Hiatus for a week or so

Taking a break for a week or so whilst I catch up on my energy and sleep.

Will of Robert Blake, Esquire, Ash Prior, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/1097/437, probated 5 Dec 1782

Robert Blake the testator is known. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth Blake. Robert’s will was probated yesterday:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-robert-blake-gentleman-ash.html

I have written away to see if I can get more information on the Cridland family from the person who runs the Cridland one name study at the Guild. I will wait for that information if any before commenting further on this will. Noticing that this will brings together a lot of property that has been mentioned in earlier wills.

From another researcher who has sent me a copy of the will of  Sarah Chappell widow of James Chappell. Sarah Cridland married James Chappell in Milverton by licence 20 Dec 1767 (he was a widower) and Sarah was buried in Milverton 12 Jul 1809 aged 69 years with James having been buried in Milverton in 1794 aged 62 years. Elizabeth/Betty the daughter of Sarah and James Chappell, according to this researcher, married Thomas Tutton Kynfton of Westbury in 1797.

Thank you very much to the researcher for sharing this information with me.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1097/437
Testator: Robert Blake, Esquire
Place: Ash Prior, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 22 Aug 1782, probated 5 Dec 1782
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Robert
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: Esq[uie]r

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me Robert Blake of Ashpriors in the County of Somerset
3    Esquire which I make and publish for the disposal of all my
4    Worldly Substance Estate and Effects whatsoever in manner and form
5    following (that is to say) First I give and devise unto my dear Wife
6    Frances Blake all my Messuages Lands Tenements and heredit[ament]s
7    situate and lying in the several Parishes of Stawley and Ashbrittle
8    in the said County of Somerset To hold the same with their several
9    and respective Rights Members and Appurtenances unto her my
10    said Wife Frances her heirs and Assigns for ever Also I give and
11    devise unto my said Wife Frances Blake all my Messuages Lands
12    Tenements and hereditaments situate and lying in the Parish of
13    Milverton in the said County of Somerset To hold the same with their
14    Rights
    [Page 2]
15    Rights Members and Appurtenances unto my said Wife Frances
16    her heirs and Assigns for ever Subject unto all and every incumbrance
17    or incumbrances affecting the same Also I give devise and bequeath
18    all and every my Messuages Lands Tenements and hereditaments
19    situate lying and being in the several Parishes of Ashpriors
20    aforesaid Halse Huish Langport either Stowey Stogursey and
21    elsewhere in the said County of Somerset not herein before devised
22    unto her my said Wife Frances and her Assigns for and during
23    the term of her natural life or with respect to such parts or
24    so much thereof as are held for any long term or terms of
25    years absolute for and during so many years of such term or
26    terms as shall run out and expire in the natural life time of
27    her my said Wife without impeachment of or for any manner
28    of waste and with full power to commit waste She and they
29    paying thereout unto my Brother John Blake of Halse aforesaid
30    Surgeon and his Assigns one Annuity clear yearly Rent or
31    Sum of thirty pounds of lawfull Money of Great Britain
32    clear of all deductions whatsoever during the term of his natural
33    life by half yearly payments the first payment to begin and
34    be made at the end of the first six Calendar Months next after
35    my death to whom I do hereby give devise and bequeath the
36    same with a power of distress in him my said Brother in case
37    of non payment as in cases of rack Rent And from and after
38    the death or decease of her my said Wife I give and devise the
39    same Messuages Lands Tenements hereditaments and Premises
40    unto him my said Brother John Blake and his Assigns for
41    and during the term of his natural life or with respect to such
42    parts thereof as are held for any long term or terms of years
43    absolute for and during so many years of such term or terms as
44    shall run out and expire in the natural life time of him my
45    said Brother he and they committing no wilful waste spoil or
46    destitution to or on the said Premises or any part thereof
47    and taking therefrom proper and sufficient Timber and other
48    materials for the necessary repairs only of the Premises and
49    from and after the death or decease of the Survivor of them
50    the said Frances Blake and John Blake I give devise and
51    bequeath all and every the same Messuages Lands Tenements
52    and hereditaments unto my kinsman John Cridland of
53    Milverton aforesaid Gentleman and James Chappell of the same
54    place Gentleman To hold the same with their several and respective
55    Rights Members and Appurtenances unto the said John Cridland
56    and James Chappell their heirs and Assigns with respect to such
57    parts and so much thereof as are Freehold or Fee Simple and unto
58    the said John Cridland and James Chappell their Executors
59    Administrators and Assigns with respect to such parts and so much
60    thereof as are held for any long term or terms of years absolute
61    for and during all such Estate or Estates term or terms and
62    Interest as shall be therein then to come and unexpired Upon
63    Trust that they the said John Cridland and James Chappell
64    and the Survivor of them and the heirs Executors Administrators
65    and Assigns of such Survivor do and shall as soon as conveniently
66    may be after the several deaths or deceases of my said Wife and
    [Page 3]
67    Brother either at publick Auction or by private contract and in
68    such manner as they shall think best and most convenient sell and
69    dispose of all and singular the said Premises with their several and
70    respective Appurtenances to the best purchaser or purchasors that
71    can or may be had or gotten for the same and grant release
72    convey and assure the same Premises respectively unto the purchaser
73    or purchasors thereof his her or their heirs Executors Administrators
74    and Assigns accordingly And upon this further Trust and Confidence to
75    pay and divide the Monies arising by such Sale or Sales unto and
76    equally amongst them the said John Cridland my kinswomen Sarah
77    Wife of the said James Chappell Elizabeth Cridland Levinia Cridland
78    and Charlotte Cridland Children of my Uncle Richard Cridland of
79    Milverton aforesaid Gentleman the Children of my kinswoman Frances
80    the late Wife of Robert Pearce of Milverton aforesaid grocer and
81    my kinsman Robert Blake of Cooks Court Carey Street London
82    Gentleman and their respective Executors Administrators and Assigns
83    share and share alike the Children of the said Frances Pearce and
84    their Representatives to be entitled to one seventh part only the same
85    as I intended for their Mother had She been living provided always
86    and it is my express Will that the acquittances and Receipts of my
87    said Trustees and the Survivor of them and the heirs Executors
88    Administrators and Assigns of such Survivor for the Monies arising by
89    such Sale or Sales aforesaid of my several Estates Lands and Premises
90    aforesaid to the several persons who shall become the purchasors
91    thereof respectively by virtue of or under this my Will shall be good
92    and sufficient discharges in the Law for the same to the said several
93    purchasors their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns
94    and that such purchasors shall not be liable to look to the
95    application of their purchase Money or be any ways answerable
96    or account[t]able for any loss of misapplication thereof provided
97    and it is my Will and meaning and I do hereby order and
98    direct that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Trustees
99    their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns in the
100    first place to direct retain reimburse and satisfy themselves
101    respectively out of the said Trust Estate and Premises or any part
102    thereof not only for all Jouries and attendances but also all
103    such Costs Charges and Expences as they or any or either of them
104    shall or may bear pay sustain or be put into for or by reason
105    or means or on account of the several Trusts hereby in them
106    reposed or in the execution thereof and that they my said Trustees
107    their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns shall
108    not be chargeable with or answerable for any more Monies than
109    they shall actually receive or shall come to their respective hands
110    by virtue of this my Will neither they shall be accountable for or
111    chargeable with the Acts of each other but each of them for and
112    with his own respective Acts only Also I give unto my Father in Law
113    Thomas Cridland my Uncle the said Richard Cridland my
114    Brother in Law Thomas Cridland the younger my Aunt Susanna
115    Spurway and my Aunts Sarah and Betty Cridland one Mourning
116    Ring each to be delivered to them as soon as may be after my death
117    by my Executrix hereinafter named Also I give unto all my Servants
118    that shall be living with me at the time of my death one years
    [Page 4]
119    Wages to be paid them within one year next after my Interment
120    by my said Executrix And lastly all the rest and residue of my
121    Goods Chattels Rights Credits personal and Testamentary Estate Substance
122    and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever after payment of my just
123    Debts Legacies and Funeral Expences I give will and bequeath unto
124    her my said Wife Frances Blake whom I make and constitute sole
125    Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
126    former Wills by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof
127    I the said Robert Blake the Testator have to this my last Will
128    and Testament comprised in or written on three Sheets of paper set
129    my hand to the first two Sheets and my hand and Seal to this
130    third and last Sheet thereof the twenty second day of August in the
131    year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two
132    Rob[er]t Blake Signed Sealed published and declared by the
133    said Robert Blake the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament
134    in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and also
135    in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses
136    thereto John Southey Joseph Hill Edward Bryant
137    This Will was proved at London the fifty day of
138    December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
139    and eighty two before the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert Doctor
140    of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court
141    of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Frances Blake
142    Widow the Relict of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the
143    said Will to whom Administration was granted of all and singular
144    the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased She having
145    been first sworn by Commission duly to Administer.

