/ 18 February 2005

Historian finds tomb of couple married for 81 years

A British historian has discovered the tomb of a couple married for 81 years, accepted by Guinness World Records as historically unique.

Thomas and Elizabeth Morgan celebrated their marriage in Cwmbran, Wales in May, 1809, which ended with her death in January 1891 when she had just turned 105 and he was 104 and 260 days. At the time, they had a combined age of 209 years, a record for a married couple.

Thomas Morgan died in January 1893 at the age of 106 and 270 days.

Historian Graham Lawrence (72) came across their ivy-covered tombstone by chance during a walk, and found out that the couple had 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. – Sapa-AFP