Hiatus of one week

Starting today I am taking  a break for about a week while we do some gardening cleanup and exterior painting. I also note that one of the upcoming wills which I have transcribed is for Malachi Blake which fits right into the will of Elizabeth Blake of Blandford. The sleuthing that I did for her will proved to be right on as the father of Elizabeth Blake was the Reverend Malachi Blake. Soon to follow is the will of the brother of Elizabeth, William Blake, and his will is nearly twenty pages long. I will work away at these wills and be publishing them when I return to blogging.

Have a great and safe Labour Day weekend to any of my readers. This is our celabratory weekend to mark a day for workers and the end of Summer and for some children return to school on the Tuesday following Labour Day Monday. The Roman Catholic schools are already back one week but the public schools do not return until after Labour Day.

It is a warm day here over 30 degrees celsius but already the shadows are getting longer and longer mid afternoon as the long nights return. The early nights let me transcribe in the evenings which is great for my research. Plus it is generally very cold outside yielding quite a bit of research time throughout the Canadian winter months which we consider to start end of September and finish end of April!

Will of Joseph Blake gentleman now student in the University of Oxford, of Dorchester, Dorset - The National Archives PROB 11/321/47, probated 9 Jun 1666

The testator Joseph Blake was a student at the University of Oxford and checking the CD for Oxford I find only one Joseph Blake in this time frame and he was the son of Richard Blake of Andover (Richard having died in 1648). His mother was Joane Dashford and this is the first information that I have had that she remarried. This Joseph does have an Aunt Dorothy Smyth.

Richard was the eldest son of William Blake and Dorothy Madgwick who married 6 Feb 1606 at Andover. Richard married Joanne Dashford 9 Oct 1632 at Andover and they had eight children. Two sons William died as young children but all the daughters appear to have survived – Dorothy 1633, Jane 1636, Sara 1637, Ann 1639 and Elizabeth before 1647. Joseph does not mention his sisters though which does make one wonder about their survival. A hunt for the marriage of Joane Dashford/Blake with a Mr William T_osse (name is difficult to read on the will) does not produce any result.

Joseph Blake was interred at St Peters Church in Dorchester, Dorset 15 Feb 1665/66.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~fordingtondorset/Files2/StPetersBurials1611-1700.html

Always interesting to find a will that you can fit into family lines however. Solving the transcription of his father in law's surname would be helpful and understanding why Joseph is of Dorchester, Dorset now.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/321/47
Testator: Joseph Blake, gentleman, now student in the University of Oxford
Place: Dorchester, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 1 Jul 1664, probated 9 Jun 1666
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estatment] Josephj
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the name of God Amen
2    I Joseph Blake late of Dorchester in the County of Dorsett gent
3    and now a student in the University of Oxford being in perfect health
4    and sound memory for which I desire to be thankefull unto Almighty
5    God doe hereby revoke make null and voyd all former and other wills
6    and testaments by me at any tyme made And doe make and ordayne this
7    my last will and Testament in manner and forme following viz[ a vi]t First I
8    bequeath my Soule into the hands of Almighty God my creator and maker
9    stedfastly hopeing for and expecting eternall life and salva[t]ion only by the
10    merritts passion Satisfaction and media[t]ion of Jesus Christ my only Lord and
11    Saviour and after hereby appoint that my body be decently buried and
12    interred by and according to the discre[t]ion of myne executor hereafter
13    named Alsoe I give and bequeath unto my uncle Mr Thomas Warren
14    the summe of Twenty pounds Alsoe I give and bequeath unto all myne
15    Uncles and Aunts to every one of them a gold ring of Tenne shillings
16    apeece  And to Dorothy Smyth my Aunt eight pounds And Lastly
17    Whereas
    [Page 2]
18    Whereas my father in law Mr William T_osse hath taken much care and means
19    for preserva[t]ion of my estate and shown much love and kindness unto my nearest
20    and dearest rela[t]ions I doe hereby give and bequeath unto him all my goods
21    Chattells ready money Jewells plate and housholdstuffe And doe alsoe hereby
22    make and ordayne him my whole and sole executor of this my last will and
23    Testament In witness whereof I the said Joseph Blake have hereunto sett myne
24    hand and Seale the first day of July in the sixteenth yeare of the raigne of our
25    Soveraigne Lord Charles the second by the grace of god of England Scotland
26    France and Ireland King defender of the Faith etc Annoqz domini 1664 Jo: Blake
27    Signed sealed and Published in the presence of us Walt Foy Mary T_osse

Will of John Blake, husbandman, Mannington, Dorset - The National Archives PROB 11/180/192, probated 20 May 1639

John Blake has not named any other Blake in his will. He mentions his brother Edmund Hart and his cousin Katherine Coshe, Katherine is to be his executrix.

Gussage All Saints is a parish about five miles south east of Mannington.

http://people.bath.ac.uk/lismd/dorset/churches/gussage-all-saints.html

There are three parish churches associated with Gussage and they are all with a couple of miles of each other. This area is to the north east of Blandford Forum or Blandford as it is commonly known.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 30 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/180/192
Testator: John Blake, husbandman
Place: Mannington, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 21 Nov 1638, probated 20 May 1639
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estatment] Joh[ann]is
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 194

1    In the name of God Amen I John Blake of Mannnington
2    in the Countie of Dorset husbandman beinge sick and weake of bodie (but thankes be given
3    to God) of perfect minde and memory doe make this my last will and testament in mann[er]
4    and forme following First I bequeath my soule into the hands of Almightie God trusting
5    to be saved onlie by the merritts of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and my bodie to bee
6    buried in the parish Churchyard of Gussage Alsaints Item I give to the Curch of Gussage
7    Alsaints twelve pence Item I give to the poore of the said parish two shillings Item
8    I give to my Brother Edmund Harts children each of them a sheepe Item all the rest
9    of my goods moveable and unmoveable I give unto my cozen Katherine Coshe whome
10    I make sole Executrix of this my last will and testament And doe request Edmund
11    Jelliff to be the Overseer hereof In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and
12    seale the one and twentieth daie of November in the yere of the raigne of our Sov[er]aigne
13    Lord Charles by the grace of God of England Scotland Fraunce and Ireland Kinge
14    defender of the faith etc the fowertenth Annoqz d[omi]ni one thowsand six hundred thirtie
15    eight sign Johis Blake This will published in the presence of Edmund Jellyffe sign
16    Susan Davye testd sign Margareta Blanchard test

More Blake Wills to Transcribe

I found another 101 Wills for Blake members in the Greater London Wills and will add them to my total number of Blake wills to transcribe. Also found were another dozen Wills from Dorset for Blake that will add to the information on the Blake line at Melbury Abbas and Blandford.

I must continue to hunt out these wills as I intend that my time as Blake one name study researcher will see as many of the wills of the Blake family transcribed as it is possible to do. When they are complete then I intend to create an *.pdf of all of them and put them up on Internet Archive.org for any future Blake researcher to use as they see fit. It is possible that I would do such a project by county as there are a lot of wills for the Blake family in the British Isles.

To them I will add reconstructed family trees in as much as possible.

Will of Elizabeth Blake of Blandford, Dorset - The National Archives PROB 11/1215/197, probated 16 Mar 1792

This Blake line at Blandford Forum does not appear in the 1641-42 Protestation Returns. However they are at Blandford by the 1730s since William Tice and Mary Blake are married there in 1736. Is this Mary a sister to William mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Blake testatrix (sister to William)? Two children recorded with father William Tice in the appropriate time frame – Martha buried 9 Dec 1741 and James buried 15 Mar 1750. No baptisms on Family Search in this time period for this couple.

Names found in the will:

Sarah Fisher, sister
Susannah Fisher, niece
Mrs. Elizabeth Gellibrand, niece
Mrs. Sarah Field, niece
William Blake, brother
Mary James, niece
William Tice, nephew
Robert Fisher, nephew
John Tice, nephew
Billy James, nephew
William Fisher, nephew
Thomas Fisher, nephew
Hannah Gellibrand, niece
Sarah Field, daughter to niece Sarah Field
Susanna Field, daughter to niece Sarah Field
Thomas Tice, nephew
Samuel Tice, nephew
Malechi Tice, nephew

Blandford Forum parish registers on Ancestry

Robert Fisher and Sarah Blake, marriage by license, 6 Nov 1744 at Blandford
Sarah Fisher, wife of Robert Fisher Senior, buried 8 Aug 1799 at Blandford
William Tice and Mary Blake married 14 Nov 1736 at Blandford
Joseph James and Sarah Blake married 17 Jul 1776 at Blandford
William Blake and Hannah Clench married by license 25 Nov 1746 at Blandford
Hannah Blake wife of William Blake Esquire buried 28 Aug 1793 at Blandford
William Blake Esquire buried 17 Jan 1793 at Blandford

Family Search register

William Gellibrand baptized 13 Jun 1765 son of Joseph and Elizabeth Gellibrand, Blandford Independent

Protestant Dissenters Births and Baptisms at Blandford Forum 1785 to 1808

Malachi Blake Tice son of Malachi and Elizabeth Tice, Blandford, baptized 23 Mar 1777, born 27 Feb 1777.

Eliza Tice daughter of Malachi & Elizabeth Tice, Blandford, baptized 3 Jun 1785, born 27 Apr 1785.

William Gellibrand, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Gellibrand, Edmonton, baptized 13 Jun 1765, born 20 May 1765.

Sarah Field daughter of Henry and Sarah Field, Blandford, baptized 26 Jun 1768, born 9 Jun 1768.

Susanna Field daughter of Henry and Sarah Field, Blandford, baptized 29 Sep 1769, born 7 Sep 1769.

Hannah Field, daughter of Henry and Sarah Field, Blandford, baptized 19 Jul 1771, born 12 Jun 1771.

Sarah Field Fisher daughter of William and Susanna Fisher of Blandford baptized 7 Jul 1799 born 16 Jun 1799.

Mary Fisher daughter of William and Susanna Fisher, Blandford, baptized 20 Sep 1801, born 20 Aug 1801.

Henry Field Fisher son of William and Susanna Fisher, Blandford, baptized 8 Jun 1796, born 7 May 1796.

Henry Field Fisher son of William and Susanna Fisher, Blandford, baptized 27 May 1803, born 28 Apr 1803.

