Back to the Blake family of Andover

The entire day was spent on the Blake family of Andover. I continued pondering why my grandfather and father mentioned Nicholas of Old Hall. My grandfather could recite all the way back to Nicholas and actually beyond but this memory of an eight year old did over time lose direction and scramble some of that. It was mostly missing him and not wanting to think about him and thinking about the things he especially taught me did bring back the sadness of losing him.  Nowadays one would write it all down but memory was relied on heavily in those days still and one just didn't forget perhaps. But time passes and fortunately as I worked my way back the memory seemed to fit with the results amazingly! 

Looking at the cause of this renewed thought about Nicholas in the last twenty years in the 1800s and the early 1900s I checked the dates for Horatio Gates Somerby and he lived from 1805 to 1872. In 1881 a book was published "A Record of the Blakes of Somersetshire, Especially in the line of William Blake, of Dorchester, Massachusetts The Emigrant to New England: With one branch of his descendants from the notes of the late Horatio G Somerby." Actually this was published posthumously by W.H.W. So who was his ghost writer? I have not yet discovered that. This originally was a private publication which was produced for a particular Blake family by Horatio Gates Somerby and this family permitted the publication after the death of Somerby. Interesting really. At some point it gathered interest and many people with the Blake surname were able to trace back through their American lines and discovered Humphrey Blake who was the first well known Somerset Blake. And, most importantly, for this narrative said to be the brother of Nicholas Blake of Andover with both of these men said to be the sons of a William Blake and his wife Mary Coles. Mary said to be the daughter of Humphrey Coles of Somersetshire. The pedigree that leads to this William is also somewhat false or unknown coming down from the Calne Blake family but that is another story. Concentrating on this William said to be married to Mary Coles and have a son Nicholas of Old Hall, Eastonton, Hampshire and Humphrey (said to have moved to Over Stowey, Somerset). Nicholas does leave his will dated 31 May 1547 and probated 20 June 1547 and he is married to Margaret and has sons William and Edmund and daughters Elizabeth and Alice. However he also mentions his brother Robert and these two men are known to be the sons of Jone Blake who left her will as a widow dated 23 Mar 1527 appearing to still live at Enham, Hampshire. She mentions her son Nycolas Blake, her son Robert Blake and her daughter Elsabet Mylne. Her religious donations are to the Church at Enham. No mention of a son Humphrey and of course her name is Jone not Mary. 

At this moment in time more and more Americans were interested in finding their ancestral locations and perhaps the traffic to Andover, Hampshire in this quest had increased enough that it came to the notice of the Blake family there which resulted in discussion amongst those families which lead to the name of Nicholas known to have lived at Old Hall (which by then was a pile of rubble according to my great grandfather when he was a child). It did strike me as I was working my way back from my line at Upper Clatford that something must have caused this family to attach so much importance to Nicholas Blake at Old Hall. Joseph Blake did live in Andover before he married Joanna King at Upper Clatford (recorded by the priest in the Marriage lines) and his older son William returned to live at Andover but I have never investigated that actually so will have a look as time passes. My line comes down from the youngest son Thomas born posthumously several months after his father and older brother Thomas died. I wondered why Thomas and not Joseph for his name actually but a mother might select her baby's name over her husband's name - I can see that. There wasn't anyone from the Blake family (other than her other children) to encourage calling the baby Joseph. Both of Joseph's parents were dead and his only sibling, a brother Thomas was also deceased. Joseph's father Thomas was an only child and also deceased. So very interesting really and does provide a likely reason for the interest in Nicholas at Old Hall in the latter part of the 1800s after the publication of the above mentioned book in memory of Horatio Gates Somerby!

On to the day and I continue working and sorting the William Blake entries and I pulled out the Blake entries in The Hampshire Lay Subsidy Rolls, 1586, edited by C.R. Davy in 1981, Hampshire County Council. I purchased this book at Upper Clatford All Saints Church when we visited there in 2008. I actually threw out clothes so that I could get all my book purchases in on the return trip. I had had good suggestions on how to pack for a one month trip to England and really did appreciate that notion. It was a gradual thing throwing out clothes as we traveled the length and breadth of the British Isles that lovely spring of 2008. My husband was rather shocked as I never really throw anything out until it is absolutely unwearable. It always reminds me of my jumper actually that was given away when I was eight and I have always sort of clung to my clothes until there literally was no wear left. 

