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Your missing the point Nils…is anyone actually reading my posts? How is finding a good accountant helping my people in any way? I am not doing this to simply avoid paying taxes.
As for the King , Queen thing being outdated, well how did that become outdated? Who allowed that to become outdated? Kings and Queens has been part of our tradition for many centuries, but that is just one of the traditions that you say has died out…well not any more.
Hi Nils
I’m presuming you live in the outback then with no clean running water, your own septic tank, no street lights, no health infrastructure (!), no access to police force or fire service. If you answer yes to any of those then – shame on you – ditch the “clever” accountant and pay your way.
I’m not a gypsy, nor a free-loader but I thought you were someone special – up till now.
Lorna
Lorna,
You are right on a number of those issues. We live in a rural area on tank water, have a septic system, dirt roads and an electricity system that cuts out every so often. We do have access to police and health but we are own fire service, I have worked since I was eight years old and have never had less than one job untill I retired. I did 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy and went to war for my country. I had to “retire” in 2002 as I could not work any more. I am now on a part disibility pension due to my military service, hence the tax on 23 cents, this is the first year I’ve been in that position.
Nils
Lorna, Nils did not say he was involved with a ‘clever accountant’. His comment to Donald was an ironic one (or sarcastic, if you will) in response to his view that he did not want to pay taxes to an ‘unlawful’ government. I think you were out of line for attacking Nils in this way particularly after all he has done to help this ‘family’ to piece together their rich, shared heritage.
Fiona (site administrator)
“Would be much better than a “King” talking for an unknown number of the people concerned.”
..better that than some gorjio talking on our behalf as is done presently in Europe and else where. decisions are made every day on our behalf by people who wouldn’t know the difference between a gypsy and a china man.
Please don’t compare a Gypsy King/Queen to the traitor currently sitting on the English throne.
Donald some of your ideas are interesting and others are to me way off the wall…please correct me if i have got the wrong end of your amazing stick you had at the reunion… refuse to pay our way in society….re taxes etc this rings of Tommy sheridons stance to the Scottish Poll Tax and the reality is some people who refused to pay were taken to court and assests seized and some folk lost their homes….businesses and their livelihood……are you serious?
Please remember that we in the UK are paying taxes to a Government who used that same money to unlawfully invade a country for oil and killed 300,000+ CHILDREN in the earliest stages of the war.
They used our taxes to buy themselves everything from expensive properties to Kit Kats, porn films and duck houses and generally wallow in luxury whilst the rest of the country were struggling to survive day to day .
They took the sovereignty of this country and simply handed it of by signing the Lisbon Treaty even though that is in direct violation of the English constitution ie Magna Carta 1215, they even made Ireland vote TWICE cause they didn’t like the first outcome.
MPs were caught red handed in the cash for questions fiasco..I could go on all night, what surprises me is that nobody seems to care!
I am not taking on the Queen Nils (where did she get her authority from?), I would be simply claiming sovereignty for Roma people in the UK as is our lawful God given inalienable right, this would have zero affect on the settled communities and would benefit us immensely. Isn’t that something along the lines of what the Maori and the Aboriginals did?
Hi Nils
Then I reckon in Australia your tax system is pretty good. My husband too was Royal Navy then employment. He also is disabled with MS for the last 17 years and had to stop work early. However, over here he still has to pay tax.
Sorry if I hurt your feelings. My admin job brought me in contact with too many people who knew exactly how to work the system, many being very well off people. Private school fees paid by the state – then off to the Seychelles for a winter holiday and guess who was first to deride the “job shy unemployed” getting benefits?
It left a very bad taste in the mouth and I have remained probably too sensitive to clever accounting ever since.
I apologise
Lorna
Hi Lorna,
I see you have alpologised. Thanks for being so gracious.
Fiona
Oh dear me, how did our delightful website that reconnected family and talked of celebrating our common heritage that grew from the initial story “The Gypsy Royals” written by Fiona. That then birthed into the documentary and ReUnion at Kirk Yetholm, a day spent with friends new and old, turn into a heated banter about this man who would demand to be King! It feels like a captured (invaded) audience.-Deby
Demand?????
In case you didn’t realise D.Sowter there is a little tab that says “Reply” at the end of each post which allows posters to hold numerous different conversations at once, just click “reply” to which ever post you wish to contribute to. You don’t even need to read other posts.
