Love is Heaven

Author’s note

Author’s noteBetrothal in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was considered as completely binding as the Marriage Ceremony itself.

For a gentleman to ‘cry off’ was inconceivable although it occasionally happened. In which case it usually involved a duel with the father or brother of the lady concerned avenging her honour.

Betrothal consisted of the interchange of rings – a kiss – the joining of hands – to which was added the testimony of a witness. In France the presence of a Priest was essential and it was customary in England for the aristocracy to have the engagement printed in the London Gazette and later in The Times and The Morning Post.

Among the ancient Jews betrothal was formal and as binding as marriage. Formal betrothal still retains much of its significance in Europe.

Yet engagements were broken and often elopements took place just before the Marriage Ceremony.

William the Conqueror fell in love with Matilda, a young woman who was promised to someone else. He wooed her roughly, even beating her up, but she eventually fell in love with him and became the first crowned Queen of England.