The entries are in alphabetical order by bridegroom (vol. i, A-L, vol. ii, M-Z), and only include the names of the bondsmen if their surname is the same as one of the parties. The index in each vol. contains the names of the brides, those bondsmen described above, and the family member giving consent if the marriage includes a minor. Where the parties were of full age, if the specific age is not given, the custom frequently was to insert 'of 21 years and above', abbreviated here to '21'. The preface is slightly confusing, but seems to suggest that following a change in the law in 1822 bonds were no longer required, meaning no bondsmen after this date. No bonds or affadavits exist for 1695-1700 inclusive, after which there are annual bundles, except for 1712, which is lost. 1837 is of course the start of civil registration of births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales.

'The genealogist's magazine', vol. 14, no. 2 (June 1962) contains additional marriage licences for male surnames A-L, and vol. 14, no. 3 (Sept. 1962) additional marriage licences for male surnames M-Z and the female surname index.