Genealogy Chat

If a Marriage cert. London 1845 states the couple as "Minors" what age would they be 'under'? All censuses there-after suggest births at1811 (male) & 1821 (female). Hers wobbles a bit over the years & ends at 1891 age 74 ..He is deceased. Both from Cork, Ireland, their birth dates are not yet proven.His census ages are consistant until 1881 when he is 73.
Does any one know what year marriage ages were raised from 12-15 etc.?
Any thoughts appreciated
cheers Wendy

Hi Wendy, take a look at this site, lots of useful inforation about certificates:- http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/indexbd.htm

The age at which a person could marry and at which they would require consent has changed since 1837. Then marriage could be at 12 for a girl and 14 for a boy, but consent of parent(s) was required for both up to the age of 21. In 1926 the age of marriage for both parties was raised to 16 but consent for both was still required until 21. Now, the age at which people can marry is still 16 but the age for consent has been lowered to 18.

So I suspect they were under the age of 21, but this does not fit with the census.

Ages on census not always correct, I have an ancestor who was 47 on 1841 census and then 87 on 1851 census, As she was born in 1874, first age correct.

Believe Enumerator must have made a five look like an eight. So dont believe all you see, explore other avenues.

Thank you Keith, just the ticket to help 3 people wondering....

Thanks Teddys, I did take census ages with the proverbial grain of salt but writing was mostly pretty clear, & their last mentioned ages were quite 'up there'.

Will have to try the old country..

cheers Wendy M.

Beautifully put ' Belle, & they thought they were fooling us eh? When you think about it a 2yr old is of full age as far as they've come.
thankyou, Wendy M.