Elopement: Difference between revisions
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To '''elope''' literally means to '''run away'''. In 18th century England this term was used to refer to a marriage that was conducted by a couple that fled secretly to a place, where the English law did not apply. Most often couples crossed the border to the nearest Scottish village, Gretna Green. Among other popular Scottish border villages were Lamberton or Mordington. | To '''elope''' literally means to '''run away'''. In 18th-century England this term was used to refer to a marriage that was conducted by a couple that fled secretly to a place, where the English law did not apply. Most often couples crossed the border to the nearest Scottish village, Gretna Green. Among other popular Scottish border villages were Lamberton or Mordington. | ||
Elopement can be seen as a consequence of the Marriage Act, also called ''Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act'' passed in 1753. This act contained very strict rules regarding marriage. Only marriages solemnised in a church and between those aged over 21 were recognized. If they were not 21 the couple needed parental consent. To avoid the law, it was necessary to get either a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury or to elope to Scotland. | Elopement can be seen as a consequence of the Marriage Act, also called ''Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act'' passed in 1753. This act contained very strict rules regarding marriage. Only marriages solemnised in a church and between those aged over 21 were recognized. If they were not 21 the couple needed parental consent. To avoid the law, it was necessary to get either a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury or to elope to Scotland. | ||
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In Scotland marriage was legal at the age of 16. All the Scottish law required was that there were two witnesses to the marriage. Usually the marriage was performed by the local blacksmith. That is why blacksmiths in Gretna Green were sometimes called “anvil priests”, because the anvil served as altar. | In Scotland marriage was legal at the age of 16. All the Scottish law required was that there were two witnesses to the marriage. Usually the marriage was performed by the local blacksmith. That is why blacksmiths in Gretna Green were sometimes called “anvil priests”, because the anvil served as altar. | ||
In [[Jane Austen]]’s novels elopements play a role, too. In her works, Austen shows the negative aspect of elopements. In ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'' the elopement by Lydia and Wickham leads to a bad marriage. Elopement was not well respected in society and considered to be an embarrassment for the family. Most often the eloping couple had no dowries or marriage settlements as financial support. | In [[Jane Austen]]’s novels elopements play a role, too. In her works, Austen shows the negative aspect of elopements. In ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'' the elopement by Lydia and Wickham leads to drama and probably a bad marriage. Elopement was not well respected in society and considered to be an embarrassment for the family. Most often the eloping couple had no dowries or marriage settlements as financial support. | ||
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Revision as of 18:54, 25 January 2010
To elope literally means to run away. In 18th-century England this term was used to refer to a marriage that was conducted by a couple that fled secretly to a place, where the English law did not apply. Most often couples crossed the border to the nearest Scottish village, Gretna Green. Among other popular Scottish border villages were Lamberton or Mordington.
Elopement can be seen as a consequence of the Marriage Act, also called Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act passed in 1753. This act contained very strict rules regarding marriage. Only marriages solemnised in a church and between those aged over 21 were recognized. If they were not 21 the couple needed parental consent. To avoid the law, it was necessary to get either a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury or to elope to Scotland.
In Scotland marriage was legal at the age of 16. All the Scottish law required was that there were two witnesses to the marriage. Usually the marriage was performed by the local blacksmith. That is why blacksmiths in Gretna Green were sometimes called “anvil priests”, because the anvil served as altar.
In Jane Austen’s novels elopements play a role, too. In her works, Austen shows the negative aspect of elopements. In Pride and Prejudice the elopement by Lydia and Wickham leads to drama and probably a bad marriage. Elopement was not well respected in society and considered to be an embarrassment for the family. Most often the eloping couple had no dowries or marriage settlements as financial support.
Sources:
Balkovek, Corin. “The Marriage Act of 1753”. British Enlightenment Class Project. 2004. 11 Dec.2009.<http://www.humboldt.edu/~jbd2/Eng350/MarriageCD/website/Marriage.htm>.
"elopement." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 11 Dec. 2009 <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elopement>.
Klingel Ray, Joan. Jane Austen for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 2006.