Age of marriage witnesses

[darthdc]

I need to know how old someone had to be to sign a marriage certificate as a witness. When my grandparents were married in 1919, the witnesses happened to be both relations of my grandfather - his dad and his sister. I just need to know as this could prove pivotal on finding him on the 1901 census. He was born in March 1898 and was 21 when he married. Would this sister have to be 21 at least to sign as a witness?

[PaulineJ]

No. The witness must be 'credible' that's all.

Pauline

[stanmapstone]

There was no minimum age for a witness. All the law required were "Two or more credible Witnesses". It was up to who ever was officiating to decide whether they were credible or not. As long as the young person understood what they were witnessing, and could reach the register. In practice, probably about 11-12 was the youngest likely to have been asked.

Stan

[GeoffE]

A passing thought ... it would be a "rum do" if you were allowed to marry at 12 but not allowed to witness until 21!

[darthdc]

The reason I want to know is that if she was 21 or over, she would make it easier for me to track my granddad on the 1901 census. I just don't know where he was born. I know that he was born 16th March 1898.
I've looked on the birth index and found the following:

Thomas Cook

Bolton 8c 486
Chester Le S 10a 572 (where is this?)
Pontypool 11a 172

Hull 9d 302 (Thomas Edward)

I understand his middle name was Edward though only one certificate mentions it (birth certificate of his first daughter). His death certificate doesn't mention it. His father was also called Thomas Cook

[Barbara F]

It is going to be difficult to trace the right Thomas Cook on the 1901 census but I am happy to have a go. A few questions which may provide some information that will help with the search.
What was the occupation of your grandfather when he marriaed and what was the occupation of his father?
Where did the marriage take place?
Are there any recurring family names?
Barbara

[darthdc]

I have the marriage certificate so I can give you a few names

Thomas Cook m Ellen Hunt
4th August 1919 - St George's Church, Newtown, Birmingham

Groom's occupation - Cycle Worker
Bride's occupation - Scratch Brusher

Father of groom - Thomas Cook, Plasterer's Labourer
Father of bride - Charles Hunt, Bricklayer

Witnesses: Thomas Cook (presume father of groom), Leah Cook (sister of groom)

The two families were living in the same court of houses in Hospital Street.

My granddad would be 3 years old on 1901 census

[Barbara F]

Well that has given me something to work with 
Will see what I can find for you.
Barbara

[darthdc]

Just searched on the library computers as they have full access to the 1901 census. It does look like Leah was born after the census was taken. Cannot however find a Thomas Cook senior working as a plasterer. The entries I've found: some give the name of the company (but not the type of business) and note job as "worker". I can verify that Thomas Cook junior, my granddad was not born in Birmingham. There is an index entry for June qtr 1898 Birmingham but it does not fit the bill (been to register office and tried it)
Following up on a Thomas Edward Cook born Jun qtr 1898 Hull, I believe I may have found him on the census and his dad was called Thomas too - only thing being that he was a railway porter. But then, it may be him. It might be worth a shot.