How rude, and I see nobody getting “heated” we were having quite an enjoyable debate but if you think the forum is exclusively for you then go ahead I won’t bother posting anymore!
Deby and Donald, I understand why as a member of the ‘family’ Deby feels sad about this in terms of the family reunion now becoming something else, but Donald has a right to air his views. And I think they do belong on this site and that is why I’ve allowed them to continue. The issues that are being discussed are very relevant: is there still a need for a gypsy monarch? If so why? If not why? Comments about there being room for a leader to represent the views of the people are very valid. Whether or not this requires a crown is equally valid. Who that person should or should not be are also valid. And also, what kind of leader, if one is needed, should the person be? If not a king then who or what? And, as has already been discussed – to what end? If the end of this discussion is that there is no need for a king then so be it – but I think the discussion itself is valid and if everyone can take a few deep breaths, remain calm, apologise when or if offence is inadvertently taken, then I think this could still be fruitful.
In hope of peace,
Fiona
Hi,
Donald you keep going on about your people and the hardship they have encountered! we all have had hardship, its a way of life now. No one likes to pay taxes, but its law we have too, and by you being king of gypsies will not stop this hardship as you call it. If by some chance you ever did you will get millions of families doing the same thing. What nils said, to form some kind of council and get people behind you would be a better idea. To me, you are just making a mockery out of the gypsies, and many of our ancestors would be turning in their graves at what you are trying to do. You dont want to do it for the gypsies, to me you are doing it all for yaself!!!!
Ok back up what you just said!…where did I post anything that would suggest I am doing this for myself?!
And the people I keep going on about who have gone through hardships are the same people that this very forum is all about gypsies, you say “we have all had hardship” have you ever stood on a lonely stretch of road with your family wondering where to go for the night without being hassled and moved on?
“To me, you are just making a mockery out of the gypsies, and many of our ancestors would be turning in their graves” …how dare you…you seem to spew out insults without any knowledge of what you speak! by saying what you have you insult me and my whole family! are you a gypsy? Do you know anything about us?!
And as for your comment “No one likes to pay taxes, but its law we have too” have you ever looked up the law to see if it says that you have to pay taxes? if not then how do you know its the law? because you were told so by the man? do you know the history of how taxes came to be or indeed where your taxes go? or are you just here to insult me my family and my view on things?
I don’t mind having a civilised discussion but slinging personal insults around shows a basic lack of intelligence.
My claim will be going ahead but I doubt very much that I will get anywhere given the attitude of some.
I will leave you all to post away until your hearts are content but I will no longer take part in any discussions on this forum. Kushti Divvus!
Well Done Donald. finnaly someone from my breed willing to stand up for his/my people . we are not something from the past long gone. travelling romany folk are suffering real hardship and racism on a scale not seen since nazi germany. not a week goes by without one of the daily papers having a go at my people……no one stands up for us no one…..and all we do is fight among ourselves….we must be united or we will dissapear as a distinct ethnic people…lost forever.
in the south of England United Nation obsevers are posted at a traveling site (bought and paid for my travelers)because of the treatment my people have had from council ballifs burning and smashing up our homes(as the musgras (police)looked on) becuase gorjers(non travellers) do not want us living enywere near them. i am not intrested in kings or queens but am very intrested in the rights my and Donalds people
Donald email me chucksheldon@hotmail.com
i left school age 12 so i can not spell!
First of all just to let the many people who plan to view Jeannies “Green blouse portrait” it is in the vaults but can still be seen but by appointment only. just ring the gallery at belford and make a request appointment a curator will unwrap it and display for you. also Donald I for one would like to continue discussions if you would like to continue the debate then please reply or email me off site. some of your ideas I wouuld agree with and others are up for discussion. Regards to all.
I have just removed or blocked a few comments that I felt were too much of a personal attack on Donald. Other people have contacted me off site and some of them say they may not agree with Donald’s idea about restoring the crown but that some of his ideas about representation are worth discussing. It’s a pity no one has spoken up in Donald’s defence here on this site. I’m disappointed that he has felt hounded out of here. It’s possible to disagree with someone’s views without being personally disrespectful.
