Breconshire, Wales, Heiratsindex, 1813-1837

This database contains an index to marriages from Breconshire, Wales covering the years 1813-1837. This year range just precedes the beginning of civil registration in England and Wales. This index was compiled by Alan Powell and Bryan Hemmings, both of South Wales. Information in this index was transcribed primarily from original parish registers. Where there were gaps or missing records in the parish registers, Bishop’s Transcripts were used as an alternate source. Images of the original parish registers are not included here.

Information that may be found in this database includes:

• Names of bride and groom


• Marriage place


• Marriage date


• Indication if there was a marriage license*


• Comments (may include other information about the bride and/or groom such as their residences or occupations)

*Marriage licenses were introduced in England and Wales in the 1300s by the Church of England. They were usually granted by the archdeacon, bishop, or archbishop. The only requirements for receiving a license was payment of a fee and a statement of no marriage impediments.

If no marriage license was issued, this generally means that the couple was married by banns. Marriage banns were usually read in church or posted in public areas on three consecutive Sundays preceding the wedding. Banns gave residents the opportunity to object to the proposed marriage. If no objections were found, the couple was free to marry.

Both marriage banns and marriage licenses may provide additional information about the bride and groom. Prior to 1837, marriage records were kept by the local parish and have usually been deposited with the local county record office.