Will of John William Blake, Swan Inn, Orsett, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/2055/320, probated 18 May 1847

John William Blake, the testator, died in the first quarter of 1847 at Orsett, Essex. He was buried 23 Mar 1847 at Orsett, St Giles and All Saints, Essex. He was 42 years of age. He is possibly the John William Blake living at Ingrave on the 1841 census listed as a shoemaker and not born in Essex. He was 35 years of age at that time and there are two shoemakers living with him 19 years of age. There is a marriage at Romford St Edward the Confessor, Essex 5 Oct 1841 between John William Brown Blake and Sarah Marlton (it is 16 kilometres from Ingrave to Romford). His father is listed as Henry Blake. Orsett is 7 kilometres from Ingrave. This was the only marriage that I found in Essex for a John Blake and Sarah searching on Free BMD.

There are a couple of trees on Ancestry looking at this couple but no further details.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 20 Jun 2019
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2055/320
Testator: John William Blake, Publican and Shoemaker
Place: Swan Inn, Orsett, Essex
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 3 Dec 1846, probated 18 May 1847

[Margin]: John
[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 5

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    This is the last Will and testament of me John William Blake Publican and Shoema-
3    ker of the Swan Inn Orsett in the County of Essex I give and bequeath to my wife Sarah
4    Blake all my household furniture linen china books stock in trade with all debts due to me
5    at the time of my death with all residue of my property be the same from or wheresoever
6    for her own use and benefit without the control of any other person I hereby constitute
7    and appoint my said wife Sarah Blake my sole Executrix to this my last will and testa-
8    ment I further direct my said wife to discharge all debts due and chargeable to me with
9    the expence of my funeral bill at any reasonable time agreeable to her own suitable
10    views for accomplishing the same I hereby revoke all former wills made by me and
11    Here ratify and confirm this In witness I have the day subscribed my hand and seal
12    dated december the third 1846 John William Blake In the presence of us William
13    Jefries auctioneer Orsett William Binder Barrister Orsett
14    Appeared Personally William Jeffries of Orsett in the County of
15    Essex Auctioneer and made oath that he is one of the subscribed witnesses to the last will
16    and testament of John William Blake late of Orsett in the county of Essex publican and
17    Shoemaker deceased bearing date the third day of December 1846 and now hereunto as
18    annexed and he further made oath that on the third day of December aforesaid the said
19    aestator duly executed this said will by signing his name at the foot or end thereof in the
20    presence of this deponent and of William Binder the other subscribed witness thereto
21    both of whom were present at the same time and this deponent and the said William
22    Binder thereupon attested and subscribed the said will in the presence of the said testator
23    William Jefries On the 17th day of May 1847 the said William Jeffries was duly sworn
24    to the truth hereof Before me A F Bayford Surr Jas J Hurlock Not Puby
25    Proved at London 18th May 1847 before the Worshipful Augustus Frederic Bayford doctor
26    of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Sarah Blake Widow the Relict the sole executrix to
27    whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer.

John Sherwood/Shearwood/Sheerwood (? - ?)

52 Ancestor Challenge - Challenge 31

Blake, King, Coleman, Pearce, Farmer, Mary (unknown), Lambden, Sarah (unknown), Knight, Ellis, Knight, Vincent, Butt, O'Ford, Arnold, Molton, Cotterell, Bartlett, Alderman, Shepherd, Sherwood, Elizabeth (unknown), Happerfield, Collins, Rawlings, Tanner, Dove, Morgan, Lywood, Lanham, unknown, Peck, Pincombe, Charley, Rowcliffe, Pearse, Rew, Moggridge, Siderfin, Kent, Gray, Hilton, Cobb, Sproxton, Routledge, Tweddle, Routledge, Routledge, (unknown) Buller, unknown, Beard, Hemsley, Welch, Brockhouse, Cheatle, Woodcock, unknown Taylor, unknown, Harborne, Lewis, Roberts, Croxall, Lawley, unknown

John Sherwood/Shearwood/Sheerwood married Elizabeth unknown but this is possibly the marriage of John Sherwood and Elizabeth Taylor 9 Dec 1787 at Chieveley, Berkshire.  I do not find another marriage in the Hampshire/Dorset/Wiltshire area for this couple (John and Elizabeth Sherwood).

Their son John Shearwood  was baptized 13 Aug 1797 at Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire and he married Sarah Happerfield 10 Jul 1821 at South Tidworth. They baptized six children:

Maria baptized 18 Nov 1821 at Shipton Bellinger
Jane baptized 12 Dec 1824 at Kimpton
John baptized 4 Nov 1827 at Kimpton
Harriet baptized 26 Sep 1830 at Kimpton
Thomas baptized 16 Mar 1834 at Kimpton
George baptized 18 Feb 1838 at Kimpton

Jane Sherwood married William Cotterill 21 Feb 1852 at Kimpton and their son George was baptized 6 Mar 1859 at Kimpton and he died Mar quarter 1913 at Hadleigh, Rochford, Essex.

John, brother of Jane,  was an agricultural labourer for Walter Pathecary at Middle Wallop in 1851. On the 1861 Census he is listed as a Farm Bailif living at Kimpton. John Sheerwood on the 1871 census (born in 1828 at Kimpton) is listed as a keeper of a beer house at Nether Wallop.


Ancestry of John Sherwood/Shearwood/Sheerwood:

1. George COTTERILL (b 6 Mar 1859) - Kimpton Hampshire England
2. Jane SHERWOOD (b 12 Dec 1824) - Kimpton Hampshire England
3. John SHEARWOOD (b 13 Aug 1797) - Shipton Bellinger Hampshire England
4 John SHERWOOD

Will of William Blake, Baker and Factor, Stratford, Westham, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1806/179, probated 20 Oct 1832

William Blake, Baker and Factor, Stratford, Westham, Essex is the testator and, unfortunately, he does not quite make it to the 1841 census. There is a death for Sarah Blake September quarter 1842 at West Ham.

William names his children as Sarah, Mary Ann and John Morris Blake. Was unable to discover more on this family at this time.

The last of the Essex Wills for the moment.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1806/179
Testator: William Blake, Baker and Factor
Place: Stratford, Westham, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 18 Sep 1832, probated 20 Oct 1832
Condition: 10th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 11

1    This is the last Will and Testament of me William
2    Blake of Stratford in the Parish of Westham in the County of Essex Baker and
3    Factor First I direct all my just debts and Funeral and Testamentary expences to be
4    paid with all convenient speed after my decease I give and bequeath unto my Wife
5    Sarah Blake all my household Furniture plate Linen and China in and about my
6    dwellinghouse at Stratford aforesaid for her own absolute use and benefit I give
7    devise and bequeath unto Robert Martlin of Stratford aforesaid Victualler all my
8    Freehold Leasehold Copyhold and personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever
9    situate and of what nature or description soever the same may be To hold to him and
10    his heirs Upon Trust to pay to my said Wife the yearly rents issues and profits of the
11    same Premises respectively for and during the term of her natural life by half
12    yearly payments or as and when the same shall respectively become due and
13    payable provided my said Wife shall so long remain and continue my Widow
14    And I do hereby direct the said Robert Martlin to sell and dispose of the Good Will
15    and Business of a Baker and Factor as carried on by me at Stratford aforesaid
16    as soon as conveniently can be after my decease either by public or private Sale
17    and the proceeds thereof after deducting all necessary expences thereout to place
18    out at Interest on Mortgage or in the Funds and also to collect get in and receive
19    all debts due and owing to me at the time of my decease and place out the same
20    at Interest as aforesaid and do and shall pay and apply the Interest and
21    dividends of the produce of such Sale and of such debts unto my said Wife during
22    her life as aforesaid provided she shall so long remain my Widow as aforesaid
23    And I do hereby declare my Will to be that my said Wife shall maintain educate
24    and bring up all and every my said Children until they shall respectively attain
25    the age of twenty one years or shall respectively marry And I do hereby direct the
26    said Robert Martin his executors administrators and assigns to pay and apply to
27    each of my Children as they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years
28    out of my Personal Estate the sum of one hundred pounds Sterling money to and
29    for their his and her own respective use and from and immediately after the decease
30    of my said Wife or day of Marriage whichever shall first happen I give devise
31    and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Blake all those my two Freehold houses
32    with the Appurtenances situate at Stratford aforesaid being Nos 1 and 2 in Water Works
33    Row To hold the same to the said Sarah Blake and her heirs for ever And from and
34    immediately after the decease of my said Wife as aforesaid or day of marriage I
35    do give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Ann Blake all those my two
36    freehold houses at Stratford aforesaid being Nos 20 and 21 in Water Works Row To
37    hold the same unto the said Mary Ann Blake and her heirs And from and
38    immediately after the decease of my said Wife or day of Marriage as aforesaid
39    I do give devise and bequeath unto my Son John Morris Blake all those my two
40    freehold houses at Stratford aforesaid being Nos 9 and 10 in Turnpike Row To hold
41    the same unto the said John Morris Blake and his heirs and from and immediately
42    after the decease of my said Wife or day of Marriage I give and bequeath
43    unto and equally all and every my said Children all and every my personal Estate
44    (except the household Furniture) for their own respective absolute use and benefit
45    and it is my Will that the devises and bequests to my aforesaid Children shall be
46    secured and taken to be vested Interests in them respectively at their respective ages
47    of twenty one years and in case of the decease of any or either of them under that
48    age the part of share of such Child or Children shall go to and be divided equally
49    among the survivors of them And I do hereby nominate and appoint the said
50    Robert Martlin Executor of this my Will and do declare that it shall be lawful
51    for him to reimburse himself all costs charges and expences which he may be put
52    unto in the execution of the Trusts of this my Will In Witness whereof I the said
53    William Blake the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my
54    hand and seal this eighteenth day of September 1832 William Blake
55    Signed sealed published and declared by the said William Blake the Testator as
56    and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at
57    his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
58    as Witnesses the same having been first fully explained to him R G A
60    Hilleary Sol[icito]r Stratford Essex Jno Otway Stratford John Andrew Wallace
61    surgeon 8 Harley Place Bow Midd[lese]x
62    Proved at London 20th October 1832 before the Worshipful Jesse Addams
63    doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oath of Robert Martlin the sole Executor to
64    whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer.

