ABSTRACT
Betrothal usually took place between those inhabiting the same quarter; at first, because allied families resided near each other, under the shelter of their protecting towers; later, the bride was given to some neighbour following her father’s trade—someone, who was thoroughly known. Among the higher classes in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the three points of greatest importance in betrothal were lineage, wealth and political party; later on, wealth and position, especially political position, were most considered. Political exigencies or greed brought about very early betrothal and marriage; babes in the cradle were often affianced, and, often, they did not meet before the signing of the marriage contract. Betrothal was regarded as a very solemn contract, only invalid when effected at an early age without parental consent. If the parents arranged a marriage between little children, to take effect on their reaching nubile age, the obligation was held to be valid and inviolable.
