Will of Mary Blake, Goldwell House Speenhill, Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1371/178, probated 15 Mar 1802

This is the will of Mary Blake, wife of Captain John Blake of the Honourable East India Company, and mother of Arabella Blake, spinster, whose will was blogged yesterday:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/03/will-of-arabella-blake-spinster-upton.html

All the details on Mary can be found in this earlier blog after her marriage.

She was the daughter of Charles Tymewell of Peckham, Surrey, Gent and Arabella (widow of John Hitchin, Gent) of Peckham, Surrey.

There is a baptism for a Charles Timewell at Saint Olave, Southwark, Surrey 22 Feb 1694 (also born 22 Feb 1694) son of Charles Timewell and Priscilla (an earlier baptism 31 Dec 1690 also for Charles Timewell with the same parents). Peckham is south of Southwark (a couple of miles).
From the Allegations for marriage licences issued by the vicar-general, Volume 2:

25 Oct 1687 Charles Tymewell of St Olave’s Southwark, Surrey, Feltmaker, bachelor about 27 and Mrs Priscilla Collins of Christ Church, Surrey, Spinster about 21 years with the consent of her father Robert Collins, Christ Church.

Another record from the newspaper.com site: Charles Tymewell and Arabella his wife were married 9 May 1721 at St Ann’s Church near Aldersgate. Their daughter Mary Tymewell was born ….. The rest of the text is missing. If this is the present testator then she was born after 1721 and that would have made her less than 76 years of age when she wrote the will. At that time some of her grandsons were over 21 years of age and so the age would seem to fit. She married John Blake in 1743 and with a birth year of 1721 or later her age would be 22 years or less when she married and their first child was born in 1744 (Sally Hitchen Blake baptized 12 Oct 1744).

Is the Charles Tymewell married to Priscilla the father of Charles the father of Mary the testatrix? Mary’s father Charles would have had to be born/baptized 1694 which would make him 27 years of age when he married Arabella but she was named as his third wife. The earliest that he would have married would likely be 1715 plus or minus a couple of years. I am not actually tracing the Tymewell family however, so will leave it with this information gleaned thus far.

The Will of Charles Tymewell was probated 26 Sep 1727 and a quick glance at his will written in Peckham, Surrey and he is mentioned as a Gentleman. He remembered members of the Tudman family. He remembers his daughter Mary and she is a young child. He leaves her three thousand pounds. He also remembers his daughter in law (child of Arabella Hitchin who was a widow when she married him) with a property in Somerset. This will was probated but not administered until Mary Blake (wife of John Blake) was granted administration of her mother’s estate intestate which included administering her father’s estate. Always nice to have these little notes written on the probate to help link families.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 March 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1371/178
Testator: Mary Blake
Place: Goldwell House Speenhill, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 7 Jul 1797, probated 15 Mar 1802
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Mary
[Margin]: Blake

1    I Mary Blake
2    of Goldwell house Speenhill in the County of Berks Widow
3    being of sound mind memory and understanding do make
4    this my last Will and Testament in manner Following
5    that is to say, first I will and direct that all my Just debts
6    and Funeral Expences shall be fully paid and satisfied and
7    subject thereto I give and dispose of my Estate and Effects as
8    follows I give devise and bequeath all my Freehold
9    copyhold and leasehold Estates whatsoever and
10    wheresoever with all and every the appurtenances
11    thereto belonging subject nevertheless to the payment
12    of my debts and the pecuniary legacies hereafter given in case my personal Estates not hereafter
13    specifically bequeathed shall not be sufficient to
14    answer and pay the same unto my daughter
15    Arabella Blake and her assigns for and during the
16    term of her natural life and from and after her
17    death then I give devise and bequeath my said Freehold
18    Copyhold and Leasehold Estates unto my Son in Law
19    Henry Hinde Pelly Esq[uie]r his heirs Executors Admors
20    and Assigns for ever or for such Term Estate and
21    Interest as shall then be to come therein I give
22    to my said Son in Law Henry Hinde Pelly Esq[uie]r one
23    hundred pounds I give to my daughter Sally Hitchin
24    Pelly his Wife one hundred pounds I give to my
25    Grand daughter Mary Pelly daughter of the said
26    Henry Hinde Pelly and Sally Hitchin Pelly his Wife
27    the Capital Sum of two hundred pounds South Sea
28    Stock (part of the South Sea Stock) now standing in my Name and I do direct
29    that the same be transferred within twelve Calendar
30    Months after my decease to her the said Mary
31    Pelly I give to my Grandson Raymond Pelly son of the
32    said Henry Hinde Pelly and Sally Hitchin Pelly his
33    Wife the like Capital Sum of two hundred pounds
34    South Sea Stocks now standing in my Name and
35    I do direct that the same together with the dividends
36    to accrue due thereon after my decease shall be
37    transferred and paid to him when he shall attain his
38    age of twenty one years and I do hereby authorize
39    empower and direct my said Executors from time to
40    time during the Minority of my said Grandson to lay
41    out and invest the dividends to accrue due on the said
42    Sum of two hundred pounds South Sea Stock in the
43    purchase of South Sea Stock to accumulate for the
44    benefit of my said Grandson I give to my said
45    daughter Arabella Blake one thousand pounds now
46    lent on Mortgage to Mr John Dearing of Canterbury also
47    the Capital Sum of sixteen hundred pounds three
48    pounds per cent Consolidated Bank Annuitys part of
49    two thousand four hundred pounds three per Cent
50    Consolidated Bank Annuities
    [Page 2]
51    now standing in my Name and all my
52    share and Interest in Bricker Barn Turnpike I
53    give to the said Henry Hinde Pelly his Executors and
54    Administrators the Capital Sum of one thousand
55    pounds East India Stock standing in my Name
56    upon Trust that he and they do and shall from
57    time to time during the natural life of my daughter
58    Mary Tymewell the Wife of George Anson Nutt
60    Esq[uie]r pay to or otherwise permit and suffer my said
61    daughter and her assigns to receive and take the
62    Interest dividends and Annual produce thereof to
63    and for her own sole separate and peculiar use
64    independent of and not to be subject or liable to the
65    debts Controul or Engagements of her said husband
66    and for that purpose my Will is and I direct that
67    her Receipt alone shall be a sufficient discharge
68    for such Interest Dividends and annual produce
69    and from and after the death of my said daughter
70    Mary Tymewell Nutt upon Trust that he and they
71    do and shall transfer assign and pay the said
72    Capital Sum of one thousand pounds East India
73    Stock and the Interest dividends and Annual
74    produce to accrue due after the death of my said
75    daughter unto and among all and every the
76    Child and Children of my said daughter Mary
77    Tymewell Nutt if more than one equally share
78    and share alike and if but one then to such only
79    one the Shares of such Children having a Son or
80    Sons to be assigned transferred and paid to him
81    and them at his and their age or respective ages
82    of twenty one years and of such of them being a
83    daughter or daughters at the like age or ages
84    of twenty one years or day or days of Marriage
85    which shall first happen and if any or either of such
86    Children shall die before such age or Marriage then
87    my Will is and I do direct that the shares of such of them
88    so dying shall go to the Survivors or Survivor of them
89    and be assigned transferred and paid at the same
90    time and be again subject and liable to the same
91    chance of accurer by Survivorship as their original
92    shares of the said Trust Monies due before directed to be
93    assigned transferred and paid and under subject to and
94    in case all such Children shall dye before such age or
95    Marriage of there shall not be any such Child then
96    upon Trust that he and they do and shall assign
97    transfer and pay the said Trust Monies and every
98    part thereof unto such person or persons and at such
99    time or times and in such manner as my said daughter
100    Mary Tymewell Nutt shall notwithstanding her
101    Coverture by any deed or deeds writing or writings
102    or by her last Will and Testament in Writing
    [Page 3]
103    duly executed in the presence of and attested by two
104    or more credible Witnesses direct or appoint and in
105    default of such direction or appointment do and shall
106    assign transfer and pay the same and every part
107    thereof unto the Executors or Administrators of my
108    said daughter Mary Tymewell Nutt and my Will is
109    and I do hereby authorize and empower the said
110    Henry Hinde Pelly his Executors or Admors from time
111    to time after the death of my said daughter Mary
112    Tymewell Nutt during the Minority of the Child
113    or Children of my said daughter Mary Tymewell
114    Nutt to lay out and invest the Interest dividends
115    and annual produce of the said Capital Sum
116    of one thousand pounds East India Stock in some or
117    one of the public Stocks or Funds to accumulate for
118    the benefit of the parties who shall be entitled to the
119    Capital of the said Trust Monies and that such
120    accumulated Stocks or Funds shall be assigned and
121    transferred with the Capital of the said Trust Monies
122    to the party or parties who by virtue of this my
123    Will shall be entitled to such Capital I give to my
124    Grandson Henry Anson Nutt Son of George Anson Nutt
125    and Mary Tymewell Nutt his wife the Capital Sum
126    of two hundred pounds South Sea Stock now standing
127    in my Name And I do direct that the same together
128    with the Interest and dividends to accrue due thereon
129    after my death shall be transferred and paid to him
130    when he shall attain his age of twenty one years and
131    I do hereby authorize empower and direct my said
132    Executors from time to time during the Minority of
133    my said Grandson Henry Anson Nutt to lay out and
134    Invest the Interest and dividends to accrue due on the
135    said Sum of two hundred pounds South Sea Stock in
136    the purchase of South Sea Stock to accumulate for the
137    benefit of my said Grandson I give to John Joseph
138    Blake the adopted Son of my Son John Bradby
139    Blake Esq[uie]r the Capital Sum of eight hundred pound
140    three pound per Cent Consolidated Bank Annuities
141    I give ti my daughter Mary Tymewell Nutt
142    four hundred pound South Sea Stock I give to Miss
143    Mary See who now lives with me fifty pounds I
144    give to my Maid Servant Eleanor Brenillead
145    the Sum of one hundred pounds and as to all the
146    rest and Residue and Remainder of my Estates and
147    Effects whatsoever and wheresoever which I shall
148    be seized possessed of or intitled unto at the time of
149    my death I give devise and bequeath the same
150    and every part thereof unto my said daughter
151    Arabella Blake her heirs Executors Admors and
152    Assigns for ever or far Estate term and Interest as
153    shall be there to come therein and lastly I do
    [Page 4]
154    hereby make constitute and appoint the said
155    Henry Hinde Pelly Esquire and my said daughter
156    Arabella Blake Executor and Executrix of this my last
157    Will and Testament hereby revoking and declaring
158    void all former and other Wills and Codicils by me at
159    any time heretofore made and do declare this only to
160    be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof
161    I the said Mary Blake have to this my last Will and
162    Testament set my hand and seal this seventh day of
163    June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
164    hundred and ninety seven Mary Blake Signed
165    Sealed published and declared by the said Mary
166    Blake as and for her last Will and Testament in the
167    presence of us who in her presence at her request
168    and in the presence of each other have hereunto
169    subscribed our Names as Witnesses Margaret Brown
170    Mary Lee Jere[mia]h Flack
171    This Will was proved at London on the
172    fifteenth day of March in the Year of our Lord one
173    thousand eight hundred and two before the Right
174    honorable Sir William Wynne Knight doctor of Laws
175    Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative
176    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths
177    of Henry Hinde Pelly Esq[uie]r and Arabella Blake spinster
178    the daughter of the deceased the Executors named
179    in the said Will to whom administration was granted
181    of all and Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
182    the said deceased they having been first sworn (to wit)
183    the said Henry Hinde Pelly before the Worshipful
184    Charles Cooke and the said Arabella Blake before the
185    Worshipful Samuel Pearce parson doctor of Law and
186    Surrogate duly to administer