Will of William Blake, Tailor, Aveley, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1234/135, probated 5 Jul 1793

The testator is William Bale a Taylor in Avely, Essex. He names his wife Mary. No children are mentioned. Aveley is a few miles from Thurrock and 16 miles east of Charing Cross, London. I did not find any helpful material on this family.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1234/135
Testator: William Blake, Tailor
Place: Aveley, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 13 Jun 1793, probated 5 Jul 1793
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    this is the last Will and Testament of me William
3    Blake (Taylor) of the parish of Avely in the County of
4    Essex Viz: First of all I commit my Immortal Soul unto
5    Almighty God the disposer of all things when it is his good
6    pleasure to take it to himself (hoping for mercy and pardon
7    for my Sins which I acknowledge are very many) after which
8    I wish for my Body to be decently Buried for which purpose
9    I leave ten pounds to defray the Expencs thereof but if the
10    said Expence should not amount unto the said ten pounds
11    then my Will and mind is for my dear beloved Wife Mary
12    Blake to have the remainder of the said Ten pounds for her
13    own proper use, and the said Ten pounds to be paid out of
14    three Bills, one of which is upon Henry Burtwell Glazier
15    one upon James Saunderson Glazier and one upon Ed
16    death Carpenter all in the parish and County aforesaid
17    I also give devise and Bequeath to my dear Beloved Wife
18    Mary Blake aforesaid all my household Furniture China
19    or whatsoever is belonging to my household for her own
20    proper use also my Certificate belonging to my Club authorizing
21    my Wife to Receive all dues arising therefrom for her
22    own proper use and Lastly I authorise and appoint Mr
23    Mr William Nuttall No 36 Hounds Ditch London and Mr
24    William Andrews No 42 Gracechurch Street London to take
25    Possession of all my Stock in trade Fixtures in my shop and
26    every thing belonging to me in the Tailoring Branch Likewise
27    all my Book debts whatsoever and to divide the Whole among
28    my Creditors according to their debts as a Witness hereof I have
29    here unto set my hand Seal this thirteenth day of June One
30    thousand Seven hundred and Ninety three W. Blake
31    Signed Sealed published and declared by the said testator
32    Wm Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in the
33    presence of us and we in the presence of each other and at
34    the Request have Subscribed our Names as Witnesses to the
35    same Wm Mayden Henry Burtwell Henry Latub
36    This Will was proved at London the fifth of July
37    One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety three before the Worshipful
38    Maurice Swaby doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right honourable
39    William Wynne Knight D[octo]r of Laws Master or Commissary of the
40    Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of
41    Walter Nuttall (by mistake in the Will called William Ruttall)
42    and William Anderson (by mistake in the said Will called Andrews)
43    the Ex[ecu]tors according to the Tenor of the Will to whom Admon was
44    granted having been first sworn duly to adm[iniste]r

Will of Thomas Blake, Baker and Yeoman, Sturmer, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1360/118, probated 10 Jul 1801

The testator, Thomas Blake, is named as a Baker and Yeoman of Sturmer, Essex. Sturmer is 14 miles from Bocking and Braintree. There was a Barnabas Blake family at Bocking namely Barnabas Blake married to Hannah Barnard 26 Sep 1751 at St Mary the Virgin, Bocking. Is Thomas a Brother to this Barnabas Blake? Barnabas was also a baker. He left a will dated prior to 20 Dec 1800 when he was buried at St Mary the Virgin in Bocking. This will transcription can be found on Ancestry in the tree of Johnaowen and others. However this Barnabas does not have children Thomas and Elizabeth so is likely a separate Blake family from this one. Barnabas seemed like an unusual forename but obviously not. I did not find any other Barnabas Blake that I could attach to this family.

Names mentioned in the will:

Thomas Blake, Testator, baker and yeoman, Sturmer, Essex
Elizabeth Blake, wife, executrix
Barnabas Blake, eldest brother
Thomas Blake, nephew, son of Barnabas
Elizabeth Blake, niece, daughter of Barnabas
Mary Bannister, niece
Ann Fraser, sister, Debenham, Essex
Sarah Ling, sister
John Challis, cousin, stone cutter?, Braintree
John Purkiss, executor
Richard Webb, witness
Thomas Mason, witness
Ann Stubbin, witness

No success in sorting this line out at the moment.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1360/118
Testator: Thomas Blake, Baker and Yeoman
Place: Sturmer, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 15 May 1800, probated 10 Jul 1801
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Thomas Blake of the parish of Sturmer in the County
3    of Essex Baker and Yeoman being weak in body but
4    of Sound and disposing mind memory and understanding
5    do make and ordain this to be my Last Will and
6    Testament in manner and form following (viz)
7    First and principally I commend my Soul into the
8    hands of Almighty God my heavenly Creator and my
9    body I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried
10    by the order and at the discretion of my Executors
11    herein after named and First I give devise and
12    bequeath unto Elizabeth my Loving Wife all the
13    Income of my real and personal Estate which I
14    leave after my decease with all the Effects that to
15    ine belongeth or appertaineth and my Will is the
16    same shall be Sold within one Year after my
17    decease by my Executors and the Income or Interest
18    thereof I give as aforesaid to my Loving Wife during
19    the term of her natural life and after her
20    decease I give and bequeath unto my Eldest Brother
21    Namely Barnabas Blake Five pounds Also to
22    his two children namely Thomas and Elizabeth
23    twenty pounds each Also to my Neice Mary
24    Bannister the Sum of Fifty pounds Also to the Four
25    Children of my Sister Ann Frazer of Debenham the
26    Sum of twenty pounds each share and share alike
27    also to my Sister Sarah Ling the Sum of twenty pounds
28    Also to my Cousin John Challis of Braintree in Essex
29    the Sum of ten pounds my Will is he should fix
30    me a stone as soon as Convenient after my decease
31    and the rest and Residue that remain after all my
32    just debts Funeral Charges with the probate of this
33    my last Will and Testament are paid off I give
34    and bequeath unto all my before mentioned Legatees
35    to be divided share and share alike and Lastly
36    I Nominate and appoint Mr John Purkiss
37    with Elizabeth my Wife to be the Executors of this
38    my Last Will revoking all others before Witness
39    I  have set my hand and affixt my Seal this
40    2nd day of May One thousand Eight hundred 1800
41    Tho[mas] Blake Signed Sealed and declared to
42    be the Last Will and Testament of Mr. T Blake
43    in his presence and in the presence of Each of us
44    Rich[ar]d Webb Tho[ma]s Masons Mark X Ann
45    Stubbins Mark X
46    I Thomas Blake do
47    annex and Join this for a Codicil to my Will dated
48    May the 2nd 1800 and I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth
49    my Wife therein mentioned the Sum of twenty
50    pounds besides the Income or Interest of all my Estate
51    and Effects therein resited Also I give unto my Sister
52    Allice Frazer of Debenham the Sum of ten pounds
53    Witness my hand this 15 day of May 1800 Thos
54    Blakes Mark X John Purks R[ichar]d Webb
55    13 th May 1801
56    On which day appeared personally Richard Webb
57    of Havershill in the County of Suffolk Baker one of
58    the Subscribing Witnesses to the Last Will and
60    Testament of Thomas Blake late of Sturmer in
61    the County of Essex deceased with a Codicil thereto
62    and made oath that on the Second day of May One
63    thousand Eight hundred he the appearer together
64    with Thomas Mason and Ann Stubbins did see
65    the said deceased Sign Seal publish and declare the
66    paper Writing now here unto annexed beginning
67    thus In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Blake of
68    the parish of Sturmer in the County of Essex Baker
69    and Yeoman ending thus before Witnesses I have
70    set my hand and affixt my Seal this 2nd Day of
71    May One thousand Eight hundred 1800 and thus
72    Subscribed Thos Blake as and for his last
73    Will and Testament and he then Subscribed his
74    Name thereto as Witness and the said Thomas
75    Mason and Ann Stubbins made their Marks
76    thereto and he further saith having fir Carefully
77    viewed and perused the said Will so here unto
78    annexed he saith that the word Five written upon
79    an obliteration after the Name Barnabas Blake
80    in the thirteenth Line also the Words Elizabeth
81    and Niece severally written on Erasures in the
82    Fourteenth line from the top of the said Will were
83    severally so made written and done previous
84    to the deceased executing the said Will in the
85    presence of this deponent and the other Subscribing
86    Witnesses and he Lastly saith that the said
87    Will is in every respect in the same plight and
88    condition as when executed by the deceased in
89    manner before set Forth Rich[ar]d Webb The same
90    day the said Richard Webb was duly sworn to
91    the truth of this affidavit Before me C: Hayward
92    Commiss[ione]r
93    This Will was proved at London with a
94    Codicil the tenth day of July in the year of Our
95    Lord One thousand Eight hundred and One before
96    the Right honorable Sir William Wynne Knight
97    doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of
98    the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
99    constituted by the Oath of John Purks one of the
100    Executors named in the said Will to whom Admon
101    was granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattles
102    and Credits of the said deceased having been First
103    Sworn duly to administer power reserved of
104    making the like grant to Elizabeth Blake Widow
105    the Relict and the other Executor named in the
106    said Will when she shall apply for the same

