Gretna Green

Posted by SuzanneR on September 09, 1998 at 20:44:03:

In response to Gretna Greene Elopements, written by Jeannette on September 09, 1998 at 17:37:41

] Where was Gretna Greene? Why was it so common for couples to elope there. Was it easier to get a marriage licence there or what?

Gretna Green was (is?) a village in Scotland a few miles north of the English border. Runaway minors fled there to be married in order to escape the provisions of Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act (see archives for details).

According to The Regency Companion by Laudermilk and Hamlin, "Here [Gretna Green] couples had an easy way round any impediments they might find from relatives. Scotland did not require the consent of parents or guardians, the publication of banns, and, therefore, delays. Scotland only required a mutual declaration before witnesses." (84)

Hope this helps. There must be a ton of material on this topic in the archives.

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REPLIES:

• The Perils of Gretna Galleon 18:40:58 9/10/98 (9)
  • Scot's marriage law P. Bingham 20:16:50 9/10/98 (8)
    • Scottish law? Galleon 19:26:49 9/11/98 (7)
      • Gretna Green P. Bingham 20:39:13 9/11/98 (6)
        • What are fleet marriages? do you have information aboutn them? nf Constanza 09:13:39 9/14/98 (3)
          • Fleet Marriage Scandal P. Bingham 14:17:50 9/14/98 (1)
            • Wow -Gunning sister Constanza 17:09:53 9/14/98 (0)
          • Fleet Marriages SuzanneR 13:02:13 9/14/98 (0)
        • Oddities of Scottish and Irish Marriage Law SuzanneR 00:59:09 9/12/98 (1)
          • Irish laws P. Bingham 22:57:58 9/12/98 (0)
• Posting on Gretna Green The Mysterious H.C. 11:32:06 9/10/98 (0)

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