Hi all, had loads of e mails re
onald and his quest for the Crown and also read through the postings. My thoughts (of which im entitled to are this) Why does he feel he is best individual to “lead or rule us” ? There is a very heated discussion going on and I for one who challenged Donald on his views prior to the reunion would like to ask him why he did not approach the people with name badges who opposed him for further discussion?…I agree with a previous post as to what being King or Queen really means in present day society….my view is it would be like being the local Gala Queen sadly to say but he would be King of few followers me thinks.
Hi Linda, yes you are entitled to your views. And this post is fine. I only object to posts that attack Donald (or anyone) personally – bringing their character into question – and not just their views.
Fiona
Donald,
Mate, I realy believe, if you guys can get together, you can have an impact at all levels of goverment, but you need to do it as a group or council. If you go to local ? (we call them shires here) with a suggestion, they will not listen to you or your helpers if you are claiming to be the King of Yetholm? Scottish? UK? Gypsies. You guys need to form a Council, and get others involved. Unfortunately we are in the middle of an election here, with all the lies that polies tell us. But you guys can realy make an impact on your (tribal?) lives if you go about it the right way.
Nils
Hi,
Donald I did not mean to insult you, if I came across that way I do appologize. Just the way you mentioned taxes and so.. I have not looked into law on tax matters, I just know that I have to pay.. I believe what nils is saying, is a better idea, to form some kind of council to actualy getting our peoples message across, rather than someone with a crown. I truely believe you will get more people behind you. Once again I am sorry if I offended you and your family. Just what I dont understand is, why do you need a crown do actually be able to do this? wouldnt having folk behind you be a stronger force?
Seems Donald had left the building! I am peeved he felt he couldn’t continue to respond to peoples views as I am sure there could have been a healthy and productive debate on the matters raised. Moving on… Do we need a council? I think so but unpaid , no crowning ceremony just a group of willing passionate informed people…like the late Alec Kennedy who did it for no honour or reward, but received the thanks and appreciation of his people for his efforts. What are your views?
Yes I agree that there can still be a healthy discussion around this. So please everyone, with or without Donald, let’s hear your views on the council. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve heard there are already a variety of gypsy councils. Someone mentioned to me that there was one in Darlington. Are these simply regional?
I understood that the title of King of the Gypies was bestowed on a Faa by King James and was later revoked by him, so it seems that the Queen is the one to say if there is to be a King. We now consider ourselves to be either Scottish or English Gypies so therefore are under the Queen.
Marshall im trying to get you as a friend my cousin Linda said you had some barrie photos im on facebook ,so would love to see them also Tittys grandson in america is a friend and is very keen on anything on his breed Elisabeth
Hi Elizabeth i’ll send you an invite, Titties grandson is he Jennys, Alex or Willies son. I think I have a photo of Tittie and her mother somewhere, will look it out. Tell him my husbands nephews are his cousins. Marshall
Cant find you on facebook, I am Marshall Townsley get in touch
hello all,
My name is Roslyn.
Many thanks to Nils, from myself ,in finding out “who I am” in terms of my personality. I understood if I could find my past then I would find MYSELF.
I should now be in the family tree as one of the grandchildren (generations down) of King Charles the 1st.
After contemplation I wish to address the matter of the regaining of the monarchy.
Charles 1st was a man of integrity. I trust we can all agree with that.
His daughter Esther acted according to what she saw as right.
Meaning absolutely NO disrespect to any of US. Esther did not respect her father’s dying wish to have David step aside and grant their younger sister Helen the place of headship.
Now I ask you, “was Charles 1st not a man of honour,who ruled by wisdom”?.
He read the scriptures from the Bible and yes ,the bible says that a house divided cannot stand.
Did that not happen.
Unite now and let the leadership issue come later.
Are you all fighting for something or repeating history by fighting against each other?.
One issue at a time .
Let everyone have a voice for that is called freedom.
Let us all decide for that is called democracy.
Let us all unite for that is called love.
Regards,
Roslyn.
Hi all… I have today saw a posting on facebook that would maybe offend a lot of our people. I have decided to …in private e mail the individual named in the posting on facebook for a response prior to making it public. I await a response and will let you all know.