The Universal British Directory for 1791 for Blandford found on the OPC Dorset website:

Reverend Henry Field, Dissenting Minister
William Blake Esquire
Malachi Tice, Surgeon, etc.
Robert Fisher, Post Master and Glover
Tice and Fisher – Button manufacturers, Mercers and drapers
Joseph James, Button manufacturer, Mercer and draper

A blog on the Fisher Family provides some details on this Blake line at Blandford:

http://ianfisherfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/10/fisher-budden-family-booklet-kindly.html

I quote in part from “Some Notes relating to The Fisher and Budden Families of Blandford"

“In a genealogical tree of the Blake family we see that a Robert Blake of Quemberfordk, Wilts, acted as a juror in a case in 1336, and that there are names of ancestors in a direct line from him to the present day; but the first one of whom we know anything definite is the Reb. Malachi Blake, Presbyterian Minister at Blagdon, Somerset, who died at Wells, Somerset, in 1704. He was a distant cousin of Admiral Blake, and got into political trouble in the Rebellion of 1682. He was “wanted” by the authorities, but was warned by a friend that the soldiers were on his track, so his wife hid him in a barrel in an out-house. He was not found, and escaped to London. His son, the Rev. Malachi Blake (the 2nd), was minister of the Presbyterian Meeting House, more usually called The Tabernacle, in Blandford, Dorset, at the time of the disastrous fire in 1731, of which he wrote a vivid description and published it in 1735 …………………….

"Mr. Malachi Blake’s daughter Sarah married Mr. Robert Fisher, a draper of Blandford. Their son William married first Catherine Budden of Blandford, and second Susanna Field, the daughter of the Rev. Henry Field of Blandford. She was the great-grandaughter of the Rev. Malachi Blake, her grandmother being Mary Tice.

"Mr. Robert Fisher’s daughter, Susanna, married first Thomas Budden, her sister in law’s brother and second the Rev. Stephen Gurteen, assistant Minister to the Reverend Henry Field.

………..

"There were two points of contact between the Tice and Fisher families. Dr. William Tice’s son John qualified as a doctor and practiced at Ware in Hertfordshire. He married a Miss Carter of Ringwood. Their son, William Tice of Sopley Park, Christchurch, married Mary Fisher. Dr. William Tice’s daughter Mary married the Rev. Henry Field of Bland ford and their daughter Susanna became the second wife of William Fisher. Owing to so many intermarriages the relationships became very much involved. The children of Mr. James James were the first cousins of the family of Mr. Henry Field Fisher, and both these families were the second cousins of the children of John and Elizabeth Budden.

……….

"The Blake Family
Robert Blake of Quemberford, Wilts, 1330
Richard Blaque or Blake, m. Anne Cole
Henry Blake, m. Elizabeth Dorrant
William Blake, m. Elizabeth Power
Henry Blake, m. Margaret Bellett
Robert Blake, m. Avice Roger
Robert Bake of Calne, ob. 1490
John Blake or Blaque, ob. 1558
Humphrey Blake, ob. 1559 (great grandfather of Admiral Blake)
John Blake, ob. 1595
William Blake of Pitminster, ob. 1645
John Blake of Pitminster, ob. 1645
John Blake of Pitminster, ob. 1682, m. MaryWilkins
Rev. Malachi Blake of Blagdon, Somerset, m. Mary Mico, ob. 1705
Reb. Malachi Blake, of Blandford, Dorset, ob. 1760, Presbyterian Minister. His daughter Sarah m. Robert Fisher

"Reverend Malachi Blake
William
Elizabeth
Sarah married Robert Fisher
Mary married Dr. William Tice"

The genealogy of the family does continue but at this point it is possible to see the family mentioned in the will below. William brother of Elizabeth the testatrix and the two sisters Sarah Fisher and Mary Tice (deceased likely as not mentioned by name but her children are mentioned as nephews).

Although I have quoted the early genealogy of the Blake family from this pamphlet, I  have already pointed out possible (and likely) errors in the chart but it is interesting to see the link between John who died in 1558 and his named son Humphrey who died in 1559. Would love to know more about this particular document and will leave a note on this blog from 2009 to see if I receive any further information.

Mourning Rings also mentioned on the blog of The Fisher Family:

Thomas Budden died 30th May 1797 age 70

William Tice died 31st May 1824 age 79

William Tice Junior died 1st December 1809 age 22

Sarah Fisher died 4th August 1799 age 77

Sarah Fisher died 26th November 1827 age 51

Hannah Blake died 20th August 1793 age 71

William Fisher died 27th September 1797 age 21

Reverend Malachi Blake died 15th February 1760 age 75

William Blake died 10th January 1793 age 75

Ann Field died 7th March 1802 age 24

Robert Fisher died 31st July 1802 age 22 (on same ring as Ann Field)

Sarah Fisher died 11th February 1804 age 22

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1215/197
Testator: Elizabeth Blake
Place: Blandford, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 14 Jan 1780, probated 16 Mar 1792
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Elizabeth
[Margin]: Blake

1    The following is the last Will
2    and Testament of me Elizabeth Blake of Blandford in the
3    County of Dorset via[ a vi]t after all my debts and Funeral
4    Expences are paid and discharged I then give and bequeath
5    to my Sister Sarah Fisher all the Interest that remains out
6    of the Money I now have in the public Funds viz[ a vi]t in
7    the Four per cent Consols and after ye decease of my
8    Sister Fisher I give and bequeath to my niece Susannah
9    Fisher her daughter one half of the principal Money of
10    the aforesaid Money which is now s[ai]d 4 p c consols to her
11    and her heirs for ever viz[ a vi]t I give and bequeath the
12    remaining part and principal Money of the above said Sum
13    to my two nieces Mrs Elizabeth Gellibrand and Mrs. Sarah
14    Field Share and Share alike to them and their heirs
15    for ever To my brother Wm Blake I give all my
16    Silver plate which he has in his Custody and to my
17    Sister Blake his wife my best Ring To my niece Mary
18    James I give my second best Ring together with my
19    best Silk Night Gown and best work Ruffles my next best
20    Ring I give to my Nephew Will[ia]m Tice the next to my
21    Nephew Robert Fisher the next to my Nephew John Tice
22    the next to Billy James and one of my Silver Table-
23    Spoons I give to my Nephew Will[ia]m Fisher the other To
24    my Newphew Tho: Fisher my Silver Tea Spoons I give
25    to Hannah Gellibrand and my Tea Tongs and Strainer my
26    best Silver Snuff Box and a little Locket to Sarah Field
27    daughter of my Niece Sarah Field the next little Box to
28    Susanna Field the other to Sarah Field Also I give to
29    my Nephew Tho: Tice my largest Bible and all the rest
30    of my Books I give to my Nephew Samuel Tice
31    Except some particular Books I have given away in a
32    Paper Mem[or]ium To my Nephew Malechi Tice I give my
33    Bed Curtains Bolster and Pillows and three Blankets and
34    Bedstead and Brass Fire pan and Tongs and a Night Stool
35    To the Rev[eren]d Henry Field I give the things which are
36    now at his house also my Chest of Drawers two Stools
37    and Four Chairs To my Niece Sarah Field my Shot Silk
38    Gown and petticoat and Striped apron and Ruffles To my
39    Niece Elizabeth Gellibrand I give my grey Silk Night Gown
40    And my black Silk Night Gown my plain Muslin Apron also
    [Page 2]
41    my best Bed Quilt and Table Linen and Sheets and Pillow
42    To my Niece Susanna Fisher I give my best Satin Gown
43    my white Silk petticoat my Flowered Muslin apron
44    Single handkerchiefs and 1 p[ai]r clear Muslin Ruffles also
45    China and Earthern Ware and Tea Table To my Sister
46    Sarah Fisher I give the Looking Glass which is at my
47    house and the Table which belongs to it also the
48    remaining part of all my cloaths excepting a few
49    inferior things given away in a Paper Mem[or]ium I
50    appoint my Brother Wm Blake the sole Executor of
51    this my last Will and Testament In Witness which
52    I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
53    Fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord
54    One thousand seven hundred and Eighty Elizabeth Blake
55    Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm
56    Mirville Sampson Mirville
57    This Will was proved at London the
58    Sixteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One
59    thousand seven hundred and Ninety two before the
60    Right honorable Sir Willian Wynne knight also doctor
61    of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the prerogative
62    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of
63    William Blake Esquire the Brother of the deceased
64    the Sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
65    administration was granted of all and singular the
66    Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased having been
67    first Sworn by Commission duly to administer

Blog Labels

I realized that I would really, on occasion, like to be able to pull up all the wills that I have transcribed by county as well as by surname. Hence I have now added to each will (hopefully didn't miss any!) the appropriate label - e.g. Devon Wills, Hampshire Wills, etc. I also noted that I had not always included the county in the labels for the will so added that when I noticed it.

Using the labels has made my "memory" very useful to me in that I can quickly go back and reread my thoughts for the day on a particular line. Especially helpful with the French Canadian research of our son in law and grandson which I hope to return to this fall. Also helpful with "great" questions that have prevailed in some of the Blake lines in particular the Charles Blake line in Hampshire/Wiltshire.

Will of Elizabeth Blake, spinster, Piddletown, Dorset - The National Archives PROB 11/1016/85, probated 8 Feb 1776

Elizabeth Blake, spinster, is the executrix of this will written in Pidleton, Dorset.

She mentions Sarah the wife of William Fowler who is a Corn chandler. From Webster’s 1828 English dictionary a Corn Chandler is a dealer in corn. Merriam-Webster gives the definition as a retailer of grain and allied products. World English Dictionary in its obsolete British meaning – a retailer of grocery provisions; shopkeeper.

There is a marriage of William Fowler and Sarah Blake 19 Feb 1771 at Saint James, Westminster, London (Family Search M14751-8). 


The other person mentioned is Mary married to Joseph Way.

There are two marriages for a Joseph Way and Mary Blake at Piddletown, Dorset –

Joseph Way married Mary Blake 12 Jan 1750 (Family Search M15989-1)
Joseph Way married Mary Blake 12 Jan 1775 (Family Search M00444-7)

Children baptized at Piddletown to Joseph and Mary Way

Joseph Way baptized 29 Mar 1750

Maria Way baptized 28 Jul 1786
Sarah Way baptized 5 Apr 1778
Betty Way baptized 7 Feb 1781
James Way baptized 3 Mar 1783
Betsy Way baptized 21 Apr 1784

There are two baptisms for Mary Blake 24 Apr 1739 (father Joseph Blake) at Wimborne Minster and 19 Jun 1722 at Melbury-Abbas (parents Robert and Rebecca Blake, Family Search Patron Entry, verified with Ancestry.ca parish register scan).

There is an Elizabeth Blake baptized 24 Jul 1727 at Melbury-Abbas (parents Robert and Rebecca Blake, Family Search Patron Entry, verified with Ancestry.ca parish register scan).

Looking at Genuki for Melbury Abbas and it is 18 miles north east of Piddletown although it is quite a direct route through Blandford Forum.

