Gypsies of Britain

Gypsies have been a part of the British and European social fabric for centuries - and have faced prejudice and oppression for nearly as long, since at least the time of Henry VIII. Theirs is a peripatetic existence, dwelling in tents and in caravans and living often precariously at the edges of towns and villages, moving on in search of opportunities or as mainstream society drives them away. Gypsies of Britain explores the history of this unique lifestyle, looking at how Gypsies have maintained their distinctive culture and how they have adapted to the twenty-first century, and shedding light on a range of traditional Gypsy occupations including harvesting, horse-dealing, fortune-telling and rat-catching. Archive illustrations and modern photographs depict their lives, work and ornately carved and painted caravans.

Janet Keet-Black is a founder member of the Romany and Traveller Family History Society and is Editor of 'Romany Routes'. She is the author of several Romany-related articles and 'Hidden Photographs of a Hidden People' (2010).

Introduction Travelling Groups in Britain Travelling Patterns and Abodes Earning a Living Evangelism and War Work The Twenty-first Century Further Information Index