Smith
Introduction
The Smith family is one of the most prominent and well-documented Romanichal (English Gypsy) families, historically deeply rooted in horse dealing, tinsmithing, and crafting. Often called "blacksmiths" in the north, they were renowned for making horseshoes. They are a well-documented family with major branches in southern and northern England.
Smith Family History
• Origin: The name is frequently linked to the Romani word for a horseshoe maker, Petulengro.
• The Black Patch: Harry Smith’s family lived and worked in the Black Patch, a significant historical site for Romany caravans.
• Gipsy Smith MBE: Rodney "Gipsy" Smith (1860–1947) was a famous British evangelist born in a tent in Epping Forest.
• Famous Members: Phoebe Smith (recorded for her songs by the BBC and Topic Records) and her husband Joe were notable members.
• Locations: Commonly found in areas like Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and as far north as Scotland.
Researching Smith Ancestry
• Researchers often look into families involving connections to other known Romany names like Loveridge.
• The Surrey History Centre and the Romany & Traveller Family History Society are key resources for tracking these roots.
• Many descendants, such as those featured on the Traveller Times, are actively documenting their, for many, previously hidden histories.
Sources
[1] https://www.tiktok.com/@pride_of_romany/video/7389918482093182240 [2] https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/features/video-harry-smith-discovers-his-romany-roots-black-patch [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gipsy_Smith [4] https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/history-centre/researchers/guides/tracing-gypsy-romany-and-traveller-ancestors [5] https://www.denhamhistory.online/post/a-gypsy-tale [6] https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/England_Jewish_and_Gypsy_Surnames_-_International_Institute [7] https://ehive.com/collections/4308/objects/1373193/picture-of-gipsy-smith-and-his-family-camp [8] https://www.facebook.com/travellers.times/posts/day-26-of-gypsy-roma-traveller-history-month-2020-we-have-been-sent-this-beautif/10158659261777533/ [9] https://www.sarah-henson.co.uk/names/smith.htm [10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxKRv9_rH9o [11] http://rtfhs.org.uk/gallery/lifestyle/