Was it legal to sell a wife in Scotland during the 19th century?

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In early 19th century Scotland, women were viewed as property of their husbands, with instances of them being sold, as exemplified by a farmer purchasing a woman for 2 pounds, 5 shillings. This practice highlights the historical context of women's rights and societal norms. The discussion references broadsides, which served as the tabloids of the time, showcasing various societal issues, including gruesome events. The legality of such practices was surprising to some participants, who noted that while women could not sell their husbands, dowries were a common practice in many cultures, still observed in some regions today. Rictor Norton's research on 18th-century newspaper reports adds depth to the conversation about historical gender dynamics.
Evo
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Seems in Scotland in the early 19th century women were considered the property of their husbands and could be sold. A farmer bought her for 2 pounds, 5 shillings.

The full transcription is located here if you don't want to strain your eyes. http://www.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/15971/transcript/1


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Ahhh... The good ol' days.

o:)
 
What a rip-off
 
Here's a link to 1,800 such "broadsides", the tabloids of the day. Dating from 1650. Wow, some of these are a bit gruesome.

http://www.nls.uk/broadsides/search.html
 
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Integral said:
Ahhh... The good ol' days.
o:)
I didn't realize it was legal so recently. Of course women couldn't sell their husbands.
 
Evo said:
I didn't realize it was legal so recently. Of course women couldn't sell their husbands.
Maybe not sell but many women had to buy their husbands in many different cultures (dowry) :wink:. In fact this is still practiced today in some parts of the world.
 
Rictor Norton's page is quite good on the eighteenth century newspaper reports:
http://www.infopt.demon.co.uk/grub/grub.htm
 
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arildno said:
Rictor Norton's page is quite good on the eighteenth century newspaper reports:
http://www.infopt.demon.co.uk/grub/grub.htm
Oooh, thanks Arildno!
 
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