What were the conventions of marriage in Shakespearean England?

Marriage in Shakespearean England, which refers to the period during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) and the early part of the reign of King James I (1603-1625), was governed by a set of social, legal, and cultural norms and conventions. Here are some key aspects of marriage during that period:

Parental Consent and Arranged Marriages: Marriages were often arranged by families, with the consent of both sets of parents being essential. Parents considered factors such as social status, economic standing, and family connections when choosing suitable marriage partners for their children.

Legal Requirements: According to the Marriage Act of 1540, marriages had to be conducted in a church by an ordained minister. The banns of marriage had to be read publicly in the parish church on three separate occasions before the wedding could take place.

Dowry and Settlements: It was customary for the bride's family to provide a dowry, which could include money, property, or goods, to the groom as part of the marriage arrangement. In turn, the groom would often provide a jointure, which was a financial provision for the bride in case of her husband's death.

Consent of the Couple: While arranged marriages were common, it was also recognized that the consent of both the bride and groom was necessary for a valid marriage. Forced marriages were illegal, and either party could seek an annulment if they were coerced into marriage.

Social Expectations and Roles: Marriage was seen as a social institution with clear expectations for husbands and wives. Husbands were expected to be the heads of their households and provide for their families, while wives were expected to be obedient, manage the household, and raise children.

Divorce and Annulment: Divorce was rare and difficult to obtain in Shakespearean England. However, annulments were possible in certain circumstances, such as if the marriage was not consummated or if one of the parties was incapable of consent due to mental incapacity.

Remarriage: Widowers and widows were permitted to remarry, although there were social expectations that a period of mourning should be observed before entering into a new marriage.

It's important to note that these conventions were not universally followed, and there could be variations in marriage practices depending on social class, region, and personal circumstances.