Community support ensured William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's marriage legality in Elizabethan era.

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Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
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3 min read

William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's marriage faced a legal obstacle due to their young ages, with Hathaway being older and already pregnant. To proceed with the wedding, Hathaway's neighbors, Fulk Sandalls and John Richardson, posted bonds to ensure no lawful claims would prevent the union. This financial guarantee was a common practice intended to assure that the marriage was legitimate and that no pre-existing contracts or objections from either party, family, or community would arise. The posting of these bonds by Sandalls and Richardson indicates the level of community support and involvement in ensuring the marriage's legality. It reflects the communal responsibility and trust placed on such agreements during the period. The commitment shown by Hathaway's neighbors highlights the societal norms and protocols surrounding matrimonial contracts of the Elizabethan era, stressing the importance of social and legal conformity. The impact of this event was significant as it allowed the marriage to proceed without any legal impediment, paving the way for William Shakespeare's future both personally and professionally. The marriage led to the birth of their three children and facilitated a stable family structure that supported Shakespeare’s career as a playwright and actor. #WilliamShakespeare #AnneHathaway #MarriageBonds #ElizabethanEra #MoofLife
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