The cult British series Peaky Blinders, which premiered in 2013 under the direction of Steven Knight, transported viewers into the atmosphere of 1920s Birmingham. It depicted the operations of the criminal syndicate led by Thomas Shelby. Interestingly, the filming mostly took place in Liverpool, Merseyside, and London, as modern-day Birmingham has preserved very little of its post-war architectural character.
Although the creators claim the project is historically accurate, it's worth noting that the main storyline and most of the characters are fictional. Nevertheless, the hit series does have some real-world connections.
The Real History of the Peaky Blinders
The Peaky Blinders gang was part of a broader network of underground organisations operating in Birmingham at the dawn of the 20th century. These criminal groups were involved in various illegal trades, including armed robberies, extortion, underground betting, and gambling scams.
Over time, the gang members became local legends, known for their distinctive fashion: tailored jackets, elegant overcoats, fully buttoned vests, flared trousers, polished leather boots, and, of course, their signature pointed caps.
Historically, the gang found itself at the centre of violent clashes between Birmingham locals and Irish immigrants. As the conflict spread, similar gangs began to emerge in working-class districts of industrial cities across England — including Manchester, Liverpool, and beyond.
The Meaning Behind the Gang’s Name
There is no solid historical evidence that gang members actually sewed razor blades into the peaks of their caps. According to researchers, the group's name is likely linked to the unique shape of their headwear — the sharply pointed peaks merely gave the illusion of a dangerous weapon. This point is supported by the work of Carl Chinn, author of Peaky Blinders. He wrote that the use of real blades in clothing was an invention of the series' creators.
The Prototype for Thomas Shelby
In the cult series, the brilliant portrayal of Thomas Shelby belongs to Irish actor Cillian Murphy. He played a war veteran who uses a mix of cold calculation and natural charm to build a criminal empire.
The historical prototype for this character was likely Kevin Mooney (real name Thomas Gilbert), one of the key figures in the real Peaky Blinders gang, known as the organiser of many criminal operations. Over time, the gang members were inevitably imprisoned — though it’s worth noting that most served short sentences, from a few weeks to eight months, for minor offences like bicycle theft or unlawful entry.
After their release, many gang members were conscripted to fight in World War I. Upon returning, some used their savings to leave Birmingham’s rougher districts. The fate of the group was sealed with Mooney’s death: having lost its influence, the Peaky Blinders could not compete with the rising power of the Italian mafia and eventually disappeared from the city.