Involvement in Studies - Attitude

I had an interesting email today as it reminded me once again of why I avoid being in charge. I belong to a particular study group for yDNA (at least my brother does but I manage it) and I was chatting back and forth with the administrator because I recently ordered Gen2.0 to provide more information on the deep ancestry of our paternal line. I like getting involved with the project but the administrator asked me to suggest to a member of the Blake yDNA study that they should join the study because they are the same haplogroup. Now for me that is sort of crossing the line. I do not want to make such suggestions to people; I do not want them to feel that perhaps they should because I have been helpful in their studies. Trying to decide how to do that and probably I am just going to let it ride. If they ask me I would tell them about the study but to suggest it to them at this stage might make them think that I wanted them to do it. Sometimes I just need to write things down to sort through them and as my living memory this blog has served me very well.

I have a passive aggressive personality. I prefer never to be in friction with people and in that way I am passive. However, I like to manage what I am doing and because I am like that I am also aggressive. The mixture works well for me and as I look around I wonder if everyone would benefit from being both passive and aggressive. Passive in how they deal with people and aggressive in their work habits.

Well obviously time to quit for the night! 

Will of Robert Blake, Gentleman, Ash Prior, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/804/495, probated 29 Nov 1753

The testator is the Robert Blake baptized 24 May 1710 at Ash Prior the son of John and Sarah Blake. He is also the brother of Joseph Blake whose will was blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-joseph-blake-ash-prior-somerset.html

Their sister Betty married Richard Cridland and the Cridland family is mentioned in the will below. Also Susannah his sister who is 17 years younger than he is and in 1752 when the will is written is only 25 years of age and the need to provide her with the money from his father’s will has resulted in his taking out a mortgage. Robert is then 42 years of age so was 37 when his first son was born. Baptism of Robert Blake son of Robert and Elizabeth Blake 21 Jan 1747 at Ash Prior, Somerset. Baptism of John Blake son of Robert and Elizabeth Blake 12 Nov 1752 at Ash Prior, Somerset.

The parents of Robert the testator and Joseph his brother along with the other children baptized to this couple Mary 17 Jan 1706; buried 15 Nov 1722, Betty 22 Feb 1714, Anne 12 Jul 1717, Sarah 2 May 1720 and Susannah 11 Feb 1727 were John Blake and Sarah Uppam (of Ash Prior) and they were married 15 Jan 1705 at Bicknoller (5 miles west of Overstowey). Unfortunately nothing is known of this John. Was he related to the family at Overstowey (Bicknoller is just 5 miles from Overstowey).

There is a webpage with the poor law rate for 1659, 1688, 1693, 1705, 1717, 1718, 1771, 1787 and 1819:

http://www.paulhyb.homecall.co.uk/parishes/bickcw.txt

Blake entries include:
1771 Mr John Blake late Dobels
1771 Thos Blake Williamses
1787 Mr Blake for Woolson
1787 Mr Blake for Dobles
1819 Joan Blake at Woolston (for herself)
1819 George Blake (Wm Sully owner) Bottom at ?

Perhaps that answers my question somewhat as there are no entries for Blake at Bicknoller before 1771. Why did John Blake and Sarah Uppam marry at Bicknoller? A mystery.

Another interesting comment that John Blake of Lower Weacombe (near Bicknoller) by will dated 1716 left £100 to provide clothing for the poor. This is a will that would have been most interesting but is not the will of John Blake married to Sarah Uppam. I wonder if this will still exists in some form since it is mentioned in British history online:

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=117147

Bicknoller is part of the larger parish of Stogumber. We know that Richard Blake married to Grace Napcot had property at Stogumber and they had two sons John and Richard. Richard left his will which was probated in 1666 and he was married to Ann Jessop; blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-richard-blake-gentleman.html

This John died in 1716 and the last child of John and Sarah Blake was born/baptized in 1727 (Susannah) so not the correct John for this family.

Working through now and going back to the will of Robert Blake yeoman of Halse as this family in the will below also has property at Halse:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-robert-blake-yeoman-of-halse.html

is the John son of Robert in this will the father of this Robert? Once I get all these wills done then I will start to enter all the material into Legacy and see if I can find any linkages back to the Humphrey Blake family at Overstowey.

I am beginning to wonder if my information gathering is getting too huge for me to keep it all straight in my mind. I think I am reaching that point but would like to finish Somerset before I start to bring these wills together in a more rigorous fashion.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 28 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/804/495
Testator: Robert Blake, Gentleman
Place: Ash Prior, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 4 Feb 1752, probated 29 Nov 1753
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Robert
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Robert Blake of Ash Pryors in the County of Sommerset
3    Gent do this fourth day of February One Thousand Seven
4    hundred fifty and two make this my last Will and Testament
5    as followeth Imprimis I Give devise and bequeath unto my
6    Good Friends John Fraunces of Coombflorey in the County aforesaid
7    Esquire and Tho: Cridland of the same place and county Gentleman
8    and to the survivor of them and to the heirs and Executors
9    of Such Survivor all my Lands Tenements and hereditaments
10    Both real and personal situate lying and being in the parishes
11    of Ash Pryors Halse Storgursey and Stowey and also all that
    [Page 2]
12    Estate which I lately purchased of the Bishop of Bath and Wells lying
13    and being in the parish of Huish all which lands and Tenements are in
14    the County aforesaid and all Such as are in any other place whatsoever
15    and all my estate and interest therein Subject however to the Sum of
16    Nine hundred and thirty pounds and to Mr Cridland of Coombflorey Sen[io]r
17    on a Mortgage to him of all my Estates Real and personal in the parish
18    of Halse in the County aforesaid which Sum of Nine hundred and thirty
19    pounds I borrowed of him the said Mr Cridland as well to pay my said
20    Sister Susanna Blake her portion as also to purchase two lives of the
21    Bishop of Bath and Wells on my Estate at Huish and my Will is
22    that my Sister Susannah be paid her portion of Five hundred
23    pounds at the end of Six Months from the date of the notice I Gave
24    her of the payment of it which will be on the 25th of July next there
25    being in the hands of Mr Cridland five hundred pounds part of
26    the Mortgage Moneys for that purpose as will appear by a
27    declaration of his in my custody and also Subject to the payment
28    of all other my just debts and Legacies and I do hereby charge
29    all my Lands Tenements personal Estate and hereditaments with
30    the payment of the same Upon Trust nevertheless that the said
31    John Fraunceis and Tho: Cridland and the Survivor of them do
32    receive the rents and profits thereof and pay out of the same
33    unto my Wife Elizabeth the Sum of Forty pounds per annum
34    by quarterly payments during her natural Life On Condition
35    however that my said Wife doth relinquish her right and title
36    to all dower of Such Lands as She is dowable of which right if
37    she refuses to relinquish then and in such case my Will is that
38    the above charge of Forty pounds per annum payable to my Wife
39    and all other Sums hereinafter mentioned to be payable to her
40    shall be absolutely void nor Shall She have any benefit thereof
41    and also allow my Son Robert Blake for his education and
42    maintenance as much as they my Trustees shall think fit
43    until he arrives to the age of twenty One and when he attains
44    that age then my Trustees to be seized of all my before
45    mentioned Lands Tenements personal Estate and hereditaments
46    to the use of my said Son Robert and the heirs Male of
47    his Body lawfully begotten and for want of heirs Males of
48    his Body so begotten then to the issue Female of his Body
49    lawfully begotten and for want of such issue then to my
50    Trustees and to the Survivor of them and to the heirs and
51    Executors of Such Survivor Upon Trust that they permit my
52    Brother Joseph Blake to receive the rents and profits of all
53    my above mentioned Estates for and during the Term of Ninety and
54    nine years or for Such part of the Term as Shall run out in
55    his life time and from and after the Term aforesaid or Such
56    number of years as Shall expire in his life time then to my
57    Trustees aforesaid the Survivor of them the heirs and Executors
58    of Such Survivor to be Seized to the use of the heirs Males of the
59    Body of my said Brother lawfully begotten and for want of
60    heirs Males to the issue Female of my Said Brother lawfully
61    begotten and if he dies leaving no issue behind him then my Said
62    Trustees and the Survivor of them to be Seized to the use of the said John
63    Cridland and Richard Cridland Sons of Richard Cridland of Milverton
    [Page 3]
64    Gent their heirs Executors and Assigns forever not as joint Tenants but
65    as Tenants in Common but my intention and Will is that if my Wife
66    happens to be with Child at the time of my death that Such Child shall if my
67    Son Robert dyes without issue inherit all my before mentioned Lands
68    Tenements personal Estate and hereditaments in the same manner and
69    with the same Limitations as my son Robert Blake is to inherit by this
70    Will and I do hereby give Such Child with which my Wife shall be
71    ensient at the time of my death Five hundred pounds to be paid
72    when Such Child Shall attain the age of Twenty One as also twenty
73    pounds per annum to be paid Quarterly for its maintenance and
74    education which Sum of Five hundred pounds and also Twenty pounds
75    per annum my Said Trustees and the Survivor of them are to raise out
76    of my Estates before mentioned by Sale Mortgage Lease or otherwise
77    but if my Wife is not with Child at the time of my death then my
78    Will is that Ten pounds per annum more to be added to the Forty pounds
79    before directed to be paid to my Wife making in the whole Fifty pounds
80    which sum my Trustees are to pay her Quarterly as long as she lives
81    and if my Said Son Robert Blake shall happen to dye without issue
82    and living his Mother than then and from that period of time my
83    Will is that Ten pounds per annum more be added to the Fifty pounds
84    above mentioned making in all Sixty pounds which Sum my
85    Trustees and the Survivor of them are to pay in manner and form
86    aforesaid and in case the Sum of Sixty pounds or any part thereof
87    Shall be behind and unpaid by the Space of two Months is Shall
88    be lawful for my said Wife Elizabeth to enter on such part of
89    my Lands and Tenements as I can charge with the payment
90    of the said Sixty pounds and take them into her own possession
91    until the said Sum of Sixty pounds or any part thereof be
92    satisfied and paid and I do will that my Wife shall have the
93    Great Parlour hall and Little parlour of my house with Chamber
94    over and also the best Garden and Green Courts until my
95    Son Robert comes to the age of Twenty One and I do hereby
96    devise the Guardianship of my Son to my Trustees and the
97    Survivor of them and I do hereby charge all my Real
98    and Personal Estate for the indemnification of my Trustees
99    from all charges they or either of them may be put to in the
100    execution of the Trust hereby reposed in them and I do also will
101    that my Quick and dead Stock be Sold by my Trustees aforesaid
102    whom I make Executors of this my last Will Rob[er]t Blake
103    Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Robert Blake
104    the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence
105    of us who Subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of
106    the said Robert Blake and at his request Edward Bryant
107    Upton Manning Rob[er]t Coles
108    Whereas my Son John was not born at the time of
109    making my above Will and thereby no provision was made for
110    him now my Will further is and I do hereby order my Trustees
111    above named to raise the Sum of Six hundred pounds out of any
112    or all the Estates above mentioned by Sale Mortgage or Lease
113    and also the farther Sum of Twenty pounds per Annum the
    [Page 4]
114    Sum of Six hundred pounds to be paid him when he shall attain
115    the age of Twenty One and the said Sum of twenty pounds to be paid
116    him Yearly for his Maintenance and Education until he shall attain
117    that age and then the Sum of Twenty pounds per Annum to cease and
118    in case my Son Robert dies without issue of his Body lawfully
119    Begotten that then my Son John shall inherit all my Real and
120    personal Estates in the Same manner as his Brother was to inherit
121    Rob[er]t Blake Signed Sealed published and declared to be a Codicil
122    to the above Will in the presence of us who subscribed our Names
123    in the Testators presence and at his request Geo: Farewell Edw[ar]d
124    Bryant Upton Manning
125    This Will was proved at London with a Codicil annexed
126    the Twenty Ninth day of November in the year of Our lord One
127    Thousand Seven hundred and fifty three before the Right honourable
128    Sir George Lee Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
129    of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the
130    Oath of John Fraunceis Esquire and Thomas Cridland the Executors
131    named in the said Will To whom Administration was granted of all and
132    Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased being first
133    Sworn by Commission duly to administer the same.

