Occupations as listed on Marriage Licence bonds related to Semley
This is compiled from the Wiltshire family history society transcription of Wiltshire Marriage licence bonds, and shows occupations of Semley residents, whether grooms or Bondsmen.
It should be noted that licences were not usually obtained by the poorest members of society (because they were more expensive than banns), hence the high proportion of farmers in the list, also tradesmen.
Marriage licences were obtained so that a couple could marry quickly (banns had to be called for three weeks), or because they wished to avoid the publicity of banns. It also became a status symbol for those who could afford it.
| Farmer or Yeoman or husbandman | 59 |
| Labourer | 11 |
| Carpenter | 5 |
| Blacksmith | 4 |
| Gentleman | 3 |
| Clothier | 2 |
| Shoemaker | 2 |
| Tanner | 1 |
| Butcher | 1 |
| Clerk | 1 |
| Basketmaker | 1 |
| Rakemaker | 1 |
| Malster | 1 |