The reasons for this are deep and complex. The so-called Tender Years doctrine, enshrined in English law in 1839, often awarded custody of children up to the age of seven to women on separation. In 1873, parliament extended the principle up to the age of 16. The doctrine has been replaced by modern legislation affirming the equal rights of both parents – including the 2001 EU Commission on European Family Law – but attitudes often drag far behind pen and ink.