Most
Travellers stayed together in large family groups, parents, grandparents, children,
uncles and cousins would all work and travel together.
A
traditional bender tent
The older ones
would look after the babies and toddlers while the rest of adults and older children
were out working. Life was lived outside and in the evenings the whole family
would gather together around the fire to discuss the days events and to entertain
each other with songs, music and storytelling.
The painted wooden caravan or 'varda' that has come to symbolise the Gypsy life
only came into use in the middle of the nineteenth century, until then Gypsy Travellers
were tent dwelling people who travelled with light horse drawn carts and traps.
Click picture
for bigger version
The traditional
Gypsy 'bender tent' (pictured above) was made from hazel rods pushed into the
ground and covered over with tarpaulin or sailcloth.
Some of these tents were quite sophisticated structure with a central area in
which a fire could be lit above which was a hole to allow smoke to escape.
The wagon provided
a cosy living space. Across the back was generally a raised double bed with cupboard
beneath which could double up as another bed.
A small stove was usually installed on the right hand side as you went in, complete
with mantlepiece with a mirrored door to the airing cupboard above. On the right
there was perhaps a table and cupboards.
Click picture
for bigger version
The interior and
exterior decorations were always very personal and the caravan was a status symbol.
The wealthier the owner the more ostentatious it was.
Ornate carving, complex painted designs and an abundance of gold leaf would signify
a very well to do Gypsy.
Horse
drawn days