Will of William Blake, Shopkeeper, Cookham Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/2025/17, probated 6 Oct 1845

Always nice to have wills fit together and this is the will of William Blake father of Lydia Blake who left her will in 1853 and this will was blogged 8 Apr 2013.

I am somewhat curious if this family is descendant of the Blake family found at Reading in the 1600s.

This will further clarifies the children of William Blake and Lydia Thompson who were married 24 Jan 1795 at Cookham Berkshire as John, Lydia, Fanny, Mary and Martha. Only John has married it would appear as it showed in Lydia's will which was blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/04/will-of-lydia-blake-spinster-cookham.html

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2025/17
Testator:  William Blake, Shopkeeper
Place: Cookham, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 6 May 1843, probated 6 Oct 1845
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 30

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me William Blake of the parish of Cookham in the County of
3    Berks Shopkeeper First I direct all my just debts funeral and testa-
4    mentary charges and expences shall be fully paid and satisfied as
5    soon as conveniently may be after my decease I give and bequeath unto my Son John Blake the  legacy or sum of money five pounds I give and bequeath 
6    unto my Grandson John William Blake and my Granddaughter
7    Sarah Blake children of my said Son John Blake the legacy or sum
8    of one hundred pounds each to be vested in and payable to them
9    respectively as and when they respectively shall attain the age of
10    twenty one years And I direct each of such legacies to be if vested and
11    payable paid or if not retained and set apart at the end of three
12    calendar months next after my decease and if retained and set apart
13    to be invested in the names of my trustees in or upon the public
14    Stocks or Funds or other Government Securities of the United
15    Kingdom or real securities in the United Kingdom with power to
16    vary the investment from time to time for any other or others of
17    the like nature and to apply the yearly produce thereof in the
18    purchase of clothes and other necessaries for the said John William
19    Blake and Sarah Blake respectively or otherwise for their benefit
20    during their respective minority and the unapplied yearly produce
21    if any shall be accumulated and the accumulations be added to the
22    capital of the legacy whence the same shall have arisen and
23    follow the destination of the same legacy And I declare that if the
24    said John William Blake and Sarah Blake or either of them shall
25    die under the age of twenty one years that the legacy of such of
26    them as shall so die and the unapplied yearly produce and
    [Page 2]
27    accumulations if any shall sink into the residue of my personal
28    estate I give and bequeath unto the Treasurer for the time being
30    of the London Missionary Society the legacy or sum of nineteen
31    pounds to be applied towards the purposes of the said Institution I
32    give and bequeath unto the Treasurer for the time being of the
33    Religious Tract Society the legacy or sum of ten pounds to be applied
34    towards the purposes of the said Institution And I direct that the
35    receipts of the persons who shall happen to be such Treasurers as
36    aforesaid at the time when the above legacies are respectively paid
37    shall be sufficient discharges for the same I give and bequeath
38    unto each of my Trustees and Executors hereinafter named the legacy
39    or sum of ten pounds as a compensation for their trouble in
40    executing the trusts and duties of this my will And I direct that
41    the several legacies hereinbefore given and bequeathed shall be
42    severally paid within six months next after my decease I give
43    and devise all and singular my messuages or tenements lands
44    hereditaments and premises situate and being in the parish of
45    Cookham aforesaid and all other the real estate whatsoever or
46    wheresoever to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease
47    (except estates vested in me as a trustee or mortgagee) with their
48    and every of their appurtenances unto and to the use of Charles
49    Cooper of Maidenhead in the said County of Berks Builder and
50    James Poulton of Maidenhead aforesaid Timber Merchant their
51    heirs and assigns for ever upon the trusts following (that is to say) upon
52    Trust that they the said Charles Cooper and James Poulton or the
53    survivor of them or the heirs or assigns of such survivor do and
54    shall with all convenient speed after my decease absolutely sell
55    the said hereditaments and premises either by public auction or
56    private contract and either together or in parcels and at one or
57    more time or times as my said trustees or trustee for the time being
58    shall think most advantageous and also do and shall make
59    execute and perfect all necessary and proper deeds conveyances and
60    assurances in the Law for the purpose of vesting the same in any
61    purchaser or purchasers thereof or as he she or they shall direct
62    or appoint And do and shall stand and be possessed of and interested
63    in the money to arise by such sale or sales upon such and the
64    same trusts and for the like intents and purposes as are hereinafter
65    declared of and concerning my residuary personal estate And as
66    to all and singular my goods chattels money securities for money Stock
67    in the public Funds rights credits and all other the Personal Estate
68    whatsoever and wheresoever not hereinbefore bequeathed to which
69    I shall be entitled at the time of my decease I give and bequeath
70    the same unto the said Charles Cooper and James Poulton their
71    executors administrators and assigns upon the trusts following (that
72    is to say) Upon Trust as soon as conveniently may be after my
73    decease in the discretion and of the sole authority of my said trustees
74    or the survivor of them his executors administrators or assigns
75    to sell dispose of or convert in money so much and such parts of
76    the same residuary personal estate as shall not consist of money
77    or securities for money and to collect get in and receive the
78    remaining parts of my said residuary personal estate and stand
79    and be possessed of the proceeds thereof upon the trusts hereinafter
80    declared of and concerning the same And I hereby empower my
81    said trustees or trustee in the execution of the aforesaid trusts to
82    compound or allow such time or accept such security real or personal
83    for the payment of any sum or sums of money which shall be
84    owing to me at the time of my decease as by them or him shall
    [Page 3]
85    be deemed expedient and also to refer to arbitration or otherwise
86    adjust any question or dispute that may arise in relation thereto or
87    in relation to any debt that may be owing or be claimed to be
88    owing by me to any person or persons whomsoever And it is my
89    will and I declare that the said Charles Cooper and James Poulton
90    and the survivor of them his executors administrators and
91    assigns shall stand possessed or as well the monies to arise from
92    my said residuary personal estate as the monies to be produced by
93    the sale or sales to be made under or by virtue of the trusts herein
94    before declared concerning my said real estate hereinbefore devised
95    upon Trust in the first place by with or out of the same monies
96    to pay or satisfy and retain all expences incidental to the trusts
97    hereby created And in the next place to pay the pecuniary legacies
98    hereinbefore bequeathed as and when the same shall become due
99    and payable and subject thereto In Trust for my following children
100    namely Lydia, Fanny, Mary and Martha to be equally divided
101    between and among them and their respective executors administrators and
102    assigns and the respective shares of such children to be received
103    enjoyed and disposed of by them respectively as their respective
104    separate estate without the control or interferance of any husband
105    or husbands whom they respectively may marry and the receipts
106    of each of my said daughters to be notwithstanding coverture an
107    effectual discharge for the same I devise and bequeath all the
108    Real and personal Estate vested in me as a trustee or mortgagee
109    unto my said trustees their heirs executors administrators and assigns
110    subject to the trusts and equities affecting the same respectively I
111    declare that the receipt or receipts of the trustees or trustee for the time
112    being of my Will shall be good and effectual discharges for any sum
113    or sums of money payable to them or him under or by virtue of this
114    my Will and that any purchaser or other persons paying them
115    or him any such sum or sums of money and taking their or his
