Genealogy

My index of over 100,000 names of Gypsies and Travellers in Britain has now been passed on to the Romany and Traveller Family History Society so I can no longer assist with requests for specific information. However, I am willing to provide general guidance into researching Romany and Traveller family history. SAE essential for postal enquiries.

Attention is particularly drawn to Sharon Floate's My Ancestors were Gypsies (A5, 89pp) and to the Romany and Traveller FHS.

My publications (see Ethnic Minority Publisher section) are very helpful for people wanting to check which surnames are associated with Romani people in particular, and which forenames are used by which families. See especially the books on Genealogy and History.

Slavery name checks

Were any of your Gypsy or vagrant forebears taken as slaves to the West Indies or Americas?

Now you can find out!

I have in my possession about 70% of all the names of British people sold into slavery (does not include people of African origin). This practice continued from the first British colonies in the Americas until the start of transportation to Australia. Money refunded (except return post) if your surname isn’t listed. Otherwise copies of typed entries sent. Information is usually very thin, sometimes only a name, and perhaps a place or date and rarely the offence. See my booklet on the subject for background.

Price £2.70 per surname, but £4.40 for Smith!

UK post £1, Europe £1.50, elsewhere £2.25.