Find your ancestors in Pembrokeshire marriages and banns

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Banns

Before 1754, banns were listed in one volume with baptisms, marriages, and burials, but after 1754, they were recorded in a separate designated book. Over the years, the books became more standardised and later banns are recorded in pre-printed books.

The tradition of banns can be traced as far back as 1215. It was introduced as a way to prevent secret marriages. Banns were announcements made in the church on three separate Sundays during the three months leading up to the wedding day. The announcements were made to give the congregation an opportunity to voice any objection to the marriage. Finding a banns record is not confirmation that a couple were married. If banns were announced, it meant that a couple intended to marry, but for a variety of reasons the marriage may not have proceeded.

Marriages

The Pembrokeshire records span across three centuries and provide valuable information for your family’s history. Especially if your family lived in the same area for generations, you could possibly find more than one relative’s marriage record.

Through the marriage records, you will gain great insight into your relative’s life. You can discover what your ancestors did for a living, how old they were when they married, and who they wanted to be present when they married. The records can give you up to four additional names to add to your ever-growing family tree. Use the add to tree feature to help you keep track of your ancestors and each record you have found for them.