By the above recited Acts of Parliament, it appears, that it was from their own representation
of being Egyptians, they were so denominated in England; and that they did not on their arrival in this country, feign themselves, as in Germany, to be pilgrims; or as in France, to be penitents; neither of which impositions would have been well adapted to the temper of the government of Henry VIII; or to his subversion of papal power, and abolition of monastic influence. The character they assumed, was the best adapted to establish their reputation, for the arts and deception they intended to practise in England. The fame of Egypt in astrology, magic, and soothsaying, was universal; and they could not have devised a more artful expedient, than the profession of this knowledge, to procure for them a welcome reception by the great mass of the people.
From the abstract of the Act of 27th, Henry VIII, we may infer, that the Gypsies were so much in request, as to induce some of our countrymen to import them from the Continent, or at least to encourage their migration to this Island. The importation of these people
must have been prevalent from some cause, to require parliamentary interference, and even a fine to prevent it, of such an amount as £40; which according to the relative value of money, would, at the present time, be equal to a large sum.
During the same reign, we find that a number of Gypsies were reshipped at the public expense, and sent to France.
In the Book of Receipts and Payments, of the 35th of Henry VIII. are the following entries.
“Nett Payments 1st Sept. 36th of Henry VIII,
“Item to Tho. Warner, Sergeant of the Admyraltie, 10th Sept. for victuals prepared for a shippe appointed to convey certaine Egupeians, 58s.—Item to the same Tho. Warner to th’ use of John Bowles for freight of said shippe, £6 5s. Item to Robt. Ap. Rice, Esq. Shriff of Huntingdon for the charge of the Egupeians at a special gaile delivery, and the bringing of them to be conveied over the sees; over and besides the sum of £4. 5s. 0d. growing of seventeen
horses, sold at five shillings [82] the piece, as apperythe by a particular book, £17. 17s. 7d. Item to Will. Wever appointed to have the charge of the conduct of the said Egupeians to Callis, £5.”
There were subsequent acts relating to Gypsies in the reign of Ph. & M.; and 5th of Eliz.; by which, “If any person being 14 years old, whether natural born subject or stranger, who had been seen in the fellowship of such persons, or had disguised himself like them, should remain with them one month at once, or at several times, it should be felony without benefit of clergy.”