Hi Adi. The marriage bond was a promise by two people, normally the groom and a friend or relative, to pay the church a very substantial sum of money if the marriage proved to be invalid. According to various books some second Bondsman were usually a legal fiction, "John Doe" having offered more collateral than anyone else. The names, and parishes, of the two bondsmen with their occupations are given, together with the names, ages and parishes, of the couple getting married. A visit to the clergyman issuing the licence resulted in three documents. An allegation or affidavit, a marriage bond and the licence. The marriage licence was given to the parties concerned and normally does not survive. The allegations were on printed forms with spaces for the relevant details. This is a typical Marriage Allegation, with fictitious details Date Nov. 15 1788 On which day appeared personally John Smith Of the Parish of Wedmore in the County of Somerset And Diocese of Wells and being sworn on the Holy Evangelist Alleged and made Oath as follows: That he is of the age of Twenty five Years and intends to marry with Elizabeth Brown of the parish of Wedmore Afore said Spinster of the age of Twenty Years. Not knowing of believing any lawful Let or Impediment by Reason of any Precontract entered into before the 25th Day of March 1754, Consanguinity, Affinity, or any other Cause whatsoever, to hinder the said intended Marriage. And he prayed a Licence to solemnize the said Marriage in the Church of Wedmore aforesaid in which said Parish of Wedmore the said Elizabeth Brown hath had her usual Abode for the space of four Weeks past. The said John Smith was Sworn the Day and Year first above written Before me Wm. Priddy Surrogate Regards Stan Mapstone