Wondering What a Dowry Is After Watching Bridgerton? We've Got You Covered...

‘Dear reader’, if you’ve seen the hit series Bridgerton on Netflix, you’ll know dowries play a significant role in the on-screen marriages. This article will cover the history of dowries and how they’re used even today…

In colonial New England, mid 18^th century, dowries were a common custom and feature of marriage, which we see within the hit series Bridgerton. Choosing a suitable match for a woman was seen more as a transaction and forming of important families, rather than romantic gesture, at times. 

In Bridgerton, a dowry meant the women would be cared for in a marriage financially and drew respectable suitors to the women. Disturbingly, despite dowries being banned in many countries around the world, they’re still legal in the UK. 

Unlike in Bridgerton, you can still get a divorce even if your marriage has involved a dowry. However, it is unlikely that the recipient of the dowry would have to give anything back. Dowry disputes can be solved using a family law solicitor in the same away any divorce disputes can be. But what’s the history? Let’s delve into more details about dowries…

What is a Dowry?

We’ve covered what a dowry is in regards to Bridgerton and early 18^th century English custom, but in today’s society a dowry is still a custom that can be found in a variety of cultures and religions. It’s particularly popular amongst Indian families. The exact creation of the tradition of dowries is unknown.

Typically a dowry is given by the bride’s family to the groom, however it can be given by either partners families. It serves as a gift from one family to another and is regarded as a kind gesture for welcoming one party into their family, according to Hindu Brahmin Priest, Santhosh Bhau.

The actual dowry and value of the dowry ranges depending on the wealth of an individual and family, but dowries usually include:

• A large cash sum
• Plots of land
• Property
• Jewellery
• Furniture
• Livestock
• A vehicle

A dowry is usually exchanged between families before the marriage takes place or at the marriage ceremony. It is very uncommon for the dowry to be paid after the marriage takes place.

How Are Dowries Used in Bridgerton?

As Bridgerton is based in the early 1800s, dowries were still very common practice. Therefore, producers needed to ensure the storyline felt realistic by continuing the use of dowries even though viewers might be unaware of this tradition. 

There are often mentions of dowries throughout Bridgerton, especially amongst the Featherington family who are eager to remain a well thought of family despite falling into financial ruin in season 1.  

The dowries are often used as an enticement to potential grooms as large dowries make the family’s daughter seem more marriageable. (Spoiler alert) We see this in season 2 where Jack Featherington attempts to engage Cressida Cowpe into marriage to gain her large dowry and save the Featherington’s murky financial situation. 

Are Dowries Still Used Today? 

In short, yes. A 2014 article in The Independent, states that, ‘The practice of dowries remains legal in the UK. And there is lots of advice online about dowry disputes arising during a divorce.’ 

The BBC suggests that dowries are still widely used among the Asian community in the United Kingdom. In addition to this, dowries are very much commonplace in the Indian community in addition to arranged marriage, even though dowries have been illegal in the country since 1961.

It is suggested that dowries are largely out of fashion in the modern world, along with arranged marriages in England. The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw the decline in dowries, so it might be that later on in Bridgerton we see this reflected (many seasons ahead!) 

Why Are Dowries Controversial? 

Dowries have faded out over time and been made illegal in many countries for a reason. On one hand, it’s a nice gesture or ‘leg up’ for a couple who are newlywed as they could use it to benefit their current living standards, who wouldn’t love a lump sum of money right? 

However, there is a dark side to dowries. In countries such as India dowries have been outlawed since 1961 due to rise in violence against women they caused. Since British colonial rule in India, its booming economy has encouraged higher-priced dowries and the mood swiftly turns from romantic to violent as is referred to as ‘dowry violence’. 

Dowry violence is a real issue and encourages violence against women, even here in the UK. Greed can turn sweet situations very sour quickly and women unfortunately face the brunt of it as husbands or in laws try to extract more money from the bride’s family.

Where Can You Find Legal Support?

A family law solicitor can help you to understand the divorce process, if you’re not sure where you stand and what you want to do whether your marriage involved a dowry or not. 

If you’re experiencing abuse in your relationship as a result of a dowry you can find support here. 

Dear Reader…

When watching Bridgerton, you should now know the purpose of the dowries. Unfortunately, they haven’t been left in the past and still exist today. If you know someone who is suffering as a result of dowry violence, make sure to point them in the right direction for support.