In the original manuscript of _Lavengro_ in my possession, as in the copy of it in Mrs.Borrow's handwriting that came into the possession of Dr.Knapp, 'Ambrose' is given instead of 'Jasper,' and the name was altered as an afterthought.

It is of course possible that Borrow did not actually meet Jasper until his arrival in Norwich, for in the first half of the nineteenth century various gypsy families were in the habit of assembling their carts and staking their tents on the heights above Norwich, known as Mousehold Heath, that glorious tract of country that has been rendered memorable in history by the tragic life of Kett the tanner, and has been immortalised in painting by Turner and Crome.

Here were assembled the Smiths and Hernes and Boswells, names familiar to every student of gypsy lore.

Jasper Petulengro, as Borrow calls him, or Ambrose Smith, to give him his real name, was the son of F[=a]den Smith, and his name of Ambrose was derived from his uncle, Ambrose Smith, who was transported for stealing harness.

Ambrose was twice married, and it was his second wife, Sanspirella Herne, who comes into the Borrow story.
He had families by both his wives.