Caravans existed long before the invention of the internal combustion engine. Their origins began in the horse drawn era and particularly through gypsies. The fresh air, open spaces and a simple lifestyle continues to draw people.
The most famous of such gypsy travellers was certainly the Dr R.W. Gordon Stables, whose horse drawn caravan (built about 1884) is still preserved. In his book, “The Cruise of the Land Yacht Wanderer, he described many of his adventures in a two ton gypsy caravan.
The custom of the period was for the family to take along a groom or footman, who tended the horses, cooked, cleaned and slept in a separate tent. Even back then, elaborate models were fitted with coal heaters, lavatories, running water and even pianos.