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I’m very grateful to @rhona_ramsay for introducing me to this phenomenal c.1500 brooch made by a ceard (a Gypsy/Traveller craftsperson) in Lochbuie on the Isle of Mull.
Now in the @britishmuseum http://tiny.cc/i7xlsz (thread 1/ )
Now in the @britishmuseum http://tiny.cc/i7xlsz (thread 1/ )
Gypsy, Traveller, and Roma communities have been an important part of Scotland’s rich and diverse history for centuries. They have also faced a long history of persecution. (2/ )
My own research on @Rosslynchapel has led me to a 1700 account of how Gypsy/Traveller people had ‘of old’ (from before the late 16thC) performed summer plays on the banks of the Esk in Roslin. They resided in two towers named ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Little John’. (3/ )
One probable reason for choosing Roslin was because Sinclair lords gave Gypsy Traveller people sanctuary. We know that in c.1570, Sir William Sinclair saved an ‘Egyptian’ from being hanged. Laws in 1541 and 1571 made being a Gypsy in Scotland a crime punishable by death. (4/ )
Douglas Ross’ horrendous comments as part of his campaign to become the next @ScotTories leader are just one more example of a long and shameful history of discrimination against Gypsy Traveller and Roma communities in Scotland. (5/ )
Many of us (myself definitely included) could do more to educate ourselves about Gypsy Traveller history, culture, and oppression. I found this a good simple guide to start with https://www.iriss.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-06/gt-timeline-A4-web.pdf (6/ )
As @rhona_ramsay eloquently put it, we should work to “make Gypsy Traveller lives more visible in our shared histories.” I’ll certainly be learning more about this subject. Recent attacks on their rights from some journalists and Tories make this all the more important. (7/end)
