Hi everyone
As Galium identifies, Ann Holt is named as a Bondsman along with Isaac Clampitt. Both would be jointly responsible for paying the £500 should he choose to skip town without going through with the marriage to Mary Parr or, if it later turned out he was not actually free to marry....... This obligation would also be transferred down to the heirs of named parties so it was a big obligation.
£500 was a lot of money in 1799 but, as Isaac was a sailor from Bovey Tracey, Devon who had arrived in Parkgate and 'fallen in love' - I am guessing that Mary Parr's family may have felt he was quite a flight risk - or that he may not have a whiter than white history! As it happens, he stayed in Parkgate happily married for the rest of his life, raised a big family and died at the age of 90. Isaac and Mary are my 4xGGrandparents.
Snipo - great to learn we have a family connection and if you want to PM me then I would certainly be happy to share what information i have with you if it I have anthing that may help.
Viki
