Will of William Blake, Cardboard Maker, Dursley, Gloucestershire - Diocese of Bristol Wills on Ancestry, probated 25 Jun 1787

William Blake of Dursley is the testator. He is married to Sarah. On Family Search I found the baptism of Mary 16 Apr 1755 and Betty 18 June 1758 at Dursley. They would appear to be the youngest daughters.

On Ancestry I found Ann baptized 3 Jul 1744 at Dursley, There was also a William Blake baptized January 1749 at Dursley son of William and Sarah Blake. There was also a Catherine Blake baptized 8 Aug 1742 at Eastington daughter of William and Sarah Blake. Sarah is missing but by the naming in the will she would have been born after Ann and before Mary so between 1744 and 1755. Eastington (near Stonehouse is 5 miles from Dursley).

William Blake married Sarah Stephens 25 Dec 1740 at Eastington, Gloucestershire. The marriage lines mention that William Blake was of the parish of Dursly. In the baptismal at Eastington in 1742 Catherine is noted as a daughter of William and Sarah Blake of Dursley.

There was a William Blake (and his twin John) baptized 22 Mar 1710 son(s) of John and Ann Blake. A John Blake and Ann Cishall were married 26 Jan 1707 at Dursley.

This does not lead me back to any of the other wills for Gloucestershire at a quick glance. The next will is for a William Blake (administration) and was submitted by his sister Sarah Millard at Dursley.  On Ancestry I found that Sarah Blake married Edward Millard 18 Feb 1781 at Dursley. The marriage lines are witnessed by William Blake and Benj Hill. There is also a marriage 7 Aug 1781 at Dursley between William Blake and Hannah Samuels.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 18 Feb 2015
Source: Diocese of Bristol Wills on Ancestry
Testator: William Blake
Place: Dursley, Gloucestershire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 5 Apr 1786, probated 25 Jun 1787
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy


1    In the Name of God Amen I William Blake of
2    Dursley in the County of Gloucester Cardboard Maker being (I bless God)
3    of sound and disposing Mind Memory and Understanding do make
4    publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner
5    following (that is to say) First I will and Direct that all my just
 6    debts and Funeral Expences be paid and discharged And Subject
7    thereto and charged and chargeable therewith, I Give and Bequeath
8    unto my dear Wife the use of all and singular my Household Goods
9    Plate Linen and Furniture and all other my Personal Estate of what
10    nature or kind soever for and during the Term of her natural Life,
11    And my Will is that she may use and employ my Stock in Trade
12    and Monie part of my said personal Estate in Trade to the best
13    advantage she can the better to enable her to maintain herself And
14    I Will that a true and perfect Inventory and Appraisement be taken
15    of all my said Household Goods Plate Linen and Furniture and other
16    my Personal Estate as soon as may be after my decease which I
17    direct shall be signed by my said Wife and delivered to my Son in
18    Law Thomas Lockier to be at any time inspected by any or either of
19    my Daughters hereinafter named: And from and after her decease
20    I Give and Bequeath the Sum of Ten Pounds part of my said
21    Personal Estate to each and every of my daughters Catherine Ann
22    Sarah Mary and Elizabeth and I direct that the Receipt of my said Daughter Catherine for her said Legacy shall be sufficient alone without her Husband who shall not intermeddle herein All the rest and residue of my said
23    personal Estate from and after the decease of my said Wife I
24    Give and Bequeath unto such of my said daughters and in such
25    Shares parts and proportions as my said Wife shall at any time
26    during her natural Life by her last Will and Testament in Writing
27    or by any Writing purporting to be her last Will and Testament to
28    be by her Sealed and Delivered in the presence of two or more
29    credible Witnesses Give or Bequeath the same And for want or
30    default of such Gift or Bequest I give and Bequeath the same
31    rest and residue of my said personal Estate (from and after the
32    decease of my said Wife) unto all and every my said daughters
33    equally to be divided between them share and share alike And
34    I do hereby make nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife
35    the Executrix of this my last Will and Testament And Lastly
36    revoking all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore
37    made I declare this to be my last Will and Testament In
38    Witness whereof I the said William Blake the said Testator have to
39    this my last Will and Testament set my Hand and Seal the Fifth
40    day of April in the Twenty Sixth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign
41    Lord King George the Third And in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
42    William Blake
43    Seven Hundred and Eighty Six
44    Signed Sealed Published and Declared                                      
45    by the said Testator William Blake as and for
46    his last Will and Testament in the presence
47    of us The Interlineation on the other side being
48    first made
49    Conway Whithorne
50    J Hill
51    25th June 1787
52    The above named Sarah Blake the widow
53    and sole Executrix was duly sworn
54    before me
55    James Webster Surrogate
56    Sworn to less
57    than £100
58    This Will was proved the 25th June 1787 Before the Reverend James
59    Webster Surrogate to the Worshipful Edward Cooke Master of arts Vicar
60    general in Spirituals of the Right Reverend Father in God Samuel by
61    divine Permission Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Gloucester and of his
62    Episcopal Consistory Official principal lawfully constituted by Sarah
63    Blake the widow and sole Executrix etc to whom and having first Sworn well
64    and faithfully to administer the said Will and also to Exhibit an Inventory
65    and Render an Account etc

Will of John Blake, Clerk, Feyreford, Gloucestershire - The National Archives PROB 11/37/293, probated 4 Apr 1555

This, the will of John Blake, Cleric gives as his location Fairford, Gloucestershire but in the Diocese of Worcester. It isn’t particularly close to any known Blake area. From the Blake Pedigree Chart held at the Swindon and Wiltshire Record Office there is a John Blake Lord Abbot of Cirencester in County Gloucestershire. The time frame would be similar to this John. He does not, however, mention any family although his brother William would be living in Lacock in this time period. Feyreford is nine miles east of Cirencester. This is after the dissolution of the monasteries during the Reign of Henry VIII which continued through the Reign of Edward VI. The fate of the Lord Abbot of Cirencester is unknown and could he have moved on to Feyreford where there was a house that still remained? There was a large church there dedicated to Saint Mary.

I still have about 70 wills from the Gloucestershire Record Office and included in that group are more wills from this early time period.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 12 Apr 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/37/293
Testator:  John Blake, Clerk
Place: Feyreford, Gloucestershire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 2 Jan 1552, probated 4 Apr 1555
Condition: 16th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[estament] Joh[an]n Blake clerc

1    In dei nomine Amen seconde die Januarij Anno d[omi]ni Mell[is]imo quinqentisimo quinquagesimo
2    secondo et Anno Regni d[omi]ni uird Edwardi Sexti dei gracia Anglie Franciae et Hibernie Rexs fidei
3    defensores et in terra Ecclesia[e] Anglicane et Hibernice supremum capits Sexto I Joh[an]n Blake of
4    Feyreford in the dioc[ese] of Wurcestor Clerke being sicke in bodye and hole of mynd and in parfict
5    Remembrannce do make and ordeyne this my last will and testament in maner and forme folowinge
6    First I bequeathe my soule to th[e ]handes of Almyghtie god my Savior and Redemer whiche by the power
7    of his most precious blod have delyv[er]ed me from all my synnes and reconciled me unto god the father
8    by the merits of his deathe and my bodye to be buried wher yt shall please myne Executours John Hill and
9    John Dawbeney Jun[jior] my servantes and this to paye all my debts whiche I do owe And also to parforme
10    and paye all my legacies as hereafter folowith Fyrst I bequeathe and give to the poore mens boxe
11    In FeyreFord iijs viij d Item I bequeathe to John Wall my chapelyn Sixe pounds in money and A gowne
12    Item I give to Thomas Liggen gentleman xl s and his lyverie Item I give to Thomas Clarke my s[er]vant
13    Twenty shillings in money and his lyverie Item to Richard Merynge xxxv s iiij d and his lyverye Item
14    to Willyam Carter xxxiiij s and his lyv[er]ye Item to Roger Wyatt xxvj s vij d and his lyv[er]ye  Item to
15    Richard Hall xxvj s viij d and his lyverie Item to John Faregose xxxs and his Lyverye  Item to
16    Reynold Hooles xxxs and his lyverie Item to Richard Woodward xxs and his Lyverie Item to
17    Margery Levcy xxv s and one petycote Item to Faith Bryger xxiij s and one petycote Item to
18    Katheryn Ewen xxiij s and one peticote All this I give ev[er]y of them in full payment of their wages
19    and lyvereys All the rest of my goodes and cattalls moveable and unmoveable not given nor
20    bequeathed after my debts and Legacies be fully contentyd and paide and my funeral done I give
21    and bequeathe unto John Hill and John Dawbeney Jun[ior] above said my s[er]vantes whom I make and
22    ordeyne my sole Executors And further I make Overseers of this my last Will and testament Sir
23    Anthony Kyngston knight Sir Walter Buckeler knight and John George gent to the intent that they
24    shall see all my debts and Legacies abovesaid paide and fulfilled and myne Executors quyatly to
25    Incyon all the rest of my goodes above bequeathed and geven to them And they and ev[er]y of them myne
26    Overseers abovesaid to have for their Labors and paynes in the premises fower marks apece in money
27    to be paid to them by myne Executors Thes p[er]sons insigng baring wytnes of this my last will
28    Mathew Glame they being Curate Richard Stychall Richard More Thomas Smieth
29    Willyam Grene By me John Blake prest
30    Probatum fuit testum apud London coram et Capitlo Ecclie Metrovo xxi Cant
31    Sei Archie pali ibin Jain Vacan quarto die mensis Aprilis Anno domini Millesimo quingentisimo quinqua
32    gesimo quinto Juramento Johis Dawbeney Executor in humoi testament noiat ac approbatum etc
33    insumatum etc comissa fuit adminstraro omi bonor etc defuncti preset etc de bene et fideler
34    administrand ead Acde pleno Juro etc Exhibend Ao sumta dei Singelia Jurate Johanne Hill
35    Executore etiam in humoi testament moiate demortico

Will of John Blake the Elder, Weaver, Chesham, Buckinghamshire - The National Archives PROB 11/501/397, probated 22 Jun 1708

This will too was misfiled and is for John Blake the Elder of Chesham, Buckinghamshire. This will adds greatly to the knowledge of the earlier will of Job Blake published earlier as a blog:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/01/will-of-job-blake-elder-clothier.html

The present testator John (married to Rebecca perhaps as his second wife since Job calls her his mother in law) names two sons John and Job and a son in law John Payne so perhaps his daughter has died.

This brings us back closer to the time of the will of Alexander Blake 1600 and blogged earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/will-of-alexander-blake-of-chesham.html

also of Chesham and he mentions his children Samuel, Joshua, Thomas, Mary, and Martha. All of these children were born between 1588 and 1598 and one of the two sons Joshua or Thomas could be the father of the present testator. Samuel was buried 8 Feb 1604. Alexander Blake married Elizabeth Hick 17 May 1587 at Chesham.

There was a marriage of John Blake, testator, to Rebecca Wheeler 28 Oct 1686 at Chesham (Family Search (M02080-2).

There was a baptism of John Blake son of William and Martha Blake baptized 22 Jan 1625 at Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Who is William?

Some new information taking Job back another generation but still the mystery of Alexander and whether he was the ancestor of this John.

I have included the latin probate although there are likely errors as I do not recognize a couple of the words. But it does explain that Job's wife Mary probated both wills with the permission of the court because her husband Job had died before probating his father's will over which he was executor.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Jan 2014
Source: The National Archives PROB 11/501/397
Testator: John Blake the Elder, Weaver
Place: Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 18 Jul 1704, probated 22 Jun 1708
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Joh[ann]is Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I John Blake the Elder of Chesham in the County of
3    Bucks Weaver being of a sound and perfect disposing
4    mind memory and understanding (thanks be therefor
5    given to Almighty God) do make and ordain this my
6    Last Will and Testament in manner and form following
7    (that is to say) First and principally I commend my
8    soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator
9    trusting to Enjoy Everlasting Life through the Meritts
10    of Jesus Christ my ever blessed Saviour and Redeemer
11    And my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried in
12    the Church Yard of Chesham aforesaid in such manner as
13    to my Executor herein after Named shall seem meet And
14    as to the worldly Estate wherewith God in his mercy hath
15    blessed me withal I do hereby give devise and dispose the
16    same in manner and form following viz[ a vi]t Imprimis I
17    give and devise unto my Son in Law John Payne of
18    Chesham aforesaid Brewer Yearly and every Year during
19    the Term of his natural Life the summe of Five and
20    Thirty shillings of lawfull English Money to be paid to
21    him by my Executor herein after Named by equall quarterly
22    payments at the Four usuall Feasts or dayes of payment
23    in the Yeare (that is to say) at the Feast of St Michael the
24    Archangell St Thomas the Apostle the Annunciation of
25    our blessed Lady St Mary the Virgin and St John the
26    Baptist the first payment to begin and be made at
27    such of the said Feasts or dayes of payment which
28    shall First and next happen after my decease Item I
29    give and bequeath unto my Son John Blake of Chesham
30    aforesaid Clothworker my Standing Bedsted with the
31    Matt and Cord one Flock Bed two bolsters two blankets
32    one Coverlett my drawing Table and Frame my joined
33    Form my boowded Chest two paire of sheets and my best
34    brass Kettle provided he suffer my Son Job Blake and
35    his Assignes quietly to take down and carry a way to and
36    for his own use the little Furnace hanging in the now
37    dwelling house of my said Son John (the which my said
    [Page 2]
38    Son Job bought and sett there at his own charge) together
39    with the frame of bricks wherein it hangs and also his
40    Racks or Conters now standing on my Coippyhold Land
41    Item I give and bequeath unto my said Son John Blake
43    after the decease of Rebecca my Wife my Jack with the
44    Lines and weights and one Firkin Item I give and
45    bequeath unto my said Son John Blake the summe of
46    Twenty pounds of lawfull English Money to be paid unto
47    him by my Executor herein after Named within six
48    Months next after my decease Item I give unto the
49    Four Children of my said Son John Blake (viz[ a vi]t) to
50    John Job George and Edward the summe of Four
51    pounds a peece of like lawfull English Money to be paid
52    unto them respectively by my Executor herein after
53    Named within one Year next after my decease Item
54    I give and devise unto my Son Job Blake and to his
55    Heires and Assignes for ever all that my Cottage or
56    Tenement with the Appurtenances in Chesham
57    aforesaid wherein I now dwell with all Outhouses Edificies
58    buildings Yards gardens and backsides thereto belonging
59    Item I give to my Grandchildren Job Mary Lydia
60    Caleb Joshua Ursula and Sarah Children of my said
61    Son Job Blake the summe of Four pounds a peece of
62    like Money Item I give and bequeath unto my said
63    Wife Rebecca all such household Goods Furniture
64    and implements of household which were her own
65    before our intermarriage Item I give to my said
66    Wife Rebecca the use of three pairs of my Sheets which
67    she shall choose two kettles two Skilletts one warming pan
68    one scummer one pottage pott three pewter platters
69    two fruit dishes one pewter Flaggon one quart pott
70    one Table three Joyned Stools one little Table with a
71    drawer Five Chairs one pott hanger one pair of
72    Bellows fire shovel and Tongs one paire of Andirons
73    one Jack with the Lines and weights one Spitt two small
74    drink before the three Rivers two Boles one Flannell blanket
75    Six Napkins one pillow and pillowbear one Chest and
76    one box during her natural Life if she shall continue a
77    Widow sole and unmarried and continue her hatita[t]ion
78    and abode in the house wherein wee now dwell but if it
79    shall so happen that she shall Marry again or remove
80    her habitation out of the said house that then in either
81    of the said Cases my Executor herein after Named shall
82    take into his Custody all the said Goods last mentioned
83    and forthwith dispose the same or such of them as are
84    herein before directed to be disposed of after my said
85    Wifes decease to my said respective Legatees wording as
86    they were to have had the same after her decease Item I
87    give to my said Wife the summe of Forty shillings of like
88    Money to be paid to her by my Executor herein after
89    Named forthwith after my decease All the Rest and
90    Residue of my goods chattles moneys and personal Estate
    [Page 3]
91    whatsoever undisposed of after my debts Legacies and
92    Funeral Expences shall be thereout first satisfied paid and
93    discharged I do hereby give and bequeath unto my said Son
94    Job Blake And I do Nominate constitute ordain and
95    appoint my said Son Job Blake to be sole Executor of this
96    my Will And I do hereby revoke anull and make void all
97    former and other Wills by me made In Witness whereof
98    to this my last Will and Testatment contained in three Sheets
99    of paper to each sheet have sett my hand and to the First
100    and last sheets have sett my Seal the Eighteenth day of July in
101    the third Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady Anne by
102    the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland
103    Queen defender of the Faith etc Anno d[omi]ni One thousand Seven
104    hundred and Four the mark of John Blake the Elder Signed
105    and sealed and by the above Named John Blake the
106    Testator published and declared to be his last Will and
107    Testament in the presence of us whose Names are under
108    written and were subscribed as Wittnesses thereunto in the
109    presence of the said Testator Willim Hill Jno Smith
110    Anne Clifton
111    Vicesimo Secundo die Mensis Junij Anno
112    d[omi]ni Millesimo Septinantisimo Octavo Einanavit Commissio
113    Maria Blake Vidua Relictae et Executrici Nominata in
114    Testamento Job Blake defuncti (dum vixit) Filij et Extoris
115    inici Nominati in Testamento Johannis Blake weaver de
116    Chesham in Com Bucks defuncti habentis etc ad adstrandinn
117    bona juxa et credita dicti defuncti juxta tenorem et effectum
118    Testamenti ipenis defuncti (eo quod dictus Job Blake Executor
119    in dicto Testamento Nominatus antegnam omis Executioris
120    dicti Testamenti in se atteptasset mortem etiam abut) de bene
121    et fideliter administrando eadem ad Sancta dei Evangelia
122    Jurat

