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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: pallain on Wednesday 09 December 20 21:13 GMT (UK)

Title: Full age versus minor
Post by: pallain on Wednesday 09 December 20 21:13 GMT (UK)
Hello All,

I am sure that this question has been asked before, however I was having trouble when doing a search on the forums as I actually think that the question is too broad.  I found a record that I believe (hope) is my great-great grandparents' marriage. The marriage took place in 1873 in Belfast and the ages of the gentleman is given as "full" and that of the woman is given as "minor". Would minor be anyone under the age of 18 or is it a different age for marriage versus other considerations.

I always find Rootschatters extremely helpful so hope that the answer to this question is on the tip of someone's tongue

regards Pat
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: nanny jan on Wednesday 09 December 20 21:41 GMT (UK)
I think full age is 21 and minor is for those under 21.
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: Enumerated on Wednesday 09 December 20 21:51 GMT (UK)
Full age meant over 21, up until the early 1970s when it was reduced to 18. I remember the change because I lost out, being between 18 and 21 at the time.
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: Girl Guide on Thursday 10 December 20 08:32 GMT (UK)
The age from 21 to 18 occurred on the 1st January 1970 and the first general election after that date was 18th June 1970.
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: Kiltaglassan on Thursday 10 December 20 09:13 GMT (UK)

.....and I voted for the first time in that general election aged *&%$   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 10 December 20 10:08 GMT (UK)
..and I voted in the 1966 election - I'd just attained full age a few months before  :)
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: pallain on Thursday 10 December 20 14:52 GMT (UK)
Thanks all for responding.  Merry Christmas
Title: Re: Full age versus minor
Post by: GrahamSimons on Friday 11 December 20 17:41 GMT (UK)
Another potential source of confusion is the term infant. Most people would think "small child" but it may also mean minor. Found this used more than once among some legal noted for the family.