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ENGLISH NEWS PAPER ARTICLES
ENGLISH RECORDS Queen of the Stanley tribe is buried in the churchyard. Mary Stanley died in 1797, aged 60, and her headstone can still be seen.
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1800 16th July Wednesday
ROYAL FETE AT FROGMORE – The Royal Family then proceeded across the Lawn to another part of the Gardens, where they were met by a group of Gypsies. As they approached their hut, Mrs MILLS, fantastically dressed, and who acted as their Queen, led from behind a thicket two children seated on an ass; here she sung a Gypsy song with uncommon vivacity and sprightliness, the rest of the group joining in the chorus; after which she delivered her Poetical Destinies of Good Fortune to the Royal Family.
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1802 29 May Saturday Ipswich Journal
CHELMSFORD, May 28 – Tuesday last, JAMES LEE, LYDIA LEE, and ANGELETTA LOVELL, all gypsies, and the last-mentioned nearly 80 years of age, belonging to the Nottinghamshire gang, were committed to the House of Correction here, by J. TYRELL Esq, as rogues and vagabonds.
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1811 Saturday, 26 January Ipswich Journal
A few days ago was married, being the fourth time, at Norton, near Gaulby, Leicestershire, LAWRENCE WINSOR, a celebrated fiddler and travelling brazier, and formerly noted as the leader of a gang of gypsies, aged 86 years, to JOHANNA SKELTON, of Coaton-in-the-Elms, aged 22
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1812 Monday, 13 April Hampshire Telegraph
ADAM and THOMAS LEE, two of the gypsies who were tried last week at Kingston Assizes, for highway robbery, and found guilty, along with WILLIAM SEWELL, for cutting and maiming his sister and brother-in-law, ordered for execution on Monday next, at Horsemonger-Lane. A most affecting scene took place on Saturday evening between Thomas LEE and his wife, on their return from Kingston – she being also an accomplice in the robbery and transported for life. Previous to their being conducted to their separate cells, they took a final leave of each other; and the wretched criminal, the husband, in a most affecting and agitating manner, alternately embraced his wife, and little infant, which she had in her arms.
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1812 -04-07 London Middlesex Adam & Thomas Lee 2 gypsies of the gypsies who were tried last week at Kingston Assizes for Highway robbery and found guilty are along with William Small for cutting and maiming his sister and brother in law ordered for execution on Monday next at Horse-monger's lane. A most affecting scene took place on Saturday evening between Thomas lee and his wife on their return from Kingston- she being also accomplice and to be transported for life. Previous to their being conducted to their separate cells they took a final leave of each other and the wretched criminal the husband in a most affectionate and agitated manner alternately embraced his wife and little infant which she held in her arms
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1815 Saturday, 18 February Ipswich Journal
A gang of twelve vagabonds, consisting of three males and nine females, strolling about the country as gypsies, have been apprehended at Borley near Sudbury, who it seems harbour in St Giles’s, London, some short portion of the year. The heads of this gang are Joseph and Hannah LOVELl; and with them two girls, whom they say are their daughters, called Esther and Susan; and another, a niece, they call Ruth; a woman who calls herself Cinderella BOSWELL, a native of Staffordshire, but travels particularly in Essex; Palfe the wife of BOSWELL’s son, who belongs to a parish in Ipswich, but travels as a grinder. Joseph LOVEL, having about two years ago been adjudged a rogue and vagabond, at Chelmsford, was, at the Sessions on the 13th ultimate, adjudged to be an incorrigible rogue and vagabond, and committed to the House of Correction at Chelmsford for six months; the rest of the party were adjudged rogues and vagabonds, and were committed for a month. Three stout fellows belonging to the gang, effected their escape with their four asses and baggage. Two young chimney-sweeps, who had joined the gang, and who said their names were Henry and John GASKIN, otherwise SMITH, were detained on suspicion of stealing a donkey cart in the neighbourhood of Newport on the Cambridge Road. Some of the relatives of these sweeps have, it seems, been in the “Laurel” Hulk at Portsmouth.
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1817 Monday, 12 May Caledonian Mercury
NOTICES RESPECTING SCOTTISH GYPSIES – From a correspondent of the highest respectability – “My father remembered old Jean GORDON of Yetholm, who had great sway among her tribe. She was quite a Meg Merrilies, and possessed the savage virtue of fidelity in the same perfection. Having been often hospitably received at the farmhouse of Lochside, near Yetholm, she had carefully abstained from committing any depredations on the farmer’s property. But her sons (nine in number) had not, it seems, the same delicacy, and stole a brood sow from their kind entertainer. Jean was so much mortified at this ungrateful conduct, and so much ashamed of it, that she absented herself from Lochside for several years. At length, in consequence of some temporary pecuniary necessity, the Goodman of Lochside was obliged to go to Newcastle to obtain funds. Returning through the mountains of Cheviot, he lost his way, until he came to an abandoned barn with a light glimmering through the window; when he knocked on the door it was opened by Jean GORDON. Fearing her sons would soon return, Jean convinced the farmer to give her his money for safe keeping, leaving a small amount in his pockets, together with his horse, which she had then hidden. The sons soon entered the barn and attempted to rob the farmer, but the small amount of coin on him was not worth taking. Next morning, Jean returned his money to him together with his horse, and led him back to Lochside. I have heard the old people of Jedburgh say that all Jean’s sons were condemned to die the same day. It is said the Jury was equally divided until one on their number awoke and gave his vote for condemnation, in the emphatic words “Hang them all”. Jean was present and only said “The Lord help the innocent in a day like this”. Her own death was accompanied with circumstances of brutal outrage, of which she was undeserving. She was a staunch Jacobite and chanced to be at Carlisle on market day in the year 1746, where she gave vent to her political partiality. The rabble of the city inflicted upon poor Jean GORDON no less a penalty than that of ducking her to death in the Eden. It was an operation of some time, for Jean was a stout woman, nearly six feet high, and struggling hard with her murderers, often got her head above water and continued to exclaim “Charlie yet! Charlie yet!”. When a child, and among the scenes which she frequented, I have often heard these stories, and cried piteously for poor Jean GORDON. (This was a shortened version of the article)
The late Madge GORDON was counted as queen of the Yetholm clans. She was, we believe, a grand-daughter of the celebrated Jean GORDON, and was said to have much resembled her in appearance. Madge GORDON was descended from the FAAS on her mother’s side, and was married to a YOUNG. She was rather a remarkable personage, of a very commanding presence and high stature, being nearly six feet high. She had a large acquiline nose – penetrating eyes, even in her old age – bushy hair, that hung round her shoulders. When she spoke vehemently she used to strike her staff upon the floor. She frequently boasted that there was a time when she was of considerable importance, for there were at her wedding fifty saddled asses, and unsaddled asses without number. If Jean GORDON was the prototype of the character of Meg Merrilies, I imagine Madge must have sat to the unknown author as the representative of her person.
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1817 Saturday, 19 July Jackson’s Oxford Journal
UNION HALL – Saturday, four Gypsies, named, John, Joshua, Sharensee, and Matilda SMITH, were brought before Mr Sergeant SELLON, charged by MAY and GOFF, for robbery. The prisoners denied all knowledge of the robbery in question. They were, however, committed for re-examination.
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1818 Thursday, 26 February, Caledonian Mercury 15037 –
ANECDOTES OF THE FIFE GYPSIES – Hugh GRAHAM, brother of Charlie GRAHAM who was executed at Perth, was, with a small knife, stabbed by his own cousin, John YOUNG, in Aberdeen. These two powerful gypsies never fell in with one another but a wrestling bout commenced. GRAHAM was the aggressor, he drew his knife, but YOUNG wrestled it out of his hand, and laid his opponent dead at his feet, by stabbing him in the upper part of the stomach, close to the breast. YOUNG was one of seven sons and, although five feet ten inches high, his mother called him “the drawf o’ ma’ bairns”. He was condemned. And hanged at Aberdeen, for the murder.
Peter YOUNG, another son of Sarah GRAHAM’s, was also hanged at Aberdeen. When anyone asked Old John YOUNG where his sons were, his reply was, “they are all hanged”. I was informed by a gentleman in Edinburgh that this gang of YOUNG’s were related to the Yetholm gypsies, which proves the connection between the gypsies of Lochgellie and those on the Scottish borders, and shows they are from one common stock.
Jenny GRAHAM, sister to the GRAHAM’s already mentioned, was kept by a gentleman as his mistress; however, although he was very affectionate towards her, she left her life of protection and wealth to return to her old wandering way of life. She was remarkably handsome.
Meg GRAHAM, another sister, is still living, and is a woman of uncommon bodily strength, a good deal stronger than the generality of men. She is married to William DAVIDSON, a gypsy at Wemyss; they have a large family, and sell earthen ware through the country.
The GRAHAM’s who were at Lochgellie, the WILSON’s at Raplock near Stirling, and the JAMISON’s in the neighbourhood of Linlithgow, were all, by the female side, immediately descended from old Charlie STEWART, a gypsie chief. Charlie STEWART is described as a stout good-looking man with a fair complexion, who lived to a long age. He was descended from the Royal Stuarts of Scotland, and died in the last 20 years.
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1818 Thursday, 26 November Caledonian Mercury 15169 –
DEATHS – At Sanquhar, on the 16th current, at the advanced age of 102 years, William MARSHALL, tinker. He was born at Colmonell, in 1716, lived about 50 years in the parish of Minnigaff, and for the last 24 years he resided at Sanquhar. He was twice married, and has left a widow and several children. His father, also named William, lived in the extraordinary gang of gypsies, who infested Galloway and the neighbouring counties, for a great number of years.
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1819 Saturday, 6 February Ipswich Journal 4257 –
QUARTER SESSIONS – At Peterborough Quarter Sessions, Newcomb BOSS and George YOUNG, two gypsies, were put on their trial for stealing a gelding, the property of Mr SPEECHLEY of Peterborough. The trial occupied the attention of the Court for several hours, after which, the Jury returned a verdict against both the prisoners of guilty, and sentence of death was passed upon them.
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1820 Saturday, 21 October Morning Chronicle 16064 –
Two men and a woman, belonging to a tribe of Gypsies, have been apprehended in Kent on a strong suspicion of being the persons who sent the poisoned pudding to Maidstone Gaol, by eating of which the two prisoners, GREENTREES and HEARN lost their lives. It is conjectured that they were implicated with GREENTREES in horse-stealing, and took that diabolical mode of preventing his impeaching them.
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1820 Thursday, 7 December Caledonian Mercury 15486 –
DARING GANG OF GYPSIES – In the beginning of September last, two men were committed to Maidstone gaol on a charge of horse-stealing, of the names of HUGHES and GREENSTREET. On Thursday, 5th October, a basket was received at Maidstone prison, by the carrier from Tunbridge Wells, directed to W. GREENSTREET or GREENTREES. It came from Rowland Castle, near Portsea, where GREENSTREET’S wife, family and friends reside; he therefore received it as coming from them without suspicion. Its contents proved to be clothes, cheese, bacon, a boiled plum pudding, apples, &c. It so happened that the prisoners had just had dinner; GREENSTREET ate some of the pudding and offered it to his fellow prisoners, but only HEARN accepted some. Both men were seriously taken ill a short time afterwards, and continued in a dreadful state until they expired. It being strongly suspected that the pudding was poisoned, it was analysed and found to contain arsenic. When GREENSTREET was informed he had eaten a poisoned pudding, he had no doubt it had been done by a man named PROUDLY. The pudding was given to the carrier by a tall gypsy woman, who had directed a maid to write the address on it. Bow Street was informed of the case, and they sent LAVENDER and BISHOP to Maidstone to investigate. LAVENDER went to Romsey fair, where he apprehended PROUDLY and accompanied him to Maidstone. The prisoner said his name was PEARCE and not PROUDLY; he was however committed. LAVENDER next went in search of the woman who made the plum pudding and was so fortunate as to meet with the woman charged with the heinous act, calling herself Mary BAKER, encamped on the road from Chesham with an old man and woman and some Gypsey children. The old people are supposed to be the parents of HUGHES. LAVENDER conveyed her to Maidstone. She was identified by the maid as having been the woman who sent the pudding. Another woman previously in custody purchased the articles in Tunbridge Wells. The women were committed for trial on a charge of having murdered the two men in Maidstone Gaol. PROUDLY alias PEARCE was committed for horse-stealing.
1821Thursday, 8 March Trewman’s 2894 –
DEATHS – On Thursday week, was interred at Piddletown, aged one hundred and one, Mrs STANLEY, widow of the late Peter STANLEY, well-known in the counties of Wilts, Hants, and Dorset, by the designation of King of the Gypsies. The concourse of people assembled from the adjacent villages to witness the closing scene of this venerable Queen Dowager of the wandering tribe was immense.
1822 Saturday, 31 August Caledonian Mercury 15757 –
GYPSEY MARRIAGE – On Wednesday the 14th inst, was married at Lower Winchendon, Bucks, by the Rev Thomas HAYTON, John FLETCHER to Teanaah BUCKLAND, daughter of Edward BUCKLAND, head of a tribe of gypsies who have long frequented that part of Buckinghamshire. After the ceremony the party retired to a lane adjacent to the village, where they partook of an excellent dinner provided for the occasion, part of which was served on solid plate, and the remainder on beautiful oriental china. The novelty of the scene attracted a number of respectable people from the neighbouring villages, all of whom were requested to partake of their cheer.
1822 Saturday, 12 October Ipswich Journal 4406 –
DEATHS – Died, on Sunday, at an obscure lodging in St Clement’s, William ABBINGER. This person had acquired the reputation of being well-versed in the art and mystery of fortune-telling. He was formerly in the navy, and having obtained his discharge by disabling one of his hands, he associated for some time with a gang of gypsies, from whom he derived his knowledge of the occult science.
