Political Regulations on the Continent, respecting Gypsies.
To the ignorance and superstition of the middle age, must be attributed the powerful ascendency which the Gypsies obtained over the minds of men. In addition to the chiromantic deception, practised by the women, they followed also the profession of exorcism; and were greatly in request during the prevalence of a belief in witchcraft.
They were employed to cure bewitched cattle, and to loosen the spells of enchantment; for which they had nostrums of various kinds, consisting of roots and amulets, made of unfermented dough, marked with strong figures, and dried in the sun.
For a long time little attention was paid to them, but at last the evil became enormous, and complaints against them were so loud, that Governments were constrained to take official notice of them. Exemplary punishments were judged necessary; and, at length, the most cruel and barbarous kinds were resorted to. What a blot upon the history of those times, are the dreadful tortures of quartering alive, and breaking upon the wheel! These means being insufficient to prevent the perpetration of crimes; it was thought expedient to banish the Gypsies.
German waiters say, that King Ferdinand of Spain, who esteemed it a good work to expatriate useful and profitable subjects—Jews, and even Moorish families—could much less be guilty of an impropriety in laying hands on the mischievous progeny of Gypsies. The edict for their extermination, was published in the year 1492. But instead of passing the boundaries, they only slunk into hiding-places, and shortly after appeared in as great numbers as before.
The Emperor Charles V. persecuted them afresh; as did Philip II. also. Since that time they have nestled in again, and have been also threatened with another storm, but it has blown over without taking effect.
In France, Francis I. passed an edict for their expulsion; and at the Assembly of the States of Orleans, in 1561, all Governors of cities received orders to drive them away with fire and sword. Nevertheless, in process of time, they had collected again, and increased to such a degree, that, in 1612, a new order came out for their extermination.
In the year 1572, they were compelled to retire from the territories of Milan and Parma; and at a period somewhat earlier, they were chased beyond the Venetian jurisdiction. They were not allowed the privilege of remaining unmolested in Denmark, as the code of Danish law specifies: “The Tartars,Gypsies, who wander about every where, doing great damage to the people, by their lies, thefts, and witchcraft, shall be taken into custody by every magistrate.”
Sweden was not more favourable, having attacked them at three different times: A very sharp order for their expulsion came out in 1662. The Diet of 1723 published a second, and that of 1727, repeated the foregoing with additional severity.
They were excluded from the Netherlands under pain of death, partly by Charles the Vth, and afterwards by the United States, in 1582. But the greatest number of sentences of exile, have been pronounced against them in Germany. The beginning was made under Maximilian I, at the Augsburgh Diet, in 1500, where the following was drawn up, respecting those people who call themselves Gypsies, roving up and down the country.
“By public edict, to all ranks of the empire, according to the obligations under which they are bound to Us, and the Holy Empire; it is strictly ordered, that in future they do not permit the said Gypsies, since there is authentic evidence of their being spies, scouts, and conveyers of intelligence, betraying the christians to the Turks, to pass or remain within theirterritories; nor to trade; neither to grant them protection, nor convoy. And that the said Gypsies do withdraw themselves, before Easter next ensuing, from the German dominions; entirely quit them, nor suffer themselves to be found therein: as in case they should transgress after that time, and receive injury from any person, they shall have no redress, nor shall such person be thought to have committed any crime.”
The same business occupied the attention of the Diet, in 1530, 1544, 1548, and 1551; and was also again enforced in the improved police regulation of Frankfort, in 1577.
Several Princes were however so little attentive to these orders of the empire, that instead of endeavouring to drive out the Gypsies, they on the other hand, furnished them with passports and safe-conducts; but by far the greater number exerted themselves to the utmost, to clear their states of them.
Perhaps there is not any civilized state, Hungary and Transylvania excepted, where this remedy has not been tried; but in the firstplace it had very little effect, and that little was only temporary. Even if every civilized nation had driven out the Gypsies at the same time, Europe could not have been entirely cleared of them, so long as they preserved an asylum in Turkey. Now as experience evinces there is no country in which a constant, equal attention, is paid to the execution of the laws, they would, in more, or less time, have again insinuated themselves into the neighbouring countries; from these into others; and have recommenced where they left off.
But a general extermination never did take place. The law for banishing them passed in one state before it was thought of in the next, or when a like order had long become obsolete, and sunk into oblivion. These guests were therefore merely compelled to shift their quarters to an adjoining state, where they remained till the Government, there, began to clear them away, upon which the fugitives either retired back whence they came, or went on progressively to a third place, thus making a continual revolution.
Secondly, this remedy was premature: endeavouring to exterminate, was the same as if a surgeon should proceed directly to the amputation of a diseased limb, because it created inconvenience to the rest of the body. Whereas the first inquiry ought to be, whether the disorder is of such a nature as not to be removed, but by entire separation. This is a desperate course, and should only be adopted, when no other can be efficacious.
It is to be regretted that, not until the reign of the Empress Theresa, does there appear to have been any plan laid down for the gaining over these poor ignorant people to virtue, and to the state. Historians represent that the wise dispositions she enjoined respecting the Gypsies in Hungary, were intrusted to people inadequate to the task.
