From the Gordon Herd Collection [ref. KHLC-2018/56]. Photo copyright KM Media Group Ltd.

Kent has the UK’s biggest Gypsy/Traveller population and was at the forefront of discussions and efforts over how to address the accommodation crisis facing these communities in the postwar period. This presentation will examine the impact and implementation of the 1960 and 1968 (Pt. II) Caravan Acts in Kent, focusing especially on Maidstone, and will use local authority and press sources to consider the factors determining who, where and how itinerants were accommodated and their enduring impacts at the local level.

Dr David Smith is Reader in Social Policy, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex. His extensive research interests lie in documenting the experience of minority and underprivileged communities, including that of Roma, Gypsies and Travellers, foreign workers in the NHS, and working class localities affected by public policy and housing development. His memberships include editorial board member of Romani Studies and advisory board member of The Traveller Movement. Dr Smith’s first monograph On the Margins of Inclusion won the 2006 Social Policy Association Prize for Best New Publication. He has many other publications to his name, including a host of book chapters and journal articles. He has delivered lectures, talks and presentations to audiences around the U.K., Europe and the wider world.

For further information and to reserve a seat
Call: 03000 420673
Email: archives@kent.gov.uk