Do tramps and swagmen still exist?

Question

I mean in the old-world traditional sense- or have they evolved in to the drink-riddled wasters we see in every town these days?

What exactly was a 'gentleman of the road', and when did they disappear, if this is the case...are there still a few examples hanging around?

What about in Oz, do you still get swagmen waltzing their Matildas, or is it the same with you guys?

Cheers!

Answer 1

Yes, tramps still exist. They are usually well educated people who have dropped out through stress and the like. I often see a gent of the road who used to be a surgeon, often see him looking in the bins, he refuses any help.

Answer 2

a couple of summers ago me and my husband were out for a drive one evening and passed this man with long straggly hain and a long coat and a stick and a haversack. A typical tramp. Really freaked me out - don't know why, just not a sight I'm used to. I told my mum about his and she seen him on her way to work the next day, 15 miles from where we'd seen him so he'd obviously been walking all night and sleeping during the day.

One of my mothers friends was telling me about the town she used to live in and they would get the same tramps passing through every summer. They done no one any harm and people were happy to give them a meal or two.

I think they are very rare nowadays and more associated with the drunks you see in shop doorways.

Answer 3

Tramps are still about. Look for 'Nobby' who lives in a bus shelter on the Oundle Road, Peterborough. Been there about 15 years that I know of.

Answer 4

Yes, they call them politicians now.

Answer 5

Yes!! they call them politicians now
ain't they wonderful?

Answer 6

now called magistrates

Answer 7

get r done