What was done, in her time, for the improvement of their condition, may be seen by the following article extracted from theAnzeigen aus den Kayserl,Königl Erbländern, or Intelligence from the Hereditary Imperial Royal Dominions.
“Since the year 1768, several decrees regarding these people have been published in the country,Hungary, and the strictest orders despatched to the several districts, in consequence. They were prohibited from dwelling in huts, or tents; from wandering up and down the country; from dealing in horses; from eating animals which died naturally, and carrion; and from electing their own Wayda or Judge. It was intended to extirpate the very name and language of these folks out of the country. They were no longer to be called Gypsies, but New Boors,Uj Magyar; not to converse any longer with each other in their own language, but in that of any of the countries in which they had chosen to reside.
“Some months were to be allowed, after which they were to quit their Gypsey manner of life, and settle like the other inhabitants, in cities and villages; to build decent houses and follow some reputable business. They were to procure Boors’ clothing; to commit themselves to the protection of some territorial superior, and live regularly.”
Nevertheless, though these regulations were calculated for the good of these people, and the state, the greater part were not in the smallest degree benefited by them. In the year 1773, these orders were not only repeated, but made more rigid; and as even this measure would not answer the end, it was then thought necessary to proceed to extremity with them.
Wherefore it was ordered, that no Gypsey should have permission to marry, who could not prove himself in condition to support a wife and children; that from such Gypsies who had families, the children should be taken away by force; removed from their parents, relations, and intercourse with the Gypsey race. A beginning was made in some places; and where they would not comply voluntarily, they were compelled to submit to the decree.
At Fahlendorf, in Schütt, and in the district of Presburgh, all the children of the New Boors,Gypsies, above five years old, were carried away in waggons, during the night of the 21st of December, 1773, by overseers appointed for that purpose; to order that, at adistance from their parents, or relations, they might be more usefully educated, and become accustomed to work. Those Boors who were willing to receive and bring up these children, were paid eighteen guilders yearly from Government.
On the 24th of April, 1774, between five and six o’clock in the morning, the children of the Gypsies which had been growing up from December of the foregoing year, were again removed from Fahlendorf, in Schütt, and Hideghid, for the purpose of being put under the same course of discipline as the others. Among the children taken away on this occasion, was a girl fourteen years old, who was forced to be carried off in her bridal state. She tore her hair for grief and rage, and was quite beside herself with agitation: but she recovered a composed state of mind; and, in 1776, in Fasching, obtained permission to accomplish her marriage.
So far our intelligence is quoted from the Gazettes, by which we may see how prudently every thing was concerted.
But it must be observed, although the publisher of this information endeavours to conceal it, how little these salutary regulations were put in force; there were scarcely two places in the kingdom where even an endeavour was made to give them proper effect. This supineness must have been unknown to the Emperor Joseph, or he would certainly again have enforced these regulations, to all chiefs and governors, at the same time that he gave orders for their being observed in Transylvania.
The tenor of the decree just mentioned, which was published in the year 1782, was consonant with the intention of Theresa, with regard to the Hungarian Gypsies; namely, that those also in Transylvania should become better men, and more useful inhabitants. For the accomplishment of this end, it prohibits their wandering about, and living under tents; requires that they become settled, and put themselves under some territorial chief. In order to strike immediately at the root of the evil, necessary and minute directions are given for the improvement of their religious ideas andopinions; and, by correcting their vicious habits, for rendering them good citizens.
First, with respect to religion, they must
1. Not only be taught the principles of religion themselves, but early send their children to school.
2. Prevent as much as possible, their children running about naked in the roads and streets, thereby giving offence and disgust to other people.
3. In their dwellings, not permit their children to sleep promiscuously by each other, without distinction of sex.
4. Diligently attend at church, particularly on Sundays and holidays, to give proof of their Christian disposition.
5. Put themselves under the guidance of spiritual teachers, and conduct themselves conformably to the rules laid down by them.
Secondly, with regard to their temporal conduct, and better mode of living, they are bound
1. To conform to the custom of the country, in diet, dress, and language: consequently to abstain from feeding on cattle which have diedof distempers; not to go about in such unseemly dresses; and to discontinue the use of their own particular language.
2. Not to appear any more in large cloaks; which are chiefly useful to hide things that have been stolen.
3. No Gypsey, except he be a gold-washer, shall keep a horse.
4. Also the gold-washers must refrain from all kinds of bartering at the annual fairs.
5. The magistrates of every place must be very attentive that no Gypsey waste his time in idleness; but at those seasons, when they have no employment, either for themselves or any landholder, to recommend them to some other person, with whom they shall be compelled to work for hire.
6. They are to be kept particularly to agriculture; therefore
7. It is to be observed, where possible, that every territorial Lord, who takes any Gypsies under his jurisdiction, do allot them a certain piece of ground to cultivate.
8. Whoever is remiss in his husbandry, shall be liable to corporal punishment.
9. They shall be permitted to amuse themselves with music, or other things, only when there is no field work for them to do.
Such were the regulations adopted by the Emperor Joseph II. for the purpose of civilizing, and rendering good and profitable subjects, upwards of eighty thousand of miserable wretches, ignorant of God and of virtue.
Grellmann.
