Genealogy Chat

Hi there, I am about to order my nans mc to see if my grandfather had been married previously. (I have found someone I think could be my father's half brother). Is it a legal requirement to declare on your marriage cerificate that you are a widower or divorcee? Also will his previous wife's name be mentioned on the mc? Thanks, Carolyn.

don't know if its legal or not but when my gt g/parents married it said she was a spinster and he was a widower it turns out she was the widow and he was a bachelor Julie

Even if it does say widower, unfortunately it won't give the name of his first wife. Sam x

Thanks for all your replies. The only reason I was hoping that the previous wife's name is mentioned is because on his next mc (after my nan's marriage), my nan's name is mentioned on the mc, in brackets after the word divorcee. Is there any other way I can find out if he was married before my nan? Thanks, Carolyn.

If he has an unusual name and you have a rough idea of the time frame you could trawl the bmd index. Is there no one else who may have more info to help you?

Hi Heather, He does have an unusual name - Albert Edward Blosse born 1899, but I have had no luck trawling through the bmd. Its because I found a war grave with Dennis Frederick Blosse died 1944 aged 19 in france, son of Albert Edward Blosse and Ethel Maud Blosse, Southwark. Just seemed a big coincidence if its not the same guy, especially as he didn't marry my nan until 1940. Thanks anyway, I will have to continue trawling! Carolyn.

The birth of Dennis F. BLOSSE was registered in March Q. 1925, Camberwell 1d 1327,... mmn. FOAL Gwyn

Iguess we need to check if there was anyone else with the Grand dads name born in right year? Is Southwark the right area for him?

I cant find an Albert Edward Blosse b 1899 Either these two right? Albert C Bloss William J, Selena abt 1896 Mellwall, London, England Son Hackney London Albert Bloss Stephen, Eliza abt 1890 Hackney, London, England Son Hackney London

Perhaps the naming of a divorced wife depended on which registrar was on duty. I have one from 1947, where the previous wife is named on her Ex's next marriage certificate Gwyn

There is a death for an Ethel Ethel M.L Blosse age 53 Qtr 1 1939 Bournemouth 2b 1193

Thanks everyone for your information and help. I will carry on searching with the leads you have given me. Thanks again, carolyn.

Albert was born in Lambeth, son of William and Louisa, he is in the 1901 census and I have his birth certificate. Can't find any other Alberts E Blosse s but will keep looking. Thanks again, Carolyn.

There was a Ronald E BLOSSE mmn FOAL registered in Sept. Q. 1921 Gwyn

Might be worth me looking into, maybe the enscription on the war grave was wrong. Thanks Gwyn

I was thinking that Ronald and Dennis may have been brothers and the dates might help to find a marriage year. Gwyn

It is always a possibility that the guy who's grave you found lied about his age so that he could serve in the armed forces. You've got a couple of good leads there, hope they come to something. You could try investigating the death of Ethel that was found and see what info you can find on her. Death cert could lead to death informant and possibly home address, checking the electoral register could then tell you which adults she was living with at the time.

Thanks Gwyn. Sorry I was a bit tired when I replied - 1 year old not sleeping! Yes I think they are brothers so that has given me more food for thought. Thanks again. It is worth trying what you suggest Liz, never know what I will come up with. Thanks for your feedback. Carolyn.

This looks like it might be the same Ronald's death registration... Name: Ronald Edward Blosse Birth Date: 5 Jun 1921 Death Registration Month/Year: Aug 2000 Age at death (estimated): 79 Registration district: Bury St Edmunds Inferred County: Suffolk Register number: C23D Entry Number: 279 Gwyn