William "Bill" Marshall, King of the Galloway Tinkler Gypsies died 28th November 1792 at the advanced age of 120 years.
Bill Marshall, King of the Galloway Tinker Gypsies died 28th November 1792 at the advanced age of 120 years.
The colourful story of Billy Marshall makes a fascinating, entertaining tale. Thought to have been born of Romany stock in Ayrshire in 1672 he apparently died 120 years later in 1792. His much visited, restored grave is in Kirkcudbright Kirkyard above the town.
In between his birth and death he is thought to have fought for William of Orange and with the Duke of Marlborough, been a boxer, deserted from the Army and the Navy a number of times, been married 17 times, fathered many children 4 of them illegitimate when he was over 100 years old, been accused of smuggling, robbery, murder and to have lead a band of brigands and much else.
Billy Marshall was thought to be a regular participant at the annual Keltonhill Fair a magnet for horse dealers, cattle dealers, market traders, gypsies, smugglers and pickpockets. He is thought to have always tried to get to the Fair even when serving as a soldier.
In spite of apparent involvement in the illegal whisky trade, highway robbery, smuggling of tea and liquor and organised pickpocketing Billy Marshall seems to have enjoyed immunity from prosecution. Part of the charm of this “loveable rogue” was how positively he interacted with all sorts of people he met. He seems to have successfully cultivated powerful local families and he is even reported to have been given, in his later years, a pension provided by the Earl of Selkirk.
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William Billy Marshall was born in 1672 in the County of Ayrshire, which is in southwest Scotland; the county seat being the City of Ayr. He
