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hello my name is daisy my dad is benny brown hes 79 years old hes now termenly ill, and for years hes wanted to trace his big sister i have tried a few times before but never got nowhere with it, so im gonna have one last try cos it would mean the world to him & hed be so happy to find her the older hes getting and the iller he becomes the more hes pining for his big sister my dad was one of 10 children four boys and six girls my granny&grandads name was Annie Eastwood and Charlie Brown My Dads brothers was archie billy tommy and hes sisters was sissy elvey ivy rosie elizabeth nicknamed pimpa and the one were looking for is the eldest and her name was Annie nicknamed tuna shed be round about 81-83 she married a man called wally who is now passed away she lived in erith kent or there abouts shes got a daughter were not to sure of the name at the moment, as the story goes when she was a young child my grandads mum and dad took her to look after her but unfortunatly she stayed with them no fault of hers, but they did have contact when my oldest brother was born even i was born because i remember my dad saying they come to see us when we was born my grandad charlie brown died at the age of 51 and my granny annie eastwood his wife died at the age of 48 both with cancer and died 6 weeks apart leaving a very young family youngest tommy brown being round about 3-4 years old they lived in corks pitt in kent and my mums maiden name is daisy luke evan if she doesnt want to see him he would just love to know if shes all alright and that he loves her and always have so PLEASE if anyone out there has the faintest bit of information that you think could be helpfull PLEASE PLEASE could you just let us know it would mean everythings to us and thank you for your time too read this means alot, x x x Love daisy x x x

hello my name is daisy my dad is benny brown hes 79 years old hes now termenly ill, and for years hes wanted to trace his big sister i have tried a few times before but never got nowhere with it, so im gonna have one last try cos it would mean the world to him & hed be so happy to find her the older hes getting and the iller he becomes the more hes pining for his big sister my dad was one of 10 children four boys and six girls my granny&grandads name was Annie Eastwood and Charlie Brown My Dads brothers was archie billy tommy and hes sisters was sissy elvey ivy rosie elizabeth nicknamed pimpa and the one were looking for is the eldest and her name was Annie nicknamed tuna shed be round about 81-83 she married a man called wally who is now passed away she lived in erith kent or there abouts shes got a daughter were not to sure of the name at the moment, as the story goes when she was a young child my grandads mum and dad took her to look after her but unfortunatly she stayed with them no fault of hers, but they did have contact when my oldest brother was born even i was born because i remember my dad saying they come to see us when we was born my grandad charlie brown died at the age of 51 and my granny annie eastwood his wife died at the age of 48 both with cancer and died 6 weeks apart leaving a very young family youngest tommy brown being round about 3-4 years old they lived in corks pitt in kent and my mums maiden name is daisy luke evan if she doesnt want to see him he would just love to know if shes all alright and that he loves her and always have so PLEASE if anyone out there has the faintest bit of information that you think could be helpfull PLEASE PLEASE could you just let us know it would mean everythings to us and thank you for your time too read this means alot, x x x Love daisy x x x

hello my name is daisy my dad is benny brown hes 79 years old hes now termenly ill, and for years hes wanted to trace his big sister i have tried a few times before but never got nowhere with it, so im gonna have one last try cos it would mean the world to him & hed be so happy to find her the older hes getting and the iller he becomes the more hes pining for his big sister my dad was one of 10 children four boys and six girls my granny&grandads name was Annie Eastwood and Charlie Brown My Dads brothers was archie billy tommy and hes sisters was sissy elvey ivy rosie elizabeth nicknamed pimpa and the one were looking for is the eldest and her name was Annie nicknamed tuna shed be round about 81-83 she married a man called wally who is now passed away she lived in erith kent or there abouts shes got a daughter were not to sure of the name at the moment, as the story goes when she was a young child my grandads mum and dad took her to look after her but unfortunatly she stayed with them no fault of hers, but they did have contact when my oldest brother was born even i was born because i remember my dad saying they come to see us when we was born my grandad charlie brown died at the age of 51 and my granny annie eastwood his wife died at the age of 48 both with cancer and died 6 weeks apart leaving a very young family youngest tommy brown being round about 3-4 years old they lived in corks pitt in kent and my mums maiden name is daisy luke evan if she doesnt want to see him he would just love to know if shes all alright and that he loves her and always have so PLEASE if anyone out there has the faintest bit of information that you think could be helpfull PLEASE PLEASE could you just let us know it would mean everythings to us and thank you for your time too read this means alot, x x x Love daisy x x x

hello my name is daisy my dad is benny brown hes 79 years old hes now termenly ill, and for years hes wanted to trace his big sister i have tried a few times before but never got nowhere with it, so im gonna have one last try cos it would mean the world to him & hed be so happy to find her the older hes getting and the iller he becomes the more hes pining for his big sister my dad was one of 10 children four boys and six girls my granny&grandads name was Annie Eastwood and Charlie Brown My Dads brothers was archie billy tommy and hes sisters was sissy elvey ivy rosie elizabeth nicknamed pimpa and the one were looking for is the eldest and her name was Annie nicknamed tuna shed be round about 81-83 she married a man called wally who is now passed away she lived in erith kent or there abouts shes got a daughter were not to sure of the name at the moment, as the story goes when she was a young child my grandads mum and dad took her to look after her but unfortunatly she stayed with them no fault of hers, but they did have contact when my oldest brother was born even i was born because i remember my dad saying they come to see us when we was born my grandad charlie brown died at the age of 51 and my granny annie eastwood his wife died at the age of 48 both with cancer and died 6 weeks apart leaving a very young family youngest tommy brown being round about 3-4 years old they lived in corks pitt in kent and my mums maiden name is daisy luke evan if she doesnt want to see him he would just love to know if shes all alright and that he loves her and always have so PLEASE if anyone out there has the faintest bit of information that you think could be helpfull PLEASE PLEASE could you just let us know it would mean everythings to us and thank you for your time too read this means alot, x x x Love daisy x x x

