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Show English Village Bridges Measured for Dowries A quaint ceremony Is observed at Itoydon, In Norfolk, England, the Philadelphia Inquirer says. About 300 years ago the lord of the manor bequeathed the sum of 1.000, the Interest from which was to be voted annually to provide dowries for four brides. Under the terms of the bequest the money has to be divided between the youngest, the eldest, the shortest and the tallest brides married mar-ried during the course of each year In the parish church. This entails the '-'measuring of the bride." After the marriage ceremony the bride and bridegroom proceed to the vestry to sign the register and the bride Is then measured by the officiating officiat-ing minister. In order that her correct cor-rect stature may be ascertained she Is required to remove her shoes and let down her hair. At the end of the .year the marriage records are examined exam-ined and the dowries awarded to those qualified to receive them. |