Robert and Rebecca Blake have two more children

Anabella Blake baptized at Melbury-Abbas 14 Aug 1718 (Family Search Patron Entry, verified with Ancestry.ca parish register scan)
William Blake baptized at Melbury-Abbas 21 Jul 1720 (Family Search Patron Entry, verified with Ancestry.ca parish register scan)

Looking at Wills proven at Blandford (see OPC Dorset website) by people living in Melbury-Abbas – Robert Blake 1705, Annabella Blake 1723

The OPC Dorset website is a valuable tool as, in the case of my records for Winterborne Clenstone, records are transcribed from the original records. There are no Blake baptisms or marriages  after 1731 at Melbury Abbas. There are however burials with Robert Blake buried 4 Dec 1764 (entry has 4 Dec 1764 Robert Blake buried) and Rebecca Blaker buried 21 Jan 1744 (is this an error and should be Blake?). Will try to investigate that with the Ancestry scans of Dorset.

Robert Blake of Melbury Abbas married Rebeccah Parrot 23 May 1708 at Shaftesbury. There is a period of ten years before there is a child baptized in the records found thus far checking as well on Ancestry for all of the Dorset records that they have listed. I also found on the OPC Dorset site that 23 Mar 1706/1707 Robert Blake of Melbury Abbas married Rebekah Upjohn of Shaftesbury St Rumbold. Working my way through Blandford St Mary I found Hannah Blake of Melbury Abbas married Mathew Pitman of Motcombe 14 Sep 1710. Thomas Blake of Melbury Abbas married Elizabeth Shipman of Melbury Abbas 14 Sep 1719.

An interesting item on Robert Blake of Melbury Abbas. From The Registers of Wadham College, Oxford Part I from 1613 to 1719 edited with biographical notes by the Rev Robert Barlow Gardiner, MA, FSA, published London: George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1889.:

Robert Blake Commoner 17 Oct 1661 (Dorchester) Caution Money received 22 Oct 1661 repaid by Bursar Bury. Possibly Robert Blake of Melbury Abbas, died 1705 (Hutchins, III. 565). He does not appear to have been admitted; does not appear to have received a degree at any time.

In another book held by the University of Illinois library (Admissions to Trinity College, Cambriodge Vol. III, 1701 to 1800, Edited by W W Rouse Ball and J A Venn, MacMillan and Co., Limited. St. Martin’s Street, London. 1911) and in text loose on the web I found this entry:

Blake, John. Son of Robert Blake of Melbury Abbas, Dorsetshire. School, Shaftesbury, Dorsetshire (Mr Gwin). Age 18. Subsizar, July 14, 1702. Tutor, Mr Cressar. Matriculated, 1702; Bromley Sizar, 1704; B.A. 1706. This under Trinity College admissions 1702.

Another entry also under Trinity College Admissions but 1759. William, Blake. Son of Benjamin Blake of Jamaica. School, Abingdon, Berkshire (Dr Abbot). Age 18. Pensioner, October 6, 1759. Tutor, Mr Backhouse. Matriculated, 1759. Did not graduate.

A third entry for Trinity College Admissions 1788. Blake, William. Son of William Blake of London. School, Charterhouse, London (Dr Berdmore)., Age 14. Pensioner, July 21`, 1788. Tutor, Mr Collier. Matriculated 1789; scholar 1791, BA 1793; Fellow 1795; MA 1796.

The question at hand is, of course, who is Robert Blake at Melbury Abbas? He has a son John born in 1684 and he himself having applied to Trinity in 1661 likely around 16 years of age plus or minus 2 years giving him a year of birth of 1645.

Melbury Abbas is just two miles south east of Shaftesbury, Dorset. But also it is 16 miles south west of South Newton where there is a large Blake family. 

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 28 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1016/85
Testator: Elizabeth Blake, spinster
Place: Pidleton, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 7 Jul 1775, probated 8 Feb 1776
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Elizabeth
[Margin]: Blake

1    This is the last Will
2    and Testament of me Elizabeth Blake of Pidletown
3    in the County of Dorset Spinster made and published
4    this seventh day of July in the year of our Lord
5    one thousand seven hundred and seventy five in
6    manner and form following that is to say First I give and
7    bequeath unto Sarah the wife of William Fowler of
8    Swallow Street in the parish of Saint James Westminster
9    Corn Chandler the Sum of Fifty pounds to be paid
10    at the end of six months next after my decease
11    by my Executrix herein after named All the Rest
12    Residue and Remainder of my Chattels Real and
13    personal Estate Monies Securities for moneys and debts
14    of what nature or kind soever or wherersoever lying
15    or being I give and bequeath the same unto
16    Mary the Wife of Joseph Way of Pidletown afores[ai]d
17    Blacksmith and I do hereby constitute and appoint
18    her the said Mary Way Executrix of this my Will
19    Revoking all former Wills by me at any time
20    heretofore made The Mark of Elizabeth Blake
21    Signed sealed published and declared by the said
22    testatrix as and for her last will and Testament who
23    her presence at her request and in presence of each
24    other have subscribed our Names as Witnesses Robt
25    Stickland, James Boswell
26    This Will was proved at London the
27    eighth day of February in the Year of our Lord one
28    thousand seven hundred and seventy six before the
29    Right Worshipful Sir George Hay Knight doctor of
30    Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the prerogative
31    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath
32    of Mary Way (Wife of Joseph Way) the Executrix
33    named in the said Will to whom administration of
34    all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
35    the deceased was granted having been first Sworn by
36    Commission duly to administer.

Will of Elizabeth Blake, widow, Dorchester, Dorset - The National Archives 11/452/203, probated 11 Sep 1699

It is always pleasant to read a will and know how this person fits into the Blake families. In this case Elizabeth Blake, widow, the testatrix, is the second wife of Peter Blake of Andover late High Sheriff of the County of Southampton. His will was probated in 1692 and can be seen in my blog:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/09/will-of-peter-blake-of-andover-national.html

By the time Elizabeth is writing her will the only child of Peter Blake still living is Sarah Lambert (married to Edward Lambert as mentioned in this will) and she has inherited her brother’s property. Peter asks his brother in law James Gould to assist with the Joynture for his wife Elizabeth.

This family is listed in the Visitation of Hampshire 1686 and I am constantly left to wonder if someone could record his great grandfather incorrectly. Certainly that happened with the Siderfin family where my line was placed in the wrong section by the author of the Siderfin Family of West Somerset. The Visitation suggests looking at the Visitation of London 1634 and going to that particular document you find that there is only the simple entry or Richard Blake of Andover marrying Jone Blake daughter of William Blake and their son Richard Blake of Tower Ward (2 sons, gent). This is signed but it is in the Visitation of London 1663-4  on my disk. This particular Richard Blake of Tower Ward left his will in 1643. This Richard Blake is the son of Richard Blake and Jone Blake and he helps by listing his siblings to place himself into the correct family. I am fairly convinced that this Richard Blake married to Jone is the son of William Blake and Elizabeth (unknown) with William leaving his will in 1582 naming all of his children. Both of these wills have been blogged along with the will of Richard father of Richard Blake of Tower Ward:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2011/02/richard-blake-will-of-23-mar-1643.html

As I searched back through my blog I realize that I have never published the will of Richard Blake 1622 Grandfather of Peter Blake (husband of the testator and this Elizabeth his second wife). Hence it is appearing just before this will of Elizabeth Blake of Dorchester, Dorset.


Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 27 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/452/203
Testator: Elizabeth Blake, widow
Place: Dorchester, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1696, probated 11 Sep 1699
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Elizabetha Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen:
2    I Elizabeth Blake of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Widdow revokeing
3    all former Wills for me made doe hereby make and ordaine this my last Will and
4    Testament Imprimis I bequeath my Soul into the hands of God my gracious Father
5    and Jesus Christ my blessed Redeemer And as for my temporall Estate I dispose
6    thereof as followeth viz[ a vi]t I give to Elizabeth Bennett the daughter of Thomas
7    Bennett of Sarum Grocer the summe of Twenty pounds Item I give unto my Servant
8    Ann Wilkins the summe of ten pounds to be paid her within one Month after my
9    decease and alsoe all my weareing Apparrell Item I give unto the poor of the Towne
10    of Dorchester aforesaid the summe of ten pounds to be distributed amongst them
11    by my Executor as hee shall think fit Item I give unto Barrick Rowell of Dorchester
12    aforesaid Clerke the summe of Five pounds Item I give unto Timothy Sprint now or
13    late of Clatford in the County of South[amp]ton Clerke and unto George Hamond of
14    London Clerke unto each of them a Mourning Ring of twentie Shillings value at the least
15    each Item I give unto my Brother James Gould Esq[uie]r and his daughter and to
16    my Brother George Gould gent and his Wife and to my Bro Samuel Gould
17    and his Wife and to my sonne in Law Edmund Lambert Esq[uie]r and
18    his Wife unto each of them a mourning Ring of twenty shillings value each at
19    the least And my will is that the severall summes before given except that given
    [Page 2]
20    to my servant be paid within three Monethes after my decease And I do
21    hereby make my said Brother George Gould of Dorchester gent full and sole
22    Executor of this my last Will and Testament Witness my hand and Seale this tenth
23    day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred Ninety Six Elizabeth
24    Blake Sealed and published by the Testatrix to be her last Will in the presence of Abra:
25    Templeman Pet: Templeman
26    I the within named Elizabeth Blake doe hereby give unto the within named
27    Barrick Rowell Clerke over and above the summe of Five pounds within men[t]ioned
28    the further Legacy of Five pounds more to be payd when the other is made payment
29    alsoe I doe hereby give unto my Servant Ann Wilkins over and above her
30    legacies within men[t]ioned one fine pair of Sheets and a paire of pillowpies Willing
31    that this Indorsement be taken as part of my last Will Witness my hand this three
32    and twentieth day of October Anno domini one thousand six hundred Ninety
33    seven Elizabeth Blake Witness hereto Abra: Templeman Pet: Templeman

Will of Richard Blake, Linen Draper of Andover - The National Archives PROB 11/141/491, probated 15 May 1623

This will precedes the first will for Dorset because that will is for Elizabeth Blake second wife of Peter Blake who was a grandson of Richard Blake, Linen Draper of Andover. 

Richard Blake, Linen Draper, of Andover left his will dated 10 Sep 1622 and it was probated by his wife Jone/Joane 15 May 1623. It is easy to tell who his children are as he names all of them and some of his grandchildren are also named. Unfortunately he does not name his siblings nor does he give a hint on his parent’s names. Naming his brothers in law as Nicholas Blake and William Smith is perhaps a clue to the ancestry of his wife Jone Blake as her surname was Blake before marriage.

