English legislation
United Kingdom legislation
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", meaning Roma. It was repealed by the Repeal of Obsolete Statutes Act 1856.
Content.
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.
Egyptians Act 1554.
The 1530 act was not successful in its aim of expelling all Roma, for Mary I passed the Egyptians Act 1554 ("1 &amp; 2 Philip &amp; Mary, 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".
Notes.
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