East London pub where Ronnie Kray shot rival has an even better hidden story

The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel is famously the place where gangster Ronnie Kray shot rival George Cornell in 1966. This violent encounter has forever linked the pub to East London’s criminal history.

Cornell and a friend were drinking when Kray and his associate entered. Kray calmly approached and shot Cornell in the forehead, later leading to a life sentence that kept Kray behind bars until his death in 1995.

However, the pub’s name is rooted in a much older tale - the medieval legend of "The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green." The story centres on Henry de Montfort, a nobleman who was wounded and blinded in the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

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The legend claims that after his injury, de Montfort became a beggar at the crossroads of Bethnal Green, rejecting his noble background. He chose this life to test potential suitors for his daughter, Bessy, ensuring they loved her sincerely.

Bessy, known for her beauty and kindness, attracted many wealthy suitors. However, most turned away upon meeting her “blind beggar” father, preferring status over true affection.

One knight remained undeterred, admiring Bessy despite her humble appearance and family. He asked for her hand, proving his love was genuine and unaware of the hidden wealth in her family.

The couple’s love story became a Tudor-era legend, inspiring ballads and songs. The Blind Beggar name and image later became an emblem for the Borough of Bethnal Green in 1900.

This is only one theory about the story; others say de Montfort was only pretending to be a beggar. These theories are portrayed in framed pictures scattered around the pub’s walls.

Today, customers can discover the pub’s layered history through framed pictures and paintings on its walls. The Blind Beggar’s both crime and mediaeval past add a unique draw for the most curious.

For those interested in taking a piece of history with them, the pub offers merchandise inspired by its storied past. Now home to one of London’s largest beer gardens, the Blind Beggar continues to be a popular stop for both locals and tourists, whether they know its past or not.

The pub is currently rated 237 of 1,396 Nightlife in London on TripAdvisor. But it's seemingly the Kray twins link promoting many people to visit. One review reads: "Visited to see the location made famous by Ronnie Kray in the 60’s.

"Well worth it, greeted by a really nice landlady who was very pleasant, gave me a tour of the bar, showed me photos etc, really knowledgeable. Two cats in the bar also who are very friendly called Henry and Edward (personally thought they would be called Ronnie and Reggie."

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