116    receipts or receipt for the same respectively shall not afterwards be
117    answerable or accountable for the loss misapplication or nonappli-
118    cation or in anywise bound or concerned to see to the application of the
119    money in the said receipts mentioned or acknowledged to be received
120    provided always and it is my will that in case the said Charles
121    Cooper and James Poulton or either of them or any trustee or
122    trustees to be appointed under this present provision in their or
123    either of their place of stead shall depart this life or be desirous of
124    being discharged of and from the aforesaid trusts or shall go to
125    reside beyond the seas or shall neglect or refuse to become incapa-
126    ble to act in the said trusts before the same shall be fully executed and
127    performed then and in that case and when and as often as the same
128    shall happen it shall and may be lawful to and for the surviving
129    or continuing trustee or trustees for the time being or the last acting
130    trustee of this my Will or the executors or administrators of the
131    last acting trustee to nominate any fit person or persons to supply
132    the place of the trustee or trustees respectively so dying desiring
133    to be discharged going to reside beyond seas or refusing neglecting or
134    becoming incapable to act as aforesaid And that immediately as
135    after every such appointment the trust estate monies and effects
136    then vested by virtue of this my Will in the trustee or trustees so
137    dying desiring to be discharged or going to reside beyond the seas
138    or refusing neglecting or becoming incapable to act as aforesaid
139    shall be conveyed assigned and assured to and in such manner
140    that the same may vest in such new trustee or trustees jointly
141    with the surviving or continuing trustee or in such new trustee
    [Page 4]
142    or trustees solely as the case may require upon the trusts herein
143    before expressed and declared of an concerning the same or such
144    of them as shall then be subsisting or capable of taking effect And
145    that every such new trustee shall and may exercise the same powers
146    privileges and authorities as if he she or they has been appointed
147    a trustee or trustees by this my Will and as if his her or their name
148    or names had been inserted herein instead of the name or names
149    of the trustee or trustees hereby appointed in or to whose place
150    such new trustee or trustees shall come or succeed provided lastly
151    and I do hereby declare my will to be that the trustees and execu-
152    tors of this my Will or either of them their or either of their
153    executors or administrators shall not be charged or chargeable with
154    nor accountable for any more of the aforesaid trust monies estates
155    and premises than he she or they respectively shall actually
156    receive or shall come to him her or their respective hands by
157    virtue of this my will nor for any loss or misfortune which may
158    happen to the same estates monies and premises or any part
159    thereof so as such loss or misfortune happen without their respec-
160    tive wilful default or anyone or more of them for the other or
161    others of them or for the acts deeds receipts disbursements or default
162    of the other of others of them but each of them only for his own
163    acts deeds receipts disbursaments and wilful defaults And also that
164    it shall and may be lawful for the Trustees and Executors of my
165    Will and each of them and their respective heirs executors and
166    administrators by and out of the aforesaid respective trust estates
167    monies and premises to deduct retain and reimburse themselves
168    respectively and to pay and allow to each other all such loss costs
169    charges and expences as they shall respectively sustain expend
170    disburse be at or be put unto by reason of the said several trusts
171    hereby in them reposed in relation to the same estates monies
172    and premises respectively or to the management or execution
173    thereof of any other thing in anywise relating thereto I appoint
174    the said Charles Cooper and James Poulton to be Trustees and
175    Executors of my Will Lastly I revoke all Wills Codicils and other
176    testamentary dispositions made by me at any time or times
177    heretofore and do declare this to be my last will and Testament
178    In witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand this twenty
179    sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty three
181    William Blake signed by the said testator as and for his last
182    Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same
183    time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of
184    each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses thereto
185    Chas Brown  William Wright } Clerks to Mr James Smith Solicitor
186    Maidenhead
187    Codicil to my Will Wm Blake My Son John Blake having
188    this day the 6th of August 1844 informed me of the death of his
189    daughter Sarah to whom I have bequeathed in my present
190    will the sum of one hundred pounds and which sum I now trans
191    fer to his daughter Lydia and hereby authorize my Executors to
192    apply the same money for her benefit Witness my hand this
193    sixth day of August 1844 William Blake witness Mary Blake
194    Martha Blake 6th Augt 1844
195    In consideration of the various sums of money
196    that I have from time to time advanced to my daughter Fanny
197    I do hereby desire and direct my Executors to pay her one
198    hundred
    [Page 4]
199    hundred pounds less than to each of my other daughters out of
200    my property William Blake 4th July 1845 Witness Lydia Blake
201    Mary Blake
202    Cookham August 9, 1845
203    To the Executors of me William Blake of
204    Cookham I hereby authorize you to sell all my Property and
205    when so done to abate one hundred pounds of the residue to my
206    daughter Fanny in conveyance of sums previously paid to her
207    at various times before this day Witness my hand William Blake
208    Edward Cooper Witness Lydia Blake  Mary Blake  Martha Blake
209    Witnesses
210    Appeared Personally Mary Blake of Cookham in
211    the County of Berks Spinster and referring to the three codicils to
212    the last Will and Testament of William Blake late of the parish
213    of Cookham in the county of Berks Grocer and Shopkeeper
214    deceased the first of the said Codicils bearing date the sixth day
215    of August one thousand eight hundred and forty four and the
216    second and third of the said Codicils bearing date respectively the
217    fourth day of July and the ninth day of August one thousand eight
218    hundred and forty five now hereunto annexed made Oath that
219    the said deceased duly executed the said three codicils to his said
220    Will on the days or the respective dates thereof by signing his
221    name at the foot of and thereof respectively to wit the first of the
222    said Codicils on the aforesaid sixth day of August in the presence
223    of this deponent and of Martha Blake the other subscribed
224    witness thereto who was also present as the same time the
225    second of the said Codicils on the aforesaid fourth day of July in
226    the presence of this deponent and of Lydia Blake the other
227    subscribed witness thereto who was also present at the same
228    time and the third of the said Codicils (written on a half sheet
229    of paper as the same now appears on the aforesaid ninth day
230    of August in the presence of this deponent and of Edward Cooper
231    Lydia Blake and Martha Blake the other subscribed witnesses
232    thereto who were also present at the same time and that this
233    deponent and the said Martha Blake attested and subscribed the
234    said first Codicil and that this deponent
235    and the said Lydia Blake attested and subscribed the said second
236    Codicil and that this deponent and the said Edward Cooper Lydia
237    Blake and Martha Blake attested and subscribed the said third
238    Codicil on the occasions of the said execution thereof respectively in
239    the presence of the said deceased Mary Blake On the 16th
240    day of September 1845 the said Mary Blake was duly sworn to
241    the trust of this Affidavit Before me F.F. Pratt S PST Geo Heales
242    Proved at London with three Codicils 3rd Oct 1845 before the
243    worshipful James Parker Deane Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by
244    the Oaths of Charles Cooper and James Poulton the Executors
245    to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to
246    administer

Will of Ursula Blake, widow, Windsor, Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1752/308, probated 24 Mar 1829

Ursula Blake, the testator, is the widow of Joseph Blake whose will was blogged the 7th of April 2013. Joseph's will has the money which he left his wife passing to his nephews eventually. This will accounts for the portion that was directed solely to his wife.

