Centy Smith - Romany caravan

[kazzaco]

Centy is my brother in law's Gt gt grandmother (see Smith/Loveridge post) and when she died in 1934, they were still living in the family caravan (or vardo i think it's called) in Halesowen, West Midlands.

Family stories say that when she died, the caravan should have been burned but they couldn't because her daughter was still living in it. Apparently, the Earl of Dudley at that time wanted to buy it but the family refused and ended up giving it to the Worcester museum and it is put on display at Hartlebury castle.

Can anyone throw any light on this. Is it a romany tradition to burn the vardo?

Look forward to hearing from you.

[gasser]

Is it a romany tradition to burn the vardo?

A general google search on the subject suggests that it is.

Also, see: https://www.parishchest.com/a_histori...ypsies__P93213

[Mutley]

According to Wikipedia

The Romanichal funeral rite during the wagon time of the 19th and 20th century, included burning the wagon and belongings after the owners death. The custom was that nothing whatsoever would have been sold, preferring to leave some possessions; jewellery, china or money to the family, the rest including the wagon was destroyed.

[kazzaco]

Thank you for clearing that one up. Much appreciated.