Cheltenham, UK
General Info
| City | Cheltenham |
|---|---|
| Area/Region | Gloucestershire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Website | www.cheltenham.gov.uk |
| Latitude | [object Object] |
| Longitude | [object Object] |
| Telephone | 01242 262626 |
| Postal Code | GL50,GL51,GL52,GL53,GL54 |
| Location Name | Cheltenham |
| Alternate Name | Cheltenham Spa |
| Street Address | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK |
Overview
Cheltenham's charm lies in the combination of urban sophistication and country charm, much like the Shelby family's quest to rise above the gritty streets of Small Heath in Birmingham. Between the pristine driveway and the neatly lined townhouses, you can almost imagine how the Shelby brothers plan to adopt their glamour. Horse racing, a recurring theme of the series, is synonymous with Cheltenham. The grandeur of Cheltenham Racecourse, a world-class racing venue known for its adrenaline-pumping racing, resonates with many of the strategic bets the Shelby family makes in their business endeavours.
While remaining English, Cheltenham offers a glimpse into the grit, glamor and ambition of the world of Peaky Blinders, providing a fascinating backdrop to this inspiring universe.
History
Founded in 1716 following the discovery of mineral springs, Cheltenham quickly transformed from a humble market town into a hotbed for the leisure class. While Tommy Shelby and his gang dominated the urban and industrial streets of Birmingham, Cheltenham offered a very different landscape.
The arrival of the railway in the 1840s accelerated the development of Cheltenham. This brought in many wealthy Londoners, attracted by the promise of Regency Spas and the supposed health benefits of Cheltenham's fresh air. As the upper class flocked to the city, the Shelby family business also expanded. Although Birmingham remained the gang's main base, Cheltenham was where they pushed the limits of their legal gambling operation. It was the backdrop for several major story events, including a large-scale horse race that the gang regularly attended.
The historical elegance of the resort town, along with its wealthy residents, Peaky Blinders reveals the tension between the rough and dirty world of the Shelby gang and the ambitious glitz of high society. Local law enforcement was another important factor: while Birmingham police found the Shelbys easier to police, Cheltenham police proved much more difficult. Essentially, Cheltenham was a stumbling block for Birmingham. The latter represented strength and survival, while the former represented wealth, sophistication and aspiration. Thus, the city's place in the Peaky Blinders universe understands the complexity of Shelby's goals and aspirations, reflecting their simultaneous need for power at the expense of respect.
Background
With its grand Regency buildings, large gardens and famous racecourse, Cheltenham was once considered a haven for the wealthy. Known as "the most complete regent city in England", its refined size attracted high society and the wealthy. This sense of upper-class solidity provides a compelling backdrop to the drama of an urban world teeming with crime and corruption. In the Peaky Blinders universe, Cheltenham is the perfect camouflage for illegal operations and creates an almost calm facade for the mayhem beneath. The posh exterior of the city provides a rich backdrop for the gang's activities, creating an intriguing dichotomy between the dramas of Regency glamor and the posh exterior of the city.
The racetrack has special significance in the series as the site of the gang's illegal gambling operations. It's both a backdrop to grandeur and a portal to the underworld of criminals, further blending the worlds of crime and aristocracy. Every year the town fills with visitors for the Gold Cup, a major event in Britain's horse racing calendar, giving Blinders the perfect opportunity to do some shady activities amidst the hustle and bustle. Overall, Cheltenham, with its classic charm and major attractions, plays a very important role in the Peaky Blinders universe, providing a contrasting backdrop to the gritty streets of Small Heath, Birmingham. Picturesque landscapes, manicured lawns, an idyllic racecourse and Regency architecture add to this intrigue, adding layers and depth to the complex story of this fascinating series.