The Gordon Boswell Romany Museum is the largest collection of Romany wagons and carts in the UK.
It is a fascinating insight into the Romany way of life, often shrouded in mystery for many, this museum wants to invite visitors to learn more about the Romany way of life.
Romany people first came to the UK in the early 1500’s from continental Europe, after leaving northern India in the 12 Century and often sadly faced historical persecution. Hundreds of thousands of European Romani people were killed during The Holocaust and today many in the UK still routinely face prejudice, regarding their historic way of life.
The Gordon Boswell Romany Museum pays homage to this fascinating community through a wonderful collection of wagons and carts and a more personal collection of photos of The Boswell family, dating back to the late 19th century.
Gordon and Margaret Boswell opened the museum on the 25th February 1995, on the date that would have been Gordon’s father’s 100th birthday (Sylvester Gordon Boswell.) The Boswell family are a proud Romany family, dating back centuries, with the photo collection illustrating trips to Appleby Horse Fair and other traditional events.
The Museum is easily accessible: near Spalding, 20 miles north of Peterborough in Lincolnshire. Inside the museum are 12 traditionally painted Romany wagons, carts and vintage Vickers and Westmorland Star trailers.
The collection was built from Gordon’s original collection, with wagons added over time, including a Romany Vardo made in 1875 by Wicks of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Another highlight includes a wagon owned by beloved Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills CBE. Interestingly his wife, Mary Hayley Bell wrote the classic fable, “Whistle down the wind” from inside this wagon.
We spoke to co-founder Margaret Boswell to find out more about this remarkable museum,
“Our museum is perfect for a family day out. Everyone, from young to old is fascinated by our Romany Vardo (caravan & cart) and wardesko kola (harness) collection. In the theatre room, visitors can watch an interesting DVD by my late husband, Gordon narrating the Romany way of life. Many visitors are fascinated by the interior of the wagons, having only maybe seen a glimpse of the exterior.
We have a gift shop on-site selling souvenirs: books, postcards, fridge magnets and a beautiful collection of traditionally painted Romany wares by my daughter. We serve tea and coffee and biscuits.
Our museum is open to pre-booked coach parties from Monday to Thursday and open to the general public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. We offer concessions to pensioners and are fully wheelchair/pushchair accessible throughout.”
For more information, see the website below:
T 01775 710599