Gretna Green is a famous wedding and dining stop just north of the Scottish border. They proclaim themselves as the gateway to Scotland.
Below is the famous Blacksmith shop where many tourists enjoy shopping for gifts. There's food as well.
The Wedding History Story
In 1754 a new law, Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act, was brought into force in England. This law required young people to be over 21 years of age if they wished to marry without their parents’ or guardian’s consent. The marriage was required to be a public ceremony in the couple’s parish, with an official of the Church presiding. The new law was rigorously enforced and carried a sentence of 14 years transportation for any clergyman found breaking it.
The Scots however did not change the law and continued with their centuries-old marriage customs. The law in Scotland allowed anyone over the age of 15 to enter into marriage provided they were not closely related to each other and were not in a relationship with anyone else.
This marriage contract could be made wherever the couple liked, in private or in public, in the presence of others or no-one at all.
Source: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Gretna-Green/
Learn more at Gretnagreen.com
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