Can you please describe why the 1882 Married Women's Property Act was important to a married woman's rights?

The law allowed married women to own and control property in their own right; a wife got the right to own, buy and sell her own property. Married women were also able to hold stock in their own names after the Act was introducted. The Act only applied in England, Wales and Ireland, but did not extend to Scotland.
Before, married women were unable to hold or buy property, which emphasised her subordination to her her husband, father or brother. Single or widowed women were allowed to hold property.

CG
Answered by Cornelia G. History tutor

5153 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

What would your advice be on revision for History at A-Level?


How do you assess the provenance in a source based essay for A Level History?


How successful was the Treaty of London of 1518 in fulfilling Henry VIII’s aims in foreign policy?


Did Henry VII every really secure his throne?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning