Granny Boswell

Ann Boswell was born in Ireland in 1813 of Romany lineage.^[1] She married Ephraim Boswell, known as the 'King of the Gypsies'. From 1860, the couple lived in west Cornwall, mostly on the Lizard^[2] around Helston. The couple had 6 children^[1] the first of whom, Love Unity Boswell, was born in 1861. Her husband worked as a variously a labourer, cane worker, and cabinet maker.^[3]

Boswell was known in the area for her work as a wise woman and healer, and would sell healing charms. She was known for her ability to heal sick cattle. Around 1900, A. H. Hawke took a portrait photograph of Boswell sitting smoking a pipe. Boswell was sent to Helston Workhouse for being drunk in public, and died there on 16 April 1909. Her funeral was attended by a large crowd including members of the Romany community, and she is buried at the Tregerest Methodist Chapel.^[1][3]