Names mentioned in the will:

Jone Blake, wife of testator
William Cooke, tenant
Mr. Palmes, land owner
Mr. Thomas Fittiplace, land owner
Sir Francis Neale, land owner
William Blake, eldest son
John Blake, son
Nicholas Blake, son
Richard Blake, son
Peter Blake, son
William Blake, grandson, second son of William Blake
Peter Blake, grandson, son of William Blake
Mr. Richard Venables, land owner
Jone Bayly, daughter
Dorothie Burmingham, daughter
Ellnor Hinxman, daughter
Margarett Savage, daughter
Mr. Peter Noyes the elder, cousin
Mr. Nicholas Blake, brother in law
Mr. William Smith, brother in law
Joseph Hinxman, son in law
Hugh Marshall, witness
Nicholas Blake, witness
John Elton, witness

Richard names his eldest son as William which is helpful since the parish registers for Andover have not yet begun when he is baptized.

Baptisms and marriages for the children at Andover:

William Blake married Dorothy Madgwick 6 Feb 1606 (likely born before 1586)
Jone Blake married Richard Bayly 6 May 1605 (likely born by 1585)
Elizabeth Blake married John Hapgood 18 Jun 1605 (likely born by 1585)
Dorothy Blake married Peter Burmingham Apr 1608 (likely born by 1588)
Elenor Blake baptized 23 May 1589, married to Joseph Hinxman 10 Dec 1610
Margaret Blake baptized 25 Apr 1592, married to Richard Savage Apr 1616
Richard Blake baptized 30 Sep 1593 (lived at Tower Ward, London)
Peter baptized 25 Jul 1596
Edward baptized 21 Feb 1598 and buried 2 Mar 1599
John baptized 25 Oct 1601
Nicholas baptized 27 Mar 1604
Alice buried 11 Sep 1613

Since the eldest children are likely born by 1585 the possible date of marriage for Richard Blake and Jone Blake would be circa 1584 or earlier. That would give a likely date of birth for Richard of the early 1560s. I believe this Richard to be the son of William and Elizabeth Blake with William Blake leaving his will in 1582 at Eastontown, near Andover. William does not mention grandchildren in his will but to place him in a family he does mention his brother and sisters. He is definitely the son of Nicholas and Margaret Blake of Enham.

Will blogged for William Blake probated 14 Nov 1582:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/09/will-of-william-blakeyeoman-of-andover.html

and he mentions his siblings which clearly places him in the family of Nicholas and Margaret Blake of Enham. His brother Edmund mentioned in his father’s and his mother’s will quite disappears from the records although said to have a son Stephen. William has a large family as seen in his will. It is this large family along with his cousin Robert’s family that form the nucleus of the Blake family in this area of Hampshire. Robert being a brother to Nicholas and named in their mother’s will and if I am right about Richard Blake who left his will in 1522 also named in his will.

Looking at the Visitation of Hampshire in 1686 which has been a rather confusing item in that Peter (a great grandson of William above (son of Richard the fifth son of William who left his will in 1582) Peter states that his father was William Blake of Andover and he has some sort of a legal action obt Ao 1647 mentioned and that he died before 11 Jul 1642 and was married to Dorothy Madgwick. He only mentions himself as a child of this couple and John the youngest brother who was apprenticed to Robert Mason of Southampton, merchant 11 Jul 1642. Peter states in the Visitation that the father of William married to Dorothy Madgwick was Richard Blake of Andover and that he had married Joane daughter of William Blake of Easton Town. He mentions only two of Richard’s children namely William (his father) and Richard of Tower Ward, London. This is the interesting part in that he moves back another generation and names William Blake as the father of Richard which is correct but this William Blake he has married to Anne daughter of Thomas Tutt of Chilbolton rather he should be naming William Blake of Easton-Town married to Margaret Hibberd because I am beginning to wonder if William Blake married to Anne Tutt and Jone Blake married to Richard Blake are siblings. Further I am wondering if William who left his will in 1582 was married twice otherwise I would be having Richard marrying his elder brother William’s daughter Jone so technically his niece. Not unheard of in this time frame but not very usual. The marriage records for this time period do not exist in the Parish Records at Andover so no help there as I have already transcribed them.

Peter Blake who wrote up the Visitation was baptized 5 Apr 1619. He would have been twelve years old when his grandmother Jone Blake died so presumably would have heard from her the ancestry of the family although William Blake and Ann Tutt were still likely living but their children were more than 10 years older than him. It remains an interesting dilemma why he has recorded his lineage in this way. But I continue to look for possible scenarios that could have resulted in him doing so. There is of course a second confusing marriage in this family where John the eldest son of William Blake (leaving his will in 1582) marries a Margaret Blake daughter of William Blake of Eastontown. This from the Blake Pedigree Chart which names John as the son of William Blake and Avis Ripley of Eastontown and Margaret (his wife) as the daughter of William Blake of Eastontown. This William at Eastontown is also said to have died in 1582 but the children of the two Williams do not match the will of 1582. If instead Margaret is the daughter of William married to Avis Ripley (and that William is said to be the son of Roger Blake and Mary Baynard of Pinhills, near Calne, Wiltshire) then it does simplify that chart. However, I digress. I am publishing the will of Richard Blake, linen draper of Andover, who left a charity which benefitted many many schoolchildren in Andover through the years.

On the other hand and a much simpler relationship would be that Jone Blake was descendant of Robert Blake (brother to Nicholas Blake of Enham). Indeed the eldest son of Robert Blake may be the Robert Blake who left his will in 1605 at Andover and one of my purchases will be this will. His possible children are Richard Blake and Nicholas Blake and two unknown daughters one of whom could be Jone and the other married to William Smith. But in that case the Visitation is entirely incorrect beyond Richard and one notes that the Visitation of London of 1633-34 which is quoted as the source for the material does not go back before Richard Blake married to Joane Blake (daughter of William Blake of Eastontown).

You definitely need to love mysteries to do genealogy!

While investigating the next will I came across an interesting item in Notes and Queries for Somerset and Dorset, Volume 10, Frederic William Weaver and Charles Herbert Mayo, Sherborne:  J.C. Satwell, published 1907 (pages 309-327):

 http://archive.org/stream/notesqueriesfor05unkngoog/notesqueriesfor05unkngoog_djvu.txt

"William Rolfe, of Enford, married Sara, daughter of John Blake, of Estontown, Hants, who married his cousin, Margaret Blake, and had issue William Rolfe who died in 1646, having married Sarah Deane, and Sara Rolfe, who married George Dyer. Sara Rolfe (the mother), was married, secondly, to John Gerle, of Enford, who came from a well-known Hampshire family. He was one of the witnesses to George Dyer's marriage.

The will of John Gerle, of Long street in the parish of Enford, gentleman, is dated 26 Sep 1633 and proved 13 Feb 1633/34 (FCC 20 Seager). In his will he metions his niece Mary Dycke, his sons, Alexander and Thomas, son-in-law (stepson) William Rolfe, Esq., and William Tipper, of Seene (Seend): Witnesses, Henry Colepepper and others.

The complaint of Mary Dyke, of Chizenbury, Wilts, dated 14 June, 14 Car. I. states that John Gerle, late of Long street in the parish of Enford, gentleman, became on the 10 March, 6 Car. I, bound to the complainant for the payment of ___ at his decease, but in his will only ___ were left to her. He appointed Alexander Gerle, his son, executor. His estate was valued at _______ and more. The complainant sued Alexander Gerle in 1637, and obtained judgment against him, but in order to avoid payment he conveyed his estates to Robert Blake, of Estontown, Hants, gentleman, and George Dyer, of Heytesbury, Wilts, gentleman, in trust for his children.

George Dyer and Robert Blake deny the facts of the complainant's case except regarding the legacy, saying the estate was not sufficient to satisfy the claims on it.  ......l..

On 28 Nov 1645, William Blake, citizen and vintner of London, complainant, William Dyer, of London, gentleman, and ...... Cross and Sarah, his wife, otherwise Sarah Blake, executors to the will of Thomas Gerle, gentleman, (dated 27 Mar 1643) who bequeathed his estate to his cousin William Dyer, his cousin William Blake, his cousin Sarah Blake, and John Walker, and they to be executors. Proved 2 May, 1643 (PCC 35 Crane). "

This continues on for several pages as the estate is contested into the 1700s. This I find very interesting as it is the first mention of a relationship between John Blake of Eastontown near Andover and his wife Margaret Blake. That they are cousins. I collected all the paperwork and will have a longer look at it.


Transcribed by: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 22nd  February 2008
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/141/491
Place: Andover, Hampshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Testator: Richard Blake, Linen Draper
Place: Andover, Hampshire, England
Dated: 10 Sep 1622, probated 15 May 1623
Read: Electronic copy
Condition: scan, smudges, old English writing good, contrast medium

