An Early 20th century English Gypsy camp in the corner of a field
This was made to compliment a full sized vintage Gypsy caravan positioned in the grounds of Bishops Lydeard Mill & Museum
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In front of the tent is the fire which was used for cooking and helping to keep the tent warm during the night, The coverings would be an assortment of old tarpaulins, old carpets or whatever they could find to keep out the rain. The front would be covered over at night depending on the weather.
Above is a 'Bender tent' this was commonly used to make sleeping quarters for an extended family, it would be made from flexible Willow or Hazel sticks inserted in the ground and bent over and inserted into a ridge pole which had rows of holes bored into it.
Top right: the Grandmother is preparing the dinner with the help of one of the children who is busy peeling potatoes. Father is tending to a problem with a wheel on the wagon with the help of one of the boys, The corner of the wagon would be lifted whilst a wooden block was inserted in order to remove the wheel
The lazy good for nothing older son is sitting by the caravan steps smoking a herbal cigarette.
Another younger child is playing with the 2 dogs, their Horse would be tethered nearby
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