Expert: Joseph Logue - 8/14/2006

Question
Hi Joseph, this is a very peculiar question so it may not be within your remit but here goes..
During some work on Ben Jonson I came across a reference to a royal charter permitting the Gypsies to hold a fair for two weeks in Peak Cavern, Derbyshire( The Devil's Arse)
Can you offer any guidance as to where I might find further info- I've drawn a blank so far.

Edward

Answer
Hello Edward,

Hmmm, I admit that that is a bit outside of my expertise, but my first referral is to a library.  Ask a reference librarian for help in finding out more -- for local histories of Derbyshire to begin with (I'm assuming you're British; if not, these histories may be scarce).  Since you found this out while doing research on Ben Jonson (1572?-1637) ask also for histories of royal charters promulgated during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I.  

While the London Gazette did not start publishing until 1665, you might also want to take a look there (online at:  http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/) as it is an official publication.  I also found a title in my local library's collection, "Jonson's Gypsies Unmasked," by Dale B. J. Randall (Duke University Press, 1975).  I'm sure you've come  across this title, but just to ensure that you're aware of it.

I hope this is a good start for you, Edward.  I did not find much online for you so that avenue does not look helpful.  There are these resources:

http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/ (NB the "Gypsy & Traveller" link on the left

http://www.cotswolds.info/horsefair.htm  (Yes, this is for a fair in the Cotswolds, but perhaps if they had some sort of royal charter then that might lead to the Derbyshire group [?])

Thanks very much for visiting AllExperts, Edward.  I wish you success in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue