Genealogy Chat

Thanks Christine and Amanda, St Dunstans & All Saints Church is in Stepney, and I have a copy of the marriage record from the Bancroft Library in Stepney who hold most records for Tower Hamlets on microfilm. They do not have the banns register though. Kathy

I have a certificate of proclamation of banns belonging to my parents -in-law, and the only information on it are the names and addresses of the couple proposing to marry, and the church officials signatures stating that no objections have been offered. Hope this helps. Christine

Thanks Helen. However, they were definitely married by banns and not by licence. They must have been over the age of 21 as no parental permission was given. However, I have just been onto the LMA website and found where the banns for St Dunstans Church are kept but the access condition for that year states NOT AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION. Does this mean they won't allow copies to be made of the register? Kathy

I have found extra details from the Marriage Licence for one of my relatives. This was because the bride was under 21 and the licence had to be signed by her father to give permission for the marriage. So obviously found her fathers name from this. The English Origins site has details of 'marriage allegations' where licences were granted. Someone on Records Office board had a few credits left earlier..........

Thanks Kim, I have just been into the LMA website and found where the banns for St Dunstan are kept but it states NOT AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION. Has anyone been to the LMA and found this access notice? Does it mean no copies can be made of the register? Kathy

Not sure but think just the names were posted in the parish for 3 consecutives Sunday 3 weeks before the couple married and if anyone had objections they could come forward. The other way to marry is by license usually required for a quick wedding or for those who weren't living in the parish. i think they had to apply to the bishop for a special licence to wed. in which case banns would not be read on the sundays before the wedding. if you put in marriage banns and licence on google I think there are a few websites which will explain it better than me.

Thanks Mary, I understand the banns records for this particular church and period are kept at the LMA. Do you know what information they are likely to contain? Kathy

Hi Kathy, Banns had to be read out 3 sundays before the marriage took place. They were recorded in Banns Books and kept by the parish but not many of them survived. If the Church is still standing then they may still be there, otherwise I would try the County Records Office. Mary

My ancestors married on 1st March 1818 by banns at St Dunstans Church, Stepney, London. The only information the parish marriage record contains is names, marital status and hamlet of residence. Has anyone applied for the banns record and what information do the banns reveal and what date would the banns have been posted? This is my brick wall as I believe they came from Ireland. Kathy