DEVON-L Archives

Archiver > DEVON > 2001-03 > 0985330494


From: Bob Muchamore <>
Subject: Re: Stoke Damerel OPC - Website (first cut) is up
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001 17:24:54 +1030


At 21:51 22-03-01 -0500, Jeremy wrote:
>In Devon, in the late 1700's early 1800's RC's were required to have a
>civil marriage, I believe. For RC's, where was the Sacrament of Marriage
>conducted, in the Catholic Mission or in a C of E Church - do you know by
>any chance.

Part right - the problem being that English law did not allow Roman
Catholic Priests or premises to be "licenced for marriages" although many
non-conformist groups were so permitted.

As recently as 1957, when I married in England our rite was
conducted in the Catholic Church and, when we retired to the vestry to sign
the papers, we were required to repeat suitable declarations in front of the
CIVIL Registrar for the district.

Rather amusing really - that the RC would not recognise a Civil
marriage, and neither did the English system recognise the Catholic marriage!

It's a long history going back to the days of the split away from
the Papacy, the bloody Civil War, the "Establishment" of the Church of
England - and the "today" fact that the monarchy cannot marry a Catholic and
still remain "in line" for the throne.
Interesting, but tragic, reading.

Best wishes,
Bob Muchamore: (Elizabeth South, South Australia)
WebSite: "The World of M*CH*M*RE" at http://www.picknowl.com.au/homepages/bobm

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