Gordon the Tramp
Gordon the Tramp | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gordon Desmond Roberts 1928 |
| Died | (aged 94) Bournemouth, Dorset, England |
| Other names | Gordon Bobby Roberts |
| Known for | Local figure |
Gordon Desmond Roberts (1928 – 19 November 2023), also known as Gordon Bobby Roberts, but better known as Gordon the Tramp, was a resident of Bournemouth and a well-known local figure in the town, who was famous for always knowing the correct time even though he did not own a watch.[1]
Roberts was a well known character in Bournemouth with his large beard and Manchester United scarf, which he wore to all the AFC Bournemouth games.[2] Despite his nickname, Roberts was not actually a homeless man as he owned a house in Charminster, Bournemouth.[3]
Early life[edit]
Roberts was born in 1928 in Boscombe Hospital. He was one of 12 children, having six brothers and six sisters.
For 30 years, Roberts worked on a farm, before the land was built over by the Hampshire Centre shopping complex, before this later became Castlepoint Shopping Centre.[4]
Gordon 'The Tramp'[edit]
Roberts became a well-known face in Bournemouth and his dishevelled appearance of a long, bushy beard and straggly hair, earned him the nickname 'The Tramp'. Despite his appearance suggesting he may be homeless, Roberts owned a house in the Charminster area of Bournemouth, where as of 2007, had lived for 50 years.[3][4]
Internet phenomenon[edit]
In 2007, a Facebook group in Roberts’ honour was set up by former Bournemouth University student, Chris Kimber. As time continued, people started joining the group from outside the local area, whereby Roberts became an internet phenomenon, amassing 14,685 people being part of the group.[5][6][7] Fans have uploaded pictures of themselves with Roberts and added stories about meeting him.[5][8] The phenomenon has been widely reported in many UK newspapers and has spread as far as the Netherlands and Australia.[9]
On 13 January 2010, a Facebook group was set up proclaiming Roberts had died of a heart attack. However, it was soon discovered to be a hoax and shortly afterwards he was found alive and well in Bournemouth town centre.[10] As of July 2011, an online campaign was underway to have Roberts carry the Olympic torch as it passed through Bournemouth.[11] The singer/songwriter Julian Barry who is also from Bournemouth wrote a song titled 'Gordon The Tramp' about Gordon Roberts.
Death[edit]
Roberts died at Royal Bournemouth Hospital on 19 November 2023, at the age of 94.[12] His funeral was held at Bournemouth Crematorium on 21 December 2023.[13]
References[edit]
- ^ "Tramp shoots to fame on internet". BBC News. 3 July 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "'Gordon the Tramp' Global Star!". AFC Bournemouth. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ a b "Gordon the Tramp on the news!". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
- ^ a b "Exclusive interview with living legend... Gordon the Tramp". Bournemouth Daily Echo. 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ a b "Gordon the Tramp". Facebook. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Gordon the Tramp Facebook Group". Facebook. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
- ^ "Worldwide Fame For Time-Telling Tramp". Sky News. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Tramp becomes facebook hero". Metro (Associated Metro Limited). Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Engelse zwerver wordt hit op Facebook". NU.nl. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Gordon the Tramp: back from the dead". Bournemouth Daily Echo. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
- ^ "Bid for Bournemouth character to carry Olympic torch" BBC
- ^ Simpson, Matt (20 November 2023). "Bournemouth legend 'Gordon the Tramp' has died aged 94". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Residents invited to the funeral of 'Gordon the Tramp'". Bournemouth Echo. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
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