The Real-Life Peaky Blinders, 1910


The Peaky Blinders, an infamous street gang that operated in Birmingham, England, between the 1890s and 1920s, consisted of men from lower social classes who climbed the ranks of the gang hierarchy through fighting, gambling, evading the law, and committing murders. They specialized in robbery, violence, racketeering, murder, and controlling gambling activities. The gang’s membership fluctuated around 50,000 individuals, with alliances changing based on their relationships with the Peaky Blinders. Shockingly, some members were as young as 12 years old.

The gang earned their name, “Peaky Blinders,” through two possible origins. They were known for wearing flat peak caps, which they would modify by sewing razor blades into the front, turning them into concealed weapons. This dangerous headwear allowed them to blind their enemies by headbutting them in the eyes or slashing their foreheads when removing the cap, causing blood to impair their vision. Another explanation for their name stems from their method of robbing people. The Peaky Blinders would approach their victims from behind, pulling down their hats over their faces to obstruct their view while stealing from them.

In recent times, the Peaky Blinders have gained widespread popularity through a highly successful television show that shares the same name.

Regarding the picture, the individuals depicted are:

– Harry Fowles

– Ernest Bayles

– Stephen McNickle

– James Gilbert

 

 

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The Peaky Blinders

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