Samuel Woodhouse, aka Sid the Tramp, was no angel. In many ways, he was what some people would consider a classic scrounger – homed but begging, and a regular at the local magistrates.
He was best known in Kemp Town, where he begged outside Lloyds TSB, for his catchphrase “Spare some change for drink or drugs please” – and according to those who knew him, that’s exactly what he spent it on.
But following his death aged just 37 on Saturday, tributes have poured in from Kemp Town residents who say his presence brightened up their neighbourhood, and that they will miss him.
And last week, a shrine to the man who became a colourful local character, referring to himself as Sid the Tramp, sprung up at his old patch in St George’s Street.
Rich Everett, who sadly found Sid at his home in Findon Road, Whitehawk, on the afternoon of Saturday, 4 March, said despite his chaotic life, he will be missed.
He said: “You would be amazed at the number of people who knew him. My friends’ kids have done some remembrance videos because he was so well known to them. It didn’t matter if he was drunk or sober, with the kids he was 100%.
“He came to Brighton 20 years ago and had nowhere to go and when I lived on the streets back then he was the one who looked after people. If he could help anybody, he would.”
Sid moved to Brighton from his hometown of Bolton about 20 years ago, and spent nine or ten years on the streets before being housed about five years ago.
He was often to be seen with his dog Stinky, who has been rehomed following Sid’s death.
His mother Hazel said: “I am overwhelmed with the wonderful messages from people who knew him. I am also very grateful for the generosity of the many people who have contributed to the crowd giving page.
“Sam knew I did not agree with his lifestyle but he was a grown man who made his own choices. I loved him always and still do. I will miss him so much more than words can say.”
Sid chose to spend his money on substances, but local agencies who work with the homeless say this can help keep people on the streets.
If you wish to give to the homeless and those in need in a way which ensures the money is not spent on drink and drugs, click here.
I am Sam’s mum and I am overwhelmed with the wonderful messages from people who knew him. I am also very grateful for the generosity of the many people who have contributed to the crowd giving page. Sam knew I did not agree with his lifestyle but he was a grown man who made his own choices. I loved him always and still do. I will miss him so much more than words can say
I think you should know that ur son was a great man I was 15 when I first met him my dad was beating me up at home and sending me begging ur son looked after me and made sure nothing happened too me he stopped me getting sexually attack by older gentlemen and saved me when I was beat up ur son was a good friend and I’ll miss him dearly
I am shocked at what happened to you but so pleased my son helped. I hope you OK now. X
Your son was a sweetheart. He used to hold my dog for me when I went into the co-op. He will be missed.
Bless you Hazel. Your son was a lovely man. Nothing we can say will bring him back, but we are all missing him and thinking that life will never be the same again. You are his Mum. You must be heartbroken. All our love. XX
Yeah, homeless people shouldn’t be allowed to take drink or drugs, like everybody else does, eh? Drink and drugs should really only be for people with homes and disposable incomes… <<<this is sarcasm.
Well done for reporting on Sid's passing and commemorating him, but I don't think he would have been impressed with this puritanical 'they'll only spend it on crack and cider' nonsense. As you say, the man was well loved – perhaps partly because he was so honest about his habits. Drink and drugs don't keep people on the streets – vindictive, cruel, broken socio-economic policies do.
If you're trying to survive street life you should be entitled to indulge whatever proclivities help you get through it. imvho. I never saw Sid be out of order, no matter how wrecked he was. Rude yes, but never out of order. Not once. (and I saw him around for over a decade, in various states of sobriety…)
Very sad to see him go. Sid might not have been an angel, but he was a good 'un. RIP.
That is all.
Hear bloody hear. All the sanctimonious rubbish about homelessness being *caused* by drugs and alcohol abuse gives me the pip. RIP, Sid. No angel but then he wasn’t dealt a great hand in life either. A real character who will be missed.
Sid was A good friend of mine & to find out that he has left this world is shocking RIP, Sid you will be missed so much bud.
I used to hang with Sid when he stayed at the squat on London Rd. Totally amazing guy who had the most amazing stories. Am really going to miss seeing him around.
He made me smile with his cheeky ways. My dog sniffed stinky enthusiastically, he didn’t stink Big hugs and love to the family at this time of grief. X
This is so sad, I can’t believe he’s gone. Sid was a lovely guy, always helping others without a question. Everytime he walked past the balcony, he’d say ay’up, have a good’in. RIP Sid, gone but never forgotten xxx
Sid passed my house in Kemptown hundreds of times in the last few years, tinny in hand, hat on head, with a jaunty air. Hard to believe he’s gone. Very sorry for your loss.
Sid once stole a pizza from me.
I chased him down the road, but he was too quick.
I am overweight. He fed it to a dog.
He was such a lovely honest man, who will be missed. I always stopped to chat to Sid and on many occasion he’d offer me his pizza. RIP mate x
Theres a lovely pic of Sid on Tumblr his mum might enjoy https://www.tumblr.com/search/sid%20the%20tramp
Memories of Sid popping into the super market at 2am telling the self scan that he wasn’t 15, so he can buy alcohol. Then off he would go with a big chunk of meat for his dog and kicking a ball across the car park for him to chase. Living life as he wanted and seemed to be loving it. Sid will be missed ??
Really sad to see you gone, Brighton is quieter without you, you were known and respected by many and were totally respectable to the people that deserved it. Big thanks for insisting I accepted a fiver from you , when the cash machine wouldn’t give me money. You were a top bloke and will be missed by the all the genuine people that had the privilege to know you. r.. fucking p. xxxx Mark Elliston x
Oh Sid” you really were a character I’ll miss you dude x
So sorry!! Just this minute found out! Had a heart ov gold always made people laugh!
Never did anyone no harm,I’ll miss him always, missing you Bruv,remember your favorite song, “Harry Roberts”, Matty.