Will of the Reverend William Blake of Crewkerne, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/1647/409, probated 14 Sep 1821

Again as with the past couple of wills, this William Blake is known and he is the son of William Blake whose will was blogged yesterday:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/11/will-of-reverend-william-blake-clerk-of.html

His wife Elizabeth Blake’s will was blogged earlier:

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

The will of his brother Malachi Blake, M.D. was also blogged earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-malachi-blake-doctor-of-physic.html

He too is in a collateral line to Admiral Robert Blake.

Relationship Chart

Admiral Robert Blake [101] is the 2nd cousin 5 times removed of Reverend William-178 Blake [607]

                                Common Ancestor

                              * Humphrey-21 Blake [1]
                                  (Cir 1499-1558)
                                    * Agnis [2]
                                 (          -1585)
                                   Married  [1]
                                        |
                    --------------------------------------------------------------
                    |                                                                |
                    |                                                                |
     * John-27 (the elder) Blake [3]                 * Robert-28 Blake [4]
          (Cir 1521-After 1576)                          (Cir 1523-Cir 1592)
               Johan [12]                                         Margaret Symonds [22]
            (          -1595)                                             (          -1600)
          Married Cir 1541 [4]                                            Married  [5]
                    |                                                                |
                    |                                                                |
         * William-39 Blake [18]                           * Humphry-43 Blake [25]
           (Cir 1559-Cir 1642)                                      (Cir 1563-1625)
                Anne [84]                                   Sarah Swithers formerly Williams [100]
            (          -1644)                                                  (          -1638)
              Married  [21]                                          Married 5 Oct 1597 [26]
                    |                                                                |
                    |                                                                |
          * John-59 Blake [88]                             * Admiral Robert Blake [101]
               (1597-1645)                                                 (1598-1657)
             Elizabeth [155]
              Married  [38]
                    |
                    |
          * John-86 Blake [158]
               (1629-1682)
           Mary Wilkins [276]
        Married 20 Jun 1648 [84]
                    |
                    |
   * Reverend Malachi-112 Blake [278]
               (1651-1705)
             Mary Mico [414]
             Married  [140]
                    |
                    |
        * William-140 Blake [419]
               (1688-1772)
           Jane A'Court [529]
               (1689-1769)
        Married 21 Oct 1712 [186]
                    |
                    |
   * Reverend William-161 Blake [537]
               (1730-1799)
          Hannah Downing [604]
        Married 1 Sep 1768 [212]
                    |
                    |
   * Reverend William-178 Blake [607]
               (1773-1821)

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Nov 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1647/409
Testator: The Reverend William Blake
Place: Crewkerne, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 27 Oct 1815, probated 14 Sep 1821
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: The Reverend
[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 18

