Selling Your Wife - Stuff That I Find Interesting

The video explores the history of divorce and annulment in England, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals seeking separation in the 18th and 19th centuries. Divorce was largely inaccessible to the poor, requiring parliamentary approval or church intervention. Annulments were difficult to obtain, needing proof of insanity or fraud. The Marriage Act of 1753 formalized weddings, but economic hardships led to the practice of spouse selling, which persisted into the early 20th century. This practice was criticized by the French and dismissed by the British government as propaganda.

What was one of the main reasons divorce was difficult to obtain in 18th century England?

• It was only allowed for religious reasons.

• It was only available to the poor.

• It required approval from the monarchy.

• It was an expensive process only accessible to the wealthy.

What was a requirement for annulling a marriage in historical England?

• Proving the partner was infertile.

• Proving the partner was a criminal.

• Proving the partner was insane or committed fraud.

• Proving the partner was a foreigner.

What did the 1753 Marriage Act require for weddings?

• A written contract signed by both families.

• A formal ceremony.

• A blessing from the local priest.

• A public announcement in the town square.

During economic downturns in the early 19th century, what unusual practice occurred in England?

• Spouse selling.

• Child labor.

• Tax evasion.

• Public executions.

Where was spouse selling most commonly reported in England?

• Yorkshire

• London

• Cornwall

• Kent