Mixed marriages in Malta (1800-1900)

Abstract

The Law of Malta with regard to the formalities required for the validity of a Marriage, even as a contract, has always been the Canon Law, of which the decrees of the Council of Trent are an integral part. Since the beginning of British occupation in Malta (1800), the frequent contact between Maltese inhabitants and English residents in the Island brought forth a's a consequence marriages between Catholics and Protestants. Such are known as 'Mixed Marriages'. At first they were very rare: one in 1801, another five up to 1810 inclusively, two of which celebrated before the Protestant Minister. The Holy See was at that time very reluctant to grant dispensations for the celebration of such marriages. It permitted them just to avoid great disorders. For a period, the Governor was induced to refuse the celebration of such marriages before the Protestant Minister.