PEAKY BLINDERS
By order of the Peaky Blinders
"This place is under new management. By order of the Peaky Blinders."
ABOUT THE SERIES
Set in Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in the aftermath of the First World War.
The series centers on Tommy Shelby, an ambitious and cunning gangster whose criminal organization expands in scope and power against the backdrop of Britain's tumultuous interwar period.
First aired: 12 September 2013
Created by: Steven Knight
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
"Intelligence is a very valuable thing, innit, my friend? And usually it comes far too late."
— Thomas Shelby
POST-WAR BIRMINGHAM
Industrial, gritty, and scarred by the Great War, Birmingham forms the perfect backdrop for the Shelby family's rise to power.
CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD
Explore the complex network of gangs, police corruption, and political conspiracies that defined 1920s British crime.
ICONIC STYLE
From the razor-blade lined caps to the tailored suits, the Peaky Blinders created a distinctive look that defined an era.
THE SHELBY FAMILY
Meet the notorious characters who run the streets of Birmingham
Thomas Shelby
Played by Cillian Murphy
The calculating and ambitious leader of the Peaky Blinders. A war veteran haunted by his experiences in the trenches.
"I'm not a traitor to my class. I am just an extreme example of what a working man can achieve."
Arthur Shelby
Played by Paul Anderson
The oldest Shelby brother with a volatile temper. Loyalty to family drives him, even as he battles his inner demons.
"We're not the Peaky Blinders unless we're together."
Polly Gray
Played by Helen McCrory
The matriarch and treasurer of the Peaky Blinders. Her wisdom and second sight guide the family through dangerous waters.
"Men don't have the strategic intelligence to conduct a war between families."
Ada Shelby
Played by Sophie Rundle
The only Shelby sister, caught between her family's criminal empire and her revolutionary ideals.
"I'm not a child anymore. I'm a Shelby."
John Shelby
Played by Joe Cole
The hot-headed younger Shelby brother. Loyal to a fault and always ready for action.
"This place is under new management, by order of the Peaky Blinders!"
Alfie Solomons
Played by Tom Hardy
The unpredictable Jewish gang leader from Camden Town. A dangerous ally with his own mysterious agenda.
"I've heard very bad, bad, bad things about you Birmingham people."
NOTORIOUS ADVERSARIES
Inspector Campbell
Played by Sam Neill
The ruthless Belfast police inspector with a personal vendetta against Tommy Shelby.
Luca Changretta
Played by Adrien Brody
The vengeful New York mafia boss who brings his vendetta against the Shelbys to Birmingham.
Oswald Mosley
Played by Sam Claflin
The charismatic fascist politician whose ambitions intertwine with Tommy's political career.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Glimpses from the streets of Birmingham
Thomas Shelby
The calculating leader in his element
The Garrison Pub
Headquarters of the Peaky Blinders
Polly Gray
The formidable matriarch
Family Meeting
Planning the next move at the betting shop
On Set
Creating 1920s Birmingham
Arthur Shelby
The volatile eldest brother
The Brothers
Taking charge of the streets
Costume Design
Crafting the iconic Peaky style
Industrial Birmingham
The gritty backdrop of post-war England
MEMORABLE QUOTES
Words that defined an era
I'm not a traitor to my class. I am just an extreme example of what a working man can achieve.
Thomas Shelby
Leader of the Peaky Blinders
MORE WISDOM FROM THE STREETS
"Intelligence is a very valuable thing, innit, my friend? And usually it comes far too late."
— Thomas Shelby
"Good taste is for people who can't afford sapphires."
— Polly Gray
"You strike when your enemy is weak."
— Thomas Shelby
"Sometimes the women have to take over. Like in war time."
— Polly Gray
"All religion is a foolish answer to a foolish question."
— Thomas Shelby
"The one minute. The soldier's minute. In a battle, that's all you get."
— Thomas Shelby
ICONIC STYLE
The distinctive fashion that defined the Peaky Blinders
THE PEAKY LOOK
The Peaky Blinders' fashion has become legendary, with their sharp silhouettes and intimidating presence designed to command respect on the streets of Birmingham.
The Peaked Cap: The signature flat cap with razor blades sewn into the peak – the gang's namesake and secret weapon.
Three-Piece Suits: Impeccably tailored suits, often in dark colors, worn with waistcoats regardless of social standing or wealth.
Heavy Overcoats: Long, flowing overcoats that add drama and presence as the Blinders walk through the smoky streets.
Detachable Collars: Starched white collars, removed and replaced rather than washing the entire shirt.
THE CAP
The notorious peaked cap with hidden razor blades
THE SUIT
Impeccably tailored three-piece workingman's suit
THE BOOTS
Sturdy leather boots built for Birmingham's streets
WOMEN OF THE BLINDERS
The equally striking style of the Shelby women
While the men's fashion in Peaky Blinders has gained iconic status, the women's clothing equally reflects the changing times of post-war Britain and the emerging independence of women.
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Polly Gray: Rich, dramatic fabrics with striking jewelry and statement hats.
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Ada Shelby: Elegant transition from working class to sophisticated society lady.
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Lizzie Stark: Evolution from simple dresses to refined business attire.
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Esme Shelby: Blend of traditional gypsy styling with practical everyday wear.
STYLE EVOLUTION
How the Peaky Blinders look transformed across the series
SEASON 1: 1919
Rougher, more worn textiles with muted colors reflecting immediate post-war struggles.
SEASON 3: 1924
Elevated fabrics and styling as wealth increases, reflecting rising social status.
SEASON 5: 1929
Refined luxury with wider lapels and more structured silhouettes of the late 1920s.
MODERN INFLUENCE
How the Peaky style continues to inspire fashion today
478%
Increase in flat cap sales since the show's premiere
200+
Fashion collections inspired by the Peaky Blinders style
3.8M
Monthly searches for "Peaky Blinders style" online
65+
Clothing brands with dedicated Peaky Blinders collections
ICONIC LOCATIONS
The streets and establishments that shaped the Shelby empire
SMALL HEATH, BIRMINGHAM
The heartland of the Peaky Blinders, a working-class neighborhood dominated by factories, smoke, and the echoes of industry.
This gritty industrial area forms the backdrop of the Shelby family's rise from street gang to legitimate business empire, with its narrow streets and cramped housing reflecting the hard lives of its residents.
THE GARRISON PUB
The Shelby family's unofficial headquarters
The heart of Peaky Blinders operations where business is conducted, deals are made, and loyalties are tested behind the hidden panel in Tommy's private booth.
SHELBY COMPANY LTD
From illegal betting to legitimate enterprise
Initially a small betting shop on Watery Lane, the business premises expand with the Shelby family's growing influence and eventual move toward legitimacy.
CHARLIE STRONG'S YARD
The canal-side operations center
A crucial hub for smuggling operations and discreet meetings, Charlie's boatyard provides the Shelbys with a quiet place to conduct their most sensitive business away from prying eyes.
PEAKY BLINDERS TERRITORY
A map of key locations in the Peaky Blinders universe
FILMING LOCATIONS
Where the real-world magic happened
STANLEY DOCK, LIVERPOOL
The atmospheric Victorian buildings and warehouses of Liverpool's Stanley Dock stand in for the industrial landscapes of Small Heath, Birmingham.
Featured in: All seasons
BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM
This open-air museum in Dudley provides the perfect period setting with its preserved industrial buildings, canal infrastructure, and workers' houses.
Featured in: Multiple key scenes across all seasons
ARLEY HALL, CHESHIRE
This stunning country estate serves as Tommy Shelby's impressive mansion 'Arrow House,' symbolizing his rise from the slums to high society.
Featured in: Seasons 3 onwards
POWIS STREET, LIVERPOOL
This preserved Victorian street in Liverpool's Toxteth area provides the perfect backdrop for many of the show's tense street scenes in Small Heath.
Featured in: Multiple seasons for exterior shots
VISIT THE REAL BIRMINGHAM
Experience the authentic locations that inspired the world of Peaky Blinders
Plan Your TripOfficial Peaky Blinders tours available through the Birmingham Tourism Board