Personal papers and Correspondence
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: Personal papers and Correspondence
Classmark: BC MS ROM 1/2
Original reference: BC MS Rom 1 Letters not in Books
Date(s): 15/02/1842 - 24/06/1956
Size and medium: 1 box
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/504847
Collection group(s): Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections
Description
Personal papers and correspondence of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe, (DUR) or of others - (bought by DUR,).
References Gypsy,Traveller and Roma related subjects and/or the purchase of items for DUR's own Romany Collection.
Correspondents include various members of the Gypsy Lore Society.
Individually listed.
Biography or history
As a member and advocate of the Gypsy Lore Society the papers capture the relationship between DUR and the Gypsy Lore Society (GLS)and its membership. This includes developing her own collection, (often on the advice of GLS committee members) loaning it to members to write articles for Journal of the Gypsy Lore Society and also purchasing duplicate items from the Gypsy Lore Society.
Provenance
Most of these items were original listed in the Romany Catalogue (1962) under references 1085-1133. [Please refer to alternate references]. Some however do not appear to have been listed but were included with these and have been listed with them.
System of arrangement
Paper are arranged alphabetically by individual correspondent or organisation, (as per the original Romany Catalogue). Where there are several letters per correspondent these are arranged chronologically.
Access and usage
Reproduction
Access
This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.
The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.
Notes on terminology and spellings
Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.
At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.
These can include but are not limited to those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).
It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:
1) As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma). Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’
2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.
Users are advised that the content in this collection may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.
Some parts of this collection are in copyright. Photocopies or digital images of the material in copyright can be supplied for private study purposes only. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder’s permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.