Will of William Blake, esquire, Bristol - The National Archives PROB 11/1213/141, probated 14 Jan 1792

The testator is William Blake, esquire, of Bristol, Gloucestershire. He has been married twice as mentioned in his will. One marriage is Elizabeth Slade to William Blake 15 Dec 1765 at Bristol. Is she the second wife of William Blake with his first wife being Rebecca Milles (married in 1754 at Duloe Cornwall)? The witnesses to this will were the Milles family members.

The will of Clementia Blake, daughter of the present testator, was blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/04/will-of-clementia-blake-spinster.html

I suspect that the transcription of the birth year for Clementia Blake is incorrect or this is not the daughter of the present testator although the will reads as if she is. She is from the younger family of the present testator so likely born after 1765 which would make her about 50 when she died.

Mary Blake married John Marsh 12 Feb 1778 at St James Bristol.

http://theplain.thornburyroots.co.uk/TP%20no10&11.htm

John Marsh - the 1766 conveyance referred to above shows John Marsh was already occupying Porch House at the time it was conveyed to him and the other of John Stone's creditors. The list of property owners made for the 'Assessment for Relief of the Poor' in 1770 shows John Marsh as being 'for late Stones'  which indicates he was still in the property previously associated with the Stone family.  We understand that John was an attorney at law in Thornbury.  In 1763 John married Elizabeth Hollister at Almondsbury.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Luke Hollister of Almondsbury.  Elizabeth died in 1775.  The Bath Chronicle of 12th February 1788 shows that John Marsh attorney of Thornbury then married Mary Blake the daughter of Mr Blake a merchant of Bristol.  The Bath Chronicle of 20th October 1825 says that John Marsh died that day at Biddestone House in Wiltshire in his 90th year.  The notice of his death adds that he resided many years near Taunton and formerly at Thornbury.  The Wiltshire connection leads us to suppose that John was related to Aaron Marsh who lived at Gloucester House in Thornbury.  Aaron may have been John's son.

A rather interesting item I did not notice previously. Although it does not assist in finding anything more on William, the present testator, it does mention William. Clementia mentions her sisters Rebecca Mogg, Mary Marsh and her brother William but does not mention Richard her brother or James her full brother (the others being half-siblings).

Having read William’s will now I am still contemplating whether his line is descendant of the Calne Blake line. His properties include land in Cornwall and in Devon. He is possibly the Mr. William Blake named in the will of Richard Blake, gentleman, Bristol blogged earlier:



In the writeup on that will I have mused that William, present testator, might be of the Calne Blake family which is interesting in reflection.

There is a marriage of a William Blake to Rebecca Milles 12 Jun 1754 at Duloe, Cornwall.
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/04/1248-blake-family-gloucestershire-notes.html

Also mentioned in the blog the baptisms of Richard 1 Dec 1760 at Bristol, a son William 3 Dec 1757 and a daughter Rebecca 21 Apr 1759 all at Bristol to William and Rebecca Blake. Only the baptism of Mary is missing. Judging by the coat of arms on the memorial table for Richard Blake husband of Anne Augusta Blake (formerly Hayward), this line uses the same coat of arms as the Blake family of Calne.

Then who is William and how does he relate to the other members of the Ambrose Blake family in Gloucestershire or does he come down from another line also related to the Blake family at Calne?

Perhaps the set of Bristol Diocese Wills will assist with this set of Blake families.