1824 Saturday, 16 October Morning Chronicle 17316 –
THE KING OF THE GYPSIES – On Friday last, an interesting funeral took place at Wittering, a village three miles south of Stamford. The individual whose remains were consigned to the earth, was in life no less a personage than Henry BOSWELL, well known as the Father, or King of the Gypsies, resorting in this part of the country. The old man was encamped on Southorpe Heath, with several of his family and subjects, on Sunday night, when death put an end to his reign and his earthly wanderings. He had been ill for a few days, but his complaint was really a decay of nature, for the patriarch was nearly 100 years of age. A decent coffin had been provided, and the obliquities on Friday were conducted with great decorum. The body was deposited in Wittering church-yard, where the service was read by the Rev William WING. On Wednesday, the gipsy camp broke up from Southorpe, on which occasion those who had composed it went to the churchyard to pay the last tribute of affection at the grave of BOSWELL, and a very impressive scene of silent unaffected grief was witnessed. The old man is said to have died in very affluent circumstances, and to have possessed estates in several parts of England.
1825 Monday, 1 August Bristol Mercury 1822 –
ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE – At Worcester, sentence of death was recorded against Fanny and Eliz. DALLOW (mother and daughter, and gypsies) for stealing, near Tenbury, a pony, which though worth 10/-, they sold at Upton-on-Severn for 4/-. They were both in custody before, on a charge of stealing a cow, but were acquitted.
Saturday, 21 January 1826, Newcastle Courant 7789 –
At the Northumberland Sessions, held in the Moot-Hall, Newcastle, on Thursday and Friday, the 12th and 13th inst, John STEEL and Thomas ALLEN (Gypsies) for stealing some engine articles from the colliery at Ovingham, were found guilty and sentenced to be transported for 7 years.
1826 Saturday, 1 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 3805 –
SINGULAR CASE – Tried at the Cambridge Assizes, a prisoner named Elijah POPPY, a sturdy specimen of the wandering race called gypsies, on a charge of having feloniously stolen a certain amount of mutton from the premises of John CRISP, farmer, at Swaffham Prior. A shepherd had hung the meat up in a part of the farm for the dogs, and the prisoner had carried it off for himself and his companions. The Jury deliberated for some time when the Foreman said, “We find the prisoner Not Guilty, because we consider the thing stolen, not as mutton, but as carrion, and of no value”. The prisoner was discharged to no small satisfaction of several of his gipsy brethren, who were anxiously awaiting the issue of the case, but whose skill in “fortune-telling” did not enable them exactly to predict so favourable an event.
1827 Saturday, 12 May Jackson’s Oxford Journal 3863 –
EXECUTION – James CLASE, better known by the name “Blue Jemmy”, for horse-stealing, and William HEWLETT, for sheep-stealing, were executed at Ilchester on Wednesday. CHASE is said to have confessed having stolen not less than a hundred horses, he had been brought to the bar nineteen times, and tried at Dorchester, Exeter and Taunton. In early life he lived as a post-boy at Salisbury; afterwards, he joined some gypsies, and at length commenced those practices which brought him to an ignominious end, at the age of 52. HEWLETT thought his a very hard case as, previous to the commission of the offence, for which he suffered, he had never stolen more than 24 sheep!
1830 Tuesday, 16 February Hull Packet 2361 –
DEATHS - On Thursday week, died in his tent, in the parish of Launton, Oxfordshire, upwards of 100 years of age, Jas. SMITH, a well-known character, and for many years considered as the king of that wandering people called gypsies. He was the father of 16 children by his wife (who survives him, and whose age is more than 100 years), some of whom are upwards of 70 years of age, his grand and great-grand-children are numberless.
1831 Saturday, 13 August Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4085 –
DEATHS – At Winchester, aged 70, Robert LEE, who for many years enjoyed the distinguished title of “King of the Gypsies”. Since his succession from the erratic tribe, and during his residence in Winchester, his Majesty has been domiciled at the House of Industry, from which place his remains were taken for interment.
1831 Tuesday, 20 September Hull Packet 2444 –
DEATHS – Lately, at his residence at Northampton, John HOYLAND, Esq, formerly of York, author of “An Historical Survey of the Gypsies”.
Saturday, 18 August 1832, Preston Chronicle 1042 –
DEATH OF THE KING OF THE GYPSIES – Died, in a tent on our race ground, on Wednesday, the venerable Charles LEE, the “King of the Gypsies”. The age of this monarch of the murky tribe was not correctly known; they called him seventy-four, but it is conjectured he was much older. He has left about fifty children and grand-children behind him. He was interred in St Ann’s church-yard, followed by ten of his relatives, the rest of the family being absent at the different fairs, races &c., in the presence of at least a thousand spectators, who had from curiosity been attracted to the church-yard, to witness the funeral of so exalted a character. (Lewes Paper)
1833Tuesday, 16 July North Wales Chronicle 312 –
HORSE DEALERS – Two gypsies, who gave their names as William RILEY, a razor grinder, and Thomas WILLIAMS, a rag-merchant, were brought before the Court by the Superintendent of Police at Chester, who saw them in the fair offering a horse for sale. A pretended certificate of sale was found in the pocket of one. Committed into custody, while further enquiries are made.
1834 Saturday, 12 July Ipswich Journal 5025 –
BURY QUARTER SESSIONS – Susan BOSS, 30, charged with having obtained from Robert GRIMWOOD of Little Livermere, labourer, 5 sovereigns, 2 half-sovereigns, and divers other coins, and a silver watch, under fraudulent and false pretences of telling “his fortune”, was discharged for want of prosecution. The Court reprimanded the prisoner and assured her she had had a narrow escape.
1834 Saturday, 27 December Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4261 –
A few days ago, John LOVELL, an old man residing at Brighton, who has lived there for several years past on the bounty of their Majesties and other branches of the Royal Family, attained the 102d year of his age. This venerable old man, in his youthful days, followed the trade of a travelling tinker about the country, and he belongs to the tribe of gypsies. At an early age he married his first wife, by whom he had issue 22 children, 16 being sons. After her decease he again entered the bands of matrimony, and the second wife gave birth to 20 children, making in all 42, 28 of whom were sons. He is now in the enjoyment of good health.
1835 Wednesday, 4 February Derby Mercury 5351 –
DEATHS – Died, last week, at the Royal encampment, Bestwood Lane, in the parish of Basford, near this town, after a lingering illness, Louis BOSWELL, King of the Gypsies, aged 42. Many thousands visited the encampment for the funeral, however, it did not proceed as a deputation from the gypsies in Leicestershire determined to inter the Royal remains in the usual burying place, “No-man’s Heath”, in Northamptonshire. A procession was formed which set out with the Royal corpse for “No-man’s Heath”, attended by the Royal Princess and a considerable train, but circumstances afterwards occurred that induced the procession to stay at Eastwood, when the funeral took place on Monday in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators. The deceased succeeded to the Royal dignity, on the death of his father, which took place a few years ago in Lincolnshire, and he has left his only daughter, a fine looking personage, a quarter measure filled with gold for her fortune. (Nottingham Journal, January 30)
Wednesday, 8 February 1837, Derby Mercury 5456 –
DEATHS – A. BOSWELL, the celebrated King of the Gypsies, died on Tuesday afternoon, the 24th of January, in a lane in the parish of Laneham, at the great age of 99, as he himself stated a few minutes before his death. He was possessed of an ass, nearly as old as himself, a camp, an old fiddle, and three half-pence. His family consists of his grandson (Elijah), two concubines (his wife having died some time previously), and twelve children, sons and daughters. His remains were interred by the gang with due honours, in Laneham churchyard.
1838 Thursday, 31 May Trewman’s 379 –
DEATHS – On Wednesday, Sarah BOSWELL, the Queen Dowager of the Gypsies, died in the Infirmary of the Basford Union Workhouse, at nearly 94 years of age. The old woman was married to the celebrated BOSWELL, King of the Gypsies, 72 years since, and although living out in the open air for her whole life, during the whole vicissitudes of this uncertain climate, had preserved an uninterrupted state of health until shortly before her death. (Derby Reporter)
1839 Sunday, 17 February The Examiner 1620 –
DEATHS – On Monday last, Dinah BOSWELL, one of the numerous tribe of gypsies of that name, was buried at Bury, who had attained the good old age of 101. She was attended to the ground by many of her relatives and friends, who seemed affected at witnessing the conclusion of her earthly wanderings. Some of the spectators who were present indulged in acts which were, to say the least of them, extremely indecorous on so solemn and occasion. (Cambridge Chronicle)
1839 Sunday, 9 June The Charter 20 –
CONVICTS PARDONED – The three gypsies, (brothers), named LOVELL, who were convicted in June last of waylaying and robbing Mr GREEN, a farmer, whom they were said to have left for dead, have received a pardon from the Crown, at the suggestion of Lord John RUSSELL, the real perpetrators of the robbery having been discovered, and the innocence of the young men fully proved. (Worcester Journal)
1839 Tuesday, 19 July Brighton Patriot 229 –
MIDSUMMER QUARTER SESSIONS, TOWN HALL, HORSHAM – Richard BARBER, hawker, 19, and Charles BEARCEY, sweep, 22, charged with stealing at the parish of Bursettow in the county of Southampton on the 28th April last, two ponies, the property of Joseph SELWOOD. The Jury returned a verdict of guilty upon both prisoners. It appeared BARBER had been led astray by the other prisoner, who was of a company of gypsies. BARBER – 10 years transportation. BEARCEY – transportation for life.
1841 Friday, 23 April Liverpool Mercury 1563 –
DEATHS – ROYAL DEMISE – On Wednesday the funeral of old ____ ISAACS, the king of the gypsies, took place at Yatton, a village about nine miles west of Bristol. There was a very large assembly of the black-eyed brunettes. The ceremony was followed by sundry and various libations of heavy wet, short, and cold without, until sorrow was flouted up to the mirth, and mirth stimulated to anger, and the “funeral baked meats” were knocked about in one general row. (Devonshire Chronicle)
1842 Saturday, 5 March Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4636 –
BERKSHIRE ASSIZES – John BROWN, Linda JEFFS, Caroline BOWERS and Elizabeth SCOTT, were placed at the bar. The prisoner BROWN stood charged with burgulariously entering the dwelling-house of Mr Robert WEST of Warfield, on the night of 10th October last, and stealing 3 cheeses, a quantity of bacon, wearing apparel, and other articles, and the three women with receiving the same knowing it was stolen. The prisoners, being gypsies, a great number of the tribe have flocked to this town, anxiously watching the trial. A verdict of guilty was returned against all four prisoners, who were sentenced – John BROWN, to ten years’ transportation – the three women, twelve months’ imprisonment each.
1842 Saturday, 8 October Freeman’s Journal (Issue N/A) –
THE GYPSIES – A short time since, a very remarkable circumstance took place in the New Forest, Hampshire, in the instance of a Gypsy named LEE having been rejected from the fraternity. The spot where the scene took place was at Bolton’s Bench, near Lyndhurst. Between three hundred and four hundred Gypsies, belonging to the different tribes, including the LEES, STANLEYS, and COOPERS, were assembled on this unusual occasion. The concourse consisted of a great many females, and so secretly had the meeting been got up, that scarcely a person residing in the neighbourhood was aware that a circumstance of the sort was about to take place. The offender, a handsome-looking man between 30 and 40 years of age, was placed in the middle of the ring, composed of the King of the Gypsies, and the patriarchs of the different tribes. This ring was followed by a second, made up of the male portion of the assembly, and the external circle was formed by the women. The king, who was one of the LEES, a venerable old man, and one who looked as if he had been upwards of ninety summers, then addressed the culprit for nearly an hour, but in a tongue that was perfectly strange to the bystanders. The address was delivered in a most impressive manner, as might be conceived by the vehemence of the gesticulations which accompanied it. None but the Gypsies themselves had the slightest knowledge of the crime which had been committed by the offender, but it must have been one evidently obnoxious to the tribe, as the act of expulsion among them is an extremely rare occurrence. As soon as the king had finished his speech to the condemned man, he turned round and harangued the whole of the Gypsies assembled and, expressing himself in English, informed them that Jacob LEE had been expelled from among them, and that he was no longer one of their fraternity, and that he do leave the camp of the Gypsies forever. The king then advanced towards him, spat upon him, and the circles which enclosed him simultaneously opened to admit of his retreating from among them, whilst they smote him with the branches of trees as he left the ground. The meeting then broke up, and the parties assembled went their different ways, some of them having come to witness the tribunal from a considerable distance. The whole ceremony, which took place under an aged oak in the forest, was a very imposing one, and being a very unusual, almost unprecedented, occurrence in these parts, created an intense degree of interest among the bye standers.
1842 Tuesday, 18 October Morning Chronicle 22749 –
SINGULAR GYPSY FUNERAL AT LITTLE COGGESHALL – For some time a numerous tribe of gypsies have pitched their tents in Cut Hedge-road, Little Coggeshall. One of the party died last week. As soon as life was extinct, much ceremony was observed. The body was dressed in a Scotch plaid gown, silk stockings, and satin shoes; wax tapers were burnt, and the remains lay in state. Instructions for the funeral were given to Mr CLEMENTS, the undertaker, and no expense was spared to render it most respectable in all its appointments. The coffin was of fine oak, studded with gilt nails, and bore a brass plate, upon which was engraved, “Cecilia CHILCOTT – died Sept. 20, 1842, aged 28 years”. On Sunday last, the funeral took place, and her remains were interred in the parish churchyard, by the Rev W. WIGSON, curate, in the presence of a concourse of between 4,000 and 5,000 persons. The pall was supported by four respectably dressed females deeply veiled, and about 30 of the tribe followed, all dressed in black, the men wearing black cloth cloaks. The greatest decorum was observed by the whole of the party, and a more respectable funeral, we understand, has not been seen in the town for many years. We are credibly informed that in the coffin were placed by the side of the body, the deceased watch and a purse of money, for the protection of which a person is appointed to watch the grave for some weeks. The father of the deceased, attributing the death of his daughter to the removal by the police, threatens to take legal proceedings against the parties. (Chelmsford Chronicle) *********************
From The Times, 5 January 1843:
"Death of an Old Gypsy. – Last week John Lovell, aged 80 years, expired at his residence in Frying-Pan-Alley, Clerkenwell. The deceased was well known in the metropolis for the last 50 years as a Gypsy and travelling tinker; and in more recent years, being afflicted with apoplexy, he lost the use of his left side, and paraded the streets in the vicinity of Lincoln’s-inn, calling out, “Poor old man! – pots and kettles to mend.” His appearance was most deplorable, and he received sums of money from charitable persons daily, supposing him to be in great distress. After his decease a sum of money amounting to 700 was found in various parts of his room, which he had hoarded up, amongst which were several pounds’ worth of farthings.
