William JOHNS (c. 1841 - 1937) 'King of the Gipsies' (General)

by Roger Griffiths , Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 13:01 (4634 days ago) @ laurajj84

Fascinating history. Johns is probably an acquired surname of Welsh origin, but not more than 300 years old. In Welsh patronymics, first name John, surname Johns and of anglicized usage. The term Gypsies is a corruption of Egyptians. Their first presence in England was recorded in the 1400's, can't remember the actual year. They were so called because of their dark skin. I actually saw such a gypsy driving a traditional caravan through my village last year.

It's only within the last 20 years that the origin of gypsies has been discovered. An Oxford professor set out to solve the question. He spoke to gypsies using linguistics looking for clues. He found all he was looking for. he recognized words of Indian origin. 'Gypsies' were talented singers and or dancers from northern India. Over a 1,000 years ago the ruler of Persia invited them to come and entertain his court. Eventually they were tired of and excluded. They did not return to India but wandered into Europe.

If you have a mind to, a Y-DNA test of a male member of your family will prove or disprove a link to the original gypsies.