Lady Sybil Primrose by Lord Frederic Leighton painted circa 1890.
A photograph of Sybil, taken in 1916 by E.O. Hoppé

Many considered Sybil's friendship with the Gypsies that flocked to Epsom Downs for the races odd, as she would often dress herself in "unusual and romantic clothes" and in 1930 allowed them to camp on her land, The Bushes, during Derby week.
This however helped the gypsies to be accepted by the locals as they then had a legal place to stay.
In 1932 she said, "I am hoping to organize the van dwellers into a humble little guild which will have the advantage of protecting the working gypsies and get rid of those undesirables members who are to be found in every community"
Later in 1936 when a local government bill was past making it illegal for the gypsies to camp at all on the Downs Sybil immediately gave them permission to camp in her field called The Sanctuary in Downs Road.

The Times, Thursday, Apr 22, 1937:

CAMPING ON EPSOM DOWNS
LADY SYBIL GRANT'S PLEA FOR GYPSIES

Lady Sybil Grant who has for many years taken a keen interest in the welfare of gypsies has sent a letter to the Epsom and Walton Down Conservators appealing for permission to be given to the gypsies to camp on the downs during Derby week. By-laws prohibiting caravans from being placed on the downs came into force recently and this week the Epsom Spring Meeting has, for the first time in living memory, been without its traditional encampments of gypsies.

The absence of the gypsies is regretted by many persons who consider that the Spring Meeting has lost something of its traditional character. Lady Sybil Grant, for instance, considered that the racecourse yesterday looked funereal, or at the best, exceedingly dreary. In her letter, however, she states definitely that she makes no plea for gypsies to be allowed to camp on the downs during the Spring Meeting. What she does suggest is that they should be allowed to camp on the downs from the Thursday before the Derby until the morning of the Monday following.

THE CAROLUS PRIZE

In her letter, which was written from The Durdans, she points out that she is herself the holder of a hawker's licence and a van dweller "whenever possible," and at the same time "owner and protector of a beloved oasis between Epsom and the downs." The Carolus prize for the best-left camping ground on the downs which she instituted three years ago has, she adds, surpassed all expectations in the results achieved. The damage done by van dwellers in race week, her letter suggests, is negligible. The principal sufferer at other times, Lady Sybil Grant goes on to say, is Mr Stanley Wootton, the chief landowner, who has had his fences broken down. In her proposal regarding Derby week however, Lady Sybil Grant is able to write that she has gained the generous support of Mr. Stanley Wootton.

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THE REV GEORGE SAVILLE WOODS * His Mother was romany as were her parents *

Born 13th September 1886 - died 9th July 1951
The Rev G S Woods MP had been Cooperative & Labour member since 1935 repesenting successively Finsbury Mossley & Droylsden near Manchester.
George S Woods was a man of much culture wide knowledge and charm who spent his life in serving what to him were good causes. A man of striking appearence ,he cherished a family tradition of his descent from Gypsies.
His early days were conventional, he was reared in a pious home and through his mother a strong social reformer, he required his early interests in the Lavbour and Cooperative movementss.
As a young man he entered Handsworth Collge Birmingham and later went to Manchester College Oxford for 7 years from 1914 - 1921 he was minster of the St Mary Street Chapel Taunton Somerset and then went to the St Saviourgate Chapel York.
During his 16 years spent in the house of Commons he required a high reputation for his keen interest in and knowledge of Economics and Foreign Affairs. He had travelled widely and always sought to get to know much about the countries he visited, helped by his easy command of Languages.
In 1914 he married Miss Edith Alice Mote and they had one daughter.

He was baptised 18th September 1887 St Mary The Virgin Lower Edmonton Enfield London
His parents were :
Thomas William Woods ( b 1855) & Alice Antice Draper ( b 1845)
On the same day also his Brother Alfred William was baptised
Occupation of Father : Colourman
* I am presuming here his father worked in a factory making or something to do with paints ?
His birth register states born 1886 Essex Hertfordshire/Middlesex

His mother was baptised 30th Oct 1853 St Luke Keningston Chelsea
Parents : James & Sarah Eleanor Draper

A note of interest 4 days previous :
Louisa Matilda Hughes Sept 14th baptised to Leonard & Virtinia Hughes - Pedlar


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MERYL WATTS


She was born 1910 raised in the East End of London ,her father was Charles Watts a printer
She was an Artist in her later years she lived in Portmeirion Gwynedd North Wales
During her time in Borth, Meryl became a well known figure as something of aloof and eccentric bohemian
She was a kindly person and it is said she cared for URIAH LOVELL a well known itrerant gypsy around town when he no one else to turn too.
Ms Watts died in 1992 Northumbererland


There is a Uriah Lovell who died 1955 Carnarvonshire -b 1874 :aged 81
This could be Uriah Lovell son of John Lovell & Ellen Jones that Meryl befriended