1656 was in the period of the Commonwealth and would be covered by the 1653 "Act touching Marriages and the Registering thereof; and also touching Births and Burials" This stated that the names and abodes of both parties, and of their parents, guardians or overseers, had to be given in writing to a locally appointed Parish Register (registrar) 21 days before the intended marriage; this allowed for the required three successive publications (of banns) in the parish church or market place. Stan