Origin

Gypsies and Travellers are individuals the same as us but they do belong to a strong culture that is very different to that of the settled community.

There are separate groups of Gypsies and Travellers living in the UK. Romany Gypsies, Roma, Irish Travellers, New Travellers and also Showmen and Circus people.

Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are an ethnic minority and under the Race Relations Act 1976 all Public Authorities have a duty to promote equality. They are protected from prejudice/racism by this Act.

History

Gypsies and Travellers have a very strong heritage and it is at least 600 years since Romany Gypsies arrived in England and at least 200 years since Irish Travellers first came. Generations of Gypsies and Travellers are born in the UK and consider this to be their home.

Culture

Gypsies and Travellers are born into a travelling culture. Families travel long distances to support each other in bereavement, illness or other family events.

They have special hygiene rules; their own languages of Romany and Irish Cant or Gammon; and often strong religious beliefs. There is a rich oral, musical and artistic tradition.

Originally Gypsies and Travellers were nomadic, regularly travelling to earn a living, as some still do. Others travel part of the time, while some settle on sites or in houses but are still Travellers and retain their cultural beliefs.

Facts

• All communities have problems and criminals within them but there is no evidence of higher crime rates among Gypsies and Travellers. Media reports and images are often inaccurate and discriminatory.
• Gypsies and Travellers have to comply with the same rules as the rest of society. Vehicles are regularly checked by the police to ensure that they are road-worthy. In reality Travellers from unauthorised encampments tend to be policed more than members of the settled community simply because they are more visible.
• Gypsies and Travellers take great pride in cleanliness inside their homes, and have strict rules about different bowls for washing hands, food and different items of clothing.
• A quarter of all Gypsies and Travellers are homeless, having no legal site, no rubbish collection or other facilities provided.
• Since 1994 there has been no duty on councils to provide sites.
• Gypsy and Traveller families who try to provide their own have great difficulties getting planning permission.
• Homeless Gypsies and Travellers have to stop in unsuitable, often dangerous locations and are constantly moved on.
• Others may move into housing, but they can feel isolated and closed in and their health may deteriorate. At least 4500 additional pitches are needed nationally.
• Like everyone else most Gypsies and Travellers pay their taxes. They pay council tax and licence fees on settled sites.
• Some Gypsies and Travellers are engaged in paid and voluntary activities supporting local communities and national life.
• Some fought and died for this country in both world wars.
• Today, despite barriers to health and education services, increasing numbers of children are enrolled in school and college.
• Some Gypsies and Travellers want to engage with the wider community and promote mutual understanding.
• Where proper well-designed sites are provided research shows that neighbourly relationships develop. Gypsies and Travellers can use local services and take their place in the community.
  

What do Gypsies and Travellers want?

• To be allowed to live peacefully as part of British society.
• Recognition that a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle is a legitimate way of living.
• Fairer representation in the media.
• An urgent solution to current accommodation problems.
• Greater acceptance and understanding.