hello my name is daisy my dad is benny brown hes 79 years old hes now termenly ill, and for years hes wanted to trace his big sister i have tried a few times before but never got nowhere with it, so im gonna have one last try cos it would mean the world to him & hed be so happy to find her the older hes getting and the iller he becomes the more hes pining for his big sister my dad was one of 10 children four boys and six girls my granny&grandads name was Annie Eastwood and Charlie Brown My Dads brothers was archie billy tommy and hes sisters was sissy elvey ivy rosie elizabeth nicknamed pimpa and the one were looking for is the eldest and her name was Annie nicknamed tuna shed be round about 81-83 she married a man called wally who is now passed away she lived in erith kent or there abouts shes got a daughter were not to sure of the name at the moment, as the story goes when she was a young child my grandads mum and dad took her to look after her but unfortunatly she stayed with them no fault of hers, but they did have contact when my oldest brother was born even i was born because i remember my dad saying they come to see us when we was born my grandad charlie brown died at the age of 51 and my granny annie eastwood his wife died at the age of 48 both with cancer and died 6 weeks apart leaving a very young family youngest tommy brown being round about 3-4 years old they lived in corks pitt in kent and my mums maiden name is daisy luke evan if she doesnt want to see him he would just love to know if shes all alright and that he loves her and always have so PLEASE if anyone out there has the faintest bit of information that you think could be helpfull PLEASE PLEASE could you just let us know it would mean everythings to us and thank you for your time too read this means alot, x x x Love daisy x x x

hello my grandads name was Patrick Joseph Dolan and i was told he was a romany gypsy his date of birth was April the 24th i think 1919

Hi my name is Amy and I am related to Gilderoy Scam, I came across this page on my mission to find my ancestors. Would anyone out there know if Gilderoy Scamp was married and the name of his wife/partner to whom he had a child named Flora Scamp? I have been unable to find if he had any other children an so on. Is there anybody out there who could help me please? thanku

Hi
I used to work with Len Dighton at Queen Marys Hospital Sidcup in the sixtys.
His mother and brother lived at the old rectory at the barley mow, his mother living in the old horse drawn caravan until her passing.
Len lived in a street near hurst rd sidcup,i cannot remember which, many years ago and my memory is not so good now.
I used to visit his house and have morning tea with him and his wife, lens love for large slice of cheese and onion sandwich was renown.
Lens first name was different, he told me it was out of the bible as was his brother, i cannot rember it.
Len told me many stories regarding his family and tradition in the romany circle and showed me many things over the years.
A wonderful man and family, is he stil alive after so many years and memorys.
I moved to Australia in 1974 and i often wonder about those wonderful times.
If anbody could let me know it would be wonderful.
Jeff.

Calling all Boswell, Dighton, Redworth, Scamp, Lee, Buckley, Burt, Gardiner, Heron, Loverage, or any family connections.

This is a young project and I am seeking any Romani connections to this Family Tree. My line is through Kate Boswell c.1852 to Shadrach Boswell c.1750. Any help or information, regarding anything to do with this tree will be gratefully appreciated. If you would like to contribute by adding your line, however connected, I will be most pleased to add it for you. Alternatively, by giving you access to build your own Branch or Tree.

Tell us what you know at http://www.romani-ancestors.com look forward to hearing from you,
rmb.

Hi,
Just wondering whether I could get some advice. My ancestors are recorded as being Hawkers/Pedlars on the 1861 census for Fordingbridge.
Does this mean that they were of romany or traveller descent?
Many thanks,
Jo

Hi All, my maiden name is Boswell which was taken from my Great Granny's name after my Mother divorced. I come from a long lone of traditional Gypsies and was hoping that somone on here may know somthing about them. My Granny (Mothers Mum) married a Showman named Jimmy Elliiot who in his day was a bare knuckle boxer who fought under 2 names Gypsy Shaw or Cooky Scrubs. My Granny was a fortune teller and travelled all the shows and the name/writing on her tent was 'Madame Shaw, Gypsy Palmist and Clairvoyant, Daugher of the late Gypsy Princess'. My Granny had previously been married to a Shaw. Some of the other surnames through the family are Greg and Beckett, Any info would be appreciated. Tricia

hello i wondered could anyone enlighten me on my surname ? someone told my niece it was a romany name and id love to learn more ! thankyou :)

i married elvie webb,her mother matilda madind name virgo born on hartalbury common her farther was cornelius virgo of hartlebury commom,my wife farher was joe webb,

Hi,I am involved with a group of poets writers and artists on Facebook.We are in the process of putting together an anthology of our work for publication in June 2012.We are working on a theme of The Story Teller,gypsy stories and sayings that have been passed down from generation to generation,tales told around campfires etc.The proceeds of the book are to go to support the work of The Gypsy Council.We came together through our concerns about the way in which traveller communitys were treated in sites like Dale Farm and we wanted to do somthing constructive.The founder of our group is an austrailian writer Grahame Raymond Neville.We have well known gypsy folki involved as well as supporters.We are always keen to receive new members who would like to contribute with a poem,story or photos which tells the story of the travelling community in a special way.This is an exciting project and once published we expect it to be of interest to all both in the gypsy travelling community and outside.Thank you,Ray Wills The Gypsy Poet

my father was a romany travelling in th manchester area namely nathan shaw.he died in 1941 and is buried with his brother and son in phillips park cemetary clayton msnchester. does anyone have any info i am lacking info

my father was a romany travelling in th manchester area namely nathan shaw.he died in 1941 and is buried with his brother and son in phillips park cemetary clayton msnchester. does anyone have any info i am lacking info

my father was a romany travelling in th manchester area namely nathan shaw.he died in 1941 and is buried with his brother and son in phillips park cemetary clayton msnchester. does anyone have any info i am lacking info

my father was a romany travelling in th manchester area namely nathan shaw.he died in 1941 and is buried with his brother and son in phillips park cemetary clayton msnchester. does anyone have any info i am lacking info

my father was a romany travelling in th manchester area namely nathan shaw.he died in 1941 and is buried with his brother and son in phillips park cemetary clayton msnchester. does anyone have any info i am lacking info

ur pictures of the new forest romanys include my dad grandad and aunts and uncles very interestin to learn my history thank u x

For any interested person.

