Smiths in the Dudley/Halesowen/Smethwick area?

[laurajean]

Hi all,
new here so please bear with me & apologies in advance for any daft questions!
Husband is a Smith and is currently trying to find out if there's a gypsy connection,but we're struggling to get much info from grandparents etc,just wondering if anyone has anything on Smiths around these areas to start me off?
We've been told Smith is a pretty common gypsy surname,in particular around the Birmingham area,but not really sure where to start with this so any info greatly appreciated!
Thankyou

[CaroleW]

Hi and welcome to Rootschat

Start with what you know.

Your husbands father - do you know his parents names?  Does your husband know his Smith Grandfathers birthdate and parents names?

Use the 1911 census to trace anybody born before then

Use freebmd or Family Search to look for BMD's

We can help you with details of anybody who is dead - but not with anybody who is still living- so feel free to post what you have

We cannot help find 1911 details for you due to certain restrictions on that particular census

www.freebmd.org.uk
https://familysearch.org/search

[Tynedale]

Hi laurajean,
The Smith clan were domiciled on the Black Patch Smethwick from circa 1860 - 1906 when they were finally removed/evicted.  The best sources for you to obtain, are:  1/ The Family Tree of Woodfine Smith by Josephine Tombs and 2/ BRUMROAMIN by Ted Rudge.
#1 can be purchased from: The Romany & Traveller www.rtfhs.org.uk  and
#2 can be purchased from Ted and Maureen Rudge
www.winsongreentobrookfields.co.uk
ted.rudge@btinternet.com

My forebears moved off the Black Patch and settled in Stoke.

Alan Smith, Tauranga, N.Z.

[laurajean]

Hi Alan,
thanks so much for the information-i'll track down those sources,they sound like they'd be a big help.Funnily enough he's got family in NZ too,could be a smaller world than we realise!
Thanks again