Names mentioned in the will:

William Blake, Esquire, Bristol, testator
John Smith, tenant
Richard Blake, (married), son, child of first marriage
William Blake, (married), son, child of first marriage
____ Coriton Esquire, landlord
James Blake, son, child of second marriage
Mr Higgins, brazier, tenant
Mrs Hellier, tenant
John Marsh, Esquire, son in law
Clementia Blake, daughter, child of second marriage
Mr Hall, tenant
Mr Jeremiah Osborne, trustee (not for this testator)
Benjamin Pike, coach painter, tenant
Rebecca Mogg, daughter, wife of Jacob Mogg the younger
Jacob Mogg, the younger, gentleman, son in law
Mrs Tyler, tenant
Mr Jenkins, tenant
Mary Marsh, daughter, wife of John Marsh, Esquire
Maria Marsh, grand daughter
Carolina Marsh, grand daughter
Henry Marsh, grandson
Harriott Marsh, grand daughter
Mr Biggs, tenant
Mr Room, tenant
Mr Whitby, artist
____ Crattle
Mrs Dean, tenant
Mrs Blake, tenant
Joseph Dyer, distiller, tenant

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 12 May 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1213/141
Testator:  William Blake, esquire
Place: Bristol, Gloucestershire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 21 Mar 1791, probated 14 Jan 1792
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

