During the 18th century, the practice started to decrease because of more alternatives, such as the foundation of a fund for vicars' widows in Swedish Pomerania in 1775 [REF].
In the Duchy of Saxony, a strong policy to prevent widow conservation was enforced already when it occurred in the 16th century, and attempts of having a successor of a vicar marry the widow or daughter of his predecessor were actually prevented and contested when it did occur.