Does anyone know what a Marriage Bond is?

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Profile	Posted by	Options	Post Date
Member Since: April 2005 Posts: 536 Send Message	Elizabeth	Report	11 Jun 2006 11:14
Member Since: April 2005 Posts: 536 Send Message	I have found reference to a bond of 2000 pounds paid by a male family member prior to his marriage. It was in 1789. Was it something like a dowry? I thought it more likely to be paid by the female.
Member Since: November 2003 Posts: 28,261 Send Message	KathleenBell	Report	11 Jun 2006 11:18
	From Google:- Marriage bonds Until 1823, the bridegroom and a friend would also enter into a bond, a document obliging them to pay a sum of money. These bonds are known as marriage bonds. If an impediment to the marriage should come to light, or if the conditions of the licence should be breached, then the bridegroom and his friend would forfeit the considerable sum of money noted in the bond. Under normal circum-stances the sum would not be paid. Useful information about marriage here:- http://www.llgc.org.uk/lc/lcs0052.htm#5 Kath. x
Member Since: April 2005 Posts: 536 Send Message	Elizabeth	Report	11 Jun 2006 11:27
Member Since: April 2005 Posts: 536 Send Message	Thanks Kathleen, Google is usually where I go first. It must be time for bed.