Hi Sandra, In the Church of England (Episcopal in Am.), an announcement of an intended marriage is read during the service on 3 consecutive Sundays. That is known as "calling the banns" or "posting the banns" in the parish where the couple resides. I don't know all of the history of this, but it was meant to give the couple time to decide if they wanted to go ahead with a marriage. It is very difficult to get a divorce in the Church of England. The purpose of the marriage bond is to insure that both parties are free to marry, and that there is no bigamy invovled. Also that the groom is able to support a family, and therefore the county will not be burdened with its welfare. Hope this helps, Ann In a message dated 6/1/01 9:03:07 AM, you wrote: >I have been reading a novel that is set in the 17th Century in England. The mention >is made of 'the crying of the bans(or banns?)' concerning an upcoming marriage. > Would someone explains what this means and is this where the act of 'marriage >bond' comes from and would someone also explain 'marriage bond' to me...is this >a promise to wed and an amount of money put up as good faith? Thank you, sandra > >______________________________