Name/TitleGypsy caravan

About this objectKnown as a Yorkshire Open Lot, the caravan is open fronted and has no doors. It was bought the week it was vacated by a Nottinghamshire gypsy family, who used to travel in it round the Midlands.

It is painted yellow with maroon patterns, and has a green canvas hood. There are a hay rack and larder at the rear. Inside there is a chest, cupboard and two drawers above, as well as three glass fronted cupboards with shelves. It is heated by a small stove, with an outlet through the roof.

Research Volunteer, Jess Mick-Evans:
The donor believed it was made in 1890. However, in July 1975, an expert from Leicester University placed its rectangular shape in the final phase of open lot building – post WWII, most likely the 1950s. These contrasting opinions perhaps stem from the fact that there is no definitive typology of Gypsy wagon development, or strict uses of particular types within certain periods. Whilst the earliest wagons were simply bender tents placed onto flat carts (leading to the most common type of wagon, the ‘bow top’), other types of wagon developed and were used according to familial preferences, customs, and wealth – or their particular craft and trading needs . The open lot type caravans were typically preferred by travellers who needed a lighter wagon.

The way of life for the Nottinghamshire Gypsy family who used this caravan to travel around the Midlands was embedded within a long, continuously-moving, seasonal culture and tradition that dates back centuries, and covers the whole of the British Isles.

Although Gypsy and Traveller communities are often viewed as outside and distinctly separate from ‘ordinary’ settled society, the truth is that across both economic and social spheres the two peoples were deeply connected. For many rural communities in Britain – particularly for farmers – monetary success stemmed from a high degree of engagement with Gypsies and Travellers during their annual journeys across Britain for casual and seasonal work, fairs and family events. May marked the beginning of the travelling season, as this was the time when most families would head out in their wagons to do agricultural work. Whilst the type of work varied, the harvesting of various seasonal crops acted as important annual markers; June was the time for pea picking , whilst Hop picking season in September.

Medium and MaterialsIncludes a green canvas hood and brass hub caps

Inscription and MarksStamped on brass hub caps:
BUILDERS C.W.S. LTD. MANCHESTER

MeasurementsExternal length:9 feet 10 1/2 inches
Internal length: 9 feet
Upper width: 6 feet 6 inches
Lower width: 5 feet 3 inches
Front wheels:2 feet (12 spokes)
Rear wheels: 2 feet 4 inches ( 12 spokes)
Height of body: 18 feet 8 inches
Height of chassis: 2 feet 6 inches

Object numberSTMEA:A.2482

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)