Corrections to Posts

I was entering my will names into the Probate Index Excel file which I submit to the Guild of One Name Studies and discovered a few errors here and there so have gone back in and corrected the various items. Sometimes I just had it wrong in the discussion! Must have been doing this in my sleep and other times my formatting was off a bit.

Busy times with garden cleanup and a couple of personal items.

First covering of light snow this morning. Winter has returned and with it the shorter days that let me transcribe more readily. I do want to get back to the fiche transcription as well.

I am so behind on my emails and wish I could keep up with everything but want to continue forging ahead with the wills. Once they are completed I can look at the Blake family in the various areas with a more skillful eye as I work through the census and BMDs that are available online.

I have decided not to come up past 1950 at the most as that means I am looking at people still living although over 60 years of age. I would not be putting such information online but it lets me connect backwards if I actually do put this material together that can be found in the BMDs in England.

How to look at the Blake family in Ireland? I have had a boost on that with one of the yDNA testers in the Blake project. He descends from the Galway Blake line and already has a research group looking at their genealogy. This is a real bonus to all Irish descendants as they could test their yDNA and see if their research is taking them in the right direction. Thank you to him. Much appreciated.

Will of Robert Blake of Bridgwater, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/267/111, probated 20 Aug 1657

This is the will of Admiral Robert Blake. Somehow this great and illustrious Admiral of the British Navy doesn’t really need an introduction. His fame and character have transcended the century in which he lived and he is one of the great heroes of England forever remembered by every school child learning of his great victories protecting the shores of England from any and all comers. I remember asking my Grandfather if we were related to Admiral Blake and he said no he did not think so. That was not a tradition that was handed down in his family. In all likelihood he is very correct as I can not find a link between my line in Andover and the Blake family of Calne other than by collateral marriages. The link between the Blake family of Calne and the Blake family first at Over Stowey and Humphry Blake as the first of the line is also obscured by the veils of time. There is a strong conviction on the part of some that the father of Humphry was a John Blake who was descendant of the Blake family of Calne. However, this John is said to be a descendant of John Blake of Nether Wallop son of Robert Blake and Avis Wallop. In his will John does not name a son of his body so one is left to wonder whose son this John is and how he connects with the Blake family of Calne and the Blake family of Overstowey. Is he the stepping stone between? Time may answer that question but at the moment there isn’t any historical proof for this claim.

The yDNA study might do it one day as more people test with a clear paper trail back to Humphry and to the Blake family at Calne. It is a mystery and an exciting one I do believe.

I continue on with the Robert Blake wills as this is now two of them complete. There remains another four Robert Blake wills from 1753, 1782, 1817 and 1836 still to come. After that Roger Blake 1785, Susanna Blake 1653, Thomas Blake 1826, William Blake 1667, 1773, 1799, 1821, and 1832.

Once Somerset is complete I am considering moving on to Wiltshire and doing the 31 wills there since all of these counties (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire) are side by side and then I would move to Hampshire and complete the ten wills there along with twenty older wills that I have acquired from Family Search. Although going through alphabetically is a nice logical path these wills are working together rather nicely at the moment so I think I will keep on this new path.

Then the wills remaining are from Durham (1), Essex (14), Gloucestershire (should perhaps consider doing this next as this area too lies beside Somerset, 19), Hertfordshire (5), Huntingdonshire (2), Kent (26), Lancashire (4), Lincolnshire (3), London (42), Middlesex (150), Norfolk (14), Northamptonshire (6), Northumberland (4), Nottinghamshire (1), Oxfordshire (this too could come before the others, 13), Rutland (4), Shropshire (1), Suffolk (11), Surrey (61), Sussex (7), Warwickshire (7), Worcestershire (1) and Miscellaneous which includes navy wills, other British Isles, and foreign (82). My path is starting to change in my mind away from alphabetical. I believe I will move from Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to London and then work out from London. The Miscellaneous wills I will work on after all the county wills are done.