With the naming of her brothers surname Lock, the marriage of Joseph Blake and Ursula Lock 7 Mar 1791 at St George Hanover Square would seem to be appropriate. This is a good will for the Lock family as Ursula names all of her siblings and her nieces and nephews.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1752/308
Testator:  Ursula Blake, widow
Place: Windsor, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document:  6 Jun 1825, probated 24 Mar 1829
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Ursula
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: (8)

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me Ursula Blake of Windsor in the County of Berks Widow whereby
3    I humbly commend my soul to God and dispose of all my worldly effects in manner
4    following that is to say all and singular my ready money securities for money
5    money in the funds one hundred and fifty pounds being now invested in the
6    new four per cent debts due and owing unto me dividends rent household goods
7    and furniture plate linen and china and all the rest residue and remainder of
8    my personal Estate and Effects of whatever degree or description the same may
9    consist I do hereby give devise and bequeath the same unto my two nephews
10    George Sutton and William Bay Upon trust for them to convert into money as
11    soon as may be after my decease all such as may not consist in money and
12    after payment of my just debts funeral expences and the costs of proving this
13    my will and the sum of ten pounds which I do hereby give and bequeath
14    unto Richard Taylor son of my Sister Elizabeth Taylor and a similar sum to
15    Charlotte Hooper daughter of my brother Richard Lock to pay and divide
16    the remainder of my said personal Estate as follows one third to my brother
17    John Lock one other third to my brother William Lock and the remaining
18    third I do hereby give and bequeath unto and between the children of my
19    dear Sister Frances Sutton namely the said George Sutton Frances the Wife of
20    Henry Belitha Ursula Wife of the said William Bay and Martha
21    Elizabeth Titheridge to be equally divided between them share and share
22    alike and I do hereby appoint the said George Sutton and William Bay to
23    be
    [Page 2]
24    be Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills
25    by me made do declare this to contain and be my last Will and Testament as
26    witness my hand and seal the sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one
27    thousand eight hundred and twenty five Ursula Blake Signed
28    sealed published and declared as the last Will and Testament of the said
30    Ursula Blake the Testatrix in my presence W Harris Portsea
31    In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
32    Appeared Personally In the Goods of Ursula Blake widow deceased
33    Thomas Gittens of Portsea in the County
34    of Southampton Builder and made oath that he knew and was well acquainted
35    with Ursula Blake late of Windsor in the County of Berks deceased for several
36    years before and to the time of her death and also with her manner and character
37    of handwriting and subscription having often seen her write and subscribe her
38    name and having now carefully viewed and inspected the paper writing now
39    hereunto annexed purporting to be and contain the last will and Testament of
40    the said deceased beginning thus "This is the last Will and Testament of me
41    Ursula Blake of Windsor in the County of Berks widow" ending thus "as witness
42    my hand and seal the sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand
43    eight hundred and twenty five" and being thus subscribed "Ursula Blake" he said
44    he verily and in his conscience believes the names "Ursula Blake" so as aforesaid
45    set and subscribed to the said will to be all of the proper handwriting and
46    subscription of the said Ursula Blake widow the Testatrix deceased Tho[ma]s Gittens
47    On the 20th day of March 1829 the abovenamed Thomas Gittens was duly sworn to
48    the truth of this affidavit by virtue of the annexed Commission before me
49    Wm Dusantry Commissioner
50    Proved at London 24th March 1829 before the Judge by the oaths of
51    George Sutton the nephew and William Bay the Executors to whom
52    administration was granted having been first sworn by Commission duly
53    to administer

Will of Lydia Blake, Spinster, Cookham Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/2168/394, probated 28 Mar 1853

Lydia Blake is the Testator and she lives at Cookham, Berkshire. Lydia Blake baptized 25 Nov 1804 at Cookham, Berkshire daughter of William Blake. Is William the father mentioned in the will. Lydia would be 43 when she wrote her will. Her niece and nephew are under 21 years which would seem appropriate to this age for Lydia.

Using Family Search I found the following baptisms for William Blake and Lydia's children at Cookham, Berkshire:

Sarah baptized 8 Jan 1797
Phoebe baptized 26 May 1799
John baptized 15 Feb 1801
William baptized 13 Feb 1803
Lydia baptized 25 Nov 1804
Fanny baptized 30 Aug 1807
Mary baptized 14 May 1809

Lydia mentions siblings Fanny living at Reading, John, Mary and Martha.

There is a Martha on the 1841 census living at Cookham and her date of birth is given as 1816. This does bring up a family grouping at Cookham Village which includes:

William Blake, male, 70, 1771, not born in Berkshire
Lydia Blake, female, 65, 1776, not born in Berkshire
Lydia Blake, female, 35, 1806, born in Berkshire
Fanny Blake, female, 30, 1811, born in Berkshire
Mary Blake, female, 30, 1811, born in Berkshire
Martha Blake, female, 25, 1816, born in Berkshire
John Blake, male, 9, 1832, not born in Berkshire
Sarah Blake, female, 6, 1835, not born in Berkshire.

This would appear to be the family that is also on Family Search with the children that are missing being namely Sarah, Phoebe, John and William. Since Sarah, Phoebe and William are not mentioned in the will they have perhaps died. John and his wife are not listed in this census. The children mentioned in the will as the children of John are named John William and Lydia and they were not born in Berkshire. Sarah aged 6 must be another daughter who did not survive.

Looking for a marriage of William and Lydia circa 1795-1796 and there is a marriage for William Blake and Lydia Thompson 24 Jan 1795 at Cookham Berkshire, England (M00865-1, Family Search).

There are two possibilities for John William Blake:

John William Blake, born 8 May 1832 and baptized 10 Jun 1832 at Trevor chapel, Arthur Street Independent, Westminster, London with parents John Blake and Betsy Gurney

John William Blake, baptized 13 Oct 1833 at Saint Michael Paternoster, London with parents John Blake and Emma.

Marriage of John Blake and Emma Colvin took place 10 Oct 1831 at Spitalfields Christ Church, Stepney, London. I could not locate a marriage for John Blake and Betsy Gurney. There is also a marriage at Reading Berkshire for a John Blake and Elizabeth Hill 26 Feb 1831 by banns with witnesses Isaac Margetts, Mary Hill.

There is a birth for Lydia Blake daughter of John and Elizabeth Blake baptized 24 Jan 1847 at Cheriton Hampshire. The only other Lydia in Family Search fitting the criteria was baptized 15 Feb 1847 (or 1846) at Minstead Hampshire and the daughter of John and Lydia Blake. 

With William and Lydia marrying at Cookham there aren't any clues pointing to a birthplace for William Blake. Family Search presents 7658 results for a William blake born in England between 1765 and 1775.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 8 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2168/394
Testator:  Lydia Blake, Spinster
Place: Cookham, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 26 Mar 1847, probated 28 Mar 1853
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Lydia
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 13

1    This is the Will of me Lydia Blake of
2    Cookham in the County of Berks Spinster I desire to be buried at the
3    Parish Church of Cookham with plainness and privacy I appoint Mr
4    Robert Walker of Maidenhead Berkshire Druggist Executor and
5    Trustee of this my Will I devise my freehold dwelling house and premises
6    at Cookham aforesaid which I purchased of the Trustees of my late Father
7    and all other my real Estate (if any) unto and to the use of the said Robert
8    Walker his heirs and assigns Upon trust as soon as conveniently may be
9    after my decease to sell my said freehold premises and my other real estate
10    or any part thereof together or in parcels by public auction or private con-
11    tract and to do all such acts requisite for effecting or facilitating any sale
12    pursuant to this trust I bequeath My Personal Estate and Effects
13    of every kind unto the said Robert Walker his executors administrators
14    and assigns Upon trust to convert into money get in and receive so much
15    thereof as shall not consist of ready money or of such investments in
16    stocks funds or securities as he or they shall think it desirable to continue
17    And I direct the said Robert Walker or other my trustee or trustees for the
18    time being to receive the money to arise from the execution of the trusts
19    hereinbefore declared concerning my real and personal estates and any
20    rents or profits which may arise from my real estate before a sale thereof
21    and stand possessed thereof together with the stocks funds and securities to
22    be continued as last aforesaid Upon trust in the first place to pay and
23    discharge thereout my just debts and funeral and testamentary expences
24    and in the next place to retain or pay thereout to the respective persons
25    hereinafter named the respective Legacies or sums of money following
26    (that is to say) To himself the said Robert Walker the sum of Five
27    pounds as an acknowledgement for the trouble of executing the trusts of
28    this my Will To my sister Fanny Blake of Reading Twenty pounds
30    To my brother John Blake Fifty pounds to my nephew John William
31    Blake and my Niece Lydia Blake the children of my said brother John
32    Fifty pounds to be equally divided between them and the share of each
    [Page 2]
33    to be vested in and payable to him or her at the age of twenty one years
34    But in case either of them should happen to die in my lifetime or should
35    survive me and die under the age of twenty one years then I direct that
36    the whole of the said sum of fifty pounds or such part thereof as shall
37    not have been applied for their benefit during minority by my trustee or
38    trustees under the power hereinafter given shall be paid to the survivor
39    of the said children on his or her attaining twenty one And upon further
40    trust to pay or divide the surplus which after satisfying the said debts and
41    legacies and all expences incident to the execution of the trusts hereby
42    created shall remain in the hands of my trustee or trustees of the said
43    trust monies stocks funds and securities unto and equally between my
44    sisters Mary Blake and Martha Blake their executors administrators
45    or assigns the share of each of my said sisters to be enioyed and disposed of
46    by her as separate property free from the control of any future husband
47    and her receipt to be a sufficient discharge to my trustee or trustees for the
48    same I direct that the legacy hereinbefore given to each of the children of
49    my brother John shall not carry interest during his or her minority
50    but I authorize my trustee or trustees in his or their discretion to apply
51    the whole or any part of the legacy of each such child and the interest
52    and accumulations arising from any investment thereof for the main-
53    tenance education and advancement in life or otherwise for the benefit
54    of the same child during minority in such manner as my trustee or
55    trustees shall think proper I empower the trustee or trustees for the
56    time being of this my Will to give receipts for all moneys and effects to be
57    paid or delivered to him or them by virtue of my Will and declare that
58    such receipts shall exonerate the person taking the same from liability
59    to see to the application or disposition of the money or effects therein
60    mentioned I declare that if the said Robert Walker or any person or
61    persons to be appointed a trustee or trustees of my Will under this clause
62    shall die or be unwilling or incompetent to execute the trusts of this
63    my Will it shall be lawful for my said sisters Mary and Martha
64    during their ioint lives and after the death of either of them for the survi-
65    vor her executors or administrators to substitute by any writing under
66    their or her hands or hand any fit person or persons in whom alone or
67    as the case may be iointly with the surviving or continuing trustee
68    or trustees my trust estate shall be vested and who shall have and may
69    exercise all the powers and trusts of this my Will as if he or they had been
70    herein nominated instead of the said Robert Walker And I exempt
71    every Trustee of my Will from liability for losses occurring without his
72    own wilful default and authorize him to retain and allow to his Co-
73    trustee (if any) all expences incidental to the trusteeship Lastly I revoke
74    all other Wills and declare this only to be my Will In witness whereof
75    I have hereto set my hand the twenty sixth day of March one thousand
76    eight hundred and forty seven Lydia Blake
77    Signed and declared by the testatrix Lydia Blake as her Will in the
78    presence of us (both present at the same time) who in her presence at her
79    request and in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our
80    names as witnesses Fay Toutlane Maidenhead Berks
81    Mary Bix Cockham Berks
82    Proved at London 28th March 1853 before the Worshipful
83    Frederic Thomas Pratt Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of
84    Robert Walker the said Executor to whom admon was granted having
85    been first sworn duly to administer

