GYPSYS AND APPLEBY FAIR...

Gypsies gained their name from the commonly held belief that with their dark complexions and colourful clothing, they were Egyptians. It is now believed that their unique language, Romany, derives from Sanskrit which actually suggests Indian descent.

The black and white pics are of appleby fair many moons ago..the coloured ones were taken by my friend last year at appleby fair...They don't normally like their photo's taken unless your face is known..

APPLEBY HORSE FAIR is one of the largest horse fairs and Gypsy gatherings in Europe and takes place in early June, in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.It is held in a field now commonly known as Fair Hill, about one mile north of the town centre.
The field was originally known as Gallows Hill, so called as this was where public hangings once took place. The fair is now called the New Fair to differentiate it from other fairs formerly held in the town centre.
The fair moved to its present site in about 1750. One reason may have been to avoid congestion in the town and thus reduce the likelihood of spreading cattle disease following a severe epidemic in the mid-eighteenth century. The dates of the fair are determined by the second Wednesday in June which used to be the main horse dealing day, but is now the last day. Travellers are first allowed onto Fair Hill at noon on the previous Thursday and prior to this can be seen encamped in the surrounding area. Caravans range from large shining modern ones towed by cars, to the colourful horse drawn vardos.
There can be up to 900 caravans parked on the hill, about 50 of which
are horse-drawn and not required to pay a fee. Wednesday is usually something of a winding-down day, as travellers must be clear of Fair Hill by noon on Thursday.