[Margin]: T[estament] Richardi
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the name of the eternall and everlivinge
2    God father sonne and holly ghost, In whose name I was baptized in whome only I hope and beleive
3    to bee saved Amen The tenth daie of december in the yeare of our lord god one thousand six
4    hundred and two and twentie And in the yeares of the raigne of our soueraigne Lord James
5    by the grace of god king of England France and Ireland, defender of the faith etc the twentith
6    and of Scotland the six and fiftieth I Richard Blake of Andever in the Countie of South[amp]t[on]
7    lynnen drapier aged of yeares being sicke in boddie but of good and perfitt memorie I thancks
8    my god the giver and preserver thereof doe make and ordayne this my last will and testament
9    as followeth Revokinge hereby both in deede and in lawe all former and other wills heretofore
10    made by mee And first with a free hart and willing mind I doe yield and render my soule
11    into thee hands o[f] father sonne and holye ghost I doe acknowledge with all my hart and doe
12    confesse I am a greate sinner and have neede of the grace mercy and favor of God and I hope
13    that I shall find both grace and merrit of god the father for his beloved Christs sake in him
14    I believe, hee is my redeemer hee liveth for ever and ever and maketh intercession for sinners
15    and this I knowe that now I am a corruptible body but I hope throughe Jesus Christ to rise an
16    Incorruptible boddie and I believe that the lord will have mercie uppon mee for hee first made
17    mee soe this I believe whether I live or dye I am the lords to whome bee all honor glory power and
18    dominion both now and for evermore Amen As concerning my boddie I bequeath itt to the earth
19    from whence itt came Item I give to Trynitie Church in Wynton – ij s vi d and to the church
20    of Andever xx s Item I give and devise to Joane Blake my loving wife my house wherein I
21    now dwell in Andever and all the lands w[i]th th[e ]appurten[a]nce thereunto belonging And all that
22    my house and lands thereunto belonging in Andever aforesaid heretofore called the Bleu Ancker and
23    is now called the Phenix in the possession of William Cooke And all other my lands and ten[emen]ts in
24    Andever aforesaid ^ w[hi]ch I purchased severally of Mr Palmes and of Mr Thomas Fittiplace and alsoe that house or tenement in Andever aforesayd wherein Walter Waight shoomaker now dwelleth And alsoe all that my messuage
25    or ten[emen]ts and one acre of land in Sopstreete alias Soplane in Andever aforesaid and allsoe
26    all that my mannor and farme of Cricklades with the water mill thereof in Andever
27    aforesaid and all the lands rents profitts and com[m]odities whatsoever thereunto belonging
28    And allsoe all that my messuage and Farme of Gallacre al[ia]s Gavellacre and all the lands
29    rents profitts and com[m]odities whatsoever thereunto belonging And allsoe all those my lands ten[emen]ts and
30    hereditaments which I purchased of Sir Francis Neale lyeing in Forton in the p[ar]ish of Longe
31    parish And all and ev[er]ie in the rents of the said sev[er]all mannors messuages lands tene[men]ts and p[re]misses
32    referred upon anie lease or leases thereof or of anie p[ar]te thereof made To have and to hould all
33    and singular the said mannor messuags farmes mill lands tene[men]ts and p[re]misses unto the sayd
34    Joane my wief for and during her naturall life if shee shall soe long continue and keepe her self sole
35    and unmarried And after her decease or marriage w[hi]ch shall first happen I devise and bequeath
36    all and singular the saide mannor messuags farmes mill lands ten[emen]ts and p[re]misses and the rev[er]cion
37    and remaynder of them and ev[er]ie of them in manner and forme following that is to saie I give and
38    devise unto Will[ia]m Blake my eldest sonne my saied dwelling house and all that my saied mannor and
39    Farme of Cricklades together with the mill thereof and all the lands thereunto sev[er]allie and respectively
40    belonging and all the houses and lands with theire appurten[an]ces which I purchased of Mr Thomas
41    Feffiplace aforesaide To have and to hould to him the saide Will[ia]m Blake and his heires for ever
42    And I give and devise unto John Blake my sonne All that my said messuage or ten[emen]te called
43    the Bleu Ancker or Phenix aforesaide and all other the messuags lands and ten[emen]ts w[hi]ch I purchased
44    of Mr Palmes in Andever aforesaide and alsoe all that my said house or ten[emen]te wherein Walter
45    Waight aforesaide now dwelleth and all the lands thereunto belonging To have and to hold unto
46    my saide sonne John Blake and to the heires of his boddie lawfullie begotten and for defaulte of
47    such issue the Remaynder thereof to my said sonne Will[ia]m Blake ad his heires for ever
48    And I give and devise unto my sonne Nicholas Blake All those my lands ten[emen]ts and hereditaments
49    lyeing in Forton aforesaid w[hi]ch I lately purchased of Sir Frances Neale to have and to hold unto
50    [Page 2]
51    unto my saide sonne Nicholas his heires and assignes for ever Uppon this condition that my
52    saide sonne Nich[ol]as Blake and his heires shall paie to ev[er]ie of his brothers and sisters twenty pounds
53    apeece within two yeares next after the decease of Joane my saide wife And further I give and
54    devise unto my saide sonne Nich[ol]as Blake All that my messuage and Farme of Gallacre alias
55    Gavellacre and all the lands ten[emen]ts and hereditam[en]ts thereunto belonging and the rev[er]cion and Remaynder
56    thereof with their appurt[en[ancs To have and to hould unto my sayde sonne Nicholas Blake and
57    to the heires of his boddie lawfullie begotten and for defaulte of such yssue the Remaynder thereof
58    to my sayde sonne Will[ia]m Blake and to the heires of his boddie lawfullie begotten and for defaulte
59    of such yssue the Remaynder thereof to him and his heirs for ever provided allwaies and my will
60    is that if itt shall happen my saide Farme and lands of Gallacre to come unto my sayde sonne
61    Will[ia]m Blake or to his heires for defaulte of heires of the boddie of my sayde sonne Nicholas lawfullie
62    begotten That then my saide sonne Will[ia]m Blake or his heire which att that time shalbe shall
63    paie unto Richard Blake my sonne two hundred pounds, to Peter Blake my sonne one hundred pounds
64    and to John Blake my sonne one hundred pounds of currant english money to bee paid w[i]thin two
65    yeeres nexte after the said land shall come unto my saide sonne Will[ia]m or to his heires as aforesaide
66    And yf my sayde sonne Will[ia]m or his heires to whome the sayde land shall happen to come for defaulte
67    of heires of the body of my said sonne Nich[ol]as shall make default of payment of the sayd sev[er]all
68    som[m]es of money unto my said sonnes Richard, Peter and John in manner as is aforesayd That
69    then I give and devise the saide Farme of Gallacre and lands thereunto belonging unto my sayde sonne
70    Richard Blake and his heirs uppon condition likewise that the said Richard Blake or his heires
71    shall paie unto my said sonnes Peter and John one hundred pounds apeece, And I give and devise
72    unto William Blake my grandchilde second sonne of my sonne Wyll[ia]m All that my saide messuage
73    or ten[emen]te in Soperlane al[ia]s Soperstreete aforesaid and one acre of land thereunto belonginge
74    and the rev[er]cion and Remaynder thereof To have and to holde unto him and to the heyres of his bodye
75    lawfully begotten and for defaulte of such yssue the Remaynder thereof to Peter Blake his brother
76    one other of my grandchildren and to his heires for ever Item I give and devise unto Jone Blake
77    my sayde wife All that my moyety p[ar]te and porcion of the Farme of Upclatford and the rents
78    thereof which I sometymes held together w[i]th Mr Richard Venables To have and receive the rents
79    and profitts thereof for and during all the estate and terme of yeeres therein yet to come
80    and unexpired (if shee shall soe long live and keepe her self widdowe and unmaryed and after
81    her decease or marriage which shall first happen I give and devise all my estate and terme of
82    yeares therein then to come and unexpired with the rents and profitts thereof unto my sayde
83    sonne John Blake his executors and assignes; provided my will and meaning is that my said
84    wief shall paie out of the rents and proffitts of the sayd Farme of Clatford unto my sayd sonne
85    John Blake for his mayntenance att Oxforde the some of xxiiiij li by the yeere yearly Item
86    I give and bequeath unto my sonne Richard Blake fower hundred pounds of currant
87    english money over and above all such moneys as hee hath allreadie had of mee to bee paied unto
88    him by my executrix in manner following viz [a vi]t one hundred pounds thereof within six months
89    next after my decease and soe within ev[er]ie six moneths next following one hundred pounds
90    untill the sayd some of fower hundred pounds bee fullie paied Item whereas I promised to
91    give unto my sonne Peter Blake upon his marriage with his now wief the some of Five
92    hundred pounds (Three hundred pounds whereof I have allreadie paied unto him my will is
93    that my executrix shall paye unto him one hundred pounds more within one yeere next
94    after my decease and in full satisfaction of the said Five hundred pounds I give unto my
95    sayd sonne Peter my lease and terme of yeares of the Salteren or Salthouse in or neere
96    the towne of Southampton if hee shall accept thereof in satisfaction of the sayd
97    500 li Item I give to ev[er]ie of the children of Jone Bayly my daughter x ls a peece
98    Item I give unto Dorothie Burmingham my daughter x li and to ev[er]ie of her children
99    40 s apeece Item I give unto Ellnor Hinxman my daughter one hundred pounds in
100    regard her porcion hath beene lesse then the rest of her sisters and to ev[er]ie of her children
101    40 s apeece Item I give unto Margarett Savage my daughter xx li and to ev[er]ie of her
102    [Page 3]
103    children 40 s apeece Item I give to ev[er]ie of my sonne William Blakes children 40 s apiece Item the residue
104    of all my goods credditts debts cattells and chattells whatsoever not given nor bequeathed moveable and un-
105    moveable I give and bequeath fully and wholly to Jone Blake my sayde wief whom I make and ordeyne to
106    bee my only and sole executrix of this my last will and testament to paie all my debts and discharge all
107    my legacies hereby given and bequeathed and to see my bodye decentlie buried Item my will is that all the
108    waynskott glasse benches shelves table bordes and ioynestooles of my dwelling house shall after my
109    sayd wifes decease remayne and bee unto my said sonne William unde[r]saied My overseers of
110    this my last will I desire to bee my Cossen Mr Peter Noyes th[e ]elder, my brother in law Mr Nich[ol]as
111    Blake my brother in law Mr Will[ia]m Smith and my sonne in law Joseph Hinxman and I
112    give unto each of them xx s a peece giving willing and graunting unto them and the longest li-
113    ver of them full power and authoritie to determyne decyde and end all ambiguities doubtes
114    questions and debates whatsoever which shall arise amongest my sayd children or anye of them
115    And further my will is that my executrix shall become bound by obligacion to my overseers as
116    they shall thincke reasonable before my will bee proved to p[er]fourme and paye all the legacyes be-
117    fore given and bequeathed w[hi]ch yf shee shall refuse to doe Then my will is that Will[ia]m Blake my
118    sonne shall bee my executor of this my last will becominge bound as aforesaide to perfourme
119    the same provided allwaies and my will is that yf itt shall happen after my decease anye of my
120    sonnes or anye other to whome I have limited to enioye anye p[ar]te of my lands or goods aforesaide
121    not to content himself or themselves with such porcion of lands or goods in such manner and
122    sort as I have before given and bequeathed the same or shall attempt practise or endeavour to
123    disturbe alter chaunge frustrate or made voide in anie respect or point this my last will
124    and testament and the contents of the same or anie p[ar]te thertoof that then my sayd sonnes he or
125    they and every other person and persons to whome I have given and graunted to have and enjoy anye
126    p[ar]te of my lands goods and chattells shall for ever lose the benefitt of this my last will to all
127    intents and purposes and the legacies to them or any of them by the same given and devised
128    And then I doe give and devise the same porcion of my lands and goods to the residue of my sayde
129    sonnes not soe offendinge to be equallie and indifferentlye divided amongest them Item my will
130    and meaning is that my sayde wief shall receive and have all the rents and p[ro]fitts of my
131    lands given unto her as is aforesayde towards the paiement of the legacies in this my will
132    contayned yf my goods and chattells shall not suffice to satisfie the same And lastely I give and
133    bequeath unto the corporacion of the towne of Andever and theire successors for ever Thirty
134    pounds of currant english money uppon condicion that the Baylief and approved men for the
135    time being of the sayde corporacion shall with the same money either purchase land in Fee
136    simple to the use of the poore people of the same towne accordinge to the proporcion of the sayd somme
137    of Thirtie poundes and paye the rent thereof yeerelye unto the sayde poore people or els that the
138    sayd Bailliffe and approved men shall give securitie unto my executrix and overseers or the s[ur]vivors
139    of them by rent chardge or otherwise by some other assurance as shal[l ]bee by my sayd executrix and
140    overseers or the survivor of them or theire counsell learned devised to paye unto the sayd poore
141    people such as have most neede and to soe manie of them as the sayd Bailliffe and approves
142    men shall thinke fitt the some of fourty shillings att the feast of St Thomas theapostle yerely
143    for ever And further I give towards the paving of the waye to the Free scoolhouse in Andever
144    the some of twentie shillings In witnes whereof I have to this my last will and testament sett
145    my hand and seale the daie and yere above written Richard Blake witnesses hereeunto Hugh
146    Marshall  Nich: Blake  John Elton

Blake wills in Devon

Although I have transcribed a number of wills for Blake in Devon, I have only just scratched the surface. There are over 300 wills for Blake in Devon that were destroyed during the bombing of the Exeter Record Office in WWII. Devon Genuki Wills has extracted from various publications all of the wills that ended up being mentioned as well as including the PCC wills and the IRW wills. One of my projects is to collect all the Blake wills from on the Inland Revenue Wills (IRW) film held by Family Search on our next trip to Salt Lake City.

