The Medieval Idea of Marriage

by Christopher N.L. Brooke

Martin Ingram | Published in 31 Oct 1989
  • The Medieval Idea of Marriage
    Christopher N.L. Brooke - Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1989 - xviii + 325 pp.

‘There’s more to marriage’, said the old proverb, 'than four bare legs in a bed.' But what, precisely, was very much a live issue in the years around 1100. Was the essence of the union to he sought in consummation, or was it primarily a matter of words and intentions? In either case, what role was to he played by kinsfolk and neighbours? Where did the Church come in? And on what grounds, if any, could the union be dissolved?

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.