"On Sunday last he was respectably buried in Clerkenwell burying ground by some relatives. The deceased had a large family of children; one of his sons was executed at the age of 17 years, at the Old Bailey, with John Henley, the captain of the celebrated West-end fair Gangmen, Hampstead, for desperate highway robberies at that fair; two others of his sons were transported, for robberies, for their natural lives. The deceased, some years ago, resided at Paddington, and was the associate of the Lees and Coopers, gangs notorious for horse-stealing. Lee, who was at that period termed the King of the Gypsies, being convicted of horse-stealing, suffered execution. The deceased, when a young man, was a noted prize-fighter.
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1843 Friday, 26 May Newcastle Courant 8790 –
PETTY SESSIONS – At the petty sessions, held at Alnwick on the 20th instant, William ANGUS, one of the travelling gypsies, was brought up charged with encamping upon the public highway, in the township of Lesbury, on the 16th February last. He was fined 20s, including costs.
1843 Saturday, 1 July Leeds Mercury 5717 –
At the Castle of Exeter, on Monday week, Wharnford STANLEY, the king of the gypsies in that district, was committed for trial on a charge of horse-stealing.
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1844 Wednesday, 27 March Derby Mercury 5829 –
DERBYSHIRE LENT ASSIZES – Wednesday, March 20 – Noah BOSWELL, 24, and Joseph SMITH, 28, (gypsies), charged with having on the 6th day of March instant, at the parish of Beighton, stolen a promissory note of the Chesterfield and High Peak Bank, for the sum of 5/-, four sovereigns, and two half sovereigns, the property of Thomas MIRFIN. SMITH was found Guilty, and BOSWELL acquitted. Sentence on SMITH, 7 years’ transportation.
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1844 Tuesday, 10 September Belfast News 11181 –
DEATH OF THE GIPSY KING – A few days’ since near Beaulieu, Joseph LEE, the acknowledged monarch of that mysterious class of people, the Gypsies. He was a native of Brockenhurst, in the New Forest, and was, it is said, in his eighty-sixth year. He was the progenitor of a long line of descendants, having left behind him a large assemblage of aged children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. He is reported to have died worth a great deal of money. Indeed, some years ago, when Charity LEE was married to one of the STANLEYS, old Joseph LEE presented her upon the occasion with one hundred spade guineas, besides trinkets and several pieces of plate furniture. About sixty years ago he was in the habit of travelling the country around Southampton, Ramsey, Lymington, and Ringwood, as a razor-grinder, and was well known in these neighbourhoods as “Gipsy Joe”. He was the boon companion of the notorious Peter WARREN and Billy DEAR, the two great contraband adventurers. Smuggling, deer-stealing, poaching, and occasionally selling a few ponies at various fairs, were Joe’s mottled avocations. In his political administration he was remarkable for one act, which took place in his reign, viz: that of excommunicating, in person, about three years’ ago, a gipsy by the name of Jacob LEE
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1844 5th Oct A Gypsy Wedding Married at Blagdon Sept 17th 1844 by Rev Danile Wheeler, Matthew Stanley son of Joshua Stanley King of the Gypsies to Martha Broadway second daughter of John Broadway of the same tribe; after the ceremony they returned to the Seymours Arms where the wedding dinner was provided by the landlord Mr Hallett in the best style and spent the remainder of the day returning to their camp on Blagdon Hill at about 12 0'clock in the evening. It is estimated that not less than 400 persons assembled to witness the ceremony and the bells having been set ringing and the Blagdon band engaged for the Union the wedding day and the day after were kept up as Holidays Bath Journal
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1844 Saturday, 5 October Northern Star 360 –
A GIPSEY WEDDING – Married at Blagdon, September 17, 1844, by the Rev Daniel WHEELER, Matthew, son of Joshua STANLEY, King of the Gypsies, to Martha, second daughter of John BROADWAY, of the same tribe. After the ceremony they returned to the Seymour’s Arms, where the wedding dinner was provided by the landlord, Mr HALLETT, in the best style, and spent the remainder of the day, returning to their camp, on Blagdon hill, at about twelve o’clock in the evening. It is estimated not less than 400 persons assembled to witness the ceremony, and the bells having been set ringing, and the Blagdon band engaged for the union, the wedding day and the day following were kept up as holidays. (Bath Journal)
1845 Saturday, 19 July Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4812 –
BRACKLEY – A QUEEN IN TROUBLE – On the 12th instant, Patience JUNE, the Queen of the Gypsies, and who has seen no less than 73 summers, was taken into custody by police officials, MARRIOTT and HUTTON, in consequence of her being in a state of drunkenness, and was (certainly very ignobly for a Queen) wheeled to the Brackley lock-up house in a barrow. After remaining in the cage some time, Patience was once more allowed to become a free subject, on her paying 3s.
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1846 Friday, 20 March Liverpool Mercury 1820 –
DEATHS – March 2, in Wincanton Workhouse, aged 95, Dow BARTON, Queen of the Gypsies. The funeral was attended by hundreds of her gypsy subjects.
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1846 Tuesday, 26 May Daily News 108 –
Zachariah LEE, a stalwart gypsy, was charged with sleeping in the open air in Epping Forest, and with being unable to give a satisfactory account of himself. The prisoner was discharged solely in consequence of his having a settled place of abode at Chingford.
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1847 Thursday, 25 February Trewman’s 4235 –
BROADCLIST – We noticed a few months since the death of Gypsy STANLEY and his daughter; his widow has had erected to their memory a large head and foot stone, both richly carved with a long inscription in gold letters, executed by Mr DAVY, statuary. On Monday last, the time appointed for these being fixed, a large number of gypsies and several hundred of the residents of the village were present on the occasion. Thomas STANLEY was the son of the present King of the Gypsies.
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1847 Thursday, 11 November Caledonian Mercury 19727 –
YETHOLM – CORONATION OF THE GYPSY KING – Monday, 25th October, being the day appointed for traversing the boundary of the Common, and for the coronation of Charles BLYTH, successor to the late Will FAA, King of the Gypsies. Charles was solemnly crowned in the centre of the village, the band playing “God Save The King”, and the crowd cheering “Long Live Charles the First”. The cortege proceeded to the Common, where a long-tailed white horse was in readiness for his Majesty, and three or four bottles of whisky were quaffed before mounting. In going down a hill some of his Majesty’s attendants, more merry than wise, kept tickling the horse behind until it broke away from the grooms, and Charles I embraced his mother earth. Fears were entertained that his Majesty (who is upwards of seventy years) was hurt; but Dr TURNER was in immediate attendance; and after feeling his purse, prescribed a glass of whisky, after which is Majesty gradually recovered. He remounted and the procession moved on to the inn, where they were comfortable seated at the festive board of Mrs GOVANLOCK. “The King” was drunk, and the band played “Welcome Royal Charles”. His Majesty briefly responded, expressing his determination to promote such measures as would be most conducive to the welfare and prosperity of his most loyal and affectionate subjects, which were received with deafening cheers.
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1850 Saturday, 12 January Hampshire Telegraph 2623 –
DEATH OF THE QUEEN OF THE GYPSIES – Hannah BOSS, of Bosswell, sovereign of the gypsies, died in Lincoln Union on Sunday week, at the advanced age of 99. She entered the Union five years’ ago, being, through age and infirmity, no longer able to accompany the well-known tribe in their wanderings. The old lady had been connected with the Bosswell tribe from her birth.
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1850 Friday, 23 August Hull Packet 3425 –
LOUTH – BOROUGH POLICE REPORT – Tuesday, August 13th, Before J.B.. SHARPLEY Esq – Elijah ELLIOT alias YOUNG, with many other aliases – one of those pests of society, the gypsies, and who has been convicted of serious offences in various places in this county – was charged by No. 2, PATRICK, with being drunk and creating a disturbance in Aswell-lane. Fined 5s and costs, or 14 days.
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1851 Saturday, 12 April Hampshire Telegraph 2688 –
At the Magistrates’ Clerk’s Office, Chichester, on Friday, Henry MIDDLETON and Henry ROY, gypsies, were charged with an assault on Thomas COLLINS and Margaret, his wife, at Pagham. Fined 3/- 12s, and costs 1/0 8s; in default, two months’ hard labour.
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1852 Friday, 2 July North Wales Chronicle 1310 –
BANGOR, June 29 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – John BURKE and J. RILEY, two camping gypsies, were fined €2 each and costs, or one month hard labour, for cruelty to their donkeys. Their Worships observed that the whole fraternity was a pest to the country. The money was immediately paid.
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1853 Friday, 15 April North Wales Chronicle 1361 –
BANGOR, Wednesday – POLICE INTELLIGENCE – Obstructing the Highway – Patrick RILEY and J. SWEENEY, two travelling gypsies, were, on the information of P.C. Rees DAVIES, fined 10s and costs for erecting their tents on the road leading from Bangor to Clasinfryn. In default of payment, they were committed to the gaol for a month.
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1854 Saturday, 6 May Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5271 –
WINSLOW – Died, April 25, at the Newport Pagness Union house, in the 101st year of her age, Nanny DRAPER, generally known as Queen of the Gypsies.
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1854 Wednesday, 9 August Derby Mercury 3277 –
“Tye” at the Crystal Palace – That celebrated personage “Margaret FINCH”, the Queen of the Gypsies, who died at the advanced age of 109, and lays buried in Beckenham churchyard, close by, and who held her sylvan court in these parts, is reported among other prophecies and predictions, to have foretold that within 150 years, of which there are upwards of 40 still to run, “Norwood” would be the heart of London.
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1856 Wednesday, 19 November Derby Mercury 3395 –
SUSPICIOUS DEATH – The body of Josiah STANLEY, the “King of the Gypsies” of the West, was found on the 29th ultimate, in the river Dart, near Totness, and was buried on the 3d instant at High-week, being followed to the grave by a crowd of spectators. Various rumours having got abroad, the Coroner held an inquest, which has been from time to time adjourned. The medical men ask for a post mortem examination, giving it as their opinion that the man had been strangled before being thrown into the water. The police are already possessed of some important information. The tribe to which the deceased belonged have offered a reward of 50/- for the apprehension of the murderer.
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1856 Saturday, 27 December North Wales Chronicle 1561 –
BANGOR, Monday, December 22 – Ann RAFTERY, one of a number of gypsies who infest the neighbourhood of Glanmor, Aber, was charged by P.C. Stephen DAVIES with vagrancy. Committed to the county gaol for one month with hard labour.
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1857 Friday, 13 February Caledonian Mercury 21025 –
“In 1732, recording a conviction by the Judge of the Regality, of some gypsies who lived in a cave and plundered the neighbourhood in these terms:- ‘This day was finished here a very tedious trial of four gypsies, strollers or vagabonds, which lasted between eighteen or nineteen hours, by the honoured Captain HALKETT, James DEWAR of Lassodie, and Henry WALLWOOD of Garvock, deputies of the Most Honourable the Marquis of Tweeddale, as hereditary baille of the Justiciary and Regality Courts of Dunfermline; when on a full and plain proof, James RAMSAY, one of the gang, was sentenced to be hanged the 22d of March next; and the other three to be whipped, the first Wednesday of each month, for one half-year, and afterwards to be banished the regality for every.’ (Billings Baronial and Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland Vol ii)”
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1857 Friday, 15 May Morning Chronicle 28204 –
CLERKENWELL, Yesterday – ROBBERY AT A LICENSED VICTUALLER’S – William BULLIFANT, 24, a dirty-looking fellow, residing at 75 Noble-street, Goswell-street, who described himself as a brass-founder, but who is better known from his being connected with some gypsies and going about the town as a travelling tinker, was placed at the bar before Mr TYRWHITT, charged with stealing a number of articles of the value of €1.5s, the property of Mary Ann NUNN, a barmaid, and further with stealing a waistcoat, the property of Mr Charles FRANCIS, the landlord of the Adam and Eve public-house, St John-street, Clerkenwell. When Mr FRANCIS, who was attending the theatre, was informed that he had been robbed, it caused that gentleman great excitement, in consequence of which he unfortunately broke a blood-vessel, and this morning we regret to say died. Mr FRANCIS, a young man, had only been in the public-house a few months, and was well respected. The person, who kept up a bellowing noise the whole of the time, pleaded for forgiveness, and made one or two attempts to go into a fit. Mr TYRWHITT committed the prisoner to the House of Correction for three calendar months, with hard labour. The prisoner clasped his hands together, and he and his wife made a continual howl until he was removed.
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1861 Saturday, 5 October Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5658 –
MAGISTRATES CHAMBER, SEPT 23 – Hansell BYLES was charged with assaulting Betsy BIRCH at Aylesbury on the 25th ult (fair day). Both parties are gypsies. The defendant struck her savagely on the head with a pint pot, sadly disfiguring her, and cutting a piece out of her head. The complainant having expressed a wish to settle the matter, they were allowed to do so.
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1862 Thursday, 26 June Liverpool Mercury 4486 –
THE MURDER AT WATERLOO – On Monday evening, an inquest was held at Waterloo, Hants, before Edward HOSKINS Esq, on the gipsy woman named Alice Colt LEE, aged 23, who was murdered by her husband, Edward LEE, a gipsy, under circumstances we have previously stated. The father of the deceased, a gipsy, named COLE, of Andover, said that his late daughter and the prisoner went to live together in October last. They were married at Milton Church, near Portsmouth, on the 7th October last, and she would have become a mother in about a month’s time. The coroner summed up, from the information presented he could warrant no other conclusion than that the woman had been murdered by her husband. The Jury returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder” against William LEE. The gypsies are in an excited state, and have expressed a determination to “Lynch” the murderer if they can secure him. (Note: the names Edward LEE and William LEE are as they appeared in the article)
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1862 Tuesday, 4 November Caledonian Mercury 22879 –
AN ANCIENT WANDERER – Last week, says the Montrose Review , one of the Brechin police constables found an old man, named Hugh WHITE, lying at the roadside, near Roschill, in a state of great exhaustion. He was immediately removed to the Police Office, and after warm restorative had been administered, he was able to be conveyed to the Paupers Lodging House, where he now lies. He was ascertained to belong to a tribe of gypsies, if not the hereditary patriarch of a race of wanderers of the name of WHITE, long known in this and neighbouring counties. He states that he is a native of Ayrshire, where he was born in 1761; and his attenuated and withered aspect seem to warrant the conclusion he has seen at least a hundred summers.
