HL Deb 22 April 1839 vol 47 cc456-7
The Earl of Radnor

had to call their Lordships' attention to a petition from the guardians of the poor of a union in Essex, which called on the Legislature to take into their consideration the enactments respecting illegal marriages. It appeared, that in the usual course of proceeding, the proper officer had received notice of an intended marriage between a bachelor of the name of Morgan and a widow of the same name. In consequence of some inquiries that were made, it was found that the woman was the widow of Morgan's bro- ther; and the illegal marriage was therefore stopped. The parties left the place, but came down soon afterwards as man and wife, the marriage having been solemnized in London. To prevent, in future, proceedings of this objectionable nature, the petitioners were anxious that some legal measure should be adopted.

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