Peaky Blinders is a television series that blends historical events with fictional storytelling, and while it is not directly based on a single true story, it does draw inspiration from real-life figures, events, and gangs.
The show, created by Steven Knight, follows the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham, England. The name “Peaky Blinders” is indeed derived from a real gang that existed in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although the version depicted in the series is largely fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
The Real Peaky Blinders
The historical “Peaky Blinders” were a notorious street gang that operated in Birmingham during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The name is thought to come from the practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, which they would use as weapons. The gang was known for its violent criminal activities, including theft, extortion, and, to some extent, organized violence.
While there were indeed gangs in Birmingham during that time, the actual “Peaky Blinders” were relatively small-time criminals, and their operations were nowhere near as grand or influential as the Shelby family in the show. The gang’s activities did not necessarily match the high-stakes drama and intrigue shown on the TV series.
Historical Context and Fictional Additions
While the “Peaky Blinders” gang did exist in some form, much of the drama and characters depicted in the show are fictional or heavily embellished. For example:
- Thomas Shelby, the main character of the series, played by Cillian Murphy, is a fictional creation. Though there were some leaders in Birmingham’s criminal world at the time, Thomas Shelby’s particular persona, his rise to power, and his complex character are not based on a single real-life individual.
- The show’s setting: The show portrays the Shelby family as becoming a significant force in post-World War I Britain, with connections to politicians, business figures, and various crime syndicates. This reflects the turbulent period of British society after the war, which saw rising unemployment, political unrest, and social change. But many of the storylines involving international conspiracies, mafia connections, and the rise of the Shelby empire are fictional.
- Real-life figures: Some real historical figures appear in the show, such as Winston Churchill (who plays a part in the show as a politician), Alfie Solomons (based on a real Jewish gang leader in London), and Oswald Mosley (the fascist politician, portrayed by Sam Claflin, who does have historical ties to the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s). However, their involvement with the Shelby family and the events surrounding them are fictionalized.
The Influence of History
While the show’s central plot is fictional, it draws on many historical influences. The post-World War I era was a time of great upheaval, with returning soldiers struggling to adjust to civilian life, class tensions rising, and political movements gaining momentum. These elements are woven into the show’s themes and plots, making it feel grounded in historical reality, even as it takes dramatic liberties with actual events.
In conclusion, Peaky Blinders is not strictly based on a true story, but it does take inspiration from real historical figures and events. The historical gang known as the “Peaky Blinders” did exist, but the Shelby family and their story are fictional creations, amplified for dramatic effect in a complex narrative. The show’s blending of real history with fiction allows it to explore themes of power, loyalty, and survival while entertaining viewers with thrilling, larger-than-life drama.
