With so many celebrity relationships in the news, it seems appropriate to unearth a suitable contribution for St Valentine’s Day from the NLW archives.
Some prudent advice for a successful marriage was found in a late seventeenth century recipe book, owned successively by Elizabeth Mostyn (wife of Owen Wynn of Glyn) and her daughter, Lady Margaret Owen of Brogyntyn. It emphasises the requirement of a good character in the potential spouse, combined with a touch of romantic attraction and a sound grasp of the financial benefits!
The right way to Chouse a Husband
Take of ye fear of God 2 Ounces, of Consideration One Ounce & halfe, of strong resolution 3 Ounces & halfe, of advice of sober friends one Ounce; & mingle them with A Good fancy to ye person, a great deale of suitableness of disposition, of Estate as much as you can gett, these with Contentment will make an Happy Union.
(ref. Brogyntyn estate and family papers, EH4/1).
Hilary Peters