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This talk explores the hidden world of 17th and 18th century clandestine marriages, centring on London’s notorious Fleet Prison where couples could wed quickly, cheaply, and often in secret. It examines why these irregular unions were so popular, how they were conducted, and the social and legal controversies they provoked. The story culminates in the Marriage Act of 1753 which transformed English marriage law and left a lasting legacy for historians and family researchers
20 June 2026
Sarah Pettyfer holds the IHGS Higher Certificate and Diploma in Genealogy and is a professional family and house history researcher and a solicitor (no longer practising). It is therefore not surprising that her specialist areas of interest are legal records, such as court records, both civil (manorial, chancery, etc) and criminal and deeds. Sarah prefers to undertake pre-C19th research. She is a Member of AGRA, RQG, APG. Sarah is also the author of "Tracing Your Surrey Ancestors: A guide of family historians" part of the Pen and Sword 'county' series".
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