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1865 Saturday, 25 February Hampshire Telegraph 3412 –
ALLEGED ROBBERY BY GYPSIES – Mary STANLEY and Mary Anne STANLEY, gypsies, married women, were charged with stealing two baskets, the property of William Charles GODDARD, the occupier of a fancy repository at 71 Russell-street, Landport. (There followed a full transcription of the trial.) The Mayor, at this stage of the proceedings, observed that it would be necessary to adjourn the case, and intimated that the magistrates would be prepared to entertain an application for bail, if competent security could be obtained.
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1867 Saturday, 22 November Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5978 –
ABINGDON – County Magistrates Chamber – George ROBERTS (20) of London, labourer, and John BAKKER of Bilston, labourer, were charged with stealing a coat and handkerchief, property of Charles WESTEN, a carter. The prisoners, who were tramping along the road, took the coat, which had been left near the field where the man was working. The prisoners tried to sell the coat to two young gypsies named BUCKLAND. They were sent to gaol for three months each.
Three tramps, who gave their names as George SMITH of Reddich, boot loser, Samuel POTTER of Gloucester, labourer, and John OWEN of Hereford, labourer, were sent to gaol for 14 days each, for destroying their clothes in the union.
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1871 Saturday, 1 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 6157 –
THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT – A ball was given by the gypsies on Friday evening, March 24, in a large marquee erected for the occasion on the grounds of their encampment in Binsey-lane. The marquee was lit up with a number of lamps, and as much comfort as possible was imparted to the tent. COX’s quadrille band was engaged for the occasion, and refreshments were provided by Mr Joseph HIGGINS, Jericho House. Dancing was kept up until a late hour. On Sunday, the camp was again visited by hundreds of the curious; another ball will be given in the grounds on Monday next.
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1871 Saturday, 8 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 6158 –
The gypsies, lately encamped in Binsey-lane, have left that place for Banbury. They gave a farewell ball on Monday, when about two hundred people attended.
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1872 Saturday, 24 August North Wales Chronicle 2384 –
BANGOR PETTY SESSIONS – August 20, before Col. WILLIAMS, Major PLATT, and the Rev D. EVANS – Sylvester BOSWELL, “King of the Gypsies”, was charged by William THOMAS, keeper to the Right Hon, Lord PENRHYN, with being on land in the occupation of Evans WILLIAMS, for the purpose of killing game. The defendant gave his name as William GREEN. Fined €2 and 11s costs. ****************************
1884-September 29th (ENGLAND) A remarkable Funeral took place at Plymouth England, recently when Samuel Small King of the gypsy tribe and belonging to jersey was buried in the public cemetery, his funeral was attended by extraordinary number of gypsies who were attired in their quaint costumes. Small wife now becomes Queen of the tribe.
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1885 Saturday, 30 May North Wales Chronicle 2999 –
GYPSIES ON THE WAR PATH IN BANGOR – Kinsey TAYLOR, Walter TAYLOR, Felix TAYLOR, and Gersham LEE, gypsies, were brought up in custody, charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Charles LUCAS, a carter in the employ of the London and North Western Railway, at Glanadda, near Bangor, on the night of Friday the 22nd inst. The Bench considered the charge against the four men, which included kicking LUCAS almost to death, to be of such a serious character that they were committed to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions. The prisoner LEE asked the Bench to discharge him with a fine, as he had a wife and two or three children to care for. The court was crowded during the hearing of the case, and the wives of the prisoners on hearing the decision of the magistrates created considerable disturbance by their wailing.
1888-06-21 WRITTEN IN USA NEWSPAPER ( Happened in England) WALTER COOPER a Gypsy well known in England has just died He was always one of the crowd in attendance at a meet of the Queens Stag hounds. His favourite Horse was burned at his burial.
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1888 Saturday, 12 May Hampshire Telegraph 5577 –
GIPSIES IN TROUBLE – William BAILEY and Thomas BEXLEY, neither of whom put in an appearance, were summoned by James Sturt EDGELER, of Bramshott, for causing damage to a meadow on the 28th April last to the extent of €1. The two defendants were ordered to pay €3.8s.6d each, or in default, a month’s hard labour.
1888 Saturday, 9 June North Wales Chronicle 3159 –
CONWAY – Petty Sessions, Monday – GYPSIES IN TROUBLE – William LEE, Ethel LEE, Alfred TAYLOR, and Felix TAYLOR, were charged with obstructing the highway. P.S. ROWLANDS said they had three caravans, and tent, and two large fires on the road between Colwyn and Llancilian. Felix TAYLOR was fined 10s and costs, and the others 5s and costs each. Alfred LEE and Solomon TAYLOR were each fined 5s and costs for allowing cows to stray on the road.
1889-11-12 THE QUEEN AND THE SNOW CHILDREN There was an incident in the Queen's life well known to the Gypsies but little known out of the charmed Romany circle One bitter winter day when the snow was lying thick all over Windsor Park a gypsy family were crossing it when the tent had to be a suddenly pitched, the pangs of labour having overtaken the mother, a few sticks were hurriedly gathered but there was hardly any time to scrape away the snow and get the fire lit before the Gypsy women gave birth to Twins, the park keepers of course came up and ordered the tent to be taken off the ground. But the birth of the Twins in the snow under her windows reached the ears of her majesty who at once sent food and drink and clothing to the wanderers amongst the presents were some baby's woollen stockings knitted by her majesty own hands ans a pair of blankets which but a short time before it is said had lain on a state bed, Gypsies repeat this anecdote with great pride “ and socks knitted by the Queen of the Gorgias” are frequently referred to by them when they speak of deeds of thoughtful and timely charity. Sheffield England Telegraph
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1890 Thursday, 13 November Western Mail 6705 –
Norton Fitzwarren burial ground has many interesting associations. Many years ago the then Lord of the Manor had a partiality for gypsies. He encouraged them to settle down upon a piece of land which he placed at their disposal, and the rector of the parish likewise made friends of them, frequently conducting Divine service in their encampment. So warm a feeling of friendship was created that after the camp broke up the gypsies bore the place in fond remembrance and those who died upon their travels were, by their earnest wish, conveyed to Norton for burial. Consequently, in this quiet resting-place for the dead are to be found tombstones erected to the memory of the various members of the STANLEY tribe, which claim Royal rights in the race.
1891 Thursday, 15 January Liverpool Mercury 13424 –
THE GYPSY KING AND THE MOVABLE DWELLINGS BILL – The following unsolicited expression of opinion from the King of the Gypsies has just been received at the Central Office of the Liberty and Property Defence League – “Gypsy Camp, Falcon Hall, Edinburgh, Jan 10 1891. Having been all my life a traveller on the roads, and living the life of a gypsy, as my forefathers have done for ages, I protest strongly against the assertions made by a man calling himself ‘George SMITH of Coalville’, and against the attack on our liberties contained in his Movable Dwellings Bill. Let this man name and produce evidence of any cases among gypsies or showmen that bear out his assertions. I personally know all the gypsies and showmen in England, and I am bold to assert that in health and morality their lives will bear favourable comparison with either that of ‘George SMITH of Coalville’ himself or those of his pet slum-dwellers. Many members of the House of Lords and of the House of Commons have been in my tent and those of other gypsies, and can speak to their cleanliness. It would be a gross mis-justice to put us on a worse footing than the lowest thief in a London slum. – George SMITH, King of the Gypsies.”
Thursday, 9 April 1891, Aberdeen Weekly 11288 –
Lizzie WHITE, the queen of the Orkney gypsies, has died at Stromness at the age of 97 years.
Saturday, 11 April 1891, Birmingham Daily Post 10234 –
DEATH FROM BURNS – An inquest was held yesterday by Mr WEEKES (deputy coroner) on Sydney CLAYTON, aged two months, whose parents are gypsies encamping in Queen’s Head Lane, Handsworth. On Monday week there was a fire in one of the tents on the camp ground, and the deceased was left in charge of a sister, twelve years of age. The girl said she fell asleep in front of the fire, and was awakened by hearing screams. She then saw the baby had fallen from her lap into the fire. The mother said she heard the screams, and on rushing into the tent saw the child on the fire. She picked her up, and took her to the General Hospital. Mr HOLDEN, surgeon, said the child was badly burned, and died on the 6th instant from pneumonia following the burns. The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death” and expressed a wish that in future the gypsies would protect their fires by guards.
Friday, 28 July 1893, Western Mail 7547 –
QUARREL BETWEEN GYPSIES AT NEATH – FEARED SERIOUS RESULT – On Wednesday afternoon two gypsies named Caradog PRICE and Samuel RILEY had an altercation near the Corporation Field, Neath, and during the quarrel PRICE knocked RILEY down. The police sergeant later arrested RILEY, as he appeared to be drunk; however RILEY at once became unconscious, and has remained so ever since. He was examined by Dr DAVIES, who said he was in a critical condition and not likely to recover. PRICE was remanded. On Thursday evening our representative called at the workhouse, and was informed RILEY was still in a very serious state, and not likely to recover. He has been badly knocked about, his skull being fractured, and being a man of about 65 years of age, makes the injury of a much worse character.
Saturday, 29 July 1893, Western Mail 7548 –
THE QUARREL BETWEEN GYPSIES AT NEATH – OPENING OF THE INQUEST – The gypsy RILEY died at Neath Workhouse on Friday morning. On Friday afternoon Mr Howel CUTHBERTSON, coroner, held an inquest into the circumstances. Ellen Williams RILEY, a single woman, said she lived in Rhondda. Deceased was her father, and was 73 years of age. He was a basket and clothes-peg maker. Inquest adjourned.
Monday, 31 July 1893, Western Mail 7549 –
VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER – The adjourned inquiry into the death of Samuel RILEY was held at the Town-Hall, Neath, on Saturday. The inquiry had been adjourned for the purpose of having a post-mortem examination on the body. Dr DAVIES was sent to see the deceased at 10.15pm in the lock-up; there were no marks of injury, with the exception of a slight scratch on the left cheek. The post-mortem showed there were no external marks of injury. There was a large clot of blood on the brain. Death was caused by compression of the brain, due to a blow. If the man had died from a fit, then the clot would be inside the brain. The Jury found that the deceased death was due to pressure on the brain, caused by a blow received by being thrown violently to the ground in the Corporation Field by Caradog PRICE. PRICE will, therefore, be charged with manslaughter.
1895 Friday, 19 April Manchester Times 1967 –
Local Notes and Queries – Absalom SMITH, a well-known gypsy in the county of Leicestershire, was elected as King of the Gypsies in the early part of the present century. He exercised the vocation of a “fiddler”, in which he greatly excelled. Death is no respecter of mortals, and he comes when least expected. After a merry bout at Twyford Wake (the Saddle Inn), King Absalom was seized with an illness which proved his last. He died in the so-called Royal camp in Freisland, a lane leading from Twyford to Ashby Folville. Dr NOBLE of Leicester attended him, and it is recorded that his fee of five guineas was punctually paid for each journey and attendance. His Zingari Majesty was interred in the churchyard at Twyford, in a grave twelve feet deep. He was buried in his clothes, or Royal robes, and straw and timber were put on the coffin. The coffin was made by John BAINES, a local carpenter, and was paid for by the tribe in new half-crowns. More than sixty gypsies from twelve encampments attended the funeral, and he was interred with all the honours due to his rank, and with, in addition to the ordinary service, all the peculiar ceremonies of the tribe.
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A SINGULAR WEDDING IN CHEDWORTH CHURCH 1815
Married at Chedworth, Gloucester, Mr. GEORGE PAYNE, late of the parish of Terrington, to UNITY second daughter of HENRY LOCKE, a Gypsy. An immense concourse of spectators of all ranks assembled from the neighbouring villages and during the performance of the marriage ceremony the body and galleries of the church were completely crowded. When the sacred rite was completed, they adjourned to the Gypsy encampment about half a mile distant, the bells ringing a joyful peal. About two o’clock a plentiful dinner was prepared of which the party partook on the Downs. A great quantity of provisions was distributed to the poor, and strong beer and spirits were handed about in abundance. Dancing and singing succeeded the dinner and the party did not break up ‘til a substantial supper had concluded the festive day. It is not known what fortune the lady has, but the father offers 500 guineas with each of his two other unmarried daughters provided they be united to men of good character and householders. (Extracted from Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post Nov. 16th 1815)
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1800 16th July Wednesday
ROYAL FETE AT FROGMORE – The Royal Family then proceeded across the Lawn to another part of the Gardens, where they were met by a group of Gypsies. As they approached their hut, Mrs MILLS, fantastically dressed, and who acted as their Queen, led from behind a thicket two children seated on an ass; here she sung a Gypsy song with uncommon vivacity and sprightliness, the rest of the group joining in the chorus; after which she delivered her Poetical Destinies of Good Fortune to the Royal Family.
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1802 29 May Saturday Ipswich Journal
CHELMSFORD, May 28 – Tuesday last, JAMES LEE, LYDIA LEE, and ANGELETTA LOVELL, all gypsies, and the last-mentioned nearly 80 years of age, belonging to the Nottinghamshire gang, were committed to the House of Correction here, by J. TYRELL Esq, as rogues and vagabonds.