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

1    The Last Will and Testament
2    of me William Blake of the City of Bristol Esquire made
3    the twenty first day of March one thousand seven
4    hundred and ninety one (that is to say) Whereas I
5    am seized or possessed of two Estates part of the Manor
6    of Salcomb Regis in the County of Devon which I hold
7    by Copy of Court Roll of the Dean and Chapter
8    of Exeter for Lives and Widowhoods consisting of
9    Messuages or Tenements and Lands part whereof is
10    in my own possession and other part let to John
11    Smith I give the said Copyhold Estates with their
12    Rights and appurtenances to my Son Richard Blake
13    To hold to him for his life and the life of his widow
14    according to the Custom of the said Manor and
15    after his decease I give the said Estates with their
16    Rights and appurtenances to my Son William Blake
17    To hold to him for his life and the life of his widow
18    according to the said Custom of I give and devise unto
19    my said Son Richard all and singular my Messuages
20    Lands and hereditaments called Hole in the parish
21    of Saint Veep in the County of Cornwall part
22    whereof is Freehold and other part Leasehold held of
23    _______ Coriton Esquire for ninety nine Years
24    determinable with lives To hold to my said Son
25    Richard his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns
26    for all my Estate Term or Terms and Interest therein
27    respectively I give and devise to my Son James all those
28    three Messuages or Tenements adjoining and Garden
29    Ground behind the same with their appurtenances
30    situate in a place called Turnagain Lane leading from
31    Saint James’s Churchyard in Bridewell Bridge in the
32    parish of Saint James and City of Bristol in the
33    occupations of Mr Higgins Brazier and others and also
34    all that Messuage or Tenement with its appurtenances
35    situate on the East Side of Saint James’s Church
36    Yard in the Occupation of Mrs Hellier To hold to my
37    said Son James his heirs Executors Administrators and
38    Assigns for all my Estate and Interest therein respectively
39    and I acquit release and discharge my Son James
40    his heirs Executors and Administrators and also his Estate
41    and Effects Real and Personal from all claims and
42    demands which I my heirs Executors or Administrators
43    can or may have on him or them I give to my
44    Son Richard and Son in Law John Marsh Esquire
45    three hundred pounds upon Trust that they or the
46    Survivor of them his Executors or Administrators do
47    and shall best the same in an annuity for the
48    life and for use of my daughter Clementia Blake
49    the said annuity to be secured on Land and made
50    payable to her and her assigns by quarterly payments
51    and until such annuite shall be purchased to place
52    out the said Sum of three hundred pounds on Land
53    or Government Security in the Joint Names of my
54    said Trustees and the Interest or Dividends ensuing
55    their from shall be paid to my said Daughter I
56    give and devise to my said Daughter Clementia her
57    heirs and assigns a freehold Messuage or Tenement
58    situate on the East Side of Saint James’s Church
    [Page 2]
60    Yard in the occupation of Mr. Hall Whereas the
61    Sum of two hundred and seventy pounds or thereabouts
62    which was placed out at Interest in the Name of
63    Mr Jeremiah Osborne a Trustee on that occasion
64    on Security of a Messuage in Kingswood Street
65    Bath now or late in the occupation of Benjamin
66    Pike Coach painter the possession of which is since
67    surrendered up to the Mortgagee also the Rents
68    received for the use of my said Daughter Clementia
69    It is my Will as far as I have any power or
70    Controul respectring the same that the Principal and
71    Interest Money due and to grow due therein shall
72    be had and received by my Executors hereinafter
73    named and paid to my said Daughter for her
74    use and benefit I give to my said Daughter
75    Clementia ten pounds per Annum during her life
76    to be paid to her and her assigns by my Son
77    Richard out of the Interest Money on his Bond
78    of Five hundred pounds given by him to me and
79    my Will and intention is that the before mentioned
80    devised and bequests to my Son James and Daughter
81    Clementia are upon Condition that each of them
82    shall hold and enjoy the same in full compensation
83    and discharge of any Claims or pretended Claim by
84    any of them upon me my heirs Executors or Admors
85    in respect to or by virtue of any Deed of Settlement
86    by me entered into for the benefit of the Children
87    or Issue of my first Marriage or otherwise and that
88    my said Son James and Daughter Clementia shall
89    on request to them made by my Executors Execute good and
90    valid Releases and Discharges in the Law to them
91    and also my Estate of all claims and demands
92    against me and my Estate upon any account
93    whatsoever and upon refusal so to do my devise and
94    bequest to them severally made and appointed by
95    this my Will shall be void and what is herein
96    given and devised to each of them I give and
97    devise to my said Son Richard and Son in Law
98    John Marsh To hold to them their heirs Executors
99    Administrators and assigns equally share and
100    share alike I give to the said Richard Blake
101    and John Marsh Five hundred pounds to be by
102    them or the Survivor his Executors or Administrators
103    vested in the publick Funds or on Land Security
104    in their Names In Trust to pay the dividends or Interest
105    thereof to my Daughter Rebecca wife of Jacob
106    Mogg the younger Gentleman during her life separate
107    from her present or any future husband and her
108    Receipt along from time to time shall be a
109    sufficient discharge for the same and after her
110    decease In Trust to pay and divide the said Sum
111    of Five hundred pounds equally between the Issue
    [Page 3]
112    or Children of my said Daughter Rebecca at their
113    respective ages of twenty one years and in case of
114    the Death of either of them before attainment to
115    such age to the Survivors or Survivor of them and
116    in default of such Issue to such person or persons
117    said Daughter notwithstanding her Coverture shall
118    by Deed or Will give limit direct or appoint I give
119    to my said Daughter Rebecca Mogg ten pounds
120    per Annum During her life to be paid to her and
121    her Assigns by my Son Richard being the remainder
122    of the Interest Money on his said Bond of Five
123    hundred pounds and after the decease of the said
124    Clementia Blake and Rebecca Mogg I give the
125    Principal Sum of Five hundred pounds secured by
126    such Bond to my Son Richard his Executors or
127    Administrators I give and devise to my Son in Law
128    John Marsh a Freehold Messuage with inclosed
129    pieces of Garden Ground in Front of the said