The Gypsies in Great Britain.
The traits of character and the habits of the Gypsies on the Continent of Europe, exhibited in this work, are sufficient for an examination, in what degree these people correspond with those under the same denomination in England.
The earliest account which the writer of this section has been able to collect from British History, was printed in the year 1612; when a quarto work, by S. R. was published, to detect and expose the art of juggling and legerdemain; in which is the following description of the Gypsies.
“This kind of people, about a hundred years ago, beganne to gather an head, as the first heere, about the southerne parts. And this as I am informed, and can gather, wastheir beginning: Certain Egyptians banished their country, (belike not for their good conditions,) arrived heere in England, who for quaint tricks and devices, not known heere, at that time, among us, were esteemed, and had in great admiration; insomuch, that many of our EnglishLoyterersjoined with them, and in time learned their craftie cosening.
“The speach which they used, was the right Egyptian language, with whom our Englishmen conversing, at least learned their language. These people continuing about the country, and practising their cosening art, purchased themselves great credit among the country people, and got much by palmistry, and telling of fortunes; insomuch, they pitifully cosened poor country girls, both of money, silver spoons, and the best of their apparelle, or any goods they could make.”
From this author, it is collected, they had a leader of the name ofGiles Hather, who was termed their King; and a woman of the name ofCalot, was called Queen. “These ridingthrough the country on horseback, and in strange attire, had a prettie traine after them.”
After mentioning some of the laws passed against them, this writer adds: “But what numbers were executed on these statutes you would wonder; yet, notwithstanding, all would not prevaile, but they wandered as before uppe and downe, and meeting once in a yeare at a place appointed; sometimes at the Peake’s Hole in Derbyshire, and other whiles by Ketbroak at Blackheath.”
About the same time, Spellman’s Portrait of the Gypsey Fraternity seems to have been taken, ad vivum, and is as follows:
“Egyptiani, Erronum, Impostorumque genus nequissimum, in Continente ortum; sed ad Britannos nostras et Europam reliquam pervolans, nigredine deformes, excocti sole, immundi veste, et usu rerum omnium fædi, &c.;” which may be thus translated, “Egyptians, the worst kind of wanderers and impostors, springing up on the Continent, but yet rapidly spreading themselves through Britain, andother parts of Europe, disfigured by their swarthiness; sun-burnt; filthy in their clothing, and indecent in all their customs, &c.”
According to the first of these statements, the arrival of Gypsies in England might be about the year 1512; or ten years at least before the Statute of the 22d of Henry VIII; in the 10th chapter of which, they are described to be, “An outlandish people,calling themselves Egyptians,using no crafte,nor feat of merchandise;who have come into this realm,and gone from shine to shire,and place to place in great company;and used great,subtle,and crafty means,to deceive the people,bearing them in hand,that they by palmistry could tell men’s and yeomen’s fortunes;and so,many times by crafte and subtlety have deceived the people of their money;and also have committed many heinous felonies and robberies.” Wherefore they are directed to avoid the realm, and not to return under pain of imprisonment, and forfeiture of their good and chattels; and upon their trials for any felonies which they may have committed, theyshall not be entitled to a Juryde medietate linguæ.
The Act passed the 27th of the came reign goes farther, as will appear by the following abstract of it: “Whereas certain outlandish people,who do not profess any crafte or trade whereby to maintain themselves,but go about in great numbers from place to place,using insidious,underhand means to impose on his Majesty’s subjects,making them believe that they understand the art of foretelling to men and women their good and evil fortune,by looking in their hands,whereby they frequently defraud people of their money;likewise are guilty of thefts and highway robberies:it is hereby ordered that the said vagrants,commonly called Egyptians,in case they remain one month in the kingdom,shall be proceeded against as thieves and rascals;and on the importation of any such Egyptian,he, (the importer)shall forfeit£40for every trespass.”
By the above recited Acts of Parliament, it appears, that it was from their own representationof being Egyptians, they were so denominated in England; and that they did not on their arrival in this country, feign themselves, as in Germany, to be pilgrims; or as in France, to be penitents; neither of which impositions would have been well adapted to the temper of the government of Henry VIII; or to his subversion of papal power, and abolition of monastic influence. The character they assumed, was the best adapted to establish their reputation, for the arts and deception they intended to practise in England. The fame of Egypt in astrology, magic, and soothsaying, was universal; and they could not have devised a more artful expedient, than the profession of this knowledge, to procure for them a welcome reception by the great mass of the people.
From the abstract of the Act of 27th, Henry VIII, we may infer, that the Gypsies were so much in request, as to induce some of our countrymen to import them from the Continent, or at least to encourage their migration to this Island. The importation of these peoplemust have been prevalent from some cause, to require parliamentary interference, and even a fine to prevent it, of such an amount as £40; which according to the relative value of money, would, at the present time, be equal to a large sum.
During the same reign, we find that a number of Gypsies were reshipped at the public expense, and sent to France.
In the Book of Receipts and Payments, of the 35th of Henry VIII. are the following entries.
