BY HENRY WOODCOCKT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. AUTHOR OF POPERY UNMASKED." "Is the conversion of Gipsies impossible? If not, why, having LONDON: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM LISTER, SUTTON-STREET, COMMERCIAL ROAD, ST. GEORGE'S-IN-THE-EAST. MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS, OR OF PRIMITIVE METHODIST MINISTERS. ALSO FROM THE AUTHOR, S, SHEPPEY-PLACE, GRAVESEND, kent, 1865. 223. k. 77. PREFACE. AN epitome of the following pages was first delivered, as a Lecture, in connection with the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, Clowes' Chapel, Jarratt Street, Hull, and afterwards at Gravesend, Kent. The lectures were well attended, and seemed to give considerable pleasure to the audiences; and on the last occasion three pounds were collected towards the formation of a Free Circulating Library. The writer has frequently been requested to give the Lecture, at different places, but the state of his health would not allow him to comply. While gathering materials for the following pages, many people have said, with a sardonic smile, "Who would trouble themselves about Gipsies? Is it not puerile to do so ?" I have invariably answered, in the words of Terence, an ancient philosopher, "I am a man, and whatever concerns humanity concerns me." Or in the still nobler words of Paul :-"I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise and the unwise." The Gipsies are a people I have thought a great deal about from childhood; during fourteen years of itinerent life I have often met them encamped in green lanes and on the verge of barren moors, and have, on many occasions, spoken to them about things spiritual and eternal. I have never met with either insult or impertinence from them; but often their upturned faces and tearful eyes have bespoken their readiness to listen to the word of life. The writer acknowledges his obligation to the following works: "The Gipsies of Spain," by George Borrow; "Hoyland's Survey of the Gipsies;" "The Gipsies' Advocate," by Rev. James Crabb ; "Notices concerning the Scottish Gipsies," contributed to the Edinburh Magazine, 1817-18; "Life of the Rev. James Crabb;" "Memoir of the Rev. John Baird;" "English at Home," by Alphonse Esquiros; Researches into the Physical History of Mankind," by S. C. Prichard, M.D., &c. &c. From these works the author has drawn many of his facts; though he is not aware of having quoted any sentence without using the recognized insignia of literary theft, namely, inverted commas. Whether our work excites the curiosity or prompts the religious zeal of the reader, we commend it to his careful attention, and trust he will find it worthy of something more than a mere passing glance or cursory perusal.. HENRY WOODCOCK. 8, Sheppey Place, Gravesend, Kent, July 28th, 1865. I CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THEIR CLAIMS. The Gipsies comparatively unknown.-Prejudices against them. We should acquaint ourselves with their history, &c. &c. CHAPTER II. THEIR HISTORICAL EPOCHS. Immense numbers.-First arrival in Europe 400 years ago. -Grotesque appearance. Hypocritical pretensions.The Pope and others deceived.-Laws issued against them by Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, &c., &c.- Children cruelly dragged from their parents.--Humane laws issued in Transylvania. ENGLISH GIPSIES. When they arrivedTheir appearance-Laws against them during the reigns of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth-They multiply-Prince of Wales visits a Gipsy settlement at Norwood-Their different tribes and their localities. ScoTTISH GIPSIES. The "Earl of Egypt" deceives the Government-Laws against him and his clans-Their banishment-Thievish habits among the peasantry-Twenty Gipsies put to death-They lead 100,000, beggars, thieves, &c.-The man who broke the bell-rope-Gangs cross Queen's Ferry -Their gay appearance-How children were trained to theft, &c. &c. CHAPTER III. THEIR ORIGIN. Different theories-Not a fragment of the two lost tribes of 22 |