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'Of age' - Marriage Certs

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Kelly

Kelly Report 14 Sep 2008 13:28

Hullo,

Can anyone advise...

I've just received a marriage cert (from 1846) and in the age column (for both bride and groom) it simply says 'of age'. Does this phrase mean they are a particular age, i.e. 18 or 21 or does it just mean they are at least the legal age for marriage and could be anything from 16 to 50??!!

And, was the legal age for marrying 16 back then or has it changed?

Many thanks in advance,
Kelly

Kelly

Kelly Report 14 Sep 2008 13:32

Sorry....another query about the same certificate from 1846.....

Have just noticed the date - April 35th????? (and it's VERY clear as well; not misread!!)

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it Report 14 Sep 2008 13:37

Of age means 21 and over so can marry without parental consent, can be any age over 21 !!
Minor means under 21 but over 12 for a girl or 14 for a boy, and marrying with parental consent.

the legal ages then, to the 1920.s, was 12 for a girl and 14 for a boy

Researching:
Surname Fahse. Germany. Essex .South East London My avatar is one of our wedding photos of 1957

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it Report 14 Sep 2008 13:39

the April 35th must be a transcription error I would query that back with the GRO

Researching:
Surname Fahse. Germany. Essex .South East London My avatar is one of our wedding photos of 1957

Kelly

Kelly Report 14 Sep 2008 13:50

Thank you!

Blimey; 12 and 14 - how awful!!