A long exercise but probably worth while in the long run. Alphabetical worked very well for the first group that I did as I selected particular items from the counties the first trip to Kew and this second trip I acquired all of them. In total there remains 551 wills for the Blake family plus another 100 plus downloaded from Ancestry but these might be duplicated in the London/Middlesex number so will wait to check that out until I am doing London and Middlesex. The Dorset wills which I downloaded I have not yet compared and this is a good reminder to do that as well. There are eight new wills for Dorset - Annabella Blake 1723, Griffin Blake 1608, Hannah Blake 1780, John Blake 1686, John Blake 1761, Katharine Blake 1760, Mary Blake 1776 and Robert Blake 1705. I believe that I will do these eight wills when I finish Somerset before moving on to Wiltshire.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 27 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/267/111
Testator: Robert Blake
Place: Bridgwater, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 13 Mar 1655, probated 20 Aug 1657
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Robert
[Margin]: Blake
[Top]: The last Will and Testament of me Robert
[Top]: Blake written w[i]th my owne hand as followeth

1    First I bequeath my Soule into the
2    hands of my most mercifull Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ by him to be presented
3    to the heavenly father pure and spotless through the washing of his blood which
4    he shed for the remission of my sinnes, And after a short separation from
5    the bodie to be againe united with the same by the power of his eternall spirit
6    and so to be for ever with the Lord. Item unto the towne of Bridgwater I give
7    One hundred pounds to be distributed among the poore thereof at the discretion
8    of Humphry Blake my brother and of the Mayor for the time being, Item
9    unto the towne of Taunton I give one hundred pounds To be distributed
10    among the poore of both parishes at the discretion of Samuel Perry once-
11    my Lieutenant Colonell And Mr George Newton Minister of the Gospell
12    there and of the Mayor for the time being Item I give unto Humphry
13    Blake my brother the Mannor of Crandon cum Puriton with all the rights
14    thereto apperteyning To him and to his heires for ever Item I give unto
15    my brother Doctor William Blake three hundred pounds, Item unto my
16    Brother George Blake I give three hundred pounds Also unto my brother
17    Nicholas Blake I give three hundred pounds Item unto my brother Beniamin
18    Blake I give my dwelling house situate in Saint Maries’ Street in Bridgwater
19    with the garden and appurtenances As also my other house thereto adioyning
20    purchased of the widdowe Coxe Likewise I give unto him All the claime I have
21    in Eleaven Acres of Meadowe and pasture (more or lesse) lying in the village
22    of Ham in the parish of Bridgwater lately in the possession of the widdowe
23    Vinecombe deceased Item unto my Sister Bridget Bowdich wife of Henry
24    Bowdich one hundred pounds And to the children of the bodie of Henry
25    Bowdich aforesaid I give the summe of Nine hundred pounds to be disposed
26    among them according to the discretion of Humphry William George
27    Nicholas and Beniamin Blake aforesaid my Brothers or of any three
28    of them Item unto my brother Smythes Goldsmith in Cheapside I give
29    the summe of one hundred pounds Item unto my Nephew Robert Blake
30    sonne to Samuell Blake my brother deceased I give the gold chaine
31    bestowed on me by the late Parliament of England Also all the claime I have
32    in an Annuitie of twentie pounds payable out of the farme of Pawlett Item
33    unto my Nephew Samuell Blake younger sonne to Samuell my brother
34    deceased I give two hundred pounds, I give unto Sarah Quarrell daughter of my
35    late Niece Sarah Quarrell by her husband Peter Quarrell now dwelling in Taunton I
36    give the summe of two hundred pounds To be disposed of for the benefit of the said
37    Sarah Quarrell according to the discretion of Humphry Nicholas and Beniamin Blake
38    my brothers aforesaid Item unto my cosin John Blake sonne unto my brother
39    Nicholas Blake I give one hundred pounds Item unto my Cosin John Avery of
40    Pawlett once a Souldier with me in Taunton Castle I give Fiftie pounds Item
41    unto Thomas Blake sonne of my Cosin William Blake once Commander of the Tresco
42    frigott, Deceased, now abord of the Centurion frigott in the service, I give fiftie
43    pounds Item All my Plate Linen Bedding withal my provisions aboard the
44    Shipp Naseby I give unto my Nephews Robert and Samuell Blake aforesaid
45    and unto my Nephew John Blake aforesaid to be divided betweene them by even and
46    equall por[t]ions, Item unto the Negro called domingo my servant I give the
47    summe of fiftie pounds to be disposed of by my aforesaid Nephew Captaine
48    Robert Blake and captaine Thomas Adams for his better education in the knowledge
49    and feare of God Item unto my Servants James Knowles and Nicholas Bartlett,
50    I give to each of them tenn pounds Item unto the widdowe Owen of Bridg-
51    water the Relict of Mr Owen, Minister, I give tenn pounds Item unto
52    Eleanor Potter, widdowe, I give tenn pounds All the rest of my goods and Chattells
53    I doe give and bequeath unto George Nicholas and Beniamin Blake my brothers
54    aforesaid And also to Alexander Blake my brother to be equally divided among
55    them whome I doe appoint and ordaine to be the executors of this my last will
    [Page 2]
56    and testament Robert Blake Signed and sealed aboard the Naseby March the thirteenth one
57    thousand sixe hundred Fiftie five in Ellnis Road in the presence of Roger Outton J Hynd
58    Antho: ______ John Bowne
59    This will was proved at London before the Judges for Probate of wills and granting
60    administra[t]iene lawfully authorized the twentieth day of August in the yeare
61    of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fiftie seaven by the oathe of George
62    Blake Beniamin Blake and Alexander Blake the natural and lawfull brothers of the
63    said deceased and three of the Executors named in his said will To whome was
64    p[er]mitted Administra[t]ion of all and singular the said deceased goods Chattells and
65    debts, They being first in due forme of law sworne well and truly to administer the
66    same Power is nevertheless hereby reserved to make the probate and grant like
67    administra[t]ion to Nicholas Blake his brother also and other executor therein named
68    whensoever he shall come and legally desire the same
69    The same will was againe proved at London before the Judges for
70    probate of wills and granting Administra[t]ene lawfully authorized the second day of
71    September in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand sixe hundred Fiftie
72    seaven by the oath of Nicholas Blake the brother also and other executor therein
73    named To whome likewise Administra[t]ion of the said goods Chattells and debts of the
74    said deceased was granted and committed he being in like manner first sworne
75    well and truly to administer

Will of Robert Blake, yeoman of Halse, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/224/141, probated 9 Jul 1652

The testator is likely the Robert Blake married to Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Over Stowey who left her will which was probated 16 May 1656. She mentions her children Robert, John and Grace as does he. Still wondering if this is the descendant of John Blake of Kingston who was a son of Thomas Blake of Wedmore and hence of the Blake Over Stowey line.

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/09/will-of-elizabeth-blake-widow-of-over.html

This would mean that this line is also collateral to the line of Admiral Robert Blake. However, the land referred to in this will at Wemdon clearly connects to the Blake family at Halse.

I still have not yet determined if the Blake family at Halse is descendant of Thomas Blake of Wedmore. There are five Blake wills at Halse: Elizabeth the relict of Robert Blake (current testator), John who was a brother to Robert Blake (possibly the Robert Blake who left his will in 1639 and the father of the present testator), William Blake who only names a son John in his will of 1594 but mentions his property at Wembdon,  the will of Robert Blake 1639 where he mentions John Blake of Kingston and the will of Agnis Blake 1641 (wife of Robert Blake who left his will in 1639).

What we do know thus far about Thomas Blake at Wedmore was that he was buried there 8 Dec 1580 and that he and his wife Isobel had nine children but only four survived to be mentioned in his will: Thomas , Lucia, John and Elizabeth. Thomas married Alice Tutton 10 Feb 1587 at Wedmore and they had four children but only one son Richard and I have not yet been able to trace him down. Lucia married Robert Jarvis 11 Jan 1586 at Wedmore, John was baptized 230 Jan 1571 and I am suspicious that this is the John who left his will in 1620 who identified his brother as Robert and his children Anne and Anstice (he is married to Katherine). 

William Blake in his will of 1594 identifies his father as Robert and a son William. It is possible that his wife had a posthumous child which would account for the Robert brother of John. But this negates this family as being connected to Thomas Blake of Wedmore which is fine but we continue to be left with the mystery of the Blake family at Halse and the ancestor of Robert Blake father of William leaving his will in 1594.

The mention of property at Stogursey is also interesting. Robert also mentions his sister Edith. The mother of Robert’s father Robert was Edith. Still more thinking to do on this family.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 26 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/224/141
Testator: Robert Blake, yeoman
Place: Halse, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 6 Nov 1651, probated 9 Jul 1652
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: The Will of Robert
[Margin]:  Blake