Hundred    Tithing    Abode    Year    Surname    Forename    Suffix    Type    Amount   
Andever    Knights Enham    Enham Militis    1586    Blake    Edward        G    15/15
Andever    Knights Enham    Enham Militis    1586    Blake    John    younger    G    5/5
Andever    Andever Extra    Penton Mewsy    1586    Blake    John    elder    G    4/4
Andever    Andever Extra    Penton Mewsy    1586    Blake    Thomas        G    3/3
Andever    Andever Extra    Charleton    1586    Blake    Nicholas        G    6/6
Andever    Andever Infra    Andever    1586    Blake    Peter    gent    L    4/5/4
Andever    Andever Infra    Andever    1586    Blake    Richard        G    3/3
Andever    Andever Infra    Andever    1586    Blake    William        G    15/15
Andever    Thorngate    West Titherly    1586    Blake    Richard        G    3/3
Andever    Thornegate    West Titherly    1586    Blake    Tristram        G    3/3
Andever    Andever Infra    Enham Regis    1586    Blake    Robert        G    4/4 

Buddlesgate    Fawley    Houghton    1586    Blake    John        G    3/3
Buddlesgate    Fawley    Sparshott    1586    Blake    John        G    6/6
Kingsclere    Pastroe    Coombe    1586    Blake    John        G    4/4

New Forest    Christchurch    Walampton and Sharprickes    1586    Blake    Richard        G    3/3
New Forest    Christchurch    Walampton and Sharprickes    1586    Blake    Thomas        G    3/3
New Forest    Christchurch    Bure    1586    Blake    widow        G    3/3
New Forest    Christchurch    Bure    1586    Blake    Henry        G    5/5      

I did attend the Ash Wednesday Service online but it was earlier in the day and a Roman Catholic Service in the United States on You-Tube. Evening is always going to be late for me as I like to not fall asleep watching the service. But one of the gifts of Internet is this ability to find a Church Service whenever you want. It is wonderful.   They addressed the online worshipers to make them feel part of the service. It was very like the Anglican Service without all the music. I watched the Anglican Service this afternoon. 

                       
 

 

Will of James King, Upton Gray, Hampshire - The National Archives PROB 11/921, probated 27 Aug 1766

James King, the testator, is the son of Anne King who left her will which was transcribed earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2017/03/will-of-anne-king-widow-upton-gray.html

James mentions his sister Mary married to Luke Imber and his sister Anne must have married someone by the name of Heath according to the will below.

Thomas Leech is identified as being buried at Mapledurwell 13 Dec 1763 (mentioned in the will below).

James Leech was buried 8 Feb 1736 at Mapledurwell.

George Leech was baptized 23 Oct 1758 son of Thomas and Mary Leech at Mapledurwell.

This is not my King family of Upper Clatford.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Mar 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/921
Name of testator: James King
Place: Upton Gray, Hampshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 4 Jan 1766, probated 27 Aug 1766