My great grandmother, Sentina Buckland, daughter of Edmund and Phebe ( Best ). Edmund son of Thomas and Damaris ( Fletcher). Edmund born 27 sep 1835 at Thornborough, Bucks. Had brother Thomas b 1838, sister Amadine b 1831 Newport Pagnell and also probably Aaron, Plato and Centina, who married William Bryant. I am searching for parents of Thomas ( Edward and Diana ?). Believe Thomas died young or split from Damaris as Damaris had an illegitimate son, Lewis, born Lewis Fletcher?, circa 1847. Damaris ( Maria) died 1852 Harmondsworth. Thomas and Damaris married 1826 at Long Crendon Bucks. Both described as 'Gyps'. Thomas a 'Brazier' or Tinman. Aaron and Edmund appear on Old Bailey records accused of Theft ( acquitted) May 1853.

Anyone anything to add ? related? know of Thomas' birth?

re email about the Mills name in Warwickshire I omitted my email address althea.john@ntlworld.com
Althea

There was a story in our family tree that my grandmother married my grandfather James Mills and her family were not happy with this as he was reputed to be desended from Gypsy familys . I have my g.g. grandfather Thomas Mills born in warwicjkshire in 1801 to a Sarah Jackson , he joined the army and served 25 years going to Zante where my g grandfather was born .Was Mills or Jackson gypsy names in Warwickshire .? They came to live in Hampshire one relative being Brusher Mills who lived in the new Forest . I would love to be able to think they were from Gypsy stock
Althea

Hiya, this is for oggycooperbennett (richard), I am married to mark cooper who's great granny is also lavinia 'luvvie' cooper. mark's dad is danny cooper and he is son of liberty (libby) cooper who is son of Lavinia 'luvvie' cooper. email me, jen4kidslater@aol.com and i can give you some information and maybe you can give me some too!!!! jenni

Hi im trying to trace or just get some storys of my family and wondered
if you could help please.My mum is a cooper from the new forest she was
born and raised on longdown compound,Her mums name was Irene cooper and
her
dad John Eli Cooper,you have a picture on your site of my great nan
Livinia Luvvie Cooper so thats where im at.Hope you can help as ive
heard
ive got a long and proud heritage coming from the Coopers of the new
forest.
Thanks for your time Richard

Lovely to see your site. I am not a traveller but I spent a lot of time in the company of Wiggie Smith and members of the Brazi family in Gloucestershire, recording and learning their songs, so I have a lot of respect for the gypsy culture. I wonder if any of the younger members of their families still sing the old folk songs, as opposed to the Country and Western songs?

Gwilym Davies
Winchcombe, Glos

hi my mum emily smith/gray is looking for her cousin sarah eastwood born 1931-32 .Her mothers name was sarah shepherd her father george eastwood.her mum died when sarah was 16.Sarah was born on Belvedere Marsh after her mum died a person named queenie looked after her.they stopped at Chipping Norton.If anybody knows of sarah could you please contact us.My mum would be over the moon to find her,she often talks about her an would love to know her whereabouts.

Would anyone know the history of the Croucher family? My Great Grandfather, Joseph Henry Croucher was born in Guss, Christchurch, in 1839 -
this was on the "Sir George Meyrick's Estate". I believe they were travellers - in 1871 he was living at 10 Stone Street, Portsea, and in 1881 he was living in Milton, also Portsea.
I believe he was in the Navy and I understand he was awarded a 'plaque' for being the first man to set foot on an Island.
Can an anyone shed any information as re this please as I am most anxious to find out.???
Jean D.

Would anyone know the history of the Croucher family? My Great Grandfather, Joseph Henry Croucher was born in Guss, Christchurch, in 1839 -
this was on the "Sir George Meyrick's Estate". I believe they were travellers - in 1871 he was living at 10 Stone Street, Portsea, and in 1881 he was living in Milton, also Portsea.
I believe he was in the Navy and I understand he was awarded a 'plaque' for being the first man to set foot on an Island.
Can an anyone shed any information as re this please as I am most anxious to find out.???
Jean D.

hiyer all , my grandad was a romany gypsy and im interested in finding out more about him .. his name was charles curtis and he was born on the 17th july 1901 in Norwich ,his mother was ethal curtis,formerly .palmer ?? i would be gratefull for any help on this,,thanks ,,angie

Just found family in 1911 Ashley Bristol
Finneymore Lee 41 ( 1870 ) - Harriet Rose 33 - Violet Edna 9 - Finney More Clement Charles 6 - Terence Robert 3
( dealer in horses )
Finneymore C C Lee was bapt 1904 Knowle holy Trinity Nativity Gloucester

1891 Census Eltham London 2 Lees Villa with parents
Moses Lee 53 b 1838 Ashford Kent - horsedealer says married
very hard to read but appears to be 3 males
George ? Wandstead
Finneymore Thornton Heath
William b London 1871
All vistors
Emily Cook aged 16 Gravesend Kent
George Silvester 38 - widower/Jersey
Leonard lee.27 - nephew woolwich
John Lee. ........72 b 1819 Maidstone kent - married/ matmaker
Maria Lee.........70 b 1821 ? Nurse sick
Silvester Ripley. 19 b 1872 Hastings

Aah now this makes more sense : Finneymore is actually Phinnimore and its good to note the name appears rare but also passes down through lines

1881 Census New Eltham 24 Pelham Terr Eltham Kent
Moses lee........ 43 b 1838 Brighton Sussex - Hawker
Jane...................37 b 1844 Westerham Kent
Alfred..................19 b 1862 Peckham Surrey - brick layer
George...............18 b 1863 Wanstead Essex - Carman
Thomas..............16 b 1865 Wanstead Essex
Moses.................13 b 1868 Wanstead Essex
Phinnimore.......11 b 1870 wanstead Essex
William ..............10 b 1871 Hackney Middlesex

This might also be relatives
Fenimore Lee( male ) bapt 17th July 1765 Herne Kent
Phinemore Lee ( male ) buried 6th Oct 1782 Bekesborne Kent
Finemore Lee buried 30th Jan 1875 Maidstone Kent - Father John Lee

Hi
Finneymore CC Lee b 1904 married Kathleen B Silcocks 1923 Bristol Gloucestershire
2nd marriage Doris Sketchley 1953 Leciester