Will of Job Blake the elder, Clothier - The National Archives PROB 11/501/398, probated 22 Jun 1708

The will of Job Blake is from Buckinghamshire and I have misfiled this particular will in Hampshire. Looking back at the Buckinghamshire wills and there is a mention of the marriage of Job Blake and Mary Skilton in 1703. The exact details appear to be 10 Sep 1704 from the Family Search Website (M02080-2). This is likely the marriage of Job the son of the testator which would put the year of birth for this Job possibly in the mid 1600s.

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/05/will-of-priscilla-blake-widow-chesham.html

An earlier blog for the will of Alexander Blake of Chesham mentions sons Samuel, Joshua and Thomas and daughter Mary and Martha but this being 100 years earlier one can not really come to any conclusions on the ancestry of Job from this will:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/will-of-alexander-blake-of-chesham.html

No further information found on this family.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 7 Jan 2014
Source: The National Archives PROB 11/501/398
Testator: Job Blake the elder, Clothier
Place: Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 20 Mar 1707, probated 22 Jun 1708
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

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

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Job Blake the Elder of Chesham in the County of Bucks
3    Clothier being sick and weak in Body but of a sound and
4    perfect disposing mind memory and understanding thanks
5    be therefor given to Almnighty God I do make and declare this
6    my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is
7    say) First and principally I commend my Soul to Almighty
8    God my Creator and my Body I commit to the Earth to be
9    decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix herein after
10    Named And as to my temporal Estate I dispose thereof as
11    followeth (viz[ a vi]t) Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my loving
12    Wife Mary Blake and her Assignes all that Cottage or
13    Tenement with the Appurtenances in Chesham aforesaid
14    wherein my Mother in Law Rebecca Blake now dwelleth
15    immediately after the decease of her the said Rebecca for
16    and during the natural Life of her my said Wife Item I
17    give to my Son Job Blake Five shillings of lawfull money
18    of Great Britain to be paid him by my Executrix herein
19    after Named out of my personal Estate forthwith after my
20    decease he having lately had a portion of my said Estate
21    Item I give to my said Son Job one paire of Flaxen Sheets
22    two paires of Hemp Sheets and Six Napkins Item I give
23    and devise to my son Caleb Blake the summe of Fifty
24    pounds of like Money to be paid him by my Executrix
25    herein after Named at his Age of One and twenty Years
26    And in case my said Wife after my decease shall Marry
27    again then as an increase of the portion of my said Son
28    Caleb I give and devise to him the further Summe of ten
29    pounds to be paid to him at the Age aforesaid Item I
30    give to my said Son Caleb one pair of Flaxen Sheets two
31    pair of Hemp Sheets and Six Napkins Item I give and
32    devise to my Son Joshua the like summe of Fifty pounds
33    to be likewise paid to him by my Executrix herein after named
34    at his Age of One and Twenty Years And also the further
35    summe of Ten pounds if my said Wife shall happen to
36    Marry again to be paid him at his Age abovesaid Item
37    I give to my said Son Joshua one paire of Flaxen Sheets
38    two pairs of Hemp Sheets and Six Napkins Item I give
39    and devise to my daughter Mary Blake the summe of
40    Thirty pounds of like Money to be paid to her by my
41    Executrix herein after Named at her Age of one and
43    Twenty Years or day of Marriage which shall first happen
44    Item I give to her my said daughter one pair of Flaxen
45    Sheets and two pairs of Hemp Sheets and Six Napkins
46    Item I give to my daughter Lydia the like summe of
47    Thirty pounds to be also paid to her by my Executrix
48    herein after Named at her Age of one and Twenty Years
49    or day of Marriage which shall First happen Item I also
50    give to my said daughter Lydia one pair of Flax Sheets two
51    pair of Hemp Sheets and Six Napkins Item I likewise
52    give to my daughter Ursula the like summe of thirty pounds
53    to be likewise paid to her by my Executrix herein after
54    Named at her Age of one and Twenty Years of day of
55    Marriage which shall first happen Item I give to my said
56    daughter one pair of flaxen Sheets and two pairs of Hemp
57    Sheets and Six Napkins Item I also give and devise to
58    my daughter Sarah the like summe of Thirty pounds to
59    be likewise paid to her by my Executrix at her Age of
60    One and Twenty Years of day of Marriage which shall
61    first happen and also the like number of like Sheets and
62    Napkins And in case my said Wife after my decease
63    shall Marry again that then and in that case for an
64    increase of my said daughters Portions I give and
65    devise to them respectively the first summe of Ten
66    pounds a peece to be paid to them respectively by my
67    Executrix herein after Named together with their afore
68    mentioned Legacies And to enable my said Wife to
    [Page 2]
69    pay all such just debts which I shall owe at the time of
70    my decease the charge of my Funerall and for the Maintenance
71    of my Younger Children and for the placing my Youngest
72    Son an Apprentice which I desire may be done as soon as
73    conveniently may be and to pay the Legacies herein before
74    disposed of I do give and devise unto my said Wife all my
75    Stock in Trade Implements utensils belonging to the
76    Clothing and dyeing Trades Moneys household goods
77    Creditts and personal Estate whatsoever in disposed of
78    And I do hereby Nominate constitute ordain and
79    appoint my said Wife Mary Blake to be the sole
80    Executrix of this my Will And I do hereby revoke anull
81    and make void all former Wills by me made In Wittness
82    whereof to this my last Will and Testament contained
83    in two sheets of paper to both sheets I have sett my hand
84    and seal the two and twentieth day of March in the
85    Seventh Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady
86    Queen Anne Anno d[omi]no One thousand seven hundred
87    and Seven Job: Blake Signed and sealed by the
88    Testator Job: Blake and by him published and declared
89    to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
90    whose Names are underwritten and were subscribed as
91    Wittnesses hereunto in the presence of the said Testator
92    John Welch William Dearmer Willm Hill

Will of Robert Blake, Esquire, Ash Prior, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/1097/437, probated 5 Dec 1782

Robert Blake the testator is known. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth Blake. Robert’s will was probated yesterday:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/10/will-of-robert-blake-gentleman-ash.html

I have written away to see if I can get more information on the Cridland family from the person who runs the Cridland one name study at the Guild. I will wait for that information if any before commenting further on this will. Noticing that this will brings together a lot of property that has been mentioned in earlier wills.