Hello everyone, I’m in the E.Cape of South Africa and am having difficulty getting internet access. I’ll only be back in the UK with full access mid Sept. I just want to stress that Tony and I are not on any side of the fence in this discussion. The desire to resurrect the royal line is clearly a minority view and will be presented as such in the documentary. But it doesn’t mean that it should be ignored in its entirety. The documentary still is primarily about a family rediscovering each other through a shared history. But what that history means today will also be explored and whether or not there is any room for a crowned king or queen in this modern world is part of that exploration. I don’t see why that should be seen as so controversial. The tone of the discussion on this site will certainly not be the tone of the presentation on the documentary. This is going to be a great film and it would be sad if hysteria got the better of everyone in this.
Hi Fiona, using the word “hysteria” is just adding fuel to a fire in order to get a reaction ! there are no hysterical people involved in this debate, one man wants to be king and there’s all this fuss about it, honestly is there anyone going to take him serious if he succeeds? if he really wants to do good for his people then go ahead but drop this king business. In my opinion and I know everybody is entitled to one is that he would gain more respect and support if he would just get on with job, to much discussion on your program about this and it will make a mockery of our heritage. Esther
I apologise if the word ‘hysteria’ upset you. That was not my intention – and I certainly did not use it just to get a reaction. My point stands – the issues raised by Donald on whether or not the kingship should be revived are valid. In fact, if you read the home page of this website that was one of the stated goals of the documentary before Donald ever came along. There will not be ‘too much’ discussion, but as people who were interviewed before Donald’s arrival can testify, we, the filmmakers, asked each of them that question: is there room for a king or queen today and if not why not. They all answered the question without any problems.
Fiona and I were fascinated by the discovery that there was a gypsy king and queen crowned in Kirk Yetholm up until the early years of the 20th century. It was even more exciting to realise that the descendants of those people were starting to make contact with each other.
We’ve been treated with grace, hospitality, patience and kindness by everyone we have met and interviewed. I understand that there is suspicion that anyone making a film is looking for some way to denigrate or demean the community – to provoke an argument or a fight. That’s not the way we work – this is not another ‘My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.’
It is our genuine aim to give a positive image of the community – to dispel some of the myths and prejudice.
We are outsiders. We are not on any side. We can only reflect what we are told and shown. That’s the good thing about being outsiders – we have no axe to grind.
This week I’m making a pitch to the Sheffield Documentary Festival, the next stage in the long process of raising money to fund our work. It’s a slow process. We might never get a commission, but we’ve taken the risk because we feel the story is worth telling.
One of the stories we want to tell is this. The old ways of the gypsy people meeting and making friendships, courting and connecting, seem to have gone. When more of the community settled and stopped travelling, the connections were broken. But these connections have been revived by the internet. The proof is in the success of the gathering at Yetholm. One of the questions this prompts is, ‘What happens next?’
As you work out new ways to define what it means to be a gypsy there will be debate about the best way to do that – whether it be through a council, a revived monarchy or some other way. Perhaps things will remain as they are. Whatever happens, it’s an interesting story.
We want to reflect that debate. We want to follow the journey you are making as you work things out. Without you we have no story to tell.
Tony Glover
Hi all, I would like to say, I do not think there should be a king or queen. I believe a council, yes, this might work andwould do better in the 21st century. Like Esther says in a earlier post, to be a king or queen, you have to have the backing of the people, because no one is taking him seriously. We all love our heritage, and proud of it. The best thing to ever come out of this, is ive met many family members, who i didnt even know i had. Even tho i dont know many of you, i feel close to u all by this site. I have learn many new things about my gr grans past and her mothers n so on. So thank you all, I feel I have found myself, knowing more about my past!!
First i think a few people might be upset about me supporting some of Donalds views. i have from the very start stated i am not intrested in who should be king or queen. what i am supporting is Donalds right to free speech, whatever some people think, we live thank god in a free country and i think Fiona is supportive of everybody giving there views as long as thay do not breach or attack someone. this is my own view, not Fionas
I am 100% behind enything that can help or improve our people’s image as whole and i whole hartedly hope the programe will do that.
but with mass deportations of Romanian Gypsys from france this week we should all very very concerned .
