Twin Brides Celebrate 50 Years Since Unique Coventry Weddings

In April 1974, twin brides Susan and Linda Woolfall made headlines when they married twin grooms Clive and Chris Davies on the same day at St Michael’s Church in Coventry. This remarkable event is considered the first documented instance of such a pairing in the UK, capturing the attention of the media and the local community.

The connection between these couples began during family holidays in South Wales. Susan met Clive at a wedding, and upon discovering their shared twin status, they introduced their siblings. Initially, the chemistry was not instantaneous. “I couldn’t stand Chris at first,” Linda recalled with a laugh, reflecting on their journey half a century later. Despite the rocky start, love blossomed, leading to simultaneous proposals from the brothers.

The wedding took place at St Michael’s Church, still located on Walsgrave Road. Linda fondly remembers her mother’s enthusiasm for planning the event. “My mother was a great organiser – she loved organising things,” she said. The reception was held at the newly opened Esso Motel on Clifford Bridge Road, which added a touch of glamour to the occasion.

Vivid memories from that day include Linda’s veil becoming caught on a church pew, requiring assistance from her twin sister and father. The groomsmen arranged for a coach filled with 30 family members and friends from Llanhilleth, the village where the Davies brothers lived. After the wedding, both couples returned to Wales to begin their new lives.

Growing up in Wyken, Linda and Susan attended Ling Hall Secondary School, an all-girls institution. At the time of their marriages, both were working but decided to leave their jobs as they prepared for their move to Wales. Although not identical, Linda noted that people often struggled to tell her and Susan apart, often relying on a scar under her chin to distinguish them.

The couples settled in Llanhilleth, living about a mile apart, which fostered a strong bond between their families. Both couples welcomed sons in the year following their wedding, solidifying their connection. “The kids were very close,” Linda said, mentioning how her youngest son and her nephew, Kieran, shared a striking resemblance.

Tragedy struck when Chris, a miner, died in a workplace accident in 1978, just four years after their wedding. Linda was left a widow at just 23, with a son who was only 11 months old and another who had just turned three. Reflecting on that difficult period, she said, “It was hard at the time, but I managed. You do, don’t you?” Linda later remarried and has enjoyed over 30 years with her second husband.

Susan and Clive eventually parted ways, with Susan passing away seven years ago and Clive two years ago. Despite these losses, Linda remains active in her family life and community. She still retains a Coventry accent, with a hint of a Welsh lilt after spending decades in Wales. “I’ve got five grandchildren of my own, and between us, we’ve got 13,” she said, noting the family gatherings they have maintained over the years.

As they reflect on five decades of shared memories, Linda acknowledges that the details of the wedding day have faded. “It was a long time ago now, but it’s nice to remember,” she admitted, capturing the essence of a remarkable journey that began with a unique celebration of love.