Gypsies and Travellers - General Information

A distinct racial, ethic and cultural group with its own language

Recognised as a distinct race in law, most, although not all, Gypsies live a travelling lifestyle. As a race they were persecuted by the Nazis and sent in huge numbers to concentration camps during the Second World War. Gypsies first came to England in the 16th Century and large numbers of Romany Gypsies have lived in Worcestershire for many generations as may be witnessed in local churchyards.

History

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.

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