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The Common Room / Re: Banns or Licence
« on: Today at 10:16 »
This article on familysearch is useful for describing marriage by license
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Marriage_Allegations,_Bonds_and_Licences_in_England_and_Wales
As I understand the legal age for marriage was 12 for girls and 14 for boys, though if underage they needed consent from parent or guardian.
1753 marriage act:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clandestine_Marriages_Act_1753
Modified to add:
I have just read though that the minimum age for marriage changed in 1763 to 16 years, but I can't find a reference for this. Looks like it changed in 1929.
https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/relationships/overview/lawofmarriage-/
In any case, yes, in 1770 a 17 year old could marry - with consent from parent/guardian.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Marriage_Allegations,_Bonds_and_Licences_in_England_and_Wales
As I understand the legal age for marriage was 12 for girls and 14 for boys, though if underage they needed consent from parent or guardian.
1753 marriage act:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clandestine_Marriages_Act_1753
Modified to add:
I have just read though that the minimum age for marriage changed in 1763 to 16 years, but I can't find a reference for this. Looks like it changed in 1929.
https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/relationships/overview/lawofmarriage-/
In any case, yes, in 1770 a 17 year old could marry - with consent from parent/guardian.