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Archiver > POWYS > 2000-05 > 0957347451


From: "Parry, Nigel R" <>
Subject: Re: Montgomeryshire Enquiries
Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 10:50:51 +0100


David Peate wrote:
>Mary EVANS wife M 20 (sic) born Kerry, Montgomeryshire
>Mary Ann EVANS dau 7 born Kerry, Montgomeryshire

David,
I guess that you inserted the (sic) due to the given ages for mother and daughter that would make the elder Mary about 13 at the time of birth. This may simply be a transcription error by the census enumerator. However, I was lurking ghoulishly in Berkeley (Gloucs.) churchyard last week and noticed a headstone dating from about 1830 to a "Beloved wife" aged 13. The inscription appeared clear and unweathered. When was the effective legal age for marriage established at 16 in the UK?

Regards,

Nigel Parry, Kent, UK.

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