From another researcher who has sent me a copy of the will of  Sarah Chappell widow of James Chappell. Sarah Cridland married James Chappell in Milverton by licence 20 Dec 1767 (he was a widower) and Sarah was buried in Milverton 12 Jul 1809 aged 69 years with James having been buried in Milverton in 1794 aged 62 years. Elizabeth/Betty the daughter of Sarah and James Chappell, according to this researcher, married Thomas Tutton Kynfton of Westbury in 1797.

Thank you very much to the researcher for sharing this information with me.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1097/437
Testator: Robert Blake, Esquire
Place: Ash Prior, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 22 Aug 1782, probated 5 Dec 1782
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Robert
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: Esq[uie]r

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me Robert Blake of Ashpriors in the County of Somerset
3    Esquire which I make and publish for the disposal of all my
4    Worldly Substance Estate and Effects whatsoever in manner and form
5    following (that is to say) First I give and devise unto my dear Wife
6    Frances Blake all my Messuages Lands Tenements and heredit[ament]s
7    situate and lying in the several Parishes of Stawley and Ashbrittle
8    in the said County of Somerset To hold the same with their several
9    and respective Rights Members and Appurtenances unto her my
10    said Wife Frances her heirs and Assigns for ever Also I give and
11    devise unto my said Wife Frances Blake all my Messuages Lands
12    Tenements and hereditaments situate and lying in the Parish of
13    Milverton in the said County of Somerset To hold the same with their
14    Rights
    [Page 2]
15    Rights Members and Appurtenances unto my said Wife Frances
16    her heirs and Assigns for ever Subject unto all and every incumbrance
17    or incumbrances affecting the same Also I give devise and bequeath
18    all and every my Messuages Lands Tenements and hereditaments
19    situate lying and being in the several Parishes of Ashpriors
20    aforesaid Halse Huish Langport either Stowey Stogursey and
21    elsewhere in the said County of Somerset not herein before devised
22    unto her my said Wife Frances and her Assigns for and during
23    the term of her natural life or with respect to such parts or
24    so much thereof as are held for any long term or terms of
25    years absolute for and during so many years of such term or
26    terms as shall run out and expire in the natural life time of
27    her my said Wife without impeachment of or for any manner
28    of waste and with full power to commit waste She and they
29    paying thereout unto my Brother John Blake of Halse aforesaid
30    Surgeon and his Assigns one Annuity clear yearly Rent or
31    Sum of thirty pounds of lawfull Money of Great Britain
32    clear of all deductions whatsoever during the term of his natural
33    life by half yearly payments the first payment to begin and
34    be made at the end of the first six Calendar Months next after
35    my death to whom I do hereby give devise and bequeath the
36    same with a power of distress in him my said Brother in case
37    of non payment as in cases of rack Rent And from and after
38    the death or decease of her my said Wife I give and devise the
39    same Messuages Lands Tenements hereditaments and Premises
40    unto him my said Brother John Blake and his Assigns for
41    and during the term of his natural life or with respect to such
42    parts thereof as are held for any long term or terms of years
43    absolute for and during so many years of such term or terms as
44    shall run out and expire in the natural life time of him my
45    said Brother he and they committing no wilful waste spoil or
46    destitution to or on the said Premises or any part thereof
47    and taking therefrom proper and sufficient Timber and other
48    materials for the necessary repairs only of the Premises and
49    from and after the death or decease of the Survivor of them
50    the said Frances Blake and John Blake I give devise and
51    bequeath all and every the same Messuages Lands Tenements
52    and hereditaments unto my kinsman John Cridland of
53    Milverton aforesaid Gentleman and James Chappell of the same
54    place Gentleman To hold the same with their several and respective
55    Rights Members and Appurtenances unto the said John Cridland
56    and James Chappell their heirs and Assigns with respect to such
57    parts and so much thereof as are Freehold or Fee Simple and unto
58    the said John Cridland and James Chappell their Executors
59    Administrators and Assigns with respect to such parts and so much
60    thereof as are held for any long term or terms of years absolute
61    for and during all such Estate or Estates term or terms and
62    Interest as shall be therein then to come and unexpired Upon
63    Trust that they the said John Cridland and James Chappell
64    and the Survivor of them and the heirs Executors Administrators
65    and Assigns of such Survivor do and shall as soon as conveniently
66    may be after the several deaths or deceases of my said Wife and
    [Page 3]
67    Brother either at publick Auction or by private contract and in
68    such manner as they shall think best and most convenient sell and
69    dispose of all and singular the said Premises with their several and
70    respective Appurtenances to the best purchaser or purchasors that
71    can or may be had or gotten for the same and grant release
72    convey and assure the same Premises respectively unto the purchaser
73    or purchasors thereof his her or their heirs Executors Administrators
74    and Assigns accordingly And upon this further Trust and Confidence to
75    pay and divide the Monies arising by such Sale or Sales unto and
76    equally amongst them the said John Cridland my kinswomen Sarah
77    Wife of the said James Chappell Elizabeth Cridland Levinia Cridland
78    and Charlotte Cridland Children of my Uncle Richard Cridland of
79    Milverton aforesaid Gentleman the Children of my kinswoman Frances
80    the late Wife of Robert Pearce of Milverton aforesaid grocer and
81    my kinsman Robert Blake of Cooks Court Carey Street London
82    Gentleman and their respective Executors Administrators and Assigns
83    share and share alike the Children of the said Frances Pearce and
84    their Representatives to be entitled to one seventh part only the same
85    as I intended for their Mother had She been living provided always
86    and it is my express Will that the acquittances and Receipts of my
87    said Trustees and the Survivor of them and the heirs Executors
88    Administrators and Assigns of such Survivor for the Monies arising by
89    such Sale or Sales aforesaid of my several Estates Lands and Premises
90    aforesaid to the several persons who shall become the purchasors
91    thereof respectively by virtue of or under this my Will shall be good
92    and sufficient discharges in the Law for the same to the said several
93    purchasors their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns
94    and that such purchasors shall not be liable to look to the
95    application of their purchase Money or be any ways answerable
96    or account[t]able for any loss of misapplication thereof provided
97    and it is my Will and meaning and I do hereby order and
98    direct that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Trustees
99    their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns in the
100    first place to direct retain reimburse and satisfy themselves
101    respectively out of the said Trust Estate and Premises or any part
102    thereof not only for all Jouries and attendances but also all
103    such Costs Charges and Expences as they or any or either of them
104    shall or may bear pay sustain or be put into for or by reason
105    or means or on account of the several Trusts hereby in them
106    reposed or in the execution thereof and that they my said Trustees
107    their respective heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns shall
108    not be chargeable with or answerable for any more Monies than
109    they shall actually receive or shall come to their respective hands
110    by virtue of this my Will neither they shall be accountable for or
111    chargeable with the Acts of each other but each of them for and
112    with his own respective Acts only Also I give unto my Father in Law
113    Thomas Cridland my Uncle the said Richard Cridland my
114    Brother in Law Thomas Cridland the younger my Aunt Susanna
115    Spurway and my Aunts Sarah and Betty Cridland one Mourning
116    Ring each to be delivered to them as soon as may be after my death
117    by my Executrix hereinafter named Also I give unto all my Servants
118    that shall be living with me at the time of my death one years
    [Page 4]
119    Wages to be paid them within one year next after my Interment
120    by my said Executrix And lastly all the rest and residue of my
121    Goods Chattels Rights Credits personal and Testamentary Estate Substance
122    and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever after payment of my just
123    Debts Legacies and Funeral Expences I give will and bequeath unto
124    her my said Wife Frances Blake whom I make and constitute sole
125    Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
126    former Wills by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof
127    I the said Robert Blake the Testator have to this my last Will
128    and Testament comprised in or written on three Sheets of paper set
129    my hand to the first two Sheets and my hand and Seal to this
130    third and last Sheet thereof the twenty second day of August in the
131    year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two
132    Rob[er]t Blake Signed Sealed published and declared by the
133    said Robert Blake the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament
134    in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and also
135    in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses
136    thereto John Southey Joseph Hill Edward Bryant
137    This Will was proved at London the fifty day of
138    December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
139    and eighty two before the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert Doctor
140    of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court
141    of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Frances Blake
142    Widow the Relict of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the
143    said Will to whom Administration was granted of all and singular
144    the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased She having
145    been first sworn by Commission duly to Administer.

