Francis Hindes Groome

Francis Hindes Groome Biography

Francis Hindes Groome (August 30, 1851 – January 24, 1902) was an English writer and scholar, best known for his extensive studies on the Romani people, their language, and culture. Born in Monk Soham, Suffolk, he was the son of Robert Hindes Groome, the Archdeacon of Suffolk. Groome was educated at Ipswich School, where he developed a lifelong interest in the Romani people, and later attended Oxford University. He left Oxford without obtaining a degree and spent time at the University of Göttingen in Germany. For six years, Groome lived among the Romani both in the UK and abroad, immersing himself in their culture.

In 1876, he married Esmeralda Locke, a woman of Romani descent, and settled in Edinburgh to pursue literary work. Groome contributed to various publications, including the Encyclopædia Britannica, the Dictionary of National Biography, and Blackwood's Magazine. His article on 'Gipsies' in the ninth edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica established him as a leading authority on Romani studies. In 1899, he published Gypsy Folk-Tales, a significant work in the field of folklore.

Groome also served as a sub-editor for Chambers's Encyclopaedia and co-edited the 1897 edition of Chamber's Dictionary of Biography. He was known for his alert and eager intellect, unwearied in research, and was a frank and fearless critic. Groome passed away on January 24, 1902, in London and was buried in his birthplace, Monk Soham, Suffolk.

Trivia About Francis Hindes Groome

• Groome was nicknamed "The Tarno Rye," which means "The Young Gentleman" in Romani.
• He co-edited the first three volumes of the Gypsy Lore Society's Journal.
• Groome's library of books, letters, and manuscripts on Romani studies was purchased by the Boston Athenæum in 1901.
• He contributed to the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, a comprehensive survey of Scottish topography and history.

Famous Quotes by Francis Hindes Groome

• "The Romani language is the key to the Romani heart."
• "To understand a people, one must live among them."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Francis Hindes Groome?

Francis Hindes Groome was an English writer and scholar known for his extensive studies on the Romani people, their language, and culture. He contributed to various encyclopedias and journals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What are some notable works by Groome?

Some of Groome's notable works include In Gipsy Tents (1880), Gypsy Folk-Tales (1899), and his contributions to the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland.

What was Groome's contribution to Romani studies?

Groome's immersive approach and scholarly works provided valuable insights into Romani language and culture, making significant contributions to the field of Romani studies.

Related Literary Movements

Francis Hindes Groome was associated with the late 19th-century interest in folklore and ethnography. His works contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Romani culture within the broader context of Victorian-era studies on marginalized communities.

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