RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => Travelling People => Topic started by: Alegnajay on Wednesday 03 January 07 15:52 GMT (UK)
-
Hi,
When I was a child my great uncle had a gypsy caravan. Although he was married with a family, he lived in the caravan. I never thought much about it. About 5 years ago I met up with one of his sons who gave me quite a lot of background history to it. So much so that I decided to look into the genealogy records and try to trace where the link was with gypsies. This is what I found. My ggreatgrandfather and his father were 'higglers' which I discovered was a name for a pedlar. This was from my ggreatgrandfather's marriage certificate dated 1/07/1852. Subsequently he did various jobs including coal carrier and fruiterer. I haven't researched any further back but it appears from what I have done that they didn't at that stage live in the caravan. I will post a photo of the caravan at a later date.
Angela
-
hi Angela :)
You're really lucky to have traveller/gypsy links within your family's living memory.
So much of the history of traveller families is lost, simply because these families led lives 'outside' the usual law of the land (ie regarding registering BMDs) and also regarding census registrations (these families were often living in fields, etc outside of villages, and often didn't give their names, or their children's names).
Good luck with your family search - post as much as poss, I'm sure someone can help.
best wishes
Clara :)
-
Welcome to Rootschat Angela
I shall look forward to seeing the photograph of your ancestor's caravan - how exciting!
Casalguidi :)
-
hi girls,
Thanks for your replies. I shall post a picture of the caravan as soon as i get it from my cousin. It was painted all red. The name of the Hagglers were John and James Turner. Unfortunately a very common name. They lived in a small village called Tean in Staffordshire. I will definately have to do some more research.
Angela
-
Sorry, I didn't manage to post the photo of the caravan. It was in the wrong version. So hopefully this time i will be successful. I have just e-mailed my cousin to see if she has a better photo.
Angela
-
Hi Angela
That's lovely and how wonderful to have some "proof" of your heritage :)
Casalguidi
-
Hi, Here is the photo promised of the caravan. I'm not sure how old it is but my ancestors who were Higglers (pedlars) must have used it or I don't see how it could have been in the family. This is my Nan's brother, my greatuncle Ted.
Angela
-
Hi Angela
A lovely photograph!
I've reduced the size a little and turned it round so it's easier for us all to view.
Casalguidi :)
-
Couldn't resist trying to tint it
-
Couldn't r4esist a cleanup either
Mudge
-
Hi Mudge and Indolman,
Unfortunately I can't seem to open either of your attachments which I find strange. I am having trouble with a lot of attachements sent via e-mail also and get the message to form and association with the type of attachement it is but nothing seems to work. Any ideas. I have Windows XP.
Angela
-
Hi Angela
Can you not view the pics posted by Mudge and Indolman?
Casalguidi
-
Are you using Photoshop Elements?
Mudge
-
Just wanted to say great pictures :)
-
It looks like what is known as a Reading Wagon
Sorry, I didn't manage to post the photo of the caravan. It was in the wrong version. So hopefully this time i will be successful. I have just e-mailed my cousin to see if she has a better photo.
Angela
Hi, Here is the photo promised of the caravan. I'm not sure how old it is but my ancestors who were Higglers (pedlars) must have used it or I don't see how it could have been in the family. This is my Nan's brother, my greatuncle Ted.
Angela
-
I Loved the caravan pictures.
My grandad, who was not a gypsy, abandoned his family in Eccles near Manchester when his wife died. My dad remembers visiting him with his mother in the late 1930s in Staffordshire around the Leek area. During this time they stayed in his and his new wifes gypsy caravan similar to your picture. My fathers dad Isaac never forgave his dad for abandoning him and didnt visit. My great grandads name was George Storey born in Kendal in 1968. I dont know his gypsy wifes name. My grandmother always had a picture of him on her mantel sat in his caravan. Sadly since she died we cannot find it.
George has always been a mystery!
Jax
-
My Aunt Emma had a gypsy Vardo in her garden at Ellenbrook when I was young. She was married into the Lee family but always told us we had some links with the Boswells.
The vardo (gypsy caravan) was burnt when she died as was the custom.
The Boswells used to come to work on my gt grandparents farm in Cheshire during the fruit picking season. they grew strawberries.