[In margin] James King

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I James King of Upton Gray in the County of Southampton
3    being in poor health of Body and of sound Mind and Memory
4    thanks be to God therefore But calling to Mind the uncertainty
5    of this Mortal Life and knowing that I was born to dye and
6    being desirous to settle that worldly Estate which God in his
q    Mercy hath lent me so that no Controversey may arise about
8    the same after my death do hereby make publish pronounce
9    and declare this as and for my Last Will and Testament in
10    manner and form following (that is to say) where as all that
11    my Copyhold Lands and Premisses with the Appurtenances
12    in the Manor of Mitchelmarsh in the said County of South[amp]ton
13    being one Messuage and halfe Yard Land in Abridge with
14    the appurtenances were surrendered to me by my Wife before
15    our Intermarriage (then by the Name of Alice Chantreall
16    Spinster) for the Term of my Natural Life and after my decease
17    to the use and behoof of such person or persons as I should in
18    and by my Last Will in writing Give direct and appoint Now
19    in pursuance of the said Surrender I do hereby give devise and
20    bequeath All the said Copyhold Lands and Premisses with the
21    appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof to my Brother
22    in Law Mr Boyce Tree and my Friend Mr George Green of
23    Weston and the Survivor of them In Trust to receive the Rents
24    Issues and profits thereof and pay the same in manner and
25    form as is here under mentioned And I do hereby likewise
26    Give and devise to the said Boyce Tree and George Green all
27    that Leasehold Estate in the Manor of Mitchelmersh in the
28    occupation of Farmer John Chandler which is held for my Wife’s
29    Life and settled on her for her Life at the time of our inter marriage
30    for them to receive the Rents Issues and profits with the Rents
31    and Profits of the above Copyhold premises in Abridge and
32    apply the same for the Support and happiness of my poor
33    unhappy Wife now under the care of Doctor Batty for Insanity and likewise I hereby
34    give to the said Boyce Tree and George Green (as under) Fifty
35    pounds a year for my Wifes Life out of the Estate I now occupy
36    in Upton Gray aforesaid In Trust for them to receive with the
37    Rents and profits of the Copyhold and Leasehold Estates above
38    mentioned and apply the same in such manner as they shall
39    think necessary and proper while She continues there or Else
40    where on her present unhappy occasion and if She should recover
41    her senses so far as to be capable of living at Liberty in the
42    opinion of Doctor Batty or any other competent Judge then I
43    hereby Give the Rents and profits of the said two Estates and
44    the annuity of Fifty pounds a year out of the Estate I now
45    occupy to her for her Life and after her decease I hereby Give
46    and devise the said Copyhold premises at Abridge with their
47    appurtenances to my Brother in Law Mr Harvey Combe and
48    Christian his wife for the term of their Lives and the Life
49    of the Longest Liver of them and after the death of the
50    Survivor of them I hereby give and devise the same to their
51    daughter Sharkott Combe and her heirs for ever and as to the
52    Estate I occupy in Upton Gray Weston Patrick and Southwarnbrough
53    I hereby Give devise and bequeath to my Sister Ann Heath
54    for her Life She paying Fifty pounds a year to the above named
55    Boyce Tree and George Green for the use of my wife for her
56    Life as is above directed (half yearly) the first Twenty Five pounds
57    to be paid the First Lady Day or Michaelmas which shall
58    happen after my death and likewise to my Sister Mary Imber
59    Twenty pounds a year to be paid her in the same manner
60    by my said Sister Heath and if my said two Sisters shall survive
61    and out live my Wife then I hereby order my said Sister Heath
62    to pay my Sister Imber Fifty pounds a year in the same
63    manner as I have ordered the twenty pounds a year during
64    my Wife’s Life and in case my sister Imber shall survive my
65    Sister Heath then I hereby give the Rents and profits of my said
66    Estate to my said Sister Imber for her Life and after her decease
67    I hereby give the same to my Cousin John King for his Life
68    and after his decease I hereby give the same to my Cousin
69    Thomas Leech the Eldest Son of my late Cousin Thomas Leech
70    who dyed at Mapledorewell about two years ago and the heirs
71    of his Body Lawfully to be begotten and for want of such Issue I
72    hereby give the same to his Brother George Leech and the heirs
73    of his Body lawfully to be begotten and for want of such Issue
74    I hereby give my said Estate to my Cousin James Leech Son of
75    my Cousin James Leech who
76    dyed several years ago and the heirs of his Body Lawfully
77    begotten or to be begotten and for want of such Issue to my
78    Right heirs for ever always remembering that every
79    possessor of the above Estate in Upton Gray shall pay out
80    of it Fifty pounds a year as above directed for the use of my
81    Wife during her Life and I hereby further order that all the
82    Fixtures belonging to the house I now live in (that is to say)
83    Marble and other Chimney pieces Coppers dressers Shelves and
84    likewise Brass Locks Hinges and other Locks on the
85    several doors about the house with all the Cooking Glasses