My Travellers pride
I will not hide
My Travllers race
I will not disgrace
My Travellers blood
flows hot and true
My Gypsy folk
I will stand by you
Thru thick and thin
Till the day I we die
Our Travellers flag
Always stands high
I yell this poem
Louder than the rest
Coz every one knows
Needies are the best
Travellers pride in my mind
Gypsy blood is my kind
So step aside and let me thru
Cuz its all about the Gypsy in you.
Read this thought you’d all like it to Esther.
Wow.. lots of stuff to respond to…. and please lets say our feelings without bad feeling. Kirk Yetholm decendents…lets remind ourselves what this was about in the first place and not what it has become! first of all I think the tv crew have a goal and that is to sell a doc and despite the posting from Fiona I think they do have an axe to grind…ie: if its not interesting enough then they cant sell it!
I think the tv crew have a foot in every camp and I for one am not playing that game.
Hello Fiona, Rod and Tony,
Thank you for your reasurances that the documentary will be as you have always intended i.e. a positive look at the history of the Yetholm gypsy, where we are now and what the future may or may not hold for us with or without a “monarch” or leader.
Personally, I do not feel the need to be represented by anyone in this modern age and am happy to bask in the memories and reflected glory of what used to be.
Having said that I am aware of my own good fortune that has allowed me that privilege.
I am also aware that for the gypsy people who are facing difficult times today it may be in their best interests to have a good, well informed leader championing their cause and I will do my bit, as always, by taking every opportunity to portray my heritage in a positive light wherever I go.
I am saddened and embarrassed by the negative comments on previous postings. These comments are a separate issue not representative of the majority and certainly nothing to do with the reunion.
Thank you for the kindness and respect you have shown to us throughout this adventure and we look forward to seeing the finished documentary.
Warm regards,
Maggie.
Thanks Maggie. We’ll keep you up to date on any developments with the film. And as you have well said, for you and the family, it’s not just about the film, it’s about making connections with real people.
Fiona
Hi …and with due and honest respect to Maggie…the postings on this site do not speak for the majority….many of us are communicating off site to debate and discuss,,,it is ongoing and at times constructive… I would urge decendents to contact their facebook relatives and keep it one to one and off the GRS. Food for fodder people.x Fiona with respect to you and your interests in our family we will let you know the outcome ! x “Crafty Writer” absolutley Lol
Hi… and last posting on this site from me… sad to say….. but as Fiona has communicated to me by e mail… its so to speak run its course… Personally I would love to bask in the Romantic memories of our reunion and days gone by and that is what my expectations were on the day. Since then family members have raised concerns about the claiming of the crown… I am not an expert on this and certainly not an activist just feel the Crown should be left as a past thing …….best wishes for the future people x
Hi , everybody well it seems it time to say good bye and good luck and hope you all have a long and healthy and happy life !! so take care and be happy! Esther xxxxxxxxxx
Esther, why are you saying goodbye? This forum is still open to anyone. The ‘king’ discussion seems to be over if that’s what’s bothering you.
Hi Fiona sorry about that I dont where I got that Idea from then, oh well thats good I will still look in to see whats going on take care Esther xx ps did you get my last e-mail
about being on the wright road but going in the wrong direction !!
I did Esther
I responded but maybe you didn’t get it, I’ll send it again.
And Linda, the same goes for you. You’re more than welcome to continue posting to this site if you want to. The king issue is only one small part of it – even though it has dominated discussions lately – hopefully we can get back on track. But if you would prefer not to or feel too much water has gone under the bridge, then I understand. Your help with the Peploe pictures has been invaluable and you’ve also done a great job linking everyone up on Face Book.
And we may have some good news to share about funding for the film very soon … For those of you who pray, please continue to do so – things are looking promising!
Fiona
Hi to all,
Havn’t been on for a while, have a wife who is busy trying to win things on horses came 5th this weekend by 1.4 seconds difference between 2nd-5th was .4 second. Sport is called Team Penning. I see the King issue is still bubbling, as far as I am aware there has never been royalty in charge of the UK roma community or Scotland for that matter, just initially for the gypsies of Little Egypt. There was a prince in the UK back in the 1800 at one stage and I think something in Haddington as well. I was told a couple of weeks ago; to be a king or queen you have to prove your linage back to Adam & Eve (sure cut’s me out I can only get back to 1750). Yetholm “royal” linage was through the Faa family. Even old Charlie Blythe might have been a ring in, there could be a connection other than marriage, even though they were selected by the people, there had to be a Faa/Yetholm connection.