1    I William Blake of Crewkerne in the
2    County of Somerset do make this my last Will and Testament in
3    manner and form following that is to say I give and bequeath to my
4    Brother Malachi Blake the sum of twenty pounds to my brother
5    Downing Blake the sum of twenty pounds to my sister Mary Collins
6    the sum of twenty pounds to John Buncombe of Taunton Attorney at Law
7    the sum of ten pounds to Edward Jarman Esq[uie]r of Charterhouse Square
8    London the sum of ten pounds to Frances Tett and Caroline Tett the
9    children of the late Francis Tett of Crewkerne the sum of five pounds each
10    and to each of my servants living in my house at the time of my decease the
11    sum of five pounds I hereby give and bequeath to my dear and beloved
12    wife Elizabeth all my household Goods and furniture Books Plate linen and Wines
13    stock in my dwelling house and also whatever Cash or Cash notes I may
14    have in my dwelling hose at the time of my decease and I hereby
15    nominate and appoint my brother Malachi Blake Edward Jarman
16    esq[uie]r of Charterhouse Square London and John Buncombe attorney at law of Taunton
17    the executors of this my last will and Testament and after the payment of
18    all my just debts and funeral expences and of the several legacies which
19    I have hereinbefore given I give and bequeath unto my said executors
20    whatever I have the power to dispose of under the provisions of an
21    Indenture of Settlement made on my marriage with Hannah Jarman and
22    bearing date the third day of May 1808 whether such power is vested in me immediately and absolutely
23    or contingently on the decease of my daughter Hannah before her attainment
24    of the age of twenty one years and also all my estates and moieties of estates
25    both freehold and leasehold and all monies and securities for money and all
26    the residue of my property of every kind whatever and wherever it may be
    [Page 2]
27    In trust for the purposes hereinafter mentioned that is to say that
28    them or the survivors of them or his executors administrators and assigns shall pay or cause to be paid the rents interest and profits of the
29    same to my beloved wife Elizabeth during the term of her natural life and
30    it is my will that my executors in trust or the survivor of them or their exors admors and assigns with the consent and approbation of my said
31    wife Eliz[abe]th first had and obtained in writing and attested by two credible
32    witnesses shall have the power of selling any part of my property and of
33    vesting the same in real or Government securities for the benefit and advantage
34    of my said wife during the term of her natural life and after the decease
35    of my said wife it is my will that all my property which by this my will
36    I have bequeathed unto my executors In trust shall be duly valued and
37    divided by them the survivor of them or his exors admors or assigns without being sold if such division can be made with
38    facility amongst all my Children by my wife Eliz[abe]th share and share alike
39    when they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years and during
40    the minority of any or either of my s[ai]d Children by my s[ai]d wife Eliz[abeth] after her
41    decease I hereby direct my said Exors In trust or the survivor of them or his exors admors and assigns to apply the annual interest
42    or profits of the portion belonging to such child or children to his her or
43    their maintenance and education during the term of his her or their
44    minority and if only one of my children by my s[ai]d wife Eliz[abe]th shall attain
45    the age of twenty one years then it is my will that all my property left to
46    my exors In trust shall vest in such child and his or her heirs for ever and
47    if all my children by my said wife Eliz[abeth] shall die before they attain the age
48    of twenty one years then it is my will that my exors in trust the survivors of them or his exors admors or assigns shall pay the
49    rents is[ue]s interest and profits of my property hereby bequeath to them for the
50    purposes and trusts herein mentioned to my sister Mary Collins during the
51    term of her natural life to and for her own sole and proper use and benefit
52    and without being liable to the payment of the debts of her husband or in any way or manner subject to his control and after her decease that they shall divide my s[ai]d property between the
53    children of my s[ai]d Sister Mary Collins share and share alike when they shall
54    respectively attain the age of twenty one years I have not mentioned the made any bequests to
55    sum of to my dear and afflicted daughter Hannah in my foregoing this my will
56    because should it please Providence to spare her life she will be amply
57    provided for in and by the settlement made on my marriage with her
58    mother my late wife Hannah should my beloved wife Eliz[abe]th at the time
59    of her decease leave any or either of our children in a state of minority
60    it is my will that the care of the education of such child or children
61    shall be left to my brother Malichi Blake whom I have in this my
62    will nominated one of my exors In trust and it is also my wish that my
63    dear wife during her life in regard to the education of our Children will
64    always consult my dear said brother and be guided by his advice To the
65    protection and guidance of the Almighty I commend my dear wife my
66    beloved children and all my friends and into his hands I commend my own
67    spirit the foregoing writing I declare to be my last Will and Testament
68    In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my name and seal this twenty
69    seventh day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifteen
70    Wm Blake Signed sealed and published by the Rev[eren]d Wm Blake as and
71    for his last will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request
72    and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
73    subscribed our names Sam[ue]l Sparks H Stembridge Josh Stembridge
74    Appeared personally Samuel Sparks of Crewkerne in the County of
75    Somerset Gentleman and being sworn maketh oath that he is one of the
76    subscribed witnesses to the last Will and Testament of the reverend William
77    Blake late of Crewkerne in the county of Somerset Clerk deceased hereunto
78    annexed beginning thus “I William Blake of Crewkerne in the County
79    of Somerset do make this my last Will and Testament” ending thus “In
80    witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my name and seal this twenty
81    seventh day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifteen
82    and thus subscribed “Wm Blake” “ and that on now viewing and carefully
    [Page 3]
83    perusing the said Will and particularly observant the obliterations
84    and interlineations appearing therein that is to say the word “each”
85    interlined between the sixth and seventh lines the obliteration of the
86    word “Stock in my dwelling house” in the ninth line the interlineation
87    of the words “such power is vested in me” between the eighteenth and nineteenth
88    lines the interlineation of the words “or the survivor of them or his Exors
89    administrators and assigns shall” between the eighteenth and nineteenth
90    lines the interlineation of the words “in trust or the survivor of them or his
91    executors admors and assigns” between the nineteenth and twentieth lines
92    the interlineation of the words “or the survivor of them or his exors
93    admors and assgns” between the twenty third and twenty fourth lines the
94    interlineation of the name “Eliz[abe]th” between the twenty fifth and twenty
95    sixth lines the interlineation of the words “the survivor of them of his exors
96    admors and assigns” between the twenty sixth and twenty seventh lines the
97    interlineation of the words “the survivor of them or his executors admors
98    and assigns” between the thirtieth and thirty first lines the interlineation
99    of the words “without being liable to the payment of the debts of her
100    husband or in any way or manner subject to his control” between the
101    thirty second and thirty third lines the interlineation of the words
102    “made any bequest to” between the thirty third and thirty fourth lines
103    the obliteration of the words “mentioned the sum of” in the thirty fourth
104    line and the interlineation of the words “this my” between the thirty
105    fourth and thirty fifth lines and the obliteration of the words “my foregoing”
106    in the said thirty fourth line of the said Will to be respectively computed
107    from the top thereof he maketh oath and saith that the said recited
108    obliterations and interlineations were made previous to his executing
109    the said will and he lastly maketh oath and saith that he doth
110    verily and in his conscience believe the said Will to be all in the hand
111    writing of the said reverend William Blake and in every respect in the
112    same plight and condition as it was when executed by the said reverend
113    William Blake deceased in the presence of the deponent and Joseph Stembridge
114    and Henry Stembridge the other subscribed witnesses Sam[ue]l Sparks the seventh
115    day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty one the said
116    Samuel Sparks was duly sworn to the truth of this affidavit by virtue of
117    the annexed Commission before me John Allen Comm[issione]r
118    Proved at London 14th September 1821 before the Judge by the oaths
119    of Malachi Blake Doctor of Medicine the brother Edward Jarman and
120    John Buncombe the executors to whom administration was granted
121    having been first sworn that is to say the said Malachi Blake and
122    John Buncombe by Commission and the said Edward Jarman before
123    the worshipful Samuel Rush Meyrick doctor of Laws and Surrogate
124    duly to administer

