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Old Blacksmiths Shop and Marriage Room, Gretna Green, Scotland, 1940s? Creator: Unknown
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Old Blacksmiths Shop and Marriage Room, Gretna Green, Scotland, 1940s? Creator: Unknown
Old Blacksmiths Shop and Marriage Room, Gretna Green, Scotland, 1940s? Sign reading: This is the famous Old Blacksmiths Shop and Marriage Room, Gretna Green. The town of Gretna Green in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, has been a destination for weddings since at least the 18th century. The blacksmiths in Gretna became known as anvil priests, as Scottish law allowed for irregular marriages, meaning almost anybody had the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies. Under the 1754 Marriage Act, if a parent of a person under the age of 21 objected to the minors marriage, the parent could legally veto the union. However the act only applied in England and Wales, not in Scotland
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Media ID 18910640
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Blacksmiths Shop Dumfries And Galloway Sign Smithy Gretna Green
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 1940s, capturing the famous Old Blacksmiths Shop and Marriage Room in Gretna Green, Scotland. The sign proudly announces its historical significance as a renowned wedding destination since at least the 18th century. In this charming image, we see a quaint building that served as both a blacksmith's shop and a marriage room. Known as anvil priests, the local blacksmiths held authority to conduct marriage ceremonies due to Scottish law allowing irregular marriages. This unique tradition attracted couples from far and wide seeking an alternative path to matrimony. The photograph offers us a glimpse into the exterior of this iconic establishment set against the picturesque backdrop of Dumfries and Galloway. Its monochrome tones add depth and nostalgia to the scene, evoking memories of bygone eras. As we observe this snapshot frozen in time, it becomes evident how significant this location was for those seeking love against societal constraints. It serves as a reminder of Scotland's distinct legal system that allowed young lovers to bypass parental objections under certain circumstances. Preserved by The Print Collector with unknown creatorship, this image not only captures architectural beauty but also carries within it stories of romance and rebellion against conventional norms - making it an invaluable piece of history worth cherishing for generations to come.
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