Will of Susannah Blake, Widow, West Ham, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1890/194, probated 24 Feb 1838

Susannah Blake is the testatrix and the name of her husband has not been stated. Trying to find the name of the husband may be difficult as she has died before census taking begins but after Civil Registration. Susannah is likely the Susannah Blake who died March quarter 1838 at West Ham listed on Free BMD.

Susannah names her sister as Ann Oxbury. Her daughter in law is Martha Cobb. Stephen Oxbury, son of Ann, may be the Stephen Oxborrow found on the 1841 census at St Andrew Capel in Suffolk with his wife Martha 45, (he is 45 and a farmer), daughter Martha 20, daughter Jane 20, and daughter Matilda 15. All are born in Suffolk. Missing on the 1851, 1861 and 1871 Census.

Susannah Howlett is possibly the Susannah married to William Howlett on the census at St Peter South Elmham, Suffolk and she was born at Blythborough and is 44 years old on the 1851 census. On the 1861 census still living at St Peter, husband still living and Susannah born at Blyburgh.

Samuel Eade is born circa 1801 according to the 1841 census and lives at Blythburgh. He is an Agricultural labourer and living with him is his wife Mary and their four children Mary 15, Samuel 12, Elizabeth 10, Joseph 8, James 5, Emma 2 and Susan 5 months. James Eade is 40 years of age on the 1841 census at Blythburgh with wife Rachel and two daughters Maria 11 and Sarah 10.

There is a family tree on WorldConnect for this Samuel Eade born circa 1802 in Blythburgh and the son of John Eade and Elizabeth Algar and back one more generation to Phil;ip Eade and Ann Godfrey but no parents for Elizabeth Algar. Susannah says that Samuel Eade and James Eade are her nephews. The family listed in the World Connect site matches the children of Samuel on the census including ages. Is Susannah an Eade or an Algar? There is an Ann Eade but no husband listed for her.

Leabon Rout was the Licensed Victualler at Crown Inn, Church Street North, West Ham from 1820 to 1841 and then Ann Rout in 1841 and back to Leabon Rout 1845 to 1851, Ann Rout (wife) in 1851 and L Rout in 1855. These years may be continuous. The information is taken from the Post Office Directory, the Census, White’s Directory (http://pubshistory.com/EssexPubs/WestHam/crown.shtml ).

Did not find anything particularly that would let me get at the maiden name of Susannah or the forename of her husband. 

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 8 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1890/194
Testator: Susannah Blake, Widow
Place: West Ham, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 12 Mar 1836, probated 24 Feb 1838
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Susannah
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 6

1    This is the last Will and Testament of me
2    Susannah Blake of West ham in the County of Essex Widow being weak in
3    body but of a sound mind memory and understanding thanks be to Almighty
4    God for the same do publish this paper writing to be and contain my last Will and Tes-
5    tament in manner following (that is to say) First I desire to be decently buried at the
6    discretion of my Executors hereinafter named and that they do pay and discharge
7    all my just debts personal and Testamentary expences as soon as conveniently may be after my
8    interment I give and bequeath unto my Sister Ann Oxbury all my wearing apparel
9    for her own use my property consisting of household furniture and money in the Bank
10    of England which I desire may be distributed by my Executors as follows In the first
    [Page 2]
11    place I give and bequeath unto my daughter in Law Martha Cobb the sum
12    of five pounds to and for her and their own use and benefit as to all my house
13    hold Furniture plate linen and China I desire my Executors to equally divided between
14    my Nephews and Nieces hereinafter named share and share alike and as to all my
15    ready money money in the Bank of England and all other personal Estate I give
16    and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my Executors hereinafter
17    named upon trust that they convert and turn the whole thereof into ready money
18    and upon the receipt thereof that they or the Survivors of them do (after paying
19    thereout all charges and expences attending the same equally unto and between my
20    Nephews and Nieces namely Stephen Oxbury of Camble St Andrew Suffolk Farmer
21    Susannah Howlett the Wife of [blank] Howlett of St Peters Suffolk Samuel Eade and
22    James Eade both of Blythborough in the said County of Suffolk Labourers share and
23    share alike to and for their own use and benefit And lastly I do hereby appoint
24    my two good friends Labourn Rout of West ham aforesaid Victualler and Wm Gore
25    of Stratford in the County of Essex painter joint Executors of this my Will hereby
26    revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and do publish and
27    declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness I the said Susannah Blake
28    the Testatrix have to this  my Will contained in one sheet of paper set my hand
29    and Seal this twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
30    hundred and thirty six The Mark and Seal of X Susannah Blake
31    Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testatrix Susannah Blake as and for
32    her last Will and Testament in our presence who in her presence at her request and in
33    the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto the same
34    having been first read over to her and who made her mark in our presence
35    Edw[ar]d Moore Illford W[ilia]m Coxhead Ilford
36    Proved at London 24th Feb 1838 before the Worshipfull John Danbery d[octo]r of
37    Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of Leabon (in the will written Leaborn) Rout and
38    William Gore the Executors to whom admon was granted having been first Sworn
39    duly to Administer

Will of Thomas Blake, Surgeon, Stratford, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/680/349, probated 15 Dec 1736

The testator, Thomas Blake, is a Surgeon. His will leaves one with the impression that he may be from Dormansland in Surrey and this is an article on Dormansland:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormansland,_Surrey

British History online does not reveal any interesting details on the property mentioned by Thomas Blake in Ford Manor at Dormansland, Surrey. (Map attached: http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/23762)