86    shall be taken a Schedule of and kept in the Situation they
87    are now in till the last Limitted Life above directed to enjoy
88    the same shall get into the possession thereof and if either of the
89    Legatees above directed to enjoy the same shall Sell give away
90    or cause to be removed any of the above Goods or fixtures
91    I hereby give the house and premises thereto belonging to the
92    next person Limitted to Enjoy the same and as to the Freehold
93    Lands and Premisses in the parishes of Bray and Clever in the
94    County of Berks called Holiners which came to me on the
95    death of my Uncle Winch and his family I hereby Give and
96    bequeath to my Sister Imber for her Life or if she should
97    Survive and out Live my Wife and Sister Heath so that She
98    shall come into the Possession of my Estate at Upton Gray
99    then I hereby give and devise the said Estate in Bray and
100    Clever called Holiners to my dear Good Friend Mrs Mary
101    Martha Lena Imber widow of my late Nephew Capt Imber
102    for her Life towards the support Education and Maintenance
103    of my above named Cousins Thomas and George Leech and
104    after her decease I hereby give the same to the said George
105    Leech and his heirs for ever and as to that part of the Estate
106    my said Uncle Winch dyed possessed of call Fyfield houses
107    Farm in the said parish of Bray which was settled by his
108    Son Richard on his wife (now the wife of the Reverend Jos Walter)
109    for her Life after which the half part thereof descends to me
110    and the other two Quarters to my Cousins Mary Micklem and
111    Deadatus Staverton and if my Sisters Heath and Imber or
112    either of them shall Survive or outlive the said Mrs Walter
113    then I hereby give my part of the said Estate to my said
114    Sisters and the Survivor of them for their Lives and the Life
115    of the Longest Liver of them and after the decease of the
116    Survivor of them then I hereby Give devise and bequeath
117    the same to my said Cousins Michlem and Staverton and
118    their heirs for Ever but upon this condition that they shall
119    pay or cause to be paid to Mr Vickery or Mr Dyer so
120    much Money as they or either of them shall receive for
121    the Rent of the Leasehold part which I have received from
122    Farmer Goatly or shall receive to the time of my death if
123    they or either of them or their representatives shall recover
124    anything for the same and I hereby further give and
125    devise to my Sister Heath my Brother and Sister Imber
126    my cousin John King my Brother in law Mr Boyce Tree
127    Fifty pounds a piece for Mourning and to my Brother in
128    Law Mr Harvey Combe or Christian his wife Fifty pounds
129    for Mourning to be paid to them within one Month after
130    my death by my Executrix herein after named I also hereby
131    Give to my Bayliff Daniel Arundell Twenty pounds if he
132    shall continue in my Service at the time of my death to
133    be paid him within twelve Months after the same if he
134    shall be then living and I hereby give and bequeath to the
135    above named Mr Boyce Tree and Mr George Green one
136    hundred pounds a piece for their care and trouble in being
137    Trustees for my wife to be paid by my Executrix within one
138    year after my death if they shall be then living or if either
139    of them shall be dead First Then I hereby give one hundred
140    pounds to him that shall be living at that time and Lastly
141    after my Just Debts Legacys and Funeral Expences shall be
142    fully paid and discharged I hereby Give devise and bequeath
143    all the rest residual and remainder of my ready Money
144    securities for Money Bonds Notes debts Stock on the Farm
145    I occupy personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and where
146    soever to my dear good Friend Mrs Mary Martha Lena Imber
147    (widow of my late Nephew Captain Edmund Imber) whom I
148    hereby make Constitute and appoint my full and Sole Executrix
149    of this my Last Will and Testament desiring her to Contribute
150    what She shall think necessary towards the Support Maintenance
151    and Education of the above named Thomas and George Leech
152    so far as her Circumstances and Inclinations will permit and
153    She shall think they deserve In witness whereof I do to this my
154    last Will and Testament contained in three Sheets of paper
155    to the two first of which set my hand and to this being the
156    third my hand and Seal this Fourth day of January in the
157    year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Sixty Six
158    James King Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared
159    by me the said James King the Testator as and for my last
160    Will and Testament in the presence of us (who at the request
161    of the said Testator and in his presence set our hands as Witnesses
162    hereunto Saml Marsh att John Chandler John Smith
163    This Will was proved at London on the twenty Seventh
164    day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred
165    and Sixty Six before the Right Worshipfull George Hay doctor of
166    Laws Master keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of
167    Canterbury Lawfully constituted by the Oath of Mary Martha Lena
168    Imber Widow the Sole Executrix named in the said Will to whom
169    administration was granted of all and Singular the Goods
170    Chattels and Credits of the said deceased She having been first
171    sworn by Commission duly to administer