1    In the name of God Amen I Robert
2    Blake of halse in the County of Somersett yeoman beinge of perfect health of
3    body and mynd (praised be God) doe make and ordaine this my last will and
4    Testament in manner following First I give unto the poore of halse Tenn Shillings
5    to be distributed unto them by my Executrix or Administrators Item I give and
6    bequeath unto Robert my Sonne Fortie pounds And unto John my Sonne Fourescore
7    pounds and unto Grace my daughter Fourscore pounds to be paid unto them
8    eespectively when they shall attaine unto their severall ages of one and Twenty yearesor
9    qithin three moneths after the death or next marriage of Elizabeth my wife w[hi]ch
10    ahall First happen Alsoe I give and bequeath unto Robert my Sonne his Executors
11    administrators or Assignes after the death of my said Wife my Grounds lyeinge
12    in halse aforesaid called Finses (which I purchased of Mr Jones) for and dureinge
13    the Residue of my Terme which shall be then to come therein And my will is That
14    if
    [Page 2]
15    if my wife shall not in the Judgment of my Overseers Sufficiently maintaine all my said
16    children then the portions of money hereby given unto them Shalbe paid into the hands of my
17    overseers for maintenance of my Said Children within Six Moneths after notice thereof
18    given unto her in that purpose Alsoe I give and devise unto my said Sonne John and his
19    heires for ever after the death of my wife all my lands in Stogursey Marsh in the said County of
20    Somersett And if he shall dye before he shall attaine to the age of one and Twenty yeares Then
21    I give and devise the same Lands after my said wife’s death unto my sonne Robert and his heires for
22    ever And my will is that such person or persons as by virtue of this my will Shall jnioy the said
23    lands in Storgursey Marsh Shall pay unto Grace my daughter One hundred pounds of
24    lawfull English money within one yeare next after such tyme as my said sonne John Shall
25    or Should have Accomplished the age of one and Twenty yeares provided allwayes and
26    the same meaning of this my will is That if Elizabeth my wife shall be living at the tyme
27    when the said One hundred pounds Shalle come payable to my Said daughter Grace as is
28    is above limited Then neither of my said Sonnes or other person Shalbe charged with the
29    payment thereof until one yeare after the decease of my said wife And then I will that
30    the said One hundred pounds shall be paid unto my said daughter by such person or
31    persons as shall jnioy the said Lands And my will is further that if my said wife Shall
32    happen to dye before the said one hundred pounds become due then such person or persons
33    as shall jnioy the said Lands shall from and after the death of my said wife paye unto my
34    said daughter Grace Eight pounds yearly portion and every yeare until her said portion shalbecome
35    payable in Such manner and at Such tyme as I have herein before declared And
36    if default shall be made in payment of the said One hundred pounds at the before limited
37    tyme Then I give the said land in Stogursey Marsh unto my said daughter Grace and
38    her heires for ever And my will is that if my said daughter Grace shall happen to dye
39    before She shall accomplish the age of one and Twenty yeares without yssue of her body
40    lawfully begotten That then this last legacie of one hundred pounds payable out of
41    Stogurseye Marsh as aforesaid shall be void to all intents and purposes But the legacies
42    of Fowescore pounds First bequeathed unto her I wholie give unto my Sonne Robert
43    and whereas I am to pay unto my Sister Edith One hundred and Fortie pounds when
44    she shall Accomplish her age of one and Twenty yeares which was given unto her by the
45    will of my Father And Twenty pounds more which I have received for her My will
46    is that if my Executrix or Administrators shall quietly Jnioy the halfenddast of A
47    Tenement in Wemdon in the said County of Somersett called Perry wood until my
48    said Sister shall attaine unto the age aforesaid and shall not in the meane tyme be
49    charged with more than Eight pounds apeace towards the maintenance of my said
50    Sister Then my Executrix or Administrator shall pay unto her Two hundred pounds And
51    assigne over unto her all the Jnterest which I have in the said Tenement in Wembdon
52    soe as my said Sister shall at the same tyme Seale and deliver unto my Executrix or
53    Administrators A sufficient general release of all Accomptes debts and demands
54    whatsoever All the rest of my goods and Chattells whatsoever not formerly bequeathed
55    my debts paid and legacies discharged I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife
56    whome I make Executrix of this my will. But if my said wife shall happen to dye before
57   probate hereof shalbe made Then I make my said sonne John and my daughter Grace
58    Executors hereof And in Case they dye they dye before probate made Then I make my
59    said Sonne Robert Executor And I desire my Overseers hereafter named to take letters
60    of Administration dureinge my said Childrens minorities Lastly I desire my brother in
61    law John Sellocke and my brother Edmund Blake to be Overseers of this my will And
62    doe give them for there Care and paines to be taken in and about the Execution thereof
63    twenty shillings apiece and their necessary Expences In Witnesse whereof I have to
64    every sheete thereof beings three in number Sett my hand and Seale the Sixth day of
65    November in the yeare of our Lord God One Thousand six hundred Fiftie and one
66    Robert Blake Seased published and declared to be the last will and Testament of
67    the said Robert Blake in the presence of us Henry Haddridge J Sellacke
68    Edmund Blake Wat: Peirce An Addi[t]ion to my will Alsoe I give unto
69    my daughter Grace Fortie pounds to be paid unto her when the legacie of
70    fowrescore
    [Page 3]
71    fowrescore pounds given her by this my will Shall become due and payable And my
72    will is that if my said daughter shall dye before the Said legacie of Fortie pounds Shalbe
73    com due unto her then the some shall remaine unto my sonne John if he be lievinge if not
74    unto my sonne Robert And whereas my father by his will gave unto my
75    and bedstead performed and my mother gave the same unto my Sister Edith my will
76   is that Tenne pounds shalbe paid unto my said Sister in consideration thereof
77    when she shall Accomplish the age of one and Twenty yeares She then Seallinge
78    a personal release unto my Executor In Witnesse whereof I have hereunto sett my
79    hand Robert Blake Witnesses Ja Sellacke Wal: Pearse Corye Comer
80    This will was proved at London before the Right Worshipfull Nathaniell Grey
81    Knight doctor of Lawes and Master or Keeper of the prerogative Court lawfully
82    constituted the ninth day of July in the yeare of our Lord God One Thousand Six
83    hundred Fiftie two by the Oath of Elizabeth Blake the Relict of the said deceased
84    and Sole Executrix named in the said Will To whome was Committed Administration
85    of all and Singular the goods Chattell and debts of the said deceased She beinge
86    first legallie Sworne (by Commission) well and truly to Administer the same.

Abstract of the will of Robert Blake, Yeoman of St Minver - CRO Ref AP/B/3686, probated 10 May 1742

Interesting query concerning the Blake family in Cornwall brought up this abstract of a will for Robert Blake at St Minver:

Robert Blake, Yeoman of St Minver d 1742 CRO Ref AP/B/3686
Will written 10 March 1742
Proved 10 May 1742
Son John Blake
Daughter Elisabeth Mably
John and Robert Mably her sons
Daughter Ann Blake
Godson John Rundall and his sister Elizabeth living with RB
Daughter Rebecca Blake sole executor
Witnesses Michaell Rickard, Thomas Barry

Source: http://www.stminveropc.fsworld.co.uk/Wills_1700_to_1799.htm

Another will which mentions a Robert Blake on this same OPC site for St Minver

Susanna Rounsevall CRO Ref AP/R1807/1
Written 22 January 1716 (Old Calendar)
Brother William Kent
Sister Jane Hodge
Uncle Nicholas Kent
Alice Guy, dtr of Charles Guy
William Kent, son of brother John Kent
Three children of Robert Blake
Brother George Kent
Brother Phillip Kent
Sister Mary Kent and
Brother John Kent
Witnesses Mary Rounsevall, John Kent, Robert Blake

Blake one name study website back up

The good news is that the Blake one name study website is back up and running. The bad news is that everything that was up there is gone from the site. A lesson learned that I should have properly exported the material. But again the good news is that I still possess the material that was up there and will be restoring it.

Website:

http://blog.kipp-blake-families.ca/

Will of Richard Blake, Gentleman, Stogumber, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/322/491, probated 15 Dec 1666

Another known collateral line to Admiral Robert Blake, Richard Blake the testator is the grandson of John Blake the elder of Over Stowey (brother to Humphrey Blake of Overstowey). There is a Richard Blake son of Richard Blake of Weacombe baptized 11 Oct 1612 at Bicknoller. A son John Blake is baptized 28 Sep 1617 and a son William both of Richard baptized 5 Sep 1619. This is likely Richard the testator of this will. That would make him 31 years of age when he married and if he died in 1666 when the will was probated he would have been 54 years of age. . Richard married Ann Jessop daughter of Robert Jessop, rector of Kilve, 30 Nov 1643 at Kilve, Somerset. The Portbury Admiral Blake website gives the parents of this Richard as Richard Blake and Grace Napcot who married 29 May 1589 at Over Stowey. However the dates of the baptism are so much later 1612, 1617, and 1619. I do wonder if there is a missing generation. The baptism of Richard married to Grace Napcot is available in the Over Stowey parish records but not available on line as far as I can see. The website mentioned has his baptism as 29 Jan 1562 and his marriage to Grace Napcot as 29 May 1589 at Over Stowey. That would make him 27 at marriage but 50 when his son Richard was born. Now is it possible for there to be a generation in there? If Richard and Grace had a baby in 1589 then that child would be 23 in 1612. So it is not an unreasonable thought.

