Taylor
Introduction
The Taylor family is a well-documented, traditional Romanichal (English Gypsy) surname with deep roots in Surrey and other parts of England, historically appearing in records as hawkers and travellers. They are frequently identified alongside other prominent Romany families, with records showing a distinct presence dating back to at least the 19th century.
Historical Documentation of the Taylor Family
• 19th Century Records: Historical records identify families like that of George Taylor, a hawker born in 1832 in Maidstone, married to Lydia, highlighting early Victorian-era Romany roots in Essex.
• Regional Presence: The Taylor surname is identified as a common Gypsy surname in Surrey and is part of the genealogical research covered by the Romany and Traveller Family History Society . • Family Structure: Photos and records often show large family groups, such as the Taylors documented in a 1940s family photo alongside other Romany families.
• Occupations: Traditionally, members were involved in traveling trades, such as hawking, as seen with George Taylor in the 1800s.
• Geographical Spread: While deeply rooted in Britain, branches of the family, including those documented in Australia, showcase the diaspora of Traveller families.
Researching Taylor Romany Ancestry
• Surrey History Centre: Holds collections relevant to the Gypsy Lore Society and information on Gypsy surnames in Surrey.
• RTFHS: The Romany and Traveller Family History Society is a key resource for tracing families like the Taylors.
• Census Records: 1841-1851 censuses are commonly used to find early Romany Taylors.
Sources
[1] http://theromany.weebly.com/taylor.html [2] https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/history-centre/researchers/guides/tracing-gypsy-romany-and-traveller-ancestors [3] https://historyireland.com/gypsies-in-ireland-a-hiberno-romany-community/ [4] https://rtfhs.org.uk/members-of-the-diaper-taylor-and-smith-families-tunstall-suffolk/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Gypsies [6] https://www.facebook.com/HistoricPhotographs/posts/a-romani-family-pose-for-a-picture-1926-two-young-girls-sitting-one-with-a-fox-o/1000194875596853/ [7] https://www.facebook.com/romanyheritage1/posts/my-father-on-the-left-les-taylor-and-with-my-my-uncle-clifford-lee-thanks-to-cli/2770860262990610/ [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo6e1tdewzA [9] https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/societies-romany-and-traveller-family-history-society [10] http://rtfhs.org.uk/publications/