Will of James Blake, Malster, Wiveliscombe, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/1073/114, probated 10 Jan 1781

The testator is James Blake, malster, at Wiveliscombe. I find a marriage between James Blake and Betty Hancock 30 Apr 1772 which is likely his son and daughter in law mentioned in the will. Witnesses for that marriage by licence were Thomas and William Hancock. Harriot Blake, mentioned in his will as a grand daughter, married William Webber 3 Sep 1800. Mary Blake married William Honeywell 25 Sep 1777 and Jane Blake married John Hill 11 Feb 1788. Betty Blake married William Shaddack 20 Jul 1760. Another interesting entry is Elizabeth Blake married to James Mays 15 May 1739 and Nathaniel Blake married to Elizabeth Cade 22 Mar 1738 (Nathaniel of Ash Priors and Elizabeth of Stogumber). Judith Blake married Thomas Harris 20 Nov 1623 and Richard Blake married Johan Wood 9 Apr 1685. Francis Blake married Elizabeth Collard 2 Feb 1748. All of these marriages at Wiveliscombe.

James is likely the James Blake buried 25 Nov 1780 from the OPC website for Wiveliscombe. The Ann Blake buried 8 Aug 1783 was a widow.

Protestation Returns for Wiveliscombe reveal no Blake families there in 1641-42. Arthur Blake was there in 1653 when he left his will. Closeby to Wiveliscombe is Halse just four miles away. I am curious if this family at Wiveliscombe in the 1700s is descendant of the Halse Blake family.

Looking at the names mentioned in the will James likely has a sister Elizabeth and a sister Jane as well as his brothers John, William and Francis. These people were all likely born between 1700 and 1720 or earlier.

Names mentioned in the will:
James Blake, Wiveliscombe, testator
John Blake, brother
William Blake, brother
Francis Blake, brother
Francis Mays, kinsman
William Mays, kinsman
James Mays, kinsman
______ Leigh or Ley, daughter of sister Jane
Anne Blake, wife of testator
Harriott Blake, grand daughter
Betty Blake, daughter in law, mother of Harriott (this is likely Betty Hancock married to his son James
Mr William Hancock, son of Mr John Hancock, overseer
Robert Webber, witness
George Hill, witness

JOHN HANCOCK, of Ford, eldest son of Philip Hancock and Mary Mitchell. Born 1712, died at Ford, 1795, married Elizabeth Rich, of Riches Holford. Had seven children.

1. Mary, married Thomas Boucher, of Ford.

2. Dorothy, born 1737, married Wm. Gore, of Wiveliscombe.

3. Philip (III.), born 1739, married Mary Crocker.

4. John, born 1742, married Sarah Hancock, of L. St. Lawrence.

5. Henry, born 1745, married Ann Hancock, of Halse.

6. Betty, born 1749, married James Blake, of Wiveliscombe.

7. William, born 1753, married Jane Chorley.

According to the OPC for Wiveliscombe, Somerset page, Harriot was baptized 26 May 1773 daughter of James and Betty. She appears to be the only child baptized to this couple in the time period.

Are the three Mays mentioned nephews and sons of his possible sister Elizabeth who married James Mays in 1739?

John and Mary Blake baptized a son Francis 21 Aug 1724 at Wiveliscombe and a son William 15 Oct 1719. Are these brothers to the testator? There was a James baptized 22 Jul 1717 to John and Ann (perhaps they brothers did not share the same mother). There isn’t a baptism for John or Elizabeth.

The known Blake family at Wiveliscombe was Arthur Blake son of Humphrey and Elizabeth Blake and married to Jane Tomms. However, in Arthur’s will they had two children only – Elizabeth and Mary. But Arthur had three siblings – John, Humphry and Richard. Humphry in particular had a large family  which included six sons although some are known already through their wills.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1073/114
Testator: James Blake, Malster
Place: Wiveliscombe, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 7 May 1776, probated 10 Jan 1781
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: James
[Margin]: Blake

1    In The Name of God Amen
2    I James Blake of the parish of Wiveliscombe
3    in the County of Somerset Malster being of a sound
4    Mind Memory and Understanding do make and
5    ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in
6    manner and form following that is to say I give
7    and bequeath unto my three Brothers John William
8    and Francis one Guinea apiece and to be paid
9    unto them respectively within one month after my
10    decease by my Executrix hereinafter named
11    or at any time after when demanded and if either
12    of my said brothers should happen to die before
13    me then it is my Will that the children of my
14    deceased brother if more than one shall have
15    the Guines so bequeathed as aforesaid and to be
16    paid unto them equally share and share alike I
17    further give and bequeath unto my three Kinsmen
18    Francis Mays William Mays and James Mays
19    seven shillings apiece and to be paid unto them
20    within one Month after my decease by my
21    Executrix as aforesaid I further give and bequeath
22    unto my Kinswoman __________Leigh or Ley Daughter
23    of my Sister Jane one Guinea and to be paid unto
24    her as aforesaid by my Executrix hereinafter named
25    I give devise and bequeath unto Anne my beloved
26    Wife all my Goods Chattells Monies and Securities
27    of Monies and all other my Effects of what nature
28    or kind soever that I shall die possessed of for her
29    whole and sole use and benefit during her Natural
30    life and after my said Wifes decease it is my will
31    and I do hereby as far as in me lieth give devise
32    and bequeath the same unto my Granddaughter
33    Harriott Blake for her whole and sole use and
34    benefit as I do likewise hereby nominate constitute
35    and appoint the said Anne my beloved Wife to be whole
36    and sole Executrix of this my Will and whereas
37    Mistress Betty Blake my Daughter in law now
38    stands indebted unto me by Virtue of a Note of hand
    [Page 2]
39    bearing date the seventh day of May 1776 in the
40    full Sum of twenty one pounds which said sum of twenty one pounds with its lawfull
41    interest I do hereby give and bequeath the same
42    unto my Granddaughter Harriott Blake when She
43    doth arrive unto the Age of twenty one years And it
44    is my Will that my said Executrix do see that the
45    said Sum of twenty one pounds with its lawfull Interest
46   be paid unto my said Granddaughter accordingly
47    and I desire my good Friend Mr William Hancock
48    son of Mr John Hancock at Ford to be aiding and
49    assisting with my Executrix in the Management
50    of my Business and affairs as much as possibly and
51    conveniently be ran after my decease In Witness
52    whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
53    twenty ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one
54    thousand seven hundred and eighty James Blake
55    Signed Sealed published and declared by the
56    said James Blake the Testator as and for his
57    last Will and Testament in the presence of us who
58    have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereunto
59    Robert Webber George Hill
60    This Will was proved at London on the
61    tenth day of January in the Year of our Lord one
62    thousand seven hundred and eighty one before the Right
63    Worshipfull Peter Calvert doctor of Laws Master keeper
64    or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury
65    lawfully constituted by the Oath of Ann Blake widow
66    the Relict of the deceased and sole Executrix named
67    named in the said Will to whom administration
68    was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattells
69    and Credits of the said deceased she having been
70    first sworn by Commission duly to administer

Will of Jane Blake widow of All Harrows Barking, London - National Archives PROB 11/343/27, probated 23 Oct 1673

The testator Jane Blake has been married three times with George Blake being her last husband. Her first marriage was to Steven Tickner 25 Jan 1624 at Saint Benet Pauls Wharf, London, England (M00136-1 Family Search). Possibly the baptism of their second son Stephen Tickner was 23 Sep 1627 at Saint Matthew Friday Street, London, England (P00150-1 Family Search). Thomas was the oldest possibly but did not find a baptism for Thomas Tickner

A page from Boyd's Inhabitants of London for Simon Maton of St Matthew Friday St and he was married 21 May 1637 at Stepney Midd to Jane Tickner widow of Stephen of St Matthew Friday St (Simon was a girdler). Simon's will was dated 1651. Simon and Jane had one daughter Jane baptized 18 Jul 1638. In the will it appears that Jane married Thomas Bell although the record on George's page in Boyd's Inhabitants of London indicated that Elizabeth married Thomas Bell. The IGI does indicate that Thomas Bell married Elizabeth Blake 9 May 1665 at Saint Martin Orgar and Saint Clement Eastcheap, London (M00139-1 Family Search). I must admit that I wonder if the marriage for Thomas Bell is correct. They have five children by 1673 although certainly not impossible but George doesn't mention these children. I wonder if Jane/Elizabeth is Jane Maton daughter of Simon Maton and Jane (Noell) (Ticknor) Maton and finally Blake.

