Inverto, from a gypsy family in Uffington, Oxfordshire, was born to Henry Boswell (died 1760), the previous King, and Elizabeth Boswell. The story, from 'The wanderings of a pen and pencil,' recounts how Inverto's family, once poor, saw their fortunes improve when he won a farmer's daughter's hand by matching and surpassing the farmer's wealth. Tragically, the girl died soon after, and a heartbroken Inverto died of smallpox in early 1774.
Inverto, said to be named for his breech birth position, died on 8 February 1774 and was buried at St. Mary's churchyard two days later. His beautiful altar tomb was adorned with inscriptions and a stone depicting a horse within a wreath, connecting to his original home. For many years, gypsies assembled in Calne to care for the tomb and possibly hold rites.
In 1864, during St. Mary's church restoration, the tomb was dismantled. Vicar Rev. Duncan, who reportedly disliked gypsies, oversaw this. However, it's possible the tomb was preserved by incorporating its pieces into the South Porch wall.
Inverto's spirit is said to still visit the burial site, reminding visitors of a man who died of smallpox and a broken heart.