Will of Joseph Blake, Gentleman, New Windsor Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1608/17, probated 3 Sep 1818

Joseph Blake, the testator, is married to Ursula and this is perhaps the marriage of Joseph Blake and Ursula Lock 7 Mar 1791 at St George, Hanover Square (Pimlico mentioned in the will is in this parish).

Joseph mentions his brothers Benjamin of Hillingdon and William of Gosport and a deceased brother James. He also mentions three sisters unnamed at this point in the will. His brother James had a son Benjamin also a legatee in the will.

Mary Day mother of John Day is one of his sisters. I did not yet find a marriage of a Mary Blake to John Day.

An interesting tree online has a Joseph Blake marrying a Temperance Trimby 25 Jan 1777 at St Peter's Stourton Wiltshire and the groom was of Boldre, Southampton. This Temperance was buried 15 Jun 1790 at New Windsor, Berkshire. The groom was a millwright of Boldre. Interesting although it is still quite a long way from Gosport where William Blake his brother is located.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 7 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1608/17
Testator:  Joseph Blake, Gentleman
Place: New Windsor, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 13 Aug 1818, probated 3 Sep 1818
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Joseph
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 7

1    This is the last Will and Testament of me Joseph Blake
2    of New Windsor in the County of Berks Gentleman I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Ursula
3    Blake the Interest of all and singular my principal monies standing in my Name in the Five per
4    cent Navy Annuities To hold to her and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural life
5    And from and after her decease then I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof to my
6    two Brothers Benjamin Blake of Hillingdon in the County of Middlesex Yeoman and William
7    Blake of Gosport in the County of Hants Yeoman To hold to them and the Survivor of them
8    share and share alike for and during the Term of their natural lives and from and after the
9    decease of both my said Brothers the said Benjamin Blake and William Blake then I give and
10    bequeath all and every my Principal money standing in my Name in the said Five per Cent
11    Navy Annuities equally between and amongst the Eldest Sons of my late Brother James Blake
12    the said Benjamin Blake and my late three Sisters as shall be then living To hold to them and
13    their assigns share and share alike (save and except a certain Legacy hereinafter mentioned) I give unto my
14    Ex[ecutr]ix and Ex[ecut]or hereinafter mentioned all that my Leaseholds House and premises situate at Pimlico
15    in the County of Middlesex now in the occupation of Mrs Pitt which I hold of the Right honorable Earl
16    Grosvenor To hold to them and the Survivor of them upon trust to sell and dispose of the same either by public
17    Sale or private contract and the Money thereby arising I direct to be vested in the Bank of England
18    in the said Five per Cent Navy Annuities in their joint Names for the benefit of my said wife Ursula
19    Blake for and during the Term of her natural life and from and after her decease then I give and
20    bequeath the said Money arising from such Sale to such person and persons and in the same
21    manner as I have hereinbefore disposed of my other personal property I give unto my
22    Nephew John Day Son of John and Mary Day (after the death of my said wife) the Sum of
23    two hundred pounds and as to the rest and residue of my personal Estate of what nature or kind
24    soever ready Money Securities for Money household Furniture and every other thing whatever
25    I give and bequeath unto my said dear Wife subject to the payment of all my just debts Funeral
26    and Testamentary Expences I nominate constitute and appoint my said dear Wife and my good
27    Friend William Mallison of Windsor Castle in the said County of Berks Gentleman Ex[ecutr]ix and Ex[ecut]or
28    of this my will hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and declaring
30    this to be my last In witness whereof I the said Joseph Blake the Testator hath hereunto set
31    my hand and Seal the thirtyieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
32    hundred and eighteen J. Blake Signed Sealed published and declared by the said
33    Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his
34    request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our Names as witness hereto Geo:
35    Hyde New Windsor Berks Taylor I B Watmore Sol[icito]r Windsor Berks
36    Proved at London 3d Sept[embe]r 1818 before the worshipful Samuel Rush Meyrick doctor of Laws and Surr[ogate] by the
37    Oaths of Ursula Blake the Relict and William Mallinson (in the will William Mallison) the Ex[ecut]ors
38    to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted being first sworn duly to adm[iniste]r

Will of John Blake, Yeoman, Bucklebury, Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1341/276, probated 27 May 1800

A rather interesting will for John Blake of Bucklebury, Berkshire. I could not find any evidence that there was a Blake family at Bucklebury other than this John. His one brother Nathaniel lives at Hursborne Hampshire and the other brother Richard lives at Aldbourn Wiltshire.

Richard Blake has left his will at Aldbourne P1/1814/84 in the Wiltshire Archives and it is three pages. Eventually I will acquire some of these Blake wills from Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office. His will may help to locate this Blake family as there was a Blake family at Ogbourne St George in Wiltshire and Aldbourne is just four miles ENE of Ogbourne St George. The Blake family at Ogbourne St George did use the forename Nathaniel although the Blake family being so large this could just be a coincidence.

The family consists of John, Nathaniel, Richard and their sister Mary Wyes. Nathaniel is married to Mary and they have a number of children mentioned including: Martha Winkworth, Mary Guy, and Elizabeth Worman.

The other recipients of legacies do not appear to be related at least John doesn't mention any relationship but include some people at Bucklebury but not all have a location stated: Sarah Hodges daughter of Nathaniel Hodges, Daniel Always son of Thomas Alway, Rebecca Ball daughter of William Ball, William Law, Walter Law and younger and his wife Isabella.

Martha Blake married William Winkworth 12 Jul 1786 ( no details other than Hampshire and this from Family Search I03915-4) and she was 21 years of age so born circa 1765.

Mary Blake married Lazarus Guy (of Buttermere, Wiltshire) 9 May 1785 at Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire (Family Search M14667-1).

Elizabeth Blake married Robert Worman 20 Jul 1795 at Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire (Family Search M14667-1). The Hampshire Marriage Licences, Bishop of Winchester provides further information: Worman, Robert, of Speen, co. Berks, farmer, 18, bachelor with consent of his parents Richard Worman and Prudence and Elizabeth Blake of Hurstbourne, 21, spinster daughter of Nathaniel Blake with licence issued 19 Jul 1795 and bondsman William Worman, Speen, maltster.

The two marriages at Hurstbourne Tarrant may lead one to suspect that it is Hurstbourne Tarrant where Nathaniel Blake lives. However, searching online does not give anything interesting for this Blake family there.

The Hampshire Record Office Catalogue lists a will for Nathaniel Blake of Hurstbourne Tarrant, husbandman dated 1802 (1802A/008). As always I do know that Hampshire Record Office holds 341  Blake wills that I shall one day have a look at but that is in the future.

