Reading the recent enquiry about a prisoner in the family reminded me of a distant relative whose was incarcerated in earlier times. My cousin Glyndwr Davies, compiler of the FORD/ GRIFFITHS/ LOUGHER predigree, had noted that Thomas and Mary were in prison in 1841, but we didn't know why until I came across the following in the 19thC newspapers site. LONDON NOV. 24 Jackson's Oxford Journal Saturday November 28th 1840 ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW MARRIAGE ACT A paragraph has found its way into the London papers of a man near Cardiff having married his mother. We have made inquiries and find that, although not quite true, it is very nearly so. Thomas Ford, a parishioner of Bonvilstone, was drowned, about five or six months ago, in the river Ely. About a month ago his son Thomas Ford came to the registrar, at Cardiff, to ask for a certificate; and upon naming his intended wife as Mary Ford, Mr. Watkins asked if they were related! "Yes," he replied, "she is my cousin." The certificate was granted, and this incestuous couple (the woman being actually the widow of his father) were married at Bethany Chapel, in Cardiff. - Merthyr Guardian. John and Mary FORD were jailed 6th March 1841 for perjury at their wedding. The tragedy of this case, apart from the fact that it was illegal to marry your step-parent [is it still I wonder?] is what happened to Mary's children from her first husband, i.e the half brother and sister of her second husband. The poor innocent mites died in Cardiff Union Workhouse in August 1841. They were: WILLIAM FORD born c. 1838 buried 9th August 1841 aged 3 SARAH FORD born 1839 Canton, Cardiff buried 7th August 1841 aged 2 Both interred at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Bonvilston, so at least they were buried in their home village. The saddest think I have come across so far in the family history. WENDY