’d like to thank National Westminster Bank, Midland Bank, Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank without whom none of this would have been possible!”
It is also significant that the authors highlight the issue of control of prisoners, violent confrontations, and prison life. Ronnie relates how, on his move to Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight, he was given a special welcome by Ronnie and Reggie Kray due to his friendship with Joey Pyle.
His description of the prison as a “meeting place for the underworld” with special status for the Kray twins brings to mind the Ronnie Barker sitcom “Porridge”!
Bang Up Blues
The chapter “Bang Up Blues” highlights the difficulties and challenges prison staff at all levels face in attempting to control violent outbursts by individuals, address social and emotional issues, and reduce the vulnerability of prisoners.
The term “nefarious” implies “wicked or morally wrong” behaviour. For some gangsters, there can be little hope of changing their mindset within the current penal system. However, Governor Tony French’s “changing mindset” approach to punishment had a positive effect on Ronnie Field’s response and attitude. Even after all his years of incarceration and negative interaction.
In many ways, it brings to mind “The Shawshank Redemption” in terms of forging friendship and the main character’s efforts in helping others to change their mindsets and improve.
In the insightful epilogue, Ronnie Field reflects on his scarred childhood. This led to a precarious and violent life offset by the buzz of planning and physical involvement in escapades and his accumulation of wealth.
From someone for whom violence was a trademark. Readers will be assured when Ronnie Field states, “I’m sorry for the innocent people I hurt along the way”.
It is well worth reading to gain insight into the current drift of young people into gangs, county lines, manipulation and violence in their search for friendship, recognition, wealth and personal status.
Finally, if you liked reading ‘Lifting the Lid on London’s Gangland‘, you can check out more book reviews, here.
Author: John Morris for Love Wrexham Magazine
John is an FA coach. He has worked with young players at Fulham, Chelsea, QPR and Wrexham, promoting resilience, tenacity and self-discipline. He is currently a consultant addressing growth mindsets to promote sports, education, and business performance.