“Nett Payments 1st Sept. 36th of Henry VIII,
“Item to Tho. Warner, Sergeant of the Admyraltie, 10th Sept. for victuals prepared for a shippe appointed to convey certaine Egupeians, 58s.—Item to the same Tho. Warner to th’ use of John Bowles for freight of said shippe, £6 5s. Item to Robt. Ap. Rice, Esq. Shriff of Huntingdon for the charge of the Egupeians at a special gaile delivery, and the bringing of them to be conveied over the sees; over and besides the sum of £4. 5s. 0d. growing of seventeenhorses, sold at five shillings[82]the piece, as apperythe by a particular book, £17. 17s. 7d. Item to Will. Wever appointed to have the charge of the conduct of the said Egupeians to Callis, £5.”
There were subsequent acts relating to Gypsies in the reign of Ph. & M.; and 5th of Eliz.; by which, “If any person being14years old,whether natural born subject or stranger,who had been seen in the fellowship of such persons,or had disguised himself like them,should remain with them one month at once,or at several times,it should be felony without benefit of clergy.”
But notwithstanding these measures to extirpate Gypsies, Wraxall, in his History of France, Vol. II. page 32, in referring to the Act of Eliz. in 1563, states, that in her reign, the Gypsies throughout England were supposed to exceed ten thousand.
And it appears by the following Order of Sessions, copied from the Harleian M.S.S. British Museum, No. 364, that about the year 1586, there were great complaints of the increase of vagabonds and loitering persons, &c.
“Orders, Rules, and Directions, concluded, appointed, and agreed uppon, by us the Justices of the Peace, within the countie of Suffolk, assembled at our General Sessions of Peace, holden at Bury the 22d daie of Aprill, in the 31st yeare of the Raigne of our Souraigne Lady, the Queen’s Majestie, for the punishinge and suppressinge of Roags, Vacabonds; idle, loyteringe, and lewde persons; which doe, or shall hereafter wander and goe aboute, within the hundreths of Thingo cum Bury, Blackborne, Thedwardstree, Cosford, Babings, Risbridge, Lackford, and the half hundreth of Exninge, in the said countie of Suffolk, contrary to the law, in that case made and provided.
“Whereas, at the Parliement beganne and holden at Westminster, the 8th daie of Maye, in the 14th yeare of the raigne of the Queen’s Majestie, that nowe is, one Acte was made,intytuled, “An Acte for punishment of Vacabonds, and for releife of the Pooere, and Impotent.” And whereas, at a Session of the Parliament, holden by prorogacon, at Westminster, the eight daie of February, in the 28th yeare of her Majestie’s raigne, one other Acte was made and intytuled, “An Acte for settinge of the Poore to work, and for the avoydinge of idleness.” By vertue of which, severall Acts, certeyne provisions and remedies been ordeyned, and established, as well for the suppressinge, and punishinge of all roags, vacabonds, sturdy roags, idle and loyteringe persons; as also for the releife, and setting on worke of the aged and impotente persons within this realm; and authoritie gyven to Justices of Peace, in their several charges and commission, to see that the said Acts and Statuts be putte in due execution, to the glorie of Allmightie God, and the benefite of the common welth.
“And whereas also yt appeareth by dayly experience, that the number of idle, vagraunte, loyteringe, sturdy roags, masterles men, lewde and yll disposed persons are exceedinglyencreased, and multiplied, committinge many grevious and outeragious disorders and offences, tendinge to the great . . . of Allmightie God, the contempte of her Majestie’s laws, and to the great charge, troble, and disquiet of the common welth.—We the Justices of Peace, above speciefied, assembled and mett together at our general sessions above named, for remedie of theis and such lyke enormities which hereafter shall happen to arise or growe within the hundreths and lymits aforesaid, doe by theis presents, order, decree and ordeyne, That there shall be builded or provided one convenient house, which shall be called the House of Correction; and that the same be established within the towne of Bury, within the hundreth of Thingoe aforesaid. And that all persons offendinge or lyvinge contrary to the tenor of the said twoe Acts, within the hundreths and lymitts aforesaid, shal be, by the warrante of any Justice of Peace, dwellinge in the same hundreths or lymitts, committed thether and there be releived, punished, sett to worke, andordered in such sorte, and accordinge to the directions, provisions, and limitations, hereafter in theis presents declared and specified.
“Fyrst, That yt maie appeare what persons arre to be apprehended, committed and brought to the House of Correction, it is ordered and appointed, That all and every person and persons which shal be found and taken within the hundreths and lymitts aforesaid, above the age of 14 yeares, and shall take upon them to be procters or procurators goinge aboute withowt sufficiente lycence from the Queen’s Majestie. All idle persons goinge aboute usinge subtiltie and unlawfull games or plaie—all such as faynt themselves to have knowledge in phisiognomye, palmestrie or other abused sciences—all tellers of destinies, deaths or fortunes, and such lyke fantasticall imaginations.”
From the tenor of the above Ordinance, it might be inferred that, at the time of issuing it, Gypsies, and their adherents, abounded in the County of Suffolk; and it may be concluded, that they continued to attach themselves to that part of the nation, as Judge Hale remarks,that “at one Suffolk Assize, no less than thirteen Gypsies were executed upon these Statutes, a few years before the restoration.”
