Rev George Hall Collection
Please note
The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.Users are advised that content in this section may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.
See the Access and usage section below for further details.
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: Rev George Hall Collection
Classmark: MS 2073
Original reference: BC MS Rom 2/1/1
Creator(s): Hall, Rev George()
Date(s): 1908-1918
Language: English; Romany
Size and medium: 3 boxes
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/505018
Collection group(s): Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections
Description
Correspondence, notebooks, diaries and reports/loose notes documenting Hall's research and information gathering.Mainly concerned with (UK) Gypsy and Traveller biographies and genealogical details.
Includes some references related to Gypsies, Travellers [Roma] in the USA.
Biography or history
The Reverend George Hall (1863-1918) was rector of the parish of Ruckland, Lincolnshire, England. As a member of the Gypsy Lore Society, he contributed articles to its Journal based on his own primary research, spoke a Romany language and wrote the autobiographical "The Gypsy's Parson: His Experiences and Adventures" (1915) . He travelled and used a network of correspondents to research and gather information to compile a number of pedigrees (family trees) on Gypsy and Traveller Families in the UK.
[He is often referred to by the Romany term 'Rye/Rai' or variations of this; which was often used as a greeting for (non- Gypsy Traveller) scholars of Gypsy and Traveller related studies at the time].
Provenance
The details of deposit and previous owners of these papers (other than the creator) are unknown. This was previously listed as part of the Romany 2 (sub-collection). In 2017 as part of re-cataloguing project this was separated out as a distinct Collection [but still partof the Gypsy, Traveller & Roma Collections].
At the time it also included papers relating to Derek Tipler [see related objects] - which remain part of the Romany (2) Collection. [It was unclear if there was a connection - but it is possible that the whole collection was at one point owned/collected by Tipler].
New catalogue created as part of the, "Collectors & Activist" Project, (with support from the National Cataloguing Grants Programme 2016/17).
System of arrangement
Arranged in two series by the archivist; - correspondence and research material.
Access and usage
Access
Access to this material is unrestricted.
The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.
View the Cultural Collections sensitivity policy
Notes on terminology and spellings
Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.
At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.
These can include but are not limited to those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).
It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:
1) As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma). Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’
2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.
Users are advised that content in this section may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.