Marriage by Special License St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney 1852

[CassT]

Hi, I have found in the Sydney Morning Herald 18 May 1852 an announcement that a marriage by SPECIAL LICENSE occurred 17 May 1852 at St Marys' Cathedral between Mr. William Gould and Miss Elizabeth Clarke, both of Sydney.

A transcription has been obtained, which records the marriage. There are No ages of the Bride and or Groom, no parents names, or "with Consent" details. The only thing unusual seems is that Groom was Protestant and bride Roman Catholic.

I am wondering if anybody has any suggestions if there are records of Special Licenses and where i could find them.
Regards
Cass

[maddys52]

Not much help - the Museums of History NSW has information about marriages by special licence but only 1819-1836.
https://mhnsw.au/guides/births-deaths-and-marriages-guide/

You could try contacting St Mary's Cathedral. 

As I understand it, marriages before 1855 did not usually show parents' names or ages.

[CassT]

Maddys52
thank you for the suggestion, I will send an email to St Mary's and keep my fingers crossed.
Regards Cass

[shume]

St Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic church so she had  the final decision!

[CassT]

Goodmorning. Yes, the Bride would have the final decision to proceeded with the marriage.

I have found the "with Consent" details are usually shown on a marriage certificate when the bride and or groom are underage, and the name of the parent who gave their consent to the marriage is recorded.

As the "with Consent" details are not recorded, I believe both the bride and groom where over 21 years of age. If the Consent details where recorded I would be able to confirm the names of the couple's parents.

I am hoping that the special License might be able to confirm the parents' names. When I receive a reply from St Mary's Archives, I will update this post.

Regards  Cass

[CassT]

An update. I have received a reply from St Mary's, they have sent me an image of the original entry from the register and also advised that they have no further information/records.

I am so happy to be able to see the signatures of bridal party, witnesses and priest.  The bride signed a declaration that she was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Groom did not sign a similar declaration which has been left blank, also no ages, parents' names or place of residence.

Cass

[maddys52]

That's amazing that they were so prompt. Shame there wasn't any further information on the record, but as you say, always nice to see actual signatures.