Afraid I cannot be Yetholm royalty as I’m related to old Charlie and Esther but I don’t descend from them. Can give you a list of who does, its pretty big and is spread out all over the world. I remember meeting one of the Douglas’s on trip over to Scotland who claimed he was the King of the Yetholm Gypsies, he died not all that long ago and said it would be passed to his son.
Better go, got a bit of work to do.
Nils
Hello Nils,
Congratulations to your wife on her success with the horses.
I have resisted becoming involved in the “Battle of the Kings”. Sadly it got a bit out of hand on-line resulting in some of the group withdrawing and apparently choosing to continue their quest/research behind the scenes.
I am pleased you have drawn attention to the root of the Royal Gypsy of Yetholm – the Faa. Many people seem to be not aware of that fact and tend to believe the royal status belongs to the Blyth.
As you know and have shown in your documents Esther Faa was the last descendent of the royal Faa and was the true queen but allowed her husband Charles Blyth to stand in for her providing he took her name hence the Faa-Blyth lineage. Therefore, if a “royal” leader is to be reinstated then he or she must be descended from the blood line of the Royal Faa of Yetholm.
However, if our people just want an advocate to champion the cause of the gypsy community then I know there are many good and able men and women among us who could take on that mantle.
Esther Faa is my grandmother five times removed through her son John. John married Mary Flanaghan and their daughter Mary Blyth married Matthew Kennedy, my great grandfather on my father’s side.
Obviously, Charles Blyth is my grandfather five times removed through the same route but I am also related to Charles on my mother’s side (the same line as yours). Having said all that I hasten to add I have absolutely no desire or intention to claim the crown!!!
I would love to have a copy of your list of the Faa descendents. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful work with us.
Regards
Maggie.
P.S.
I suspect it will disappoint some people whose birth certificate bears the name of Faa or Faa-Blyth to discover that they are not in fact descended from the royal blood line. However, I believe the most important thing is for us all to respect each other and work together as we are bound together by many bloodlines and names.
Remember, “A rose is a rose by any other name…”.!
Maggie.
Hi guys,
Maggie you are one of the ones who is a descendant, so is
Janice Burnside
Alli Young
Harry Hutchison
Ros Drysdale
Deby is, probably through the Gordon connection
Chuck, I don’t have enough info on
Donald, the same.
Linda, not through her Blythe line but possibly other family lines
Esther and Alice, same as Linda
This does not include a lot of others in the UK, a huge family in Canada, also some in the US and a few in beautiful downtown Australia but not ours. Oh! also some more in South Africa (and God knows where else?).
Nils
I also should have said, anyone else (in my computer) I can calculate as well, if I have your ancestry. If you want it privatly, I don’t have to put it on here. I hope I havn’t offended anyone by the last post by putting it up public.
Nils
Hello Nils and everyone hope you are all well. Am I related to the Faa family and is it through the Taits as I have got to Jacob Tait (1865) and come to a stop.
Ali x
Hello again,
Ali you connect back into the Faa line through old Charlie Blythe, I’ve been researching the King and Queen bit of the UK “Gypsies”, have come up with a lot of information, in fact I’m at the noment talking to a gentleman whose grandfather was considered the King of the English Gypsies up till his death in 1957, there are other Gypsy “royalty” that I have found up till 1968 with the probability of “royalty” in England untill the present. Scotland has only had descendants of the Faa family and one other, Billy Marshall from Ayrshire 1672 – 1792 claimed to be King of the Gypsies in South – East Scotland for most of the 1700′s. Supposed to have had 17 wives and a very large number of children (some after he turned 100, wonder if his wife played up on him?). He was the one I had, but thought he was later. Charles Douglas (in my last post) actually claimed he had the right to the Yetholm crown but not as I previously said, claimed to be King. There is even stories of a mystical cat with one of the English ones which was buried with his/her master and now haunts the graveyard near the church.
Very interesting, but I have a long way to go and a lot of information to confirm.
Nils
Thanks for all the info Nils! Love the very virile centurion
Hi Nils, I am trying to find out if I am connected to Billy Marshall, Have got as far as Moses Marshall born Newton in Ayr. Ayrshire. I am very lucky not to be called Moses. Any info would be appriciated. Marshall
Hi all,
Ali could you E-m me at nbblyth@bigpond.com , got something I need you to confirm
Nils.
