whittaker family Caravan House

[jnu]

Hi i have some ancestors living  at an address described as Caravan House in Addingham Yorkshire on the 1861 census, and in the same place on the 1851 described just as Caravan.The family Ann Whittaker brn abt 1800 Addingham and Hartley Whittaker (son of William and Ann) born abt 1857 Addingham. Just wondered if this is to early for travellers to be living in Caravans?   

[nelwild]

Hello Johnru,

i think Romanys started using them around 1850,and Showmen a bit before that.
Prior to the "vardoes" most travellers would have used carts and tents,or slept in the open air or in barns,sheds and outhouses.Probably a combination of tents and trailers during the transitional period.
As time went on,i imagine most who could afford them would have chosen the comfort of a vardo.Children might sleep underneath if there wasnt enough room inside.
Travellers also used lodging houses,or boarded with settled people(gorgers)

Nel.

[jnu]

Hi Nel
thankyou for the reply, so it could be possible it is a type of caravan or trailer?.The family seem to have been poor so i cant imagine them in a typical Romany van. thanks again