Tracing marriages in 18th century England and Wales: a reassessment of law and practice

The Clandestine Marriages Act of 1753 marked an important
development in the history of marriage by putting the requirements
for a valid marriage on a statutory basis for the first time. But
what was the situation before 1753, and what practical impact did
the Act have on popular practice? This thorough reassessment of law
and practice is of particular relevance to those tracing their
ancestors. First, the universality of formal marriage increases the
likelihood that a record of an ancestor's marriage will exist
somewhere; secondly, parish-level studies provide us with a clearer
idea of where one may need to look for a marriage; and, thirdly,
success or failure in tracing a marriage can be set within the
context of the marriage law and practice of the time.