Hi my name is Anita stewart, I was born and raised in northumberland until I was 15 my father came from a traveler family he was a barrow boy/ street hawker and scrap dealer, name Bobby stewart his father james stewart son of septimus stewart who were border gypsys, sound familiar?
Hi Anita,
My wife is descended from the Stewart family from Durham. I have a large database showing the tree of this family from Hugh Stewart b1786 who married Mary Patterson. They were a travelling family. The family line is Hugh Stewart – Isaac Stewart – James Stewart – Helen Stewart (my wife’s grandmother). The family all emigrated to Canada in 1913 except my wife’s grandmother. Perhaps there is a connection.
Ian. Colchester, Essex, UK
Hi Anita, I have found a Hugh Stewart & Jane they had 2 sons Hugh & Stewart born in the 1780′s they both had sons called Septimus. Hughs Septimus was born in 1846 in Yorkshire and Stewarts was born in 1843 in Yorkshire. They later came to Durham. Sometimes Stewart is spelt Steward. Possibly one of them your ggrandfather. Regards Marshall
I am looking for a Robert Stewart married to Betsy Watson. They had two sons Hugh & Isaac. Anybody have any info on Bobby Stewart. Marshall
Hello all,
Would I be correct in saying that there exists prejudice not only on the part of the non gypsy sector towards gypsies but also within the gypsy sector towards your fellow countrymen?
If I have assumed correctly then I would like to say that “feeling” the victim and thus being outraged is an attitude that will not go away unless active steps are taken to build a bridge of mutual understanding.
It is my belief that fear is at the heart of non acceptance of one another.The non gypsy folk fear that they will lose the freedom to enjoy the comforts that they have worked to attain and the gypsy folk fear that they will lose the freedom to enjoy the lifestyle that is central to their true nature.I am writing “in the third person” because I see this as a problem from two sides.If you are wondering,- yes,I do know how it feels to be discriminated against because of your nationality and lifestyle choices.
I believe that the way to go forward is to have a King or Queen duly elected who would have limited powers ,so as to maintain a dual citizenship for The Scottish Gypsies.That monarch ,in my view, should be capable of overseeing the education of the gypsy people in relation to overcoming the crippling attitudes that prolong the stigma.
Basically there is good and bad in all peoples but can you imagine the changes that could be wrought by developing a pacifist stance to injustice? If ,instead of becoming angry and retaliating there is a better way.Take the best example of Gypsy culture and let your actions speak for themselves.Win respect and you win the fight.The future generations will thank you for it.Basically ,take it upon yourself to be a fine example in the face of adversity, for in the grand scheme of things it will restore your honour and that is a legacy that you can be proud to leave to your children.
I am a Scot, a gypsy descendant and have lived in Australia for 52 years (never naturalised as I remain in my heart a Scot) and have found that it doesn’t matter where you travel or even end up that gives you your genuine identity but it’s where your allegiance lies that defines your nationality.
Do you have “multi cultural festivals” in the UK?. We have here in Aus and although you see a few bigoted characters at these events I can say that they are a dying breed,thanks to the awareness brought about by mutual understanding of our differences.
So here’s to living with an open heart and hopefully an open road.
Roslyn
Thank you Marshall I have a bit of a family list I’ll have a look thru, there were family names passed down such as septimus,Issac, shadrack, and james and john, I think my great grandmother’s name was Jane she was married to seppy stewart g’grandad they said his nickname was sandy duff they moved down to Newcastle from the border.
allso my father mentioned Nelson Lee.
Hi all,
This one’s for Anita, was your grand father James Nelson Stewart? wife (possibility only) Caroline. His parents Septimus Stewart and Jane Nelson, grand parents Isaac Stewart and Mary Grace Archer?
My E-m address is about five or six posts up if you want to reply privately.
Other than that all is well here in spring in Australia, had a wet winter so have grass everywhere, horses are doing well, Kathy got into the NSW Team Yarding championships but didn’t get anywhere. Better luck next year, we hope. Now up to 17,200 people in the computer, been concentrating on the Birtley Blyth’s and the Sunderland Blyth sections. Plus added a few Stewarts.
