Early 1960s English Marriage Certificate

[Liz_in_Sussex]

Good Evening,

I know there was already a space on the E/W certificate for the rank or profession of both parties in a marriage long before the 1960s but would like to know how common it was for the bride to actually have something in the box.

Before I buy the certificate to confirm (or refute) a theory I have about a relative, I'd like to know if it will actually give her job title - which will be the clincher in identifying her. (In Sussex)

Thank you,

Liz

[Jebber]

Assuming she had a job then it should say so. I married in 1960 and my occupation is given in exactly the same way as my husband’s.

[Girl Guide]

Do you know exactly where she married?  Perhaps you could consider contacting the church/registry office and ask if they can tell you what occupation is given for her.

Is a copy of the marriage record at the local records office?

Would either of those options be cheaper for you or not?  Certs cost £11.25 now.

[omega 1]

Hello Liz

We married in 1964, my occupation is filled in.
Just being nosy,looked at my parents marriage cert,1943,Mums was filled in (in ATS)

omega 

[KGarrad]

Traditionally, women gave up working on marriage.
So I guess the woman's occupation may not have been seen as important?

Incidentally, not a stance I have ever agreed with

[Andrew Tarr]

I married in 1963 and my wife is described as 'Teacher'.  But I guess the certificate will show whatever info was volunteered - the bride may have decided to stay schtum ?

[andrewalston]

The "womens' occupations don't count" attitude seems to have died out (at least in my home town) before the great War.

Even in the Edwardian period around 2/3 of the brides had an occupation.

By the 1940s, the proportion seemed to be about 95%, with nearly all the remainder being from households where daughters were likely not to work.

[Liz_in_Sussex]

Thank you very much for all the replies!

I think I will order the certificate - I don't know exactly where she married but the details I have found in the index are in the right area and the only one in the whole country with a specific unusual spelling of her name, so I am fairly confident - but only her occupation will tell me 100% for sure!

Thanks again,

Liz

[Liz_in_Sussex]

Success! 

The certificate has just arrived and it confirms my suspicions and of course poses a couple of new lines to explore! But 100% the correct person. I'm very happy!

Thanks for all your help!

Liz