What is tom o' bedlam?

Tom O' Bedlam is a character associated with the archetype of the madman in English literature and folklore, often depicted as a wandering beggar or lunatic. The name is derived from Bedlam, a famous mental asylum in London, and he is featured in various works, including Shakespeare's "King Lear" and the poem "Tom o' Bedlam." The character symbolizes the themes of madness, social exclusion, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity. Tom's songs and verses often reflect profound insights and critiques of society, despite his apparent madness.