Dear All, With regard to the current discussion on marriages: unless they were from a small village the clergy in the 17th & 18th Centuries would not know for certain if people presenting themselves for marriage lived in their Parish (this is still the case!). The system depends on a large degree of trust, and is therefore open to abuse. Banns were and are read for three consecutive Sundays and are valid for three months. In theory they give opportunity and time for questions over the marriage to be raised and investigated. In 21 years as a Vicar no-one has raised any objections, although it turns out I have officiated at a bigamous wedding --- but that's another story!! As for the same signature in the Cathedral registers: this would be the Parish Clerk who was a combination of Verger and Lay-reader and Church Secretary, and not always literate themselves. Chris Reaney (S.Wales)