Richard Rennison

Richard Rennison (29 October 1889 – 5 August 1969) was a Scottish figure known as the last 'anvil priest' at Gretna Green. From 1926 to 1940, he performed 'irregular marriages' of couples over the anvil at the Old Blacksmith Shop. The popularity of these ceremonies grew, leading to a special committee formed to examine marriage in Scotland, where Rennison served as a witness. Eventually, 'irregular marriages' were outlawed by the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1939, after Rennison had conducted 5,147 ceremonies. Born on 29 October 1889 in Shankhouse, Northumberland, Rennison worked as a coalminer, general dealer, and photographer before becoming the renowned 'anvil priest'.