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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Quarryman on Friday 03 July 20 13:37 BST (UK)

Title: Of age?
Post by: Quarryman on Friday 03 July 20 13:37 BST (UK)

I always assumed "of age" on an 1800s marriage certificate meant the person was at least 21, but I have a great aunt, given as "of age" on her marriage certificate, but (according to her birth date) would have been 18.
Help...

Title: Re: Of age?
Post by: KGarrad on Friday 03 July 20 13:38 BST (UK)

In which country?
Scotland has always had a different legal system to England & Wales.

And people can be economical with the truth! ;D
No evidence of age was asked for.

Title: Re: Of age?
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 03 July 20 13:43 BST (UK)

My gt aunt was married in 1898, said she was 21 when she was less than 15, her mother had just married for the 3rd time and I can only imagine this child wanted a better life, she was married for over 50 years and although he was a lot older was very happy

But I do believe marriage was allowed between 12 and 14 with parents permission

Louisa Maud

Title: Re: Of age?
Post by: suzard on Friday 03 July 20 13:51 BST (UK)

My Grandmother stated of age on her marriage certificate and she was actually 17 -it seems no  checks were done

Suz

Title: Re: Of age?
Post by: Quarryman on Friday 03 July 20 13:54 BST (UK)

Thanks guys. Should have used Occams Razor protocol.