Eva Sajovic

The term Traveller is used to cover a wide range of groups with a nomadic heritage. Some are recognised ethnic groups covered by Race Relations legislation: Roma, recently arrived from eastern Europe; English Gypsies; Travellers, including Scottish and Irish Travellers.

The term also covers groups that have a travelling lifestyle but who are not considered ethnic groups: fairground families, circus families, new (age) Travellers, bargees and other families living on boats.

Gypsy Travellers have been coming to Southwark for cen- turies. Often, they have been subjected to racism, abuse and discrimination.

Southwark has four official sites where Travellers can live and maintain social support with their extended families. Other Traveller families live in houses. Whichever they choose, they are still Travellers who have cultural identity based on a nomadic tradition. More recently, Roma families from eastern Europe have come to live in the borough.