The Gypsies
Gypsies, originating from Egypt, became renowned for travelling. They were persecuted due to their way of life and heritage, thus having to leave Egypt and became what are known as “Travelling Folk”.
Background
Gypsies, originating from Egypt, became renowned for travelling. They were persecuted due to their way of life and heritage, thus having to leave Egypt and become what is known as “Travelling Folk”. They managed to flee to European countries, but most settled down in what is known as Romania, either out of choice or to be used for slave labour. They were known for their excellent tradesman skills and their spiritual capabilities. Eventually, they became known as the “Romani Gypsies”, who created their own dialect. They began to move further East, to settle down in their next home; Great Britain. Which they would then start to assimilate with the British people, mostly making their homes in the Midlands, upwards to the North of England.
With these newly founded homes in England, two prominent Gypsy families would spawn; the Gallaghers and the Joyces. The Gallaghers originated in and around Liverpool, alongside the Mersey river. Whereas, the Joyces would form around Birmingham, and its surrounding areas, such as the West Midlands.
The Gallaghers spent a large amount of their time in the Northern reaches of England, occasionally venturing around the British Isles. Plotting local scams, and exploiting any opportunity that came their way. The Gallaghers would make close relations with another Gypsy family, the Bellinghams. Both families worked together, composing elaborate robberies, illegal hits and of course, scams.
After a couple of successful months, The Gallaghers began preparing for the journey down south. Upon reaching the outskirts of Birmingham, they met and befriended another Gypsy family, the Joyces. Their camp became a regular resting point for the Gallaghers on their way to and from London to meet with another trusted Gypsy family, the Baxters. All three families grew close over time as they conducted business together. The union of the families soon established them as the most feared and respected Gypsy community in England.
The Gypsy families grew stronger and prospered together, they were recognized as a threat that had to be dealt with and so the law began to pay more attention to their illegal activities.
After a rival Gypsy family had compromised several different Gypsy families, they made a move to take the position of the Gallaghers and Joyces at the top of the Gypsy hierarchy. The Gallaghers and Joyces had no choice but to stamp out this new threat and stamp it out they did. Over a couple of weeks, seventeen different members of these upstart Gypsy families were dealt with swiftly, without compromise and would never see another day.
The bodies were buried in unmarked graves beneath old Gypsy campsites and their hands were sent to the remaining heads of their families as a warning to prevent any future revolts from taking place.
Tony Gallagher and Edward Joyce agreed it was best to travel further than usual and boarded a ship for the new world alongside other loyal members of their established Gypsy community.