The allegations, starting in 1603 are statements made by the applicants for a licence, asserting that there was no lawful impediment to the marriage. They supply the age (frequently "twenty-one years and upwards") abode, occupation (sometimes) and "state" (eg widower) of the applicant. Parental consent and signatures for minors. Grooms sign or mark.
Documents relate to the archdeaconry of Chester. Those for the western deaneries of the archdeaconry of Richmond are at the Lancashire Record Office.
The bonds and allegations for 1716-1718 and 1723-1799 are sorted into alphabetical order of bridegroom 1719-22. Those from 1820 (allegations only from 1824) are in monthly bundles. Bundles up to 1751 are for the old style year beginning on 25 March, thereafter they follow the calendar year.
Bonds and allegations 1634-1900 have been microfilmed, and the films should be used in preference to the original. Those for 1634-1715 and 1719-1720 are in chronological order. Those for 1716-1718, 1721-1850 are in alphabetical order of bridegroom's surname.
Those for 1805 and 1851 onwards are in monthly order (from 1824 there are allegations only).
Abstracts and indexes 1700-1719 have been published in LCRS vols 82, 85, 97, 101.
Similar information, relating to the licences themselves and taken from the marriage act books has been printed by LCRS for 1606-1700
Marriage licences were issued to those not proclaiming banns only upon "good caution and security taken" and therefore bonds and allegations were required prior to such issue. The bond was a surety for there being no impediment to the marriage and was entered into by two people, usually the groom and another man, and includes groom's abode and occupation and signature or mark, the name of the proposed bride and proposed place of marriage. The allegation by "two sufficient witnesses" alleged that the statements made on oath were true. After 1823 bonds ceased to be necessary although allegations continue to be required.
Bond and allegations could be taken out up to four months prior to the marriage date. However the issue of a licence is not a guarantee that the marriage actually took place.
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