Gypsies gathered at Royal Ascot for centuries

Gypsies have attended Royal Ascot since it began in 1711.

Gypsy Roma Traveller history month is being celebrated with events all around the country.

But did you know that gypsies used Royal Ascot week as a meeting point for centuries, just as they continue to do at the nearby Epsom Races.

Their association with Royal Ascot dates back to when it began in 1711.

Gypsy & Traveller Community Development Worker Anne Wilson said: "Gypsies have been going to Epsom for centuries. It was common land.

"The event became a meeting place. Ascot followed on from from Epson. It's been going on since the Derby races started in Epsom."

Racing events such as Ascot and Epsom gave far flung gypsy families the chance to meet up again after travelling.

"It was a tradition for gypsies to meet up in Ascot then and it continues to this day. You can see gypsies selling flowers and lucky heather today," said Anne.

Royal Family

According to Anne, the Royal Family also has a long connection to gypsies.

In pictures: Ascot's Gypsies

Gypsies arrived in England during the reign of Henry VIII. He named them 'gypsies', because he thought they were Egyptian due to their dark colouring.

However, it is rumoured that one of Queen Elizabeth I's Ladies in Waiting was a gypsy.

Anne said: "They were known for fortune-telling and having dark powers, so they were both viewed with suspicion and sought after for their knowledge."

Horse lovers

Gypsy communities have long been known for their love of the horse, which continues despite motorised caravans replacing horse-drawn caravans. There is even a horse called the gypsy cob which is a recognised breed which is exported all over the world.

Well known throughout the world as successful horse traders and trainers, the Romany Gypsies were an important part of the racing fraternity and took their place alongside the owners, tipsters and the betting public.

Many gypsies attend Ascot every year as well as other events in the racing calendar.

"It's the love of the horse, everything to do with that," said Anne. "It's still very important to the community. We've got fairs like Appleby Fair which is a horse fair for gypsy people, and there's other one's up and down the country."

Facts on gypsies

Gypsies are a very diverse community.

English gypsies are known as gypsies, those from Ireland are known as Irish travellers, the Roma come from Eastern Europe and the show people are associated with fairs.

The Romany language, a language unique to Gypsies, originates from Sanskrit.

Gypsies are believed to have migrated from India.