These IRW wills (18 for Blake) were retained by the Estate Duty Office for the time period 1812 - 1857:

Blake    Ann    North Molton    DEV        1816    W    co        IRW    B 1007
Blake    Ann    Kenton    DEV        1833    W    co        IRW    B 1008
Blake    James    Diptford    DEV        1854    W    co        IRW    B 1009
Blake    John    Plymouth    DEV        1814    W    co        IRW    B 1010
Blake    John    North Petherwin DEV  1832  W    co       IRW    B1011  
Blake    Josiah    Stoke Damerel    DEV        1856    W    co        IRW    B 1012
Blake    Mary    Diptford    DEV        1856    W    co        IRW    B 1013
Blake    Richard    Woodbury    DEV        1844    W    co        IRW    B 1014
Blake    Robert    Sampford Peverel   DEV        1851    W    co        IRW    B 1015
Blake    Samuel    Devonport [Stoke Damerel]    DEV        1841    W    co        IRW    B 1016
Blake    Thomas    Kenton    DEV        1824    W    co        IRW    B 1017
Blake    Thomas    Little Torrington    DEV        1832    W    co        IRW    B 1018
Blake    Thomas    Woodleigh    DEV        1842    W    co        IRW    B 1019
Blake    Thomas Symons    Woodleigh    DEV        1853    W    co        IRW    B 1020
Blake    William    Tiverton    DEV        1825    W    co        IRW    B 1021
Blake    William    Holsworthy    DEV        1828    W    co        IRW    B 1022
Blake    William    Brixham [St Mary]    DEV        1832    W    co        IRW    B 1023
Blake    William    St Budeaux    DEV        1833    W    co        IRW    B 1024

They are listed on Film Number 1278811 and I could use the short-term microfilm loan and will think about doing that in the winter so that I can locate the page number for these wills. I will try to photograph them but it is possible to request a scan of the particular will from Family Search and have it emailed to you. They permit you to ask for five a month. I have already requested one for Hampshire from them and received it. The copy was excellent and I have transcribed that will already in as much as it was possible at the time. I shall revisit the will of Richard Blayke 1522 for Enham Hampshire one of these days!

I ordered a further five wills for Blake in Hampshire and I would be finished with Hampshire by the end of the year so could consider ordering them as well but first need to get the page numbers to help simply that search by them. The title of the film is:  Wills for the Diocese of Exeter (County of Devon), 1812-1857.

I now have a flat file set up with all the Blake wills in Devon that I am missing and the various publications in which some mention is made of them. As I work through the family charts for Blake I will consider ordering these books from Family Search on Interlibrary Loan through their Research Centres. There still remain just under 300 wills for which the original will is no longer available.

Will of William Blake, Superannuated Blacksmith of Her Majestys Dock Yard Devonport, at Stoke Damerel, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1899/65, probated 16 Aug 1838

This is the last Blake will I have for Devon from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury up to 1858.

William Blake is the testator and he is married to Hannah with his youngest son being named as George Moses Blake. From Family Search C06360-1, George Moses Blake, son of William and Hannah Blake was born 3 Apr 1829 and baptized 1 Jun 1829 at Morrice St-Wesleyan, Devonport.  George married Hannah Dunn in 10 Jun 1857 at St George, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon. He was 28 and she was 28 and his father was listed as William Blake and her father as John Dunn (from Find My Past).

On the 1841 census George Moses Blake is living on Lambert Ope with Robert Perkins a shipwright and he is listed as 12 years of age.

William was buried 20 May 1838 from 57 Charlotte Street, Marine Town, at Ebenezer/Central Hall Methodist in Plymouth and he was 56 years of age. Hannah Blake was buried from Lamberts Ope[ning] Devonport at the age of 69 years 20 Sep 1849 at Ebenezer/Central Hall Methodist in Plymouth.

I also found a second son Samuel Blake who was born 11 Apr 1819 and baptized 3 May 1819 at Morrice St-Wesleyan, Devonport for this couple (Family Search).

There is also a daughter Hannah born 24 Dec 1816 and baptized 3 Feb 1817 at Morrice St-Wesleyan, Devonport born to this couple (Family Search).

There is a marriage for William Blake and Hannah Love 4 Dec 1815 at Saint Marys, Portsea, Hampshire (Family Search M06261-2).

There is a William Blake born 27 Jan 1782 and baptized 3 Mar 1783 at Stoke Damerel, Devon son of Charles and Elizabeth Blake. Possibly this is Charles Blake (Seaman) of his Majesty’s Ship the Somerset, married to Elizabeth Gouge in the parish of St Andrews, Plymouth, Devon 20 Sep 1773.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 26 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1899/65
Testator: William Blake, Supperanuated Blacksmith of Her Majestys Dock Yard Devonport
Place: Stoke Damerel, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 7 Apr 1838, probated 16 Aug 1838
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 4

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I William Blake Supperanuated Blacksmith of her Majestys Dock Yard
3    Devonport now residing in the parish of Stoke Damerel in the County of devon
4    while I am in health and of sound mind and memory and understanding praised
5    be God for the same do make this my last Will and Testament in manner
6    and form as herein written that is to say First I give and bequeath unto
7    my loving wife Hannah Blake in case she should survive me All my real
8    and personal property whatsoever and wheresoever together with all my
9    Goods and Chattels and Effects and also a dwelling house situated in Lamberts
10    Ope[ning] Inn Devonport to have and to hold for the remainder of the term which
11    shall be then unexpired and also all monies which may be due at my decease
12    from the Blacksmiths Club and to be subject to the payment of all my just debts
13    and all my funeral expences But in case my dear Wife Hannah Blake should
14    be called home from this world before me then I give and bequeath all my
15    real and personal property goods and Chattels together with the aforesaid dwelling
16    house situate in Lamberts Ope Devonport and all other properties I hold In my
17    possession and also all monies which may be due to me at my decease from
18    the aforesaid Blacksmiths death Club commonly called Bennetts Club amounting
19    to about twelve pounds The whole of which I give and bequeath unto my youngest
20    Son George Moses Blake now about nine years of age and also to subject to the
21    payment of all my just debts and funeral expences And I also  nominate and
22    appoint Mr William Codner Shipwright of Devonport and also Mr John Eastabrook
23    Smith Executors of this my last Will and Testament ratifying and confirming
24    this and no other In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
25    this seventh day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
26    Signed sealed published and declared by the said William Blake as his last
27    will and Testament In the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence
28    of each other have hereunto subscribed our names William Blake
29    William Codner John Eastabrook
30    Proved at London 16th Aug 1838 before the Judge by the Oath of
31    William Codner and John Eastabrook the Executors to whom Admon was granted
32    having been first sworn (by Comm[issi]on) duly to administer.

Wills to transcribe

Blake 633 (includes 7 only for which no place is indicated)
Abbs 1
King 17
Kingdon 1
Kip 3
Locke 7
Burges 1
Butt 1
Carter 3
Chorley-Churley-Charley 15
Coffin 3
Kent 10
Knight 2
Lambden 5
Lywood 4
Millin 3
Moggeridge-Modridg-Moggridge 12
Question 3
Quirke 1
Rawlings-Rawlins 12
Robson 2
Rolles 3
Routledge 5
Rowcliffe 6
Siderfin 3
Snowe 5
Tapp 1
Thomas 3
Upcott 3
Vicary 6

Total wills to transcribe 25 Aug 2013 - 774

Estimated time to complete is dependent on the Blake as the others will just fit in on their particular research day. The plan was to be finished by next year at this time which is probably somewhat ambitious so will aim to be done by the end of 2014.

I also have 21 sets of images which tend to be one to ten pages (ledger size paper or larger) which is primarily about my one name studies - Blake or Pincombe.

Easily I have three years or more of transcription just on these documents which we filmed at the National Archives. I already have purchased material that I have barely looked at so I estimate it will take me five years to get through everything but the really intensive work on wills should be complete in a year and four months which then lets me spend full time working on family charts.

Will of William Blake, Esquire, of Plymtree, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1534/250, probated 16 Jun 1812

William Blake, the testator, is the brother of Thomas Blake who left his will in 1776 which I blogged several days ago.

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/08/will-of-thomas-blake-gentleman-plymtree.html

William, the testator, is living at Green end and there is a write up on this particular property in British History online:

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50588

Clist William, formerly belonging to the Salters, is now the property of Sir John Kennaway, Bart. A large mansion to the south-west of the church, called Green End, was formerly the property and residence of the Pratts, ancestors of Earl Camden. It was given by one of that family to the uncle of Mr. Thomas Blake, who is the present proprietor and occupier.

Marriages at Plymtree

William Blake married Elizabeth Harward 21 Jun 1788
Betty Blake married John Ashford 22 Dec 1789
Richard Blake married Ann Augusta Harward 14 Jul 1791
Humphrey Blake married Joan Gould 10 Jun 1811
Robert Blake married Mary Stark 13 Mar 1816

Marriages at Bishops Hull

William Blake (of Crewkerne) married Hannah Downing at Bishops Hull 1 Sep 1768
John Buncombe (of Pitminster) married Deborah Downing 3 Mar 1774

Baptisms at Plymtree

Robert Blake son of Humphrey and Jane baptized 14 May 1815 (carpenter)
Sarah Blake daughter of Humphrey and Joan baptized 11 May 1817 (carpenter)

Is this William the testator buried 11 Jan 1811?

