Marriage certificate error?

[Chusty]

I have a copy of a marr certificate of 1843 where both bride and groom are described as widowed.
I have been unable to find a previous marriage for the groom, born 1820, apparently single in 1841 census. The banns issued in Dec 1842 have them as bachelor and spinster.

The groom signed, so could presumably read, so I wonder why they wouldn't have queried the error of their status (if it is)

I would be grateful for any opinions.

[groom]

The groom signed, so could presumably read

Hi

Not necessarily, perhaps he knew how to sign his name but that was all.

[Nick29]

It's quite possible that he never saw the certificate, after he signed.  Looking back, I can't remember reading our certificate when we got married - I had too much else to worry about 

[dawnsh]

If this is a certified copy from the GRO, there could well have been a mistake on the quarterly return they received.

You should try to check out the original register.

When and where did the marriage actually take place?

Dawn

[Chusty]

The marriage took place in St Mary Lambeth. It won't be possible for me to go and look at the original.

I'm really surprised that someone would not look at their own cert., but then I've never had one to look at 

[groom]

If you put their names on here, someone may be able to check it for you.

Jan

[Chusty]

That would be amazingly kind.

The date was 2 January 1843 at the parish church of St Mary Lambeth.

Groom was Richard Hux, widower of full age, son of William Hux.
Bride was Sarah Clewly, widow of full age, daughter of Richard Clewly.

If anyone is in a position to check, I would be most grateful.

[dawnsh]

hi

The marriage register does indeed say widower and widow but the banns book says bachelor and spinster.

Her father also has the same surname, if she were a widow I would expect to see a different surname for her.

Although Richard has signed the register, I would suggest that it was not done with a confident hand.

Although they weren't supposed to, the parish clerk appears to have written this up in advance of the wedding and got the details wrong. The other couple who married on the same day, thomas Stokes and Catherine Goodenham/Goodman were a widower and widow.

Dawn

[Chusty]

Dawn, that is amazing. How do you have access at this time?
I expected a wait of several days if indeed anyone could help.

That sounds very logical, that the clerk has got it wrong. I wonder how often that happened.

At least now I can stop worrying about Richard's missing first marriage.

Thank you so very much.