Humbie - Marriage entry

[Mell100]

I found a marriage entry on freereg for Alexander Stanners and Jean Sibbald, both of Humbie, in 1792. It is recorded as at Humbie Parish Church, but in the notes section is states:

Irregularly married at Edinburgh by William Gordon "and have given satisfaction to our Session."

I was hoping someone might know what this means - if anything.

Thanks
Mell

[Hibee]

Hi Mell

I suspect it means they provided assurances or proof of their statements.

Hibee

[hdw]

I found a marriage entry on freereg for Alexander Stanners and Jean Sibbald, both of Humbie, in 1792. It is recorded as at Humbie Parish Church, but in the notes section is states:

Irregularly married at Edinburgh by William Gordon "and have given satisfaction to our Session."

I was hoping someone might know what this means - if anything.

Thanks
Mell

In Fife and the Lothians it was quite common in the 18th century - especially when the girl was pregnant - for a couple to sneak off to Edinburgh and get themselves married secretly by an Episcopalian minister, who wasn't bound by the rules of the Church of Scotland and wouldn't force the couple into an embarrassing repentance in church in front of the congregation. But of course it would eventually leak out back home that they had had an "irregular" marriage, and they would be summoned to appear before their local church court, the kirk-session of their parish church, comprising the minister and elders meeting in session to discuss the affairs of the parish, distribute the poors' money and tick off "antenuptial fornicators".

Harry

[Mell100]

Thanks Harry. They were married on 24 Feb 1793, but the first child I can find wasn't born until the 1 Dec 1794. I might be missing some children.