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
    [Page 5]
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
    [Page 6]
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

Will of Thomas Blake, Gentleman, Plymtree, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1032/77 - probated 6 Jun 1777

Thomas Blake, the testator, lived at Plymtree, Devon. According to Genuki in 1850 William Blake Esquire was one of the larger landowners there. Indeed Thomas bequeaths all of his property to William (possibly an ancestor of the William Blake in 1850) Blake his brother.

John Marks was perhaps married to Elizabeth (Betty) Blake since he is brother in law to Thomas Blake. Thomas does not mention a wife. Robert Marks was baptized 4 Feb 1766 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks. John Marks was baptized 1 Jul 1761 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks.

I did find baptisms for Trull online (home of Mr. William Blake, brother to the deceased):

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/BapTru_B1.html

Blake     Elizabeth     24 Jun 1689     d Robert
Blake     Joan     14 Apr 1691     d Robert
Blake     Edith     06 May 1695     d Robert
Blake     Mary     06 Apr 1697     d Robert
Blake     Elizabeth     10 Apr 1711     d Thomas/Elizabeth
Blake     Thomas     13 Jan 1712     s Mr Thomas (deceased)/Mrs Elizabeth
Blake     Thomas     28 Jun 1763     s Mr William, Cutsey
Blake     William     11 Jun 1766     s Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake     Betty     09 Aug 1769     d Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake     Betty     03 Dec 1794     d William/Betty
Blake     William     19 May 1797     s William/Betty, bn 31 Jan 1797
Blake     Thomas     02 Feb 1802     s William/Betty, bn 22 Apr 1801
Blake     William     29 Jan 1830     s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake     Thomas     11 Jul 1831     s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent,bn 05 Jun 1831
Blake     William     11 Jul 1831     s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake     Elizabeth     24 Sep 1834     d William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake     Mary     30 Dec 1835     d William/Mary, Cursey, gent
Blake     Robert     29 Jun 1890     s Sarah Ann, domestic servant

Marriages for Blake family members at Trull:

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/MarTru_Bl.html

Blake     Elizabeth     Thomas Cogan     18 Sep 1705    
Blake     Joan     James Osmond     03 Mar 1708    
Blake     Margaret     John Baker     24 May 1709    
Blake     Charlotte     Edward Long     12 Feb 1843
Blake     Mary     James Burston Corner     20 Oct 1864    

Burials for Blake family members at Trull:

Blake     Elizabeth     22 Nov 1698
Blake     Margaret     17 Apr 1705
Blake     Robert     16 Feb 1710           Mr, Pitminster
Blake     Thomas     19 Aug 1712         
Blake     Elizabeth     01 Feb 1736           Mrs
Blake     Mary     07 Oct 1743
Blake     Richard     11 Jul 1748    
Blake     Betty     14 Jun 1785    
Blake     Betty     10 Jan 1798          
Blake     William     11 Jan 1811
Blake     Thomas     16 Feb 1813     12     Cutsey
Blake     William     12 Sep 1826     60     Cutsey
Blake     William     13 Apr 1832     2     2yr 3mn, Cutsey          
Blake     Betty     26 Nov 1840     70    
Blake     William     14 Jan 1864     66          
Blake     Mary     19 Sep 1876     70     
Blake     Thomas     09 Nov 1880     49     Cutsey

