Once of the best pieces of advice given to me whilst researching my husband's Griffiths line from Cirencester 16/17th century - (spelt in so many different ways) and lots of John's (even two of my Grandson's are called John/James) - was to form family groups and check for any clues in family names/Wills and occupations which go on through generations in our case Coopers.

Quickly checking the Gloucestershire Marriage Allegations and Marriage Bonds on this site - for Griffiths

1 January 1743

William GRIFFITTS - Yeoman : residence: Mitchel Dean

Penelope BOSSOM -

by bond
he signs

Witness 1: Richard TAYLER a Tobacconist of the City of Gloucester
Marriage Bond

Memoranda: The groom and Richard TAYLER are bound in the sum of £500. To marry at Mitchel Dean

and

26 July 1750

William BOWER aged 21, Yeoman of Abenhall

Ester GRIFFITH - singlewoman of Mitcheldean

etc etc

I was once told....

The Welsh were banned from England by the Black Prince, as being military dangerous, but could be found anywhere by the time of the Tudors.

----

Men in Armour for Gloucestershire 1608

Mitcheldean

John GRIFFYTH, Cutler A40 (age 40) lower stature

Up until the 1929 Marriage Act: Females could marry aged 12 and Males aged 14 years.