Loveridge

Romanichal

Introduction

The Loveridge family is a well-documented Romany Gypsy family, primarily historically rooted in southwestern England and the Midlands, often linked to metal trading, horse dealing, and regional, traditional traveler occupations. They are a recognized, established Romani surname with strong connections to early 20th-century communities like the Black Patch, often described as "hard" in traditional accounts.

Historical & Genealogical Details

• Origins: The name derives from the Old English personal name Leofric ("dear power").

• Regional Ties: The family is heavily associated with southwestern England and Northamptonshire, with strong historical documentation in Surrey and the Birmingham area (Black Patch).

• The Black Patch Community: Loveridges were among the key families living on the Black Patch in Smethwick, which was a significant Romani settlement until evictions in 1909.

• Notable History: Edward Loveridge was recognized as a significant figure in the 1510s–1520s. Records also show early travelers such as Mary and Priscilla Loveridge, who were transported to Australia in 1792.

• Family Branches: Researchers often trace lineages through families such as Thomas Loveridge and Winifred Smith (married 1818) or later branches connected to the Black Patch including Matthew and Matilda Loveridge.

• Sources for Research: The Romany and Traveller Family History Society and databases like WikiTree often list the Loveridge family as a prominent, tracked Romani surname.

Connection to "Peaky Blinders" Era

Some accounts connect members of the Loveridge family to the historical "Peaky Blinders" era in Birmingham. Johnny "Two Shoes" Loveridge, son of Bert Loveridge, described his family as "hard" and heavily involved in fighting as part of their, and the era's, way of life.

Sources

• [1] https://bclm.com/our-museum/blog/gypsy-roma-and-traveller-history-month-the-black-patch/
• [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Genealogy/comments/1fumu9m/is_anyone_here_related_to_the_loveridge_family_of/
• [3] https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/amazing-unseen-photograph-shows-faces-11355110
• [4] https://www.francisfrith.com/tormarton/the-loveridge-gypsy-family_memory-206743
• [5] https://surnamedb.com/Surname/loveridge
• [6] https://www.sarah-henson.co.uk/names/loveridge.htm
• [7] http://theromany.weebly.com/loveridge.html
• [8] https://indratera.fandom.com/wiki/The_Loveridge_Family
• [9] https://www.australianhistoryresearch.info/gypsy-girls-mary-and-priscilla-loveridge-royal-admiral-1792/
• [10] https://www.wikitree.com/genealogy/LOVERIDGE
• [11] https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/history-centre/researchers/guides/tracing-gypsy-romany-and-traveller-ancestors
• [12] https://bclm.com/our-museum/blog/gypsy-roma-and-traveller-history-month-the-black-patch/

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