The Egyptians Act 1530 (22 Hen. 8. c 10) was an act of the Parliament of England in 1531 to expel the "outlandish people calling themselves Egyptians", In fact, "gypsies" are now known to be descendants of migrants from Northern India, from around 600AD, G Tremlett, 'Gypsies arrived in Europe 1,500 years ago, genetic study says' (7 December 2012) The Guardian meaning Roma. It was repealed by the Repeal of Obsolete Statutes Act 1856 (19 & 20 Vict. c. 64).
Provisions The act accused Romanichals of using "crafty and subtle devices" to deceive people, notably by claiming to tell fortunes whilst also allegedly frequently committing felonies such as robbery. The statute forbade any more Roma from entering the realm and gave those already in England sixteen days' notice to depart from the realm. Goods which Roma had stolen were to be restored to their owners. Roma who violated the statute were to have their properties confiscated and divided between the Sovereign and the Justice of the Peace or another arresting officer.
Subsequent developments The act was not successful in its aim of expelling all Roma, for Mary I passed the Egyptians Act 1554 (1 & 2 Ph. & M. c. 4)), which complained that "Egyptians" were plying their "devilish and naughty practices and devices". However, the newer act allowed some Roma to escape prosecution so long as they abandoned their nomadic lifestyle, or as the act put it, their "naughty, idle and ungodly life and company".
The whole act was repealed by section 1 of the Repeal of Obsolete Statutes Act 1856 (19 & 20 Vict. c. 64), which came into force on 21 July 1856.
See also UK immigration law UK labour law Vagrancy Act 1824 s 4, contained the offence of telling fortunes
Notes
References
Stanford Lehmberg, The Reformation Parliament 1529-1536 (Cambridge University Press, 1970).
External links
National Archive page with wording of the act Text of the act (old script [DEFUNCT FILE]) Text of the act