Perhaps the most famous folklore in the given coordinates has its roots set in the criminal underworld of Birmingham, England during the late 19th and early 20th century. The story revolves around the notorious gang, ‘The Peaky Blinders’. Underneath their infamous reputation, the legend says, the Peaky Blinders were a group of underworld rogues in Birmingham who, at their height, controlled an empire spanning across the entire city. Named after their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps, which they used as weapons, the Peaky Blinders were known for their distinctive style, ruthless nature, and governance over the city’s illegal betting, protection and black-market business.
The Peaky Blinders, allegedly led by Tommy Shelby, were feared and revered by the citizens of Birmingham. Their legend continues to inspire modern culture, with a hit TV show bearing their name. The real story of the Peaky Blinders, like most folklore, is shrouded in mystery. Historical records suggest that the gang was far less organised and that the Shelby family did not exist. However, evidence shows that a gang named the Peaky Blinders did indeed exist and operated in Birmingham during the late 19th century.
On the darker side, the Peaky Blinders were known for their violence and intimidation tactics, and it is rumoured that they often used their razor-lined caps to blind their enemies. Regardless of the truth behind their legend, the story of the Peaky Blinders remains an ingrained element of Birmingham’s local heritage and has since grown into a widespread part of British folklore.