There was a sister Violet Edna Lee b 1901 9th Nov -bapt 15th June 1904 Horfield Gloucestershire - Finneymore & Harriet Rose aged 2

Finneymore Lee b 1870 of 45 Bouverie Street Easton Bristol died 29th Nov 1924 Royal infirmary Bristol- Widow Harriet Rose Lee * nee Whiteman *

In 1901 they were in London Etlham Finneymore Lee b 1870 Thornton Heath - Harriet Rose b 1878 Ipswich Suffolk
Horsedealer

Hello,
I have been trying to trace my family tree for a while now and have drawn a blank. My grandfather's name was Finneymore Charles Clement Lee and he was born in 1904 in Horfield in Bristol. His father before him was named Finneymore lee born in 1870 and died in 1924. I do know from family that he was romany and that he was a horse dealer and that he lived at Thornton Heath, Surrey. I would really appreciate it if anyone has got any information. My e-mail is rach-a-b@hotmail.co.uk. Thankyou

Hello,
my name is Tammy Buckland, i am a Traveller (Gypsy / Romany) and i am currently researching my family tree. I have found a lot of information about the Buckland family on various websites but none of the information seems relevant to my branch of the family. If anyone could help me that would be great!
My Dad's name is John Buckland, his Dad's name was Nelson "Shyboy" Buckland born 1944, and his Dad's name was also Nelson and we think he was born around 1910 - this Nelson married Dorothy "Dolly" Wrench.
I am having trouble finding out the name of Nelson's (1910) Mam and Dad - he had siblings Kathleen, Esther, Edith, Irene and maybe others too.
I do have living relatives that might know this information but havent managed to get down to see them yet.
If anyone can help i would really grateful!
Thanks,
Tammy x

Hi there,
I am currently trying to establish my family tree. I have ancestors who are / were romany gypsies. They were in the new forest, ringwood, southampton, bransgore, and thorney hill. I am stuck at the moment and would love any help.....
isabel cooper born 1906 talbot village.
?siblings are: louisa,matilda, maisie, eliza, george, joseph, william, liberty, henry and calib.
i'm not 100% but i think her parents were george and rose cooper......i cant find her birth cert, i have her marriage to albert sherred who are also gypsies. Albert was born in 1901 ringwood....if any body has any information that might help, or you are related then i would be grateful to hear from you.
isabel(known as bella) married albert 1930 and had ivy louisa, raymond john, edward and sidney. They were registered, well ivy was at thorney hill , ringwood....i need help....please
regards and look forward to your reply
Lisa Chapman nee herridge

has anyone found any information on the family of = deliah (delia )jones born about 1871 , her father was vernon jones , his occupation was a hawker . she married a richard turvill ( turville ) at sandiacre derbyshire .december 1900 , the names lock ,bell , and ferrill have some connection . i have a copy of the marriage certificate , i also have a copy of my grandmothers birth certificate , matilda turvill born 1907 at clay cross derbyshire she was one of ten children . hit a brick wall as they moved around so much , can anyone please help tried several sources of information , even looked on the following site with no joy .= travellers, showmen , hawkers . have requested help before on this subject but had computer problems .sue. many thanks .

I grew up during WW2 in Swan Road, Hanworth, Middlesex. The Swan Pub at the West end and nearby was my father's Warden's Post.
Between the two, lived a family of Romanies, the Smiths an dseveral of the children use to be in my class at school.

Afew years ago, I visited Hanworth and discovered that there were still members of the family living here. I spent a nostalgic hour with them, discussing old times. I have posted this, in case it helps any one who is trying to trace Smiths.

Hello there, I am hoping for some insight into my family tree. I am related to one of the largest Gypsy families,the Lees. and my fathers side are the CROCKERS. who I also believe are from a travellers background. I have been researching as far as I can, and have found that there are very few Lees registered at birth,marriages or deaths. I am finding it very difficult to trace anyone who is related, apart from one or two. If there is anyone out there who could give me some pointers I would be very grateful. The Lees were based in Hayes Middlesex, and The Crockers are originally all from the Berkshire district. Thankyou in advance for any help or information.

Hello there, I am hoping for some insight into my family tree. I am related to one of the largest Gypsy families,the Lees. and my fathers side are the CROCKERS. who I also believe are from a travellers background. I have been researching as far as I can, and have found that there are very few Lees registered at birth,marriages or deaths. I am finding it very difficult to trace anyone who is related, apart from one or two. If there is anyone out there who could give me some pointers I would be very grateful. The Lees were based in Hayes Middlesex, and The Crockers are originally all from the Berkshire district. Thankyou in advance for any help or information.

Hello there, I am hoping for some insight into my family tree. I am related to one of the largest Gypsy families,the Lees. and my fathers side are the CROCKERS. who I also believe are from a travellers background. I have been researching as far as I can, and have found that there are very few Lees registered at birth,marriages or deaths. I am finding it very difficult to trace anyone who is related, apart from one or two. If there is anyone out there who could give me some pointers I would be very grateful. The Lees were based in Hayes Middlesex, and The Crockers are originally all from the Berkshire district. Thankyou in advance for any help or information.

Hello there, I am hoping for some insight into my family tree. I am related to one of the largest Gypsy families,the Lees. and my fathers side are the CROCKERS. who I also believe are from a travellers background. I have been researching as far as I can, and have found that there are very few Lees registered at birth,marriages or deaths. I am finding it very difficult to trace anyone who is related, apart from one or two. If there is anyone out there who could give me some pointers I would be very grateful. The Lees were based in Hayes Middlesex, and The Crockers are originally all from the Berkshire district. Thankyou in advance for any help or information.

Hello there, I am hoping for some insight into my family tree. I am related to one of the largest Gypsy families,the Lees. and my fathers side are the CROCKERS. who I also believe are from a travellers background. I have been researching as far as I can, and have found that there are very few Lees registered at birth,marriages or deaths. I am finding it very difficult to trace anyone who is related, apart from one or two. If there is anyone out there who could give me some pointers I would be very grateful. The Lees were based in Hayes Middlesex, and The Crockers are originally all from the Berkshire district. Thankyou in advance for any help or information.

