The caravan, or Vardo, is generally considered to be the traditional home of the Romany people, but it has only been in existence since the Victorian era. Before these caravans became the norm, gypsies would travel on foot, with their belongings in a cart, pitching tents at night for shelter. The earliest known gypsy caravan was pictured in 1804, and after this time, they steadily rose in popularity. There are various styles of caravan, with many being named after the places where they were first made, e.g. The Burton and Reading.

Whatever the design of the caravan, its internal layout was always the same. On the left side would be a store cupboard, a stove and a seat. Opposite these would be a display cupboard, more seating, a chest of drawers and a tabletop. At the end of the caravan would be the bed, with storage space underneath and occasionally wooden panels to hide the bed during the day.

The first thing a newly married Romany man would do is to buy a new caravan for the couple to live in. In 1910, a new caravan cost around £150, and was expected to last for their lifetime. Traditionally, when a Romany died, his caravan would be burned, and on the rare occasions they were sold, it was never to another traveller.

 

Gypsy Caravans: BU02960