Gypsy Surnames (Lee/Hardy) // Birmingham/Warwickshire

[erinrosalina]

Hi, I have a great great grandfather who told my grandad that he lived on the Black Patch in Smethwick. His name was George Hardy, and I have heard that this was a common gypsy name. His wife had a mother called Eliza Lee, which I thought may also have some gypsy lineage as I also know that Lee is a common gypsy surname. Can anyone help me to find out if it is possible that any of my ancestors have gypsy heritage?

[heywood]

Hello and welcome 

Do you have any dates and his wife’s name?

Heywood

[erinrosalina]

Hello and welcome 

Do you have any dates and his wife’s name?

Heywood

Hi, my great grandfather was called George Alfred Hardy (1882). His wife was called Alice May James (1890). Alice May's mother was called Eliza Lee (1857). I hope that helps!

[heywood]

Have you tracked them in censuses?

Is this Alice with parents Alfred and Eliza James?

1901 2825/52/4

Living in Birmingham.

You could post on Rootschat’s Travellers forum for advice too

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/travellers/

Heywood

[erinrosalina]

I've tried tracking them in censuses but I've hardly gone back. Yes, Alice's parents were Eliza Lee and Alfred James, but I've found him in some censuses under the name of William so I'm not too sure?

[suzard]

Possibly the marrage of Alice May James' parents?
St John Ladywood Birmingham
8 Jun 1878
Alfred james full age Bachelor Moulder of this parish father Charles James occ Moulder
Eliza Lee full age Spinster of ths Parshfather George Lee ?istal Roller
Alfred signed Eliza made her mark
witnesses Charles baker (signed) & Emma Cox (made her mark)

no obvious clues as to traveller hertage

Suz

[suzard]

On marriage George did not use middle name of Alfred

Marriage FreeBMD
Sept qtr 1914 Birmingham
on same page
George Hardy
Alice M james

Suz

[suzard]

Birth dates seem to differ a little from the ones you posted
Alice may James baptised 26 Apr 1893 Ladywood St John

Suz

[keyboard86]

Hi did George/Alice M have at least an Alice M 1920 who married a Molloy and a Leonard 1927?
If so birth of George c 1887.
Keyboard86