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i feel like tommy shelby in the show rides the line of being as dramatic and badass as possible JUST without going into the cringe territory. he rides the edge of that line so well.

YES!! Thank you! My family is from Birmingham. The show is great but it absolutely kills me that it’s made people think that the peaky blinders are Irish and Liverpudlian. Finally a video that tells the REAL story

The reason he set it in the 20’s is because he wanted them to be WWI veterans, which worked very very well for their characters..

I think the show kind of hints that they were a small teenaged gang before they went off to war in the 1910’s but when they came back from war Tommy Shelby had acquired some new skills and a plan to become bigger than just a small gang

"One of the very first such gangs, were Birmingham's very own Peaky Blinders, who rose to prominence sometime in the early 1880s, rather than in the 1920s, as is suggested in the TV show. Why exactly the series writer and creator Steven Knight chose to shift the timeline a few decades isn't known..." "In reality, disposable razors hadn't actually been invented when the peaky blinders first appeared on the scene. They weren't produced in the UK until 1908." It sounds like you just gave yourself a plausible answer to your own question.

My grandmother was a member of the Simpson family , a large family of bareknuckle boxers, sworn enemies of the Peaky Blinders. Most notable was her brother Jack who from his early teens was a bookmaker and had a growing reputation for being handy with his fists. When bookmaking became legal he opened a betting shop in the Birmingham suburb of Weoley Castle.

I'm really impressed with the writer for merging all these real life characters that he was connected to into his own storytelling/writing. When you watch it you really want it to be true and its nice to know that for the most part if not with various variations here and there it almost was. Pity about the timelines being totally different though but that is his choice as the writer and i think that was really well executed in the series. One of the best series ever made imo

It’s definitely known. Tommy’s war experience plays a huge part in his development so they pushed the show to just after WW I so they could use that

The thing is, the way he presents his topics, he could literally make a video titled "why the common grass is so boring" and I'd still watch it to the end. #doaboringtopic

Thomas Shelby is one of the greatest character in the film industry. The last season was so good,a great ending for the Shelby's

8:50 I also believe that the hairstyles used in the show were part of the fact that the shelby family had fought in the first world war and shaven sides were quite common rather than going completely bald. Arthurs moustache was also a nod at this because the british soldier believed that the facial hair made them look more proper although they weren't allowed beards just like in modern times so they were able to wear gas masks correctly.

Razor blades in their caps was first mentioned in a book 'A Walk Down Summer lane' by Birmingham-born author, John Douglas. He admitted that he made the razors in caps story up to spice things up a little. It seems that whoever wrote the storylines for Peaky Blinders must have read his book.

You can never go wrong with Thoughty2. Good stuff!!

i’m so happy you made this i was kind of hoping you’d make a video on them wasn’t expecting it this soon thank you!!

just binged the whole series and watched the last episode today. such a brilliant series i was rooting for Tommy the whole way 👏

Shelby is byfar the best character on the show, full of smoke energy. I'm surprised someone actually told the actual real story

Well since the show relies heavily on WW1 for character development, maybe that could be the reason they choose the 1920s instead of the 1880s. If WW1 took place at the beginning of the 20th century (and they wanted to use WW1 for character development), they couldn't use the 1880s as WW1 didn't start until July of 1914 and ended November of 1918; so having the show take place right after the first world war adds to the character development and tone of the show.

Worth mentioning there’s a few things wrong in this: 1. The writer wasn’t related to any of the gang members, instead his father had told him stories about the Sheldon’s when he was growing up. 2. The Peaky Blinder name came from them wanting to show their quiff of hair. So they’d tip the cap, which would cover their eye (blinding). You referenced Carl Chin, who himself supports this statement (as well as many important historians). 3. The clothing worn by Peaky Blinders was not “tailored” they were in fact poor-lower classed working men. The clothing in their mugshots, was the clothing of the time.

7:20 what about good old Speedwagon’s helicopter blade hat. A true classic.

My dad grew up in Smethwick in the 1930’s. he hated the show saying it glorifies thuggery and violence. Everyone was afraid of them and they were not noble at all. My Nana used to call me a “cheeky blinda” in her beautiful brummie accent.

2:17 I remember reading that Billy Kimber was Birmingham based gangster that died of old age. The 1920s make a better historical period due to the post WW1 social upheaval.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SHOW. So happy that you've made a video on this. This is my FAVORITE TV show by far. The way they speak, their subtle mannerisms, the way the Shelby brothers demand respect and how they showcase their ASTOUNDING FASHION SENSE are just a few of the things that made me LOVE this show. W vid.

Never watched it but knew there was real history behind it. Thank you for making this video!

Odd Job and thats it? Speedwagon: "Am I a joke to you?"

DUDE I JUST FINISHED SEASON 6 AND I WAS LIKE: "Man I wish Thoughty2 would make a peaky blinders video." And here it is. You made it. Thanks Thoughty2!! Lol

Great video as always. I love the Peaky Blinders and have seen all seasons, making me appreciate the true narrative of their story even more.