To the honour of our national humanity, however, Judge Blackstone observes, there are no instances more modern than this, of carrying these laws into practice; and the last, sanguinary act is itself now repealed. The severe statute of 5th Eliz. c. 20 is repealed by 23d Geo. III. c. 51—and Gypsies are now only punishable under the Vagrant Act, which declares, “that all persons pretending to be Gypsies, or wandering in the habit, and form of Egyptians, shall be deemed rogues, and vagabonds.”—17th Geo. II. c. 5.
In Scotland, these people seemed for a time to enjoy some share of indulgence; for a writ in favour of John Faw, Lord and Earl of Upper Egypt, was issued by Mary, Queen of Scots, 1553; and in 1554, he obtained a pardon for the murder of Numan Small.
In 1579, however all the legislative provisions respecting vagrants, beggars, &c. in Scotland, were reduced into one law, by the followingvery comprehensive statute: “Forameikle as there is sindrie loyabil Acts of Parliament, maid be our soveraine Lord’s maist nobil progenitours, for the stanching of maisterful and idle beggars, away putting of Sornares, and provision for the pure: bearing that nane sall be thoiled to beg, nouther to burgh, nor to land, betwixt 14 and 70 zeires.
“That sik as make themselves fules, and ar bairdes, or uther sik like runners about, being apprehended, sall be put into the Kinge’s waird, or irones, sa lang as they have ony gudes of their awin to live on. And fra they have not quhairupon to live of their awin, that their eares be nayled to the trone, or to an uther tree, and their eares cutted off, and banished the countrie; and gif thereafter they be found againe, that they be hanged.
“And that it may be knowen, qwhat maner of persones ar meaned to be idle and strang begares, and vagabounds, and warthy of the punischement before specified, it is declared: “That all idle persones ganging about in ony countrie of this realm, using subtil, craftie, andunlawful playes, as juglarie, fast-and-lous, and sik uthers; the idle peopil calling themselvesEgyptians, or any uther, that feinzies themselves to have a knawledge or charming prophecie, or other abused sciences, qwairby they perswade peopil, that they can tell their weirds,[89]deathes, and fortunes, and sik uther phantastical imaginations, &c.”
Notwithstanding this law, a writ of Privy Seal, dated 1594, supports John Faw, Lord and Earl of Little Egypt, in the execution of justice upon his company of folk, conform to the laws of Egypt, in punishing certain persons there named, who had rebelled against him, left him, robbed him, and refused to return home with him.
James’ subjects are commanded to aid in apprehending them, and in assisting Faw and his adherents to return home.
From all these circumstances, it appears that this John Faw, or two persons of the same name and distinction, succeeding each other,staid a long time in Scotland; and from him this kind of strolling people might receive the name of Faw Gang, which they still retain, as appears by Burn’s Justice.
But the Scottish laws, after this time, were not less severe than those of Queen Elizabeth. By an Act passed in 1609; “Sorners, common thieves, commonly called Egyptians, were directed to pass forth of the kingdom, under pain of death, as common, notorious, and condemned thieves.” Scottish Acts, I. 850.
The present State of the Gypsies in Scotland.
The energy and perseverance by which North Britons are distinguished, will be evinced throughout the pages of this section. A friend of the author, having been requested to make application at the Advocates’ and the University Libraries, in the city of Edinburgh, for extracts from some foreign publications, was also desired to transmit with them what information could be obtained respecting the Gypsies in Scotland.
With a promptitude and zeal which characterises genuine philanthropy, a circular, containing four queries, was dispatched to the Sheriff of every county in that nation; soliciting through the medium of an official organ, all the intelligence which could be obtained on the subject. In consequence, returns havebeen made from nearly the whole of the shires, either by the Sheriff, or his substitute; generally addressed to George Miller, jun. Edinburgh; who has been a most effective coadjutor on this occasion.
From thirteen counties, the reports are, “No Gypsies resident in them;” some others give account of their only passing through at times.
William Frazer Tytler, Sheriff of Invernessshire, writes as follows: “The undertaking in which you are engaged, for the civilization of so lost a portion of mankind, merits every support. Its effects may be more generally and extensively useful in England, where those unfortunate people are extremely numerous. In Scotland, their number is comparatively small, and particularly in the county of Inverness.”
Alexander Moor, Sheriff Depute, of Aberdeenshire, states: “There are not any Gypsies who have a permanent residence in that Sheriffalty. Occasionally vagrants, both single and in bands, appear in this part of the country; resorting to fairs, where they commitdepredations on the unwary. Some of them are supposed to be connected with Gypsies in the southern part of the island.”
John Blair, Sheriff Substitute for the County of Bute, writes: “I have to inform that the people generally known by the description of Gypsies, are not in use to come hither, unless abject, itinerant tinkers and braziers, generally from Ireland, may be accounted such. A few of them often visit us, and take up their abode for a time in different parts of the country, where people can be prevailed upon to give them the accommodation of an out-house or hut.”
They are understood to be illiterate, neither they, nor their children, who are often numerous, being able to read.
