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Married info please

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Sidami

Sidami Report 8 May 2017 13:22

Just out of interest if a woman was a widow could it be possible in 1653 to marry again using her maiden name?

ArgyllGran

ArgyllGran Report 8 May 2017 15:13

Don't' know how accurate this is:

"Before 1754 brides often signed with their maiden name even when it was their second marriage."

"In some parishes a widow remarrying was entered as a spinster, making a mockery of the system and life for modern researchers even more difficult. In many parishes the records do not contain any details of the couple's status (spinster, bachelor, widow etc) and records before 1754 rarely, if ever, contain this information"

http://www.gwoodward.co.uk/guides/marriages.htm

ArgyllGran

ArgyllGran Report 8 May 2017 15:25

Also, it depends on which country you're talking about.

In Scotland, for instance, a married woman could (and still can) use either name.
Mary Smith, marrying Mr Jones, would be referred to in legal documents, as "Mary Smith or Jones". Frequently in early Scottish censuses, the wife is listed under her maiden surname, even though living with her husband and children.
As a widow, she could use either surname.


"Historically, a woman in England would assume her new husband's family name (or surname) after marriage, usually compelled to do so under coverture laws. "

"In the lowlands of Scotland in the 16th century, married women did not change their surnames, but today the practice of changing to the husband's family name is the norm."

https://tinyurl.com/lppnsu7

Sidami

Sidami Report 9 May 2017 19:31

Thanks