In the late 19th century, Birmingham was a nightmare of a city. Rife with robberies, theft, riots, and murders, the city was ruled by ruthless gangs and shaped by their rivalries.
Birmingham’s streets were the main stage of recurrent mass brawls to death. Many active gang members were young men, always looking for trouble and ready for bloody fights.
The police did what they could to maintain order and take control of the fearful living conditions, but their number was no match to the long-stretched arms of the gangs.
Among the most powerful gangs during those days were the Sloggers and their most bitter rival, the violent Peaky Blinders.Β
Unlike most petty criminals, the Peaky Blinders were almost always well-dressed, presenting themselves to the public as classy members of society.
Silk scarf and bell-bottom trousers became their signature outfit, but appearance could be misleading.
Bladed flat caps were their weapon of choice, a terror disguised in fashion sense.
Although the history of Peaky Blinders and their most notorious members are now mostly forgotten, their tales will forever be parts of Birmingham’s legends.
10 /10 The TV Series
For some reason, the combination of guns and sensuality makes for a good TV series. Add that with guns and violence; you’ll end up with a riveting show.
Peaky Blinders, a hit BBC crime drama, cramps all those engrossing elements into every single episode.
Charismatic performances and stylish cinematography helped the series win the BAFTA Television Awards for Best Drama Series and BAFTA Television Craft Awards for Best Director, among others.
9 /10 Birmingham's Inner City
Despite concern about the series’ inaccuracy in its depictions of actual historical figures,Β Peaky Blinders has sparked some serious interest in the history of Birmingham, England, during the late 19th century.
or a long bleak period throughout the 1870s, Birmingham was nothing more than just a massive congregation of overcrowded slums.
Poverty was everywhere, and criminals took the chance to erupt violence across the streets.
Gangs were the true rulers of the city, establishing their power the only way they knew: mass brawls.