It is interesting to have two wills that fit together although we do not learn very much about the Blake family in London from this will. Edward Noell is likely a brother to Jane as her maiden name was Noell.

There is an entry in British History Online mentioning an Edward Noell:

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50150

On 13 February 1681/2 the Old Artillery Ground was granted in perpetuity to George Bradbury and Edward Noell for £5,700, with licence to build new houses on the same. It was described as the Old Artillery Ground or Old Artillery Garden in or near the parish of St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, and on the west side of fields or places commonly called Spitalfields, containing five acres and one rood, now encompassed with a brick wall; the buildings are described much as in l681. A rent of 6s. 8d. was reserved. (ref. 62) In subsequent deeds George Bradbury is described as of the Middle Temple, esquire, and Edward Noell as of the Inner Temple, gentleman. They were probably associated with Barbon in this grant, as the subsequent building leases were usually made by Bradbury and Noell together with Barbon and John Parsons. (fn. i)

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 Oct 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB 11/343/27
Name of testator: Jane Blake, widow
Place: All Hallows Barking, City of London, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 12 Mar 1672/73, probated 23 Oct 1673
Read: Electronic file images
Condition: 17th century, middle English, small writing
[Margin] T[esta]m[ent] Jana
[Margin] Blake 12

1    In the name of God Amen
2    the Twelfth day of March In the yeare of our Lord 1672 And
3    in the five and Twentieth yeare of the Raigne our Sove-
4    raigne lord Charles the Second by the grace of God King
5    of England Scotland France and Ireland and defender of the Faith etc
6    I Jane Blake of London widdow Executrix of the last will and
7    Testament of George Blake Esquier late of the Parish of
8    Alhallowes
    [Page 2]
9    Alhallowes Barking London deceased being stricken in yeares but of
10    perfect mind and memory (Blessed be God therefore) And call to mind
11    the uncertaine estate of this transitory life And being willing to settle such
12    worldly Estate as God shall blesse me withall Soe as noe Strife arise touching
13    the same after my decease Doe therefore make this my last will and Testament in
14    manner and forme following First I humbly give and comitt my soule
15    unto Almighty God my Saviour and Redeemer in whom and by the meritts
16    of Jesus Christ I trust and believe assuredly to be saved and rise again to a
17    Glorious Resurrection att the last day And my body I comitt to the earth to
18    be buried in such decent manner as to my Executor hereafter named shall
19    seeme meete And as to all my worldly goods and Estate (whatsoever as God shall
20    blesse me withall att the tyme of my decease (after the debts by me oweing
21    shal[l ]be fully paid and satisfied and my Funerall Charges defrayed) I
22    give and bequeath the same as followeth (That is to say) Imprimis I
23    give and bequeath unto my loveing sonne Thomas Ticknor the summe of
24    one hundred pounds Item To my sonne Stephen Tichnor I give the Inter-
25    est money of Three hundred pounds (To witt) Eighteene pounds a yeare
26    to be paid him halfe yearly during his naturall life The same to Com[m]ence
27    from the day of my death And after the death of the said Stephen Tick-
28    nor I dispose of the said Three hundred pounds as followeth (That is
29    to say I give and bequeath Two hundred pounds thereof unto my
30    loveing daughter Jane Bell And one hundred pounds the Remainder
31    thereof I give devise and bequeath unto my loveing Grandaughter
32    Jane Raymond Item I give devise and bequeath unto my said Grand-
33    daughter Jane Raymond the summe of five hundred pounds more of
34    lawfull money of England To be paid unto her in such manner as
35    hereafter is men[t]ioned (That is to say) Three hundred pounds thereof
36    to be paid her att the age of one and twenty yeares or day of marriage
37    which shall First happen one hundred pounds more thereof to be paid
38    unto her within twelve moneths then next following And one hundred
39    pounds the remainder thereof To be paid unto her with twelve mo-
40    neths then next ensueing Item I give devise and bequesth unto my
41    loveing sonne in law Thomas Bell of London merchant and Edward Noell
42    of Clements Junior gentleman their Executors administrators and assignes
43    All my part share right title Interest Terme of yeares to come Clayme
44    and demands whatsoever in the Coal Farme and Lease hold from my
45    Lord Townsend and which I hold as Relict of my late husband Upon
46    Spechall Trust and Confidence That they the said Thomas Bell and Edward
47    Noell their Executors and Assignes doe despose and pay the Rents Issues and
48    Proffitts thereof or which shall come  or arise thereby to such persons or
49    persons and in such manner as hereafter men[t]ioned (That is to say)
50    That they the said Thomas Bell and Edward Noell their Executors Admi-
51    nistrators and Assignes shall out of the Rents and proffitts of the said
52    lands farmes pay unto my said sonne Thomas Ticknor the summe of Five
53    pounds of lawfull money of England a yeare halfe yearly during the
54    continuance of the said lease or any interest in the said Coale Farme
55    if my said sonne Thomas Ticknor shall soe long live And Fyrst her
56    That the said Thomas Bell and Edward Noell their Executors and
57    Assignes shall out of the Rents and profitts of the said Coale Farme pay
58    unto my sonne Stephen Ticknor the like summe of Five pounds a yeare
59    halfe yearly during the Continuance of the said Lease or any Interest on
    [Page 3]
60    In the said Coale Farme if my said Sonne Stephen Ticknor shall soe
61    long live And my will is That if either of my said sonnes Thomas
62    Ticknor or Stephen Ticknor shall happen to depart this life before the
63    expiration of the said lease granted from my Lord Townsend as aforesaid
64    That then and in such case the survivor of my said Two sonnes shall
65    have receive and enjoy besides the said Five pounds a yeare to him given
66    the said Five pounds a yeare payable to the deceased in his life tyme and
67    that dureing soe long tyme as shalbe to come in the said lease of Coales
68    If the Survivor of my Two Sonnes shall soe long live And I doe further
69    declare my will and mind is That if both my said sonnes shall happen to
70    depart this life before the Expiration of the said Lease That then and in
71    such Case from and after the decease of both my said sonnes the said
72    Tenn pounds a yeare payable unto them shall goe to And I give the same
73    unto my Grandchilde Clement Bell Simon Bell Susanna Bell Thomas
74    Bell and John Bell the sonnes and daughters of my daughter Jane Bell
75    equally to be devided betwixt them part and part alike And upon
76    further trust and confidence my will and mind is That the said Thomas
77    Bell and Edward Noell their Executors and Administrators or Assignes shall
78    pay unto my said Granddaughter Jane Raymond one third part of
79    all such Rents Issues and proffitts as shalbe made of my Interest in the
80    said Coale Farme or as they shall receive And that dureing the Conti-
81    nuence of the said lease If my said Granddaughter Jane Raymond
82    shall soe long live The First payment to be made her when she
83    when she shall have attained to the age of one and Twenty years
84    or day of Marriage which shall First happen And if it shall happen
85    my said Granddaughter Jane Raymond shall happen to depart this
86    life before the Expiration of the said Lease haveing issue of her body
87    lawfully begotten or to be begotten That then the same Third of the Rents
88    Issues and Proffitts of the said Coale Farme Then to be retained for Child
89    I doe give the same unto such issue of my said Granddaughter equally
90    betwixt them And upon further Trust and Confidence my Will
91    and mind being that my said Granddaughter Jane Raymond shall
92    happen to depart this life before the expiration of the said Lease leave[
93    ing noe issue of hir body That then the said Thomas Bell and Edward
94    Noell their executors Administrators and Assignes shall pay And I doe
95    give the Third part of my Interest in the Rents and proffitts in the
96    Coale Farme unto my said Five Grandchildren Clement Bell Sy
97    mon Bell Susanna Bell Thomas Bell and John Bell equally betwixt
98    them part and part alike And upon this Further Trust and Confi-
99    dence My will and mind being That the said Thomas Bell and
100    Edward Noell their executors Administrators or Assignes shall pay
101    And I doe give devise and bequeath All the Remainder of the Rents
102    issues and proffitts of my share in the Coale Farme unto my said
103    five Grand children Clement Symon Susanna Thomas and John
104    Bell Equally betwixt them part and part alike The first payment
105    to be paid to my GrandSonnes att their severall and respective ages
106    of one and Twenty yeares And to my Granddaughter Susanna Bell
107    att the age of one and Twenty yeares or day of Marriage which shall
108    First happen And my will and mind is That if any of the said
109    Five Children of my said daughter Bell shall happen to depart this
110    life before any legacies to him or her given shall become due That
111    then and in such case the Legacie or Legacies of the pers[o]ns soe deceasing
112    shall
    [Page 4]
113    shall goe and I doe give the same amongst the Survivor of them part
114    and part alike Item I give devise and bequeath unto my sister Eliza-
115    beth Atherton the Interest money of Two hundred Thirty and foure
116    pounds (to witt) Fourteene pounds a yeare to be paid quarterly during
117    her naturall life The same to Commence from the day of my death And
118    after the death of my said sister Elizabeth Atherton I give and bequeath
119    the said Two hundred Thirty and fouer pounds unto my said Loveing
120    daughter Jane Bell Item I doe give and bequeath unto the said Edward
121    Noell the summe of Tenn pounds Sterling to buy him mourning All
122    the Rest and Residue of my goods Chattles ready money debts to me
123    oweing And other my Estate whatsoever not herein before bequeathed
124    I give and bequeath unto my Loveing Sonne in Law Thomas Bell
125    And I doe hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Loving
126    Sonne in Law Thomas Bell to be the sole and alone Executor of this my
127    Last Will and Testament And Lastly I doe hereby revoake disa-
128    null and call backe All former wills Legacies and Executors by me
129    made And doe appoint the presents onely to stand in Full force for
130    and as my Last Will and Testament In witnes whereof I have to
131    every sheete of this my last Will and Testament contayneing Five
132    in number subscribed my name and affixed my seale on the Topp of
133    them the day and yeare first above written Jane Blake Sealed
134    Published and declared by the said Testatrix the day and yeare above
135    written In the presence of Perry Lloyd John Hill SCU