Cutsey is a hamlet in the Parish of Trull. Cutsey House is listed as a Grade II Building. The Blake family can be found as early as 1710 in the records at Cutsey with the mention in the 1710 will of Robert Blake of Pitminster (he was married to Margaret Thomas). Looking this record up on the online catalogue of the Somerset Record Office lead me to DD|CH/120/4 which covers the sale of a piece of land to Robert Blake of Pitminster in 1709 and then the purchase of this land by Richard Blake of Angersleigh (the testator Thomas Blake of Plimtree was the eldest son of this Richard Blake and this was the house called Harpers and the meadow in 1760). I can not find anyone who has traced this family down online from Richard.

From the will, Thomas, the testator, has a brother William of Trull who lives at Cutsey from the records above.

I then was lucky to find a write up by a descendant of this William Blake’s son William.

http://wendys-questionable-public-musings.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2-december-2011-tracing-family-history.html

William I believe had two siblings – older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty. William was younger than the testator of this will, Thomas, and with the naming of children the same in each generation it is somewhat confusing. However from the records above for Trull this does seem to fit in well. William Blake (baptized 11 Jun 1766 (died 2 Sep 1826 and married to Betty Farrant) was listed as “of Cutsey, Trull and Plymtree, Devon.” This fits with the will as this William would have inherited both his father’s property and his uncle Thomas’ property (the testator). Older brother Thomas does seem to be missing and isn’t mentioned in the writeup.

I am now quoting from the webpage mentioned above: William Blake and Betty Farrant “had only one surviving son ……. William Blake, who was baptised in Trull on 30 January 1797 and died on 9 January 1864. He was married to Mary Thomas, who died on 18 September 1876, aged 70. It is their grave (I would imagine they are buried there) that forms one of the three graves in the group in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Trull.  They had four children (…….. Thomas, (another) William Blake (who died at 2), Elizabeth, who lived at Dipford (built by her father years before when he retired there and left Cutsey in the hands of Thomas) and their final child, Mary Blake.

Thomas Blake of Cutsey, Trull (Grave 1 in All Saints Church Grave Yard) with his wife, Eleanor. Thomas Blake then inherited Cutsey from his father (William). Thomas died when he was 49, but his wife was to live to the ripe old age of 83. (Gravestone 1 at All Saints Church above.) As a result of them apparently having no children, Eleanor moved out of Cutsey to "Broadlands", where she lived until her death.” At this point Cutsey following the death of Thomas’ sisters would move from the Blake family to the Clatworthy which the article mentions.

This clarifies the descent of the properties mentioned in the will to William Blake. Now to take the family back in time. William Blake and Thomas (the testator) Blake were brothers and sons of Richard Blake as mentioned in the document in the online catalogue at the Somerset Record Office website.

Records from the National Archives fonds for the Blake Family of Trull:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=168-ddct&cid=-1#-1

These papers were donated by the descendants of one of the sisters of Thomas Blake mentioned above who inherited Cutsey when Thomas had no descendants.

DD\CT/12 - 1667: Plot of ground at Socke (Pratt family). Thomas Blake living at Plymtree in 1760.

DD\CT/14 – 1709: Messuage at Ashcombe, Marke Family (documents relating to litigation)

DD\CT/18 – 1707-1883: Agreement previous to marriage of John Baker of Shepton Mallet, clothier, and Elizabeth Blake of Angersleigh, spinster, 1746; inventory of Robert Blake of Pitminster, 1711, and receipts for legacies, etc., under his will, 1711-29; appointment of guardians for Thomas Blake, 1749; releases, bonds, etc., 1707-87; account of the personal estate of Thomas Blake of Cutsey in Trull, etc., 1881-83.

DD\CT/30 – 1777-1794: Notebook with a few pages only used containing notes of timber measured, remedies (animals) and occasional memoranda, probably kept Wm. Blake of Plymtree; the notebook originally belonged to William Pratt in 1734.

DD\CT/50 – 1624-1737: Land called Lanes Meadows, 1624-1644 (Hancock and Thomas families of Trull), and 1731-1737 (Blake family); the 18th century deeds also relate to a messuage and 2a (not described). Settlement previous to marriage of Richard Blake and Mary Buncombe, both of Trull, 1732, also relates to buildings on the East side of the hall of the messuage called Lower Harpers (parents of the testator).

