Marriage Licences/Bonds Deptford 1809

[Certificate Man]

William Pike married Elizabeth Baker at Deptford in 1809 by Licence.

I understand that Rochester Diocese Licences are the Centre for Kentish Studies but they tell me they do not have a copy.

They suggested Vicar General Licences and whilst told me they are at Lambeth Palace, I understand that they are on FindMyPast. Sadly, I couldn't come across an entry there either.

Before I assume that it hasn't survived is there anywhere else it could be ?

Not the LMA who only have Deptford Licences after 1872.

Thanks

[Valda]

Hi


Faculty licence but also on FindMyPast for that period.

The Guildhall Library lists all the possibles for the London area (excluding the Consistory and Archdeaconry of Rochester)

http://www.history.ac.uk/gh/marrlic.htm

If its any consolation you don't get much information from a marriage licence circa 1809 unless either of the couple was under age in which case their exact age, who was giving permission for their marriage and their relationship to the person is given, otherwise it was a standard printed format by 1808 which was filled in.

An example from the same year. Earlier licences are more informative.

'Appeared personally __________and made oath that he is of the parish of Saint George in the county of Middlesex a batchelor age of twenty one years and upwards and intendeth to marry with ____________ of the parish of Saint Nicholas Deptford in the county of Kent a spinster of the age of twenty one years and upwards and that he knoweth of no lawful impediment by reason of any precontract consanguinity affinity or any other lawful means whatsoever to hinder the said intended marriage and prayed a licence to solemnize the same in the parish church of Saint George aforesaid him the appearer and further made oath that the usual place of abode for the space of four weeks last past has been Saint George. _____________'


Regards

Valda

[Certificate Man]

Thanks.

I was hoping that there might be some thing on the bond or allegation as she was a widow, and there was no real reason for them to marry by licence.

Just run of the mill ordinary folk.

No baby appeared either shortly after !

Thanks anyway

Antony

[[Ray]]

Hi

A.....y shows a marriage :-

St Nicholas Deptford
30th July 1808
Wm Pike / Elizth Ann Baker
(Parishes = Woolwich & Parish Widow)
"by licence"
Witnesses =
(1) ? (2) Jno Prince (3) Elizabeth Blackshaw

Regards
Ray

[Valda]

Hi


The widow status doesn't really alter the need to supply further information as she was free to marry presuming she was over the age of 21.


An example of a marriage allegation from 1793 involving a widow.

'Appeared personally _________ and made oath that he is of the parish of St. Andrew Holborn London a widower and intendeth to marry with  ______________ of the parish of St. George Southwark in the county of Surrey widow and that he knoweth of no lawful impediment by reason of any precontract consanguinity affinity or any other lawful means whatsoever to hinder the said intended marriage and prayed a licence to solemnize the same in the parish church of Saint Andrew Holborn London and further made oath that the usual place of abode of him the appearer for space of four weeks last past has been  Saint Andrew Holborn. __________'


A marriage by licence was more expensive but you didn't need to wait as long and not everyone knew your business since it wasn't announced beforehand in church every Sunday for three weeks. The cost of calling banns wasn't cheap. In 1820 (when the average Ag. Lab was earning 10s a week), the cost of calling the 3 banns was 7s. 6d. and was required in both parishes. Often either the man or the woman (whichever was most convenient, but by tradition the marriage took place in the woman's parish) would move for the three weeks necessarily to establish residency in the other parish to avoid the need for the calling of the banns in two parishes.
Marriage licences in 1820 cost 10 shillings, plus the cost of the trip and loss of a possible day's wages to visit the local Bishop's Office to obtain the licence in the first place.


Regards

Valda