11/11/2019The “Peaky Blinders” were more than just a TV phenomenon. They were real gangs that ruled the industrial streets of Birmingham in the late 19th century. Today, fans flock to Liverpool to see where this dark history was brought to life for the screen.
In the 1870s, Birmingham was gripped by extreme poverty. Young men formed gangs to claim territory, leading to violent “postcode wars.” Groups like the Wainwright Street and Ten Arches gangs ruled for decades.
By 1895, the press began calling these criminals “Peaky Blinders.” Their crimes included illegal betting, protection rackets, and black-market trading. While the TV show is set in the 1920s, the real gang’s power actually peaked in the 1890s.
Many believe the gang stitched razor blades into their flat caps, as seen on TV. However, historian Professor Carl Chinn suggests this is unlikely, as razors were an expensive luxury at the time. The name more likely came from their “peakys” (peaked flat caps), which they wore tilted to one side. They were the “fashionistas” of the underworld, wearing silk scarves, bell-bottom trousers, and distinctive leather belts.
Although the drama is set in Birmingham, much of it was filmed in Liverpool. The city’s stunning Georgian and Neo-Classical architecture perfectly recreates the 1920s era.
Powis Street: Located in Toxteth’s “Welsh Streets,” this derelict row was painted black to serve as the Shelby family’s home, Watery Lane.
The Port of Liverpool: Used to recreate the gritty atmosphere of the 1920s shipping docks and Camden Town.
St George’s Hall: A masterpiece of Neo-Classical design used for several iconic interior and exterior shots.
We offer three unique ways to explore these iconic filming locations and dive into the history of the Shelbys.
Our most popular 4-hour “official” tour. You’ll visit over 10 locations, including the Shelby HQ and Aunt Polly’s house.
Price: £30 per person
Highlights: Expert guides, air-conditioned comfort, and behind-the-scenes stories.
A 4-hour guided walk covering 15+ locations from all six seasons. See where the most dramatic moments of the series were filmed right in the heart of the city.
Bonus: Includes a FREE 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass and a drink at a local pub!
The ultimate VIP experience. Your personal guide (who was an extra on the show!) will pick you up in a private black cab for a custom 4-hour tour.
Highlight: A personalized itinerary with plenty of time for photos at every stop.
Was Tommy Shelby a real person? No. Tommy Shelby is a fictional character. However, real-life figures like Thomas Gilbert and Billy Kimber inspired the leaders of the Birmingham gangs.
Why is the show filmed in Liverpool instead of Birmingham? Modern Birmingham has changed significantly since the 1920s. Liverpool has preserved its Victorian and Georgian architecture, making it the perfect “stand-in” for period dramas.
Can I see the Shelby family home? Yes! Our tours visit Powis Street, the actual location used for the exterior of the Shelby family’s original headquarters in Small Heath.
Are the tours suitable for children? While the show is rated for adults, the tours are family-friendly and focus on the fascinating history and filming techniques used in the production.
