Information and weblinks for and
about travellers and show people...
The term
'Traveller' is used for all of the groups of people below.
However, respect must be shown to families who make it clear what
they prefer to be called Show or Circus people. Indeed families
will often prefer to be called Show People rather than
Travellers.
Gypsy
Gypsy is actually
an abbreviation of the word ‘Egyptian’, which was a name given to
Romany people in the Middle Ages. At that time they thought Gypsies
originated from Egypt.
Travellers of Irish or Scottish
origin
Nomadic communities from Ireland or
Scotland.
Eastern
European Roma
Many of these people seek refuge from
persecution and are often from the Czech Republic.
Fairground and Circus
Families
Often like to be called Show People and are
from the Fairground and Circus Communities.
Gauje
This is the name
given to a non Gypsy.
New
Travellers
Nomadic Travellers with a fairly recent
history. Their reasons for travelling are often ecological,
environmental or political.
Roma
From the word ‘Rom’ the name used for themselves by the majority of
Gypsies in Europe.
Useful
links:
Fetch!
Further online information for Travellers and their family and
friends
'Kids in houses must be
jealous'
Story from the Guardian newspaper about
talking to Showmen children about what their life is
like.
Goose Fair
Traveller Times – website
featuring films, raido and up-to-date news and comment, by and for
Britain’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
