Robert Shepherd and Rebecca

[Shrop63]

Hi, i have a marriage of Robert Shepherd in 1802 to Rebecca Ellis. The only Rebecca i can see is the one born to John and Catherine in 1786 Wellington which makes her 16 at marriage? Any ideas? Was it possible to marry at 16? Thanks

[rosie99]

Do you have her on any census to confirm her age, or her death

[Shrop63]

Both Rebecca and Robert are on the 1841 census for Wellington. Robert 64 and Rebecca 55. She died 1869

[emeltom]

Minimum age in 1802 was 12 for a girl and 14 for a boy with parental consent. The minimum age was raised to 16 in the Act of Marriage Bill of 1929.

[Shrop63]

Minimum age in 1802 was 12 for a girl and 14 for a boy with parental consent. The minimum age was raised to 16 in the Act of Marriage Bill of 1929.

Wow. They had their first child in 1803, no doubt she was pregnant age 16

[amondg]

Robert and Rebecca's  first son is Joseph - Robert's fathers name, second son John- Rebecca's fathers name.
 

[Shrop63]

Just following up on this, i found Rebecca in 1851 living in Walsall with daughter Ann and her husband Richard Beddows. I think they married in Wrockwardine but his surname is Belstow iirc?

[emeltom]

Looking at the image of the original marriage entry his name is written as Beslow but when he makes his mark it is Bedlow. As Richard is illiterate he will have no idea how his name should be spelled. I'd say the Rebecca Shepherd you have found in 1851 is the right one