130    Messuage and used therewith and appurts thereto
131    belonging situate in Dove Street in the Parish
132    of Saint James in the County of Gloucester wherein
133    I now Dwell Also a Freehold Messuage in Duke
134    Street near Kings Square Bristol in the occupation
135    of Mrs Tyler also a Messuage in Dowry Square
136    in the parish of Clifton in the said County of
137    Gloucester in the occupation of Mr Jenkins which I
138    hold for the remainder of a term of one thousand
139    Years To hold the said three Messuages with their
140    Appurtenances to the said John Marsh and his
141    Assigns for life and after his decease I give and
142    devise the same three Messuages Garden Ground
143    and Premises with their appurtenances unto my
144    Daughter Mary Wife of the said John Marsh
145    and her assigns for her life then keeping upholding
146    maintaining the said Messuages and premises
147    and each and every of them in good tenantable
148    repair and after the decease of the Survivor of them
149    the said John Marsh and Mary his Wife I give
150    and devise the Messuage in Dove Street with its
151    appurtenances to my Grand Daughter Maria
152    Marsh her heirs and Assigns and I give and
153    devise the said Messuage in Duke Street with its
154    appurtenances unto my Grand Daughter Carolina
155    Marsh her heirs and Assigns and I give the said
156    Messuage in Dowry Square with its appurtenances
157    to my Grandson Henry Marsh his Executors
158    Administrators and Assigns for all my Estate term
159    and Interest therein I give and devise to my
160    Grand Daughter Harriott Marsh her heirs and Assigns
161    my moiety or half part of a Freehold Messuage
162    or Tenement with the Appurtenances situate in
    [Page 4]
163    Charles Street in the parish of Saint James aforesaid
164    in the Occupation of Mr Biggs and also my Moiety or
165    half part of a Messuage or Tenement with the Appurts
166    in Pipe Lane in the parish of Saint Augustine in
167    the City of Bristol in the occupation of Mr Room
168    which premises last mentioned are Leasehold and
169    held of the Feoffees of Saint Mary Redcliff parish
170    Lands determinable with lives to hold to my said
171    Grand Daughter Harriott her Executors Administrators ans Assigns
172    for and during all my Estate term and Interest therein
173    I give all my Books in my Dwelling house in Dove
174    Street to my Sons Richard and William Blake I give my
175    Silver Cup and Cover given me by Mr Corsers
176    Executor to my Son William I give the Rest of my
177    Plate to my daughters Mary Marsh and Rebecca
178    Mogg and my Son Richard Blake I give my China
179    in the House in Dove Street to my Daughter’s Mary
181    Marsh and Rebecca Mogg I give to my said Daughter
182    Mary Marsh my Portrait Drawn by Mr Whitby I give the
183    Household Goods and Implements of household and
184    other things appertaining thereto in my house at
185    Sidmouth in the County of Devon to my Son William
186    Blake I give the household Goods and Implements
187    of household and other things appertaining thereto
188    and my Books in my house at Egypt near Sidmouth
189    to my Son Richard Blake I give to my Nephews
190    Charles Blake Forty pounds I give to my now Servant
191    Maids three Guineas each and to my Servant Boy two
192    Guineas I give to the said Richard Blake and John
193    Marsh Fifty pounds to be applied for the benefit of
194    _______ Crattle by annual payments of ten pounds
195    I give and devise to the said Richard Blake and John
196    Marsh one fourth part of the Sugar house and
197    Dwelling house in Redcliff Street in the City of Bristol
198    part hold or Lease under the Chamber of the said
199    City as Feoffees of Forsters Alms houses and other
200    part under the Feoffees of Saint Thomas parish
201    Lands lately occupied by Mrs Dean and Blake as
202    Sugar house And now by Joseph Dyer Distiller together
203    with a Moiety of all the utensils Materials and
204    appurtenances used in carrying on the Sugar Refining
205    Business and one half of the Erections that now remain
206    there and also all my household Goods (except what
207    is herein otherwise disposed of in my house in Dove
208    Street aforesaid Also my three Shares in the Bristol
209    Fire office also my Bank Stock of two thousand three
210    hundred and sixty five pounds in the Four per cents also
211    my two hundred pounds Short Annuities and all and
211    singular other my Estate and Effects Real and personal
213    whatsoever and wheresoever after payment of my just
214    Debts Funeral Expences and discharges incident to whit trust
215    To hold to them the said Richard Blake and John Marsh
    [Page 5]
216    their heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns
217    Upon Trust to sell transfer dispose of and receive
218    the same and every part thereof and the Moneys
219    arising by such Sale transfer disposition and Receipt
220    to pay and divide as hereinafter mentioned (that is to
221    say) One sixth part to my Son William one sixth part
222    to my Daughter Mary Marsh One sixth part to
223    my Daughter Rebecca Mogg one sixth part to my
224    Son Richard Blake one sixth part to be divided equally
225    between my Son James and Daughter Clementia
226    Blake and the remaining sixth part to be divided
227    equally between my Grand Children Son or Sons and
228    Daughters of my Son William Blake And I hereby
229    nominate and appoint the said Richard Blake and
230    John Marsh Executors in Trust of this my Will and
231    revoking all other Wills by me made do declare this
232    to be my last In Witness whereof I have to this my
233    last Will and Testament contained in Five Sheets of
234    paper to the first four Sheets thereof set my hand
235    and to this fifth and last Sheet my hand and
236    Seal the Day and year above written Willm
237    Blake Signed Sealed Published and Declared
238    by the above named William Blake the Testator
239    as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence
240    of us who in his presence at his request and in the
241    presence of each other have hereunto subscribed
242    our Names as Witnesses The word “three” being interlined
243    instead of five in the fourth line from the Bottom of
244    the first Sheet hereof Richard Milles Susan Milles
245    Fenwick Bird
246    This Will was proved at London the
247    fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord
248    one thousand seven hundred and ninety two before the
249    Right honorable Sir William Wynne Knight Doctor
250    of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the
251    Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
252    by the Oaths of Richard Blake the Son of the deceased
253    and John Marsh the Executors named in the said
254    Will to whom Administration was granted of all and
255    singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said
256    deceased having been first sworn (by Commission) duly
257    to administer.

