Description

Admin History:

In 1886 a group of what were described as Greek Gypsies arrived in Hull. Reports at the time indicated they came from Castellano, on Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), which could be one of two villages on the island named Kastellanoi. The group appeared to have travelled initially to Constantinople, then Malta, London and Liverpool where they hoped to travel to the United States. But they were refused permission to travel to America, so they were then sent to Hamburg, before being sent back to Britain again, which is why they ended up in Hull. However, this may not be complete or accurate account of their travels.

The group that arrived in Hull consisted of 20 men, 18 women and 55 children. Reports suggest they then travelled to York via Beverley and Market Weighton, before dispersing into smaller groups and making a living across the country in fairs, often greeted with opposition, wherever they ended up. Three names are mentioned: Michael Nicollonans and his wife, Solona and Georgio Giovanni, although these were approximations and may not be accurate. The image, which is probably a reproduction off an older copy, shows several women wearing turbans which is unusual, as Corfu was not part of the Ottoman Empire at this time. Accounts suggest that not all the group may have been Greek though.

The Hull Town Council established a committee to resolve the situation.

Description:

Minutes of meetings, correspondence, addtional notes and a photograph