The distinguished northern Poet, Walter Scott, who is Sheriff of Selkirkshire, has in a very obliging manner communicated the following statement:
“A set of people possessing the same erratic habits, and practising the trade of tinkers, are well known in the Borders; and have oftenfallen under the cognisance of the law. They are often called Gypsies, and pass through the county annually in small bands, with their carts and asses. The men are tinkers, poachers, and thieves upon a small scale. They also sell crockery, deal in old rags, in eggs, in salt, in tobacco and such trifles; and manufacture horn into spoons, I believe most of those who come through Selkirkshire, reside, during winter, in the villages of Sterncliff and Spittal, in Northumberland, and in that of Kirk Yetholm, Roxburghshire.
“Mr. Smith, the respectable Baillie[94]of Kelso, can give the most complete information concerning those who reside at Kirk Yetholm. Formerly, I believe, they were much more desperate in their conduct than at present. But some of the most atrocious families have been extirpated, I allude particularly to theWinters, a Northumberland clan, who I fancy are all buried by this time.
“Mr. Reddell, Justice of Peace for Roxburghshire, with my assistance and concurrence, cleared this country of the last of them, about eight or nine years ago. They were thorough desperadoes, of the worst class of vagabonds. Those who now travel through this country, give offence chiefly by poaching, and small thefts. They are divided into clans, the principal names being Faa, Baillie, Young, Ruthven, and Gordon.
“All of them are perfectly ignorant of religion, nor do their children receive any education. They marry and cohabit amongst each other, and are held in a sort of horror by the common people.
“I do not conceive them to be the proper Oriental Egyptian race, at least they are much intermingled with our own national out-laws and vagabonds. They are said to keep up a communication with each other through Scotland, and to have some internal government and regulation as to the districts which each family travels.
“I cannot help again referring to Mr. Smith of Kelso, a gentleman who can give the most accurate information respecting the habits of those itinerants, as their winter-quarters of Yetholm, are upon an estate of which he has long had the management.”
It is very satisfactory to have received from an authority so respectably as that of William Smith, the Baillie of Kelso, above referred to, answers to the four queries of the circular; accompanied by his own interesting and appropriate illustrations, from which extracts are made as follow, dated November, 1815.
“A considerable time having elapsed, since I had an opportunity, or occasion to attend to the situation of the colony of Gypsies in our neighbourhood, I was obliged to delay my answer to your inquiries, until I could obtain more information respecting their present numbers.
“The great bar to the benevolent intentions of improving their situation will be, the impossibility to convince them that there either is,or can be, a mode of life preferable, or even equal to their own.
“A strong spirit of independence, or what they would distinguish by the name of liberty, runs through the whole tribe. It is no doubt a very licentious liberty, but entirely to their taste. Some kind of honour, peculiar to themselves, seems to prevail in their community. They reckon it a disgrace to steal near their homes, or even at a distance, if detected. I must always except that petty theft of feeding their shelties and asses on the farmer’s grass and corn, which they will do, whether at home or abroad.
“When avowedly trusted, even in money transactions, they never deceived me, nor forfeited their promise. I am sorry to say, however, that when checked in their licentious appropriations, &c. they are very much addicted both to threaten and to execute revenge.
“Having so far premised with respect to their general conduct and character, I shall proceed to answer, as far as I am able, the four queries subjoined to the circular which yousent me, and then subjoin, in notes, some instances of their conduct in particular cases, which may perhaps elucidate their general disposition and character.”
“Query 1st.What number of Gypsies in the County?
“A. I know of none except the colony of Yetholm, and one family who lately removed from that place to Kelso. Yetholm consists of two towns, or large villages, calledTownYetholm, andKirkYetholm. The first is in the estate of Mr. Wauchope, of Niddry; the latter in that of the Marquis of Tweedale. The number of the Gypsey colony at present in Kirk Yetholm, amounts to at least 109 men, women, and children; and perhaps two or three may have escaped notice. They marry early in life, in general have many children, and their number seems to be increasing.
“Query 2d.In what do the men and women mostly employ themselves?
“B. I have know the colony between forty and fifty years. At my first remembrance of them, they were called theTinklers,(Tinkers) of Yetholm, from the males being chiefly then employed in mending pots, and other culinary utensils, especially in their peregrinations through the hilly and less populous parts of the country.
“Sometimes they were calledHorners, from their occupation in making and selling horn spoons, called Cutties. Now their common appellation is that ofMuggers, or, what pleases them better,Potters. They purchase, at a cheap rate, the cast or faulty articles, at the different manufactories of earthenware, which they carry for sale all over the country; consisting of groups of six, ten, and sometimes twelve or fourteen persons, male and female, young and old, provided with a horse and cart to transport the pottery; besides shelties and asses to carry the youngest of the children, and such baggage as they find necessary.
“In the country, they sleep in barns, and byres, or other out-houses: and when they cannot find that accommodation, they take the canvas covering from the pottery cart, andsquat below it like a covey of partridges in the snow.
“A few of the colony also employ themselves occasionally in making beesoms, foot-bosses, &c. from heath, broom, and bent, and sell them at Kelso, and the neighbouring towns. After all, their employment can be considered little better than an apology for idleness and vagrancy.
“They are in general great adepts in hunting, shooting, and fishing; in which last they use the net and spear, as well as the rod; and often supply themselves with a hearty meal by their dexterity. They have no notion of being limited in their field sports, either to time, place, or mode of destruction.