Will of John Lywood, Mariner on board His Majesty's Ship Queen - The National Archives PROB 11/457/280, probated 7 Oct 1700

There isn't a John Lywood in the family tree that I have that would fit this particular testator. He lived in Southwark which for the time (1700) was distant from the Wiltshire area where the Lywood family was generally found. He names his wife as Sarah and not a great deal more information on this individual.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 24 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/457/280
Testator:  John Lywood, Mariner
Place: on board His Majesty's Ship Queen
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 6 Jul 1695, probated 7 Oct 1700
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Johis Lywood

1    Know all men by these presents That I John
2    Lywood Mariner on board his M[aj]esties shipp the Queen have and by these
3    presents doe make ordaine and constitute my welbeloved Wife Sarah Lywood
4    of St Margovers Southwark my true and lawfull Attorney for me in my name
5    and to my use and behoose To aske demand and receive of and from the honorable
6    the com[m]isso[ar]y of his ma[jes]ties Navy the Treasurer or Paymaster of the same
7    or whom it shall or may concerne All such Sume and sumes of money wages
8    County pension Salary and other demands whatsoever as now are where after
9    shall be due payable or belonging to me for owne service done in his Majes
10    said shipp or in any other of his Ma[jes]ties Shipps Friggotts or Vessells or in any
11    Merchant Shipp or Vessell whatsoever And alsoe to demand recover and receive
12    of all other person and persons whatsoever whom it shall concerne All and singular
13    such other sume and sumes of money goods wares effects debts dues and
14    demands whatsoever which n ow are or hereafter shall be due oweing or belonging
15    to me by any waies or meanes howsoever And moreover for me in my name
16    and to my use to demise or let by Let by Lease in writeing or otherwise All or
17    any of my Messuages Lands Tenements or hereditaments whatsoever to such
18    person or persons for such terme of yeares and time and by and under suche
19    conditions reservations and covenants as my said Attorney or her counselle
20    shall think requisite Giveing and herby granting to my said Attorney my full
21    power and authority in the premisses to recover and receive All and singular
22    the sume and sumes of money matters and things aforesaid And upon
23    receipt of the same or any part thereof acquittances releases or other
24    receavable discharges for me and in my name to make seale and deliver
25    and one Attorney or more under her to substitute and the same other pleasure
26    to revoke And generally to doe execute and performe all such other lawfull Acts
27    matters and things whatsoever as shall be requisite to be done in or concerning
28    the premisses as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as I my selfe
29    might or could doe in person Ratifieing and alloweing all and whatsoever mye
30    said Attorney shall lawfully doe or cause to be done in or about the execution of
31    the premisses by virtue of these presents And I the said John Lywood considering
32    the uncertainity of this life doe hereby make and declare this my last Will and
33    Testament in manner following That is to say All such sume and sumes of money
34    wages Lands tenements goods chattells and other Estate whatsoever both reall
35    and personall as I shall be possessed of or which shall any wise belong to mee
36    at the time of my decease (my debts and Funerall expences being first paid) I
37    fully and wholly give devise and bequeath unto my Wife Sarah Lywood aforesaid
38    and to her heires executors Administrators and assignes for ever To their owne
39    use and behoose And doe hereby nominate and appoint my said Wife Sarah
40    Lywood to be the Sole Executrix of this my last Will Revokeing all former Wills
41    Deeds of guift and bequests by me heretofore made and ordaine these presents
42    only to be and remaine as my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have
43    hereunto set my hand and seale dated the sixth day of July Anno d[o]mi[ni] one
44    thousand six hundred Ninety Five And in the seventh year of the raigne of our
45    Soveraigne Lord William of England etc King the marke of John Lywood signed
46    Sealed published and declared in the presence of us J Wishart J Jenkins
47    John Lanquack

