Marriage Licence Bonds

[Mistyrose41]

I have recieved several copies of MLB [Bishops' Marriage Bonds] in my research. These list the man's details then the woman's details. After this  there are details of Bondsman 1 and Bondsman 2.

Can anyone tell me what was the relationship between the bondsmen and the couple getting married. Was it an employer they were bound to  like an apprentice to a master?

           Mistyrose41

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi MistyRose

According to my 'Oracle'

MARRIAGE LICENCES - Entry should state if Marriage was by Licence.
The licence presented to Parson – but few survive.

The Associated Allegations, Bonds and Registers of licences issued more likely to have survived.
Allegation – sworn statement that Canon Law had been observed – No legal impediment to the proposed marriage.
Bonds – Up to 1823 two bondsmen required to lodge securities that parental consent had been given.

Information required:
Brides and Grooms name,
Status, (Bachelor, Spinster, Widow, etc.)
Ages (particularly minors),
Occupations,
Places of residence,
Location of Church,

So it looks like it could be a member of the family, an employer, etc - but it must have been someone they knew to take the risk of putting up a bond.

Chris in 1066Land