A Forced Marriage

A pauper of the name of Killula, belonging to the parish of Bishopsgate-with-out, was brought before the Lord Mayor at the Mansion house, at the instance of the parochial authorities, in order that his lordship might decide as to the proper course to be adopted in a case of compulsory marriage between two paupers, under circumstances of a more extraordinary nature than have ever been made public. Mr Smart, the vestry clerk, stated that the pauper at the bar had been on the parish of Bishopsgate since 1817; that some time since the poor-house was full and that Killula among others, was sent to the parish farm-house, at West Ham. There the pauper became acquainted with a female pauper belonging to Theydon Mount parish, Essex, the result of which was that the female became pregnant.

As soon as the parish-officers of Theydon Mount knew this fact, they learnt who was the father; and as Killula had returned to Bishopsgate, a warrant was obtained, and the boy (for Killula is not yet of age) was taken into custody, carried down to Theydon Mount, and preparations commenced for marrying the parties. It was found necessary to use special haste as the period of the female's accouchement was near at hand, and it was essential to fix the parish of Bishopsgate as the residence of the child by "tying the knot," before it came into the world. A licence was obtained, but then it was discovered that parties were under age; and the gay Lothario dissented from the marriage, on the grounds that he had no money, no business, no clothes, nor a place to put his head in. The banns of the parties were put up but before the customary time had elapsed the nymph gave birth to a child. Killula the whole time remaining under strict custody, a person sitting up with him all night, to prevent escape.

At length some of the parochial officers, the banns having been duly asked, accompanied the paupers to church, married them, and gave the husband a shilling, and told him and his wife to go about their business. They came to Bishopsgate parish, and now the Lord Mayor's interference was asked to compel the parish of Theydon Mount to afford support for the child. The Lord Mayor said that the case was a more gross one that he had ever heard - it was little less than a conspiracy to have taken the parties from the workhouse, and to have kept Killula under coercion till he was married. Such conduct was most extraordinary. The parish of Bishopsgate had clearly a right to receive from the parish of Theydon Mount means to support the child. The case was a most disgraceful one. He thought it would be better for the parish of Bishopsgate to intimate to Mr. Tanner, the churchwarden of Theydon Mount parish, that some provision must be made for the child.

Under the circumstances this was the best course of action at present to be adopted. Mr Smart consented and retired.¹⁷