Wording on an English marriage register from Somerset in 1834 I am confused by the word "resident" when referring to the groom - here in context: Henry Chapman (a bachelor) resident of this parish and Grace Cummins (a spinster) of this parish To me it is implying that there is a difference in residence between Henry and Grace - does it mean that Henry is just staying there and not part of the parish - neither as far as I know were baptised in the parish (Milverton). The document source is: Somerset Heritage Service; Taunton, Somerset, England; Somerset Parish Records, 1538-1914; Reference Number: D\P\milv/2/1/13 It is page 100 item 300

The word _resident_ at that time implied ownership.

A resident of the parish will have owned property. They own a residence.

Being described simply as _of the parish_ indicates the person lived there but did not own the residence. A spinster, as likely as not, still lived with her parents.

I have a number of relatives who lived in or near Milverton around this time. Some are labelled resident others not. I have tracked down some property ownership records online which seem to confirm this distinction.