Peaky Blinders is a BBC television series about a gang in Birmingham (UK) in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Based on a real criminal organization, it tells the fictional story of the Shelbys, a gypsy family. Communists, Fascists and the American mafia as well as historical figures, like Winston Churchill and Oswald Mosley, also appear. A large ensemble cast, including Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson and Helen McCrory, depict the Shelbys. Tom Hardy, Sam Neill and Adrien Brody are also featured. Steven Knight created and wrote much of the show while “The Red Right Hand”, the series’ theme, was composed by Nick Cave. Nominated for several honors, the show won British Academy Television Awards and National Television Awards.
Linda Shelby is the wife of Arthur Shelby, one of the Shelby brothers. She is a Quaker, though not identified as such until later in the series. She attempts to rescue the troubled, addicted Arthur from himself, using her religious faith. In Season Three, Episode One, Arthur finds her sitting silently in worship in a chapel. In Season Four, Episode Four, Linda inspires the other Shelby women to join a women’s strike. When asked what led them to do this, one of the Shelby men notes, “Quakers (Linda) put ‘em up to it….” Linda, however, is drawn into the violence and drug use of the Shelby family and finally flees the Shelbys. In the Season Five, “Strategy” episode, Linda speaks with a male Friend at the local Bournville Meeting about Arthur. Arthur confronts the Friend, beating him and slashing his face savagely. Ultimately, Linda is bribed to return to Arthur after being offered a huge donation for her mission work.
Linda Shelby’s story arc in Peaky Blinders contrasts her Quaker faith with the Shelby evil. It is troubling that she ends up losing her way. Peaky Blinders is, by the way, an extraordinary television series. Though extremely violent and displaying sexual and drug scenes, it is a riveting show. It is available on Netflix.
(Above is Kate Phillips as Linda Shelby).
Gary Sandman
October 2025