Dear Richard, It is possible that the Licence & Allegation haven't survived, however the records for the Salisbury (Sarum) diocese are held at the Wiltshire Archives in Chippenham (confusingly called the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre)- because Salisbury is in Wilts. See their website - www.wshc.eu for details of their holdings and how to obtain copies. There are many reasons for marriages to be by licence, but as the CLAVILLs were the local gentry it was probably to show their status and affluence. >From Wikipedia: 'Marriage licenses were introduced in the 14th century, to allow the usual notice period under banns to be waived, on payment of a fee and accompanied by a sworn declaration, that there was no canonical impediment to the marriage. Licenses were usually granted by an archbishop, bishop or archdeacon. There could be a number of reasons for a couple to obtain a license: they might wish to marry quickly (and avoid the three weeks' delay by the calling of banns); they might wish to marry in a parish away from their home parish; or, because a license required payment, they might choose to obtain one as a status symbol.' Regards Vanessa Dorset ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Spicer" <richard.spicer@ntlworld.com> To: <DORSET@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2011 6:22 PM Subject: [DOR] Marriage Licence and allegations for Corfe Castle > > I would like to purchase a copy of the marriage licence and allegation, > for the marriage, by licence, between John Cull and Honour Clavil at the > Church of St Edward the Martyr, Corfe Castle, on the 27th November 1740. > > I am trying to find out where the information is held if some kind person > point me in the right direction. > I think that Corfe Castle was under the Diocese of Sarum at the time. > > And does anyone know why so many marriages at Corfe Castle for this period > were performed by licence. > > Thank you for any help offered. > > Richard Spicer > Bedfordshire