But if that was the case, the vicar is very likely to record that in the baptism Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) On 04-Jun-17 1:16 PM, Celia Renshaw via DERBYSGEN wrote: > Yes, and I've also read that once a couple were 'handfast' with an expected > marriage date it was often completely acceptable for sex to happen, thereby > explaining many 'early births'. That in fact a proof that the bride was > fertile was acceptable all round. Everyone kept quiet about pre-wedlock sex > though, secrets, lies, shame and stigma appearing to be order of the day > for centuries. > > Celia Renshaw > in Sheffield UK