DD\CT/52 – 1709, 1717-1762: Documents relating to Blake Taunton Deane property in the tithing of Woodland in the hundred of Holway, including surrender previous to the marriage of Wm. Blake of Trull and Betty Long of Pitminster, 1762 (brother of the testator). Earliest document is bond relating to 15a in the tithing of Rumwell sold by Thomas Blake to Peter Risdon of Trull.

DD\CT/54 – 1696-1768: Higher and Lower Harpers/Harpus in Angersleigh and Trull respectively and leashold land held under the Gale Famnily; agreement and postnuptial settlement, Blake/Buncombe, 1732, relating to the fgirst named properties – abstract of title to Higher Harpers, reciting from 1611.

DD\CT/55 – 1583-1762:  Parsons Field acquired by Richard Blake of Trull in 1747.

DD\CT/57 – 1671-1718: Release of dower by Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Halse to son Robert, 1671; mortgage by Robert Blake of Trull of messuage and 30 a., late parcel of manor, 1688; settlement previous to marriage of Robert Blake and Joan, daughter of Faithfull Cape, clerk, all of Halse, 1718, relating to moiety of house and 10a.

DD\CT/57A -1707: Articles of agreement previous to marriage of Robert Blake of Trull and Margaret Durstone of Pitminster relating to her Taunton Deane lands in various tithings in the hundred of Poundisford.

DD\CT/58 – 1789-1818: Settlement previous to marriage of John Ashford, jun., of Broad Clyst [Devon] and Betty, daughter of William Blake of Plymtree, 1789 relating to capital messuage and farm called Lymbury with associated papers.

DD\CT/60 – 1712-1827: Probate and other copies of wills and letters of admon (all Blake): Thos., 1713 (admon). Eliz. 1735, Mary, 1755 (admon), Wm. 1826, pr. 1827, all of Trull, Robt. of Pitminster, 1709, pr. 1712, Thos. of Angersleigh, 1763, pr. 1767, Thos. o Plymtree, 1777.

DD\CT/63 – 1698-1787: Miscellaneous personal papers, receipts for legacies, bonds, release to trustees, appointment of guardian, including inventories of Robert of Pitminster, 1711, and Thomas of Trull, 1712, and a schedule (by rooms) of furniture lent my mother (? By Thomas Blake), 1711. Are Robert Blake and Thomas Blake brothers with Robert father of Robert Blake of Halse and Thomas being the father of Richard of Trull (father of the present testator)?

DD\CT/70 – not dated, post 1703: Draft answers to bill of complaint of Edward Musgrave by Robert and Margaret Blake, Margaret Thomas, et al. arising out of will of Bottolph Thomas, father and husband respectively of the two last named (Margaret).

DD\CT/80 – early 20th century: Scraps of notes, in pencil, about the Blake family 18 – 19 century. (Since these documents were passed to the Somerset Archive and Record Service by the Clatworthy family (author of the webpage above on the descendants of William Blake of Trull) I would suspect they do not contain anything further back than what was used in the webpage but if I am ever in Taunton I shall check on that!)

Names mentioned in the will:

Thomas Skinner, Bridgewater
John Mathews, Lessee at Tyes
Mr. William Blake of Trull, brother to the testator
John Marks, Pitminster, tanner, brother in law
Robert Marks, son of John above, nephew
John Marks, son of John above, nephew
Mr. William Pratt, gentleman of Plimptree, cousin (deceased)
Mrs. Joan Pratt of Willand, Devon (widow of William above?)
Mr. John Pratt of Willand, Devon (son of Mrs. Joan Pratt), gentleman
Mrs. Dorothy Pratt of Willand, Devon (wife of Mr. John Pratt)
Betty Pratt of Willand, Devon (daughter of John and Dorothy)
Ann Hicks Pratt (daughter of John and Dorothy)
William Buncombe of Pitminster, gentleman, cousin
Alexander Meaddock, yeoman, of Angersleigh, tenant
Alice Wier, maidservant
Betty Lock, maidservant
John Stileham, manservant
John Walker, servant
Robert Richards, servant
John Eveleigh, apprentice
Thomas Always, apprentice
John Leaman, apprentice
Mary Hellier
(Old) John Richards
James Huish and his wife of Cullompton, gentleman
Mr. Wright, sellor
Bernard Wright, witness
John Critchett, witness
John Tucker, witness

This is perhaps the line of the son of John Blake the elder who was buried 10 Dec 1576 at Overstowey Somerset. He was the eldest son of Humphrey Blake  who was buried 28 Dec 1558 at Overstowey. John’s brother Robert (married to Margaret Symonds) was a merchant at Bridgewater and grandfather of Lord High Admiral Robert Blake.

