Austen Street

Lore & Background

Throughout the seasons, the house on Austen Street endures sieges, police raids, and internal betrayals. It remains a sanctuary for Polly Gray during her tenure as matriarch before she eventually moves out, marking shifting tides in family dynamics. The location grounds the narrative in reality, reminding viewers that despite their wealth and influence, the Shelbys remain rooted in the streets of Small Heath where they began.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicks the cobblestones outside as Tommy steps off the tram, collar turned up against the biting wind. He pauses before the familiar brick facade on Austen Street, knowing eyes watch from every window. Inside, a fire crackles low in the hearth, but the air is thick with unspoken tension. Polly waits at the table, cards laid out, reading not just his fortune, but the danger he brings home tonight.

Reader's Guide

Austen Street is the central location for the Shelby family's domestic life and criminal operations. It anchors the story in Small Heath, providing a tangible sense of place amidst the broader political intrigue. Its role extends beyond a simple setting; it acts as a character itself, enduring the scars of conflict and change. From planning meetings to violent confrontations, the house absorbs the drama of the Shelby ascent. It matters because it symbolizes their roots. No matter how high Tommy climbs in society, he returns here. It represents the loyalty to family that drives his ambition while highlighting the isolation that comes with power.

Did You Know?

• Anya Taylor-Joy played Gina Gray in the BBC One period crime drama series Peaky Blinders from 2019 to 2022.
• Gina Gray is the starring role for Taylor-Joy in her final role of 2019.
• Peaky Blinders is set in Small Heath, Birmingham, where the Shelby family operates.
• The series is a period crime drama that aired on BBC One.