Manchester / Salford marriages @1900

[midmum]

Hi

Just a general query really. Has anyone any information on figures for couples not getting married but living together as man and wife at this time and location? I ask because I have four marriages that can not be found, all around 1900 and in this area. Either the ancestors were very liberated for their time or there is a problem with the registers. For one such marriage I am considering looking at all the church records. It is also worth mentioning that for two of the non marriages there have been other family members unable to locate them so it isn't just me!!

Many thanks Heather

[charlotteCH]

My guess is that it would be unusual around 1900.  maybe  a couple could get away with it if they moved to a new area and just set up as Husband and wife... unlikely that anyone would ask for a marriage cert.

What social category were the couple in? ag labs? mill workers?  office workers? well-to-do?

charlotte

[brovagen]

Hi Heather,

I can't give you any figures, but I know couples did pass themthelves off as being married...when they clearly were not!
My own 3xGt Grandfather was living and working in Salford (Greengate district) as early as 1870. His first wife died and then he was soon living with his new partner (described as his wife on the next two census returns), but I know for a fact that they did not get married until some 20 years later after they had moved to Middlesbrough, which is where I found their Marriage Certificate! Why did they get married so late on? Legal/Probate reasons?

Regards,

Mark.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

One set of my gt.grandparents never married, had 10 children (1900-1920) and gt.grandma went to her grave as "Mrs..........".   

Just to add complications her parents also forget to get themselves to the church. 


Nanny Jan

[midmum]

Hi everyone,

thanks for those reponses, it is nice to know it wasn't just my lot. They were a mixed bag of social classes and one was a wealthy merchant so I was extremely surprised. With one such marriage I did check the records for a decade afterwards so I may to try a bit harder if you found one after 20 years.

Will keep looking, something to do New Years eve as no babysitter available fo less than £40! and transport home. Can get a lot of certificates for that.

Heather