At a quick glance extracting the Blake wills at Hurstbourne

John Blake Hurstbourne Tarrant, 1559
John Blake Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, yeoman, 1605*
John Blake, senior, Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, yeoman, 1674
Joan Blake Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, widow, 1696
John Blake Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, yeoman, 1712
Richard Blake (Blacke) Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, yeoman, 1758
Thomas Blake, junior, Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, 1764
Ann Blake Upton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, widow, 1791
Nathaniel Blake Hurstbourne Tarrant, husbandman, 1802
Thomas Blake Hurstbourne Tarrant, labourer, 1823

The John Blake who left his will in 1605 is known to me and he was the grandson of Robert Blake brother to Nicholas Blake (my ancestor). He did have a son John Blake but to date I do not have any further information. I do not know the John Blake who left his will in 1559 as his father was John Blake the Elder who died circa 1572 and again this John Blake the Elder was the son of Robert Blake.

I earlier blogged on the will of James Blake, Laborer, Upton Hampshire: http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/10/will-of-james-blake-laborer-upton.html

and I note that there is a reference to the granddaughter of this James being married to a James Ball. There was a legacy to a Rebecca Ball in this will surprisingly. But then the name is not uncommon so may not mean a thing. There are many many Blake lines in this area of Hampshire in the 1800s.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1341/276
Testator:  John Blake, Yeoman
Place: Buckleberry, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document:  19 Feb 1796, probated 27 May 1800
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: John
[Margin]: Blake

1    This is the last Will
2    and Testament of me John Blake of Bucklebury
3    in the County of Berks yeoman by which I dispose
4    of my Estate and Effects as follows that is to say
5    I give and bequeath unto my Brother Nathaniel Blake of Hursborne
6    in the County of hants that Sum of Sixty pounds
7    which he now is indebted to me on a Note of
8    hand I give and bequeath unto my Brother
9    Richard Blake of Aldbourn in the County of
10    Wilts that Sum of Ten pounds which he now is
11    indebted to me on a Note of hand I give and
12    bequeath unto my sister Mary Wyes of Hursbone
13    the sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath
14    unto Mary Blake wife of my Brother Nathaniel
15    Blake the sum of Ten pounds I give and
16    bequeath unto Martha Winkworth daughter of
17    my Brother Nathaniel Blake the sum of Ten
18    pounds I give and bequeath unto Mary Guy
19    daughter of my Brother Nathaniel Blake the
20    Sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath unto
21    Elizabeth
    [Page 2]
22    Elizabeth Worman daughter of my Brother Nathaniel
23    Blake the Sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath
24    unto Sarah Hodges daughter of Nathaniel Hodges the younger
25    of Bucklebury the Sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath
26    unto Daniel Alway Son of Thomas Alway the Sum of
27    Five pounds I give and bequeath unto Rebecca Ball
28    daughter of William Ball the sum of five pounds
30    I give and bequeath unto William Law of Bucklebury
31    the Sum of five pounds I give and bequeath unto
32    Isabella Law wife of Walter Law the younger of Bucklebury
33    the Sum of five pounds I give and bequeath unto
34    Walter Law the younger of Bucklebury the Sum of Twenty
35    pounds and all the Rest residue and remainder of my
36    worldly Goods and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever
37    if any shall remain after paying my Just debts
38    Funeral and Testamentary Expences I give devise and
39    bequeath unto the said Nathaniel Blake Richard
40    Blake Mary Wyes and Walter Law the younger to be
41    parted equally amongst them Share and Share
42    alike and I do hereby Nominate and appoint the said
43    Walter Law the younger to be Sole Executor of this
44    my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
45    other Wills by me heretofore made In witness whereof
46    I the said John Blake have hereunto set my
47    hand and seal this nineteenth day of February
48    in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
49    hundred and ninety six John Blake
50    Signed Sealed published and declared by the
51    Testator as and for his last Will and Testament
52    in the presence of us who in his presence and
53    in the presence of each other have hereunto
54    set our hands as witnesses hereto The Mark X of
55    John Louch  Robert Wyatt
56    This Will was proved at London
57    the twenty seventh day of May in the year of
58    our Lord one thousand Eight hundred before the
59    worshipful Alexander Crote doctor of Laws Surrogate
60    of the Right honorable Sir William Wynne Knight
61    also doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
62    of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
63    constituted by the oath of Walter Law the
64    younger the Sole Executor named in the said
65    Will to whom administration was granted
66    of all and singular the Goods Chattels and
67    Credits of the deceased having been first sworn
68    duly to administer

Will of James Blake, Yeoman of Speen, Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1457/169, probated 13 Mar 1807

The will of James Blake of Speen, Berkshire was a must read given that I had looked at a will for William Blake of Speen from 1552: http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/05/will-of-william-blake-yeoman-of-speen.html.

Whether or not this James Blake is a descendant of William Blake can not be determined from this will. William Blake had a son Anthony and brothers John and Richard.

A look at British History online for the Parish of Speen does not have any Blake entries. The Englefield family held Speen at the time of William Blake in the 1500s. With no mention of Blake and the knowledge that this Blake family also lived at Andover in some time period, I wonder if they have a similar descent to my line prior to Nicholas Blake who left his will in 1547 at Enham.

From the Spanswick one name study there is a marriage of James Blake to Elizabeth Spanswick 13 Dec 1733 at Speen. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dutillieul/SpansCounty/Berkshire/Speen.html

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 5 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1457/169
Testator:  James Blake, Yeoman
Place: Speen, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document:  9 May 1805, probated 13 Mar 1807
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: James
[Margin]: Blake

1    This is the last Will
2    and Testament of me James Blake of Speen
3    in the County of Berks yeoman made this ninth
4    day of May in the year of Our Lord one
5    thousand eight hundred and five as follows (that
6    is to say) First I direct all my Just debts Funeral
7    and Testamentary charges and Expences to be paid and discharged
8    and after payment thereof and of every part
9    thereof and subject thereto I direct that my Estate and
10    and Effects of what nature soever be sold and
11    disposed of and converted into Money in such way
12    so my Executor herein after named shall in his
13    discretion think proper and the Money arising
14    and to be made by Sale thereof as also all my
15    Money in the Stocks or Funds and all other my
16    Monies and personal Estate whatsoever I give
17    and bequeath unto William Graham of Newbury
18    aforesaid Draper his Executors and Administrators
19    Upon Trust the said William Graham his Executors
20    or Administrators shall and do within six Calendar
21    Months next after my decease place out and
22    invest the same or any part thereof upon good
23    security or securities or continue the same or
24    any part thereof in and upon such Stocks Funds
25    or Securities as the same or any part thereof
26    may be invested in or upon at the time of
27    my decease as he in his discretion shall think
28    proper and pay and apply the Interest or
30    proceeds of the said Monies so to be placed
    [Page 2]
31    out as aforesaid unto my beloved wife Ann
32    Blake and her assigns or permit and suffer
33    her to receive and take for the same for and
34    during the Term of her natural Life and from
35    and immediately after the decease of my said Wife
36    or as soon after as conveniently m ay be upon
37    Trust that he my said Trustee his Executors or
38    Administrators shall and do call in and pay
39    and divide all and singular the said Monies so to
40    be placed out as aforesaid and all Interest which
41    shall be then due thereon between and amongst my
42    daughter Jane Brown (the Wife of Bartholomew
43    Brown of Newbury aforesaid Pig Cutter whom I
44    had by a former Wife, my Son in Law George
45    Crawford of Grays Inn Lane London Lapidary and
46    Glass Cutter and my daughter Jane Blake) and all
47    and every other Child and Children I may have
48    by my present Wife in equal proportions share
49    and share alike But in case any one or more
50    of them the said Jane Brown George Crawford
51    and Ann Blake or any other Child or Children I
52    may have by my said Wife shall die before
53    his her or their share or shares shall become
54    payable then upon Trust to pay the share or
55    shares of him her or them so dying unto the
56    survivor or survivors of them And I do declare
57    that the Receipt of my said daughter Jane
58    Brown shall be a good discharge to my said
59    Trustee for her share without the concurrence
60    of her husband And I do hereby nominate
61    constitute and appoint the said William Graham
62    sole Executor of this my Will and I do hereby
63    declare that it shall Be lawful for my said Executor
64    and Trustee his Executors and Administrators
65    to deduct and retain to himself and themselves all
66    such costs charges and Expences as he or they
67    shall sustain or be put to in the Execution
68    of the Execution of the Trust of this my
69    my Will and that he or they shall not be
70    answerable or accountable for any more
71    Money than he or they shall actually receive
72    And I do hereby revoke all former and other
73    Wills by me at any time heretofore made and
74    do declare this to be my last Will and Testament
75    In Witness whereof I the said James Blake the
76    Testator have to this my last Will and
77    Testament contained in two Sheets of paper set
78    my hand and Seal to wit my hand at the bottom
79    of the preceding Sheet and my hand and Seal
80    to this Sheet the day and Year mentioned at
81    the beginning of the preceding The Name or Mark
82    of James Blake James Blake the testator The writing
83    contained
    [Page 3]
84    contained in this and the preceding Sheet of
85    paper was signed sealed By the said James Blake
86    the Testator and by him published and declared
87    as and for his last Will and Testament in the
88    presence of us who in his presence and in the
89    presence of each other and at his request have
90    subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereof William
91    Woodward Jno Barfield
92    This Will was proved at London the
93    thirteenth day of March in the Year of Our
94    Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven before
95    the Right Honourable Sir William Wynne Knight
96    Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of
97    the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
98    constituted by the oath of William the sole executor
99    named in the said Will to whom administration
100    was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels
101    and Credits of the deceased having been first sworn
102    by Commission duly to administer.

