Was there a real Thomas Shelby?

Was Thomas Shelby a real person? Nope! While some of the characters in Peaky Blinders are based on real historical figures (including politician Winston Churchill, trade unionist Jessie Eden, rival gang leader Billy Kimber and fascist leader Oswald Mosley) Cillian Murphy's character Tommy Shelby did not actually exist.

Is Thomas Shelby based on a real person?

Although many characters in the series are based on real-life historical figures, most of the Peaky Blinders are entirely fictional and were created by Knight. Tommy Shelby is from a Romani family based in Birmingham. Murphy spent time with Romani people to prepare himself for the role.

Who was Thomas Shelby based on?

Thomas Shelby is a character on Peaky Blinders, who's played by actor Cillian Murphy. While not directly correlated to a real-life person, Shelby might have been inspired by former real-life Peaky Blinder Kevin Mooney, aka Thomas Gilbert.

How much of 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.

Are the Shelby family real?

The Shelby family themselves are a work of fiction, though the Birmingham Gang did come to be led by a man featured in the TV series, yet one presented quite differently to who he was in reality.

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

What happened to Thomas Shelby in real life?

Was Thomas Shelby a real person? Nope! While some of the characters in Peaky Blinders are based on real historical figures (including politician Winston Churchill, trade unionist Jessie Eden, rival gang leader Billy Kimber and fascist leader Oswald Mosley) Cillian Murphy's character Tommy Shelby did not actually exist.

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.

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.

Who tipped off Kimber?

Grace, being undercover, presents this information to Inspector Campbell, who in turn makes sure that his policemen inform Billy Kimber of the planned betrayal. This leads to Billy Kimber and his gang arriving in front of The Garrison Pub, to Thomas's surprise.

Who is Luca Changretta based on?

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

Was Billy kitchen real?

Billy Kitchen (1886-1921) was a member of the Peaky Blinders gang who led their 100-man crew in Camden Town, London during the early 20th century.

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

Alfie revealed that he was suffering from skin cancer, which he attributed to the poisonous gas used in the Great War; Alfie had intended for Tommy to discover his betrayal, track him down, and kill him so Alfie could die on his own terms, rather than the Mafia.

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.

What happened to Alfie Solomons real life?

Alfie Solomon was arrested for shooting the real life Billy Kimber in 1921, who fans will remember as the original antagonist of the Peaky Blinders in the first season. He was again arrested in 1924 for shooting two bookies, for which he served three years.

Did the real peaky blinders have razors in their hats?

Historian David Cross, of the West Midlands Police Museum in Sparkhill, is also confident that razor blades in caps is just an urban myth. "If you think of your grandfather's cap in those days, then it would have had a very hard peak," said Mr Cross. "They used their hats with razor blades sewn in to rob people.

Is Thomas Shelby married in real life?

Much like his personal life, Cillian has been on a mission to keep his family out of the public eye. Cillian has been married to his wife Yvonne McGuinness since 2004, after the pair met at one of his rock band's shows in 1996 before he stepped into the world of acting.

What was the names of the real peaky blinders?

His real name was Thomas Gilbert, but he routinely changed his last name. Other prominent members of the gang were David Taylor, Earnest Haynes, Harry Fowles, and Stephen McNickle. Harry Fowles, known as "Baby-faced Harry", was arrested at age 19 for stealing a bicycle in October 1904.

What is Tommy smoking in Peaky Blinders?

Treatment. Thomas Shelby and Danny Whizz-Bang's method for easing stress and symptoms involves the smoking of brown opium with a clay pipe. In the first episode, Thomas is seen lighting the opium and putting it to flame, then drawing from it.

What is Tommy Shelby's haircut called?

Thomas Shelby's texturised crop is short on the back and sides of the head with a slightly longer length on top. Ask the barber: Ask for a "crop" but indicate you would like to have the fringe sweeping to the right or left and short around the back and sides with extra length left on top.

Did Churchill use the peaky blinders?

Churchill fought in the First World War and is often portrayed in Peaky Blinders as parallel to Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), albeit with inverted social status. Churchill is a prominent historical figure, with some criticisms, that is explicitly attached to the context of the show.

What illness has Tommy Shelby got?

Tuberculosis was the illness his daughter died from, which was likely to have caused the tumour, according to his personal doctor. The doctor told him he had up to 18 months to live and was going to need the help and support of those who 'love him very, very much' as his condition deteriorates.

What is Alfie Solomons accent?

Alfie Solomons, Peaky Blinders, 2014

And this is reflected in Hardy's accent, which sounds a bit like he got drunk, broke his jaw and stuffed marshmallows into his mouth to numb the pain. He's almost certainly a cockney, but perhaps he's got a Welsh grandparent or something.

What did the priest do to Michael?

It is also revealed that Michael was abused by a priest during his short time in foster care. It is hinted that Father Hughes was a part of this and that Michael was possibly sexually abused as Hughes is hinted at being a paedophile. This fuels Michael's hatred towards them in Series 3.

What does a Black Hand mean in Peaky Blinders?

Typical Black Hand tactics involved sending a letter to a victim threatening bodily harm, kidnapping, arson, or murder. The letter demanded a specified amount of money to be delivered to a specific place.

How old is Polly Gray?

Peaky Blinders Season 1 begins right after World War I in 1919. This makes Polly 35 when we're first introduced to her character. In season 2, she's 38. By season 3, she's 40.