Why would an 18th century couple who were born in Scotland, had their children in Scotland and died in Scotland get married (1740) in Stanwix in Cumberland, about 10 miles south of Gretna Green? Could there be some reason why they crossed the border to marry?
Other points of note (maybe): An illegitimate child of his had been born about 9 months previously and he was the son of a (Scottish) Baronet and next in line. She had been previously married but her husband had died 10 years earlier.
Gretna Green in reverse!?
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WilmaM
- Posts: 1890
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- Location: Falkirk area
Re: Gretna Green in reverse!?
The first answer that sprang to mind was that if he was of the Aristocracy then his family may very well have had a second home in Cumberland and they were living there at the time.
I'd have a look further in to the families and their property etc and see if there's answers to be found that way.
If he inherited the title then there should be information in the 'Who's Who' of the time and family papers. You may find them through the National Library of Scotland.
I'd have a look further in to the families and their property etc and see if there's answers to be found that way.
If he inherited the title then there should be information in the 'Who's Who' of the time and family papers. You may find them through the National Library of Scotland.
Wilma
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Falkyrn
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- Location: Scotland
Re: Gretna Green in reverse!?
I would go with Wilma's suggestion.
It's worth bearing in mind that at that time (1740) it was relatively easy to get married in England as Lord Hardwickes Marriage Act which tightened procedures and led to the growth of Gretna as a marriage location did not come into being until 1753/54
It's worth bearing in mind that at that time (1740) it was relatively easy to get married in England as Lord Hardwickes Marriage Act which tightened procedures and led to the growth of Gretna as a marriage location did not come into being until 1753/54
~RJ Paton~
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RobinsonCrusoe
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Re: Gretna Green in reverse!?
Grateful thanks to WilmaM and Falkyrn,
The person in question was a Baronet of Nova Scotia (Nairne of Dunsinnan) and had lands in Perthshire. I know of nothing to suggest he owned land in Cumberland (but he might have). Being relatively easy to get married in England pre-1753/54 is interesting. I think I am still left with the question of why it was necessary to (or at least they chose to) cross the border to get married.
The person in question was a Baronet of Nova Scotia (Nairne of Dunsinnan) and had lands in Perthshire. I know of nothing to suggest he owned land in Cumberland (but he might have). Being relatively easy to get married in England pre-1753/54 is interesting. I think I am still left with the question of why it was necessary to (or at least they chose to) cross the border to get married.
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RobinsonCrusoe
- Posts: 6
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Re: Gretna Green in reverse!?
From another source I have now been advised that marriage by license was not available in Scotland at this time (1740) so some Scottish couples crossed the border, fulfilled a four-week residency requirement and then got married. As I understand it The Clandestine Marriage Act in 1753 for England and Wales put paid to this practice and led to the popularity of Gretna Green for eloping English couples.
So it's not really Gretna Green in reverse since Scots were the first to be crossing the border for a clandestine marriage!
So it's not really Gretna Green in reverse since Scots were the first to be crossing the border for a clandestine marriage!