Will of Mary Buller, Spinster, Nether Stowey, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/1152/355, probated 31 May 1787

This will is for Mary the eldest daughter of Edward and Sarah Buller and sister to Jenkins Buller. She names her sister Elizabeth Poole as Executrix. Legacies were given to her niece Sarah Poole and her nephews Thomas Poole and Richard Jenkins Poole. She has an annuity for her brother Jenkins Buller. The tone of the will is interesting and leaves one to only guess at the life style of Jenkins Buller having already transcribed his will and noted his debts. Interesting that the sum of money that must be paid for his lands by Sarah Poole matches the legacy given her by her Aunt Mary Buller.

I find it very interesting the way that land has been given to every child of Edward Buller and Sarah Jenkins. Presumably Richard Buller (their son) has died young as he is not mentioned in any will. The next will is that of Sarah Buller (widow of Edward). Definitely this line is not mine since Jenkins has died without any mention of children and the time frame overlaps that of my Christopher Buller.

There remains 14 more wills for the Buller family. Two more following that of Sarah above in Somerset, four in Surrey, one in Sussex and six in Warwickshire. There are another eight or nine miscellaneous wills that pertain or are for the Buller family and then my foray into the Buller family records will be complete for the moment. I hope to finish in the next two weeks.

Then back to Blake and the newsletter to be produced for 1 April 2013. It will deal with my time at Who Do You Think You Are Conference in London and my look at the Calendar of Patent Rolls. I was able to look at several of the original documents that made up this set of rolls.

Following that I will return once again to the wills that I collected earlier for other lines of my family (120 still to do). I wish to complete them before beginning on the new material that we imaged at Kew this time. Mind you the desire to return to the Blake material may be so strong that it derails my thought!

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 8 Mar 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1152/355
Testator: Mary Buller, Spinster
Place: Nether Stowey, Somerset
Date of document:  29 Sep 1779, probated 31 May 1787
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Mary
[Margin]: Buller