First time I've watched you. Great job! I really enjoyed this. I've read a little about the PB but learned a lot from you.

I tried explaining while drinking with my Irish friend that they did exist. It didn't go well, because well I was drinking and he wasn't patient enough to let me get to the actual real basis. Fine though, because well I hold my booze better and he passed out at his keyboard, so my huzzah :D I will be sharing this though, because well... I hate when people dismiss me immediately without allowing me time to proper explain.

While I was looking into my family history/tree ,my daughter bought me a book called the real peaky blinders..in the first few pages I came across a very unusual name ( Garnham). I knew my great grandfather was in the Suffolk regiment in WW1. Strange for a man living n the north east of England. Turns out he was in a peaky blinders affiliated gang in London.

Love your vids mate, keep it up!

Been a while since I've watched a video of yours. I picked this one and it was great. I will be catching up.on your videos. Well done as always!

Awesome as usual, thank you Thoughty2.

Seeing this video on my home page made me realize that I haven't checked when the final season will air in a while.. Turns out it's already aired and is arriving on Netflix Friday next week! I've been sitting on the final episode of season 5 for over two years now, I guess it's finally time to watch it. Btw. great video once again!

just found ur channel and have been binging it for a week. keep up the great content!

Awesome content! As usual. Amazing quality. Kinda find it funny how you uncovered exactly why the writer moved the time frame to the 1900s, and seemingly didn't realize.

Absolutely love the vid and how it was presented.

I've watched the BBC's presentation of the "real peaky blinders" and have to say yours was straight to the point and more engaging. Nice one

I believe the whole premise of it being set in the 1920s is the fact it is straight out of WW1 which is a big part of the Shelby Familys Story and near-enough the basis of why they became who they became. the creator also wanted to finish with a film set in WW2.

Great video! And FYI, I am on season 2 and he didn’t spoil any of the show. Definitely worth a watch!

Great background information! Thanks for that.

After the release of breaking bad, 2 out of every 3 chemistry teachers started making meth. Very true and accurate information. Trust me, I'm an internet man.

This is a certified British classic.

Thanks, #42. Both for the real information, being really interesting, and a chance to go discover Milanote! You're good to us!

As an American I didn't know so much of this info. So some of these characters were based on actual people? The cop and Kimber. Wow. Great video. Thanks for the info! Peaky Blinders became my favorite series when two months ago I watched every episode within a week and a half

It aired in 13' now picking it up years later, and my God I'm gonna binge it soon

"... the extremely niche list of people who weaponized their hats, alongside Odd Job from Goldfinger and... no, actually, I think that's it" Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat and Robert E.O. Speedwagon from JoJo's Bizzare Adventure would like a word with you. In all seriousness, though, there's a TON of weaponized hats in alternative media.

I've been missing thoughty2 videos for months now!!!...I'm bank to binge watch😅🔥✊

Great vid as always

I had done a fair amount of research a couple years ago on the true story of the PB, because it's interesting, and the show is damn near perfect. I knew most of this stuff, but wasn't aware that characters in the show were actual people. That's super cool!

As non-factual as the show is. I quite love peaky blinders. Been really glued to it the last few months.

Great show love it super hairstyle. Thanks for the insides u always make it so interesting.

I subbed to this Chanel years ago in high school as a curiosity, I love what happened while I was away!

LOVE the show, Peaky Blinders and think Cillian Murphy is just BRILLIANT as Tommy Shelby. This video was a real interesting look at the real Peaky Blinders. Say, anyone notice, in the old mugshot that you can see really well at the very end at 15:20, the two guys on the right look like they are twins (and I think they are as they were both born in 1866). They look slightly different around the eyes - so maybe they are fraternal twins. Great video, as usual!

Borderline is that the show is an absolute masterpiece, a (probably) timeless piece of cinematography. Hopefully we see more shows of its caliber.

Thank you for the vid. 😌

Thanks for some very interesting history. Very enjoyable.

Fun fact (?/what I’ve been told) police officers in Birmingham remained over 5’10 until 1972, when my 5’7 1/2 dad joined the police cadets and gained the nickname “inch high” or “inchy”. The first of many police nicknames he got lol

We're talking about blades in hats and he didn't even mention Speedwagon

Great Job mate.

I'm really digging the look. The even trimmed 5 o'clock shadow.

In the show they actually use the hat to head butt and blind, but more commonly they use the razors in the hat to cut up and take out their eyes. they often say in the show that they “take their eyes”

I wish they would do an Aussie version about the dodgy blokes that just appeared in Australia under different names. My Grandfather was one of those blokes nobody knows much about him or his brothers history.

Great video man! Really enjoyed learning the true history behind it all.

