Charles "Charlie" Strong, also known as Uncle Charlie, is the non-biological uncle of the Shelby siblings. He works for Thomas Shelby, alongside members of the Peaky Blinders and Curly at his yard, regularly helping with stock and preparing shipments, as well as take care of horses for the Shelby Company Limited.
Character History[]
Series 1 · 1919[]
Charlie is a Romani Gypsy of the Strong family. It is implied that Curly is related to him. When Thomas decides to keep the stolen guns he has acquired, Charlie questions Thomas's decision. Following Thomas's orders, he brings Danny Owen on a boat to London.
Series 2 · 1922[]
After Thomas is ambushed by Darby Sabini's men and discharges himself out of the hospital, Charlie loads a boat with medical supplies and food for both Tommy and Curly so that they can make a trip to Camden Town to see Alfie Solomons.
When Thomas decides to buy a horse for the Epsom Races, he temporarily gives it to Charlie and Curly to care for.
When the Shelby Company Limited begins its expansion, Charlie helps load crates of vehicles with bottles of Scotch Whisky inside, to be sent overseas to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Charlie complains to Thomas about the manufactured goods Thomas has him transporting, saying it's heavier to lift and that legally purchased goods make him feel like he has an actual job. The actual transporting is also too easy now that Thomas has made a deal that guarantees safe passage for Charlie because things are too easy and boring now. He also complains about Thomas agreeing to a pay raise because he didn't even try to argue or haggle with him.
Series 3 · 1924[]
Charlie is among the Shelby brothers on the day they hunt a stag in the memory of their father.
Series 4 · 1925-1926[]
Charlie attends the family meeting after John's murder and hears about the current situation regarding the vendetta from Thomas. After this he attends John's funeral.
Following the funeral the Peaky Blinders meet in Charlie's Yard to prepare for the vendetta with the Changretta family. Aberama Gold and his men also arrive and Aberama tries to buy Charlie's Yard, however Charlie declines his offer. Aberama Gold then tries to make the Yard a part of the deal between himself and Thomas Shelby, however he backs down from a coin toss in which he can win the Yard, but has to let Tommy Shelby sleep with his oldest daughter if he loses.
Charlie pushes Tommy and May Carleton together. He rather pointedly tells Tommy to give May a tour of The Garrison. Later, he smuggles May into Small Heath on a boat because he can tell Tommy is going stir-crazy while being cooped up in Birmingham.
Series 5 · 1929[]
Charlie confirms that Mrs. Shelby committed suicide shortly after Finn was born, after a period of highly erratic behavior. He says that she was hallucinating and claiming to speak to spirits. Charlie tried his best to help her, but ultimately she took her own life by walking into the canal.
Series 6 · 1934[]
He attends Thomas' farewell meal on the grounds of the now demolished Arrow House.
Personality[]
Charlie is a settled Gypsy, and hard as iron. Charlie is not particularly fond of Tommy's new legitimate business dealings. He prefers less honorable ways and doesn't hesitate to let Tommy know it. Charlie frequently tells fake or misleading stories about Tommy to others, despite Tommy repeatedly telling him not to. He's rather cranky and mean, rarely saying anything nice. He never smiles, and is a man of few words.
Relationships[]
Mrs. Shelby[]
Charlie is a close friend of hers. Charlie was deeply in love with Mrs. Shelby, but never confessed his love for her, as she was married and had a family. When she began suffering from depression, Charlie tried his hardest to help her. He convinced her to go on the road for a bit, and she went to Worcester. When she returned, she appeared to be in a better mindset, and Charlie believed she was better. However, a few weeks later, Mrs. Shelby walked into the canal, committing suicide like her father. A broken-hearted Charlie was the one to pull her body from the canal.
Quotes[]
"What's this, teddy bear's fucking picnic?" — Charlie Strong to the Peaky Blinders
"The man you're waiting for doesn't exist." — Charlie Strong to May Carleton
Image Gallery[]
