Robert Gamble - Belfast wedding witness?

[johnstonsimon]

Hi,

Does anyone know if Robert Gamble was a registrar or like a paid witness at weddings? I've seen this name numerous times and he seems to have been a witness at my relatives weddings but also random ones I come across.

[CaroleW]

It certainly looks like he was an official if he was a witness to so many other marriages.  Not uncommon in England either

[johnstonsimon]

If that's the case then it's very likely he is. Here's an example, witness to two weddings the day after each other.

[hanes teulu]

Belfast News Letter, 23 Feb 1916
OBITUARIES

"Robert Gamble ... sexton of Belfast Cathedral, and its predecessor St. Anne's parish church for a period of thirty years ..."

[johnstonsimon]

Thank you. I guess that confirms it. 

[hanes teulu]

Have even spotted a 1907 St. Anne's marriage with a Robert Gamble and a Minnie Gamble as witnesses.

[aghadowey]

Not an uncommon thing- in our church the perpetual witnesses were the sexton and schoolmaster (school attached to church).

[hanes teulu]

1911 Census
Robert Gamble, age 61, Henry Street, St Anne's Ward, occupation Church Sexton. Also Minnie Gamble, daughter, age 24.