No further details obtained for this testator. Since he is a surgeon and there is an implication that he was in the military I did try Find My Past. The 1730s though is a bit early for military records. There is a Training Colony to the north in the map. Might pursue that notion later.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 8 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/680/349
Testator: Thomas Blake, Surgeon
Place: Stratford, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 26 Feb 1733, probated 15 Dec 1736
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Thomas Blake of Stratford in the County of Essex Surgeon
3    being weak of body but of sound and disposing mind memory and
4    understanding and considering the uncertainty of this Transitory Life
5    Doe make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament
6    in manner following First and principally my Soul I com[m]it
7    into the hands of Almight God who gave it Trusting
8    through the Merits death passion and Mediation of my only
9    Saviour and redeemer Jesus Christ to have remission of all
10    my Sins and enjoy everlasting life my body I commit to the
11    Earth to be decently Interred at the discretion of my Executrix
12    hereinafter named and as for and concerning all my real
13    and personal Estates which it hath pleased God to Bless me
14    with I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth Imprimis
15    all my personal Estate consisting of ready money Goods Chattels
16    household Furniture and Effects I give devise and bequeath the
17    same unto my loving wife Anna Blake for and during her
18    natural life and after her decease my Will and intention is and
19    I doe hereby give devise and bequeath the same unto my three
20    daughters Elizabeth Anna and Martha or to such of them as
21    shall be then living and their heirs for ever Equally to be divided
22    between them share and share alike Item all those two Messuages
23    or Tenements with the Barns Stables outhouses Buildings
24    Gardens and Orchards thereunto belonging or appertaining
25    And also all that Farm Meadow pasture arable and Woodland
26    to the said Messuages or Tenements adjoining belonging or
27    Appertaining containing in the whole by Estimation Sixty four
28    Acres more or less and also all those three acres of Meadow
29    Land lying and being in Fenn Mead All which said Messuages
30    or Tenements Farm Lands and premises are part of the Mannor
31    of Ford and are situate lying and being at or near a place called
32    dormans Land in the parish of Lingfeild in the County of Surrey and
33    are now Lett by Lease to and are in the tenure or occupation
34    of Thomas Pledge husbandman his undertennants or assigns
35    all which said premises are already settled upon my said Wife
36    Anna I give devise and bequeath the same unto my said loving
37    Wife Anna for and during her natural Life and after the death
38    of my said Wife Anna my Will and Intention is And I do hereby
39    give devise and bequeath the same unto my said three daughters
40    Elizabeth Anna and Martha or to such of them as shall be then
41    living and to their heirs for Ever equally to be divided between
42    them share and share alike Item as for and concerning the
43    Lease of the house I now live in of which there is now to come
44    six year and upwards all my debts and Effects both at home and
45    abroad which shall be anyways due owing or belonging to me
46    at the time of my decease or which may be obtained for or in
47    respect of the debt due to me from the Government I give
48    devise and bequeath the same and my Will and intention is that the
49    Same (after payment of all my just debts and Funeral Expences) be
50    equally divided share and share alike between my said loving wife
51    Anna and my said three daughters Elizabeth Anna and Martha
52    so soon as conveniently may be after the same shall be got in and
53    received And I doe hereby nominate and appoint my said
54    loving wife Anna Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament
55    hereby revoking all former and other Wills heretofore by me made
56    And I do hereby ratify and confirm these presents to stand and be
    [Page 2]
57    as and for my only last Will and Testament In Witness whereof the
58    said Thomas Blake the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament
60    sett my hand and Seal this Twenty Sixth day of February in the year
61    of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and thirty three and in
62    the seventh year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the
63    Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland
64    king defender of the Faith and so forth Thomas Blake Signed
65    Sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Blake the Testator as
66    and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto
67    subscribed our Names as Witnesses in  his presence and at his request
68    Tho[ma]s Wilson at Stratford Tho[ma]s Hagger at Stratford Fra[nci]s Curteis
69    This Will was proved at London the Fifteenth day
70    of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred
71    thirty six before the Worshipfull Stephen Cottrell doctor of Laws Surrogate
72    to the Right Worshipfull John Bettesworth doctor also of Laws
73    Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
74    lawfully constituted by the oath of Anna Blake widow the Relict
75    and Sole Executrix named in the said Will To whom Administration
76    was granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
77    the said deceased being first Sworn duly to Administer

Will of Sarah Blake, widow, Maldon, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1708/416, probated 27 Feb 1826

Locating the husband of Sarah Blake was not possible initially as he was not named in the will.

Her niece Elizabeth Simpson, married to William Woolley Simpson, was also not found although I did find the Will of her husband and they were living at Montagu Place Russell Square Middlesex as well as his being an Auctioneer at Bucklersbury London. It is a short will which leaves everything to his wife Elizabeth; will dated 12 Oct 1847 and probated 9 Dec 1847.

The marriage of Mr John Wyatt Lee of Maldon, Essex to Ann Dunkin (daughter of John Dunkin Esquire of Woodham Mortimer) at Woodham Mortimer 17 October 1805 (Find My Past).

One of the names of the great nephews of Sarah Blake is William Staddon Blake Lee and googling this name reveals a William Staddon Blake who lived in St Mary Woolnoth and St Mary Woolchurch, London. He was in 1795 one of the churchwardens.

There is a will for William Stadden Blake of Change Alley in the City of London, Engraver. He mentions his wife Sarah Blake. His will was probated 10 November 1814. His will was written 2 Nov 1795. I will transcribe his will next. It is interesting sometimes how one can discover more about individuals who leave their wills. I did find the baptism of William Stadden Blake son of William and Fanny Blake of Saff[ron]hill, St Andrew Holborn, 14 Jan 1747 (Ancestry.ca). Cornhill is approximately 1 mile away from Saffron Hill.

Names mentioned in the will:

Sarah Blake, testatrix, Maldon, Essex
Francis Maria Lee, executrix, sister, Maldon, Essex
John Rowe, tenant, Change Alley, Cornhill, London
George Turney, tenant, Change Alley, Cornhill, London
Elizabeth Simpson, niece, Bucklersbury, London
William Woolley Simpson, Auctioneer, husband of Elizabeth, Bucklersbury, London
John Wyatt Lee, nephew
Thomas Lee, son of John Wyatt Lee, great nephew
David Stringlet, tenant, Great Totham, Essex
John Dunkin Lee, son of John Wyatt Lee, great nephew
William Staddon Blake Lee, son of John Wyatt Lee, great nephew,
Samuel Willett, executor, Barnards Inn, Middlesex, gentleman
George May, executor, Maldon, Surgeon
Mary Lee, daughter of John Wyatt Lee, great niece
Nancy Lee, daughter of John Wyatt Lee, great niece
Joanna Dunkin Lee, daughter of John Wyatt Lee, great niece
Elizabeth Frances Lee, daughter of John Wyatt Lee, great niece
Emma Lee, daughter of John Wyatt Lee, great niece
Robert Clarke, Little Totham, Essex, Farmer
Hannah Fanks, Castle Street, Southwark Bridge
Ann Cotter, wife of Joseph Cotter, Great Totham, Essex
Joseph Cotter, Great Totham, Essex, husband of Ann, Innholder
Elizabeth Sly, Purleigh, Essex
Elizabeth Goddard, residing with Lady Julia Howard
Ann Goddard, sister of Elizabeth Goddard
Elizabeth Foster, servant
Mary Wood, servant to Francis Maria Lee
Hannah Ruggles, residing with the testatrix
Betsy Stotherd, witness
Wm Wright, witness, Sol[icito]r Maldon
Z: W: Digby, witness, Clerk to Wm Wright

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1708/416
Testator: Sarah Blake, Widow
Place: Maldon, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Jun 1825, probated 27 Feb 1826
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Sarah
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 27

