Following Visitations, particularly prior to the mid-nineteenth century, church courts heard cases of, and passed judgement on ecclesiastical sins, defamation and sexual misconduct of parishioners and clergy, issued marriage licences and honorary degrees, and granted probate (wills and letters of administration). In this illustrated lecture Dr Chapman provides many examples of the depositions (statements) of witnesses whilst explaining how these courts operated and where their records may be accessed today. Were your ancestors even properly married??

Speaker: Dr Colin Chapman