The Gretna Green Experience
During my second time to visit the United Kingdom, I asked my partner if we could go to Scotland. Well, my interest had been sprung after having watched numerous movies and series from Netflix depicting Medieval Europe. Like the other prominent figures in history in England, I was also eager to see the place of the famous Mary, Queen of Scots, who was also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland. My interest also includes the history and life of her son, King James VI (Scotland) and James 1 (England & Ireland) (James Charles Stuart 19 June 1566 – 27 March 1625). He was the King who sponsored the translation of the Bible into English which was later named after him as the Authorised King James Version.
Indeed, we traveled to Scotland, but only as far as Gretna where the famous Gretna Green is located. Since it was only a day’s visit, we spent the remaining time at the famous shopping area called Gretna Gateway Outlet Village before heading back to England.
Gretna Green in the town of Gretna, Scotland is a famous tourist attraction due to its romantic reputation as the most popular wedding destination for young people to elope. This follows the 1754 Marriage Act which prevented couples under the age of twenty marrying in England or Wales without their parent’s consent. After the Marriage Act was put into force, many couples below twenty years of age fled to Gretna, since the Act did not apply in Scotland. Apparently Gretna’s “runaway marriages” include some members of the royal families back then. The marriage ceremonies are solemnized by blacksmiths striking his anvil leading the blacksmiths becoming known as ‘anvil priest’.
Fascinatingly, the tradition does not appear to have totally died out as some couples still, even to these days decide to gather around the famous anvil to “tie the knot”. Even though the marriage Laws within the UK were changed which meant the couples do not have to elope to Gretna Green to achieve their holy matrimony.
We visited the heart of its historical landmark the Famous Blacksmiths Shop that was built in 1713. We explored the surrounding areas where wedding photos and momentous are on display especially the anvil which is the symbol of Gretna Green weddings. For visitors, there are plenty of souvenir items to take home from this remarkable place depicting the wedding traditions, as well as Scottish mementos.
Visit Gretna Green, feel the love and romance.
