Is “Peaky Blinders” Based on a True Story? Inside the Violent History of the Real Gang

The iconic BBC series “Peaky Blinders” has found a new lease of life with the release of “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” on Netflix on March 20, 2023. This continuation of the much-loved criminal drama reunites fans with the Shelby family, particularly Thomas “Tommy” Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy. Running for six seasons from 2013 until 2022, the series captivated audiences not only with its engrossing storytelling but also by drawing inspiration from a real-life Birmingham gang of the same name.

Set during the tumultuous period following the First World War, the original series followed the Shelby family’s ascent in Birmingham’s underground world, focusing on their involvement in illegal betting and bootlegging. The story deftly interwove historical events, including the 1926 UK general strike and the complexities of the Great Depression, setting the stage for significant upheaval in British society. The Immortal Man continues this tradition by shifting the narrative to the backdrop of the Second World War.

Historically, the origin of the Peaky Blinders can be traced back to the 1890s in Birmingham. The gang, initially referred to as the “Small Heath Peaky Blinders,” comprised young, working-class men who were recognised for their distinctively stylish appearance. Despite their dapper image, the gang was infamous for a violent history, although historians note that some of the more sensationalised elements—such as fighting with razor blades sewn into caps—are likely exaggerated.

Academic sources, including insights from historian Carl Chinn, suggest that while the gang’s violence did manifest in brutal attacks, it was of a different nature than the dramatized portrayals in the series. Instead of using weapons hidden in their hats, the Blinders were more prone to using brute force, engaging in street-level crime such as petty theft and assaults.

Creator Steven Knight drew upon his family’s anecdotes for inspiration, asserting that the term “Peaky Blinder” had persisted well into the 20th century among local communities. In an essay, Knight recalled tales from his father’s youth in Birmingham, where he encountered actual gang members, indelibly linking the term to his family’s heritage.

Unlike their fictional counterparts, the real Peaky Blinders did not attain significant power but rather operated as small-time criminals. While the show depicts the gang achieving a formidable status in the city, reality paints a more pedestrian picture of petty crimes, including muggings and bicycle thefts. Notably, a violent incident involving the gang gained national attention in 1890 when they assaulted George Eastwood, a customer at a bar; this event marked one of the earliest references to their notorious nickname.

The real gang also had a hand in the death of police constable George Snipe, presenting a stark contrast to the series, where conflicts with law enforcement are central to the narrative. Snipe was killed while attempting to arrest a gang member, which led to the conviction of one of the gang’s youths. This sort of notoriety further entrenched the Peaky Blinders’ reputation in Birmingham.

As the 1910s progressed, the genuine Peaky Blinders were ultimately overshadowed and displaced by other criminal factions, specifically the Birmingham Gang led by Billy Kimber. Fans of the show may recall Kimber as a prominent character who meets a dramatic end at Tommy Shelby’s hands; however, historical records show that Kimber lived a much longer life before passing away in a nursing home in 1945.

The series frequently incorporates real historical figures and events. Winston Churchill makes various appearances as a character throughout the show’s run, illustrating his significant role in British politics during the early 20th century. Additionally, Oswald Mosley, a notable fascist figure of the era, became an antagonist for Tommy Shelby in later seasons, culminating in a wedding event that involved infamous figures within Nazi Germany.

While “Peaky Blinders” concluded with its sixth season, fans can now explore the narrative further with “The Immortal Man.” This latest outing promises fresh twists while staying true to the show’s core elements rich with historical reference and character-driven storytelling.

In examining the intersection of fact and fiction, “Peaky Blinders” stands as a reminder of how history can be transformed into gripping drama—bridging the gap between reality and storytelling in a way that captures the imaginations of its viewers. The enduring legacy of both the fictional and real Peaky Blinders thus illustrates the complex fabric of British urban history and cultural memory.