Will of Elizabeth Blake, widow, Abingdon, Berkshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1750/65, probated 27 Jan 1829

The will of Elizabeth Blake widow of Abingdon Berkshire. Richard Blake, Surgeon Abingdon St Helen, Berkshire, married Elizabeth Jackson, Abingdon St Helen, Berkshire, 4 Dec 1786 and William Eldridge, gent, Abingdon St Helen was the bondsman. They were married by Sarum Marrige Licence issued by the Bishop of Salisbury.

I could not find any particular information on this Blake family of Abingdon Berkshire - there were earlier Blake families in Abingdon but I do not know if this family is descendant of the earlier families.

Perhaps one of the more fascinating items is the naming of James Clealand of Rathgael House Bangor Ireland as one of her trustees.

The mother of Richard Blake was Frances Blake and this may assist with placing this Blake family in the future

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 4 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1750/65
Testator:  Elizabeth Blake, widow
Place: Abingdon, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document:  12 Jun 1826, probated 27 Jan 1829
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Elizabeth
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 24

1    I Elizabeth Blake of Abingdon in the County of
2    Berks widow do hereby revoke all former Wills Codicils and testamentary dispositions by me
3    at any time heretofore made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament Whereas under
4    and by virtue of a certain Indenture bearing date the fifteenth day of December one
5    thousand seven hundred and eighty five and made between Richard Blake of
6    Abingdon in the County of Berks Surgeon and Apothecary of the first part Frances
7    Blake of Reading in the said County of Berks widow Mother of the said Richard Blake
8    of the second part myself the said testatrix by my then name and addition of Elizabeth
9    Jackson of Abingdon aforesaid Spinster of the third part and William Eldridge of
10    Abingdon aforesaid Mercer and Joseph Tombs of Abingdon aforesaid Mercer of the
11    fourth part purporting to be a Settlement made in contemplation of my marriage then
12    intended with the said Richard Blake the sum of eight hundred and fifty pounds
13    interest or share in the capital or joint stock of four pounds per cent annuities
14    consolidated transferrable at the Bank of England was transferred into the names
15    of the said William Eldridge and Joseph Tombs Upon the several trusts in the said
16    Indenture expressed and in particular in case there should be two or more children of
17    the said Richard Blake on the body of me the said testatrix begotten then that the said
18    trustees did and should assign transfer and dispose of the said capital or joint stock
19    annuities and premises and every part thereof unto such one of more of the same children
20    in such parts shares and proportions manner and form and with and under such
21    restrictions and limitations as the said Richard Blake and myself the said testatrix should
22    at any time or times during our joint lives by any writing or writings under our respective
23    hands and seals attested by two or more credible witnesses jointly direct limit or appoint
24    the same And in default of such joint direction limitation or appointment then as the
25    survivor of us should at anytime or times during his or my life by any writing or writings
26    under his or my hand and seal attested by two or more credible witnesses or by his or
27    my last Will and Testament in writing or any writing purporting to be this or my last Will and
28    Testament by him or me signed sealed and published in the presence of the like
30    number of witnesses direct limit give or appoint the same and whereas the said intended
31    marriage afterwards took effect between the said Richard Blake and me the said testatrix and
32    there is issue of the said marriage three children namely John, Frances Henrietta and
33    Sophia  And whereas the said Richard Blake hath since departed this life and no joint
34    direction limitation or appointment of the said eight hundred and fifty pounds trust fund
35    or of any part thereof hath been made by the said Richard Blake and me the said
36    testatrix his wife pursuant to the power for that purpose contained in the said
37    Indenture of Settlement Now I the said testatrix in pursuant and in exercise and
38    execution of the power and authority to me for that purpose given or reserved in and
39    by the said hereinbefore in part recited Indenture of Settlement and of every or any
40    other power or authority enabling me in this behalf do in and by this my last
41    Will and Testament in writing by me signed sealed and published in the presence of
42    and attested by the two or more credible persons whose names are or are intended to be
43    hereunto subscribed as witnesses attesting the same direct limit and appoint That all
44    that the said sum of eight hundred and fifty pounds four pounds per cent bank
45    annuities (since reduced to three and a half per cent reduced annuities) as aforesaid
46    shall from and immediately after my decease vest in and become the property of my said
47    daughter Sophia her executors administrators and assigns and that the trustee or
48    trustees of the same trust fund his executors administrators or assigns do and shall pay
49    assign and transfer the same and the dividends interest and proceeds thereof unto my said
50    daughter Sophia the executors administrators and assigns for her and their own
51    absolute use and benefit I give devise and bequeath unto my son in law John
52    Eldridge of Old Park near Devizes in the County of Wilts Esquire and James
53    Clealand of Rathgael House Bangor in Ireland Esquire all my messuages farms lands
54    tenements and hereditaments situate in the several parishes of Plumbland
55    and
    [Page 2]
56    and Aspartia and elsewhere in the County of Cumberland and all other my estates
57    whatsoever and wheresoever as well freehold as customary or copyhold of inheritance or
58    leasehold or of any other tenure with their and every of their appurtenances and also all
59    my monies and all my other stock funds and securities for money household goods plate linen
60    china and personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind
61    soever To hold the same and every part and parcel thereof with their and every of their
62    appurt[enance]s unto them the said John Eldridge and James Clealand their heirs executors
63    administrators and assigns respectively according to the several natures and tenures thereof
64    Upon trust in the first place to levy and raise if necessary by sale mortgage or otherwise and
65    to set apart a sufficient sum to purchase the sum of one thousand seven hundred
66    pounds bank three and a half per cent reduced annuities and to stand possessed thereof and
67    receive and pay the dividends and produce thereof as and when the same shall be
68    received into the proper hands of my son John for his support and maintenance and
69    so and in such manner as that the same may not be assignable by him for and during the
70    term of his natural life and after his decease upon further trust to assign and transfer the
71    sum of two hundred pounds stock part thereof unto my said daughter Frances Henrietta
72    Eldridge for her own use and benefit and upon further trust immediately after the
73    decease of my said son to stand possessed of the residue of the said one thousand seven
74    hundred pounds stock In trust for my said daughter Sophia her executors adm[inistrat]ors and
75    assigns for her and their own use and benefit and to be assigned transferred and disposed
76    of as she or they may direct And as to all other the said trust premises after setting apart
77    the said one thousand seven hundred pounds stock as aforesaid In trust for the sold
78    and absolute use and benefit of my said daughter Sophia her heirs executors
79    administrators and assigns and to be by her and them from time to time and at all times
80    disposed of as she or they may think proper And I do hereby declare my will and mind to
81    be that the several legacies and bequests by me hereinbefore made and bequeathed to or
82    in favor of each of my said children are intended by me to include all claims which they or
83    either of them have or ever has to any share of the personal estate of which their late
84    father died possessed Provided always that in case my said trustees or either of them or
85    any succeeding trustee or trustees to be appointed as hereinafter mentioned shall die or be
86    desirous to be discharged from the said trusts or shall refuse or neglect or become incapable
87    to act in the trusts of this my will is shall be lawful for the surviving or continuing orother
88    acting trustees or trustee for the time being from time to time as there shall be
89    occasion by any deed or deeds to be by them or him legally executed to nominate
90    substitute or appoint any other person or persons to be a trustee or trustees in the place
91    of the trustees or trustee so dying desiring to be discharged or refusing or neglecting or
92    becoming incapable to act as aforesaid for all or any of the trusts or purposes in this my
93    Will expressed and thereupon all and singular the said trust premises shall be conveyed
94    or assigned and assured so as that the same shall and may become vested in such
95    surviving and continuing and such new trustees or trustee or in such new trustees only as
96    the case may require Upon the trusts before expressed or such of them as shall be
97    then subsisting or capable of taking effect All and every which new trustee or trustees
98    shall and lawfully may act in the execution of the said trusts as fully and effectually to all
99    intents and purposes whatsoever and with the like powers authorities and
100    indemnifications in all respects as if he or they had been originally appointed a trustee
101    or trustees by this my Will And I do hereby further declare my will and mind to be that
102    they the said John Eldridge and James Clealand or either of them shall not be
103    answerable or accountable for the acts receipts payments or disbursements of the other
104    of them but each of them only for his own acts deeds receipts payments or disbursements
105    nor shall be answerable or accountable for any more of the said trust estates
106    monies and premises than shall come to their respective hands nor with or for any
107    involuntary losses which may happen to the said trust premises without their wilful
108    default or negligence And further that the receipt or receipts of my said trustees shall be
109    good and sufficient discharges to any purchaser or purchasers to whom my said
110    estates or any part of them shall be conveyed or sold and that such purchases or
111    purchasers shall not be answerable to accountable for or be bound to see to the
112    application of their respective purchase monies or any part thereof or be in any
113    manner
    [Page 3]
114    manner accountable for any misapplication or nonapplication thereof or a of any
115    part thereof And further that it shall be lawful for my said trustees by and out of the
116    said trust monies which shall come to their respective hands to retain to himself and
117    themselves and also to allow to his and their Co trustee and Co trustees all costs charges and
118    expences which they or either of them shall pay sustain or be put into by reason or
119    means of the performance or execution of the trusts aforesaid or any of them or in relation
120    thereto Lastly I appoint the said John Eldridge and my said daughter Sophia
121    executor and executrix of this my Will In Witness whereof I the said testatrix Elizabeth
122    Blake have to this my last Will and Testament written upon five sheets of paper set my
123    hand to the first four sheets thereof and my hand and seal to this fifth and last sheet thereof
124    this twelfth day of June one thousand eight hundred and twenty six Eliz[abe]th Blake
125    Signed sealed published and declared by the said Elizabeth Blake the testatrix as
126    and for her last will and Testament in the presence of us who in her presence at her request
127    and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
128    Ja[me]s Cole Mayor Abingdon Berks William Cheer servant
129    to Mr Cole James Will[ia]m Barrell Abingdon Berks Solicitor
130    Proved at London 27th January 1829 before the Judge by the oaths of John
131    Eldridge Esq[uie]r and Sophia Blake Spinster the daughter the exe[cut]ors to whom adm[inistrati]on was
132    granted having been first sworn by Com[missi]on duly to adm[iniste]r

