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When people hear the name Gretna Green
their thoughts often step back in time to the history of runaway
marriages. The Old Blacksmith's Shop is at the heart of this
fascinating tradition. Runaway marriages began in 1754 when an Act
was passed which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not
at least 21 years old then consent to the marriage had to be given
by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was,
and still is, possible to get married at 16 years old, with or
without parental consent.
The Blacksmith's Shop, built around 1712, was opened to the public
for the first time in 1886. No stop at Gretna Green would be
complete without a visit.
As you step inside the Award winning Gretna Green Story Exhibition,
imagine the hopes and fears of the young elopers as they plan their
daring dash. Will the marriage take place without bloodshed? Will
the angry father arrive in time to stop the marriage? Soak up the
atmosphere and the sounds of the building that has seen so much and
has so much to tell.
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