inaccurate marriage certificate

[Nautilus]

After much searching in the BMD I eventually thought I'd found great grandparents marriage & sent for the certificate. Until I had Catherine's maiden name of Hennesy I'd been unable to find it as James surname had been spelt Lyones not Lyons. When I received the certificate I was confused to see James father's name as Samuel when I know it's Matthew. I'm pretty sure I have the right James & Catherine as their ages were exactly right at 29 & 19, not the commonest age difference in a marriage.  Has anyone else come across wrong names on a certificate or is it likely that I have the wrong certificate?

[PaulineJ]

What of the other information such as occupation, location, dates(s) witnesses etc?
That might sway the decision one way or another.

Pauline

[Nautilus]

The witness weren't family members  & I've no idea who they were. Occupation fits as James father was a labourer as was Catherine. Not suprising though as both Lyons & Hennesy are Irish names & at that time many Irish ended up as labourers.  The place is right too, the Catholic church in Treforest.

I'm pretty convinced its the right certificate because of the ages but is does seem strange. Also although Catherine signed with her mark James could write his name. Does that mean that was all he could read or write or should he be able to read his fathers name? I would have thought you'd notice if it was wrong

[aghadowey]

When my grandfather's uncle got married (1880s) his father's name was wriiten as William instead of Andrew. Both bride and groom well educated and could read and write. Maybe they just didn't notice the error in all the excitement.

[Nautilus]

Thanks Aghadowey. It's quite reassuring to know that it has happened on other certificates. It makes me more convinced I have the right certificate. At least Samuel & Matthew both have an oooo in them & could conceivebly be confused but Andrew & William? 

[indiapaleale]

Hi Nautilus,
I have one of those too......the brother of my grandad stated that his father was William when in fact his father was Henry. However, his Uncle William did raise him after his parents  died...so...I guess he got confused and said that William was his Dad. But..I am 100% certain that I have the right cert.

[Nautilus]

Hmm so Samuel could be an uncle?? There's another line of research! It's neverending isn't it? 

[colinjohn]

May be Samuel didn't like the name and so called himself Matthew (it happens) or possibly the latter was his second name. Perhaps whoever gave the information to the registrar thought that, being an official document, the correct name should be give. As he was RC perhaps one was the baptismal name, the other his given name.

Colin

[PaulineJ]

The witness weren't family members  & I've no idea who they were.

Well, fairly often they turn out to be in-laws or neighbours but if you can't read it, then we can't even try to track them down.

Pauline