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1811 Saturday, 26 January Ipswich Journal
A few days ago was married, being the fourth time, at Norton, near Gaulby, Leicestershire, LAWRENCE WINSOR, a celebrated fiddler and travelling brazier, and formerly noted as the leader of a gang of gypsies, aged 86 years, to JOHANNA SKELTON, of Coaton-in-the-Elms, aged 22
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1812 Monday, 13 April Hampshire Telegraph
ADAM and THOMAS LEE, two of the gypsies who were tried last week at Kingston Assizes, for highway robbery, and found guilty, along with WILLIAM SEWELL, for cutting and maiming his sister and brother-in-law, ordered for execution on Monday next, at Horsemonger-Lane. A most affecting scene took place on Saturday evening between Thomas LEE and his wife, on their return from Kingston – she being also an accomplice in the robbery and transported for life. Previous to their being conducted to their separate cells, they took a final leave of each other; and the wretched criminal, the husband, in a most affecting and agitating manner, alternately embraced his wife, and little infant, which she had in her arms.
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1812 -04-07 London Middlesex Adam & Thomas Lee 2 gypsies of the gypsies who were tried last week at Kingston Assizes for Highway robbery and found guilty are along with William Small for cutting and maiming his sister and brother in law ordered for execution on Monday next at Horse-monger's lane. A most affecting scene took place on Saturday evening between Thomas lee and his wife on their return from Kingston- she being also accomplice and to be transported for life. Previous to their being conducted to their separate cells they took a final leave of each other and the wretched criminal the husband in a most affectionate and agitated manner alternately embraced his wife and little infant which she held in her arms
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1815 Saturday, 18 February Ipswich Journal
A gang of twelve vagabonds, consisting of three males and nine females, strolling about the country as gypsies, have been apprehended at Borley near Sudbury, who it seems harbour in St Giles’s, London, some short portion of the year. The heads of this gang are Joseph and Hannah LOVELl; and with them two girls, whom they say are their daughters, called Esther and Susan; and another, a niece, they call Ruth; a woman who calls herself Cinderella BOSWELL, a native of Staffordshire, but travels particularly in Essex; Palfe the wife of BOSWELL’s son, who belongs to a parish in Ipswich, but travels as a grinder. Joseph LOVEL, having about two years ago been adjudged a rogue and vagabond, at Chelmsford, was, at the Sessions on the 13th ultimate, adjudged to be an incorrigible rogue and vagabond, and committed to the House of Correction at Chelmsford for six months; the rest of the party were adjudged rogues and vagabonds, and were committed for a month. Three stout fellows belonging to the gang, effected their escape with their four asses and baggage. Two young chimney-sweeps, who had joined the gang, and who said their names were Henry and John GASKIN, otherwise SMITH, were detained on suspicion of stealing a donkey cart in the neighbourhood of Newport on the Cambridge Road. Some of the relatives of these sweeps have, it seems, been in the “Laurel” Hulk at Portsmouth.
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1817 Monday, 12 May Caledonian Mercury
NOTICES RESPECTING SCOTTISH GYPSIES – From a correspondent of the highest respectability – “My father remembered old Jean GORDON of Yetholm, who had great sway among her tribe. She was quite a Meg Merrilies, and possessed the savage virtue of fidelity in the same perfection. Having been often hospitably received at the farmhouse of Lochside, near Yetholm, she had carefully abstained from committing any depredations on the farmer’s property. But her sons (nine in number) had not, it seems, the same delicacy, and stole a brood sow from their kind entertainer. Jean was so much mortified at this ungrateful conduct, and so much ashamed of it, that she absented herself from Lochside for several years. At length, in consequence of some temporary pecuniary necessity, the Goodman of Lochside was obliged to go to Newcastle to obtain funds. Returning through the mountains of Cheviot, he lost his way, until he came to an abandoned barn with a light glimmering through the window; when he knocked on the door it was opened by Jean GORDON. Fearing her sons would soon return, Jean convinced the farmer to give her his money for safe keeping, leaving a small amount in his pockets, together with his horse, which she had then hidden. The sons soon entered the barn and attempted to rob the farmer, but the small amount of coin on him was not worth taking. Next morning, Jean returned his money to him together with his horse, and led him back to Lochside. I have heard the old people of Jedburgh say that all Jean’s sons were condemned to die the same day. It is said the Jury was equally divided until one on their number awoke and gave his vote for condemnation, in the emphatic words “Hang them all”. Jean was present and only said “The Lord help the innocent in a day like this”. Her own death was accompanied with circumstances of brutal outrage, of which she was undeserving. She was a staunch Jacobite and chanced to be at Carlisle on market day in the year 1746, where she gave vent to her political partiality. The rabble of the city inflicted upon poor Jean GORDON no less a penalty than that of ducking her to death in the Eden. It was an operation of some time, for Jean was a stout woman, nearly six feet high, and struggling hard with her murderers, often got her head above water and continued to exclaim “Charlie yet! Charlie yet!”. When a child, and among the scenes which she frequented, I have often heard these stories, and cried piteously for poor Jean GORDON. (This was a shortened version of the article)
The late Madge GORDON was counted as queen of the Yetholm clans. She was, we believe, a grand-daughter of the celebrated Jean GORDON, and was said to have much resembled her in appearance. Madge GORDON was descended from the FAAS on her mother’s side, and was married to a YOUNG. She was rather a remarkable personage, of a very commanding presence and high stature, being nearly six feet high. She had a large acquiline nose – penetrating eyes, even in her old age – bushy hair, that hung round her shoulders. When she spoke vehemently she used to strike her staff upon the floor. She frequently boasted that there was a time when she was of considerable importance, for there were at her wedding fifty saddled asses, and unsaddled asses without number. If Jean GORDON was the prototype of the character of Meg Merrilies, I imagine Madge must have sat to the unknown author as the representative of her person.
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1817 Saturday, 19 July Jackson’s Oxford Journal
UNION HALL – Saturday, four Gypsies, named, John, Joshua, Sharensee, and Matilda SMITH, were brought before Mr Sergeant SELLON, charged by MAY and GOFF, for robbery. The prisoners denied all knowledge of the robbery in question. They were, however, committed for re-examination.
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1818 Thursday, 26 February, Caledonian Mercury 15037 –
ANECDOTES OF THE FIFE GYPSIES – Hugh GRAHAM, brother of Charlie GRAHAM who was executed at Perth, was, with a small knife, stabbed by his own cousin, John YOUNG, in Aberdeen. These two powerful gypsies never fell in with one another but a wrestling bout commenced. GRAHAM was the aggressor, he drew his knife, but YOUNG wrestled it out of his hand, and laid his opponent dead at his feet, by stabbing him in the upper part of the stomach, close to the breast. YOUNG was one of seven sons and, although five feet ten inches high, his mother called him “the drawf o’ ma’ bairns”. He was condemned. And hanged at Aberdeen, for the murder.
Peter YOUNG, another son of Sarah GRAHAM’s, was also hanged at Aberdeen. When anyone asked Old John YOUNG where his sons were, his reply was, “they are all hanged”. I was informed by a gentleman in Edinburgh that this gang of YOUNG’s were related to the Yetholm gypsies, which proves the connection between the gypsies of Lochgellie and those on the Scottish borders, and shows they are from one common stock.
Jenny GRAHAM, sister to the GRAHAM’s already mentioned, was kept by a gentleman as his mistress; however, although he was very affectionate towards her, she left her life of protection and wealth to return to her old wandering way of life. She was remarkably handsome.
Meg GRAHAM, another sister, is still living, and is a woman of uncommon bodily strength, a good deal stronger than the generality of men. She is married to William DAVIDSON, a gypsy at Wemyss; they have a large family, and sell earthen ware through the country.
The GRAHAM’s who were at Lochgellie, the WILSON’s at Raplock near Stirling, and the JAMISON’s in the neighbourhood of Linlithgow, were all, by the female side, immediately descended from old Charlie STEWART, a gypsie chief. Charlie STEWART is described as a stout good-looking man with a fair complexion, who lived to a long age. He was descended from the Royal Stuarts of Scotland, and died in the last 20 years.
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1818 Thursday, 26 November Caledonian Mercury 15169 –
DEATHS – At Sanquhar, on the 16th current, at the advanced age of 102 years, William MARSHALL, tinker. He was born at Colmonell, in 1716, lived about 50 years in the parish of Minnigaff, and for the last 24 years he resided at Sanquhar. He was twice married, and has left a widow and several children. His father, also named William, lived in the extraordinary gang of gypsies, who infested Galloway and the neighbouring counties, for a great number of years.
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1819 Saturday, 6 February Ipswich Journal 4257 –
QUARTER SESSIONS – At Peterborough Quarter Sessions, Newcomb BOSS and George YOUNG, two gypsies, were put on their trial for stealing a gelding, the property of Mr SPEECHLEY of Peterborough. The trial occupied the attention of the Court for several hours, after which, the Jury returned a verdict against both the prisoners of guilty, and sentence of death was passed upon them.
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1820 Saturday, 21 October Morning Chronicle 16064 –
Two men and a woman, belonging to a tribe of Gypsies, have been apprehended in Kent on a strong suspicion of being the persons who sent the poisoned pudding to Maidstone Gaol, by eating of which the two prisoners, GREENTREES and HEARN lost their lives. It is conjectured that they were implicated with GREENTREES in horse-stealing, and took that diabolical mode of preventing his impeaching them.
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1820 Thursday, 7 December Caledonian Mercury 15486 –
DARING GANG OF GYPSIES – In the beginning of September last, two men were committed to Maidstone gaol on a charge of horse-stealing, of the names of HUGHES and GREENSTREET. On Thursday, 5th October, a basket was received at Maidstone prison, by the carrier from Tunbridge Wells, directed to W. GREENSTREET or GREENTREES. It came from Rowland Castle, near Portsea, where GREENSTREET’S wife, family and friends reside; he therefore received it as coming from them without suspicion. Its contents proved to be clothes, cheese, bacon, a boiled plum pudding, apples, &c. It so happened that the prisoners had just had dinner; GREENSTREET ate some of the pudding and offered it to his fellow prisoners, but only HEARN accepted some. Both men were seriously taken ill a short time afterwards, and continued in a dreadful state until they expired. It being strongly suspected that the pudding was poisoned, it was analysed and found to contain arsenic. When GREENSTREET was informed he had eaten a poisoned pudding, he had no doubt it had been done by a man named PROUDLY. The pudding was given to the carrier by a tall gypsy woman, who had directed a maid to write the address on it. Bow Street was informed of the case, and they sent LAVENDER and BISHOP to Maidstone to investigate. LAVENDER went to Romsey fair, where he apprehended PROUDLY and accompanied him to Maidstone. The prisoner said his name was PEARCE and not PROUDLY; he was however committed. LAVENDER next went in search of the woman who made the plum pudding and was so fortunate as to meet with the woman charged with the heinous act, calling herself Mary BAKER, encamped on the road from Chesham with an old man and woman and some Gypsey children. The old people are supposed to be the parents of HUGHES. LAVENDER conveyed her to Maidstone. She was identified by the maid as having been the woman who sent the pudding. Another woman previously in custody purchased the articles in Tunbridge Wells. The women were committed for trial on a charge of having murdered the two men in Maidstone Gaol. PROUDLY alias PEARCE was committed for horse-stealing.
1821Thursday, 8 March Trewman’s 2894 –
DEATHS – On Thursday week, was interred at Piddletown, aged one hundred and one, Mrs STANLEY, widow of the late Peter STANLEY, well-known in the counties of Wilts, Hants, and Dorset, by the designation of King of the Gypsies. The concourse of people assembled from the adjacent villages to witness the closing scene of this venerable Queen Dowager of the wandering tribe was immense.
1822 Saturday, 31 August Caledonian Mercury 15757 –
GYPSEY MARRIAGE – On Wednesday the 14th inst, was married at Lower Winchendon, Bucks, by the Rev Thomas HAYTON, John FLETCHER to Teanaah BUCKLAND, daughter of Edward BUCKLAND, head of a tribe of gypsies who have long frequented that part of Buckinghamshire. After the ceremony the party retired to a lane adjacent to the village, where they partook of an excellent dinner provided for the occasion, part of which was served on solid plate, and the remainder on beautiful oriental china. The novelty of the scene attracted a number of respectable people from the neighbouring villages, all of whom were requested to partake of their cheer.
1822 Saturday, 12 October Ipswich Journal 4406 –
DEATHS – Died, on Sunday, at an obscure lodging in St Clement’s, William ABBINGER. This person had acquired the reputation of being well-versed in the art and mystery of fortune-telling. He was formerly in the navy, and having obtained his discharge by disabling one of his hands, he associated for some time with a gang of gypsies, from whom he derived his knowledge of the occult science.
1824 Saturday, 16 October Morning Chronicle 17316 –
THE KING OF THE GYPSIES – On Friday last, an interesting funeral took place at Wittering, a village three miles south of Stamford. The individual whose remains were consigned to the earth, was in life no less a personage than Henry BOSWELL, well known as the Father, or King of the Gypsies, resorting in this part of the country. The old man was encamped on Southorpe Heath, with several of his family and subjects, on Sunday night, when death put an end to his reign and his earthly wanderings. He had been ill for a few days, but his complaint was really a decay of nature, for the patriarch was nearly 100 years of age. A decent coffin had been provided, and the obliquities on Friday were conducted with great decorum. The body was deposited in Wittering church-yard, where the service was read by the Rev William WING. On Wednesday, the gipsy camp broke up from Southorpe, on which occasion those who had composed it went to the churchyard to pay the last tribute of affection at the grave of BOSWELL, and a very impressive scene of silent unaffected grief was witnessed. The old man is said to have died in very affluent circumstances, and to have possessed estates in several parts of England.
1825 Monday, 1 August Bristol Mercury 1822 –
ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE – At Worcester, sentence of death was recorded against Fanny and Eliz. DALLOW (mother and daughter, and gypsies) for stealing, near Tenbury, a pony, which though worth 10/-, they sold at Upton-on-Severn for 4/-. They were both in custody before, on a charge of stealing a cow, but were acquitted.
Saturday, 21 January 1826, Newcastle Courant 7789 –
At the Northumberland Sessions, held in the Moot-Hall, Newcastle, on Thursday and Friday, the 12th and 13th inst, John STEEL and Thomas ALLEN (Gypsies) for stealing some engine articles from the colliery at Ovingham, were found guilty and sentenced to be transported for 7 years.
