The hit BBC show focuses on the Peaky Blinders gang which operated out of Birmingham after the First World War. Tommy Shelby (Cillian murphy) and his gang outwit Chief Inspector Major Chester Campbell (Sam Neill) before their operation moves into London.
But these shows are always rooted in some form of history, and Middlesbrough Heritage Development Officer and Leeds Beckett University lecturer Dr Tosh Warwick is trying to find out what really happened around that time.
Credit: Middlesbrough Council
He's uncovered a treasure trove of criminals, ranging from the petty to bloodthirsty, who were arrested, charged and served time behind bars in England's North East.
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Dr Warwick has found Middlesbrough thieves, racecourse pickpockets from Leeds, murderers and even two people 'believed to be the first men to attempt to steal an aeroplane'.
The hit show is loosely based on real criminals (Credit: PA)
Cillian murphy plays gang leader Tommy Shelby (Credit: PA)
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While there is some information on some of the men pictured, the research team behind the project is calling on any historians who may be able to help out.
Dr Warwick told LADbible: "We are exploring the mugshots held at Teesside Archives as we look to bring to life the stories of law and order in the town as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Middlesbrough Town Hall Renovation and Refurbishment project.
Credit: Middlesbrough Council
Credit: Middlesbrough Council
"Once reopened in 2018, visitors to the town hall will be able to explore the previously inaccessible police cells, in use from 1880s until 1970s, which likely provided a 'temporary home' to some of the 1920s criminals featured."
Teesside Archives Manager Ruth Hobbins said: "The crime and punishment records held at Teesside Archives provide a rich insight into historic deviance and policing but also provide a window into the social history of the area including the people who policed the town, the changing uses of buildings such as Middlesbrough Town Hall and wider developments over the centuries."
While it's fun to binge on Peaky Blinders on the TV, there's a pretty rich history of actual criminals that might have lived down the road from where you are now.
Anyone who can help with information on the identity of those in the mugshots, or those interested in volunteering should contact [email protected] or visit www.mytownhall.co.uk.
Featured Image Credit: Middlesbrough CouncilTopics: Peaky Blinders