I have run into a marriage that puzzles me. The register says both parties were "of this parish" and the bride is listed as "parish widow". What would that mean? Additionally, it says they were married by "consent of parents". The marriage took place in 1820. It looks as if both were able to sign their names, which surprised me for that date. It seems odd that the bride would be celebrating her second marriage, but still be so young as to need parental consent. Unless the groom was the underage party. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers, Lois

Hi Lois Parish Widow means that she probably has a young child and was dependant on the parish for her upkeep, her parents been unable to support her. Mike Fisher in Droitwich my family tree http://mjfisher.tribalpages.com maaisha@aol.com wrote: > I have run into a marriage that puzzles me. The register says both parties were "of this parish" and the bride is listed as "parish widow". What would that mean? Additionally, it says they were married by "consent of parents". The marriage took place in 1820. It looks as if both were able to sign their names, which surprised me for that date. It seems odd that the bride would be celebrating her second marriage, but still be so young as to need parental consent. Unless the groom was the underage party. Any help would be appreciated. > Cheers, > Lois > >