Did Arthur Shelby exist?

Yes, Peaky Blinders is actually based on a true story. Well, kind of. Technically, Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby family, a gang of outlaws who infiltrated late 19th-century England — the Shelby's weren't reported to be real people, but the Peaky Blinders gang did exist.

Is the story of Thomas Shelby real?

None of the names of people previously reported to have been in the real Peaky Blinders' heyday have Shelby as a surname. Cillian Murphy's character Thomas Shelby may have been a work of fiction, but the real gang's antics were just as dramatic, violent and dark as the show makes out.

Was there a real John Shelby?

As Peaky Blinders continues its stellar fourth season, and we all try to get over the shocking death of Joe Cole's character John Shelby (RIP), it's been revealed that two of the Brummy gang are actually related in real life.

Did Grace Shelby exist in real life?

Grace Burgess Shelby — spy turned gangster's wife

Another character who did not exist is Thomas Shelby's first wife, Grace Burgess.

Is Arthur Shelby alive?

20 Arthur Shelby

Does Arthur Shelby die in Peaky Blinders? No, not in the show anyway. However, for a moment, viewers believe that the unexpectedly popular Arthur really is dead. By all accounts, he looks dead, and even some of the characters believe he's dead.

The Original Peaky Blinders | Britain's Biggest Dig - BBC

Is Finn John Shelby's son?

Finn Shelby is the youngest son of Arthur and Mrs. Shelby, youngest brother of Arthur, Thomas, John and Ada Shelby, as well as being the husband of Mary Shelby.

Why is Arthur Shelby crazy?

Arthur's biggest problem is not learning from his past mistakes. He opens himself up to emotional trauma and betrayal, which is something he cannot afford to do in his line of business. For example, when his not-so-caring father returned to Birmingham, Arthur wanted to impress him for no apparent reason.

Who is Arthur Shelby based on?

Arthur Shelby, Jr.

(born 1887) was a Birmingham-based English gangster, racketeer, and illegal bookmaker who led the Peaky Blinders gang during the early 20th century.

Was there a real Alfie Solomons?

The character is based on a real-life Jewish gangster called Alfred Solomon. Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight says, "We have portrayed him as funny but with an edgy character. The Jewish gangs of the East End would have been just as famous but for some reason history seems to have remembered Alfie Solomons.

Was Polly Gray a real person?

The protagonists poured onto the page. Aunt Polly Gray (Helen McCrory) was a real person and she was terrifying – all the men were scared of her. Arthur (Paul Anderson) was an uncle called Fred.

Is Tommy older than Arthur?

Thomas Michael Shelby was born in 1890, to Arthur and Mrs. Shelby. He was born on a boat, in a barge called 'The January' and had an elder brother, Arthur Shelby, who he was extremely close with as a child.

How much of the Peaky Blinders is true?

Created by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders is technically based on a true story but has also been heavily fictionalized for dramatic purposes. The BBC-Netflix crime drama focuses primarily on the Shelby family, a gang of outlaws who infiltrate high society in 1920s Birmingham, England.

Who was the real Billy Kimber?

William "Billy" Kimber, born 1882 in Summer Lane, Aston in Birmingham, a brass caster by trade, was head of the Birmingham Boys. With gangs in Uttoxeter and Leeds he controlled racecourses in the Midlands and the North. For several years Kimber was probably the biggest organised crime boss in the UK.

Is Small Heath a real place?

Small Heath is an area in south-east Birmingham, West Midlands, England situated on and around the Coventry Road about 2 miles (3 km) from the city centre.

Who were the real-life Peaky Blinders?

'The real peaky blinders are not just a 1920s gang,' said historian Professor Carl Chinn. 'The real Peaky Blinders are the men who belonged to numerous backstreet gangs in Birmingham in the 1890s and turn of the 20th century, but their roots go back much further'.

Was Red Right Hand written for Peaky Blinders?

It has since become best known for its use in the Scream film series and later as the theme song to the British crime drama series Peaky Blinders, which resulted in the song receiving a re-release single in 2014. It has been covered by Arctic Monkeys, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and Snoop Dogg, among others.

Is Luca Changretta a real person?

Luca Changretta and his gang are entirely fictional and come from the mind of Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight.

What is wrong with Alfie's face in Peaky Blinders?

His face is badly scarred from Tommy's shot, leaving him blind in his left eye; however, after passing through his cheek, the bullet managed to miss his skull, spine and all major blood vessels, enabling Alfie to survive. After being unconscious for a few hours, Alfie had been woken by the tide coming in.

Is the Peaky Blinders haircut historically accurate?

The Peaky Blinders haircut is historically accurate and has been a popular look since the 20th century, particularly amongst young working-class men. The hair cut originated in interwar Glasgow, when the Neds (petty criminals), had a haircut which was long on the top and short at the back and sides.

Is Polly a Shelby?

Elizabeth "Polly" Gray (née Shelby) was the mother of Michael and Anna Gray, aunt of Arthur, Thomas, John, Ada and Finn Shelby, as well as being the matriarch of the Shelby Family. She was part of the Birmingham criminal gang, The Peaky Blinders, a certified accountant and company treasurer of Shelby Company Limited.

Is Tommy Shelby the middle child?

Thomas Michael Shelby was born in 1890 in Birmingham, England, and was a second child of Arthur Shelby Sr.

Is Charlie Polly's brother?

Charlie is Tommy's mother's brother, isn't he? And she never mentioned he was her brother when he showed up. I don't think the writer was very bothered with such details at the beginning hence Finn suddenly ageing overnight. Polly is Arthur's sister, that's why she's a Shelby, later Gray.

Why did Arthur hang himself?

Arthur tries to confront his father before he leaves for good, but becomes intimidated by the man's strength and anger, knowing that he wouldn't win in a fight against him. The events cause Arthur to re-evaluate himself and as a result, he attempts suicide by hanging himself.

Is Arthur loyal to Tommy?

Peaky Blinders season 1 introduced Arthur as Tommy's "mad dog" and second fiddle. Although Arthur is the older brother, Tommy took over the family business, leaving Arthur often upset about not being in the loop. However, he is unequivocally loyal to Tommy, even at his worst moments.

What is Arthur Shelby addicted to?

For his sins, Arthur has proven to be a good judge of character, and someone willing to teach others where Tommy fails. But by season five, he began to lose his grip on reality somewhat, with his violent urges resulting in him hurting those who didn't deserve it, Linda leaving him, and seeking refuge in opium.