Just thought I'd share something I saw in the parish registers at the NRO. I know this has been the subject of some debate so please excuse the re-post I just thought it interesting! Act of parliament came into effect in 1653, firstly to post banns at place of worship, public meeting, parish boundaries etc. It also stipulated that 21years was the age at which parental consent not being required, the minimum age of a male being 16years, 14years for a female. For those of you wishing a reference, it is located in the Redenhall St Mary register, just go to the year 1653. There was also this which I found on-line: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=56495 Then we move to the 19th century, where the age changes, 14 for a male, 12 for a female. See the link below: http://www.parliament uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/relationships/over iew/lawofmarriage-/ Now I know many of you will think this obvious, but I am sure that there are those less familiar with the laws back then and will therefore find of interest. Regards David

On 2011/09/25 12:38, David Cullingford wrote: > Just thought I'd share something I saw in the parish registers at the NRO. > I know this has been the subject of some debate so please excuse the re-post > I just thought it interesting! > > Act of parliament came into effect in 1653, firstly to post banns at place > of worship, public meeting, parish boundaries etc. It also stipulated that > 21years was the age at which parental consent not being required, the > minimum age of a male being 16years, 14years for a female. > > For those of you wishing a reference, it is located in the Redenhall St Mary > register, just go to the year 1653. Interesting. But probably an artefact of the Commonwealth that was dropped or ignored following the Restoration. -- Regards, Mike Fry Johannesburg