Tommy Ferens

Thomas “Tommy” Ferens became known as “Tommy on the Bridge”, a familiar figure on the crossings between Newcastle and Gateshead. Disabled and living in poverty, he relied on begging for about forty years and became a local celebrity whose image appeared on postcards.

He reportedly believed that standing on the boundary between the two towns would keep either police force from arresting him, although he was arrested on several occasions for his language. Stories about him also include threats to sue the council. His colourful public reputation sat alongside a life of considerable hardship.