What happened to your podcast on Spotify? I loved saving up weeks of episodes for a long road trip. Had such a trip recently only to discover that I've already listened to them all. I miss it

You should make a video on Che Guevara. I’m REALLY mixed on how to feel about that man after hearing the stories. I’ve also seen a couple of documentaries where one was leaning more against him, and the other one seemed like they were making light of him. I feel like an explanation from you would break the tie for me

Other characters that weaponized their hats -Raiden from "Mortal combat" ,Michael Jackson in the videogame "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker", and Speedwagon from Jojo.

Love the vid! Always do. One small correction…you forgot about Raiden from MK. He weaponized his hat. Lol

I think shifting the time frame to post WW1, makes sense from a writers perspective. WW1 can be used as a reason for character development/damage/history. It's a much better motivation than some bored power hungry youths. Also it steps up the violence level to guns and explosives. Its almost like the writer merged, UK gang history with the rise of the Mafia. Also post WW1 was a turbulent but interesting setting which allowed the writer to link commonly known real events as plot points.

That was really good! I didn't realize so many liberties were taken with the show 😳

It's always cool too see the real history behind some of the shows. Can't wait for season 6.

Holy shit! That one gangster who became the rival of the Peaky Blinders looks EX-FRIGGING-ACTLY like Dr. Phil! I new Phil was a time lord vampire.....

Don’t forget that Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat also weaponized his hat! 🤣

you looking good thoughty2 guy! keep it up

The wink at the end is EVERYTHING

I must say that the show brought back the peak cap for me; something that my grandfather wore, yet something I wouldn’t have considered until now.

The hat thing might still be partially true, I’m sure they put blades in the cap. As you said they didn’t produce razors til 1908 and the show takes place from 1918-1934. Well after they started producing razors.

Love the show. Just got interested in it and now its done. Even got the haircut to match

Oh and I just want to say I love your channel, I have said it many times but you provide some of the absolute best content on KZfaq. I probably like your content about space and we'll anything to do with space most of all. Space 8s a subject that will always keep me intrigued but you seem to don't in a better way than most but that's not to say I don't like your other videos but space is my favorite like any other 12 year old young man ha the only issue is I haven't been a 12 year old in 35 years ago either there is something wrong with me or you just make great content that makes me feel like a young man lol. More space or time or ...... Sci-fi you get it!

From memory there was at least one gang in Sydney in the early 20th century that used blades in their hats as an iconic weapon, so it had happened in reality, just on the other side of the empire

Stealing a bicycle back then is like stealing a car today . Considering that bicycles where very rare

This is nuts how much of the show is routed in actual true stories wtf

Still some compelling tv. Great job.

Peaky Blinders also inspired countless memes that have fake tough guy quotes plastered on photos of the main character. People like to share these memes to demonstrate to potential mates that they can't fight or think critically

Used to laugh my head off seeing all the plumbers who still lived at home with their parents suddenly being interested in going to the race after the show came out. Not to mention their brilliant Peaky Blinders costumes.

I'm enjoying watching your stuff for a long, long time....I thought of that before...but with this video I have to leave a comment. Your skill of "storytelling" is remarkable to me!

Outstanding!

i had to go google what redundant meant, i hadn’t realized in the UK redundant can describe unemployment, i was so confused like how did child labor become excessive if they banned it lol! great video

I'm obsessed with Peaky Blinders and knew all of this already but didn't mind hearing your video too! It's in my opinion one of the greatest tv shows out there and am so so sad it ended, I can't wait for the movie. Such a fascinating and different story the world didn't know it needed. Tommy Shelby is the greatest character portrayed in a brilliant way by Cillian!

7:40 you forgot speedwagon from JoJo’s bizarre adventure (he threw a spiny hat at Jonathan the first time they met)

I live in cannock which is down the road from birmingham, we are taught the story all the time, well told!

Recently seeing Peaky blinders season 6, And it's pretty good so far, cool to know their real inspiration and origin!.

By the order of the peaky blinders, I declare this video educative

Awesome! Please do South Dakota's Deadwood 🤞

for years you been the best forty two we love you

dont just ignore Robert E.O. Speedwagon's razor blade hat.

Hey Thoughty2, For some reason when I first watched Peaky Blinders I was compelled to look up the characters and found out a lot of these details myself. Nearly all the characters are real people but they have re-imagined their true history. It is a good way to make a story to include as much truth as possible and that is how we can make believable fiction. But to use characters from history and change their life stories is a little uncomfortable and if I were one of the ancestors of one of these people I would be outraged and maybe be looking into legal ways to clear their names. Hence why most why most fictional tales will have changed names to protect the innocent.

Great video and very much agreed, British crime time is very much overlooked.

Great video

GREAT PITY you kept waving your hands and arms about like a demented windmill. I began to think you might start flying sometime soon!! Apart from that, a well presented and enjoyable video...and I did get the name of Billy Kimber correct. Thanks again.