One of the most popular ways to meet a proper partner is online dating with the help of numerous dating agencies. As the Internet became a part of our lives, it’s natural to do more and more using it. It concerns online shopping, booking tickets and hotels, keep in touch with your relatives and friends and, of course, surfing for like-minded people with common interests. Thousands of sites all over the world can help in such catering, and dating agencies help in matchmaking between potential couples play important role in this service sector. And the question arises: “When and where did the first dating agencies appear?”

First marriage bureau was considered to be open on the 29th September 1650 in Threadneedle Street in London, England. Henry Robinson, an English writer and merchant, called it “The Office of Addresses and Encounters”. It was the first employment agency as well as the dating agency in the United Kingdom. The proposition about creating such service was made by Robinson to the consideration of the British Parliament. The Parliament declined the suggestion, but Henry Robinson himself was confident of his success. He opened “The Office of Addresses and Encounters” himself as the forerunner of modern marriage bureau, job advertising and real estate agency at once.  The services were free for the poor not unlike the middle or upper classes. The last paid sixpence for the services of “The Office…” and could get answers for their queries such as searching servants, real estate, job offers or relevant couple.

Of course, it still isn’t certain what served as the inspiration for Robinson to create first dating agency. According to one version, he was deeply impressed with the traditions of Holland while travelling around this country. However, Robinson was believed to get this idea from his friend Samuel Hartlib, who had been trying to establish such a service for several years and to lobby this idea in the Parliament. But however that may be, there is no doubt that it was a useful service for the population. Unfortunately, this enterprise was short-lived and was closed in a year. So when you today use dating services to find a gorgeous Russian bride, you should know that there’s nothing new under the sun – men took up and used these services for a time.