Rogues, Villains and Peaky Blinders

The next meeting of the Society takes place on Thursday 12th March at 7:30 pm in St. Andrew's Church, Bilston Street, Sedgley. The speaker is Corinne Brazier, Heritage Manager for the West Midlands Police Museum housed in Steelhouse Lane Lockup, Birmingham.

Corinne has meticulously researched police files to reveal the real lives of the city's criminals and gangsters. There is a treasure trove of 'mug-shots' adding poignancy to the stories.

Grinding poverty at the end of the Victorian age and beginning of the twentieth century forced some families into lives of crime - even children became involved. Gangs formed, resulting in organised skulduggery and violence.

One leading gang, the Peaky Blinders, were a frightening bunch and their reputation was well earned. For them fact has become fiction, launching television dramas, fashion trends and now a film.

Admission is £2 - exact amount appreciated.

2026 – Winter Teaser Answer

This photograph was taken in the 1890s. Although he never lived in Sedgley Manor his knowledge of the nine villages and whole of the Black Country was unsurpassed.

We asked if you could name this English teacher.