“I do not see that the women are any otherwise employed, than attending the young children; and assisting to sell the pottery when carried through the country.”
“Query 3rd.Have they any settled abode in winter,and where?
“C. Their residence, with the exception of a single family, who some years ago came toKelso, is at Kirk Yetholm, and chiefly confined to one row of houses, or street of that town, which goes by the name of Tinkler Row. Most of them have leases of their possessions, granted for a term of nineteen times nineteen years, for payment of a small sum yearly; something of the nature of a quit rent. There is no tradition in the neighbourhood concerning the time when the Gypsies first took up their residence at that place, nor whence they came.
“Most of their leases, I believe were granted by the family of the Bennets of Grubet; the last of whom was Sir David Bennet, who died about sixty years ago. The late Mr. Nesbit of Dirleton, then succeeded to the estate, comprehending the Baronies of Kirk Yetholm, and Grubet. He died about the year 1783, and not long after, the property was acquired by the late Lord Tweedale’s trustees.
“During the latter part of the life of the late Mr. Nesbit, he was less frequently at his estate in Roxburghshire than formerly. He was a great favourite of the Gypsies, and wasin use to call them his body guards, and often gave them money, &c.
“On the other hand, both the late and present Mr. Wauchope were of opinion, that the example of these people had a bad effect upon the morals and industry of the neighbourhood; and seeing no prospect of their removal, and as little of their reformation, considered it as a duty to the public, to prevent the evil increasing; and never would consent to any of the colony taking up their residence in Town Yetholm.
“They mostly remain at home during winter, but as soon as the weather becomes tolerably mild in spring, most of them, men, women, and children, set out on their peregrination over the country, and live in a state of vagrancy, until again driven into their habitations by the approach of winter.
“Seeming to pride themselves as a separate tribe, they very seldom intermarry out of the colony; and in rare instances where that happens, the Gypsey, whether male or female, by influence and example, always induces thestranger husband or wife to adopt the manners of the colony, so that no improvement is ever obtained in that way. The progeny of such alliances have almost universally the tawny complexion, and fine black eyes of the Gypsey parent, whether father or mother.
“So strongly remarkable is the Gypsey cast of countenance, that even a description of them to a stranger, who has had no opportunity of formerly seeing them, will enable him to know them wherever he meets with them. Some individuals, but very rarely, separate from the colony altogether; and when they do so early in life, and go to a distance such as London, or even Edinburgh, their acquaintances in the country get favourable accounts of them. A few betake themselves to regular and constant employments at home, but soon tire, and return to their old way of life.
“When any of them, especially a leader, or man of influence dies, they have full meetings, not only of the colony, but of the Gypsies from a distance, and those meetings, orLate Wakes, are by no means conducted with sobriety or decency.”
“Query 4th.Are any of their children taught to read,and what proportion of them?With any anecdotes respecting their customs and conduct.
“D. Education being obtained at a cheaper rate, the Gypsies in general, give their male children as good a one, as is bestowed on those of the labouring people and farm servants in the neighbourhood; such as reading, writing, and the first principles of arithmetic. They all apply to the clergyman of the parish for baptism to their children, and a strong superstitious notion universally prevails with them, that it is unlucky to have an unchristened child long in the house. Only a very few ever attend divine service, and those as seldom as they can, just to prevent being refused as sponsors at their children’s baptism.
“They are in general, active and lively, particularly when engaged in field sports; or in such temporary pursuits as are agreeable to their habits and dispositions; but are destitute of the perseverance necessary for a settled occupation, or even for finishing what a moderate degree of continued labour, would enable them to accomplish in a few weeks.”
ByWm. Smith,intended to elucidate his answers to the QueriesAandB,on their licentious liberty.
“I remember that about 45 years ago, being then apprentice to a writer, who was in use to receive the rents as well as the small duties of Kirk Yetholm, he sent me there with a list of names, and a statement of what was due; recommending me to apply to the landlord of the public-house, in the village, for any information or assistance which I might need.
“After waiting a long time, and receiving payment from most of the feuers, or rentallers, I observed to him that none of the persons of the names of Faa, Young, Blythe, Fleckie, &c. who, stood at the bottom of the list for small sums, had come to meet me, according to the notice given by the Baron Officer; and proposed sending to inform them that they were detaining me, and to request their immediate attendance.
“The landlord, with a grave face, inquired whether my master had desired me to ask money from those men. I said, not particularly;but they stood on the list. “So, I see,” said the landlord, “but had your master been here himself, he didnot dare to ask money from them,either as rent,or feu duty.—He knows that it is as good as if it were in his pocket.They will pay when their own time comes,but do not like to pay at a set time with the rest of the Barony;and still less to be craved.”
“I accordingly returned without their money, and reported progress. I found that the landlord was right; my master said with a smile, that it was unnecessary to send to them, after the previous notice from the Baron Officer; it was enough if I had received the money, if offered.—Their rent and feu duty was brought to the office in a few weeks. I need scarcely add, those persons all belonged to the tribe.
