Anne Williams - St Briavels (General)

by m p griffiths , Thursday, June 30, 2011, 22:31 (4898 days ago) @ kat

Have you made contact with the Gloucestershire Records Office?

http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives

They hold the Guise family papers from 1190-1932 inc accounts books etc. estate/domestic papers/diaries - there may be information regarding private arrangements for these two girls.

There were Bastardy bonds where a father was made to pay maintenance by the Parish Officials. However, if the father made private arrangements then there would be no need for one to be issued. In addition to which the system was gradually phased out after the 1832 Reform Act and gradually replaced by maintenance orders issued by Petty Sessions Courts (equivalent to Magistrates Courts now), or the local workhouse officials if the girl ended up there.

If the father was someone prominent, it is unlikely that he would have allowed his name to be dragged through the courts in this way. He would have either made private arrangements which are difficult to trace, or the family would have been too scared to pursue it. Some men in this position did make arrangements in their wills.

This previous thread - may be useful.... (reply received from Sarah Aitken, Archives Asst. Glos. Records Office)

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=31149