I am trying to find some information on Thomas Hammond, who married Sarah Mayhew (bap Empshott, Hants, 25/02/1774) in Frensham on January 6 1802. Thomas and Sarah were the parents of William, 1802-1863 b&d Frensham, and may have been the parents of Frederic, bap. Empshott 20/04/1806.
I have discovered from the Surrey History Centre that the marriage was by licence and they have speculated that this could be because either the bride or groom was not of full age. As Sarah would have been about 28, this would suggest Thomas. The register was marked by Thomas and was witnessed by Francis Hammond (marked) and Richard Hammond. I think the Surrey History Centre only have the Parish register records, as they have not been very forthcoming about where the licence records may be held.
I believe I may have found Sarah Hammond in the 1841 census, reference: HO107/1072 Book 8 Enumeration District 13 Folio 23 Page 11 Line 1. I have tried to reconstruct Thomas' likely lineage from the IGI (both Surrey and Hampshire) but so far without success.
The bond and/or allegation is at LMA, call ref DW/MP/183/004. The licence itself is unlikely to exist anymore, since Thomas would have handed it over to the vicar in 1802.
Thomas Hammond was buried in Frensham 12 May 1835 aged 60. So it seems unlikely that he was under age. Thomas and Sarah obviously had other reasons. I suspect it was because Sarah was already expecting William - he was baptised in June 1802.
Thanks for that information. I have downloaded a copy from the LMA and it shows that both were 21 years and upwards. I think your reasoning for the haste is probably correct.