#1248 The Blake Family - Gloucestershire Notes and Queries Volume 3

1248. The Blake Family (Discussion inserted)

1. In St. Stephen's Church, Bristol, there is a marble tablet with the following inscription: "Near this place, in the same vault with his father and mother, William and Rebecca Blake, lie the remains of Richard Blake, Esquire, who died August 6th, 1829, aged 69." And above, on a small tablet, is an inscription to his widow, Anne Augusta, described as the daughter of the Very Reverend Charles Harward, of Hayne, County Devon, Dean of Chichester, etc. She died November 4th, 1847, aged 84. Arms - Ar. a chev. between 3 garbs sa. empaling gu. a crosse crosslet or. Creet - On a cap of maintenance gu. turned up erm. a martlet sa.

The will of Anne Augusta Blake was blogged:

 http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/04/will-of-anne-augusta-blake-widow.html

Richard Blake, husband of Anne Augusta Blake, was the son of William and Rebecca Blake according to the memorial in St Stephen's Church, Bristol. Now, the question is, can I discover the parents of William Blake. Richard would have been born circa 1760. The coat of arms mentioned on the memorial tablet do not appear to be the registered arm of the Harward family. The first mentioned coat of arms does belong to the Blake family. An Alphabetical Dictionary of Coats of Arms Belonging to Families ....., volume 2 has "Gu. on a cross croslet arg. betw. four gouttes d'eau five annulets az. Harward, Hayne, Co. Devon; a heiress m. Blake." I have little knowledge of heraldry although I am starting to look at a little because of the Blake coats of arms.  I did find on Family Search the baptism of Richard Blake 1 Dec 1760 at Bristol with parents William and Rebecca Blake. They also baptized a son William 3 Dec 1757 and a daughter Rebecca 21 Apr 1759 both at Bristol. Interestingly there is a marriage of a William Blake to Rebecca Milles 12 Jun 1754 at Duloe, Cornwall. Since this is a known Blake area it is possible that this line is from Cornwall. There is a will for William Blake (1792) at Bristol to come.

2. In St. Werburgh's Church, Bristol, there was this inscription: "To the memory of Mr Richard Blake, many years an inhabitant of this parish, who died the 3rd day of January, 1771, aged 70. In the same vault where his remains are deposited, also are interred Mary Blake, his mother, Samuel and Mary Greenway, whose ony daughter he married, and five of his children, who died in their infancy. Likewise the remains of Mary, his wife, who died the 21st October, 1781, aged 82."

I found this reference most interesting as I am in the midst of transcribing the will of Mary, the widow of this Richard Blake who was the father of Susanna Woodward and Hannah Deverell. The mother of this Richard was Mary Greenway and in the will of Mary there is mention of a Joseph Greenway.  Put together with the reference at Chipping Sodbury, is this the same family? That Richard would have been born circa 1646, died 1724 (aged 78).  Chipping Sodbury is nine miles ENE of Bristol. Still to come is the will of Richard Blake who died in 1771 and another Richard Blake will from 1642 which may help to fill this family line in.

3. In Chipping Sodbury Church there are (or were) the following inscriptions: " To the memory of his father, Richard Blake, late of this town, and of his brothers Joseph and Samuel, whose remains are interred near this place. This monument is erected by Richard Blake, of the city of Bristol." "In memory of Richard Blake, Senior, who was buried April 19th, A.D. 1724, aged 78." "In memory of Joseph Blake, son of Richard and Mary Blake, of this borough, who deceased the 18th day of May, A.D. 1715, in the 23rd year of his age." "Thomas Coombe died September 26th, 1724, aged 42. Joanna Coombe, his wife, died February 27, 1748/49, aged 63. Joanna Blake, relict of Robert Blake, and daughter of Thomas and Joanna Coombe, died April 20th, 1790, aged 82."

From Aubrey's Collections for North Wilts I find that Robert Hungerford, of Studley, near Calne, by his will (1754) bequeated his parsonage of Avon (between Chippenham and Christian Malford) to his nephew George, after of Studley, for his life - in tail to Robert Blake, of Sodbury, who had married one of his nieces.

4. In St. John's Church, Glastonbury, there was an inscription to Elizabeth, the wife of Francis Blake, of Clifton, Gent.; she died January 1st, 1736, aged 50. This Francis Blake died at Glastonbury in 1768, having been ten times mayor of that borough, from 1717 to 1768. He had a son William, who predeceased him, having resided in the parish of Clifton.

