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Marriage Laws - England

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Stephanie

Stephanie Report 12 Oct 2007 16:11

Can someone tell me if there has ever been a time it was illegal to marry your husband's brother?

i.e. you get married and several years later your husband dies leaving you a widow. You're still fairly young and decide to re-marry, picking your brother-in-law.

I know in biblical times this was the done thing, but how about in the late 1800s/early 1900s?

Many Thanks.

Pete

Pete Report 12 Oct 2007 16:25

Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act 1907

Until 1907 it was against the law for a man to marry his deceased wife's sister. It did happen however, as I found with my own grandfather's parents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deceased_Wife's_Sister's_Marriage_Act_1907

It was not until 1921 that the male equivalent law was passed.
Deceased Brother’s Widow’s Marriage Act, 1921.

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 12 Oct 2007 16:27

One of my direct line married her brother in law in the 1830's.........they had to go to the adjoining county .

Reg

~~Trassle

~~Trassle Report 12 Oct 2007 16:37

My G.Grandfather was serving in France with his brother & asked him to take care of his wife & children if anything happened to him...sadley he died in France 1917 and his brother later married his widow in 1921 obviously once the laws were changed to allow it