Gretna Green is a village in Scotland. It became popular due to their lax marriage laws and the ease of marrying there, resulting in couples traveling over the border from England to marry. Over time, the term "Gretna Green" became generalized to refer to any location that had relaxed marriage laws.
HistoryHistory
Gretna Green gained popularity as a place to marry was the result of restrictive English laws. The first, Lord Hardwicke’s Act, became law on March 26, 1754. This English marriage law placed restrictions around marriage, requiring couples to marry in the church and be 21-years-old in order to marry without parental consent.[1]
Unlike England, Scotland continued with their old marriage laws which allowed for marriages to occur “on the spot” with a declaration in the presence of two witnesses. No other restrictions were placed on the couple. They simply had to affirm that they were free to marry[2], not closely related, and they were over the age of 15 years.[3]
Due to the ease in marrying in Scotland, couples in England made their way over the border to marry. Gretna Green was a convenient location since it was on the road for those traveling from London to Scotland. It was also convenient for those couples looking to get married quickly, out of sight of disapproving family members.
Because marriages could be officiated anywhere and by anyone, couples chose the first place they came to when entering Gretna Green, the blacksmith’s shop. Blacksmiths were high regarded members of the community. As more and more couples sough their assistance they became known as "Anvil Priests."[4]
To try to stop couples from traveling to Scotland to marry in haste, an English law was passed in 1856 requiring a “cooling off” period for couples who wanted to get married in Scotland. This law required the bide or groom to live in Scotland for 21 days prior to marrying there. This law didn't stop couples from traveling to Scotland, and Gretna Green helped to house those who had their sights on marrying. This law was repealed in the 1970s.[2]
In 1940, Scotland finally acquiesced to England and outlawed marriages conducted by blacksmiths. Registrars could legally marry couples so some of the benefits of marrying in Scotland hadn't changed.[2] Today, more out of nostalgia than for legal reasons, couples from England and other counties still travel to marry in Gretna Green, Scotland.
LocationLocation
Gretna Green, Scotland, is a parish in the southern council area of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, on the Scottish side of the border between Scotland and England; it was historically the first village a traveler would come to in Scotland when following the old coaching route from London to Edinburgh.
Gretna Green marriage recordsGretna Green marriage records
If you believe your ancestor married at Gretna Green, Scotland you may be able to contact the blacksmith shop and have them conduct a search. According to the Gretna Green website, a majority of records after 1880 are available. To learn more see the Gretna Green web page, Tracing Your Roots.
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Explore more about Gretna GreenExplore more about Gretna Green
Other Scottish marriage records can be found online. MyHeritage’s Scotland Marriages, 1561-1910 should be consulted.
References
- ↑ Why Flee to Gretna Green
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gretna Green Chronology
- ↑ Gretna Green Historic UK
- ↑ Why the Blacksmith's Shop. Gretna Green