Hi, I'm trying to help my Nan to build a family tree. Her name is Lavinia Gill, from cornwall. We are related to the Orchards of Holsworthy or Hallsworthy (i get them confused), and Rosemary Penfold (the author) is my nan's granfer's brother's daughter. I think my Nan's father was farmer Rabey but there are a few uncertainties and he was not the man that brought her up. Any help on any relatives would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hello - my second great granfather was Soloman Stanley, born 1816at Rabbets Worth Bitterne, married 28 December at St James Church West End Southampton, died 10 February 1892 South Stoneham. I would be grateful if you have any information about him.
Thank you John Unwin

Hi

I have just been looking at the Sampson Boswell site again and I wondered if there is any in the Boswell family I could contact about Vashti Boswell who married a Butler and lived in Hucknall nottinghamshire?

My grandmother was brought up by this lady and I would like to make contact with her distant relations.

Thank you.

My Father Gordon Stanley West , Born in Bristol 1926-2000 passed away Blackpool Lancs, told my mother he was of Romany Gipsy Famliy, he had a sister Eyzmy West, he was orphaned at the age of 4 and a half, and was taken into care by his uncle Fredrick West, the father of 9 sons or my fathers cousins, he was a bare knuckle boxer, I met this uncle as a boy, the story goes so , my fathers father eloped with the youngest daughter of the Romany family Smiths, the Two families were buisness competitors, and their marrage was not approved, they where both disowned and ostresized by both families. his mother died in child birth with the third child, his father died of Parkinsons disease.. his sister was accepted by the family, but the son my father was orphaned into the Royal Navy Ophanage Arathesia in Portsmouth until he was 17yrs, and then was in active service as ordiary sea man on his Majesties Ship The Victorious, an aircraft carrier with the fleet air arm at the close of the WII..his grand father was the founder of the Bristol Railway traction Steam Company, I believe the mothes Family where in shipping mechantiles ? does anyone know anything about these two families, I would like to meet this part of my family, they are for me Unknown and I would love to meet them and hopefully get to know them please, before I pass one day away, I would like to know for my childrens sake and thier children who and where they are sincerly Gordon E. West Esq..

My Father Gordon Stanley West , Born in Bristol 1926-2000 passed away Blackpool Lancs, told my mother he was of Romany Gipsy Famliy, he had a sister Eyzmy West, he was orphaned at the age of 4 and a half, and was taken into care by his uncle Fredrick West, the father of 9 sons or my fathers cousins, he was a bare knuckle boxer, I met this uncle as a boy, the story goes so , my fathers father eloped with the youngest daughter of the Romany family Smiths, the Two families were buisness competitors, and their marrage was not approved, they where both disowned and ostresized by both families. his mother died in child birth with the third child, his father died of Parkinsons disease.. his sister was accepted by the family, but the son my father was orphaned into the Royal Navy Ophanage Arathesia in Portsmouth until he was 17yrs, and then was in active service as ordiary sea man on his Majesties Ship The Victorious, an aircraft carrier with the fleet air arm at the close of the WII..his grand father was the founder of the Bristol Railway traction Steam Company, I believe the mothes Family where in shipping mechantiles ? does anyone know anything about these two families, I would like to meet this part of my family, they are for me Unknown and I would love to meet them and hopefully get to know them please, before I pass one day away, I would like to know for my childrens sake and thier children who and where they are sincerly Gordon E. West Esq..

what a wonderful site. i am researching the light/stanley family from dorset. my grandmothers husband's mother was amy light. im just begining the search but i love all the stories!

Hi,
thank you for providing the gypsy community and others interested in gypsy life and lore with such splendid websites.
Yours is a site of such great content and knowledge admired across all sectors of the gypsy community.
Please can you change my The Gypsy Poet link to my new site at http://www.thegypsypoet.co.uk
Take good care,
Ray,
thegypsypoet

Ken Cooper

Do you remember any Carey's in Belvedere? If so can you email me any information and any stories you have.

clairepigram at yahoo.co.uk

thanks
Claire

hi Maryjohanna. saul and lavinia cooper are my great-great grandperents. There daughter Lavinia Cooper birth 1874. was my great grandmother. I have sent you my email address norah.fosh@sky.com
I have more information for you. from norah.

Hello,
My name is perin stuart (female) my Nan on my Dads side was a Romany from the Cooper family. Her name was Harriett Cooper her Father was William, I don't know her Mothers name. I know they travelled in Kent and some time lived on belevedere. My Grandmother married my Grandfather his name was Bill Stuart. To my knowledge they had 7 children who were born in Kent and Greenwich, they were married in Deptford. My dad was the eldest his name was Billy Stuart he contracted polio when he was about 5 so he lived with his grandmother in Deptford most of the time. His siblings were Harriett, Mary, Jack, Betty,Eileen, Georgie and Shirley. ICan anyone help with information on my family, Iwould be very grateful I would love to know what my Great Grandmother was called. Thanks Perin Stuart.

Hello,
I'm a Cooper, but not a Romany. I was born at Erith and I remember the Belevedere marshes and the Gypsy site, before Thamesmead was built. I remember Tommy Cooper, the knife sharpener, who used to come around our estate with his litte pony. I remember my mum saying he was a Cooper, but not related. I was facinated to see the pictures of him. I remember the local Labour MP (name escapes me but will come back to me after I've posted this) who was keen on helping the Gypsy community. I remember reading his book on the subject back inthe early 60's. Many thanks for the memories.
Best wishes
Ken Cooper

Does anyone have a photo of Wardley Street as my Dad and his family lived at number 73, but moved in 1947 to Norfolk.

Thanks.

Faith

Jacqueline, see if you can contact Stephen Doe, he has transcribed some of the Ash Surry Baptisms and among them are Sines & Symes (both spelling are the same family) I think you will find that Hezakiah’s wife is Cinderella Cooper and they married in 1908. I have not really researched this family but I know Stephen has done a fair amount - John

I am trying to locate information about my lateGrandma lena Rigley, i am told she was a bargee gypsy. she may have once been known as turton, or harrison she was 86 year old when she passed away in 1964, she had many children, len, clarence cyril, dennis, peg lena, bert,wilf.
she ued to tell fortunes and lived in ilkeston in her later years, i know it is a long shot but any scrap of infoormation would be greatly receved

Does anyone have any info on the Sines name? My grandfather's name was George Sines and lived in Carshalton Surrey. I believe his parents were both Rom but left the caravans. He had a brother named Charlie and a sister named Olive as well as other siblings of whom I don't know the names.
I did find Heckezial and Cinderella Sines but not much other info.