John Blake the elder and his wife Johan had seven children some of whom lived at Pitminster.

His son William was buried 13 Jun 1642 at Pitminster and William and his wife Anne had seven children namely Robert married to Sara Wicham 3 Mar 1616 at Pitminster, Grace buried 5 Jan 1622 at Pitminster, Eme buried 27 Jul 1593 at Pitminster (an infant), William married Agnes Band (the American Blake family at Boston claims this particular line), John, Anne married to Thomas Bidgood 24 Nov 1629, and Richard.

His daughter Alice married James Richard 2 Oct 1569 at Overstowey but both were buried at Pitminster (Alice 17 Aug 1585).

An interesting will that may help with linking families in the future.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1032/77
Testator: Thomas Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1777, probated 6 Jun 1777
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

 [Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Thomas Blake of the parish of Plymstree
3   In the County of Devon Gentleman make this
4    my last Will and Testament in manner following
5    whereas I have contracted and agreed to and
6    with Thomas Skinner of Bridgewater in the
7    County of Somerset Farrier for the purchase of the
8    Fee Simple and Inheritance of all those Closes or
9    parcels of Land called Sock Close and Pines Close
10    part of an Estate called Tyes The Field or Close
11    called the Hay Downs the Field called Langlands
12    the Long Beat Land, the South Down and Clarkes
13    Meadow part of an Estate called Clarkes and also
14    the Court Garden and West Plott thereunto
15    belonging which I now Rent of the aforesaid
16    Thomas Skinner also the dwelling house and Orchard
17    part of the said Estate called Tyes now in the
18    possession of one John Matthew all which said
19    premises are situate within the said parish of
20    Plimstree for the price of Sum of seven hundred
21    pounds, and have lent the said Thomas Skinner the
22    sum of three hundred pounds upon his Bond before
23    a Fine could be levied and a good Title made New I
24    do hereby order and direct that my Brother William
25    Blake of Trull in the County of Sommerset aforesaid
26    Gentleman as soon as a good Title can be made to the
    [Page 2]
27    aforesaid premises do carry the said Contract into
28    execution and pay the Residue of the said seven
29    hundred pounds the purchase Money upon proper
30    conveyances being executed by him by the said
31    Thomas Skinner I give devise and bequeath unto
32    John Marks of the parish of Pitminster in the
33    County of Sommerset aforesaid Tanner my Brother
34    in Law All that my Messuage or Tenement called
35    Harpers situate lying and being in the parish of
36    Angersley in the said County of Sommerset To hold
37    to him and his assigns for and during the term of
38    his natural Life and after his decease I give and
39    devise the same unto his Son my Nephew Robert
40    Marks his heirs and assigns forever But in case my
41    said Cousin Robert Marks shall happen to dye in the
42    life time of his said Father then and in such case I
43    give devise and bequeath the said Estate called
44    Harpers after the death of my said Brother in
45    Law John Marks unto his Son my Nephew John
46    Marks his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and
47    bequeath unto my aforesaid Cousin John
48    Marks the Sum of Five hundred pounds over and
49    above the Sum of two hundred pounds given and
50    bequeathed unto him in and by the last Will and
51    Testament of my late cousin Mr William Pratt
52    of Plimptree aforesaid Gentleman deceased to be
53    paid him when he shall have attained his age of
54    twenty one years Also I give and bequeath unto
55    my aforesaid Nephew Robert Marks the Sum of
56    Seven hundred pounds to be paid him when he
57    shall have attained his age of twenty one years
58    also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Joan
59    Pratt of the Parish of William in the County of
60    Devon aforesaid Widow, and unto my Cousin John Pratt
61    of the same place Gentleman her Son and unto
62    Dorothy his Wife and unto my Cousin Betty Pratt and
63    Ann Hicks Pratt her daughters the Sum of ten pounds
64    each to be paid unto them respectively within six
65    months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto
66    my Cousin William Buncombe of the parish of
67    Pitminster aforesaid Gentleman and unto his Wife the
68    sum of ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
69    respectively within six Months after my decease also
70    I give and bequeath unto my Tenant Alexander
71    Meaddock of Angersley aforesaid yeoman and unto
72    his Wife ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
73    respectively within six Months after my decease as a
74    reward for their care industry and honest behavior
75    ever since they were my Tenants Also I give and
76    bequeath unto my servant Maid Alice Wier the
77    sum of ten pounds to be paid her within one
    [Page 3]
78    month after my decease Also I give her a suit of
79    Mourning throughout Also I give unto my Servant
80    Maid Betty Lock the Sum of Five pounds to be paid
81    her within one Month after my decease Also I give
82    her a Suit of Mourning throughout Also I give and bequeath
83    unto my Man Servant John Hileham the Sum of Five
84    pounds and unto my Servants John Walker and Robert
85    Richards one Guinea each if living with me at the
86    time of my death and to my apprentices John Eveleigh
87    Thomas Always and John Seaman ten Shillings each
