The Real Gang Behind the Name
The Peaky Blinders were a real gang that operated in Birmingham, England, in the late 1800s. Like the Shelby family in the TV series, the Blinders were involved in illegal activities such as bookmaking and racketeering. They were known for their distinctive style, wearing peaked caps, silk scarves, and tailored jackets, which set them apart from other gangs.
The Truth About the Razor Blades
Unlike what is shown in the series, the real Peaky Blinders did not sew razor blades into their caps. Razor blades were a luxury item in the 1890s and far too expensive for the gang to use in this way. The myth likely originated from urban legends and local folklore.
Rivalries and Real Conflicts
The Peaky Blinders did have rivals, including the Birmingham Boys led by Billy Kimber, who was also a Birmingham native. While the series portrays Kimber as a London-born gangster, he was, in reality, part of the local gang scene.
Decline After World War I
Contrary to the TV show, the Peaky Blinders did not hold influence after World War I. By the 1920s, the Birmingham Boys had overtaken them, and the gang’s name became synonymous with any street criminals in Birmingham.
The Real Peaky Blinders: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Real Gang Behind the Name
The Peaky Blinders were a real gang that operated in Birmingham, England, in the late 1800s. Like the Shelby family in the TV series, the Blinders were involved in illegal activities such as… pic.twitter.com/626DNjaqmY— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) August 29, 2024