Marriages in Gretna

[Rinnie]

Hi

 I have recently obtained a marriage certificate for a William Marriner and Margaret Bell for 1840 in Longtown Cumberland. Onit however, it states that they were married at Gretna, I know that many people got married there and then again in their own parish. What I would like to know is whether there are any records for Gretna marriages and where do I obtain them?. Also would the mothers name appear upon this certificate? (I am looking for the mother of Margaret Bell). Also what would the average time be for getting married at Gretna and then again in their own parish, is it possible that they were married for a few years before 1840?

Thank you

Corinne  

[Gardener]

I get the impression that records were not very well kept for Gretna marriages. The following site has a searchable index but I couldn't find your couple there.

http://www.achievements.co.uk/services/gretna/index.php

It looks very pricey to me too!

[Boongie Pam]

On the Cumberland Rootsweb list a book was transcribed called "Irregular border marriages"

It's in bits through out Feb and April 2004:-

http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/CUMBERLAND/2004-02

Index is in April
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/CUMBERLAND/2004-04

Interesting for information surrounding the subject of records.

As to what records are included I'm afraid it is a stock answer - it depends.  It depends on who officiated.  There were runaway marriages all along the borders, in Annan they were entered into the parish records and if parents were known then this was included as were the normal parish of residency.

For LONGTOWN you can't avoid this website:-

http://mysite.freeserve.com/longtown19/
http://longtown19.website.orange.co.uk

There are marriages for Gretna, it'll give you an idea of the info available:
http://mysite.freeserve.com/longtown19/marriages.html
http://longtown19.website.orange.co.uk/

And have you seen this question in Cumberland rootschat?

http://www.rootschat.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=2282

It seems to be your people?

Cheers,
Pam
 
 

[Rinnie]

Thank you both for replying, I will have to check out the information, If I can't find anything it will be an excuse to go on holiday!!  
 The information in the Cumberland area is my mother (Norma), I thought I'd post the one asking about Gretna as I thought that it may have the mothers name on the certificate being in Scotland, too many Bells in one area.  

Thank you

Corinne