Thanks John Sherriff for letting me know the names on the pic:)

On your page of photographs there is a Photo of "Grt Grandad Lavina's brother Johnny Sherrif and his wife Mary" . , John Sheriff and Mary Sheriff were my grandparents. My father was also named John Sheriff, as am I. I thought you may be interested in the identity of the other people in the photograph. The lady is Josephine Sheriff the wife of Frederick , son of John and Mary. The baby is Frderick Jn and this photograph must have been taken 1940/41 ashe was born 1940. My uncle Fred would have been away at war when this Photograph was taken. I hope that this interesting to you.
Best wishes
John Sheriff

I have just finished this beautiful book within an afternoon. How I enjoyed it, such wonderful descriptions of a lost era. I was born in Chester Cheshire in 1944 and as a child well remember the Gypsies arriving every year in their beautiful caravans. They always stayed in Vicars Cross on the land of a very large derelict house. As children we would sit at a distance watching them make beautiful flowers out of privet twigs. They would split the tops into petals and then dye them. Also make pegs and then come around our neighbourhood selling them. We were mesmorised by them and found them so exotic in our plain world. We never really thought as children, how tough their lives must have been , for us they were almost magic and to this day I have such fond memories of this time. So thank you Rosemary for giving me back a bit of my childhood.

Hi Angie looking at the site l see you are looking for some info on randall lee the randall lee l have in my family tree is my great great grandad .his daughter annie lee was my fathers granmother his name was belcher lawrence i also have more info please get in touch send a email maggie

Hi. My maiden name is Sylvia Stanley and I am the great-great granddaughter of Levi and Matilda Stanley whose family came from England and settled in the Dayton, Ohio area. If anyone has any information about the Stanley family I would appreciate it.

Just to say how enjoyable your book was to read, it brings back to memories of when my brothers and sisters were younger and able to play freely, the things you got up to me made me laugh to myself and remember we did some f the same things, we did'nt have much, but our childhood with our friends in Southern Ireland was a lovely memory. It's a shame my children cannot have the same freedom.

Reading your story brings everyhthing to life.

I cannot wait to read your next book when it comes out in 2012.

Sharon McGough

PLEASE CAN ANY ONE TELL ME WERE I CAN FIND THE MARRAGE OF LINDA GLADWIN TO MR JAMES GREEN I AM SURE THIS WAS A GYPSY WEDDING KIND REGARDS PATRICIA

To Maxine Durling

Do you know where in Kent your family links are? I have a brilliant resource for the Medway/Dartford/Gravesend areas of the county.
You can contact me on clairepigram@yahoo.co.uk

Claire

Hi everyone

Sorry this is the second posting, I forgot to add my email adress:

treeroots@btinternet.com

I am searching for any information on my grandparents: Harry Henry Brazill and Louisa (Louise) Giles, all I have at the moment is their death certificates.

Harry Brazill Died 1958, at West Lodge Plaxtol, Kent and is buried at West Peckham Church, Kent, birth place unknown but believed to be around 1897

Louisa Giles Died 1952 at Smallfield Section, Redhill Hospital and is buried (third party heresay) at the church in Crawley who's churchyard was taken up when the new bus station was built, again believed to have been born around 1887 "within the sound of Bow Bells"

Their address at Louisa's time of death was 1 Woolborough Road Crawley, there is now a dental surgery on the site but I am led to understand that in 1952 it was the site of temporary accomodation.

They had 4 children

Pheobe born 1924 Lower Green, Pembury, Kent

Bobbie (Robert/Bob) born 1926 at Ash Vale, Surrey

Lena born according to her death cert 19 day after Bobbie but at Dunton Green, Kent. It may be either the year of birth is wrong or that she was baptised there.

Harry, I know nothing about harry.

Pheobe, Lena and Bobbie have all passed away.

Harry was, on Pheobe and Bobbie's birth certificates shown as a Licenced Hawker.

Bobbie and Lena married into the Payne family Bobbie to Gladys and Lena to Herbert Payne (brother and sister) Pheobe married a John Ward.

They I believe followed the crops round and at one time 1951 were living at New Barn Farm near Brooklands, Romney Marsh where Bobbie and Gladys married in Brooklands Church

If any can help it would be a great relief to move my research on.

Many thanks

Robert

Hi everyone
I am searching for any information on my grandparents: Harry Henry Brazill and Louisa (Louise) Giles, all I have at the moment is their death certificates.
Harry Brazill Died 1958, at West Lodge Plaxtol, Kent and is buried at West Peckham Church, Kent
Louisa Giles Died 1952 at Smallfield Section, Redhill Hospital and is buried (third party heresay) at the church in Crawley who's churchyard was taken up when the new bus station was built

Their address at Louisa's time of death was 1 Woolborough Road Crawley, there is now a dental surgery on the site but I am led to understand that in 1952 it was the site of temporary accomodation.

They had 4 children

Pheobe born 1924 Lower Green, Pembury, Kent
Bobbie (Robert/Bob) born 1926 at Ash Vale, Surrey
Lena born according to her death cert 19 day after Bobbie but at Dunton Green, Kent. It may be either the year of birth is wrong or that she was baptised there.
Harry, I know nothing about harry.
Pheobe, Lena and Bobbie have all passed away.

Harry was on Pheobe's birth certificate shown as a Licenced Hawker.

Bobbie and Lena married into the Payne family Bobbie to Gladys and Lena to Herbert Payne, Pheobe married a John Ward.

If any can help it would be a great relief to move my research on.

Many thanks
Robert

Does anyone know whether the surname Israel is a Romany Gypsy one?

Thank you.