Relationship Chart


Admiral Robert Blake [101] is the 2nd Cousin of Richard-60 Blake [94]

                             * Humphrey-21 Blake [1]
                                 (Cir 1499-1558)
                                   * Agnis [2]
                                (          -1585)
                                  Married  [1]
                                       |
                   ----------------------------------------------------------
                   |                                                                  |
                   |                                                                  |
    * John-27 (the elder) Blake [3]              * Robert-28 Blake [4]
         (Cir 1521-After 1576)                    (Cir 1523-Cir 1592)
              Johan [12]                                    Margaret Symonds [22]
           (          -1595)                                        (          -1600)
         Married Cir 1541 [4]                                     Married  [5]
                   |                                                                 |
                   |                                                                 |
        * Richard-40 Blake [19]                   * Humphry-43 Blake [25]
         (Cir 1562-          )                                      (Cir 1563-1625)
           Grace Napcot [92]                      Sarah Swithers formerly Williams [100]
       Married 29 May 1589 [23]                             (          -1638)
                                                                    Married 5 Oct 1597 [26]
                   |                                                                 |
                   |                                                                 |
        * Richard-60 Blake [94]                   * Admiral Robert Blake [101]
         (          -Cir 1666)                                        (1598-1657)

From the Bicknoller parish registers (http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/parish-records-in-overstowey-somerset.html) John Blake son of Richard and Ann baptized 26 Dec 1645 and Richard son of Richard and Anne baptized 7 Sep 1648 (of Weacombe, born 23 Aug 1648). Richard was not buried at Bicknoller.

National Archives (UK)
STOGUMBER deeds  DD\BR\py/112  1626-1764
9 docts.

Contents:
Leases, conveyances, mortgages of various properties, incl. houses and land in Nether Weacombe, belonging originally to the Stallenge family of Laverstock, Wilts., later to the Blakes of Nether Weacombe, 1634-1734, and the Green Dragon Inn, belonging to George Gore, innholder, of Stogumber, 1739-1755. Other families involved: Rowl, Conibere of Stogumber, Wood of Exeter, Gatchell of Monksilver, Graham of Williton, Cridland and Sibley of Combe Florey.

There is a marriage of Richard Blake, gent and Sarah Sealy 19 Aug 1672 at Kilton and this is likely the son of Richard and Anne Blake at Neather Weacombe.

The Chart for the Blake Family held at the Admiral Robert Blake Museum in Bridgwater does not list the descendants of John Blake the elder of Over Stowey.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 25 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/322/491
Testator: Richard Blake, Gentleman
Place: Stogumber, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 17 Sep 1657, probated 15 Dec 1666
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estament] Richardj
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the name of God Amen The
2    The seaventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand
3    six hundred fiftie and seaven I Richard Blake of Nether Weacombe
4    in the parish of Stogumber and County of Somersett gent being
5    weake in body But of good and perfect memory praised be god doe
6    make and ordayne this my last will and testament in manner and
7    forme following First I commend my soule into the hands of
8    god my maker hopeing assuredly through the only merritts
9    of Jesus Christ my Saviour to be made partaker of life everlasting
10    And alsoe whereas I have by law and good conveyance in the lawe
11    setled and conveyed upon Anne my wife an estate for termes of her
12    life of and in one Capitall messuage dwelling house and outhouses
13    orchards gardens lands meadowes pastures com[m]ons woodes with and
14    all singular the appurtenances in Nether Weacombe aforesaid to the
15    sev[er]al messuage belonging unto my wife appertaining to commence
16    after my decease, now therefore if the said Anne my said wife
17    shall happen to dye before John Blake my eldest sonne and heire
18    shall attayne and accomplish the age of one and twenty yeares my
19    will is and I doe hereby give grant and bequeath unto John
20    Byneham of Stogumber aforenamed Clerke Nicholas Hawkins
21    of the same parish and County yeoman And Nathaniell Jessepp
22    of East Quantoxhead in the County afore named gentleman and unto
23    the survivor of them and unto the executors administrators and assignes
24    of the survivor of them full power and authority for them to receave and
25    Take all the rents issues and proffitts of the foresaid Capitall messuage
26    and all other the premises with the appurtenances until my said sonne shall
27    attayne and accomplish the age of one and Twenty yeares And therewith
28    all shall pay such debts as I doe owe and such Legacies as hereafter in
29    this my last will and Testament shalbee conteyned and Issue forth as
30    the proffitts thereof will extend and after my such debts and Lega-
31    cies shalbe payd my will is That the said rents issues and proffetts there-
32    of shalbe paid unto the said John Blake my said sonne when hee
33    shall accomplish the age of one and Twenty yeares And alsoe I give and
34    bequeath unto Richard Blake my second sonne The somme of five hundred
35    pounds of lawfull money of England to bee paid unto him by the said
36    Anne my wife And by the aforenamed John Bineham Nicholas Haw-
37    kins and Nathaniell Jesope or the survivor of them or the executors
38    administrators or assignes of the survivor of them when hee shall
39    attayne and accomplish the age of three and twenty yeares or before
40    if they shall contracte the somme to be convenient profitable and
41    needfull for him and not otherwise And for the more certaintie and
42    Better inabling of my said wife and of my said Misters John Bineham
43    Nicholas Hawkins Nathaniell Jessop and for the survivor of them and
44    for the executors administrators and assignes of the survivor of them to
45    doe and performe the same And for the arising a convenient somme
46    of money yearely for the educa[t]ion maintenance and Breeding of my
47    said Two sonnes of mee shall require and not otherwise And alsoe
48    for
    [Page 2]
49    for the better and more certayne grounds for the payment and satisfaction
50    of such and true debts and I doe owe unto all persons whatsoever I have by
51    deed of Indenture bearing date with this my last will and Testament un-
52    der my hand and seale given granted and devised unto the said Nicholas
53    Hawkins John Bineham and Nathaniell Jessoppe and to the survivor of
54    them, and to the executors administrators and assignes of the survivor of them
55    Certayne messuages lands and Tenements lying and being within the
56    Parish of Burneham and County aforenamed herein men[t]ioned for the
57    Terme of one hundred yeares as in and by the same rela[t]ion being land
58    nowe at large doth and may appeare And alsoe my will is that the
59    Said Anne Blake my said wife, John Bineham Nicholas Hawkins and
60    Nathaniell Jeesoppe and the survivor of them and the executors adminis-
61    trators and assignes of the survivor of them shall ymmediatly after my decease
62    have hold convey possessed and enioye all other my rents lands and tenements
63    whatsoever and wheresoever not before herein men[t]ioned for and until
64    the said John Blake my said sonne and heire shall attaine unto the age
65    of one and Twenty yeares and the proffitts benefits somme and sommes
66    of money thereof made they shall employ and bestowe in dischargeing of my
67    aforenamed iust and lawe debts and in raising and paying of the aforesaid
68    legacie of five hundred pounds before herein given to Richard Blake
69    aforenamed my second sonne shalbe And that the residue thereof which
70    shall remayne if any shall bee to by them paid unto the said Richard
71    Blake my sonne for the increase of his foresaid por[t]ion or Legacy of five
72    hundred pounds when he shall accomplishe the age of three and twenty
73    yeares And alsoe I doe hereby give and bequeath unto the foresaid Anne
74    Blake my wife the use and occupa[t]ion of all my goods and household stuffe for
75    the Terme of her life And after her decease I give and bequeath the
76    same unto the forenamed John Blake my said sonne And lastly I doe
77    hereby appoint and nominate my deare and loving wife Anne Blake
78    before herein named my executrix of this my last will and Testament
79    And I doe alsoe appoynt and entreate the aforenamed John Bineham
80    Nicholas Hawkins and Nathaniell Jessuppe To be the overseers and Super-
81    visors of this my last will and Testament and for their paynes herein I doe
82    give and bestowe unto each one of them one gold ring with my name
83    Therein engraven or Colt of such a price and value as my executors
84    before herein named in her discre[t]ion shall thinke fit In Testimony
85    whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and Seale The day and yeare be-
86    fore herein men[t]ioned Richard Blake Signed Sealed published and de-
87    clared in the presence of us The marke of Henry Burd Robert Conibeare

Will of Richard Blake, Enmore, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/296/522, probated 21 Dec 1659

Now begins the Richard Blake of Somerset wills and there are two of them. This first is for Richard Blake of Enmore Somerset and is a nuncupative will.

This Richard is the son of Humphry Blake and Elizabeth Giles and hence a collateral line to Admiral Robert Blake. Richard’s brother Humphry is referred to as Humphry the elder and he was married to Elizabeth Upton (this family lived at Aisholt) and they had nine children according to the Portbury website for Blake. Richard is leaving his property to two of these sons who are named in the Lease for lives (Humphrey (eldest) and Arthur. I need to investigate the records for this particular family now as I have not yet done so. To verify the online table and perhaps push the records down a little further towards the present.

I do mention Richard in the writeup of his brother Humphry’s will blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-humfrey-blake-gentleman-over.html

Note in this will the Humphry has changed his brother’s will and given the property from Richard that was at Charlinch to his son Roger. Instead Arthur will receive an annuity until the age of 25 and then 200 pounds British money. Roger had a large family so perhaps that is the reason for the change. Humphry (his son) has already died.

