The Evolution of Marriage Terms and Changing Cultural Attitudes

This chapter explores the origin of terms related to marriage in Old English and the influence of French after the Norman conquest. It discusses the evolution of words like 'wed,' 'Mary,' 'marriage,' and 'spouse,' examining how their meanings have changed over time. The chapter also touches upon the role of love in medieval marriages, highlighting that while many were arranged, some couples still married out of personal affection. It concludes with a look at the influence of social status and property ownership on arranged marriages in medieval England.