Parish of Dunfermline, Clackmannan

[Clannessie]

If a couple married in Alloa, Clackmannan in 1781 and on the record it says Parish of Dunfermline....where exactly would that parish be?

Karen

[AndrewP]

Hi Karen,

It is likely that one of the couple was from Alloa, Clackmannanshire, and the other was from Dunfermline, Fife. What was the wording of the marriage record?

All the best,

AndrewP

[Clannessie]

21/4/1781 Galloway, Robert (OPR Marriages 465/00 0050 0275 Alloa (Clackmannan)

Robert Galloway & Isobel Keltie in the parish of Dunfermline gave up thier names for proclaimation of Banns upon the 21st April, 1781 Paid Double Dues

what are "double dues" anyway?

[Isabel H]

As Andrew said, Robert is from the Parish of Alloa where this was recorded, and his bride from Dunfermline. There ought to be a record in her parish too, which will probably be along the lines of "Isobel Keltie in this parish and Robert Galloway in the parish of Alloa....". It's worth looking at both though, as sometimes one may give a little more information than the other. The marriage would probably have taken place in the bride's parish.

Double dues probably means that they paid a bit extra and had the Banns called on only one Sunday instead of three.

[Currie]

Here are a couple of interesting letters written to “The Moral Reformer” in 1832. They are talking about the English church but the principle is probably much the same.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORAL REFORMER.
SIR,
As your work professes to be a Protestor against Corruption and Abuse, I need make no apology for requesting you to insert the following questions, with a view to obtain some information as to the Origin of certain practices, and the uses thereof to the Community at large:—first, What is the reason that our Law Church forbids people being married, during Lent, unless they pay Double Dues?—second, How is if that persons paying a sum of money for what is called a License, can be married at any place, and scarcely without any notice, whilst others, that do not choose to pay so much, must consent to have their names read on three several Sundays in one of the Churches, situated in the Parish where they reside, and, if required, must make Oath to that effect. Trusting you will insert the above in your April Number, with a view to call forth the Opinions of some of your Intelligent Correspondents.
I remain, Yours, &c.
An Edified Reader of the Moral Reformer.
Manchester, 10th March, 1832.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ftw ... =RA1-PA132

And the response:

MARRIAGE FEES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORAL REFORMER.
Sir,—As no one has come forward to answer the queries of "An edified reader of the Moral Reformer," I submit the following. First question: What is the reason our law church forbids people to be married during Lent, unless they pay double dues? The practice owes its birth to the same hands which invented the sale of indulgences, of which this is a branch; and the reason why this is retained in our law church is fully answered by the remark of a celebrated writer, who says that "our clergy are wonderfully afraid of anything that savours of popish superstitions, unless it be the money superstition, and then they stickle with a pertinacity almost unexampled." His second question may be as briefly answered, as it is a further indulgence for such as can afford to pay for licenses; and while there are persons in the world vain enough to give the clergy such sums for such sham honour and indulgences, no doubt there will be parsons honourable enough to lighten their pockets when it is offered to them. But among the reforms that are expected to take place, I should like the affairs of marriage to be performed by the civil authorities, as far as regards making it a legal marriage, and putting it under the protection of the law of the land; and then those who consider that there is something of a religious nature in the contract, may attend at their respective places of worship, and perform what services they think proper. This arrangement, I think, would give general satisfaction, except to that portion who would lose something by it, and who, when that is the case, can imitate so well the notes of the screech owl.—Yours,
A Hater of Church Abuses.
Blackburn, 8th May, 1832.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ftw ... =RA1-PA187


Hope that’s interesting,
Alan

[Russell]

Hi Alan

You do find the most edifying and fascinating insights into the mores of society and the move away from religious dominance in social affairs.
Please keep digging up those snippets.

Russell