For Francis Blake buried at Glastonbury this is a known Blake line which is collateral to the Admiral Robert Blake line according to the Potbury Blake website:  http://www.portbury-hundred.co.uk/admiralreport.htm . This Francis Blake who was married to Elizabeth Porch 14 Feb 1708 at Wells. He was the son of Roger Blake and Susannah Taylor with Roger's father being Humphry the elder who married Elizabeth Upton. This Humphry was the son of Humphry Blake who married Elizabeth Giles. Continuing back this Humphrey was the son of Humphrey Blake and Agnus/Ann James. Then John Blake the elder and his wife Johan were the parents of Humphrey and this John Blake was a brother to Admiral Robert Blake. I have blogged on this line several times and I am confident that indeed this Francis Blake is related to Admiral Robert Blake.

I shall be glad to be supplied with any information relative to any of these Blakes, and particularly as to the parentage of Francis and Elizabeth Blake, and whether they were connected with the Bristol and Gloucestershire family. Francis was, I know, related to the Blakes of Spaxton, Somerset, and bore for arms, Ar. a chev. between 3 garbs, sa.

Edward Fry Wade, Axbridge, Somerset.

Will of George Blake, Gentleman, Plymstock - The National Archives PROB 11/244/607, probated 16 Aug 1655

Will of George Blake and this is the third of 25 Devon wills that I will be transcribing over the next month or so. I know of three Blake lines in Devon; I do not know if they are related although it is possible that one is descendant of the Somerset Blake family and one of the Hampshire Blake family. Were they related? That is one of the many reasons for the yDNA study of the Blake family and as it slowly grows we are on a voyage of discovery trying to learn more about the deep ancestry of this very interesting British Isles family. 

As mentioned in the will of Ferdinando Blake, George is the first cousin once removed of the testator Ferdinand Blake whose will was probated last:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/06/will-of-ferdinando-blake-elder.html

From the Visitation of Devon 1620 and signed by John Blake the father of this George the testator, John Blake father of George married Dorithie Wood and they had four sons and three daughters namely: John (bc 1608), George, Nicholas and Edward and Suzan, Elizabeth and Jane. George is born before 1620 and probably closer to 1608 so is probably in his 40s when he died. George’s father and Ferdinand were half brothers in that Ferdinand was the son of John Blake and Mary Fortescue and John was the son of John Blake and Elizabeth Slannig (John was actually married a third time to Grace Cock). John the father of John (eldest) and Ferdinand 2nd son was himself the son of John Blake and Stivolla Weeke and in turn this John was the son of John Blake also of Comb and Elizabeth Lugar. Using a somewhat arbitrary scale of 25 years to a generation and knowing that George’s brother was 12 at the taking of the Visitation then his father John was born circa 1583, his father John was born circa 1558 and his father John would be born circa 1533. Investigating the Parish Registers for Combe may be a good next step to look at this particular Blake family. They married primarily into Devon families.

Always nice to link families together and indeed as mentioned in the will of Ferdinand his son Ferdinand sold the property at Combe in 1663/64. The Blake family in Devon can be found at Combe and at North Molton but also in the Plymouth area as likely founding families (although they could have migrated to Devon from elsewhere).

The marriage of William Coram and Jana Blake was celebrated 28 Oct 1639 at Buckland Monachorum, Devon. There was a William Coram son of William baptized 7 Mar 1644 at Ottery St Mary. This Jana Blake is a sister to George the testator and is presumably Jane.



There are references at the beginning and the end of the will in the margin possibly referring to land dealings with respect to Combe in 1666 noting that the eventual inheritor of the land was to be the son of Ferdinand - Ferdinand and that in 1663/64 Ferdinand and his wife Ruth sold the property. There were apparently court cases involving this particular piece of property for a number of years following the sale of the property to the Fortescue family (noting that the grandmother of the seller (mother of Ferdinand the testator in the will published earlier) was Mary Fortescue.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 24 Jun 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/244/607
Testator: George Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymstock, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 20 May 1654, probated 16 Aug 1655
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estament] Georij
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: ______________________ 1666

