Hello, I have an idea it is still possible here in England & Wales, though discouraged and, where appropriate tested genetically. In Scotland there is no such formality today and I have two incidents of it in my paternal family. The formalities for marriage changed with effect from 1837, before which time, Licences to marry were obtained. I guess, therefore, there would be no rigid formalities and no questions asked which could not be got around. I would just offer the thought that from my own experience, I have found there is a distinct pattern in illnesses such as bronchitis and osteo arthritis in my paternal family which has clearly been inherited. Janet ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marged" <marged36@btopenworld.com> > Hi Grace > > Legally, they probably could marry, and in the "Table of Kindred and Affinity" at the back of the Book of Common Prayer it doesn't appear to prohibit marriage by cousins - aunts and uncles are taboo, but not their children, it seems. > > I know it was definitely frowned upon in my own family when two first cousins wanted to marry - the family kept them apart, which was quite easy since one was RC and lived in Dundalk, Ireland, and the other was Protestant and lived in Bootle, Liverpool. They both married other people, although they were heartbroken at the time - I remember it all because it was about 1950. > > Marj > > > > Does anyone know what the situation was as regards first cousins > marrying in mid 1800s? I have a pair who I am pretty sure were > cousins who went on to have 10 children but I cannot find a > marriage for them. From what I have been told the parents tried > to discourage relationship. > Betty