Although Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have lived, worked and travelled throughout Britain for over 500 years they are still largely absent from British history. GRT History Month aims to encourage and support a much deeper understanding and knowledge of
these communities by raising awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture and heritage. It also seeks to challenge the deeply embedded prejudice and discrimination which these communities face.
This prejudice has a long history. In the sixteenth century a law was passed in England that allowed the state to imprison, execute or banish anyone that was perceived to be a Gypsy. In the Second World War, approximately 250 thousand Roma and Sinti, a quarter
of the population of Europe, were exterminated by the Nazis in an act known as the ‘Porrajmos’ (the devouring). Today there are still reports from across Europe of hate crimes and attacks on Roma communities.
if you feel that you don’t know much about these communities, we would encourage you to find out more.
Useful links:
Traveller Movement
Roma Support Group
Showmens Guild
ACERT
Travellers Times :
https://youtu.be/1bhBbMrF8Z0
Friends, Families and Travellers