The stopping places

Damian Le Bas grew up on a diet of gypsy history. His great-grandmother, Nan, would tell him stories of her childhood in the ancient Romany language; the places her family stopped and worked, the ways they lived, the superstitions and lores of their people. But his own experience of life on the road was limited to Ford Transit journeys from West Sussex to Hampshire to sell flowers. Longing to better understand his gypsy heritage, the history of the Romany in Britain and the rhythms of their life today, Damian set out on a journey to discover the old encampment sites known only to Travellers. From winter frost to summer dawns, he travels the country to visit horse fairs, urban lay-bys and hidden gypsy churches. 'The Stopping Places' shines a light on a group of people and a way of life that has been often hidden and much maligned.