1826 Saturday, 1 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 3805 –
SINGULAR CASE – Tried at the Cambridge Assizes, a prisoner named Elijah POPPY, a sturdy specimen of the wandering race called gypsies, on a charge of having feloniously stolen a certain amount of mutton from the premises of John CRISP, farmer, at Swaffham Prior. A shepherd had hung the meat up in a part of the farm for the dogs, and the prisoner had carried it off for himself and his companions. The Jury deliberated for some time when the Foreman said, “We find the prisoner Not Guilty, because we consider the thing stolen, not as mutton, but as carrion, and of no value”. The prisoner was discharged to no small satisfaction of several of his gipsy brethren, who were anxiously awaiting the issue of the case, but whose skill in “fortune-telling” did not enable them exactly to predict so favourable an event.
1827 Saturday, 12 May Jackson’s Oxford Journal 3863 –
EXECUTION – James CLASE, better known by the name “Blue Jemmy”, for horse-stealing, and William HEWLETT, for sheep-stealing, were executed at Ilchester on Wednesday. CHASE is said to have confessed having stolen not less than a hundred horses, he had been brought to the bar nineteen times, and tried at Dorchester, Exeter and Taunton. In early life he lived as a post-boy at Salisbury; afterwards, he joined some gypsies, and at length commenced those practices which brought him to an ignominious end, at the age of 52. HEWLETT thought his a very hard case as, previous to the commission of the offence, for which he suffered, he had never stolen more than 24 sheep!
1830 Tuesday, 16 February Hull Packet 2361 –
DEATHS - On Thursday week, died in his tent, in the parish of Launton, Oxfordshire, upwards of 100 years of age, Jas. SMITH, a well-known character, and for many years considered as the king of that wandering people called gypsies. He was the father of 16 children by his wife (who survives him, and whose age is more than 100 years), some of whom are upwards of 70 years of age, his grand and great-grand-children are numberless.
1831 Saturday, 13 August Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4085 –
DEATHS – At Winchester, aged 70, Robert LEE, who for many years enjoyed the distinguished title of “King of the Gypsies”. Since his succession from the erratic tribe, and during his residence in Winchester, his Majesty has been domiciled at the House of Industry, from which place his remains were taken for interment.
1831 Tuesday, 20 September Hull Packet 2444 –
DEATHS – Lately, at his residence at Northampton, John HOYLAND, Esq, formerly of York, author of “An Historical Survey of the Gypsies”.
Saturday, 18 August 1832, Preston Chronicle 1042 –
DEATH OF THE KING OF THE GYPSIES – Died, in a tent on our race ground, on Wednesday, the venerable Charles LEE, the “King of the Gypsies”. The age of this monarch of the murky tribe was not correctly known; they called him seventy-four, but it is conjectured he was much older. He has left about fifty children and grand-children behind him. He was interred in St Ann’s church-yard, followed by ten of his relatives, the rest of the family being absent at the different fairs, races &c., in the presence of at least a thousand spectators, who had from curiosity been attracted to the church-yard, to witness the funeral of so exalted a character. (Lewes Paper)
1833Tuesday, 16 July North Wales Chronicle 312 –
HORSE DEALERS – Two gypsies, who gave their names as William RILEY, a razor grinder, and Thomas WILLIAMS, a rag-merchant, were brought before the Court by the Superintendent of Police at Chester, who saw them in the fair offering a horse for sale. A pretended certificate of sale was found in the pocket of one. Committed into custody, while further enquiries are made.
1834 Saturday, 12 July Ipswich Journal 5025 –
BURY QUARTER SESSIONS – Susan BOSS, 30, charged with having obtained from Robert GRIMWOOD of Little Livermere, labourer, 5 sovereigns, 2 half-sovereigns, and divers other coins, and a silver watch, under fraudulent and false pretences of telling “his fortune”, was discharged for want of prosecution. The Court reprimanded the prisoner and assured her she had had a narrow escape.
1834 Saturday, 27 December Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4261 –
A few days ago, John LOVELL, an old man residing at Brighton, who has lived there for several years past on the bounty of their Majesties and other branches of the Royal Family, attained the 102d year of his age. This venerable old man, in his youthful days, followed the trade of a travelling tinker about the country, and he belongs to the tribe of gypsies. At an early age he married his first wife, by whom he had issue 22 children, 16 being sons. After her decease he again entered the bands of matrimony, and the second wife gave birth to 20 children, making in all 42, 28 of whom were sons. He is now in the enjoyment of good health.
1835 Wednesday, 4 February Derby Mercury 5351 –
DEATHS – Died, last week, at the Royal encampment, Bestwood Lane, in the parish of Basford, near this town, after a lingering illness, Louis BOSWELL, King of the Gypsies, aged 42. Many thousands visited the encampment for the funeral, however, it did not proceed as a deputation from the gypsies in Leicestershire determined to inter the Royal remains in the usual burying place, “No-man’s Heath”, in Northamptonshire. A procession was formed which set out with the Royal corpse for “No-man’s Heath”, attended by the Royal Princess and a considerable train, but circumstances afterwards occurred that induced the procession to stay at Eastwood, when the funeral took place on Monday in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators. The deceased succeeded to the Royal dignity, on the death of his father, which took place a few years ago in Lincolnshire, and he has left his only daughter, a fine looking personage, a quarter measure filled with gold for her fortune. (Nottingham Journal, January 30)
Wednesday, 8 February 1837, Derby Mercury 5456 –
DEATHS – A. BOSWELL, the celebrated King of the Gypsies, died on Tuesday afternoon, the 24th of January, in a lane in the parish of Laneham, at the great age of 99, as he himself stated a few minutes before his death. He was possessed of an ass, nearly as old as himself, a camp, an old fiddle, and three half-pence. His family consists of his grandson (Elijah), two concubines (his wife having died some time previously), and twelve children, sons and daughters. His remains were interred by the gang with due honours, in Laneham churchyard.
1838 Thursday, 31 May Trewman’s 379 –
DEATHS – On Wednesday, Sarah BOSWELL, the Queen Dowager of the Gypsies, died in the Infirmary of the Basford Union Workhouse, at nearly 94 years of age. The old woman was married to the celebrated BOSWELL, King of the Gypsies, 72 years since, and although living out in the open air for her whole life, during the whole vicissitudes of this uncertain climate, had preserved an uninterrupted state of health until shortly before her death. (Derby Reporter)
1839 Sunday, 17 February The Examiner 1620 –
DEATHS – On Monday last, Dinah BOSWELL, one of the numerous tribe of gypsies of that name, was buried at Bury, who had attained the good old age of 101. She was attended to the ground by many of her relatives and friends, who seemed affected at witnessing the conclusion of her earthly wanderings. Some of the spectators who were present indulged in acts which were, to say the least of them, extremely indecorous on so solemn and occasion. (Cambridge Chronicle)
1839 Sunday, 9 June The Charter 20 –
CONVICTS PARDONED – The three gypsies, (brothers), named LOVELL, who were convicted in June last of waylaying and robbing Mr GREEN, a farmer, whom they were said to have left for dead, have received a pardon from the Crown, at the suggestion of Lord John RUSSELL, the real perpetrators of the robbery having been discovered, and the innocence of the young men fully proved. (Worcester Journal)
1839 Tuesday, 19 July Brighton Patriot 229 –
MIDSUMMER QUARTER SESSIONS, TOWN HALL, HORSHAM – Richard BARBER, hawker, 19, and Charles BEARCEY, sweep, 22, charged with stealing at the parish of Bursettow in the county of Southampton on the 28th April last, two ponies, the property of Joseph SELWOOD. The Jury returned a verdict of guilty upon both prisoners. It appeared BARBER had been led astray by the other prisoner, who was of a company of gypsies. BARBER – 10 years transportation. BEARCEY – transportation for life.
1841 Friday, 23 April Liverpool Mercury 1563 –
DEATHS – ROYAL DEMISE – On Wednesday the funeral of old ____ ISAACS, the king of the gypsies, took place at Yatton, a village about nine miles west of Bristol. There was a very large assembly of the black-eyed brunettes. The ceremony was followed by sundry and various libations of heavy wet, short, and cold without, until sorrow was flouted up to the mirth, and mirth stimulated to anger, and the “funeral baked meats” were knocked about in one general row. (Devonshire Chronicle)
1842 Saturday, 5 March Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4636 –
BERKSHIRE ASSIZES – John BROWN, Linda JEFFS, Caroline BOWERS and Elizabeth SCOTT, were placed at the bar. The prisoner BROWN stood charged with burgulariously entering the dwelling-house of Mr Robert WEST of Warfield, on the night of 10th October last, and stealing 3 cheeses, a quantity of bacon, wearing apparel, and other articles, and the three women with receiving the same knowing it was stolen. The prisoners, being gypsies, a great number of the tribe have flocked to this town, anxiously watching the trial. A verdict of guilty was returned against all four prisoners, who were sentenced – John BROWN, to ten years’ transportation – the three women, twelve months’ imprisonment each.
1842 Saturday, 8 October Freeman’s Journal (Issue N/A) –
THE GYPSIES – A short time since, a very remarkable circumstance took place in the New Forest, Hampshire, in the instance of a Gypsy named LEE having been rejected from the fraternity. The spot where the scene took place was at Bolton’s Bench, near Lyndhurst. Between three hundred and four hundred Gypsies, belonging to the different tribes, including the LEES, STANLEYS, and COOPERS, were assembled on this unusual occasion. The concourse consisted of a great many females, and so secretly had the meeting been got up, that scarcely a person residing in the neighbourhood was aware that a circumstance of the sort was about to take place. The offender, a handsome-looking man between 30 and 40 years of age, was placed in the middle of the ring, composed of the King of the Gypsies, and the patriarchs of the different tribes. This ring was followed by a second, made up of the male portion of the assembly, and the external circle was formed by the women. The king, who was one of the LEES, a venerable old man, and one who looked as if he had been upwards of ninety summers, then addressed the culprit for nearly an hour, but in a tongue that was perfectly strange to the bystanders. The address was delivered in a most impressive manner, as might be conceived by the vehemence of the gesticulations which accompanied it. None but the Gypsies themselves had the slightest knowledge of the crime which had been committed by the offender, but it must have been one evidently obnoxious to the tribe, as the act of expulsion among them is an extremely rare occurrence. As soon as the king had finished his speech to the condemned man, he turned round and harangued the whole of the Gypsies assembled and, expressing himself in English, informed them that Jacob LEE had been expelled from among them, and that he was no longer one of their fraternity, and that he do leave the camp of the Gypsies forever. The king then advanced towards him, spat upon him, and the circles which enclosed him simultaneously opened to admit of his retreating from among them, whilst they smote him with the branches of trees as he left the ground. The meeting then broke up, and the parties assembled went their different ways, some of them having come to witness the tribunal from a considerable distance. The whole ceremony, which took place under an aged oak in the forest, was a very imposing one, and being a very unusual, almost unprecedented, occurrence in these parts, created an intense degree of interest among the bye standers.
1842 Tuesday, 18 October Morning Chronicle 22749 –
SINGULAR GYPSY FUNERAL AT LITTLE COGGESHALL – For some time a numerous tribe of gypsies have pitched their tents in Cut Hedge-road, Little Coggeshall. One of the party died last week. As soon as life was extinct, much ceremony was observed. The body was dressed in a Scotch plaid gown, silk stockings, and satin shoes; wax tapers were burnt, and the remains lay in state. Instructions for the funeral were given to Mr CLEMENTS, the undertaker, and no expense was spared to render it most respectable in all its appointments. The coffin was of fine oak, studded with gilt nails, and bore a brass plate, upon which was engraved, “Cecilia CHILCOTT – died Sept. 20, 1842, aged 28 years”. On Sunday last, the funeral took place, and her remains were interred in the parish churchyard, by the Rev W. WIGSON, curate, in the presence of a concourse of between 4,000 and 5,000 persons. The pall was supported by four respectably dressed females deeply veiled, and about 30 of the tribe followed, all dressed in black, the men wearing black cloth cloaks. The greatest decorum was observed by the whole of the party, and a more respectable funeral, we understand, has not been seen in the town for many years. We are credibly informed that in the coffin were placed by the side of the body, the deceased watch and a purse of money, for the protection of which a person is appointed to watch the grave for some weeks. The father of the deceased, attributing the death of his daughter to the removal by the police, threatens to take legal proceedings against the parties. (Chelmsford Chronicle) *********************
From The Times, 5 January 1843:
"Death of an Old Gypsy. – Last week John Lovell, aged 80 years, expired at his residence in Frying-Pan-Alley, Clerkenwell. The deceased was well known in the metropolis for the last 50 years as a Gypsy and travelling tinker; and in more recent years, being afflicted with apoplexy, he lost the use of his left side, and paraded the streets in the vicinity of Lincoln’s-inn, calling out, “Poor old man! – pots and kettles to mend.” His appearance was most deplorable, and he received sums of money from charitable persons daily, supposing him to be in great distress. After his decease a sum of money amounting to 700 was found in various parts of his room, which he had hoarded up, amongst which were several pounds’ worth of farthings.
"On Sunday last he was respectably buried in Clerkenwell burying ground by some relatives. The deceased had a large family of children; one of his sons was executed at the age of 17 years, at the Old Bailey, with John Henley, the captain of the celebrated West-end fair Gangmen, Hampstead, for desperate highway robberies at that fair; two others of his sons were transported, for robberies, for their natural lives. The deceased, some years ago, resided at Paddington, and was the associate of the Lees and Coopers, gangs notorious for horse-stealing. Lee, who was at that period termed the King of the Gypsies, being convicted of horse-stealing, suffered execution. The deceased, when a young man, was a noted prize-fighter.
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1843 Friday, 26 May Newcastle Courant 8790 –
PETTY SESSIONS – At the petty sessions, held at Alnwick on the 20th instant, William ANGUS, one of the travelling gypsies, was brought up charged with encamping upon the public highway, in the township of Lesbury, on the 16th February last. He was fined 20s, including costs.
