Curious about the real Peaky Blinders gang behind the TV show? The Peaky Blinders were a notorious Birmingham gang active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Contrary to the sophisticated, crime-lord image of Thomas Shelby on screen, the real gang was primarily made up of working-class men engaged in petty crime and illegal betting. The name 'Peaky Blinders' came from their habit of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps, which they used to slash opponents during fights. The actual leader, Thomas 'Tommy' Shelby, was a composite of several historical figures, including the notorious gang leaders such as Billy Kimber and the Shelbys' involvement in real-life labor disputes and criminal enterprises. Their rise to power was marked by their brutal tactics and influence in the local underworld, reflecting a gritty and often violent reality far from the polished portrayal on TV. So, while the series dramatizes their exploits, the real Peaky Blinders left a legacy of crime and intrigue that shaped Birmingham’s history.
3 окт 2024