Will of George Blake, Citizen and Draper of London - National Archives PROB 11/341/7, probated 25 Jan 1672/73

George Blake Citizen and Draper of the City of London is testator of this will. He is married to Jane and she is his second wife and he is her third husband. George mentions his daughters Martha and Mary and his sons Thomas and John. There is perhaps another child as he mentions his grand daughter Mary Bishop.

The will of his wife Jane Blake will follow this one.

Information was obtained from Boyds Inhabitants of London and Family Search. The marriage of Edward Holden and Mary Blake was celebrated 27 Jun 1662 at All Hallows Barking. Mary was born in 1621 according to Boyds Inhabitants of London and George. The amazing item perhaps is that Mary has had seven children in ten years (and she was 41 when she married). Edward Holden is a woollen draper.

Boyd's Inhabitants of London shows the family of George Blake (All Hallows Barking) and his second wife was Jane (daughter of Noel) Matin/Maton widow of Simon (George and Jane married 14 Mar 1653 at St Augustin and St Faith). George is a citizen and draper free 1653 March 20 by redemption merchant. His children are Thomas, John, Elizabeth married 1665 to Thomas Bell, unknown daughter married to Thomas Thynne, Martha married to unknown Turner and Mary married 1662 to Edward Holding.  Will is mentioned on the facing page for George:  Will All Hallows Barking, wife Jane exix, sons Thomas and John, son in law Thomas Bell of London merchant, Thomas Thynne of London Merchant (not sure if the will is actually saying that he is a son in law), daughter Martha Turner, daughter Mary Holding, witness Susan Barnes, Perry Lloyd, John Hill SCR, 9 May 1665, Thomas Bell of Whitechapel and Elizabeth Blake of S Andrew Holborn at St Martin Orgar (perhaps this is their marriage). A note about his will 1673 PCC  and his wife's will Jane 1673 (dead 1674).

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 Oct 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB 11/341/7
Name of testator: George Blake, Citizen and Draper
Place: London, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 10 Jan 1672/73, probated 25 Jan 1672/73
Read: Electronic file images
Condition: 17th century, middle English, small writing
[Margin] T[esta]m[ent] Georgij
[Margin] Blake 12