1    In the Name of God Amen I
2    Sarah Blake of Saint Mary Islington in the County of Middlesex but me residing
3    at Maldon in the County of Essex Widow being of sound mine memory and
4    understanding (praised be God for the same) do make publish and declare my last
5    Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) in the first place I direct
6    all my just debts Funeral and Testamentary Expenses to be paid off and discharged
7    by my Executrix and Executors hereinafter appointed from and out of my personal
8    Estate And I give devise and bequeath unto my Sister Francis Maria Lee of Maldon
9    aforesaid Spinster all those my two Leasehold Messuages or dwellinghouses with the
    [Page 2]
10    outbuildings and appurtenances thereto respectively belonging being Numbers 16 and 18 in
11    Change Alley Cornhill in the City of London now in the occupations of John Rowe
12    and George Turney To hold the same unto the said Francis Maria Lee her Executors
13    Administrators and Assigns to and for her and their own absolute use and benefit for the
14    residue of my Estate Term and interest therein respectively And I also give and bequeath
15    unto my said Sister Francis Maria Lee all my Principal Money Stocks of Funds
16    standing in my Name in the Long Annuities in the Books of the Governor and
17    Company of the Bank of England to and for her own absolute use and benefit and direct
18    the same to be paid or transferred to her within six months next after my decease
19    and I give and bequeath unto my Niece Elizabeth Simpson Wife of William Woolley
20    Simpson of Bucklersbury in the said City of London Auctioner the Sum of two thousand
21    pounds Stock part of the money Stock or Trust standing in my name in the new four
22    per cent Annuities to and for her own absolute use and benefit and direct the same
23    to be paid or transferred to her within six Calendar months next after my decease but
24    in case she shall happen to depart this life in my lifetime hereby the said Legacy
25    would lapse then I give and bequeath the said two thousand pounds Stock in the
26    now four per cent Annuities unto the said William Woolley Simpson absolutely
27    and direct the same to be paid or transferred to him within six Calendar months
28    next after my decease And I give and bequeath unto my Nephew John Wyatt Lee
29    the Legacy or Sum of One thousand pounds and direct the same to be paid to him
30    within six Calendar Months next after my decease to and for his absolute use and
31    and benefit And I give and devise unto Thomas Lee Son of the said John Wyatt Lee All
32    that my Messuage or dwellinghouse with the Outbuildings Yards Gardens and the
33    several pieces or parcels of Land thereto belonging containing by Estimation thirty
34    acres (be the same more or less) with the Appurtenances (part Freehold and part
35    Copyhold) situate and being in the parish of Great Totham in the said County of
36    Essex now in the occupation of David Stringlet To hold the same unto the same
37    Thomas Lee his heirs and Assigns for ever And I give and bequeath unto John
38    Dunkin Lee another Son of my said Nephew John Wyatt Lee All those my ten
39    shares (of One hundred pounds each) of and in the Capital Stock of a certain Company
40    called or known by the Name of the West Middlesex Waterworks Company and direct
41    that the same shall become vested in and be paid or Assigned and transferred to him
42    when he shall attain the Age of twenty one Years and the Interest dividends and
43    produce thereof in the meantime I direct to be paid to his Father the said John
44    Wyatt Lee to be applied by him for and towards his maintenance benefit and
45    Education and I give and bequeath unto William Staddon Blake Lee another Son
46    of the said John Wyatt Lee All and every my shares (being about twenty one in number
47    of and in the Capital Stock of a certain Company called the London Dock Company And
48    also all my shares and Interest or Interests in the Capital Stock of a certain Company
49    called the Waterloo or Stand Bridge Company and direct that the same respectively shall
50    become vested in and be paid or Assigned and transferred to him when he shall attain the
51    age of twenty one years And the Interest dividends and produce thereof respectively in
52    the meantime I direct to be paid to his Father the said John Wyatt Lee to be applied
53    by him for and towards his maintenance benefit and education provided always And
54    in case either or both of them the said John Dunkin Lee and William Stadden Blake
55    Lee shall happen to depart this life under the Age of twenty one years then I give and
56    bequeath the shares of the Stock of him of them so dying unto all his or their surviving
57    Brothers and Sisters in equal shares and proportions share and share alike and in
58    case there shall be but one Survivor then I give and bequeath the whole to such
60    only Surviving Child to and for his or her own absolute use and benefit and direct that
61    such accruing share or shares shall become vested in and be paid to assigned and
62    transferred to them him or her as and when they severally attain the Age of twenty one
63    Years and the Dividends Interest or produce thereof in the meantime I direct to be paid
64    to the said John Wyatt Lee to be by him applied for and towards their his or her
65    maintenance benefit and Education and I give and bequeath unto my Sister the said
66    Francis Maria Lee Samuel Willett of Barnards Inn in the said County of Middlesex
67    Gentleman and George May of Maldon aforesaid Surgeon the Sum of two thousand
    [Page 3]
68    five hundred pounds upon trust that they the said Francis Maria Lee Samuel
69    Willett and George May or the Survivors or Survivor of them or the Executors or Admors
70    of such Survivor do and shall lay out and invest the same in their his or her own
71    names or name in some or one of the public Stocks or Funds or upon Government or
72    Real Security at Interest and from time to time to call in alter and transpose such Stocks
73    Funds and Securities as they she or he shall think fit and proper and do and shall pay the
74    Interest dividends and annual produce thereof as and when the same shall become due
75    and be received into the proper hands of the said John Wyatt Lee to be by him applied
76    for and towards the maintenance benefit and Education of his daughters Mary Lee
77    Nancy Lee Joanna Dunkin Lee Elizabeth Frances Lee and Emma Lee until they
78    shall severally and respectively attain the age of twenty one years and Marry with
79    the consent of my said Trustees or Trustee for the time being or the majority of them
80    or until such time or period as they shall (from any other cause than marriage)
81    severally cease to be maintained and supported by and at the Expence of the said John
82    Wyatt Lee their Father And when and as they shall severally and respectively attain
83    the age of twenty one Years and marry with such Consent as aforesaid or as and
84    when they shall (from any other cause than Marriage) severally cease to be
85    maintained and supported by their said Father then I do hereby declare and direct that
86    that the said Francis Maria Lee Samuel Willett and George May or the
87    Survivors or Survivor of them or the Executors or Administrators of such Survivor
88    shall stand and be possessed of the said Sum of two thousand five hundred pounds
89    or the Stocks Funds and Securities in or upon which the same shall be laid out and
90    invested as aforesaid in trust for and to pay or assign and transfer the same unto the
91    said Mary Lee Nancy Lee Joanna Dunkin Lee Elizabeth Frances Lee and Emma
92    Lee in equal shares and proportions share and share alike to and for their
93    respective absolute use and benefit nevertheless I do hereby declare my Mind and Will
94    to be that the said several and respective shares shall become vested in the said daughters
95    of the said John Wyatt Lee as and when they severally attain the age of twenty one
96    years notwithstanding the payment thereof is postponed till the time of their
97    marriage or (from any other cause) ceasing to be maintained and supported by
98    their said Father provided always and I do hereby further declare and direct that if
99    any one of more of them the said Mary Lee Nancy Lee Joanna Dunkin Lee Elizabeth Frances
100    Lee and Emma Lee shall happen to depart this life under the Age of twenty one
101    Years then the share or shares of her or them so dying shall go accrue and belong
102    to the Survivors of them in equal shares and in case of only one Survivor then the whole
103    shall go and accrue to such Survivor and shall vest in and be paid or assigned and
104    transferred to them or her at the same time or times and be subject to the same
105    contingency as is hereinbefore declared or expressed relative to her or their original
106    share or shares and the dividends and Interest thereof in the mean time shall be
107    paid and applied for their benefit as aforesaid And I give devise and bequeath unto
108    my Friend the said Samuel Willett All those two Leasehold Messuages or dwelling
109    houses with the Outbuildings Yards Gardens and Appurtenances thereto belonging
110    being Numbers 29 and 30 in Queens Row Walworth in the County of Surrey To
111    hold the same unto the said Samuel Willett his Executors Administrators and
112    Assigns to and for his and their own absolute use benefit and disposal for the
113    residue of my Estate Term and Interest therein respectively and I also give and
114    bequeath unto the said Samuel Willett the Legacy or Sum of One hundred pounds
115    and I give and bequeath unto my Friend the said George May the Sum of Fifty
116    pounds and I give and bequeath unto my Friend Robert Clarke of Little Totham
117    in the said County of Essex Farmer to Hannah Fanks of Castle Street Southwark
118    Bridge to Ann Cotter wife of Joseph Cotter of Great Totham aforesaid Innholder
119    and to Elizabeth Sly of Purleigh in the said County of Essex the Sum of Five Guineas
120    each as a token of my respect for them and I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth
121    Goddard now residing with Lady Julia Howard the Sum of nineteen Guineas
122    and I give and bequeath to Ann Goddard the Sister of the said Elizabeth Goddard
123    the Sum of Five Guineas and I give and bequeath unto my Servant Elizabeth
124    Foster the Sum of ten Guineas and I give and bequeath unto Mary Wood the
    [Page 4]
125    Servant of my said Sister Frances Maria Lee the Sum of Five Guineas all which said
126    several last mentioned Legacies I will and direct shall be paid to the said several and
127    respective Legatees thereof within one Calendar months next after my decease and I
128    give and bequeath unto Hannah Ruggles now residing with me all my Clothes and
129    Linen And I give and bequeath unto my said Sister Francis Maria Lee All and
130    singular my ready money and Securities for Money debts and the rest and residue of
131    my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever to and for her own absolute use benefit
132    and disposal And I hereby nominate constitute and appoint the said Francis Maria
133    Lee Samuel Willett and George May Executrix and Executors of this my Will And
134    do hereby declare my Will to be that my said Trustees and Executrix and Executors and
135    and their respective Executors and Administrators shall be charged and Chargeable
136    respectively for such monies only as they respectively shall actually receive by virtue
137    of this my Will notwithstanding their or any of their giving or signing or joining
138    in any receipt or receipts for the sake of Conformity And that no one or more of
139    them shall be answerable or accountable for the acts receipts neglects of defaults of
140    the others or other of them but each and every of them for her and his own acts
141    receipts neglects and defaults only and that they or any or either of them shall not
142    be answerable or accountable for any Banker Broker or other person with or to
143    whom or in whose hands any part of the said Trust monies shall or may be
144    intrusted paid or deposited for safe custody or otherwise in the Execution of the
145    Trusts of this my Will nor for the rise or fall in the price or value of Stocks or the
146    insufficiency or deficiency in Title or value of any Security and Securities in or upon
147    which the said Trust monies or any part thereof shall be laid out or invested nor
148    for any other loss of misfortune which may happen to the same trust monies
149    or any part thereof except the same shall happen by or through his her or
150    their own respective wilful act neglect or default and also that it shall be
151    lawful for my said Trustees and Executrix and Executors and their respective
152    Executors and Administrators by and out of the monies which shall come to
153    their hands by virtue of the trusts aforesaid to retain to and reimburse themselves
154    respectively and also to allow their respective Co Trustee and Executrix and Executor or respective Co Trustees and Executrix and Executors
155    All Costs Charges damages and Expenses which they or any or either of them shall
156    or may pay sustain or be put unto in the Execution of this my Will and the trusts
157    hereby in them reposed and I hereby revoke and make void all former Wills by me
158    at any time heretofore made and declare this alone to be and contain my last
159    Will and Testament In witness whereof I have to this  my Will contained in five
160    Sheets of paper set my hand and Seal to wit my hand to the four preceding sheets
161    and my hand and Seal to this fifth and last sheet hereof the tenth day of June in
162    the Year one thousand eight hundred and twenty five Sarah Blake
163    Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Sarah Blake as and for her last Will
164    and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto at her request in her
165    presence and in the presence of each other Subscribed our names as Witnesses
166    Betsy Stotherd Wm Wright Sol[icito]r Maldon Z: W: Digby his Clerk
167    Proved at London 27th February 1826 before the Worshipful Jesse Addams d[octo]r of Laws
168    and Surr[ogate] by the Oaths of Frances (in the will written Francis) Maria Lee Spinster the
169    Sister Samuel Willett and George May Esq[uie]rs the Ex[ecuto]rs to whom Adm[inistrati]on was granted
170    being first Sworn duly to adm[iniste]r

