‘It is an action like a stratagem in war where man can err but once’ – Choosing a spouse in 16th century England

During the 16th century, as in the centuries both before and after, marriage was a state that most aspired to – it gave both men and women status not only as full adults but, in the case of men, that of householder. Without marriage, women had few opportunities to independently support themselves.

Except for those at the upper levels of society, marriage was not possible until the prospective bride and groom were in a position to maintain a family by their own efforts. For most this meant wai...