1    In the name of God Amen
2    The Tenth day of January Anno Domini 1672 And in the Foure and
3    twentieth yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord Charles the Second by the
4    grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of the
5    Faith etc I George Blake Citizen and Draper of London of London being at
6    this time sicke and very weake in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory
7    for which I praise Almighty God And considering with my selfe the cer-
8    tainty of death and the great incertainty of the time houre and manner
9    thereof And being desirous as much as in me lieth to settle such worldly
10    estate as it hath or shall please Almighty God to blesse me withall so
11    as no strife or difference may be or arise touching the same after my decease
12    do therefore make publish and declare this my Last will and Testament in
13    manner and forme following that is to say First and principally I committ
14    and recommend my Soul which is immortal into the hands of Almighty
15    God my Creator hoping and stedfastly believing to receive and obtaine
16    the full and free pardon and remission of all my sins only by and through
17    the precious merits of Jesus Christ my alone Saviour and Redeemer My
18    body I committ to the earth from whence it came to be decently buried
19    according to the good discretion of my executor hereafter named And as
20    touching and concerning all such Mesuages Lands Tenements Goods Chat-
21    tels Leases Plate Jewels housholdstuff ready Money debts to me owing and
22    other my estate whatsoever as God hath of shall be pleased to bless me
23    withall at the time of my decease I give devise bequeath and dispose there-
24    of as followeth first my will and mind is that after my debts shall be
25    satisfied and paid and my funerall charges borne and des[t]rayed that my
26    estate shall be devided according to the custome of the City of London into
27    three equall parts one third part whereof I give devise and bequeath unto
28    my very loving and wel[l]beloved wife Jane Blake one other third part of my
29    personall estate I give devise and bequeath unto my loving Sons Thomas
30    Blake and John Blake equally betwixt them And as for and concerning the
31    other third part of my personall estate I will and dispose of the same in
32    manner and forme following Item I give devise and bequeath
33    unto my loving Son in Law Thomas Bell of London Merchant and my
34    very loving friend Thomas Thynne of London Merchant their Executors
35    Administrators and Assignes All That Mesuage or Tenement now or late
36    in the tenure or occupa[c]ion of one [unnamed] Palmer his Assignee or
37    Assignes And all that Mesuage or Tenement now or late in the tenure
38    or occupa[c]ion of one Thomas Lymeston his Assignee or Assignes And all
39    That Mesuage or Tenement now or late in the tenure or occupa[c]ion of
40    William Thackbolt his Assignee or Assignes And all  that Mesuage or
41    Tenement now or late in the tenure or occupa[c]ion of Thomas Crossely
42    his Assignee or Assignes All which said Mesuages or Tenements are
43    scituate upon Great Tower hill in the parish of Alhallows Barking
44    London and all my estate right title interest terme of years to come and
45    unexpired clayme and demand whatsoever of me the said George
46    Blake of in or to the same or any of them upon trust and confidence and to
47    the intent and purpose (my will and meaning being that the Rents and
48    profits shall be had and received by the said Thomas Bell and Thomas
49    Thynne their Executors Adm[inistrator]s and assignes during such time or terme I
50    have therein in trust for my daughter Martha Turner and to dispose
51    of the same as they shall at any time or times by writing under her
    [Page 2]
52    hand and seale or otherwise limit order direct and appoint for the
53    use and benefit of her self and children or any of them as she shall
54    direct and her husband not to intermeddle neither have any benefit
55    thereof Item I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Hol-
56    ding the sume of five pounds of lawfull money of England And to my
57    Son Tho Bell and Thomas Thynne Ten pounds sterling apiece mourning
58    All the Rest and residue of the said Third part of my personall estate
59    whatsoever not before by me herein bequeathed my will and meaning is
60    shall be divided into two equall parts one part whereof I give devise and
61    bequeath unto the two children of my daughter Martha Turner And the
62    other remaining parr thereof I give devise and bequeath into the seaven
63    children of my said daughter Mary Holding equally to be divided betwixt
64    them part and part alike to be paid unto them respectively at their severall
65    ages of One and Twenty years or day of marriage which shall first hap-
66    pen And I do further declare my will and m ind to be and I do order and
67    appoint that my executrix hereafter named or her assignes shall pay or
68    cause to be paid unto my said Son in Law Thomas Bell and Thomas Thynne
69    the several and respective Legacy and Legacies sume and sumes of money
70    before by me given and bequeathed to the severall and respective children
71    of my said daughters Martha Turner and Mary Holding upon trust and
72    confidence and to the intent and purpose that they the said Thomas Bell
73    and Thomas Thynne and the Survivor of them their Executors and Admini-
74    strators do and shall lay out and dispose of the same to the best advantage
75    for the educating and bringing up of my said daughters' children and in-
76    crease of their por[t]ions as they the said Thomas Bell and Thomas Thynne
77    shall thinke fit and to be paid unto them at their severall ages of One-
78    and Twenty yeare or day of marriage which shall first happen as afores[ai]d
79    And I do further declare that my will is that if any of the children of my
80    said daughters Martha Turner and Mary Holding or either of them
81    shall happen to depart this life before such child or children shall have
82    attained unto his or they age of One and Twenty yeare or day of mar-
83    riage as aforesaid that then and in such case the Legacy or part share or
84    propor[t]ion of such child or children so deceasing shall go and I give and be
85    queath the same unto my Grandchild Mary bishop and my will is that
86    the severall legacies herein by me given and bequeathed unto my said
87    Sons and daughters or their children with the severall por[t]ions I have
88    already given to them or to any other of my Sons or daughters shall be
89    to every one of them in full recompence and satisfaction of all such part
90    or share of my estate as they or any of them shall or may challenge by cus-
91    tome of the City of London or otherwise and in discharge of all claymes
92    concerning And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said
93    very loving wife Jane Blake to be the sole and alone executrix of this
94    my Last will and Testament And I do appoint the said Thomas Bell
95    and Thomas Thynne overseers of the same And I charge and comand
96    all my children upon my blessing that they carry and behave themselves
97    dutifully and respectively to their mother And that acquiesse and
98    rest content with what I have done in this my will so that no strife or
99    suite of Law do arise touching the same And Lastly I do hereby revoke
100    disannull and make void all former wills terrier executors and bequeathes
101    by me made And do appoint these presents only to stand in full force for
102    and as my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have to every
103    sheet of this my Last will and Testament containing foure sheets and one
    [Page 3]
104    half in number subscribed my name and affixed my seale at the top of
105    them all, the day, and yeare first above written Geo[rge] Blake Sealed published
106    and declared by the said Testator for and as his Last Will and Testament
107    the day and yeare first above written in the presence of Susanna Barnes Perry
108    Lloyd John Hill etc

Dresses and trancription

My life has been so incredibly busy this past year but none the less I have found time for some really good transcription. Today though we helped at the OGS Library sorting through the reference books. After that we decided to go out for lunch and on the way we went to the fabric shop so that I could look at dress patterns. I found the exact pattern that I liked and debated between satin and velvet for the dress. I believe that velvet has won out because it is a winter wedding. I think that I will have a burgundy velvet and I would be able to wear the dress again because velvet is so versatile. Satin would always have the problem of not being overly friendly as a material although it looks fantastic. Now that the really tough part is done - deciding on the pattern I can purchase the material and get the dress sewn up. Then I will let my daughter decide if it suits her to have me wear that for her wedding and if not I will go and buy one of those beaded dresses that I really loathe but they do look like wedding fare.

I am not sure if I will have any trimming on it as I really do not care for trimming and I do not think I will make the puffed sleeve in chiffon although that would look very nice. I think I will stick with all velvet and it will be floor length. If we really take to dancing then we can occasionally perhaps go and dance and the dress will be suitable for that. I have low heeled pumps to wear with the dress already (black) and I will use makeup and my hair will be done in some sort of a style that will suit. I will not colour my hair as I like it the way that it is - salt and pepper it is called for the moment although becoming more salt than pepper these days.

I need to decide on the lining material and I rather think I will use a fine cotton rather than a nylon lining. The fine cotton will be quite nice and they have lots of colour. I will shrink the cotton first though I think just to be on the safe side. These days velvet is quite washable but some times the preshrunk cotton are best shrunk at home as well. I will have to get my steamer going to do the best job on the seams. I will be nice and warm in velvet as well and can wear one of my shawls to keep me quite warm.

This morning I had an interesting email from one of the Routledge researchers:

Carlisle Record Office Will of Archibald FORRESTER of Cleughside, Bewcastle [Bc] 1767, pg 63.

Grace Forrester, deceased poss. The mother of John Routledge

John Forrester, Wit

Adam Routledge s o Mary, Wid

George Routledge, of Oakshaw , Bc , father of 2 children

Grace Routledge, daughter of [d o ] Mary Routledge, Wid

Henry Routledge, s o Mary R*

Henry Routledge of Borderrigg, dec., father of 3 children

John Routledge s o Mary R*, Wid

John Routledge, my “sister’s son, s o Grace Forrester (sister of testator?)

Leondard Routledge of Oakshaw

Mary Routledge of Crossgreens or Strandsheads, Wid, mother of Grace, Mary, Adam, John & Henry

Mary Routledge, d o Mary, Wid

William Routledge of Oakshaw, deceased, father of William R*

William Routledge of Oakshaw s o late William Routledge

Francis Armstrong, Wit

Catherine Dowglass of Ash w o Thomas Douglas

Thomas Dowglass [sic Douglas ] of Ash husband of Catherine

Catherine Henderson d o Robert & Helenor Henderson

Helenor Henderson wife of Robert and mother of Catherine

Robert Henderson husband of Helenor & father of Catherine

Alexander Kennedie of Cleughside, Friend husband of Sibella

Catherine Kennedie of Cleughside, d o Alexander

Elizabeth Kennedie of Cleughside

John Kennedie of Cleughside s o Alexander

Sibella Kennedie of Cleughside w o Alexander

William Kennedie of Cleughside s o Alexander

The bolded items make this will abstract especially interesting as George and Grace, and Henry (of Broderrigg) are my 4x great grandparents. Finding that Mary Routledge (widow, husband was Thomas Routledge of Hill) of Kirkbeckstown was Grace's mother was a real surprise as I tentatively had her as the daughter of Thomas Routledge and Elizabeth Storye (this Thomas being of Oakshaw and brother to Henry of Broderrigg). The Kennedy family included may also prove to be interesting as Grace Routledge (daughter of my 3x great grandparents Thomas Routledge (son of Henry above) and Elizabeth Routledge (daughter of George and Grace above)) married George Arthur Kennedy in 1810 at Bewcastle. I was a little led astray as my mother remembered there were a number of close cousin marriages in her Routledge ancestry. Mind you Thomas Routledge of Hill could be related; I still need to work on that. I also do not know the relationship between the Routledge family of Oakshaw and the Routledge family of Kirkbeckstown. Henry at Broderrigg was born at Oakshaw.

Tomorrow I want to look at material - my daughter suggested an embossed velvet so will have a look at that. I want to purchase the material right away and get the dress finished so no rush at the end.