Meeting the authorities

Until the end of the nineteenth century, the Romani people, like other travelling people, were considered as burdensome and contributing to the problem of poverty. Because they were often on the move, it was difficult to collect taxes from them. Nor could they be subjected to the same social control as residents, and they were therefore met with suspicion.

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Travelers with horse and buggy. Foto: Anno Glomdalsmuseet

Many also believed that Travellers had special abilities as wizards. All of this made the group a target of society’s fears.

When the Romani people first came to Scandinavia, Norway was a Catholic country. Catholic tradition dictated that pilgrims should receive food and shelter. Thus, Travellers were normally treated well.

This changed during the Reformation. In 1536, King Christian III ordered Travellers to leave the country. Later, they became outlaws, meaning anyone could kill someone of Traveller heritage without being penalised. Kings issued various such orders until the nineteenth century.

Meeting the authorities

Vagabond chases and the towns’ watchmen

The role of the church

Public censuses

Legislations