I have a case in which my gggg grandparents (Ruth and James) both remarried while the other was still alive. Ruth had 5 children, the first three by James and the other two by the second husband. I have no actual evidence that Ruth married the second partner, only her sayso - no certificate or witness to the marriage was produced.The court case seems to be about which of the five children should be supported by each husband (or which parish as Ruth is a pauper). James’ second marriage is to a Mary Ann Baldwin and is proven in court. Ruth is accused of fornication and her two younger children declared illegitimate. Nothing is said about James’ second marriage. Neither are either of the marriages declared void on this occasion. This case was in 1829. However, by 1832, Mary Ann Baldwin has gone back to using her maiden name.
I have read that bigamy wasn’t actually considered a crime until 1861 but even so, wouldn’t there have to be some sort of official document to declare the marriages void. If so, any ideas where to look for it?
I have read that bigamy wasn’t actually considered a crime until 1861 but even so, wouldn’t there have to be some sort of official document to declare the marriages void. If so, any ideas where to look for it?
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