Will of Priscilla Blake, Marks Hall, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/2207/432, probated 29 Mar 1855

Priscilla Blake is the testatrix. She died March quarter 1855 in Lexden RD. She is on the 1851 census at Copford, Lexden, Essex. She is listed as a Lady and was born at Halsted, Essex. Everyone living at the same address is a servant. She was born in 1797. Her  married surname was Honywood and she was of Marks Hall, Essex. Another descendant of the Galway Blake family, Arthur Netterville Blake was the son of Netterville Blake of Kilcloghans Co. He was a Captain in the British Military. He married (first wife) 7 Feb 1842 Mrs. Priscilla Honywood (relict of Philip Honywood) and they did not have any children. She died 9 Feb 1855. Her maiden name was Hanbury and she was the daughter of Charles Hanbury and Priscilla Blane. Arthur Netterville Blake then married Harriet Graham who was the daughter of Richard Blake and Eliza O’Donel (Richard was the son of George Blake and Juliane Lynch of Garracloone (another Galway Blake line).

Arthur’s will was proved at Tuam (Ireland) 7 Mar 1876. Arthur was the son of (Captain) Netterville Blake of Newborough, County Galway and he was the second son of Dominick Blake of Castlegrove and his first wife Francis Netterville. From the second marriage of Dominick Blake are descended one line of the Blake family in Canada (not my line!).

From the Landed Estates database: http://landedestates.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/search.jsp?q=parishes

(Estate) Blake (Castlegrove) - By his will (1612) Robert Blake of Ardfry left the lands of Castlegrove or Fartigare as they were originally known, in the barony of Dunmore, county Galway, to his seventh son, Andrew Blake. In the mid 18th century Dominick Blake of Castlegrove married Frances, daughter of Nicholas, 5th Viscount Netterville, as his first wife. Their second son founded the Blake family of Newborough. The Blakes of Canada are descended from Dominick Blake's second marriage. Castlegrove, an estate of over 2,300 acres belonging to Edward Blake, was advertised for sale in November 1852 and bought by John W. Cannon. Edward Blake still held land in the parishes of Killererin, Dunmore and Tuam at the time of Griffith's Valuation. An Edward Blake of Belgium owned 924 acres in county Galway and 1698 acres in county Roscommon in the 1870s. Netterville Blake of Newborough, parish of Kilbennan, barony of Dunmore, county Galway, second son of Dominick Blake of Castlegrove, had a large family of 14 children. His third son Arthur Netterville Blake lived at Kilcloghan House, north of Tuam and held the 93 acres of the townland of Mount Potter in fee, presumably having bought it from Jeremiah Tully in the Encumbered Estates' Court in 1850. Martin Blake writes that Arthur's younger brother James Netterville Blake, a doctor, lived at Newborough. The Blakes held Newborough from Patrick Crean Lynch. Lands at Lisnanny and Ballyroe, barony of Dunmore, amounting to 656 acres and 218 at Burris, barony of Clanmorris in county Mayo were advertised for sale by the trustees of Margaret Blake widow of James Netterville Blake in 1851.

The will of Arthur Netterville Blake will eventually appear in the Irish Wills if I am able to locate it.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2207/432
Testator: Priscilla Blake, wife
Place: Marks Hall, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 28 May 1842, probated 29 Mar 1855
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Priscilla
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 11

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me Priscilla Blake the wife of Arthur Netterville Blake Esquire
3    now residing at Marks Hall in the County of Essex Whereas by the
4    Settlement made on my marriage with the said Arthur Netterville
5    Blake dated the sixth day of December one thousand eight hundred and
6    forty one the sum of one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds three
7    per cent consolidated annuities one thousand pounds bank stock two
8    hundred and eighty eight pounds Royal Exchange Stock and two hundred
9    and ninety eight pounds eighteen shillings and two pence River dee Stock
10    was assigned to the Reverend Charles Gooch of Topsfield Essex Clerk and
11    Philip Hanbury of Lombard Street London Banker In trust (subject to
12    the life interest thereby given to the said Arthur Netterville Blake therein
13    and to a power for raising a certain sum thereof which has been exer
14    rised for such person or persons for such interests and purposes and with
15    under and subject to such powers provisioes and declarations as I the
16    said Priscilla Blake by my last Will and Testament or any Codicil or
17    Codicils thereto should notwithstanding my coverture direct or appoint
18    and in default of such direction or appointment and so far as any such
19    direction or appointment should not extend In trust for the person or per
20    sons who under the Statute for the distribution of the personal estate of
21    Intestates would at the time of my decease have been entitled to my
22    personal estate if I had died intestate and the marriage between me
23    and the said Arthur Netterville Blake had not been solemnized and to
24    be divided between such persons if more than one in the shares as
25    which the same would be distributed by virtue of the said Statue
26    And whereas I have made a Will in pursuance of the said powers
27    which I am now desirous to revoke and it is my intention that the
28    said trust funds should as in the course and belong to the previous
29    provisos in my said in part recited Settlement Now thus revoked I do
30    hereby utterly revoke and cancel the said Will as is aforesaid made
31    by me in pursuance of the said power and every direction and appoint
32    ment thereby made and also all other Wills and Testaments and
33    Codicil or Codicils at any time heretofore made and consented by me
34    And I do hereby so far as I have any power so to do confirm the
35    hereinbefore in part recited settlement and the trusts and provisions
36    therein contained In witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand
37    this twenty eighth day of May one thousand eighteen hundred and forty
38    two Priscilla Blake Signed and declared by the said Priscilla
39    Blake the Testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the pre-
40    sence of us present at the same time who in her presence at her request
41    and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
42    as witnesses Osgood Hanbury Cogeshall Essex Esquire
43    Guigis Sanforde Bailiff to Osgood Hanbury Esquire
44    This is a Codicil to the last Will and testament of me
45    Priscilla Blake of Marks Hall in the County of Essex the wife of
46    Arthur Netterville Blake Esquire but now living a separate life apart
47    from him under and by virtue of a deed of Separation bearing date the
48    twentieth day of September instant and now acting as if I was ____
49    sole and unmarried which said Will bears date the twenty eighth day of
50    May now last past Whereas I the said Priscilla Blake being entitled
51    to as my own private and exclusive property independently of the
52    said Arthur Netterville Blake and subject to my entire control and disposi
53    tion consisting of household and other furniture plate linen china
54    books wines carriage horses deer live and dead farming stock crops
55    and other effects and property div by a certain Indenture of Assign-
56    ment bearing even date with the said deed of Separation between me
57    and the said Arthur Netterville Blake assign over the same to my
58    brother Edward Hanbury of Hackeston in the County of Suffolk Esquire
60    upon certain trusts therein mentioned as an indemnity to the said
61    Edward Hanbury his executors administrators and assigns against any
62    responsibility incurred by him under the covenants entered into by him
63    on my behalf in the said deed of Separation Now I do hereby after
64    payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expences give
65    and bequeath unto my children Robert Honywood Priscilla Honywood
66    and Walter Honywood equally to be divided between them on their
67    severally attaining the age of twenty one years all so much and such
68    part of my said estate and effects as aforesaid as shall not have been
69    applied by the said Edward Hanbury his executors administrators and
70    assigns under the trusts in the said Indenture of Assignment expressed
71    And I nominate and appoint the said Edward Hanbury and my brother
72    in law Christopher Hewetson Barnes of Babergh in the County of
73    Suffolk Esquire my Executors In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
74    hand this twenty second day of September one thousand eight hundred
75    and forty two Priscilla Blake Signed and declared by the said
76    Priscilla Blake as and for a Codicil to her last Will and Testament in
77    the presence of us present at the same time who in her presence at her
78    request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our
79    names as witnesses Tho: Sadler Sol[icito]r Coggeshall Essex Sarah
80    Sallines Servant to Mrs Blake
81    On the 29th March 1855 Admon with the Will and Codicil annexed
82    of the goods chattels and credits of Priscilla Blake Wife of Arthur
83    Netterville Blake Esquire, late of Copford Place in the Parish of
84    Copford in the County of Essex deceased Limited so far only as concerns
85    all the right title and interest of the deceased in and to all such per
86    sonal estate and effects as she the said deceased by virtue of two certain
87    Indentures bearing date respectively the 6th December 1841 and the 20th September
88    1842 has a right to appoint or dispose of and hath in and by her
89    said Will appointed and disposed of accordingly but no further or
90    otherwise were granted to Robert Honywood the son of the said deceased
91    and a Principal Legatee named in the said Codicil he  having been first
92    sworn by Com[missi]on duly to admini[ster] Christopher Hewitson Barnes the
93    surviving Executor named in the Codicil having first renounced the Probate
94    and execution of the said Will and Codicil as by Acts of Court appears
95    On the 20th April 1855 Admon of the rest of the Goods chattels and
96    credits of Priscilla Blake (wife of Arthur Netterville Blake Esquire
97    late of Copford Place in the Parish of Copford in the County of Essex
98    deceased concerning which the said intestate was granted to the said
99    Arthur Netterville Blake the lawful husband of the said deceased hav-
100    ing been first sworn duly to administer

