Parish record

[Boudicca]

I have just been going over some of my OH's family tree and found a marriage from a parish record. I'd appreciate it if someone could just clarify something for me:

Joseph Wadsworth ,w, & Alice James, lic....19 Sep 1781

Am I right in thinking the w stands for widower? Also, why would it mention a licence?

Many thanks

[Olde Crone Holden]

Yes, w stands for widower.

Licence - didn't want to have Banns called. Didn't want people gawping at them in church. Maybe Mrs Wadsworth wasn't long dead? Maybe Miss James was in an interesting condition?

OC

[Boudicca]

Thanks OC, it certainly does make you wonder why!