Posted by Caroline on June 27, 1997 at 16:48:36:
In reply to Re:women and inherited wealth posted by Kathy F. on June 27, 1997 at 15:48:06
]
] I believe that refers to money settled on children other than the first-born son. In P&P, the Bennet girls are to split the money their mother brought into the marriage--5000 pounds. The whole thing was fixed before the marriage, by contract, I believe. I don't think all wealth was entailed away from daughters.
] Kathy
I believe Women could inherit money, which was "theirs" until they married.But the managing of that money was in the power of their parent or guardian until they came of age, so they didn't have much control over the situation!Women could not inherit land. I am not sure of the situation as regards investments.
So a woman could be left money in a will, and that money held in trust for her , managed by an appointed guardian.A woman who was "wealthy in her own right" had enough money of her own to live off the investment profit.How she spent that money would be part of the will or settlement at marriage.
This is off the top of my head, and I cannot check it a t present. Have you read Henry's Pages?
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