Theodore Searle

Theodore Racine Searle (also known as The Gentleman of the Road or Theo the Tramp, 21 July 1916 January 1987) was a tramp, poet and musician on the Isle of Wight, notably in the towns of Ryde and Cowes in the 1960s and 1970s. In October 2009, after his death, a stone carving and plaque was erected in his memory in Ryde.

Life He was born on 21 July 1916, the second child to Edith (née Waterworth) and Reverend Gustavus Searle in Newport, Monmouthshire. His parents probably moved there between his older brother, Gustavus's birth in Amesbury, Wiltshire in 1912 and his birth. His parents got married in Kingston-upon-Thames. In 1920, his younger sister, Joan was born in Colchester. His father may have travelled to Hong Kong, Mauritius and other places in Africa.

He was known for entering pubs in Ryde and playing the piano to entertain the customers.

His death was in 1987 in Bridport, Dorset.

Memorial In a small square in Ryde, there is a stone craving and plaque dedicated to him, erected in October 2009. It says: