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In many instances, it was a guaranteed day off work.

It was a day off work. No paid holidays back then. The poor old clergy had some very busy Christmas days. I've seen up to ten marriages on Dec 25th.

Andy

I'm not sure but I seem to remember reading somewhere that marriages on Christmas Day were free of charge especially in large cities and therefore quite popular. I think baptisms were also free on Christmas Day.

Kath. x

It was often the only day that a servant would have off.


The other thing that you might have noticed if you look at different marriages on the same page of a Parish Register ....... the same name(s) will occur time and time again.

These were known as Professional Witnesses .............. members of the church (eg, the Sexton), who were paid a small amount to act as witness to the marriage.

Most people who got married found that their friends or relatives could not get the same day off, so the bride and groom would walk alone to the church, and then pay the Professional Witnesses.


Several of my family walked from Oldham to Prestwich up until about 1850, probably about 10 or 11 (edited to correct from 1 mile!) miles, because the church in Prestwich was the Parish Church for Oldham. A new Parish Church was built in Oldham around 1820/1830 .......... but many people wanted to get married in the "real" church!

Their friends or relations never seem to have been able to accompany them, as the Register shows Professional Witnesses.

As a side note .............. that church in Prestwich is the one that has often been used as the site for weddings on Coronation Street :-D

An interesting concept Kathleen, so I just Googled it. Most of the reasons given were as stated by Detective and Andy, but apparently it was the custom in London because it was free. Full marks to you all and thanks.

Yvonne

Thanks Sylvia
I've heard that one before about Professional Witnesses but couldn't understand why, now I get it.
Sorry, not a Coronation Street fan.

Yvonne ................. neither am I a fan!!

It was just a little note that I picked up when looking for a photograph of the church where so many of my direct ancestors got married!

Thanks Sylvia.

Thanks Sylvia.