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who would marriage witnesses usually be? Opinions

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Julie

Julie Report 25 Sep 2006 15:09

would they usually be family? also on a birth cert if the informant was down as occupier wold that be the owner or could they be related? Julie

Janet

Janet Report 25 Sep 2006 15:15

Where it says 'Enter Text' on this page try putting in the words 'Marriage Witness' to see what others have said over the years on this subject. May help you. Janet

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 25 Sep 2006 15:27

Julie On marriage certificates I have had parents, brothers, sisters (married or unmarried), half bother/sisters, uncles, aunts and every combination of relatives you can think of! I have also had people who were living a few houses down the road from either of the couple in the previous census....My best guess that they were friends. I have also seen the serial witness. In parish registers the same name appearing as a witness consitently, apparantly they would be paid a small fee. And, of course, witnesses I haven't a clue as to how they are related or know the couple :( Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 25 Sep 2006 15:29

I've found future wives of the couple's siblings as witnesses too. Gwyn

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 25 Sep 2006 15:47

Also take a look at http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/indexbd.htm Explains in detail what to find on BMD certs and includes what an occupier means on a birth cert. Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Robert

Robert Report 25 Sep 2006 15:53

I have one who, when I have checked the census, describes himself as Parish Clerk

Margaretfinch

Margaretfinch Report 25 Sep 2006 15:53

I have quite a few certificates with the same person as a witness no relation take it that is was just someone whi acted as a witness to a lot of marriages Margaret

Researching:
Finch Weathersfield Essex. Poole Haverhill Suffolk.GoodchildSouth Ascot BerkshireFry Wilton Wiltshire Goddard Laverstock Wiltshire Grayston Suffolk

Lisa J in California

Lisa J in California Report 25 Sep 2006 15:56

In addition to the above, I have an ancestor who was a church warden and he was used as a witness quite often.

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 25 Sep 2006 16:24

Anyone can be a witness.........it's not uncommon for the same two people to be witnesses for all the marriages in a parish......... Reg

BrianW

BrianW Report 25 Sep 2006 16:34

All sorts. And, as with Lisa in California, one of my mother's ancestors was parish clerk and witnessed dozens of weddings in the early 1800's, probably because he was one of the few literate residents in the village.

Researching:
Sherwood (Kent); Jesson (London); Worboys (Herts)

Julie

Julie Report 25 Sep 2006 16:46

Thanks to all for your replys, Guess i was just clutching at straws as the ancestor i am researching at the moment was illigitimiate and i was hoping it could have been a step family member. Thanks again Julie