Enmor is just five miles from Overstowey.

Relationship Chart


Admiral Robert Blake [101] is the 2nd cousin once removed of Richard Blake [133]

                                Common Ancestor

                             * Humphrey-21 Blake [1]
                                 (Cir 1499-1558)
                                   * Agnis [2]
                                (          -1585)
                                  Married  [1]
                                       |
                   ---------------------------------------------------------                                                                                        |                                                                |
                   |                                                                |
    * John-27 (the elder) Blake [3]              * Robert-28 Blake [4]
         (Cir 1521-After 1576)                    (Cir 1523-Cir 1592)
              Johan [12]                         Margaret Symonds [22]
           (          -1595)                               (          -1600)
         Married Cir 1541 [4]                        Married  [5]
                   |                                                                 |
                   |                                                                 |
       * Humphrey-38 Blake [16]                 * Humphry-43 Blake [25]
          (Cir 1556-Cir 1619)                       (Cir 1563-1625)
         Agnus/Ann James [73]           Sarah Swithers formerly Williams [100]
           (          -1645)                                  (          -1638)
       Married 23 Oct 1578 [19]                 Married 5 Oct 1597 [26]
                   |                                                                     |
                   |                                                                     |
        * Humphry-54 Blake [74]              * Admiral Robert Blake [101]
         (Cir 1580-          )                        (1598-1657)
         Elizabeth Giles [129]
             Married  [33]
                   |
                   |
         * Richard Blake [133]
              (1629-1657)

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 24 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/296/522
Testator: Richard Blake
Place: Enmor, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 1 Sep 1657, probated 21 Dec 1659
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estament] Richard Blake

1    The last Will and Testament
2    Nuncupative of Richard Blake Late of Enmore in the Countye of Somersett dec[ease]d
3    Published and declared the First day of September In the yeare of our Lord One
4    Thousand Sixe hundred Fifty Seaven in words as followeth (viz[ a vi]t) The said deceased
5    being the day and yeare aforesaid sicke of Body But of sound and perfect mynde and Memory
6    did give and bequeath unto Humphrey Blake and Arthur Blake Sonnes of Humphrey
7    Blake his brother All that his Tenement lyeing at Charlinch in the said words (via[ avi]t)
8    I doe give and bestowe All my right Title and interest in my Tenement att Charlinch
9    To my cousin Humphrey Blake and Arthur Blake being the Two lives nominated and
10    Expressed on my Lease thereof They paying All my debts And as for all the rest of his goods
11    and chattels hee gave and bequeathed unto his brother John Blake in these words (viz[ a vi]t)
12    And for all the rest of my goods As corne Sheepe horses debts oweing and All other
13    things whatsoever I give and bestowe to my Brother John Blake of Overstowey or words
14    to the same or like Effect, Spoken in the p[re]sence and heareing of Daniell Spark, John Hall
15    The Nine and Twentith day of December In the yeare of our Lord One Thousand
16    Sixe hundred Fifty and Nyne att London before the Judge for p[ro]bate of Wills and granting Administratione
17    lawfully authorized Administration with the Will annexed of Richard Blake deceased issued forth
18    to Humphrey Blake the Father and executor lawfully assigned to Humphrey Blake and Arthur
19    Blake Minors The Kinsmen and principall Legataees named in the said Will To Administer all
20    and singular the goods ch[at]ells and debts of the said dece[ase]d according to the Tenor and Effect of the said
21    Nuncupative Will And to and for the sole use benefit and behoofe and dureing the Minoritye
22    of the said Minors hee being by Comission sworne truly to Administer the same There being a
23    Sentence definitive read and promulgated for the validity and confirma[t]ion of the said Will

Will of Rice Blake, Linen Draper, Taunton, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/2238/299, probated 13 Sep 1856

Rice Blake (of Falmouth, Cornwall according to his marriage lines) is the testator and he married Elizabeth Newberry 22 Aug 1822 at Saint Mary, Taunton, Somerset.

Rice mentions three children in his will will: Rice, Catharine Alice wife of Thomas Fiske and Ellen Elizabeth Blake.

Children born to this couple (Family Search):

Elizabeth born 6 Jul 1827, Silver Street Baptist, Taunton
Catharine Alice born 8 Sep 1829, living at High Street, Taunton
Rice born 5 Oct 1835, Silver Street Baptist, Taunton
Mary Ann born 17 Jun 1833, Silver Street Baptist, Taunton

Ellen Elizabeth is missing from this list and she would have been born around 1841 according to the census below.

The 1851 census Rice Blake lives at 14 High Street in St Mary Magdalen parish, Borough of Taunton. He is listed as head, married 50 years of age a Linen and woolen draper and he was born at St Mawes Cornwall. His wife Elizabeth is 53 years of age and was born at Holborn Camden, Middlesex. With them, all born in Taunton Somerset,  is 21 year old Catherine their daughter, Maryann 13 years of age, Ellen their daughter 10 years of age, and one of their assistants Thomas Jago Blake age 19 from St Just Cornwall. 

Living next door at 15 High Street is Demas Hatcher, draper, 27 years of age born at Marnhull, Dorset. Demas’ wife is from St Mawes Cornwall interestingly enough. The marriage of Demas Hatcher and Catherine Mary Blake was celebrated 20 Jul 1848 at St Just in Roseland. He was a draper of Taunton Somerset son of Thomas Hatcher a farmer. Catherine Mary Blake was resident at St Mawes and the daughter of Robert Blake a merchant with witnesses Mary Symons Blake and H Blake. Catharine Mary was baptized 18 Jul 1822 at St Just in Roseland daughter of Robert and Ursula Blake. Robert Blake and Ursula Symons were married 23 Mar 1820 at St Just in Roseland with witnesses William Blake, Sarah Blake, Catharine Symons, George Davey.

He has a sister Sarah Rice Jago of Mevagissey, Cornwall.

He is Rice Blake baptized 7 Aug 1800 at St Just in Roseland son of William and Catherine Blake.
St Mawes is close to St Just in Roseland

Other children baptized by this couple at St Just in Roseland (OPC Cornwall site)

Hannah baptized 15 Sep 1791; buried 22 Apr 1830 (residence Mevagissey), 38 years
Sarah baptized 18 Apr 1794; buried 1 Aug 1794
Thomas Jago baptized 28 Oct 1796; buried 8 Aug 1797
Thomas Jago baptized 22 Apr 1798
Sarah Rice baptized 29 May 1799
James baptized 30 Jul 1803, born 21 Nov 1802 and received into church 5 Aug 1804

Burials at St Just in Roseland
William Blake, residence St Mawes, 54 years of age 24 Jan 1816
Catherine Blake, residence St Mawes, 74 years of age 9 Mar 1840

Marriages
William Blake married Catherine Jago at Mevagissey 22 Sep 1790, his residence was St Mawes and he was a merchant with witnesses Ann Jago and Thomas Jago.

There is a William Blake baptized 24 Jan 1762 at St Just in Roseland son of Robert Blake and Hannah James who were themselves married there 17 Jul 1759 with witnesses William James and Mark Tiddy.

Children baptized to Robert and Hannah at St Just in Roseland

James baptized 1 Jun 1760
William baptized 24 Jan 1762
Robert baptized 24 Jun 1764

Robert Blake was perhaps baptized 11 Aug 1729 at St Just in Roseland son of Robert Blake and Thomasin. There was a second child baptized to this couple John 17 Feb 1737 same place.

This Robert Blake was perhaps the Robert baptized 16 Aug 1702 at Saint Just in Roseland son of Robert Blake and Elizabeth.

How does Catharine Mary Hatcher relate to the testator? The will names her as his niece. Somewhat of a mystery perhaps there. Her father Robert Blake and mother Ursula Symons married 23 Mar 1820 at St Just in Roseland. Robert was perhaps the Robert baptized son of John and Hannah Blake 26 Oct 1788 at Saint Endellion, Cornwall. Also baptized by this couple at Saint Endellion were Robert 12 Mar 1786, William 12 Feb 1792, and Samuel Brown 13 Apr 1794. There was a William who was a witness to the marriage of Robert and Ursula. But does this family relate to the Blake family at St Mawes? John Blake married Hannah Brown 1 Mar 1780 at St Endellion. But I did not find a baptism yet for John. Possibly he was born between 1740 and 1760 and Robert and Thomasin Blake did baptize a son John at Saint Just in Roseland 17 Feb 1737. Along with Robert mentioned above baptized 11 Aug 1729 Elizabeth was baptized 12 Mar 1731 by Robert Blake and Thomasin at Saint Just in Roseland. This would be a fairly distant cousinship since Rice and Catharine Mary would have in common his great grandfather was a brother to her grandfather. John married fairly late at 43 whereas Robert married at 30 and was eight years older than John.

