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No Gypsies on Epson Downs 1929
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No Gypsies on Epson Downs 1929
Romany Folk whose presence was forbidden on Epom Downs even on Derby Day. A group of gipsy women and children peg-making Date: 1929
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Media ID 14113724
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Banned Caravans Derby Downs Folk Forbidden Gipsies Gipsy Gypsies Prohibited Romani Romany Travellers Wagon 1929 Epson Racial
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No Gypsies Allowed on Epson Downs: A Snapshot of Exclusion in the 1920s This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in the history of the Romany community in England. Taken in 1929, the image shows a group of Romany women and children engaged in peg-making, their colorful clothing and caravan in the background. Yet, despite the idyllic scene, these travelers were forbidden from setting foot on Epson Downs, even on Derby Day. The Romany people, also known as Gypsies or Gipsies, have a rich cultural heritage and a nomadic lifestyle that has been a source of fascination and misunderstanding for centuries. In the early 20th century, however, their presence was often met with hostility and discrimination. Epson Downs, a renowned racecourse in Surrey, England, was no exception. The signs of exclusion were clear: Romany folk were not welcome on the premises, not even on the most celebrated day of the racing calendar. The women in this photograph are likely peg-making for a living, a traditional craft passed down through generations. Peg-making involves creating wooden pegs for use in drying clothes. The portable nature of their work allowed them to travel with their families and maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Yet, even as they went about their daily tasks, they were subjected to the harsh realities of discrimination and exclusion. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the social and racial prejudices that once defined the Romany experience in England. It also highlights the resilience and adaptability of a community that continues to face challenges, yet remains deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
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