MARRIAGE RECORD

A page from a post-1837 parish register from Ancestry’s LMA London collection. Note that there are two entries per page. This example shows a double wedding in 1915.

1 DATE

This could be significant in the context of other details – eg the birth date of the first child.

2 NAMES

… of the bride and groom. Unusually, both brides on this page have the same surname.

3 SIGNATURES

Here, these show this is the original document. A cross would mean the party was illiterate.

4 AGES

A figure is usually given or ‘ full age’ ( over 21 years of age) or ‘minor’ ( under 21).

5 CONDITION

Marital status – could also be widow or widower. Usually no proof was required.

6 MARRIED IN

Usually the parish church but could be a non- conformist chapel or registry office.

7 WITNESSES

These signatures might reveal a new family member or friend worth investigating.

8 RESIDENCE

A temporary address was often used to qualify for marriage in a parish. Note that both couples’ addresses are the same.

9 FATHERS’ DETAILS

No name here usually means illegitimacy. Both brides list the same father making them sisters!

10 OCCUPATIONS

It’s common for only the groom’s to be given – even if the bride worked.