Gretna Green Scotland Visit

[cbl4823]

I recently had the opportunity to visit the famous "Gretna Green" blacksmith shop in Scotland.  The original anvil is now on display under glass. 

 

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[njanvilman]

Is there any blacksmithing being done there now, or is it just a "photo op"?

 

That "original anvil" certainly has taken a "beating".

[ThomasPowers]

It's fame was that in Scotland a consenting couple could "marry" themselves by reciting their vows in a public location before witnesses.  Unlike England where a license was required and parental permission for under age (under 21) persons.

 

So  Gretna Green was the first village over the border along a main posting road and the Blacksmith Shop was a central "public" place with built in witnesses and *that* is why it was famous...

 

Much like kids too young to marry in one state in the USA eloping to another that allowed them to marry.

[cbl4823]

As Thomas mentioned, it is right across the border of England.  It is nothing more then a tourist trap nowadays, complete with a tour bus of Japanese.  There are several other old English anvils in the 250lb range painted with the Gretna Green words in each of the rooms, a couple of old carriages and time period items.  I believe the tour to see the original anvil was around $10 USD.