1843 Saturday, 1 July Leeds Mercury 5717 –
At the Castle of Exeter, on Monday week, Wharnford STANLEY, the king of the gypsies in that district, was committed for trial on a charge of horse-stealing.
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1844 Wednesday, 27 March Derby Mercury 5829 –
DERBYSHIRE LENT ASSIZES – Wednesday, March 20 – Noah BOSWELL, 24, and Joseph SMITH, 28, (gypsies), charged with having on the 6th day of March instant, at the parish of Beighton, stolen a promissory note of the Chesterfield and High Peak Bank, for the sum of 5/-, four sovereigns, and two half sovereigns, the property of Thomas MIRFIN. SMITH was found Guilty, and BOSWELL acquitted. Sentence on SMITH, 7 years’ transportation.
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1844 Tuesday, 10 September Belfast News 11181 –
DEATH OF THE GIPSY KING – A few days’ since near Beaulieu, Joseph LEE, the acknowledged monarch of that mysterious class of people, the Gypsies. He was a native of Brockenhurst, in the New Forest, and was, it is said, in his eighty-sixth year. He was the progenitor of a long line of descendants, having left behind him a large assemblage of aged children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. He is reported to have died worth a great deal of money. Indeed, some years ago, when Charity LEE was married to one of the STANLEYS, old Joseph LEE presented her upon the occasion with one hundred spade guineas, besides trinkets and several pieces of plate furniture. About sixty years ago he was in the habit of travelling the country around Southampton, Ramsey, Lymington, and Ringwood, as a razor-grinder, and was well known in these neighbourhoods as “Gipsy Joe”. He was the boon companion of the notorious Peter WARREN and Billy DEAR, the two great contraband adventurers. Smuggling, deer-stealing, poaching, and occasionally selling a few ponies at various fairs, were Joe’s mottled avocations. In his political administration he was remarkable for one act, which took place in his reign, viz: that of excommunicating, in person, about three years’ ago, a gipsy by the name of Jacob LEE
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1844 5th Oct A Gypsy Wedding Married at Blagdon Sept 17th 1844 by Rev Danile Wheeler, Matthew Stanley son of Joshua Stanley King of the Gypsies to Martha Broadway second daughter of John Broadway of the same tribe; after the ceremony they returned to the Seymours Arms where the wedding dinner was provided by the landlord Mr Hallett in the best style and spent the remainder of the day returning to their camp on Blagdon Hill at about 12 0'clock in the evening. It is estimated that not less than 400 persons assembled to witness the ceremony and the bells having been set ringing and the Blagdon band engaged for the Union the wedding day and the day after were kept up as Holidays Bath Journal
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1844 Saturday, 5 October Northern Star 360 –
A GIPSEY WEDDING – Married at Blagdon, September 17, 1844, by the Rev Daniel WHEELER, Matthew, son of Joshua STANLEY, King of the Gypsies, to Martha, second daughter of John BROADWAY, of the same tribe. After the ceremony they returned to the Seymour’s Arms, where the wedding dinner was provided by the landlord, Mr HALLETT, in the best style, and spent the remainder of the day, returning to their camp, on Blagdon hill, at about twelve o’clock in the evening. It is estimated not less than 400 persons assembled to witness the ceremony, and the bells having been set ringing, and the Blagdon band engaged for the union, the wedding day and the day following were kept up as holidays. (Bath Journal)
1845 Saturday, 19 July Jackson’s Oxford Journal 4812 –
BRACKLEY – A QUEEN IN TROUBLE – On the 12th instant, Patience JUNE, the Queen of the Gypsies, and who has seen no less than 73 summers, was taken into custody by police officials, MARRIOTT and HUTTON, in consequence of her being in a state of drunkenness, and was (certainly very ignobly for a Queen) wheeled to the Brackley lock-up house in a barrow. After remaining in the cage some time, Patience was once more allowed to become a free subject, on her paying 3s.
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1846 Friday, 20 March Liverpool Mercury 1820 –
DEATHS – March 2, in Wincanton Workhouse, aged 95, Dow BARTON, Queen of the Gypsies. The funeral was attended by hundreds of her gypsy subjects.
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1846 Tuesday, 26 May Daily News 108 –
Zachariah LEE, a stalwart gypsy, was charged with sleeping in the open air in Epping Forest, and with being unable to give a satisfactory account of himself. The prisoner was discharged solely in consequence of his having a settled place of abode at Chingford.
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1847 Thursday, 25 February Trewman’s 4235 –
BROADCLIST – We noticed a few months since the death of Gypsy STANLEY and his daughter; his widow has had erected to their memory a large head and foot stone, both richly carved with a long inscription in gold letters, executed by Mr DAVY, statuary. On Monday last, the time appointed for these being fixed, a large number of gypsies and several hundred of the residents of the village were present on the occasion. Thomas STANLEY was the son of the present King of the Gypsies.
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1847 Thursday, 11 November Caledonian Mercury 19727 –
YETHOLM – CORONATION OF THE GYPSY KING – Monday, 25th October, being the day appointed for traversing the boundary of the Common, and for the coronation of Charles BLYTH, successor to the late Will FAA, King of the Gypsies. Charles was solemnly crowned in the centre of the village, the band playing “God Save The King”, and the crowd cheering “Long Live Charles the First”. The cortege proceeded to the Common, where a long-tailed white horse was in readiness for his Majesty, and three or four bottles of whisky were quaffed before mounting. In going down a hill some of his Majesty’s attendants, more merry than wise, kept tickling the horse behind until it broke away from the grooms, and Charles I embraced his mother earth. Fears were entertained that his Majesty (who is upwards of seventy years) was hurt; but Dr TURNER was in immediate attendance; and after feeling his purse, prescribed a glass of whisky, after which is Majesty gradually recovered. He remounted and the procession moved on to the inn, where they were comfortable seated at the festive board of Mrs GOVANLOCK. “The King” was drunk, and the band played “Welcome Royal Charles”. His Majesty briefly responded, expressing his determination to promote such measures as would be most conducive to the welfare and prosperity of his most loyal and affectionate subjects, which were received with deafening cheers.
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1850 Saturday, 12 January Hampshire Telegraph 2623 –
DEATH OF THE QUEEN OF THE GYPSIES – Hannah BOSS, of Bosswell, sovereign of the gypsies, died in Lincoln Union on Sunday week, at the advanced age of 99. She entered the Union five years’ ago, being, through age and infirmity, no longer able to accompany the well-known tribe in their wanderings. The old lady had been connected with the Bosswell tribe from her birth.
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1850 Friday, 23 August Hull Packet 3425 –
LOUTH – BOROUGH POLICE REPORT – Tuesday, August 13th, Before J.B.. SHARPLEY Esq – Elijah ELLIOT alias YOUNG, with many other aliases – one of those pests of society, the gypsies, and who has been convicted of serious offences in various places in this county – was charged by No. 2, PATRICK, with being drunk and creating a disturbance in Aswell-lane. Fined 5s and costs, or 14 days.
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1851 Saturday, 12 April Hampshire Telegraph 2688 –
At the Magistrates’ Clerk’s Office, Chichester, on Friday, Henry MIDDLETON and Henry ROY, gypsies, were charged with an assault on Thomas COLLINS and Margaret, his wife, at Pagham. Fined 3/- 12s, and costs 1/0 8s; in default, two months’ hard labour.
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1852 Friday, 2 July North Wales Chronicle 1310 –
BANGOR, June 29 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – John BURKE and J. RILEY, two camping gypsies, were fined €2 each and costs, or one month hard labour, for cruelty to their donkeys. Their Worships observed that the whole fraternity was a pest to the country. The money was immediately paid.
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1853 Friday, 15 April North Wales Chronicle 1361 –
BANGOR, Wednesday – POLICE INTELLIGENCE – Obstructing the Highway – Patrick RILEY and J. SWEENEY, two travelling gypsies, were, on the information of P.C. Rees DAVIES, fined 10s and costs for erecting their tents on the road leading from Bangor to Clasinfryn. In default of payment, they were committed to the gaol for a month.
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1854 Saturday, 6 May Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5271 –
WINSLOW – Died, April 25, at the Newport Pagness Union house, in the 101st year of her age, Nanny DRAPER, generally known as Queen of the Gypsies.
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1854 Wednesday, 9 August Derby Mercury 3277 –
“Tye” at the Crystal Palace – That celebrated personage “Margaret FINCH”, the Queen of the Gypsies, who died at the advanced age of 109, and lays buried in Beckenham churchyard, close by, and who held her sylvan court in these parts, is reported among other prophecies and predictions, to have foretold that within 150 years, of which there are upwards of 40 still to run, “Norwood” would be the heart of London.
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1856 Wednesday, 19 November Derby Mercury 3395 –
SUSPICIOUS DEATH – The body of Josiah STANLEY, the “King of the Gypsies” of the West, was found on the 29th ultimate, in the river Dart, near Totness, and was buried on the 3d instant at High-week, being followed to the grave by a crowd of spectators. Various rumours having got abroad, the Coroner held an inquest, which has been from time to time adjourned. The medical men ask for a post mortem examination, giving it as their opinion that the man had been strangled before being thrown into the water. The police are already possessed of some important information. The tribe to which the deceased belonged have offered a reward of 50/- for the apprehension of the murderer.
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1856 Saturday, 27 December North Wales Chronicle 1561 –
BANGOR, Monday, December 22 – Ann RAFTERY, one of a number of gypsies who infest the neighbourhood of Glanmor, Aber, was charged by P.C. Stephen DAVIES with vagrancy. Committed to the county gaol for one month with hard labour.
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1857 Friday, 13 February Caledonian Mercury 21025 –
“In 1732, recording a conviction by the Judge of the Regality, of some gypsies who lived in a cave and plundered the neighbourhood in these terms:- ‘This day was finished here a very tedious trial of four gypsies, strollers or vagabonds, which lasted between eighteen or nineteen hours, by the honoured Captain HALKETT, James DEWAR of Lassodie, and Henry WALLWOOD of Garvock, deputies of the Most Honourable the Marquis of Tweeddale, as hereditary baille of the Justiciary and Regality Courts of Dunfermline; when on a full and plain proof, James RAMSAY, one of the gang, was sentenced to be hanged the 22d of March next; and the other three to be whipped, the first Wednesday of each month, for one half-year, and afterwards to be banished the regality for every.’ (Billings Baronial and Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland Vol ii)”
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1857 Friday, 15 May Morning Chronicle 28204 –
CLERKENWELL, Yesterday – ROBBERY AT A LICENSED VICTUALLER’S – William BULLIFANT, 24, a dirty-looking fellow, residing at 75 Noble-street, Goswell-street, who described himself as a brass-founder, but who is better known from his being connected with some gypsies and going about the town as a travelling tinker, was placed at the bar before Mr TYRWHITT, charged with stealing a number of articles of the value of €1.5s, the property of Mary Ann NUNN, a barmaid, and further with stealing a waistcoat, the property of Mr Charles FRANCIS, the landlord of the Adam and Eve public-house, St John-street, Clerkenwell. When Mr FRANCIS, who was attending the theatre, was informed that he had been robbed, it caused that gentleman great excitement, in consequence of which he unfortunately broke a blood-vessel, and this morning we regret to say died. Mr FRANCIS, a young man, had only been in the public-house a few months, and was well respected. The person, who kept up a bellowing noise the whole of the time, pleaded for forgiveness, and made one or two attempts to go into a fit. Mr TYRWHITT committed the prisoner to the House of Correction for three calendar months, with hard labour. The prisoner clasped his hands together, and he and his wife made a continual howl until he was removed.
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1861 Saturday, 5 October Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5658 –
MAGISTRATES CHAMBER, SEPT 23 – Hansell BYLES was charged with assaulting Betsy BIRCH at Aylesbury on the 25th ult (fair day). Both parties are gypsies. The defendant struck her savagely on the head with a pint pot, sadly disfiguring her, and cutting a piece out of her head. The complainant having expressed a wish to settle the matter, they were allowed to do so.
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1862 Thursday, 26 June Liverpool Mercury 4486 –
THE MURDER AT WATERLOO – On Monday evening, an inquest was held at Waterloo, Hants, before Edward HOSKINS Esq, on the gipsy woman named Alice Colt LEE, aged 23, who was murdered by her husband, Edward LEE, a gipsy, under circumstances we have previously stated. The father of the deceased, a gipsy, named COLE, of Andover, said that his late daughter and the prisoner went to live together in October last. They were married at Milton Church, near Portsmouth, on the 7th October last, and she would have become a mother in about a month’s time. The coroner summed up, from the information presented he could warrant no other conclusion than that the woman had been murdered by her husband. The Jury returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder” against William LEE. The gypsies are in an excited state, and have expressed a determination to “Lynch” the murderer if they can secure him. (Note: the names Edward LEE and William LEE are as they appeared in the article)
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1862 Tuesday, 4 November Caledonian Mercury 22879 –
AN ANCIENT WANDERER – Last week, says the Montrose Review , one of the Brechin police constables found an old man, named Hugh WHITE, lying at the roadside, near Roschill, in a state of great exhaustion. He was immediately removed to the Police Office, and after warm restorative had been administered, he was able to be conveyed to the Paupers Lodging House, where he now lies. He was ascertained to belong to a tribe of gypsies, if not the hereditary patriarch of a race of wanderers of the name of WHITE, long known in this and neighbouring counties. He states that he is a native of Ayrshire, where he was born in 1761; and his attenuated and withered aspect seem to warrant the conclusion he has seen at least a hundred summers.
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1865 Saturday, 25 February Hampshire Telegraph 3412 –
ALLEGED ROBBERY BY GYPSIES – Mary STANLEY and Mary Anne STANLEY, gypsies, married women, were charged with stealing two baskets, the property of William Charles GODDARD, the occupier of a fancy repository at 71 Russell-street, Landport. (There followed a full transcription of the trial.) The Mayor, at this stage of the proceedings, observed that it would be necessary to adjourn the case, and intimated that the magistrates would be prepared to entertain an application for bail, if competent security could be obtained.
