Shelby Family Wiki | XLA Multiverse

General Info

Faction Name	Shelby Family

The Shelby family are a notorious faction of Birmingham's underworld that featured in the hit British crime drama Peaky Blinders. Led by the charismatic and shrewd Thomas Shelby, the family has grown from humble beginnings to become a force to be reckoned with in the dark realities of post-war Britain. This tight-knit clan runs the Shelby Company Limited, best known for its betting shops, pubs and the Peaky Blinders gang. Clever, ruthless, yet bound by blood and loyalty, they negotiate treacherous areas of politics, organized crime, family tensions and power struggles while navigating their own personal demons and ambitions. Their intriguing relationship, fierce survival instincts, and naked ambition to establish a legitimate empire make the Shelby family an irresistible force in the Peaky Blinders universe.

Overview

The Shelby family reigns at the heart of the Peaky Blinders universe, an infamous gangster family set in the back streets of Birmingham, England after the First World War. The family's infamous reputation can be attributed to illegal betting activities, extortion, and influential control over certain political and social spheres. At the helm is the flamboyant Thomas Shelby, ambitious and clever, driven by his vision to elevate the family's status in England's underworld.
The main members are the fiercely loyal Arthur, the pragmatic and down-to-earth Ada, as well as the cunning Aunt Polly, who wields the force with wisdom and a healthy dose of spirituality. Together, they navigate the treacherous terrain of law enforcement, rival families, and their own personal demons while remaining fiercely loyal to their demons. The Shelby family, despite their criminal exploits, is not without morals. They have a frightening and complex layer of humanity, evidenced by their struggles with PTSD, their search for love and a better life. They symbolize the abrasive history of war veterans who walk from the trenches to the home front, carrying with them the physical and emotional scars of war.
Embodying brutality and sophistication, The Shelby Family offers an intriguing exploration of how the lines of right and wrong blur, charting their journey through a rich narrative against a bleak industrial backdrop. The Shelbys aren't just a gang; they are a complex family unit maneuvering through an era of seismic change, fraught with peril and opportunity. Their fascinating story continues to captivate audiences, making the Peaky Blinders universe a compelling narrative maze to navigate.

History

The Shelby family from the Peaky Blinders universe hails from Birmingham, England. Their fame began in the 1910s, shortly after the First World War. The family was of Romani-Gypsy origin and had roots in both commerce and street artists. After the war, they established themselves as gangsters called the Peaky Blinders who engaged in gambling and bribery. Their influence was mainly in the Small Heath and Bordesley areas, which were predominantly working class. The patriarch of the family, Thomas Shelby, served as a "Tunnel Rat" in the Great War, during which he gained leadership skills and a strong intellect, which he used to expand the operations of the Peaky Blinders. The gang not only survived the post-war economic crisis, but also experienced tremendous growth. From operating legal betting shops to checking horse racing results, they have effectively exploited the opportunities.
The rise of the Shelby family was not without its challenges. They faced opposition from various corporations, rival gangs, and even law enforcement. But the resilience and bravery of the Shelby family members turned the Peaky Blinders from a local gang into a national union. The Sharpe mentality and ruthless attitude of the Shelby family soon cemented their reputation. Their power began to spread beyond Birmingham, establishing their influence in London and beyond.
However, it is important not to ignore the deep-rooted loyalty of the Shelby family members, as well as their commitment to their Roma heritage and origins. They stick together in the face of adversity, maintaining a challenging balance between their ambitions and their loyalty to each other. Despite their wild exteriors, each member of the family was deeply affected by the traumas of the war, which reinforced their complexities.
Despite the challenges, the Shelby family's story is a testament to their indomitable spirit and the gypsy pride they brought with them on the journey. Their story dramatically shaped the social and political landscape of Birmingham and etched a legacy of rebellion and ingenuity, becoming an iconic tale within the criminal world of the Peaky Blinders universe.

Notable Members

Member #

Thomas Shelby

Arthur Shelby

John Shelby

Polly Gray (Shelby)

Ada Shelby

Michael Gray (Polly's son)

Finn Shelby

Charlie Shelby (Senior, deceased)

Charlie Shelby (Junior, Thomas's son)

Ruby Shelby (Thomas's daughter)

Katie Shelby (John's wife, deceased)

Esme Shelby (John's wife)

Lizzie Stark (Thomas's wife)

Geography

The Shelby family from the Peaky Blinders universe live mainly in the industrial center of Birmingham known as Small Heath. This squalid neighborhood is a stark contrast to their lavish lifestyle, an indicator of their humble beginnings and unstoppable rise. Surrounded by factory smog and populated by hardy workers, Small Heath is the breeding ground for their power.
However, their influence is far beyond the hazy horizon of the Little Heath. Through strategic alliances, careful planning, and sheer power, the Shelby family infiltrated the aristocracy of London, giving them a strong foothold in the country's political affairs. They also manage rural gypsy communities, a testament to their Romani gypsy roots. Much of the action takes place from The Garrison, a family-owned coffee shop that serves as a neighborhood landmark and unofficial headquarters.
Although Birmingham remains their home and stronghold, their business is far-reaching, reaching across the country and even overseas to America. Their connections with international criminal organizations and secret government agencies have spread their influence around the world.
The geographic reach of the Shelby family shows their ambition, adaptability and potential. They are not just a Small Heath product; they are a force changing the territory and beyond, one illegal enterprise at a time. Despite their geographical spread, the spirit of Small Heath – hard-working, resilient and unyielding – remains a central part of their identity.

Legacy and Impact

The Shelby family's legacy and influence from the hit series Peaky Blinders is as fascinating as their tumultuous journey to the top of the power spectrum. Hailing from Small Heath, Birmingham, they have humble beginnings and have carved their name into the annals of the criminal underworld. Their iconic flat caps, infused with razor blades to deadly effect, became a symbol of their fierce resilience and business acumen.
The growth of the Shelby family is impressive and terrifying, from an illegal gambling gang to a criminal empire that spans continents. Each family member played a key role in the journey. Their strategies combined raw power with sophisticated cunning, terrifying foes and enthralling audiences around the world.
The Shelby family has greatly influenced pop culture, inspiring fashion, language, and even hospitality with Peaky Blinders-themed merchandise, dialects, and bars. The lasting, albeit fictional, legacy leaves an indelible impression on viewers, making them an unforgettable subject of television's underworld. Their efforts heavily emphasize themes of survival against the odds, family loyalty, and ambition, teaching us that in despair lies the possibility of greatness.