Until 1971, adultery was one of the few grounds that the law recognized to grant a divorce. Many people who found themselves incompatible lied about having an affair to be able to get a divorce. So if your ancestors were divorced and you find ‘overspel’ [adultery] listed as the ground in the divorce proceedings, it may not have been the truth. The real reason is probably not recorded.
The neglected wife encourages her husband to sort himself out. Credits: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museum (no known copyrights)
About Yvette Hoitink
