It was very, very important
>that there be witnesses to both the marriage and the assignment of dower,
>particularly if particular properties were mentioned.
>We shouldn't discount the role of the parish church as a sort of "town hall"
>before there were any town halls as well. In smaller towns, the church
>formed sort of a locus for civic life, which is why so many guilds started
>off meeting there--and spending money to beautify it.
>
>Cheers--
>Susan Carroll-Clark
Susan.
Would the "outside marriage" preceding the "banns", as a precursor act?
Many thanks to everybody.
Claire Labrecque
Un.Laval, Quebec.
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