Burials at Plymtree

Louisa Blake (28 years) buried 15 Sep 1821
Thomas Blake (63 years) buried 18 Mar 1826 (from Green End)

Burials at Trull

Betty Blake buried at All Saints Trull 14 Jun 1785
Betty Blake buried at All Saints Trull 10 Jan 1798
Betty Ashford buried at All Saints Trull Apr 1805
William Blake buried at All Saints Trull 11 Jan 1811
William Blake (60 years) buried at All Saints Trull 12 Sep 1826
William Blake (2+ years) buried at All Saints Trull 13 Apr 1832
Betty Blake (70 years) buried at All Saints Trull 26 Nov 1840

An interesting document linking these Blake families at the Devon Record Office (3637 A/PFT 28, 29 1825):
Contents:
1. Thomas Blake of Green End, Plymtree, gent., and William Blake of Cutshay in Trull, Somerset, gent., (surviving trustees)
2. Charles Harward of Hayne House, Plymtree, clerk, Charles Harward, esq., his son, William Blake the younger of Cutshay in Trull, Somerset, William Brice, gent., John Harris, gent., Henry Shiles, gent., John Shiles the younger, his son, John Squire, gent., William Trump, gent., and James Dowell, yeoman, all of Plymtree
Premises: as in PFT 3
Mary Crosse's Charity

1861 Census at Trull living in Dipford House: William Blake, 64 y, head, farmer retired, Mary Blake wife 54 y, Farmer’s wife, Elizabeth Blake daughter 26 y.

1861 Census at Trull living in Cutsey Farm Thomas Blake head, 29 y, farmer 300 a, wife Eleanor Blake 26 y, Mary Hole 30 y sister in law, Mary Blake 23 y sister, Ann Hole 14y sister in law, Samuel Hole 17 y brother in law.

Continuing with putting this family together. We know from the will of Thomas Blake probated in 1776 that he left all of his property to his brother William of Trull. This Thomas was related to the Marks family of Pitminster, the Pratt family of Willand, the Buncombe family of Pitminster. Thomas and William are known to be the sons of Richard Blake from the archival records held by the National Archives of the UK. Thomas appears to have died without issue and perhaps unmarried. Thomas lived at Cutsey which had been purchased by Richard Blake of Angersleigh from Robert Blake of Pitminster. I can not make any assumption about a relationship between Richard and Robert yet.

Thomas mentions his brother William and his brother in law John Marks and his nephews John and Robert Marks in terms of close kinship. At the time of the death of Thomas his brother William and his wife had had three children all baptized at Trull (parents lived at Cutsey) namely: Thomas 28 Jun 1763, William baptized 11 Jun 1766 and Betty baptized 9 Aug 1769 Betty Blake married John Ashford 22 Dec 1789). The testator  William Blake is, I believe, the brother of Thomas whose will was probated in 1776 and father of Betty married to John Ashford. When this will is probated in probated in 1812 his sons Thomas and William are 49 years and 46 years respectively. He also names his grandsons William and Thomas sons of William. Betty (grand daughter of the testator but not mentioned in the will) Blake was baptized 3 Dec 1794, William was baptized 19 May 1797 and Thomas was baptized 2 Feb 1802. On the 1861 census at Trull living in Dipford House is William grandson of the testator and he is 64 years of age which fits with the baptism and date of birth (31 Jan 1797).

This William married Mary Thomas (marriage not yet found) and their children baptized at Trull were as follows:

Thomas Blake 11 Jul 1831
William Blake 11 Jul 1831
Elizabeth Blake 24 Sep 1834
Mary Blake 30 Dec 1835

Looking at the 1861 census once again living with William Blake at Dipford is Elizabeth Blake their daughter 26 years of age (and is likely Elizabeth listed above as the child of William and Mary). The Thomas listed at Cutsey Farm as head is named as 29 years of age which fits with Thomas’ date of baptism very well and he is living at Cutsey where his parents had lived with his family which I still need to work on to discover about the Hole family living there. Also living with Thomas is his sister Mary 23 which fits somewhat with Mary’s baptism.

Burials at Trull include

Thomas (of Cutsey) buried 16 Feb 1813 at the age of 12 years.
William Blake of Cutsey buried 12 Sep 1826 at the age of 60 years (son of the testator)
William Blake of Cutsey buried 13 Apr 1832 at the age of 2 years and 3 months

Thomas Blake baptized in 1831 thus became the only descendant still living at Cutsey he was buried 9 Nov 1880 at the age of 49 leaving no descendants hence his sisters Elizabeth and Mary inherited his property.

Names mentioned in the will of William Blake (the testator)

John Buncombe of Bishops Hull, trustee
Robert Buncombe of Trull, trustee
Eliza Ashford, grand daughter
William Ashford, grandson
Thomas Blake, son
William Blake, son
William Blake, grandson, son of William Blake
Thomas Blake, grandson, son of William Blake
Mary Ann Mark, relative
John Mark, relative
Betty Mark, relative
Robert Mark, father of Mark children above, relative
W Morse, witness
John Critchett, witness
Henry Brutton, witness
Melony Penham, witness
Harvey Brown, witness

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 20 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1534/250
Testator: William Blake, Esquire
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 8 Dec 1808, probated 16 Jun 1812
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 52

