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In the archives of Surrey History Centre in Woking is a small but intriguing collection of documents and photographs relating to 'Surrey's First School for Gypsies' at Hurtwood, near Shere.
Traveller children outside the school at Hurtwood, c.1926
Surrey History Centre ref. 2570/4
It would appear that Surrey Education Committee opened ‘the first school for Gypsies' located at Hurtwood, near Shere, in 1926. Later that year, the committee reported that in just 4 months the school was a resounding success with 70 children and 59 adults attending morning, afternoon and evening classes, with no truants.
The Daily Express covered the school's success and the schoolmaster, Mr A.S. Milner, who was also living in a caravan on the site, reported that the pupils already knew everything there was to know about nature. He quotes "They have the names for every tree and know the habits of every animal and how to catch it".
As a result of the school's popularity the encampments which had been dispersed around the area became concentrated around the school.
Little else is known about the school and no records of the children or staff survive.
The Traveller Project, funded by the European Union and the South East Museum Library and Archive Council, was designed to encourage greater access to the region's museums, libraries and archives for the region's large Gypsy and Traveller population. The project was the British contribution to a 3 year pan-European effort to remove barriers in accessing cultural heritage. Click here to read more about this project and the final report.
Travellers Tales DVD
The hidden heritage of Surrey's largest ethnic minority is uncovered in this new film celebrating the history and culture of Surrey's Gypsy and Traveller community. Click here to find out more and how to get a copy of the DVD.
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