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From: "Angela Allen" <>
Subject: Theodore Lamb 1880 - 1950
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 21:26:22 -0000


Hi All,
Theodore Lamb, along with 'Old Mettle' - (William Castle) &
'The Banbury Pedestrian' (Thomas Colley) is remembered locally
as being a colourful eccentric character --- although by most
accounts none of them were idiots!

Theodore Lamb, opted for his way of life after being jilted at the
alter, so the story goes - Known in town as the 'Banbury Caveman'.
He lived in a battered old hen-house off the Brailes road - although
he did move 'premises' at times to other farm buildings around the
outskirts of local villages.

He wore tattered sacks, plastered his long hair with mud, & rubbed
lard into his skin to hold back the ever present cold.
He was often seen riding into/around town on his bicycle -- without
any tyres, pulling a trolley of pots & pans behind him
Theodore would busk in the Market Place, playing the melodeon &
tin whistle.

He also made money from visitors to the town. Stories would go back
each year to outlying villages, from folks that had attended the market
or fair in town - tales & descriptions of a man many would not believe,
unless seen with their own eyes - He became a 'tourist attraction'.

Theodore used this to his advantage :>)
He would speak to you for one shilling & pose for a picture for half-
crown!
He also earnt money repairing watches & clocks.
It's said men going away to war in 1914 left their watches with him for safe
keeping.

Eventually the police banned Theodore from the town centre because of
his state of dress.
He died of pneumonia in 1950 at the age of 70, still living in his hen house.

Theodore was the son of Joseph & Mary LAMB of Sibford.

Angela:>)
co admin Banbury



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