Upamanyu Biswas
‘A Thousand Blows’ is a historical drama series chronicling the exploits of an all-female gang of thieves known as the Forty Elephants led by Mary Carr. The show is set in the 1800s in the rough neighborhoods of London’s East End, showcasing the intersection between criminality and people’s daily lives. As the narrative progresses, Mary’s plans with the Elephants begin to collide with two factions – the Goodson brothers, the ring leaders of an illegal boxing operation, and Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican with aspirations to become a lion tamer. While Mary’s influence in the story is undisputable, the show also introduces other important characters like Alice Diamond, who becomes a pivotal part of the narrative and the Forty Elephants sisterhood.
Alice Diamond Was a Real Leader of the Forty Elephants
Alice Diamond in ‘A Thousand Blows’ is based on a real historical figure. While the show portrays her as a member of the Forty Elephants during the 1800s, the real Diamond only came into the organization during the 1900s. She was born in Lambeth Workhouse Hospital to Thomas Diamond and Mary Ann Alice Black in 1886. She was the eldest of seven children. Around 1912, Alice began her career in crime after being cautioned for stealing chocolate. She subsequently picked up a number of convictions before taking on the mantle of Queen of the Forty Elephants – a title that Mary Carr once held. Intriguingly, the show changes the timeline of the events to showcase a younger Alice coming into contact with Mary in the 1880s, where the latter tries to teach her the workings of the Elephants. These interactions and some parts of the character are clearly fictionalized.
As the leader of the Forty Elephants, Diamond would eventually oversee their day-to-day operations as adept pickpockets and shoplifters. Under her watch, the gang gained recognition and became a feared organization across London, even spreading their operations over time. A large number of the heists took place in the West End of London, particularly in the regions where high-end stores could be found. As women were often overlooked as a threat, the Forty Elephants, also known as Forty Thieves, managed to rack up numerous profitable hits. However, no stolen clothing was ever adorned by a member of the gang. Instead, these were disposed of via other channels and distributors as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Alice pulled the strings on the operations from her unique vantage point.
Another change that took place under Diamond’s leadership was the increased aggression and violence exhibited by the Forty Elephants. In Brian McDonald’s book ‘Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants,’ the Forty Elephants leader was described as a strikingly tall figure who often towered over both men and women of her time. Her chief lieutenant, Maggie Hill, was an intimidating figure known for hostility and volatile behavior. During her tenure, Diamond spent several terms in prison as punishment for her crimes. However, it did not deter her attitude towards stealing, which she considered necessary to sustain a life free from poverty. Her gang flourished under her rule, taking on a reputation for style, fashion, and partying. She passed away in April 1952 in Southwark. Diamond remained unmarried throughout her life.
Read More: Is Henry Goodson AKA Sugar Based on a Real Boxer?
