The singular mode of solemnizing marriages that took place during
Cromwell’s usurpation, was pretty strictly observed for the space of
four years; during which time sixty-six couple were joined together
before the civil magistrate (at Knaresbrough.) The gentlemen who were
applied to in this case, for the most part, appear to be Thomas
Stockdale, of Bilton Park, Esq.; sir Thomas Mouleverer, bart. of
Allerton Park; or the mayor of Ripon. The bans were published on three
separate days before marriage, sometimes at the market-cross, and
sometimes in the church. The following is a copy of one of the
certificates:--
“_30 Mar. 1651._ Marmaduke Inman and Prudence Lowcock, both of the
parish of Knaresbrough, were this day married together at Ripon,
having first been published three several market-days in the
market-place at Knaresbrough, according to the act of parliament, and
no exceptions made.
“In the presence of
“_Thomas Davie_,
“_Anthony Simpson_.”