88    and to Mary Hellier if living with me at the time of
89    my death half a Guinea and to the Old John Richards I
90    give five Shillings to be paid unto them respectively
91    within one Month after my decease Also I give and bequeath
92    unto each and every of my day Labourers at husbandry
93    the Sum of Five shillings each to be paid unto them
94    respectively within one week after my decease Also I give
95    and bequeath to the Churchwardens of Angersley
96    twenty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the parish
97    of Trull Forty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the
98    Parish of Plimptree the Sum of three pounds to be
99    paid unto them respectively within one Month after my
100    decease to be by them distributed unto and among the
101    poor of their several and respectively parishes in
102    such parts share and proportions as they shall respectively
103    think meet and proper Also I give and bequeath unto
104    James Huish of Cullompton Gentleman a Mourning
    and a hatband and belt of the best Sattyn Also I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Huish his Wife a mourning ring of a Guinea Value
104    Ring of a pound value ^ and a Book and Script of the
106    best Lattin and I do hereby request the said Mr Huish
107    and his Wife to attend my Corps to the Grave Also I
108    give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother Mr
109    William Blake his Executors Administrators and Assigns
110    all that my Leasehold Estate called Pi[r]swell in the
111    Parish of Kentisbear Also I give devise and bequeath
112    unto my said Brother William Blake his heirs and
113    assigns all those my several Messuages or Tenements
114    called Green End, Crosses, Tyes, Chases, Hawkinses, Mays
115    Mutters my part of Weaver Estate and the Regalcy
116    lately purchased of Mr Wright and all other my Lands
117    and hereditaments of what nature or kind soever situate
118    within the said Parish of Plimstree To hold to my
119    said Brother his Heirs and Assigns forever Also I
120    give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother
121    William Blake all these my several Messuages or
122    Tenements situate in the aforesaid parish of Trull in
123    the County of Sommerset called Harpers Lows Meadow
124    Herrings House and Orchard Lower Harpers Lanes Meadows
125    and all other my Messuages Lands Tenements and
126    hereditaments in the aforesaid Parish of Trull such
127    parts thereof as I am seized in Fee I give devise and
128    bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother William Blake his
129    heirs and assigns for ever and such part thereof as it
    [Page 4]
130    only Leaselives I give devise and bequeath unto him his
131    Executors administrators and assigns and all the Rest Residue
132    and Remainder of my Goods Chattells Estate and Effects of
133    what nature or kind soever after the Residue of the
134    purchase is paid to Thomas Skinner as aforesaid and my
135    debts Legacies and Funeral Expences are fully paid and
136    satisfied I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my
137    aforesaid Brother William Blake who I hereby make
138    constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor and residuary
139    legatee of this my Will and I do hereby subject and charge
140    all my said Estates as well in the parish of Plimptree
141    as in the parish of Trull with the payment of my just
142    debts and Legacies and I do hereby revoke and make void
143    all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In
144    Witness whereof I the said Thomas Blake have to this
145    my last Will and Testament written on three Sheets of
146    paper to the two first Sheets have set my hand and
147    to the last sheet my hand and seal this tenth day of
148    March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
149    hundred seventy and seven Tho Blake
150    Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator
151    Thomas Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in
152    the presence of us who at his request and in his presence
153    and also in the presence of each other have subscribed
154    our names as Witnesses hereunto after the interlineation
155    of the Words also “I give her a Suit of Mourning throughout
156    one Guinea each if living with me at the time of my
157    death” in the second sheet Bernd Wright John Critchett
158    John Tucker
159    This Will was proved at London the sixth day of
160    June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
161    and seventy seven before the Right Worshipfull Sir George
162    Hay Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
163    of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
164    by the Oath of William Blake the Brother of the deceased
165    and sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
166    administration of all and singular the Goods Chattells
167    and Credits of the said deceased was granted having been
168    first sworn by Commission duly to administer

Will of John Blake, yeoman of Halse, National Archives PROB 11/135 image reference 713/605, probated 12 Jun 1620

This will of John Blake at Halse identifies him as a brother of Robert Blake. Is this the Robert who left his will in 1639 at Halse? Are both of these men the sons of William who left his will in 1594? Only John is identified as a son but his wife Alice could have been expecting a second child. However, Robert in 1639 identified the grandmother of his children as Edith Blake. As always a new will brings some new information and plenty of questions keeping you digging deeper and deeper.

