Sir,--It was a prevalent custom to have “_bidden_ weddings” when a
couple of respectability and of slender means were on the eve of
marriage; in this case they gave publicity to their intentions through
the medium of the “_Cumberland_ Pacquet,” a paper published at
Whitehaven, and which about twenty-nine years ago was the only newspaper
printed in the county. The editor, Mr. John Ware, used to set off the
invitation in a novel and amusing manner, which never failed to ensure a
large meeting, and frequently the contributions made on the occasion, by
the visitors, were of so much importance to the new married couple, that
by care and industry they were enabled to make so good “_a fend as niver
to look ahint them_.”[357]
A long absence from the county precludes me from stating whether this
“good old custom” continues to be practised: perhaps some of your
readers will favour you with additional information on this subject, and
if they would also describe any other customs peculiar to this county,
it would to me, at least, be acceptable.
The following is a copy of an advertisement, as it appeared in the
Cumberland Pacquet in a number for June, 1803:--