Marriage Licence query

[Sussex Maid]

I have just received copies of a licence issued Aug 1768 showing the groom 'aged upwards of twenty two' - which I am assuming/hoping means that he was between 22 and 23 (and not telling any fibs, as I have the perfect baptism for him!).
There is, however, a sentence which has me puzzled - 'As the deponent not knowing or believing any lawful lot or impediment by reason of any precontract entered into before [I]the twenty fifth day of March one thousand seven hundred and fifty four...' [I]
As this date is 14 years before the licence date is anyone able to explain it's relevance please
Thank you

[kiterunner]

That was when Hardwicke's Marriage Act came into force.

[Sussex Maid]

KiteRunner
Thank you for the explanation
regards

[JayG]

The 'aged upwards of twenty two' means just that, he could of been 22 or 102!

[kiterunner]

I think it would usually mean "between 22 and 23" as it will often say one party is "upwards of 24" and the other "upwards of 26" or whatever on these documents. If it said "upwards of 21" it could mean anything, though.

[Sussex Maid]

Jay and KiteRunner
Thank you for both your comments - the licence has the groom as 'upwards of 22 years' and the bride as 'upwards of 21 years' and I hope that it means between - 22 and 23; 21 and 22, but appreciate that a few years could have been deducted.
regards