Will of Mary Blake, widow, Stratford, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/982/188, probated 7 Nov 1772

The testator, Mary Blake, lives at Stratford, Essex. Her maiden name of Rolph has been helpful in locating that family in Tilty, Essex. William Rolph is identified as the father of Jesse as mentioned in the will below. Jessie was said to be baptized 19 Jan 1755 at Tilty

http://blighty.50megs.com/RonBrand.html

His page continues with the descent of this family through Jesse.

The will of John Blake of Stratford Langthorn was published yesterday

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/04/will-of-john-blake-gentleman-stratford.html

And I suspect that he is the husband of Mary the present testator as he mentions a niece Elizabeth Rolph and a niece Mary Litchfield. Neither of the wills mentions children. Boyd’s marriage index does provide a marriage for John Blake and Mary Rolf in 1762 in Ham West. No further information but will check the Society of Genealogists (SOG) since they produced Boyd’s marriage index.

The Apprenticeship records SOG volume 8, page 1437 lists a Charles Curtis as an apprentice to John Blake, Baker, at Stratford Langthorne in 1758 (mentioned in this will as a leasee). In 1782 there is an apprentice Robert Barnard to John Blake at Thaxted Essex, Baker. I wonder who the John Blake at Thaxted, Essex is related to.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 3 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/982/188
Testator: Mary Blake, widow
Place: Stratford, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 14 May 1772, probated 7 Nov 1772
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Mary Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Mary Blake of Stratford in the County of Essex Widow
3    being of sound and disposing Mind Memory and Understanding
4    do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following
5    Whereas I am intitled to a Leasehold Estate (with Right of
6    Renewal for a further Term) situate at Stratford aforesaid now
7    in the Tenure or Occupation of Mr Charles Curtis Baker Now
8    I do hereby give the said Lease and benefit of Renewall unto
9    my Mother Mary Rolph of Thaxsted in the County of Essex
    [Page 2]
10    leases for and during the Term of her natural Life subject
11    to the Rent and Covenants in the said Indenture of Lease and from
12    and after her decease then I give the said Lease and premises
13    unto my Brother William Rolph of Tilty in Essex if he shall be
14    then living subject as aforesaid But in case my said Brother
15    William shall dye in the lifetime of my said Brother then I give
16    the said Lease and premises subject as aforesaid to my Sisters
17    Martha Miller Hannah Litchfield and Jane Schofield either to sell
18    the said Lease or to keep the same if they shall all Agree to
19    sell the same then the Monies arising by such Sale to be equally
20    divided between them or such of them as shall be living at the
21    time of my decease And in case they shall agree to keep the
22    said Lease then I give the Rents and profits of the said Lease
23    and premises to be equally divided between such of my said
24    Sisters as shall be living as aforesaid Item I give unto my
25    said Brother William Rolph Three hundred and Fifty pounds
26    South Sea New annuities to be Transferred to him immediately
27    after my decease Item I give unto his Son Jessey Rolph Fifty
28    pounds like South Sea Annuities to be transferred to him when
29    he shall attain his Age of Twenty two Years Item I give unto
30    my Sister Martha Miller Three hundred pounds like South Sea
31    Annuities to be Transferred to her Immediately after my decease
32    the same to be for her own sole and separate use and no wise
33    subject to the Debts of Controul of her present or any future
34    husband Item I give to my Sister Jane Schofield Two
35    hundred and Fifty pounds like South Sea Annuities to be
36    Transferred to her as aforesaid And the same to be no wise
37    subject to the Debts or Controul of her present or any future
38    husband Item I give unto her Son John Schofield One
39    hundred pounds like South Sea Annuities to be Transferred to
40    him when he shall attain his Age of Twenty two Years Item I
41    give one hundred pounds like South Sea Annuities to be equally
42    divided between such of the daughters of my said Sister Schofield
43    as shall be living at the time of my decease Item I give unto
44    my Sister Hannah Litchfield Two hundred pounds like South Sea
45    Annuities for her own sole and separate Use as aforesaid to be
46    Transferred to her immediately after my decease Item I order
47    that my said Sister Martha Miller shall take to herself so
48    much of the best of my Wearing apparel of all sorts as she
49    shall think fit and the Residue thereof I give equally between
50    my said Sister Schofields Children Item I order that my Executors
51    hereinafter named do with all convenient speed after my decease
52    sell and dispose of all my household Goods Linen and
53    Furniture except what I have before disposed of together with
54    all my plate Jewells and China And out of the Monies arising
55    thereby pay all my just Debts and Funeral Expences And then
56    the Rest and Residue of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and
57    wheresoever I give and bequeath the same unto and between
58    my said Brothers and Sister’s Children as shall be living at the
60    time of my decease equally Share and Share alike and I do
61    hereby revoke all former and other Wills and Testament by me at any time hereto made and do declare this and this only to be my last Will and do
62    constitute and appoint my said Brother William Rolph and my
    [Page 3]
63    said Sister Martha Miller joint Executors of this my Will In
64    Witness whereof I the said Mary Blake have to this my last
65    Will and Testament contained in two Sheets of paper set my
66    hand and to the last set my hand and Seal this fourteenth day
67    of September One Thousand seven hundred and seventy two
68    M Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the
69    Testatrix Mary Blake as and for her last Will and Testament
70    in the presence of us who have in her presence and at her
71    request subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto M Fletcher
72    Wm Deyongh
73    This Will was proved at London the Seventh day
74    of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven
75    hundred and seventy two before the worshipful Andrew Coltee
76    Ducarel Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right Worshipful
77    George Hay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the
78    Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths
79    of William Rolph the Brother of the deceased and Martha
80    Miller (wife of John Miller) the Sister of the said deceased and
81    Executors named in the said Will to whom Administration was
82    granted of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits and
83    Credits of the said deceased having been first sworn duly to
84    administer.

Will of John Blake, Gentleman, Stratford Langthorn, West Ham, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/1771/19, probated 2 Dec 1771

The testator, John Blake of Stratford Langthorn, West Ham, Essex, does give a few clues to his family. He is married to Mary. He has a half brother John Robinson and two nieces Elizabeth Rolph and Mary Litchfield. He identifies the home location for John Robinson as Sudbrook, Lincolnshire (near Lincoln).