Nils Blyth
Hi Nils thanks for your reply I’m just going of my grandparents marriage cert his name was James stewart
and his fathers name was septimus stewart both down as general hawkers and my grandmothers name was
Margret Murray. from what I know they were a huge family and the same names used throughout septimus’s brothers were named shadrach Issac john and james the people you are talking about could have been there cousins, my grandmother’s family had a relative nelson lee
For Anita,
The James I have has brother’s, Robinson born about 1902, Shadrack born about 1904, Septimis born JFM 1904, sister Jane born about 1908. There is possibly other children after 1911, the ones I have were born in Newcastle on Tyne.
nils
hello,
my name is robert ward i was wondering if any one knew who the children of esther faa blythe was called is i am related ad i am attempting to do my family tree any help anyone
many thanks
Rob
Hello Rob,
Esther Faa married Charles Blyth and their daughter Esther Faa Blyth married John Rutherford. There have been many ladies called Esther Faa Blyth since then. If you can give more information on which Esther you are following it will make your search easier.
Maggie.
Hi all family and friends….Through peer pressure and pokes…from my family I am now back on board///lets discuss/debate/inform and respect each others views….unless they are offensive lol x
Hi family, first of all I wish you all a happy…peaceful, Christmas ,and most of all good health for you and yours in the coming new year. I ask you all to remember Alexander Kennedy, and have his family in your thoughts this Christmas Eve…..
In his own words….We are still here!…..the Royal Decendents.
Love to you all Linda x
Hi Linda and all I wish you all a very happy,peasefull and propurous new year
and I would like to remember my brother Alex on Christmas eve as thats when God put his arms around him and took him to Romanyland in heaven!!
God bless you my brother you are so so dearly missed I love you.
Take care everyone Estherxxx
happy Christmas to my fellow “people”.
You are out there “somewhere” and I have had trouble with facebook etc,but as I keep to myself ,it is of no consequence.
I am blessed to know the “why’s” and just want to spread the good feelings .
So happy Christmas good people and all good wishes for 2011.
May you have health and happiness and in the event of trouble ,the understanding to accept your circumstances and remember the sun shines after the storm.
Keep well.
Roslyn Drysdale
Thank you Roslyn for your good wishes.
Merry Christmas everyone and may you have peace and joy in 2011.
Love
Maggie x.
Hi to All the decendents of the Kirk Yetholm and Royal family decendents…..Christmas eve…as you and I enjoy the company of our loved ones…please have a moment for Alec and his family… not to mention the Gypsy community who respected him. In his own words….”we are still here” and I for one will make his voice heard! xxxx Happy Christmas and good health for all in the coming year. xxxxxx
Happy New Year to all.
Hi folks,
Just to let you know I’m still alive and not flooded out, some of the areas in Queensland are fairly well known to me as our family origins are Gympie, one of the flooded towns, I have spoken to relations in Qld and none of ours are among the dead or missing. Pretty bad up there at the moment though. Think I’d rather see snow.
Nils
Glad you’re OK Nils. Dreadful what’s going on. Have been praying for those caught up in it.
Hello Nils,
I am very glad to hear you and yours are alright. It is a terrible tragedy for many families and I wish them the strength to endure it and the heart to overcome and recover.
Maggie.
Hello Maggie,
Ros here.
Just to say that it is a terrible tragedy here in Qld and that me and my family have been spared any ill effects.I live in a rural community called Biggenden on a few acres and although there is saturated ground and minor flooding nobody has been in any immediate need. Our little town ran out of bread, and milk was rationed ,but food should be coming in today as the highway has reopened. Our daughter has been able to get on a bus back to Hervey Bay as the road is now open. Our son is in Brisbane but thankfully on high ground.
It is starting to rain AGAIN as I write and there is news of cyclones developing up north as well as flooding in NSW,Victoria and Tasmania.
The police are still searching for those missing.A lady in town yesterday told me that one lady in Biggenden lost her husband and child when the Big Rush came through Grantham. As you can imagine there will be thousands of people who will feel the emotional cost of these floods after the water goes down. One thing about Aussies is that they know how to pull together when disaster strikes and everyone is pitching in to help one another.
A sad start to this year for so many. I am one of the lucky ones indeed.
Roslyn Drysdale