Gypsy Traveller Heritage

In many ways Gypsy Traveller history can be described as a "hidden history". Although in recent years the number of publications and resources about Gypsies and Travellers has increased there is still a wealth of information waiting to be discovered. Attempts to define Gypsy Traveller history and culture is made more difficult by an absence of documents written by people from the Gypsy Traveller community. Gypsy Traveller culture is based around oral tradition, with stories being passed down from generation to generation.

There are a wide range of sources that can be used to uncover and interpret Gypsy Traveller history, these include parish records, such as baptism, marriage and burial registers; poor law records including settlement examinations; as well as census returns and photographs.

To see more images see A Visit to a Hampshire Hop Garden from late 19th century lantern slides