We have an antique (1885-1895c.), lithograph print from an original painting by an artist we think is William Arthur Breakspeare (1856-1914).
The print of the original painting depicts the mid 19th Century British Law that a couple must each be 21 years old prior to marriage as per new English parliament at the time.
In the village of Gretna Green, Scotland, there was a ‘Marriage Mill’ in the Blacksmith's Shop.
In 1856, Lord Brougham's Act, sometimes known as "the cooling-off act" stipulates a three-week residency in Scotland prior to the marriage for at least one half of a marrying couple for the marriage to be legal.
This haven was now inside the borders of the new law. Couples flourished there to be married illegally, and taking on a great risk of being caught and arrested.
Gretna Green's Runaway Past:
In the middle of the 18th century English law lords approved new laws to tightened marriage arrangements. Couples had to reach the age of 21 before they could marry without their parents' consent and their marriage had to take place in a church.
Scottish law however was different: you could marry on the spot, in a simple 'marriage by declaration', or 'hand-fasting' ceremony, only requiring two witnesses and assurances from the couple that they were both free to marry.
With such a relaxed arrangement
within reach of England it soon led to the inevitable influx of countless thousands
of young couples running-away to marry over the border. Gretna Green was
the first village in Scotland and conveniently situated on the main route from
London into Scotland.
With Gretna Green perfectly placed to take advantage of the differences in the
two countries' marriage laws and with an angry father-of-the-bride usually in hot
pursuit, the runaway couple could not waste time. Therefore, as soon as
they reached Scottish soil in Gretna Green, they would find a place of security
where they could marry at haste!
Comes with the original late 19th century news article about the capture and doom of Gretna Green, known today for being a wedding destination, also called ‘The Mill Forge’.
The date is not present on the newspaper clipping, but history publishes this event to be around the mid 1850’s.
Frame is pieced Cherrywood, and unstained, accept for black painted trim. Marks are evident in photos.
Print is pristine, with no damage, and no flaws to report about glass.
Framed, measures 21.5 x 31.25 x 1.5 inches (W x L x D).
😊 THANK YOU FOR BROWSING & SHOPPING WITH US AT HESPELER VINTAGE! 😊
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