Before a couple could be married in the parish church their "banns" had to be read
to the congregation for 3 consecutive Sundays before the union could be blessed. This
allowed the locals to bring to the vicar's notice any reason why they should not be
married in church (or, in extreme cases, married at all).

Where the couple came from different parishes the banns were read in both and a
certificate issued by the vicar who was not performing the ceremony (usually, but not
always, the service took place in the bride's parish). It is interesting to note that the
parish given is sometimes that where the party resided and not necessarily where
they were born.