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I George Blake of Combe within the parishe of
3    of Plymstock in the Countie of Devon gent beinge sicke of
4    bodie but perfect of minde and sound of memorie Thanks
5    be unto God and knowinge it is appointed that all men
6    might dye and nothinge more certaine then death but
7    The tyme when where and howe most uncertaine
8    therefore whiles God hath given me time and life I
9    doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testamewnt
10    in manner and forme following First I commend my
11    Sowle into the hands of the Everliving God my Creator And my
12    Bodie to the Earth the mother of all mankind Trusting assuredly
13    that through the merits and bloudy passion of Jesus Christ
14    myne onely Saviour and Redeemer both Sowle and bodye shall
15    at the general day of resurrection be againe reunited and enioy
16    everlasting blessedness in his heavenly kingdome for evermore
17    And touching my reall and personal estate which God in his
18    great mercie hath blessed me withal I doe thereof dispose and
19    bequeath the same as followeth First I give unto the poore
20    people of Plymstocke aforesaid Twenty shillings to be distributed
21    amongst them by myne Executrix hereafter named in suich
22    manner as she shall thincke fit And whereas my beloved wife
23    Johan Blake
    [Page 2]
24    Johan Blake is to have an enioye one annuitye or yearelie rent
25    charge of Fiftie poundes to be issuing and payeable unto her
26    after my death dureing her life out of all that my Capitall messuage
27    Barton Farme lands and Tenements commonly called or knowne by the
28    name of Combe otherwise Combe Pryors and Lower Combe situate
29    lyinge within the said parishe of Plymstock and nowe in the tenure
30    possession or occupant[i]on of me the said George Blake mine Under-
31    tenants or assignes I doe nowe in recompence of her love and
32    faithfulness towards me and for her better preferment and livelihood
33    give devise and bequeath unto the said Johane my loveinge wife
34    All the said Capitall messuage Barton Farme Tenements
35    and all houses edifices buildinges courtledges gardens
36    orchards lands meadowes leasows pasture woods underwoodes
37    wasts ways pathes waters watercourses easements priviledges
38    profits commodityes and hereditaments with thappurtenancs to
39    the said Capitall messuage Barton and farme or to any or
40    either of them incident belonging or in any wise apperteyninge
41    To have and to hould the same unto my said loveinge wife
42    ymmediately from and after my death for and dureing the tearms
43    of her life Provided it shalbe lawfull for the said Johane to get
44    the same premises or any yt thereof to any person or persons for the terme of twentie years lease
45    or under at her pleasure And after her death my Will and meaning
46    is and I doe hereby give and devise all the said Capitall messuage
47    Barton and Farme of Combe otherwise called Combe Pryors
48    and Lower Combe and all other thaforesaid premises and every
49    part and parcel thereof with thappurtenancs to my nephew
50    William Corham sonne of my sister Joane late the wife of
51    William Corham deceased To have and to hould the same
52    unto my said nephew William Corham his Executors
53    administrators and Assignes ymediatelie from and after the death
54    of the said Johane my wife for and duringe the tenure of
55    fower score and nyneteene yeares then next ensueinge fullie
56    to be complete and ended if the said William Corham my
57    nephew and such women as shalbe his wife at the time of his
58    death and his eldest child w[hi]ch shalbe liveinge at the time of
59    his death or any or either of them soe longe shall happen to live
60    they yeildinge and paying then therefore yearelie unto such as
61    shalbe myne heires and assignes thereof the annuall rent of
62    fower poundes lawfull money of England at fower the most
63    usuall Feastes in the yeare (that is to saie) The feasts of the
64    Nativitie of St John the Baptist St Michaell Tharkangell
65    the birth of our Lord God and thann[un]cia[t]ion of the blessed Virgin
66    Mary by even and equall por[t]tions to be paid dureing the saide
67    terme The first payment thereof to commence and begin at such
68    of the said feasts as shall first happen next after the death of
69    the said Johane my wife and alsoe repayringe and mainteyninge
70    the said premises and every part thereof in all needful and
71    necessarie reparactions when and as often as neede shalbe And
72    towards the reparations thereof it shall and may be lawfull
73    to and for my said nephew his Executors and Assignes to have
74    and take sufficient and necessarie houseboote and great timber
75    plougheboote, fireboote, hayboote, hedgeboote Frith and stukey
