Genealogy Chat

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If you married under the age of 21 in 1874 would you have had to have permission or anything. I had a marriage certificate this morning, the people were who I hoped they would be and they both married age 20. John Richards, the groom I had traced back before the certificate arrived, using the census, and each one up to his marriage shows him living with his mother who is classed as unmarried. On marriage cert though there is a father named as John ...hards. End of name looks like the end of Richards but the middle of the name doesn't match the other writing on the certificate, so I'm a bit confused on that Was wondering if maybe they needed permission cos they were under 21 and made up a father for John Sarah

Pretty sure that they did need permission. They seem to have been believed when asked for their ages and names of their fathers. I have a couple who at marriage it says 21, when I am pretty sure they weren't. All good fun xx Gloria

They would have needed permission, but if they didn't have it they would have been more likely to say they were 21 rather than make up a name for a father (that still wouldn't give them permission). He may have made up the name of a father so as his bride's family didn't know he we illegitimate. He may have always known his father's name although it would be unlikely to be Richards if that was his mothers maiden name. Kath. x

That' what I thought, much easier to add on year and make themselves 21, instead of making up a father. Unless he just didnt want his 'father' box being blank. Witness on certificate is Thomas Richards, who on census lives in same household as him, his cousin I think. So I'm pretty sure I got right person. I'd love to be Dr Who, get in my Tardis and go back and find out myself lol Sarah

A Tardis is definitely on my Christmas wish list. Family history would be so much easier if we could just go back and ask them all the questions we can't find answers for. Kath. x

Yes Kath, but when we arrived in our tardis, and asked them all the questions, I bet they wouldn't tell the truth!! Sarah - If they married under 21 then they would have needed permission from a parent (mother or father). If the groom made up a father's name at his wedding it wasn't to do with the permission thing - most likely because he felt embarrassed at not having one! If a parent refused permission for a minor to marry the ''happy'' couple would have three choices: 1) Move to a more distant parish and say they were aged over 21. 2) Go to the local courts and ask for permission. Their case would be seen by a judge who would make the descision. 3) Wait! Sarah

I think a tardis would be on all our christmas lists this year. Just think what we would dig up then. Helen

You're right Sarah M. I think all branches of my family were pretty accomplished liars. Kath. x

Sarah I received the marriage certificate of a Sarah Scott this morning - she was 24. If you've recently celebrated your 141st wedding anniversary, it could be you!