Boswell 'Gipsies' refusing to give census information in 1901

[Penmon]

When undertaking research for my website, I came across a Boswell family living at Brynteg Cottage, Llandegfan, Anglesey in 1901. However, the enumerator notes on the census sheet; 'Four persons refusing information'. All that is recorded reads; Head (of household), female aged 55, son 35, daughter 30, granddaughter 6. They only spoke English. They are recorded as 'Gipsies'.
However, another 1901 census sheet - another entry, also for Brynteg Cottage. Llandegfan.
Delia Boswell, married, 64, Pedlar by trade, Dora Cordree (?) 24, daughter, Gipsy, married, both born Newport, Shropshire, Feenirman L. Boswell, 26, son, who was deaf and dumb, born Bridgnorth, Gipsy, Rosie Boswell 6, granddaughter, born Wellington, Shropshire. False ages given on original sheet, or did enumerator make an assumption?
Why would they have later complied, - could they have been threatened with prosecution? What action would have been taken against them?
Penmon

 

[honestwelsh]

any Boswell worth his (bread)  refuses, to give an answer?

[vince smith]

Can someone tell my Wife that.

[honestwelsh]

 nice one Vince, having a good sense of humour will see us all through any thing? apart from another series of X factor,
 and that nice mister cow  all.

[kdc650]

Penmon

The Boswell family you found in 1901 at Llandegfan are really Locks (the 'L' in the names), who used the alias Boswell after moving into Wales permanently. This is the wife and two children (and a grandchild - Dora didn't actually marry William Cordery until more than a year later) of Noah, who was nearby at Llansadrwn on the census night, with another son Henry, christened Zachariah Lock. The reat Gypsyologist Dora Yates wrote in 1953, "Zachariah 'for convenience' sake' preferred to be called Harry Boswell". The reason for refusing the information is unknown though. One census entry for Delia in 1901 - RG13 5278 29 20 - is obvious - but I would appreciate the location of the no name entry.

Thanks in advance.

Keith C

[Penmon]

Keith - thank you for this wonderful information. The 'Boswell' (surname only), can be found at  RG 13/5278 page 9 - Delia as you say is on page 20. It can be found on Ancestry at Anglesey / Llandegfan / District 16 / Image 9   (Delia image 20)