Somerset betrothals in the 1560s

Betrothals continued to play an important role in relations between men and women long after the Reformation. There are even cases of complete marriage vows being taken from couples in secular settings often presided over by a relative.  At Staplegrove a blacksmith performed the betrothal ceremony,

Parties were often anxious that there was no pre-contract with another before entering into a betrothal. Age and social status were important as was bond status.

Also it was customary to exchange gifts, often gold coins were used.