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1867 Saturday, 22 November Jackson’s Oxford Journal 5978 –
ABINGDON – County Magistrates Chamber – George ROBERTS (20) of London, labourer, and John BAKKER of Bilston, labourer, were charged with stealing a coat and handkerchief, property of Charles WESTEN, a carter. The prisoners, who were tramping along the road, took the coat, which had been left near the field where the man was working. The prisoners tried to sell the coat to two young gypsies named BUCKLAND. They were sent to gaol for three months each.
Three tramps, who gave their names as George SMITH of Reddich, boot loser, Samuel POTTER of Gloucester, labourer, and John OWEN of Hereford, labourer, were sent to gaol for 14 days each, for destroying their clothes in the union.
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1871 Saturday, 1 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 6157 –
THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT – A ball was given by the gypsies on Friday evening, March 24, in a large marquee erected for the occasion on the grounds of their encampment in Binsey-lane. The marquee was lit up with a number of lamps, and as much comfort as possible was imparted to the tent. COX’s quadrille band was engaged for the occasion, and refreshments were provided by Mr Joseph HIGGINS, Jericho House. Dancing was kept up until a late hour. On Sunday, the camp was again visited by hundreds of the curious; another ball will be given in the grounds on Monday next.
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1871 Saturday, 8 April Jackson’s Oxford Journal 6158 –
The gypsies, lately encamped in Binsey-lane, have left that place for Banbury. They gave a farewell ball on Monday, when about two hundred people attended.
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1872 Saturday, 24 August North Wales Chronicle 2384 –
BANGOR PETTY SESSIONS – August 20, before Col. WILLIAMS, Major PLATT, and the Rev D. EVANS – Sylvester BOSWELL, “King of the Gypsies”, was charged by William THOMAS, keeper to the Right Hon, Lord PENRHYN, with being on land in the occupation of Evans WILLIAMS, for the purpose of killing game. The defendant gave his name as William GREEN. Fined €2 and 11s costs. ****************************
1884-September 29th (ENGLAND) A remarkable Funeral took place at Plymouth England, recently when Samuel Small King of the gypsy tribe and belonging to jersey was buried in the public cemetery, his funeral was attended by extraordinary number of gypsies who were attired in their quaint costumes. Small wife now becomes Queen of the tribe.
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1885 Saturday, 30 May North Wales Chronicle 2999 –
GYPSIES ON THE WAR PATH IN BANGOR – Kinsey TAYLOR, Walter TAYLOR, Felix TAYLOR, and Gersham LEE, gypsies, were brought up in custody, charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Charles LUCAS, a carter in the employ of the London and North Western Railway, at Glanadda, near Bangor, on the night of Friday the 22nd inst. The Bench considered the charge against the four men, which included kicking LUCAS almost to death, to be of such a serious character that they were committed to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions. The prisoner LEE asked the Bench to discharge him with a fine, as he had a wife and two or three children to care for. The court was crowded during the hearing of the case, and the wives of the prisoners on hearing the decision of the magistrates created considerable disturbance by their wailing.
1888-06-21 WRITTEN IN USA NEWSPAPER ( Happened in England) WALTER COOPER a Gypsy well known in England has just died He was always one of the crowd in attendance at a meet of the Queens Stag hounds. His favourite Horse was burned at his burial.
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1888 Saturday, 12 May Hampshire Telegraph 5577 –
GIPSIES IN TROUBLE – William BAILEY and Thomas BEXLEY, neither of whom put in an appearance, were summoned by James Sturt EDGELER, of Bramshott, for causing damage to a meadow on the 28th April last to the extent of €1. The two defendants were ordered to pay €3.8s.6d each, or in default, a month’s hard labour.
1888 Saturday, 9 June North Wales Chronicle 3159 –
CONWAY – Petty Sessions, Monday – GYPSIES IN TROUBLE – William LEE, Ethel LEE, Alfred TAYLOR, and Felix TAYLOR, were charged with obstructing the highway. P.S. ROWLANDS said they had three caravans, and tent, and two large fires on the road between Colwyn and Llancilian. Felix TAYLOR was fined 10s and costs, and the others 5s and costs each. Alfred LEE and Solomon TAYLOR were each fined 5s and costs for allowing cows to stray on the road.
1889-11-12 THE QUEEN AND THE SNOW CHILDREN There was an incident in the Queen's life well known to the Gypsies but little known out of the charmed Romany circle One bitter winter day when the snow was lying thick all over Windsor Park a gypsy family were crossing it when the tent had to be a suddenly pitched, the pangs of labour having overtaken the mother, a few sticks were hurriedly gathered but there was hardly any time to scrape away the snow and get the fire lit before the Gypsy women gave birth to Twins, the park keepers of course came up and ordered the tent to be taken off the ground. But the birth of the Twins in the snow under her windows reached the ears of her majesty who at once sent food and drink and clothing to the wanderers amongst the presents were some baby's woollen stockings knitted by her majesty own hands ans a pair of blankets which but a short time before it is said had lain on a state bed, Gypsies repeat this anecdote with great pride “ and socks knitted by the Queen of the Gorgias” are frequently referred to by them when they speak of deeds of thoughtful and timely charity. Sheffield England Telegraph
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1890 Thursday, 13 November Western Mail 6705 –
Norton Fitzwarren burial ground has many interesting associations. Many years ago the then Lord of the Manor had a partiality for gypsies. He encouraged them to settle down upon a piece of land which he placed at their disposal, and the rector of the parish likewise made friends of them, frequently conducting Divine service in their encampment. So warm a feeling of friendship was created that after the camp broke up the gypsies bore the place in fond remembrance and those who died upon their travels were, by their earnest wish, conveyed to Norton for burial. Consequently, in this quiet resting-place for the dead are to be found tombstones erected to the memory of the various members of the STANLEY tribe, which claim Royal rights in the race.
1891 Thursday, 15 January Liverpool Mercury 13424 –
THE GYPSY KING AND THE MOVABLE DWELLINGS BILL – The following unsolicited expression of opinion from the King of the Gypsies has just been received at the Central Office of the Liberty and Property Defence League – “Gypsy Camp, Falcon Hall, Edinburgh, Jan 10 1891. Having been all my life a traveller on the roads, and living the life of a gypsy, as my forefathers have done for ages, I protest strongly against the assertions made by a man calling himself ‘George SMITH of Coalville’, and against the attack on our liberties contained in his Movable Dwellings Bill. Let this man name and produce evidence of any cases among gypsies or showmen that bear out his assertions. I personally know all the gypsies and showmen in England, and I am bold to assert that in health and morality their lives will bear favourable comparison with either that of ‘George SMITH of Coalville’ himself or those of his pet slum-dwellers. Many members of the House of Lords and of the House of Commons have been in my tent and those of other gypsies, and can speak to their cleanliness. It would be a gross mis-justice to put us on a worse footing than the lowest thief in a London slum. – George SMITH, King of the Gypsies.”
Thursday, 9 April 1891, Aberdeen Weekly 11288 –
Lizzie WHITE, the queen of the Orkney gypsies, has died at Stromness at the age of 97 years.
Saturday, 11 April 1891, Birmingham Daily Post 10234 –
DEATH FROM BURNS – An inquest was held yesterday by Mr WEEKES (deputy coroner) on Sydney CLAYTON, aged two months, whose parents are gypsies encamping in Queen’s Head Lane, Handsworth. On Monday week there was a fire in one of the tents on the camp ground, and the deceased was left in charge of a sister, twelve years of age. The girl said she fell asleep in front of the fire, and was awakened by hearing screams. She then saw the baby had fallen from her lap into the fire. The mother said she heard the screams, and on rushing into the tent saw the child on the fire. She picked her up, and took her to the General Hospital. Mr HOLDEN, surgeon, said the child was badly burned, and died on the 6th instant from pneumonia following the burns. The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death” and expressed a wish that in future the gypsies would protect their fires by guards.
Friday, 28 July 1893, Western Mail 7547 –
QUARREL BETWEEN GYPSIES AT NEATH – FEARED SERIOUS RESULT – On Wednesday afternoon two gypsies named Caradog PRICE and Samuel RILEY had an altercation near the Corporation Field, Neath, and during the quarrel PRICE knocked RILEY down. The police sergeant later arrested RILEY, as he appeared to be drunk; however RILEY at once became unconscious, and has remained so ever since. He was examined by Dr DAVIES, who said he was in a critical condition and not likely to recover. PRICE was remanded. On Thursday evening our representative called at the workhouse, and was informed RILEY was still in a very serious state, and not likely to recover. He has been badly knocked about, his skull being fractured, and being a man of about 65 years of age, makes the injury of a much worse character.
Saturday, 29 July 1893, Western Mail 7548 –
THE QUARREL BETWEEN GYPSIES AT NEATH – OPENING OF THE INQUEST – The gypsy RILEY died at Neath Workhouse on Friday morning. On Friday afternoon Mr Howel CUTHBERTSON, coroner, held an inquest into the circumstances. Ellen Williams RILEY, a single woman, said she lived in Rhondda. Deceased was her father, and was 73 years of age. He was a basket and clothes-peg maker. Inquest adjourned.
Monday, 31 July 1893, Western Mail 7549 –
VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER – The adjourned inquiry into the death of Samuel RILEY was held at the Town-Hall, Neath, on Saturday. The inquiry had been adjourned for the purpose of having a post-mortem examination on the body. Dr DAVIES was sent to see the deceased at 10.15pm in the lock-up; there were no marks of injury, with the exception of a slight scratch on the left cheek. The post-mortem showed there were no external marks of injury. There was a large clot of blood on the brain. Death was caused by compression of the brain, due to a blow. If the man had died from a fit, then the clot would be inside the brain. The Jury found that the deceased death was due to pressure on the brain, caused by a blow received by being thrown violently to the ground in the Corporation Field by Caradog PRICE. PRICE will, therefore, be charged with manslaughter.
1895 Friday, 19 April Manchester Times 1967 –
Local Notes and Queries – Absalom SMITH, a well-known gypsy in the county of Leicestershire, was elected as King of the Gypsies in the early part of the present century. He exercised the vocation of a “fiddler”, in which he greatly excelled. Death is no respecter of mortals, and he comes when least expected. After a merry bout at Twyford Wake (the Saddle Inn), King Absalom was seized with an illness which proved his last. He died in the so-called Royal camp in Freisland, a lane leading from Twyford to Ashby Folville. Dr NOBLE of Leicester attended him, and it is recorded that his fee of five guineas was punctually paid for each journey and attendance. His Zingari Majesty was interred in the churchyard at Twyford, in a grave twelve feet deep. He was buried in his clothes, or Royal robes, and straw and timber were put on the coffin. The coffin was made by John BAINES, a local carpenter, and was paid for by the tribe in new half-crowns. More than sixty gypsies from twelve encampments attended the funeral, and he was interred with all the honours due to his rank, and with, in addition to the ordinary service, all the peculiar ceremonies of the tribe.
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A SINGULAR WEDDING IN CHEDWORTH CHURCH 1815
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| John7980 | Transcribed from The Western Gazette. Friday, 17th December 1926. | 2 | Dec 15 2012, 4:23 AM EST by admin1+ | ||
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Thread started: Dec 12 2012, 4:49 AM EST
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A ROMANY MARRIAGE.
GIPSY WOMAN TELLS HOW “SHE JUMPED OVER A BROOMSTICK.” Gipsy marriage customs were discussed on Friday at Fareham, when a gipsy woman applied for an old age pension. The Chairman asked her when and where she was married. The applicant replied that she was married at a fair, and not in church. She and her husband-to-be jumped over a broom-stick, and thereby, according to the old Romany custom, were duly and legally married. “We lived happily together as man and wife for 50 years.” She added. The pension was granted. |
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| John7980 | Transcribed from the Christchurch Times dated 11th Oct 1930 | 2 | Aug 28 2010, 5:21 PM EDT by thesugarplumpfaery | ||
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Thread started: Aug 8 2009, 4:45 AM EDT
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CRUTCHER - On September 28th, at 1 Spicer St, Christchurch, Mary beloved wife of Mark Crutcher, and daughter of Mr & Mrs John Burton.
Funeral Of "Mary" FORTY COUPLES AT INTERMENT OF FLOWER SELLER. Hundreds of people who knew her simply as "Mary." heard with regret of the death of Mrs. Crutcher, wife of Mr. Mark Crutcher, and seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. Burton, of 1, Spicer Street, Christchurch. "Mary" was well-known in the townand district as a flower seller, and her sweet smile gained a warm corner in the hearts of all who knew her. Although only 33 years of age. she was the mother of seven children - two of whom she lost by death - and the youngest was born only 2 1/2 months ago. She suffered an illness of many months, but gamely carried on until on Sept. 28 when she was striken down while preparing tea, being the victim of a stroke which affected her heart. She was buried on Thursday last, on her 34th birthday, and it is estimated that no fewer than 40 couples were in the procession at the cemetery. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. H. Gilson (curate-in-charge of S. George's), while members of the Elim Tabernacle sang the hymn, "When the roll is called up yonder," after the body had been lowered into the grave. The two eldest children attended their mother's funeral, namely Sam and Mary ("Angelina"), and in addition to her hisband the othe principal mourners present were :- Mrs Caroline White (sister), Mr. & Mrs. Isaac White, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Goddard (brothers-in-law and sisters), Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burton, Mr. and Mrs. John Burton and Mr. Noah Burton (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Mark Crutcher (parents-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Noah Burton (uncle and aunt), Mrs. Matilda Pateman (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Walter Crutcher and Mr. and Mrs. J. Crutcher (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law). (A list of wreaths follow in the article) |
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| cushtibokt | The London News.July 1.1882.p14.Rhoda Burton | 1 | May 6 2010, 4:00 PM EDT by vgc | ||
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Thread started: Apr 21 2010, 2:57 PM EDT
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Rhoda Burton has been sentenced at Bournmouth to six weeks imprisonment for fortune telling.She asured a domestic servant,she could bring love of a young man,and took a soveriegn in payment,with out waiting for the end of experiment.found this looking through old news papers.
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