Re: Gypsies

[Niven Sinclair <niven@niven.co.uk>]

At 13:47 13/09/99 +0000, you wrote:
>A question arose on another list I sub-scribe to. Why are the Sinclairs well
>known patrons of Gypsies?
>
>There is currently an exhibition of Gypsy bits and pieces at Rosslyn and I 
>seem
>to remember reading somewhere that the Sinclair Earls looked favorably upon
>Gypsies and allowed the use of Sinclair land.
>
>Anyone have any info on this.
>
>Thanks
>
>John


Yes, the Sinclairs were the patrons and protectors of the gypsies and 
allowed them
to 'camp' in the stanks below the Castle.

There is a story of a Sir William Sinclair saving a gypsy from the gallows 
in Edinburgh.
This was at a time when gypsies were considered to be fair game.  They could be
hunted with impunity.

As the word Gypsy stems from "Egypt", it may be that the Sinclairs 
identified with
them through oassing through Egypt on their way to the part  the Crusades.

Bob Bryden, whose exhibition it is at Rosslyn, would be the man to consult.

As aye,

Niven

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