History of Gypsies and Irish Travellers
Gypsies
Gypsies were thought to have left the northern Indian
sub-continent about 1000 years ago.
Over the centuries they travelled westwards, often settling in
countries where the host culture was more welcoming. Today they
live on every continent.
Gypsies are thought to have arrived in England during the reign
of Henry VIII.
People thought they had come from Egypt, and so at first called
them 'Egyptians'. The name changed over the years to
'Gyptians' then 'Gypsies'.
The Romany language has its roots in Hindi and has been adapted
according to the host language. Many Gypsy children today are
bi-lingual, speaking Anglo-Romany at home.
Their culture has always been an oral (spoken) one, and the
language has never been formally recorded so there is no standard
spelling.
Irish Travellers
When Gypsies arrived in the UK, there were already nomads
here.
Until the 19th Century, Irish Travellers moved around in bender
tents and wagons and were commonly known as Tinkers. The name
Tinker came from 'tinceard' which means 'tinsmith'. This came from
their ancient pre-Gaelic language called Shelta, which some Irish
Travellers still use today alongside English.
'Irish Travellers' is a name society has given them, but their
name for their people is Pavee.
Many do not consider themselves to be Irish. They consider
themselves to be the indigenous population of the island of
Ireland, much like the aborigines in Australia and the Native
Americans in North America.
Irish Travellers and English Gypsies remain, for the most part,
two distinct groups.
This page was last reviewed 3 October 2011 at 16:54.
The page is next due for review 31 March 2013.