MEASURING BRIDES FOR DOWRIES.
A quaint ceremony is observed at Roydon, in Norfolk. About three hundred years ago the Lord of the Manor bequeathed the sum of £IOOO, the interest from which was to be devoted annually to provide dowries for four brides. Under the terms of the bequest the money has to be divided between the youngest, the eldest, the shortest and the tallest brides married during the course of each year in the parish church. This entails the "measuring of the bride.” After the marriage ceremony the bride and bridegroom proceed to the vestry to sign the register, and the bride is then measured by the officiating minister. In order that her correct stature may be ascertained, she is required to remove her shoes and let down her hair. At the end of the year the marriage records are examined and the dowries awarded to these qualified to receive them.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19311218.2.158
Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 13
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152MEASURING BRIDES FOR DOWRIES. Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 13
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