Gretna Green - Famous Elopements & Scandals
Amazing stories of Earls, heiresses unscrupulous suitors and dramatic gun chases that kept Gretna Green in the headlines, and in the hearts and minds of the public.
Read here about wedding stories that rocked british society
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Famous Elopement and Scandals in Gretna Green
There are many recorded scandals involving young heiresses, unscrupulous suitors and dramatic gun chases. They rocked British Society, and kept Gretna Green in the headlines - and in the hearts and minds of the public.
Many dramatic chases took place along the road from Carlisle as elopers were pursued by angry parents and henchmen intent on stopping the marriage.
One couple escaped from England by boat over the Solway Firth - a treacherous tidal estuary - pursued by the bride's father. A storm hit, and though the couple made it to Gretna Green, their pursuer's boat was overturned, drowning the boatman and causing the brides' father to abandon his pursuit.
In 1826, a double-crossing rogue abducted a wealthy mill-owner's daughter, who was not even 16. Edward Gibbon Wakefield managed to trick Ellen Turner into eloping to Gretna Green, where they were married. Ellen's uncles caught up with the couple in France, and Mr Wakefield stood trial in a case which enraptured the nation and kept Gretna Green in the news for months.
There is even the story of a Lord Chancellor of England, disguised as a woman, eloping to Gretna Green with his mistress, chased by his son who was worried about his inheritance. Imagine such events today!
Read some of their stories...
- The Deadly Boat Chase
- Evangelical Wesley Brothers Aid Gretna Green Lovers
- Young Earl Elopes with Banking Heiress
- Lord Chancellor arrives dressed as a woman!
- Scoundrel Abducts Underage Schoolgirl
- The Sooty Bridegroom!
Plan your escape to Gretna Green...
Experienced Wedding Planners will advise you what dates are available and reserve a provisional date for you.
Contact Gretna Green Wedding Bureau online or telephone 01461 336001 to speak to one of our dedicated wedding planners.
Provisional bookings are held for 14 days.
