Reading Ledge Caravan or Vardo

1914

This caravan was built in Reading by Dunton and Sons beside the River Kennet at Crane Wharf in 1914. Caravans like this were first built for travelling show people in the nineteenth century. Romany Gypsies started to live in caravans in the 1850s - before this they had travelled by horse or foot and camped in tents made from hazel rods covered with tarpaulin.

Several types of caravan developed in the nineteenth century. This one is known as a 'Ledge' because the body is built out over the wheels. Dunton and Sons were coachbuilders and wheelwrights and by 1884 were described as ‘van builders’. Dunton also built the 'Reading' type caravan that was very popular with the Gypsy community as it was suited to poorly surfaced tracks. Vardo is the Romany word for caravan.

Inside, vans generally have the same layout. At the back is a raised bed with a cupboard beneath which could double up as another bed for the children. There is a stove on the left hand side with a mantelpiece above and on the right hand side a table and more storage. The interior and exterior are extensively decorated, the more ostentatious the wealthier the owner. A Dunton’s caravan would have taken about six months to complete and the most basic type would have cost about £70 in 1904.

Romany Gypsies travelled together in large family groups of several generations and they lived outside whatever the weather. In the evenings the family gathered around the fire to talk and entertain each other with songs and stories. In summer and autumn there was farm work picking fruit and other crops. In winter money could be earned making and selling wooden clothes pegs, baskets or wooden flowers door to door. Men found casual labouring or gardening work.

Other travellers made a living as general hawkers or dealers, especially in rural areas and at fairs. Life changed after the Second World War as traditional farming declined and the nomadic life was hampered by legislation that prevented roadside living.

Museum object number REDMG : 1995.112.1

height 3495 mm, length 4465 mm, width 2265 mm  maximum