Product Ref: FHF-238
Marriage Laws, Rites, Records and Customs: Was Your Ancestor Really Married? by Colin Chapman & Pauline Litton
Marriage Laws, Rites, Records and Customs: Was Your Ancestor Really Married? by Colin Chapman & Pauline Litton
Marriage is one of the most fundamental building blocks in family history research—but what if your ancestor’s union wasn’t as official as it seemed? This insightful guide explores the complex and often surprising history of marriage in Britain, helping genealogists understand the legal, religious, and social frameworks that governed matrimonial practices.
What you’ll learn:
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The evolution of marriage laws in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
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Differences between civil and religious ceremonies—and what counted as a legal marriage
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How to locate and interpret marriage records, banns, licenses, and clandestine unions
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Customs and traditions that shaped marriage practices across regions and time periods
Whether you're puzzled by missing records or curious about irregular marriages, this book offers essential context and practical advice to help you determine whether your ancestor was truly married—and what that meant at the time.
ISBN : 9781873686218