Will of William Blake, Yeoman of Speen, Berkshire, National Archives PROB 11/35, Imae Reference 261/220, probated 28 Jul 1552

Completely unexpected to find references to Knights Enham in the will of William Blake, yeoman of Speen, Berkshire. William lives at Benham which is a largish property in the Parish of Speen Berkshire. He is married to Ellen Boswell (first marriage surname is unknown) and Robert Boswell is referred to as the father in law of William. William mentions that Ellen has children from a first marriage and that the property which she brought with her should be returned to her in the same value. This was a difficult will and there are some blanks in it that I will work away at over the next little while.

Amazingly though he mentions William Blake of Knights Enham (and this is likely the son of Nicholas Blake and my ancestor) and that William has been working the testator's land for a price at Knights Enham. He does not mention if William is related to him but does mention his brother John and his brother Richard. This time period of 1552 when he is writing his will is significant. Nicholas' will was probated in 1547 and William is now on his land at Knights Enham. William has a brother Robert who is also at Knights Enham but that is the limit of their family other than Elizabeth (married to a Mr. Mylne). Up until now I have postulated that there was another William Blake in the area and this proves to be correct but again he is not the William I am expecting. He does not fit into the Blake Pedigree chart held by the Swindon and Wiltshire Record Office. We have another family which consists of William (with son Anthony), and brothers John and Richard Blake. Is this the children of Robert Blake brother of William Blake (sons of Nicholas Blake)? No this does not fit into the wills of that family. William was married to Agnes and he died prior to 1607 at Perwell in Andover. But definitely Robert had sons Robert, John the elder, Thomas, William, Richard and John the younger.

Does this will imply a relationship between the two Williams at Enham? No, no relationship is stated other than that of an owner/tenant.

This is also not the William Blake married to Avis Ripley and said to be a son of Roger Blake and Mary Baynard.

Once again I have to refer to our yDNA study (http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?code=A70410&Group=Blake) as being the only means to really look at the Blake family in general and specifically at the Blake families in Wiltshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Berkshire, Devon and Oxford. Thus far we do not have anyone with a paper trail back to Wiltshire, Somerset, Berkshire, Devon or Oxford. My own line was born in Upper Clatford and then back to Andover and Nicholas who left his will in 1547 is the furtherest back that I have traced thus far.

By 1582 William Blake son of Nicholas is living at Eastontown with his brother Robert still living at Knights Enham.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 1 May 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB11/35, Image Reference 261/220  (images by me)
Name of testator: William Blake, Yeoman of Speen
Place: Speen, Berkshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated:, 10 Jun 1552, probated 28 Jul 1552
Read: Electronic file
Condition: old writing, 16th century, firm copy
[In margin] T  Will[ia]m Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen In the yere or o[u]r Lord god A
2    Thousande fyve hundred fyftie and two Last feaste daie of June in the sixe yere
3    of the Reigne of our Soveraigne Lorde Edwarde the Syxe by the grace of god
4    of England France and Ireland kinge defender of the fayth and ymmediatelie next
5    under Christe supreme head of the churche of England and also of Irelande / I
6    William Blake of Benham in the p[ar]ishe of Spyne and in the countie of Barksher
7    yomane beinge sicke of bodie but of good and perfyct memorye (thanks be to god) ___
8    ordayne that my last will and testament in manner and forme folowinge / First I bequeathe
9    my soule to Almyghtie god and to all the blessed company of heaven / and my bodye to be
10    buryed in the churche Lyttynne of Spyne / Item I give and bequeathe to the poor yomane boys
11    xij d / Item I give and bequeath to the p[ar]ishe  of Enham xij d / Item I give and
12    bequeathe to the p[ar]ishe churche of And[ov]er xij d / Item I give and bequeathe to Ellyne
13    Blake my wief all the proper goodes and cattall that she had when that I dyd marrie
14    with her nothinge to be demynisshed / Item I give and bequeathe to the said Ellyne my
15    wief Thirtie quarters of malte / And fortie shillings in redye money by the yere by
16    that parte of five yeres next comhing / Item I give and bequeathe to every one of my
17    wiefs children one quarter of malte / Item I give and bequeathe amonge all my
18    chyldren to be equally devided / all my shepe and cattell that ys going upon the
19    com[m]ons of Ando[ve]r Enh[a]m and Benh[a]m / Item I give and bequeathe anie of my said
20    cheldren all the graynes that is unthresened and there ofe in the barnes of my holde in Knights
21    Enh[a]m _cells in anye other of my houses then to be equally devided / Item I give and
22    bequeathe amonge my said children all the profytts of my tenement in Knights Enh[a]m
23    whiche William Blake of Knights Enh[a]m doth tyll for me for the somme of fyve pounds to be
24    equally devyded / Item I give and bequeathe to Anthony Blake my sonne the Sixe
25    houses with the ploughe and all th[e ]appurtenances there belonging now in the custody
26    of William Blake with the leasse of my Tenements in Knights Enh[a]m / Item I will that
27    all my goodes and cattalls whiche was removed from Enh[a]m to Benh[a]m to be Removed
28    back agayne to Enh[a]m into the custodye of Robert Boswell my father in lawe
29    Immediatley after my death
    [Page 2]
30    Immediatlie after my death without anie lot or w[i]th exception of Ellyne Blake my wief
31    And that the Goodes to be equally devided amonge my children / Item I will that
32    Isabell Goldinge soe to be at the delyver  unto of my houshold stuff as being when that
33    yt shal[l ]be Removed and she soe to have for her paynes / And yf it so found that any of
34    my children soe to departe oute of this world ______ close and withoute yssue / I will
35    then their parts soe to be equally devided amonge the rest of them / Item I give and bequeathe
36    to John Blake my brother my best gowne and best doublet / Item I geve and bequeath
37    to Richard Blake my brother my Russet gowne and my Ol[d ]lynnen[ dou]blet and Robe
38    Item I bequeath to Marryen my wyffs servante one quarter of malte / Item I give
39    and bequeath to evere one of my servants vij d / Item I give and bequeath among
40    my chyldren fourtie shillings nyne for the spaceof fyve yeres next folowing to be
41    equally devided / The residue of my goods moveable and unmoveable I geve
42    bequeath to Anthony Blake my sonne whome I make and ordeyn to be my executor
43    of this my last willl and testament / Item I make and ordeyne Robert Boswell mye
44    father in lawe and William Fletewood overseers of this my last will and testament to
45    see all the _heests in yt to be p[er]formed and fulfilled / And to se the saide goodes and cattell
46    to be equally devided amonge my children by their discre[t]ions for the profytt and
47    mayneteyance of my said children / And every of them soe to have for the paynes one
48    quarter of barley / Thes bearing witnes William Fletewood John Blake John Boswell
49    Richard Estmonts John Alder John Mathew and Robert Smytton with other mo[r]e