The Addison/Campbell Divorce Act

Individuals came to Parliament to seek Private Acts to dissolve their marriages in England and Wales. (In Scotland, divorce was obtainable by both men and women from the 16th century, on grounds of adultery or desertion).

The Addison/Campbell divorce Act is significant as it was the first divorce Act to be obtained by a woman in England and Wales. Jane Campbell managed to divorce her husband Edward Addison on the grounds of adultery with her sister.  She also managed to obtain custody of their children.