Did they have Gypsies in Medieval Times?

Answer 1

Yes, there were at least some Gypsies in medieval Europe, though how many depends on what you mean. For some people, the Gypsies are the same as the Romani. Other people regard anyone who lives a nomadic or itinerant lifestyle as Gypsies. It is perhaps better to refer to the Romani as Romani, and the other groups as Travellers, since Gypsy is not really a correct name for either, as it originally meant Egyptians, which is not accurately applied to anyone of either group.

Itinerant people, vagabonds, jugglers, minstrels, wandering monks and priests, knights back from war, lost pilgrims, tinkers, aimless traders, and so on, have been active in Europe all along. They clearly are present in medieval literature, and were useful for getting information to one place or another. Sometimes they were employed by noblemen as spies. Often they were employed as musicians, if they had the skill. So Gypsies of this type, if you want to call them that, were always around.

The Romani moved into Europe during the Late Middle Ages, beginning in the 14th century, perhaps. They joined other groups of travellers. They were present in Europe in rather small numbers during the last hundred years or so of the medieval times.

Answer 2

Yes, Gypsies, also known as Romani people, were present in medieval times. They originated from northern India and migrated to Europe during the medieval period, where they faced discrimination and persecution. They had a distinct culture and were often nomadic, making a living through trades such as metalworking and entertainment.