When did Thomas Shelby die in real life? This question often arises among fans of the hit TV series “Peaky Blinders,” which is based on the real-life criminal underworld of Birmingham, England during the early 20th century. Thomas Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, is a fictional character, but his story is inspired by the life of real-life criminal Thomas Sherrin, who was a member of the Shelby family and a notorious figure in the Birmingham underworld. In this article, we will delve into the life and death of Thomas Shelby, both in the fictional world and in reality.
Thomas Shelby, the protagonist of “Peaky Blinders,” was born in 1886 and died in 1922. The show depicts his rise to power in the Birmingham criminal underworld, his conflicts with other criminal factions, and his struggles with the law. In the fictional narrative, Shelby’s death is a pivotal moment that leads to the rise of his son, John Shelby, as the new head of the family business.
However, in real life, Thomas Sherrin, the inspiration for Thomas Shelby, had a different fate. Born in 1875, Sherrin was a member of the Shelby family and a key figure in the Birmingham criminal underworld. He was known for his leadership and ruthless nature, which earned him the nickname “The Black Bull.” Sherrin’s criminal activities included protection rackets, street violence, and the protection of brothels and gambling dens.
Thomas Sherrin was killed on January 23, 1922, in a shootout with the police. The incident occurred outside a public house in Birmingham, where Sherrin and his gang were attempting to collect protection money. According to reports, Sherrin was shot multiple times and died at the scene. His death marked the end of his criminal empire and had a significant impact on the Birmingham underworld.
While the TV series “Peaky Blinders” takes creative liberties with the story of Thomas Shelby, his real-life counterpart, Thomas Sherrin, left a lasting legacy in the Birmingham criminal underworld. The show’s portrayal of Shelby’s death is a dramatic and intense moment that serves as a reminder of the real-life dangers faced by individuals involved in organized crime during that era.
In conclusion, Thomas Shelby, the fictional character from “Peaky Blinders,” died in the show in 1922, while his real-life inspiration, Thomas Sherrin, was killed on January 23, 1922. The show’s portrayal of Shelby’s death adds to the dramatic and gripping narrative of the Shelby family’s rise and fall in the Birmingham underworld.