Now is it possible to work this Blake line into any of the Blake wills in Cornwall. The answer to that is no wills for this family line in Cornwall.

There is an abstract of administration for Robert Blake of St Just in Roseland in the Internal Revenue records 1 Jun 1799 which could be rather interesting. I do not happen to have that document but is downloadable from The National Archives website (UK). There appears to be an article in one of the British Newspapers so will check that out on Find my Past.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 22 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2238/299
Testator: Rice Blake, Linen Draper
Place: Taunton, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 4 Apr 1856, probated 13 Sep 1856
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Rice
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 20

1    I Rice Blake of Taunton in the County of Somer-
2    set Linen Draper hereby revoke all wills codicils and other testamen-
3    tary dispositions heretofore made by me and declare this to be my last
4    will and testament I bequeath unto my dear wife Elizabeth Blake all
5    the household goods and furniture plate china wine and other liquors
6    brewing utensils books trinkets and household stores which shall be in
7    or about my dwelling house at the time of my decease I bequeath
8    unto my niece Catherine Hatcher the wife of Mr. Demas Hatcher of
9    Taunton aforesaid the sum of fifty pounds I bequeath unto my sister
10    Sarah Rice Jago of Mevagissey in the County of Cornwall the sum of
11    fifty pounds as a mark of my remembrance All the rest residue and
12    remainder of my Estate and Effects as well real as personal I give devise
13    and bequeath unto my said wife her heirs executors and administrators
14    according to the natures and tenures thereof respectively upon trust
15    that she my said wife do and shall during my present term and inter-
16    est in the messuage and premises which I now occupy for the purpose
17    of my business as a Linen and Woollen Draper in Taunton aforesaid
18    carry on the aforesaid business for her own absolute benefit if she
19    shall so long live and for that purpose to employ therein all of any
20    part of my said Estate and Effects And upon trust after the expiration of
21    the said term either to convert into money the capital employed in the
22    said business or otherwise to employ the same or any part thereof
23    in carrying on the said business either in the aforesaid premises or
24    elsewhere and either alone or in partnership with any other person
    [Page 2]
25    or persons for such period and in such manner in all respects as she shall
26    think fit for her own benefit during her life And I direct that from and after
27    the decease of my said wife all of my said residuary real and personal estate
28    shall be held upon the trusts following (that is to say) Upon trust in the
29    first place to pay to my son Rice Blake the sum of one thousand pounds
30    and after payment thereof to pay and divide the clear residue thereof
31    amongst my three Children the said Rice Blake Catharine Alice the wife
32    of Thomas Fiske and Ellen Elizabeth Blake in equal shares and proporti-
33    ons But I direct that in case the said Ellen Elizabeth Blake she die under
34    the age of twenty one years and unmarried her said share shall go and
35    belong to my said two other Children in equal shares Provided always
36    and I hereby direct that for the purpose of ascertaining my capital employ-
37    ed in my said business and the amount of that part of my trust estate for the
38    purpose of the division as aforesaid after the decease of my said wife a
39    general stock taking Inventory and account of my stock in trade debts and receipts
40    shall be taken and made at the usual period (namely in the month of
41    August) after my decease and in the manner and form and with the deducti-
42    ons usually adopted by me by the said Demas Hatcher with the assistance
43    and inspection of my brother in law and late partner Mr Robert Newberry
44    and I direct that the clear balance of such stock taking and account (after
45    allowing for all debts and liabilities then due) shall be treated and consider-
46    ed as my capital employed in the said business at the time of my decease and
47    such account shall be signed bv my said wife admitting the amount thereof
48    to be correct and that that part of my said trust estate amounts to such sum
49    Provided always and I hereby direct that it shall be lawful for my said
50    wife at any time during the term of my occupation of my present shop
51    and premises but at her sole discretion to take my said son into my said
52    business as a partner with her on such terms as to the profits of the said
53    business and otherwise as to her shall seem fit and also at any time after
54    the expiration of such term to employ my said business capital or
55    part thereof in business either alone or in partnership with my son or
56    with my son and any other person or persons or (if she shall so think fit
57    wholly to relinquish the aforesaid business in favor of my said son do
58    that the same may be carried on by him either alone or in partner-
59    ship with any other person or persons But I direct that in case of any
60    such partnership or in case of such relinquishment of the said business my
61    said son shall give to my said wife a bond for securing such part of my
62    said trust capital with interest as may be advanced to him either for
63    entering into any such partnership as aforesaid with my said wife or for
64    carrying on the said business alone or in partnership with any other
65    person or persons other than my said wife and I authorize my said
66    wife to lend and advance any part of my said trust estate for any such
67    purpose or purposes to my said son if she in the absolute discretion
68    should so think fit without prejudice nevertheless to any absolute advance-
69    ment which may be made to my said son by virtue of the power herein-
70    after contained Provided also and I recommend my said wife to retain
71    Mr Demas Hatcher as her assistant during the term hereinbefore mention-
72    ed and so long thereafter as she shall carry on my said business alone at
73    a salary of not less than three hundred pounds per annum from the August
74    preceding my decease And also that the said Demas Hatcher should be
75    allowed in addition to such salary from such month of August out of
76    the profits of the said business the sum of ten shillings and six pence
77    for every funeral which he shall personally attend and superintend
78    but I direct that such recommendation shall not be construed or consider-
79    ed as an absolute direction or trust for his benefit And I particularly ask
80    and request that my brother in law and late partner Mr Robert Newberry
81    will as circumstances may arise advise my said wife with reference to
    [Page 3]
82    my said business and the accounts and affairs thereof Provided also and I hereby de-
83    clare that it shall be lawful for my said wife at any time during her life but at
84    her absolute discretion to advance to either of my said children all or any part
85    of his or her expectant share of my said trust property for or towards his or her
86    advancement or preferment in life or marriage or otherwise for his or her bene-
87    fit Provided also and I hereby direct that the residue of my said trust estate and
88    property not employed by my said wife in my said business or such part
89    thereof as shall from time to time be in her hands and not required therein
90    shall be converted into money and invested by her in her own name in or
91    upon any of the public stocks or funds of Great Britain or at interest upon govern-
92    ment or real securities and be varied altered and transposed from time to time
93    as she may think fit and that the same and the interest thereof shall be held
94    as she may think fit and that the same and the interest thereof shall be held
95    upon the trusts of this my will hereinbefore declared or on trusts correspond-
96    ing hereto And I further direct and declare that it shall be lawful for my said
97    wife during her life to appropriate and set apart by such investments as last
98    aforesaid any specific fund or funds to answer the share or shares of either of
99    my said Children in the aforesaid trust fund payable after the decease of my
100    wife during her life to appropriate and set apart by such investments as last
101    aforesaid any specific fund or funds to answer the share or shares of either of
102    my said Children in the aforesaid trust fund payable after the decease of my
103    said wife so as to relieve my general trust estate from all trusts attaching in
104    favor of the child or children for whom such investment shall be made
105    but I direct that such investments as last aforesaid shall be made in the name
106    of my said wife and some other person or persons to be chosen by her and not
107    in her own name alone and that the trusts of any such investment shall be
108    relayed by some deed or writing And I appoint my said wife Elizabeth Blake
109    Executrix of this my will and I declare that the receipts of my said wife her
110    executors and administrators for all monies due to me or to my estate shall be
111    effectual discharges for the same and from all liability to see to the application
112    thereof I empower my said wife her executors and administrators to com-
113    pound or allow time or accept security real or personal for the payment of
114    any debts due to my estate and to adjust by arbitration or otherwise dis-
115    perce in relation thereto or in relation to debts or demands against my
116    ____ and in the content and management of my said business to give such
117    receipt as she shall think fit I devise to my said wife Elizabeth Blake and her
118    heirs all the estates which may happen at my decease to be vested in me
119    as trustee or mortgagee subject to the equities and upon the trusts affecting
120    the same respectively but so that the monies secured by such mortgages
121    be considered part of my trust estate I declare that my said wife shall be
122    answerable only for such monies as shall come to her actual hands and
123    not for involuntary losses and I appoint my said wife Guardian of my
124    children during their respective minorities In witness whereof I have here-
125    under set my hand this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one
126    thousand eight hundred and fifty six Rice Blake Signed by the
127    said Testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us present at
128    the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of
129    each other have subscribed our names as witnesses Richard Easton
130    Solicitor Taunton Arthur Adams of Taunton
131    Proved at London 13th Sept[embe]r 1856 before the Judge by the oath of Elizabeth
132    Blake widow the relict the sole Executrix to whom Admon was granted
133    having been first sworn by Com[miss]ion duly to administer.