Looking for love in the nineteenth century was often as complicated as it is today. Instead of looking for a soulmate online, men and women placed advertisements in their local paper. Here are some examples from the Irish Times.
To ladies- an English gentleman of titled family and good connexion, and some property, is anxious to meet with a lady of respectability and education here, and possessing an income of about £400 a year, with a view to early marriage: this is bona fide and replies treated with honourable secrecy; letters will be called for on Friday afternoon and Saturday. Address H405, office of this paper. [22/11/1871]
A business man, about 35, wishes to meet a lady of the business or farming class, about the same age, with a view to marriage; she will require to have some means, as the advertiser can make a settlement. Write to Alpha, P412, office of this paper, giving real name in confidence. Letters returned if desired. [8/6/1875]
Matrimony-A gentleman (I.C.), 31, having a good permanent income and some funds, is desirous of corresponding with a lady from 20 to 25 years, who is absolutely at her own disposal, with a view to marriage; would require a fortune; all communications will be most honourably treated. Address A228, office of this paper. [23/4/1877]
Matrimony-a Protestant clergyman, very well-educated, and residing in Dublin, wishes to correspond with a Protestant Lady of means with a view to marriage; age of the lady not objected to; he would also give a fee to any person who would give him such an introduction to a lady as would lead to marriage; this is bona fide and all correspondence will be perfectly secret and confidential. Address… [12/6/1877]
Matrimony- Two young ladies would like to form the acquaintance of two non-commissioned officers in a fair position, as they hold very good ones themselves; they prefer Cavalry or Artillery , they are not handsome, but no doubt, will pass through a crowd. Enclose full name and address… [19/7/1879]
Matrimony (Bona Fide)- A professional gentleman, aged 22, good-looking, and most respectably connected, in receipt of 500l per year, would wish to receive the C.D.V., and correspond with a young lady of equal or good means, with a view to marriage: the lady must be well looking, respectable, and of a quiet and loving disposition. Address, in strict confidence and secrecy to Rupert, Y477… [19/7/1879]
A Farmer living in Ireland wishes to hear from a lady with a view to marriage. Advertiser has a farm and premises suitable for any of his class, and worth at least 300l. Respondent must have some money to enable both to keep a good house; must know some music and be a good singer. Age from 20 to 40 will do. Advertiser is 35. Reply to C83… [24/4/1888]
Katie Barclay is fascinated at the characteristics people looked for in a spouse. Would income feature so heavily in the modern marriage advertisement?
