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

  • Thread starter Evo
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In summary, in Scotland in the early 19th century, women were considered the property of their husbands and could be sold. A farmer bought a woman for 2 pounds and 5 shillings. This practice was legal until recently and is still practiced in some parts of the world. The eighteenth century newspaper reports on this topic can be found on Rictor Norton's page.
  • #1
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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  • #2
Ahhh... The good ol' days.

o:)
 
  • #3
What a rip-off
 
  • #4
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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  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
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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  • #8
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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FAQ: Was it legal to sell a wife in Scotland during the 19th century?

What is the concept of "Sale of a Wife"?

The "Sale of a Wife" refers to the practice of selling a woman to another man in exchange for money or other goods. This practice has been historically common in many cultures and is considered a form of human trafficking and a violation of human rights.

Is the "Sale of a Wife" still practiced today?

No, the "Sale of a Wife" is illegal in most countries and is widely condemned by international organizations. However, forced marriages and similar practices still occur in some parts of the world, often in the form of dowry or bride price.

What are the consequences of the "Sale of a Wife"?

The "Sale of a Wife" can have severe consequences for the woman involved, including physical and emotional abuse, exploitation, and loss of autonomy. It can also perpetuate gender inequality and reinforce harmful traditional practices.

What is being done to address the issue of the "Sale of a Wife"?

Many governments and organizations have implemented laws and policies to prevent and punish the practice of the "Sale of a Wife." Additionally, awareness campaigns and education programs are being conducted to change societal attitudes and promote gender equality.

How can individuals help to stop the "Sale of a Wife"?

Individuals can help by supporting organizations that work to prevent human trafficking and promote women's rights. They can also educate themselves and others about the issue and speak out against any form of violence or discrimination against women.

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