In England prior to 1833 a widow had a right of dower (the income from about one-third of her deceased husband’s land). After 1833 what monies the wife would receive in the event of her husband’s death were dependent on the contracts negotiated by lawyers representing the families of the bride and groom prior to their marriage.
– source: What Jane Austen Knew and Charles Dickens Ate by Daniel Pool
Brenda Novak Mentorship Contest Finalist Hot Prospects winner Enchanted Words finalist Happily Ever After winner Happy Housewife former homeschooler FlyBaby Bad Mommy! @ www.4badmommies.com
Regina Richards 
Leave a Reply