"A Field Full of Butterflies" is out TODAY! AN EXTRACT CAN BE READ FROM WOMAN'S WEEKLY MAGAZINE IN THE 19TH APRIL ISSUE - WATCH THE ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW ON 4TH MAY (3-4 PM) TO SEE ROSEMARY TALKING ABOUT HER BOOK. ALSO IN PRIMA MAGAZINE MAY ISSUE.

REVIEW - "Rosemary Penfold was born in 1938 in a traditional Gypsy wagon, and grew up in the fields of the English countryside. In this beautiful and evocative memoir, she recounts her life within a loving extended family and small but close-knit community. From early memories of her father bringing home oranges during the war, to the simple beauty of a field full of butterflies on a hot summer's day, Rosemary's stunningly elegant narrative captures the love and losses, hopes and struggles, traditions and prejudices that bound her to her family and helped her adapt to a fast-changing world. Rosemary's story is a moving testament to a forgotten world and a rapidly disappearing way of life."

hello site owner i have found what i was looking for thank you ,but no one seems to no anything .never mind i will trundal on and live in hope.

Hi Everyone -a reminder that the Book " A Field Full of Butterflies" by Rosemary Penfold is published on 14th April. She is appearing on the Alan Titchmarsh show within the next week (Thursday 7th April onwards) to talk about her Romany childhood. There is also an article about it and a photo of her outside the wagon she was born in on Page 88 of May issue of Prima magazine. There are old photos in the book. Although it is mentioned that the book is in Hardback for 18.99 it is being published in paperback for under 5.00. It is going to be WH Smith book of the week when it comes out and in Tesco and ASDA as well as independent bookshops. Enjoy!

My great x 2 grandfather George Wareham's father was James Small and on his marriage certificate in Shroton in Dorset in 1847 he said that James was a 'yeoman'. However I have long suspected that he was in fact a gypsy because in the same village and just 8 years before George was born a James and Charlotte Small had a son called James Crib Small baptised in the parish and he is stated as being a 'gipsy'. I recently think I have confirmed this because after 15+ years of chasing for this James and Chalotte I found them later in 1841-1871 settled in Poulner, Ringwood, Hampshire, James firstly being a labourer and then later as a yeoman farmer. This must be the same James and Charlotte and I think confirms that whilst George was right that by 1847 his father was a 'yeoman, that his father was in fact of gypsy stock.

Interesting things about this is that James appears to have illegitimately sired my great x 2 grandfather whilst still with Charlotte in 1825 and that James and Charlotte were together for about 8/9 years before they married in an established church in Ringwood in 1824. Charlotte's maiden name was also Wareham!

Shroton (Iwerne Courtney) used to be famous for it's regular fayre and I wonder whether this may explain the Small family presence at times through this period?

One other thing I noticed was that James and Charlotte later had a grandson called Pharoh. This must surely confirm his gypsy heritage as I would have thought this unusual name has gypsy roots?

Hi Unity your posts should be on one of the numbers below that are the older pages :)

hello site owner can you tell me where my questons have gone i put them on the day befor yesterday and i cannot find them so i dont no if any one has answered them regards unity

hi this is rosemarie sorry i miss the info you sent please can you send it again thank you

I too am having problems posting my email address concerning my great grandma Minnie Smith I just found out she had two other brothers Tom and Onslow they travelled sometimes around Matlock here is my email address if anybody as infomation for me femmiedupri@hotmail.com

I'm sorry for the delay in posting my email regarding the Willett/Saunders family from the Brighton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight area. there are also possible links with Kent. My email is kathypye@gmail.com - I do look forward to making contact.

Hello to anybody who could help me on my search to find out about my family,this is all the infomation I have:
My great grandma was Minnie Smith there must have been more children but I only heard about two brothers Nipton and Torpoint,she married (donot know his first name) Potter they had 7 children,Samuel(my grandad)Joeseph,fredric,Bill,Minnie,Charlotte and Emily.
They come from Derby and were alot in the Forest of Dean,my grandad was born on xmas day 1899 en registerd in Derby,they travelled alot to Wales where some settled others like my grandad settled in Leicester where my grandad started his own buisness in linoleum known as the Linoleum King,he stood markets in Leicester and Burton.I have met some family in wales who have told me stories and the romany language which I knew alot of has my dad often talked to my uncle in this language.
My grandad married and had 6 children Sam,Mary,Minnie,Pat,Bill(my dad)Alan,the oldest son Sam got killed 19 years old driving the van back from market.I can remember going to visit my grandad who was has an old man very handsome,my dad would say to me and my brother don,t say these words which I won,t mention on this site out of respect for others who don,t like these words.I have 2 pegs which they sold and stories and alot questions...I am passing everything I know to my children so the Gypsy blood will stay alive and go on .
If anybody knows anything at all please let me know..Thank You x

Could you tell me please who the two gentlemen are in the first photo on Barney/Barnes page, thanks.

Hi, could anyone help me with information.....regarding saul and lavinia cooper....Thanks!

Looking for information on Randall Lee, born about 1842 possibly in Woodford, Essex. His daughter, Phoebe Lee (born 1866) married Walter Street (born 1866) in Bethnal Green in 1882. In the 1881 Census, Phoebe was living on Cherry Island with her aunt.

I live in slidell, Louisiana, i been ttraceing my family tree, my family is the windsor Coopers, i really like your site.

hi, i want to know who sent the pictures in of the bournemouth flower sellers? the woman holding the flowers down low with the black hat on is called lucy old (maiden name)she was my great granny, everyone new her as granny sis, her name isnot holt, but old, and the way travellers talk it has been miss heard, she married a man called jimmy white (james) and they had 3 living children isac white, caroline white ( my granny ) and betty walker nee white, the other woman in the picture all bar 1 are jimmys sisters, and my great granny sis, had the pictures taken with her sisters in law, any one want to know any thing about them please ask, thanks

Hi there - some of you wanted to know when they could get hold of the book "A Field Full of Butterflies@ -It's published on 14th April (just a few weeks away) by Rosemary Penfold. It's her true life story of Romany life in Somerset just after the war on land her Granny and Granfer bought with their life savings, despite the council trying to move them off! A Romany childhood many will yearn for.