76    of the Trees woodes and underwoodes in and upon the premises
77    growing or hereafter to be growing when and as often as
78    neede shalbe without delivery doeing noe voluntarie wast Alsoe
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79    I give and bequeath unto my neece Joane Corham sister of the said
80    William Corham Fiftie poundes lawfull money of England To be
81    paid unto her out of the profits and issues of the said Brixton
82    Farme and lands of Combe by the said William Corham her
83    brother his Executors or Assignes within twoe yeares next after
84    the Comencement of the estate and terme to him hereby devised of
85    and in the said Capitall messuage Barton and Farme called Combe
86    otherwise Combe Pryors as above said And lastlie I give and devise
87    unto my Cosen Ferdinando Blake of Brixton sonne and heire of
88    Ferdinando Blake deceased this heritance and rever[s]ion of all the
89    Said Capitall messuage Barton and Farme called Combe otherwise
90    Combe Pryor and Lower Combe and all houses edifices buildings
91    courtledges gardens orchards lands Tenements meadowes leasues pastures woods
92    underwoods rents wasts commons ways pathes waters waterroutes
93    easements profits comodityes and hereditaments with thappurten[an]cs
94    to the said Capitall messuage Barton and Farme in any wise
95    incident belonginge to apperteyninge To have and to hould the
96    Same unto the said Ferdinando Blake his heires and Assignes
97    for ever Provided always and upon Condicion nevertheless That if
98    the said Ferdinando Blake his heires and Assignes or any of them
99    doe or shall at any time hereafter question or make any entrie
100    clayme title or demand whatsoever in or to any messuages lands or
101    tenements wherefor or wherein John Blake grandfather of me the
102    Said George nowe deceased had any estate at the time of his deathe
103    or Concerne or presente or consent to the comencinge or p[er]secutings
104    of any action or suite either in lawe or equitie of or touching the
105    Same messuages lands or Tenements or any part thereof That
106    then and from thenceforth this my gifte and devise of the said
107    Capitall messuage Barton and Farme called Combe otherwise
108    Combe Pryor and Lower Combe and of all other the premises thereunto
109    belonging unto the said Ferdinando Blake and his heires and
110    assignes by this my last Will and Testament shalbe voyd and
111    of nowe effect to allow any intention purpose And that then and
112    from thenceforth thinheritance and reversion in Force of the said
113    Capitall messuage Barton and Farme called Combe and of all other the said
114    landes and premises thereunto belonging shall remaine come and
115    be to my right heires for ever and that is shalbe lawfull for of them into
116    they owne to enter and do possesse and enioye the same to them and them having
117    forever allowing thestates hereby devised unto my said wife and
118    nephew William Corham dureing the continuances thereof All
119    the residue of my goodes and chattels not hereby formerly given
120    or bequeathed (my debtes beinge paid) I give and bequeath unto
121    the said Johane Blake my beloved wife whome I make and
122    ordaine my whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and
123    Testament desireing her to give and allowe unto her and my
124    kinswoman Pricilla Pearse meate drincke and lodging in house
125    with her untill she the said Pricilla bee marryed if my said wife
126    live soe longe And I doe nominate and desire my goode friends
127    Mr Thomas Riche Mr Thomas Gale James Mynge and John
128    Candishe to be myne Overseers of this  my last Will and to be
129    aydinge and assisting unto her in the performance thereof
130    In wittnes whereof I have putt my hand and seale hereunto
131    and have published the same to be my last Will and Testament
132    upon the twentieth day of May in the yeare of our Lord
133    according to the Computation of the Church of England one
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134    thousand sixe hundred fiftie and fower in the presence of us after
135    counterlyinge above writing between the sixteenth seaventeenth
136    lynes Geo: Blake Tho Riche Thomas Prynn Silvester Prynn
137    This will was proved at London
138    before the Judges for probate of Wills and granting administra[t]ions
139    the sixteenth day of August in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand
140    sixe hundred fiftie five by the oathe of Joane Blake the Relict
141    and sole Executrix named in the last Will and Testament of the
142    said deceased To whome administra[t]ion was permitted She
143    beinge sworne by Commission truly and faithfullie to administer
144    10 July 1666 _______________________ Geo: Gaell