Prior to the beginning of the 20th century in Europe, a tradition of selling wives

During medieval times, women were completely subordinate to their husbands. After marriage, husband and wife have a common legal status. At this time in history, married women could not be private property and were, in fact, the property of their husbands. It is unclear when the custom of selling a wife by public auction originated, but written records indicate that it lasted for a period of time at the end of the XVII century. In most cases, the sale announced in advance, perhaps it was similar to the current ads in the local newspaper.

This usually took the form of an auction, usually at the local market. A woman throws a loop of the rope around the neck or waist, tied his hands. His wife gave for the largest designated price. It was one way for a man to break unsatisfactory marriage. Similar auctions are regularly carried out, and in the XVIII and XIX century, even.

In most cases, public divorce was not an option of ordinary people. In 1690 a law was passed that required the couple has provided a statement to obtain an official certificate of divorce. It was expensive and time consuming process. The process of selling his wife had no foundation in English law and often leads to the prosecution, particularly in the middle of XIX century. However, the attitude of the authorities was passive. It should be noted that only some of XIX century wives objected to its sale, and the women of the XVIII century practically did not resist, took it for granted.

In some cases, the wife herself happy with her own sale, and even provides the necessary amount of money to be released from the bonds of marriage. Selling wife survived in some form before the beginning of the XX century. In 1913, a woman argued in Leeds police court that she was sold to one of the companions of her husband. This is one of the latest cases of sale of wives in England, which is known. Today, in some countries you can visit the website and get a divorce online.

Source: www.mindhobby.com

via factroom.ru