If you’ve watched ‘Peaky Blinders‘ and wondering if Thomas Shelby and his crew have any roots in reality, then you’re not alone. The show has left many viewers questioning whether the Shelby family’s escapades are based on true events or just a brilliant work of fiction.
First off, let’s address the main question: Did a gang as cool as Peaky Blinders really exist? Yes, they did, but don’t get too excited. While the real Peaky Blinders did roam the streets of Birmingham, their reign of terror was not as glamorous or far-reaching as the show suggests. Here’s what we know about them.
Related: ‘Peaky Blinders’: In Which Episode does Grace Die And How?
Shelby Fiction vs. Birmingham Fact: What’s The Real Deal?
In Birmingham, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a real gang known as the ‘Peaky Blinders‘. Their name supposedly comes from their stylish choice of headwear – flat caps with razor blades sewn into the peaks. These caps could be whipped off and used to blind their opponents in a fight.
Creator of show, Steven Knight, drew inspiration from stories his parents told him about Birmingham’s rugged history. His family lived in the same area and time in which the series is set.
During an interview with BBC, he said, “I’m always very keen that any act of violence has a consequence in terms of the story. Very rarely in the real world is there an act of violence that doesn’t have quite a big consequence.“
Unlike how the Shelbys are depicted, the real gang were not as strong or significant. In fact, other criminal groups had largely overtaken the real gang by the time World War I broke out. The original ‘Peaky Blinders‘ were, in fact, more active in the 1890s than in the 1920s. Knight shifted the storyline to the post-World War I era in order to focus on the effects of the conflict on British society and to give the characters more nuance.
In Case You Missed: Netflix Confirms ‘Peaky Blinders’ Film Starring Cillian Murphy Is Under Production
How ‘Peaky Blinders’ Took Over The World
‘Peaky Blinders‘ has endured in popular culture despite its historical liberties. It’s given us a fresh perspective on 1920s fashion and sparked interest in Birmingham’s history once more.
Beyond style, ‘Peaky Blinders‘ has received recognition for its rich character development and narrative. With an endless number of admirers and critical praise, Cillian Murphy‘s depiction of Thomas Shelby has become legendary.
You Might Also Like To Read:
