A new documentary looking at the history of the Birmingham gangs that inspired the Peaky Blinders will air on BBC One tonight.

The show looks at the mass gang movement that started in Birmingham and other cities in the 19th century. 

Historian Carl Chinn looks at the real-life stories that inspired Steven Knight's hit BBC show, which is now in its sixth and final series. 

The first mention of the term 'Peaky Blinders' was in the press in 1890 and the street gangs are referenced as far back as the 1860s. 

Worcester News: Five gang members (BBC/Plimsoll Productions/Proper Job Films)Five gang members (BBC/Plimsoll Productions/Proper Job Films)


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Although there are some suggestions the gang name came from keeping razor blades in their hats, the documentary reveals the name actually came from wearing bowler hats with the brim pulled down over one eye.

When is The Real Peaky Blinders on TV?

The first of two episodes will air on BBC Two on Monday, March 7.

It will be broadcast from 9pm until 10pm and will be available on iPlayer. 

The second episode will be shown a week later on Monday, March 14 at 9pm.