Houses of Parliament

Lore & Background

In the later seasons, Tommy Shelby's ambition expands beyond controlling Birmingham to influencing national policy. The Houses of Parliament represent this new frontier, where he must navigate laws and alliances rather than just guns and territory. This shift marks a pivotal evolution in his character, moving from an outlaw to a Member of Parliament. The setting highlights the tension between the old aristocracy and the self-made men emerging after the Great War. Tommy's presence within these hallowed halls is often met with resistance, as his past actions clash with the decorum expected of politicians. It becomes a place where deals are struck in shadows, mirroring the backroom politics of Small Heath. Furthermore, the location connects to the rising threat of fascism in Britain. Political figures like Oswald Mosley utilize this platform to spread their ideology, forcing Tommy to confront enemies who wield influence through speeches rather than violence. The Parliament becomes a chessboard for high-stakes maneuvering.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the cobblestones outside Westminster as Tommy adjusted his collar, the cold London air biting sharper than the Birmingham damp. The great clock tower loomed above, silent and judging. He walked past guards in uniform who did not know the man beneath the suit had once commanded armies of men with nothing but a reputation. Inside, the whispers started before he even entered the chamber. A new player at the table, they said. Dangerous, they thought. Tommy smiled behind his hand, knowing that power was simply another form of protection.

Reader's Guide

The Houses of Parliament serve as the ultimate backdrop for Tommy Shelby's transition from criminal kingpin to elected politician. Filmed primarily through imposing exterior shots and stylized interiors, the location underscores the immense gap between Small Heath grit and Westminster grandeur. This setting reflects the post-WWI era's political volatility within the narrative. As fascism rises in Britain during the 1920s and 30s, these halls become a battleground of ideology rather than just street crime. The gothic architecture looms over the characters, symbolizing an ancient establishment they seek to manipulate or destroy from within. Key scenes involve Tommy navigating the corridors of power, often feeling isolated among peers who do not understand his origins or methods. The location reinforces the show's themes of class warfare and ambition, showing how far one man will go to claim a seat at the highest table in the land. It marks the evolution of the Shelby threat from local nuisance to national concern.

Did You Know?

• Tommy Shelby is elected as a Labour MP, granting him access to this location.
• The setting visually contrasts with the industrial Midlands settings used for most episodes.
• Oswald Mosley also operates within this political sphere in later seasons.
• It represents the shift from Birmingham street crime to London political influence.