The evolution of marriage from medieval times up until the present day.
The English marriage has a colourful and eccentric history. Long after the rest of Europe and neighbouring Scotland reformed their marriage laws, England continued to stick to the chaotic laws of the medieval Church making it all too easy to enter into a marriage, and virtually impossible to end an unhappy one. Until the second half of the nineteenth century, when a woman married, she gave up her legal rights and literally became the property of her husband. With a few notable exceptions, people very rarely married for love. Social historian and author Maureen Waller talks to Jane about her latest book, The English Marriage, that covers the fascinating story of marriage鈥檚 evolution from medieval times right up until the present day.
The English Marriage: Tales of Love, Money and Adultery ISBN 978-1-84854-054-5
