Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM). With celebration, education and efforts to raise awareness of the histories and experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, GRTHM helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
The rich and diverse histories of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people are largely absent from classrooms, books and museums. The timeline below gives a small glimpse into the international histories of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. There are many different people and groups who fit under the umbrella term ‘Gypsies, Roma and Travellers’ used in society. This can include Roma people, Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy Travellers, New Travellers, Liveaboard Boaters and Travelling Showpeople.
The timeline below includes key dates in history for people of Romany Gypsy, Irish Traveller, Roma and Scottish Gypsy Traveller ethnicities.
To learn more about the month, visit gypsy-traveller.org.