Hi Eunice As there would be little benefit and some cost involved I do not think she would have changed her name but merely assumed the surname BROWN To change her name by deed poll would mean advertising the fact she was unmarried which is surely the opposite of what she would want to do As she had lived for many years as Mary BROWN that is the name she was formerly known by The motive may have been for pension or inheritance purposes perhaps She was obviously not trying to hide anything on her marriage as she volunteers the information that she is a spinster, she could have lied and said widow, no proof was requested Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) >I wonder if I can ask for listers' interpretation of a surname on > a 1967 marriage certificate : > > The groom's name is "Brown", he is a widower, aged 62. > The brides' name is "Mary Brown" formerly known as "Mary Smith". She is > a spinster, aged 51. > > I know that this couple had many children together, the first in 1936 > and the last in 1957. > > Is it likely that the bride changed her name by Deed Poll or another > official route (is there one?), or did she just go by the name of Brown > informally ? > > The marriage took place in a Register Office. > > I would appreciate opinions..... > > Eunice