Another one for the List's sages - A parish record transcription from Durham Records Online for St Michael's, Bishopwearmouth shows: "3 Nov 1656 William Syme of Hilton of P of Monkwearmouth (without parent or guardian) married Ann Cowlee [Cowley] of Sunderland (without parent or guardian)" If the couple had living parents and were below the age of consent, would they have been allowed to marry without parental agreement? Does the mention of their being without parents or guardians mean they were orphans? (I'm trying to gauge the couple's ages to help with finding William's birth details.) Any ideas, please? Mary O