1    This is the last Will and Testament of
2    me William Blake of Green end in the parish of Plymtree in the
3    County of devon Esquire which I make to the disposal of all my Estate
4    and Effects in manner and form following that is to say First I give devise
5    and bequeath unto John Buncombe of Bishops Hull in the County
6    of Somerset Esquire and Robert Buncombe of Trull in the same County
7    Esquire all those my messuages tenements lands and premises the one
8    called Stimers Clarks and and the other called Clarkes or by whatever
9    other name or names the same are known and distinguished situate
10    and lying in the parish of Plymtree aforesaid with their every of
11    their rights members heredits and appurts to hold unto the said John
12    Buncombe and Robert Buncombe upon such Trusts and to and for such
13    uses ends intents and purposes as are hereinafter mentioned of and
14    concerning the same that is to say upon trust that they the said
15    John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe or the survivor of them or
16    the heirs and assigns of such survivor do and shall as soon as
17    conveniently may be after my death by sale or mortgage of the
18    aforesaid premises or some part of parcel thereof raise and levy the sum
19    of two thousand pounds of Good and lawful money of the united
20    Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and pay and apply the sum of
21    one thousand pounds one half part thereof unto my Grand dau[ghte]r
22    Eliza Ashford at the attainment of her age of twenty one years or day
23    of marriage which shall first happen provided such marriage
24    shall be with the consent and approbation of my said Trustees and
25    the sum of one thousand pounds the other half part thereof
26    to my Grandson William Ashford at the attainment of his age
27    of Twenty one years and in the mean time and until my
28    said Grand daughter Eliza Ashford and Grandson William Ashford
29    shall have attained their respective ages of twenty one years or
30    marriage of my said Grand daughter as aforesaid I will and
31    direct my said Trustees to put and place out their respective legacies
32    at Interest on Government or some other Good security or
33    securities for their respective use and benefit also I give devise and
34    bequeath unto the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe
35    all and every my royalties and all other my messuages Farms Lands
36    Tenements and heredits whatever or whereof and wherein I am
37    seized or possessed of any Estate of Freehold or inheritance or therein possessed
38    reversion remainder or expectancy or for any term or terms of years
39    situate and lying in Plymtree aforesaid or elsewhere in the County
40    of Devon except the Lands and premises in Plymtree by me
41    before devised to them in trust for sale or mortgage as aforesaid
42    to hold the same premises with their every of their and
43    every of their and every of their rights members and heredits and appurts unto
44    and to the use of them the said John Buncombe and Robert
45    Buncombe their heirs and assigns to for and upon such uses and
46    ends intents and purposes and subject to the
47    provisos hereinafter limited expressed and declared of and concerning
48    the same that is to say to the use and behoof of my son Thomas
49    Blake for and during the term of his natural life subject and
    [Page 2]
50    liable to empeachment of or for any manner of waste and
51    from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use
52    of the said John Burcombe and Robert Burcombe and their heirs
53    during the natural life of my said son Thomas Blake In trust to
54    preserve the contingent remainders hereinafter limited from
55    being defeated or destroyed and for that purpose to make entries or
56    bring actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit
57    suffer my said Son Thomas Blake and his assigns to have receive and
58    take during his natural life the rents and profits thereof and of every part
59    thereof to and for his and their own use and benefit and from and
60    immediately after the death of my said Son Thomas Blake to the use
61    and behoof of the first Son of the body of my said Son Thomas Blake
62    lawfully to be begotten and the heirs male of the body of such
63    first son lawfully issuing and for default of such issue then to the
64    use and behoof of the second third fourth and all and every other
65    son and sons of my said Son Thomas Blake severally successively
66    and in remainder one after another as they and every of them shall
67    be in seniority of age and priority of birth and of the heirs male
68    of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons lawfully
69    issuing the elder of such son and sons and the heirs male of his body
70    being always to be preferred and take Before the younger of such
71    son and sons and the heirs male of his and their body and bodies
72    respectively and in default of such then to the use of my Grand
73    son William William Blake the eldest son of my son William
74    Blake for and during the term of his natural life and from and
75    immediately after the determination of that Estate then to the
76    use and behoof of my said Trustees and their heirs during the life
77    of my said Grandson William Blake in trust to preserve and support
78    the contingent remainders hereinafter limited from being defeated or
79    destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring actions as the
80    case shall require But nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Grand
81    son William Blake and his assigns to receive and take the rents issues
82    and profits thereof and every part thereof during the term of his
83    natural life to and for his and their own use and benefit and from and
84    immediately after the determination of that Estate to the use and
85    behoof of the first son of the body of my said Grandson William
86    Blake and the heirs males of the body of such first son lawfully
87    issuing and for default of such Son then to the use and behoof of the
88    second third fourth and all every other son and sons of my said
89    Grandson William Blake severally successively and in remainder
90    one after another as they and every of them shall be in Seniority of
91    age and priority of Birth and of the heirs male of the body and bodies
92    of all and every such Son and Sons lawfully issuing the elder of such
93    sons and the heirs male of his body being always preferred and to
94    take before the younger of such Son and Sons and the heirs male
95    of his and their body and bodies respectively and in default of all
96    such issue then to the proper use and behoof of my own right
97    heirs forever also I give devise and bequeath unto the said John
98    Buncombe and Robert Buncombe all and every my messuages
99    Farms lands tenements and heredits whatsoever situate lying
100    and being in the said parish of Trull or elsewhere in the said
101    County of Somerset whereof or wherein I am seized or possessed
102    of any Estate of Freehold or lease of wherein and either in possession
103    or reversion or according to the Custom of the manor of Taunton Dean
104    in the said County of Somerset whereof or wherein I am now
105    possessed or interested for any term or terms of years or any other
106    Estate tenure or interest to sell the same premises with their and
    [Page 3]
107    and every of their rights members heredits and appurts unto and to the use
108    of them the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe and
109    their heirs Exors admors and assigns to for and upon such uses and
110    intents and purposes and under and subject to such provisoes as
111    are herein after limited expressed and declared of concerning the
112    same that is to say to the use and behoof of my son William
113    Blake for and during the term of his natural life Subject and
114    liable to impeachment of or for any manner of waste and
115    from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use of
116    the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe their heirs Exors
117    and admors during the natural life of my said Son William
118    Blake In trust to preserve the contingent remainders hereinafter
119    limited from being defeated or destroyed and for that purpose to make
120    entries or bring actions as the case shall require but nevertheless
121    to permit and suffer my said Son William Blake and his assignes
122    to have receive and take during his natural life the rents issues and
123    profits thereof and of every part thereof to and for his and their own use
124    and profit of it and from and immediately after the death of my said
125    son William Blake to the use and behoof of my Grandson
126    Thomas Blake the second son of my said son William Blake
127    and the heirs male of his body lawfully issuing and for default of
128    such issue then and not before to the use and behoof of William Blake
129    the eldest son of my said son William Blake and to the third fourth
130    and all and every other son and sons of my said son William
131    Blake severally and successively and in remainder one after
132    another as they and every of them shall be in seniority of age
133    priority of birth and of the heirs male of the body and bodies of
134    all and every such son and sons lawfully issuing the elder of such
135    son and sons and the heirs male of his body being always to be
136    preferred and take before the younger of such son and sons and the
137    heirs male of his and their body and bodies respectively and in
138    default of all such issue then to the proper use and behoof of my own
139    right heirs forever I do hereby give and bequeath all my Gold
140    rings and silver plate of every sort and description as well in my
141    mansion or dwelling house in Devon as in my mansion or dwelling
142    house in Somerset unto my said Two sons Thomas Blake and William
143    Blake upon trust that they or the survivor of them do and shall
144    as soon as conveniently may be after my death cause the same
145    to be weighed and valued by a silver smith or some other
146    proper person and then to distribute and divide the same to
147    and amongst my four Grand Children William Ashford Eliza
148    Ashford William Blake and Thomas Blake in equal parts
149    share and proportions regard being had and proper attention paid
150    to such valuation as near as it can possibly be done and as
151    for and concerning all and singular my Goods Chattels
152    Furniture except plate stock Cattle both quick and dead
153    every description and utensils and implements in husbandry which
154    shall or may be found in upon and belonging to any of my
155    messuages Farms Lands and premises and premises in Plymtree
156    aforesaid or elsewhere in the said County of Devon subject and
157    chargeable nevertheless to and with the payment of all my just
158    debts which shall or may be due and owing by me to any person
159    or persons in the said County of Devon either on mortgage bond simple
160    contract or otherwise I give and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas
161    Blake and as to for concerning all and singular my Goods Chattels
162    Furniture except plate stock cattle quick and dead of every
163    description and utensils and implements in husbandry which shall or
164    may be found on any of my Farms Lands and premises in Trull
    [Page 5]
165    or elsewhere in the said County of Somerset I give and bequeath unto my
166    said Son William Blake subject and chargeable use or thereof to and with
167    the payment of all my just debts which shall or may be due and owing by me to any person or persons in the said County of Somerset either on Mortgage Bond simple contract or otherwise and also subject and chargeable by my Son William to and with the payment of the following legacies to my relations hereafter
168    mentioned that is to say to John Mark second son of Robert Mark of
169    the parish of Angersleigh in the said County of Somerset (the sum of one
170    hundred pounds to Mary Ann Mark the eldest daughter of the said
171    Robert Mark the sum of Fifty pounds and the like sum of Fifty pounds to Betty Mark the second daughter
172    of the said Robert Mark the same to be paid to them respectively at their several and
173    respective age or ages of twenty one years and whereas my said son Thomas Blake
174    stands indebted unto me by virtue of a lease by me granted to him of my
175    Estate at Green end and other Lands in Plymtree aforesaid in a Considerable Sum
176    of money for rent also some other debts and demands now 300 by the sum
177    will give devise and bequeath unto my said Grandson William Blake all
178    and every such Sum and Sums of money as shall be due and owing to me from
179    my said Son Thomas Blake at the time of my death for rent or any
181    other promise Contract security or Engagement whatsoever to be unto
182    my said Grandson William Blake his Exors or Admors for his and their own
183    proper use and benefit and whereas I have herein before given and bequeathed to my said
184    son William Blake all and every singular my Goods Chattels Furniture (except
185    plate) stock cattle of every description and utensils and implements in husbandry
186    which shall or may be found on any of my Farms Lands and premises
187    in Trull or elsewhere in the County of Somerset which I am satisfied
188    is more than sufficient to answer all the Charges payable thereout
189    being desirous of giving a Legacy to my said Grandson William Blake
190    of Five hundred pounds I do therefore hereby give and bequeath unto my said
191    Grandson William Blake the sum of Five hundred pounds to be
192    paid him at his attainment of his age of twenty one years by his
193    father my son the said William Blake out of the monies and profits
194    of the Goods and Chattels which I have given to him by this my
195    will as aforesaid provided always and I do hereby expressly declare
196    that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Buncombe and
197    Robert Buncombe or the survivor of them to fell cut down and sell
198    dispose of as much oak or other Timber Trees or an equal number of
199    each and no more which shall be standing or growing on any of
200    my Lands in Plymtree aforesaid or elsewhere in the said County of Devon
201    aforesaid for raising the sum of Five hundred pounds to and for the
202    use and benefit of my said Son Thomas Blake to whom I give the
203    same and also to fell cut down sell and dispose of as much Oak or elm Trees
204    Timber Trees or an equal number of each and no more which shall be
205    standing or growing on any of my Lands in Trull or elsewhere in the
206    county of Somerset aforesaid for raising the sum of two hundred pounds
207    to and for the use and benefit of my said Son William Blake to whom
208    I give the same whatever other Lands Tenements and heredits and
209    whatever monies securities for money and other goods Chattels and Effects
210    not hereinbefore given and devised I am possessed of or any wise intitled
211    unto I give devise and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas Blake and my
212    said Son William Blake their heirs Exors and Admors and so hereby
213    appoint them joint devisees residuary legatees and Exors of this my last
214    Will and Testament subject and chargeable to and with the payment
215    of my Funeral Expences and also to and with the payment of the
216    sum of three pounds to the poor of the said parish of Plymtree and
217    Five pounds to the poor of the said parish of Trull to be distributed
218    by the Churchwardens and overseers to such poor persons of each parish
219    as they in their prudent discretion shall think proper within one month
220    after my death and my will further is and I do hereby expressly declare
221    that the purchaser or purchasers of all or any part of these premises by them
222    devised in trust for sale as aforesaid paying his or their purchase
223    money to my said Trustees their heirs or assigns or to the survivor of
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224    them shall on payment thereof be absolutely acquitted and
225    discharged of and from such purchase money and shall not be obliged
226    to see or look to the application or be accountable for the misapplication
227    or nonapplication thereof or any part thereof and my will is further
228    is and I do hereby declare that my said Trustees their heirs Exors or
229    Admors shall not be charged or chargeable for more monies than they
230    shall actually receive and shall come to their respective hands by
231    virtue of this my will nor for any loss or losses which shall or may
232    happen to the trust monies so as such loss happen without their
233    wilful default nor the one for the other of them or for the acts deeds
234    receipts defaults or disbursements of the other of them and also that
235    it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Trustees and each of them
236    their and each of their Exors admors and assigns in the first place by and
237    out of the said trust monies to set out and reimburse themselves and
238    himself all such losses costs charges and Expences as they or either
239    of them shall sustain expend or be put unto for or by reason of
240    the performance of this my will the Trusts hereby in them reposed
241    or the management or execution thereof or any thing relating
242    thereunto In witness whereof I the said William Blake have
243    to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the eighth
244    day of December one thousand eight hundred and eight William
245    Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the said William
246    Blake the Testor as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence
247    of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in the
248    presence of and at the request of the said Test[at]or and in the presence
249    of each other the interlineation of the words liable to inpeachment
250    of or for any manner of being first made W Morse John Critchett
251    Henry Brutton
252    I William Blake of Green end in the parish of Plymtree in
253    the County of Devon Esquire do make and publish this my writing to be
254    a Codicil to be annexed and took as part of my last will and
255    Testament whereas I have in and by my said will the Eighth
256    of December one thousand eight hundred and eight given devised and
257    bequeathed unto John Buncombe of Bishops Hull in the County
258    of Somerset Esquire and Robert Buncombe of Trull in the same
259    County Esquire all those my messuages Lands and premises the one
260    called Stimers Clarkes and the other called Clarkes or by whatever
261    other name or names the same are known and distinguished
262    situate and lying in the parish of Plymtree aforesaid and with their
263    and every of their rights members and appurts to hold unto the said
264    John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe and the survivor of
265    them his heirs and assigns upon trust by sale or mortgage of the
266    aforesaid premises or some part or parcel thereof raise and levy
267    the sum of Two thousand pounds of Good and lawful money
268    of the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Ireland and pay and apply
269    the sum of one thousand pounds part thereof unto my
270    Grand daughter Eliza Ashford at the attainment of her age of twenty
271    one years or day of marriage as is therein mentioned and the
272    sum of one thousand pounds the other half part thereof to my
273    Grandson William Ashford at the attainment of his age of twenty
274    one years as therein is also mentioned to which will I refer to the
275    particulars thereof as is therein expressed now I the said William
276    Blake do hereby revoke and make void that part of my said will
277    respectively the raising and levying the said Sum of two thousand
278    pounds in manner aforesaid and instead revised I hereby direct
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279    order that the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe or
280    the survivor of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor
281    shall only raise and levy by the ways and means expressed in my
282    said will the sum of one thousand pounds and to pay and apply the
283    sum of Five hundred pounds one half part thereof to my said
284    Grand daughter Eliza Ashford and the other half part thereof the
285    sum of Five hundred pounds to my said Grandson William
286    Ashford to be paid to them respectively at such times and in such
287    manner and form as I have ordered and directed by my said will
288    and in all other respects I do hereby ratify and confirm my said will
289    in witness whereof I the said William Blake have to this my
290    Codicil set my hand and seal the twenty seventh day of December
291    in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine Wm
292    Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the said William
293    Blake as a Codicil to be annexed to and taken as part of his last
294    will and Testament in the presence of us who have at the request
295    of the said Testor subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto in his
296    presence and in the presence of each other Melony Penham
297    Harvey Brown Henry Brutton
298    Proved at London with a Codicil 16th June 1812 before the
299    Judge by the oath of Thomas Blake and William Blake the
300    sons and Exors to whom admon was granted being sworn by Comm
301    to admor