"John Spencer Wilkinson" <jswilks@lineone.net> wrote..... > In the back of a scrap book, I have come across a certified copy of a > marriage certificate, prepared in 1902 by the Rector of Haworth Parish > Church, for a marriage that took place on the 23rd July, 1827, between > Richard Pighills or Pickles, and Hannah Feather, both noted as of this > parish, and with a note 'by Banns with consent of', and signed > T.W.Story (Rector) over a one penny stamp. > > I am researching Pighills, my wifes maiden name, and the certificate > was in her fathers 'papers', but there is nothing to give me any idea > as to why the certificate was needed. > I cannot trace any relationship to Richard, although he could be a > brother of John Pighills (c1795 - 1874), whose parents I have not yet > proven, although his father was probably Michael Pighills, of Wilsden > formerly of Kildwick. > > I suspect that it was probably needed for a will, but any other > suggestions are welcome.> AS you know, John, this could not be a copy of a marriage certificate (since they did not exist until after July 1837) but, rather, a copy of an entry in the parish register. The note "with consent of..." indicates at least one of the parties was under age. I wonder if there was some debate about the validity of the marriage many years later? I suppose it could have been merely someone doing their family history (even in 1902) but the fact that the Rector signed across a stamp would suggest some more formal legal reason. A will is the obvious thought, as you suggest. Perhaps someone was needing to prove descendancy in order to inherit a share or perhaps to inherit some land or property. BTW, I have a friend called Fred Feather, who is chairman of the Essex Society for Family History, who has Bradford ancestry from Haworth, I believe. He is distantly related to Vic Feather, former secretary of the TUC, also a Bradford man Any connection? Roy Stockdill (Editor, Journal of One-Name Studies) SoG Executive & Director of Projects, FFHS Guild of One-Name Studies:- www.one-name.org Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History:- www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html Never ask a man if he comes from Yorkshire. If he does he will tell you, if he does not why humiliate him? - Canon Sydney Smith