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 1 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/973/19
Testator: John Blake, Gentleman
Place: Stratford Langthorn, West Ham, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 26 Jul 1771, probated 2 Dec 1771
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: John
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I John Blake of Stratford Langthorn in the Parish
3    of Westham in the County of Essex Gentleman being
4    in perfect health and memory for which I render
5    hearty thanks to God but considering the frailty of
6    human life Do make this my last Will and Testament
7    in manner and form following (that is to say) I com[m]end
8    my Soul into the hands of Almighty God believing in
9    him Remission of Sins and Everlasting life by the
10    Merits Death and Passion of Jesus Christ my
11    Saviour and Redeemer my Body I Commit to the
12    Earth to be Decently Interred by my Executrix herein
13    after named as follows That is to say If I shall die
14    in the Town of Stratford aforesaid then to be buried
15    in the Churchyard belonging to the Parish of
16    Westham in the Vault belonging formerly to Mr
17    Yarsons’s Family if agreeable to them if not in
18    a Grave Six feet Deep and as near the said Vault
19    as Convenient and to have a hand Stone inscribing
20    who and what I was and as to my Worldly Estate I
21    Dispose thereof as follows Imprimis I will that all
22    my Just Debts and Funeral Charges be first paid and
23    satisfied Item I give and bequeath unto my half
24    Brother John Robinson of Sudbrook near Lincoln
25    in the County of Lincoln Thirty pounds if he shall
    [Page 2]
26    be living at the time of my Decease if not then
27    I Give and bequeath the said Thirty pounds
28    unto my two Neices Elizabeth Rolph and Mary
29    Litchfield equally Share and Share alike Item
30    I Give and bequeath unto Charles Smith Esquire
31    Treasurer of the Charity School of Westham or
32    his successor (if he should Die in my life or be
33    removed) Twenty pounds for the use of the said
34    Charity Item I Give unto John Grant one Suit of
35    my Cloaths at the Discretion of my Said Wife and
36    as to all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my
37    Estate and Effects whatsoever or wheresoever the
38    same is was or shall or may be at the time of my
39    Decease I Give Devise and bequeath the same
40    unto my beloved Wife Mary Blake her executors
41    admors and Assigns for ever and I do hereby
42    revoke all former and other Wills by me at any
43    time heretofore made and do publish and declare
44    this and this only to be my last Will and Testament
45    and do hereby Constitute and Appoint my Said
46    beloved Wife Mary Blake Sole Executrix hereof
47    In Witness whereof I the said John Blake the
48    Testator have to this my Last Will and Testament
49    set my hand and affixed my Seal this Twenty Sixth
50    day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand
51    Seven hundred and Seventy one John Blake
52    Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the
53    Testator John Blake as and for his last Will
54    and Testament in the presence of us who have in
55    his presence and in the presence of each other
56    and at his request Subscribed our names as
57    Witnesses hereto the words (Thirty pounds) being
58    first interlined Thomas Crook and an Wm Deyongh
60    This Will was proved at London the
61    second day of December in the year of our Lord
62    One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy one
63    before the Worshipful Andrew Coltee Ducarel
64    doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful
65    George hay also doctor of Laws Master Keeper
66    or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
67    lawfully Constituted by the Oath of Mary Blake
68    Widow the Relict of the deceased Sole Executrix named
69    in the Said Will to whom Administration was Granted
70    of all and Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits
71    of the said deceased she having been first sworn
72    duly to administer

Will of John Blake, Dagenham, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/669/279, probated 8 Feb 1735

John Blake is the testator and he is a husbandman in the parish of Dagenham, Essex. He names his son as John Blake and his executor Stephen Burton Junior is to be guardian if John is not 21 years of age when the testator dies.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 March 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/669/279
Testator: John Blake
Place: Dagenham, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 19 Nov 1730, probated 8 Feb 1735
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: John
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I John Blake of the parish of Dagneham in the County of Essex
3    husbandman being not well in health and knowing that life is
4    uncertain but in perfect disposeing mind and memory (praised be
5    God for the same doe make and ordain this my last Will and
6    Testament in manner and form following First and principally
7    I resigne my Soul into the mercifull hands of Almighty God my
8    creator hoping through the merits of my blessed Saviour and
9    Redeemer Jesus Christ to obtain free pardon and remission of
10    all my Sins and my body to be buried in Christian burial after the
11    discretion of my Executor herein after named and which God hath
12    been pleased to bestow upon in this world I dispose thereof as followeth
13    Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John Blake All that
14    my copyhold Messuage or Tenement Scituate lying and being
15    in the parish of Dagneham  to him and to his heirs forever he
16    taking care to pay to the Mann[o]r of Barkin their dues which is
17    usuall and accustomly paid and if it shall please God that my said
18    Son shall dye without heirs then I do give the same said Messuage
19    and Tenement to my Friend Stephen Burton Junior and also
20    the Income of the said Messuage towards bring up my Son till he
21    is able to take care for himself or at the age of Twenty one years
22    or day of marriage which first shall happen Item all the rest of
23    my Goods and Chattels whatsoever and wheresoever I give and
24    bequeath to the aforesaid Stephen Burton jun[io]r after my debts
25    and funeral Expences discharged and also on the account that he
26    is to see my son brought up till he shall come to the age aforesaid
27    and do also make him my sole Executor of this my last Will and
28    Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore made In Witness
29    whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 19th day of
30    November Annoqz dom[ini] 1730 The mark of John Blake Signed
31    Sealed published and declared to be last will of the said John Blake
32    in the presence of John Butler The marke of John Tayler
33    George Davis
34    This Will was proved at London the Eighth day
35    of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred
36    and Thirty Four before the Worshipfull John Andrew doctor of
37    Laws Surrogate to the Right Worshipfull John Bettesworth
38    doctor also of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative
39    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Stephen
40    Burton Junior Sole Executor named in the said Will To whom
41    Administration was granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattels
42    and Credits of the said deceased being first sworn duly to Administer

Will of James Blake, Bromley, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/619/117, probated 13 Jan 1728

James Blake, the testator, doesn’t help us at all with his will naming only his executor and trustee as Robert Ashmall of Lincolns Inn. Robert Ashmall is listed as the second son of Thomas Ashmall of Amerston in a pedigree chart found on British History online. Amerston appears to be part of Durham County – Elwick Hall Parish.

 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/image.aspx?compid=76343&filename=fig31.gif&pubid=456

 The entry for Robert is listed as Robert Ashmall baptized 31 May 1674, and his obituary published circa 1758. Thomas his father married twice and his first wife Elizabeth (mother of Robert) was a sister of Robert and Humphrey Butler of Gray's Inn. This Thomas was the son of Thomas Ashmall of Amerston (aged 45 years on 20 Aug 1666, ob 10 Jun 1674) and married to Dorothy daughter of Ferdinando Huddleston of Millum, Cumberland. This Thomas also a son of a Thomas Ashmall of Aughton and married to Anne daughter of Thomas Letherborough of Aughton. Again the father of this Thomas also a Thomas Ashmall of Aughton and married to (unknown) daughter of (unknown) Worthington. The furtherest back ancestor Hugh Ashmall of Ashmall nigh Ormiskirk in Lancashire and he married the daughter of (unknown) Kirkby of Kirkby. However that doesn't particularly help me with the Blake family in this particular will. I do not see any mention of Blake in this chart. Interestingly though this family was Roman Catholic with one of the step brothers of Robert Ashmall ordained as a priest (Ferdinando Ashmall).

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 March 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/619/117
Testator: James Blake
Place: Bromley, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 4 Jan 1727, probated 13 Jan 1728
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Jacobi Blake
[Margin]: 5

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I James Blake of the parish of Bromley in the County of
3    Essex being of sound and disposeing mind and memory do make this
4    my last Will and Testament in Manner following Imprimis I commit
5    my soule to Almighty God and my body to be buried according to the
6    discretion of my Executor hereinafter named And as to all the
7    Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me as well reall as
8    personal I give devise and bequeath the same unto Robert Ashmall
9    of Lincolns Inn in the County of Middlesex Esq[uie]r his heires
10    Executors and Administrators and I do hereby further constitute
11    and appoint the said Robert Ashmall to be my full and sole
12    Executor and doe declare this to be my last Will and Testament
13    In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this
14    fourth day of January in the first yeare of the reigne of our
15    Soveraigne Lord George the second Annoqz d[omi]ni 1727 James
16    Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the said
17    James Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in the
18    presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names in his
19    presence and at his request A Boucher John Gaye Joshua
20    Covell
21    Probatum fuit huijusmodi Testamentum apud London
22    decimo tertio die Mensis Januarij Anno domini Millesimo
23    Septingentesimo Vicesimo Sepcius coram venerabili viro Carolo
24    Pinfold Legum doctore Surrogate Venerabili et Egregij viri
25    Johannis Bettesworth Legum doctoris Curia Prerogative
26    Cantuariensis Magistri Custodio Sive Commissary legitime
27    constitution Juramento Roberti Ashmall Executoris in dicto
28    Testamento nominat Cui commissa fuit administration ominium
29    et singulorum bonorum jurium et Creditorum dicti defuncti
30    de bene et fideliter administrando eadem ad Sancta dei
31    Evangelia jurat Exam