Looking for a JOHN LIGHT who was employed by James Lambourn, a horse trader of Summertown on the outskirts of Oxford. John stole some watches from Lambourn and was transported to Australia in 1836 at age 16 and apparently turned 17 while on the ship which would make his date of birth 1819. On his marriage certificate he gives his place of birth as Bristol. John married EMMA GODDARD in Melbourne, Australia and had lots of children, most of whom survived, married and had children of their own, so there are lots of us reseaching him. Unfortunately we have not been able to locate his parents names. Can anyone help?

Hi I'v just discovered you and you might be able to help me.
Some years ago my sister and I started to look into our family tree but new we could not look at it all of it owing to the fact that one of our great granfather's was a rom, my father bless him tried to remeber as much about his granfather as he could and did go to one of my great aunts for some more information but all they could tell him is that our great granfather worked on the swingboats at a fair and that his coulours of his van were green and yellow.
My grandmothers maiden name was Attkinson and I always wondered if this was my great granfathers name or weather he took my great granmothers name. So the questen is do you know of any romanys called Attkinson ? if not I might have got the wrong grandfather as I can also remember my father talking about going to visit a granfather Farmer (who he hated as he was always put to work choping wood and such) but my father was not one to talk about his family and I can no longer ask him as he passed away 21 years ago so I am left in the dark any info would be helpful. Oh I forgot the family came from kent/london.

Thanks so much your site is going into my favorites

Maxine

hi all i am currently doing my family tree and i am related to coopers, sherreds herridges stickleys. does anyone have any info on any of the names they can share if you go to ancestry.co.uk and look at my family tree you will see all the sherreds and coopers there.
cheers
lise xx

message for HONEYBEE my great,great granny AMY EASTWOOD daughter of GEORGE and PHOEBE EASTWOOD ,and her husband was JOHN PICKETT.

Hi everyone
Just wandering if there is anyone out there with family history in the New Forest. Names I am looking for are Doe,Bowers,James,Sherred,Sherrard,Sherrid,Lamb,Gregory,Pidgley,Wells,Baker.
Longdown Colbury,Lymington,Thorney Hill,Beaulieu,Bransgore are the main areas from 1860 to 1960's.
Many thanks
LESLEY DOE.

Can anyone help me please.I am looking for my nan her name is susie evans was miller before she got married, she reads palms and she travellered with the fair ground evans and decon her age would be around 85 can anyone help me please i have been trying to look for her and her family fort a long long time. many thanks.joanne

Denise ((Duke Cooper ) would like to exchange info :) please email me at romanygenes@googlemail.com thanks:)

To silvia prescious regarding Henry Wells will have to check some records first and will get back to you :)
Also to other member who asked about the romany reference website link sorry its no longer online .

Whilst transcribing the Parish Register of All Saints, Flore, Northamptonshire, I have found the following:

18 January 1727/28 Catharine, the daughter of Solomon & Artuly Draper (Strangers & Beggars), was baptised.

I hope this is of interest to someone.

Does anyone know if the great Australian tenor, Donald Smith, whose grandson is Jason Cundy, had romany roots? He was my fathers cousin.
I've been searching the Smiths and have found John Smith and Phoebe Baker had a son and daughter, John and Jemima born on 3 Oct 1817 and 2 Dec 1812 resp. and baptised in St Botolph without Aldgate, Middlesex, London on 22 Oct 1817. John Smith, the father, was recorded as a Shoemaker of Harrow Alley.
Phoebe Baker, the mother, appears to have been born to Fras Baker and Eleanor and baptised in Teddington, Middlesex in 1793.
John the father could be the one in the 1861 census listed as a retd merchant aged 68. He lived at 53 Hampton Rd, Twickenham at that time. There was a Henry Smith with his family next door at 54 Hampton Rd.
I haven't discovered how John came to be in Australia. He married a scottish emigrant Isabella Donald in 1846 in Ipswich, Qld., and his occupation was listed as sawyer. Together he and Isabella founded a very large family of Smiths in the Pine Rivers district outside Brisbane.
Donald Smith the opera singer was one of their son Walters grandchildren. I have a photo of Walter that I can post on this site. Plus a photo of his sons including Donald Smiths father. They all appear to have very dark eyes altho the photos are black and white or sepia.
My father also had very dark eyes and was often mistaken for Spanish or Aboriginal.
Also, does anyone know if Who Do You Think You Are has done a segment on Jason Cundy since he's a famous Chelsea footballer?
It comes in handy have famous relatives in family history research sometimes.
Also, I believe a John Smith was "head" of the romany in Britain not long ago and he had a besutiful voice also, so maybe, just maybe, we are all related.
My partner here in Alice Springs is descended from the Hungarian Romanis through his father, whose parents were both Romani. Mihael Leitinger was born in Ruma when it was part of Hungary we believe, but that's another search.
It would be amazing to discover that I was indeed of romany descent, and have found my other half also of romany descent, in the middle of the Australian outback.
Love to hear from any rellies out there.
Roz Marden nee Holmes.

My email is gentlegenius@live.co.uk

looking for birth dad John Eastwood born18/6/52 has partner called Lynne Yvonne Eastwood. Had 2 boys which were taken into care then adoption,me being one of those two boys. I would have been called billy eastwood im 28 born 13/10/82 my brother was called Lee Paul Eastwood hes 27 born 1/11/83. All i know is that my dad is romany blood but my mum isnt and the last known resisdence is Chatham, Kent. The only history i have is John Eastwood and Lynne Yvonne thats it. But being an Eastwood and Romany blood there must be more! I have no idea who i am or where i come from . Thx to anyone that can shed some light.

Jacko my email is teresamurphy100@hotmail.com

Hi Jacko

Things are always easier when u work together. Let me know how to contact u and we can swap notes.

Hi T Murphy, I am also researching the Gray line for a friend and would be interested in exchanging any information. If you are interested contact me and we can converse further

Hi Kay
I have just noticed your post. Dillinda was my gr aunty. she was the sister of Sampson Boswell my great grandfather. The Sampson Boswell page was sent in my Tui and myself. I have a direct male lline to The Derbyshire Boswells, Ask Sue for my e-mail address, so that we might exchange information on the family.
Linda Boswell