what was the marriage age for men and women in the 1800s

[biginky1]

How old did you have to be in order to mary in the 1800s?

[edukes]

I think it was 12, just finshed reading a book on victorian london, and the reason they changed it was sexual exploitation of minors.

[legend006]

Until 1928 i believe it was either 12 or 13 .

Yes 1928 i think theree was a marraige act then.


DID THIS HELP ?

[snow.maiden]

But in 1911 my great grandmother had to get permission to marry, as this was before her 21st birthday, so....???

[snow.maiden]

Perhaps it was because she needed her parents permission then - sorry, I don't know.

[Lil O'lady]

The age at which you could consent to sex was (for girls), 13 years of age up to the 1880's, then raised to 16 after campaigns.
Here are some interesting articles:
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/V/v ictorians/hattersley.html
http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki _ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/D7CD91FE1C309D7880257 04B00491D1D?openDocument
However to marry, you had to be an independent adult. Women were not considered capable of being independent adults - you belonged to your father or husband, or nearest male relative. Hence sons would be 'in charge' of their widowed mother.
A male suitor would have to ask permission to marry a woman, from her father or male guardian.