Peaky Blinders: Surprising real-life facts behind the hit show that no one knows

The Peaky Blinders series is known for its gritty storytelling, stylish mafia vibes, blood thirsty gangs of Birmingham, and unforgettable performances.

But behind all the smoke, violence, and drama, there are some fascinating real-life truths about the show and the people who inspired it.

Here are a few facts every fan should know.

The name came from their style, not from violence

The real Peaky Blinders were known for their fashion sense more than their fights.

They stood out in the streets of Birmingham with their peaked newsboy caps, bright scarves, and tailored suits.

The word “Peaky” referred to their hats, while “Blinder” was Birmingham slang for someone who looked gentlemanly.

The famous Cap blade story is a myth

Many fans believe the gang stitched razor blades into their caps, using them as hidden weapons. However, it was just a myth or a dramatic exaggeration.

The Birmingham Boys rivaled them

The real Peaky Blinders weren’t the only gang ruling the streets. They had fierce competition from the Birmingham Boys, led by Billy Kimber.

In reality, Kimber was a local from Birmingham, not a Londoner, as shown in the series.

Interestingly, he might have even been a Peaky Blinder before leading his own crew.

Billy Kimber’s death

In the series, Thomas Shelby shoots Billy Kimber in a dramatic showdown. But in real life, the gangster didn’t die from a bullet shot.

He passed away from a prolonged illness, not from the chaos of gang life.

Alfie Solomons was real

Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons is a real-life person. The character was inspired by a real gangster named Alfred Solomon.

Moreover, Hardy’s unique voice, cockney accent, and attitude were his own creative twist, not an impersonation of Alfred Solomons.

The show wasn’t actually filmed in Birmingham

Despite being set in Birmingham, most of Peaky Blinders was filmed in Yorkshire.

Locations like Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool, and Dudley stood in for the city’s smoky streets, futuristic aesthetics giving it that perfect industrial feel.

The accent is more ‘Brummie’ than Cockney

Many fans noticed the accent in the show sounds slightly off from Birmingham’s true tone.

That’s because most actors used a Brummie-influenced accent, which was easier to understand globally.

These real-life facts make Peaky Blinders even more fascinating, like all the myths, truths, and facts make it an unforgettable story.