The reference to Wembdon is interesting because that is the home of William who left his will in 1594. This particular testator appears to hold the land at both Wembdon and Halse. Later in 1639 Robert Blake in his will refers to their home at Halse and a lease for his chattle in the parish of Wemdon. William Blake who left his will in 1594 refers only to his father Robert and does not mention the name of his mother. Could she be Edith?

The Blake family at Halse has not been studied by anyone thus far in my searching. the British History website (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=117135) mentions under Mill at Halse that in 1630 the mill at Halse was let on a long lease and was occupied by members of the Blake and Crosse families in the 17th century (reference: S.R.O., DD/HLM 8; ibid. D/P/hal 4/1/2, 13/2/2.).   

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 25 Apr 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB11/135, Image Reference 713/605  (images by me)
Name of testator: John Blake, yeoman
Place: Halse, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 10 Apr 1620, probated 12 Jun 1620
Read: Electronic file
Condition: smudges, cramped writing, 17th century, bold copy
[In margin] T  Johannis
[In margin] Blake

1    In the name of God Amen The Tenth day of
2    April 1620. I John Blake of Halse in the Countie of Somerset, yeoman, beinge
3    sicke of bodie, but of perfect minde and memory, thanks be to God therefore
4    doe make this my last will and testament in this manner and forme followinge
5    First I give and bequeath my soule to Almighty god my onely Savio[u]r by whose
6    mercie I hope to be saved. And my bodie to be buried accordinge to the christian
7    buriall. Item I give and bequeath to the poore people of Halse Tenne shillings
8    Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Anne one chattell lease of Eighte
9    acres of ground lyinge w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of Wemdon for and duringe all the yeares
10    and terme unto me therein grannted. But if the said Anne doe happen to dye
11    before she come to her full age of One and twenty yeares, or before her marriage,
12    Then my will is that the foresaid lease shall remaine unto my daughter Edith. Item
13    I give to my daughter Anne alsoe Twenty pounds to be paid to my Overseers at
14    Michaelmasse nexte to the use of my daughter Anne. Item I give and bequeath
15    my daughter Edith Threescore pounds to be payde alsoe to my Overseers for the use
16    of the said Edith at Michaelmas nexte Item I give and bequeath to Katherine my
17    wife, all the estate and terme w[hi]ch I nowe have in these two parcells of grounde cal[l]ed
18    Oxen lease lyinge in the p[ar]ishe of Halse aforesaid for and towardes the mayntenance
19    of my children. And alsoe all my corne in my Barne at Wemdon and all the
20    maulte in my house heare at Halse w[i]th all my Butter, Cheese, Bacon and my
21    wood aboute the house and all the corne in ground heare at Halse. Alsoe I give
22    to my wife sixe kyne and my geldinge and my mare except the heriett and all
23    my piggs. Item my will is that my wife shall have to her use and occupa[t]ion of all
24    my household stuffe both at Wemdon and heare at Halse soe longe as she be the
25    widdowe. And all the same househould stuffe to leave to my daughter Annstice soe good
26    as nowe it is, at the time of her marriage, or at the time of her death w[hi]chev[er]
27    shall hapen first. Further my will is that whereas there is Fifty pounds of my
28    marriage money to be paid at the death of my mother in lawe out of certayne landes
29    that Katherine my wife shall have the said moneys at the tyme of payment. And that
30    my Executor shall not be charged heare w[i]th. The residue of all my goodes debts chattels
31    not given nor bequeathed I doe give and bequeath to my daughter Annstice whome
32    I doe make my Executrix of this my last will and testament. I doe constitute ordaine
33    and make Roberte Blake my brother, William Buncombe and Phillipp Morse
34    to be Overseers to this my Will and to take into their hands all Legacies or somes of
35    money given to my daughters and the same to ymploy for the use and benefitt of
36    my daughters untill they come to the full age of one and twenty yeares and then to
37    paye over to every of them as they shall come to their full ages of one and twenty
38    yeares theyr severall por[t]ions w[i]th the profitts thereof. And my Will is that my Over-
39    seers shall have sixe shillings and eight pence a peece for their paines Witnesses
40    heare unto William Cade, Richard Cade, Anthony Cade, William Buncombe.