“Another instance of their licentious, independent spirit, occurs to me. The family of Niddry always gave a decent, annual remuneration to a Baron Baillie, for the purpose of keeping good order within their Barony of Town Yetholm. The person whom I rememberfirst in possession of that office, was an old man called Doctor Walker, from his being also the village surgeon; and from him I had the following anecdote:—
“Between Yetholm and the border farms in Northumberland, there were formerly, as in most border situations, some uncultivated lands called thePlea lands, orDebateable lands, the pasturage of which was generally eaten up by the Sorners and vagabonds on both sides of the marches.
“Many years ago, Lord Tankerville and some other of the English borderers, made their request to Sir David Bennet, and the late Mr. Wauchope of Niddry, that they would accompany them at aridingof the Plea lands, who readily complied with their request. They were induced to this, as they understood that the Gypsies had taken offence, on the supposition that they might be circumscribed in the pasture for their shelties and asses, which they had held a long time, partly by stealth, and partly by violence.
“Both threats and entreaties were employed to keep them away; and, at last, Sir David obtained a promise from some of the heads of the gang, that none of them should show their faces on the occasion.
“They, however, got upon the hills at a little distance, whence they could see every thing that passed. At first they were very quiet. But when they saw the English Court Book Spread out on a cushion before the clerk, and apparently taken in a line of direction, interfering with what they considered to be their privileged ground, it was with great difficulty that the most moderate of them, could restrain the rest from running down, and taking vengeance, even in sight of their own Lord of the Manor.
“They only abstained for a short time, and no sooner had Sir David, and the other gentleman taken leave of each other in the most polite and friendly manner, as border chiefs are wont to do, since border feuds ceased, and had departed to a sufficient distance, than the clan, armed with bludgeons, pitch-forks, andsuch other hostile weapons as they could find, rushed down in a body; and before the chiefs on either side had reached their home, there was neither English tenant, horse, cow, nor sheep left upon the premises.
“Peculiar cast ofGypsey Features,every where distinguishable, &c.
“When first I knew any thing about the colony, old Will Faa was king, or leader, and had held the sovereignty for many years.
“Meeting at Kelso with Mr. Walter Scott, whose discriminating habits and just observations I had occasion to know from his youth, and at the same time seeing one of my Yetholm friends in the horse market, I merely said to Mr. Scott, “Try to get before that man with the long drab coat, look at him on your return, and tell me whether you ever saw him, and what you think of him.” He was so good as to indulge me; and rejoining me said without hesitation, “I never saw the man that I know of; but he is one of the Gypsies of Yetholm, that you told me of several yearsago.” I need scarcely say that he was perfectly correct.
“The descendants of Faa, now take the name ofFall, from the Messrs. Falls, of Dunbar, who, they pride themselves in saying, are of the same stock and lineage. When old Will Faa was upwards of eighty years of age, he called on me at Kelso, in his way to Edinburgh, telling that he was going to see the Laird, the late Mr. Nesbit, of Dirleton, as he understood that he was very unwell, and himself being now old, and not so stout as he had been, he wished to see him once more before he died.
“The old man set out by the nearest road, which was by no means his common practice. Next market-day, same of the farmers informed me, that they had been in Edinburgh, and seen Will Faa upon the bridge; (the south bridge was not then built;) that he was tossing about his old brown hat, and huzzaing with great vociferation, that he had seen the Laird before he died. Indeed Will himself had no time to lose, for having set his face homewardsby the way of the sea coast, to vary his route, as is the general custom of the gang, he only got the length of Coldingham, when he was taken ill, and died.
“His death being notified to his friends at Yetholm, they and their acquaintance at Berwick, Spittal, Horncliff, &c. met to pay the last honours to their old leader. His obsequies were continued three successive days and nights, and afterwards repeated at Yetholm, whither he was brought for interment. I cannot say that the funeral rites were celebrated with decency and sobriety, for that was by no means the case. This happened in the year 1783, or 1784, and the late Mr. Nesbit did not long survive.”
William Dymock, W. S. Edinburgh, distinguished in the profession of the law, by his sound judgment and strict integrity, having had the perusal of the preceding report from William Smith, gives the following testimony concerning that account: “Baillie Smith’s report is quite graphical, correct truth, andcorrectly expressed.—It is useful as showing, that the parties of Tinklers are great detachments from one colony.”
With this, accords Sir John Sinclair’s observation in his Statistical Account of Scotland, Vol. II. p. 124, when describing the village of Eaglesham, he remarks: “There is no magistrate nearer than four miles, and the place is oppressed with gangs of Gypsies, commonly called Tinklers, or sturdy beggars.”
Before receiving the very interesting report from William Smith, the author of this Survey was entirely at a loss to determine what was become of the descendants of John Faw, who styled himself Lord and Earl of Little Egypt; and with a numerous retinue entered Scotland in the reign of Queen Mary, as stated in Section the 5th.—His complaint of his men refusing to return home with him, might be only a feint, invented to cover his design of continuing in the country; for there does not appear to be any traces in history of the banishment of Faw-gang, or of their quittingScotland.—But in the above cited report, we find at the head of the Tinklers a Will Faa, in whose name there is only a variation of one letter from that of his distinguished predecessor; and that in reference to this origin, he asserts theFallsof Dunbar to be of the same stock and lineage.
On the origin of the Gypsies