Illegal relationships

[Heather Positive Thinker]

Thanks everyone - its quite an eye opener isnt it. I should imagine its not just the - incestuous aspect but may be some time back it was intended as a discouragement for a jealous sibling to remove or arrange the removal of the spouse who was an obstacle to his desire? (for instance the Biblical David sending his lovers wife into battle assured that he would meet death)

[Uncle John]

Deceased wife's sister was (I understand) all about discouraging people from marrying a rich (or well-insured) woman, killing her off for her money and then marrying her poor but lovely sister. But maybe I'm just a cynic/softie.

[Guy]

well, it never stopped henry VIII and catherine of aragon

Sounds so simple, unfortunately the Pope refused to allow the marriage to Anne Boleyn. So Henry had to use Cardinal Wolsey this eventually led to the order for the execution of Wolsey. As things turned out Wolsey died before this could happen.
It was not until after a number of Acts of Parliament that Henry managed to marry Anne Boleyn in secret.

If Henry VIII had been a commoner it most certainly would have prevented the marriage.
Cheers
Guy