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Mary Buller of Nether Stowey in the County of Somerset
3    Spinster being of sound and disposing mind Memory and
4    understanding (praised be God for the same) do hereby revoke
    [Page 2]
5    all former and other will and wills by me at any
6    time herebefore made and do make and publish this
7    last Will and Testament in manner and form following
8    (that is to say) whereas I have by a certain writing
9    called a document Surrender surrendered all my Messuages
10    Cottages Lands and Tenements within the Customary
11    manor of Colyton Deane in the said County unto the
12    hands of the Lord of the Manor to the use and behoof
13    of my sister Elizabeth Poole (wife of Thomas Poole
14    of Nether Stowey aforesaid Tanner her heirs and Assigns
15    for ever according to the Custom of the said Manor
16    Also in Trust to perform my last Will and Testament Now
17    I do hereby give and devise all and every my said
18    Messuages Lands and Tenements whatsoever situate
19    within and parcels of the said Manor of Taunton deane
20    with their respective appurtenances unto my said Sister
21    Elizabeth Poole her heirs and Assigns for ever subject and
22    charged nevertheless with the payment of the yearly
23    Sum of twenty pounds to such person and for so long
24    time as is hereinafter mentioned Also I give and
25    bequeath unto my Brother Jenkins Buller of the City of
26    London Gentleman One Annuity or yearly Sum of twenty
27    pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain clear of
28    Land Tax and all other deductions whatsoever to be
29    paid unto him by my said Sister Elizabeth Poole her
30    heirs or assigns or such other person or persons as shall
31    be in the possession of the said Taunton Dean Lands
32    by four even Quarterly payments in every year and
33    to continue payable during the natural life of him
34    the said Jenkins Buller the first of such payments
35    to begin and be made at the end of three Calendar
36    Months next after my decease and I do hereby
37    Subject and charge all and every my said Taunton
38    Deane Lands with and for the payment of the said
39    Annuity Also I do hereby give and bequeath unto
40    my said Brother Jenkins Buller the sum of ten pounds
41    of lawful Money of Great Britain to buy himself
42    Mourning Also I give and bequeath unto my Niece
43    Sarah Poole daughter of the said Thomas Poole the
44    Sum of Seven hundred pound of lawful Money of
45    Great Britain to be paid unto her by my Executrix
46    hereinafter named when she the said Sarah Poole
47    shall attain her age of twenty one years or be married
48    which shall first happen provided such Marriage be
49    with the consent of her parents or Guardians and not
50    otherwise Also I give to my said Niece Sarah Poole my
51    Silver Tankard to be delivered to her by my Executrix
52    hereafter named which she shall receive at the said age of
53    twenty one years or be married Also I give and bequeath
54    unto my Nephew Thomas Poole (Son of the aforesaid
55    Thomas Poole) the Sum of Fifty pounds of like lawful
56    Money to be paid unto him when he shall attain his
    [Page 3]
57    age of twenty one years by my Executrix hereinafter named
58    Also I give and bequeath unto my Nephew Richard
59    Jenkins Poole (another Son of the aforesaid Thomas
60    Poole) the Sum of Fifty pounds of like lawful British
61    Money and my Silver Cup and Tumbler the said Legacy
62    to be paid and the said Cup and Tumbler delivered to
63    him by my Executrix hereinafter named when he the
64    said Richard Jenkins Poole shall attain his Age of twenty
65    one years All my Messuages Land and Tenements Freeholds
66    and Leasehold not hereinbefore given bequeathed or
67    devised I give devise and bequeath the same unto
68    my said Sister Elizabeth Poole her heirs Executors
69    Administrators and Assigns Also all the rest and residue
70    of my Monies Mortgages Bonds Bills Notes Securities
71    for Money Goods Chattles Personal and Testamentary
72    Estate whatsoever not hereinbefore given or bequeathed
73    (after payment of all and every the Legacies herein
74    before mentioned and all my just debts and Funeral Expences
75    I do hereby give and bequeath the same unto my said
76    Sister the said Elizabeth Poole whom I do make
77    constitute and appoint whole and Sole Executrix and
78    Residuary Legatee of this my last Will and Testament
79    In Witness whereof the said Mary Buller has to this my last Will and Testament
80    which is contained in three sheets of paper set my hand
81    to the two first Sheets hereof and my hand and Seal to this
82    third and last Sheet The twenty ninth day of September
83    in the year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred
84    and seventy nine Mary Buller Signed Sealed Published and
85    declared by the said Mary Buller the Testator as and for
86    her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who
87    have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto in her
88    presence and at her request and in the presence of each
89    other of us Prokter Thomas Cha[rle]s Cole Emmanuel
90    Philpott
91    This Will was proved at London on the thirty first
92    day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven
93    hundred and Eighty seven before the Right Worshipful
94    Peter Calvert Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
95    of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
96    by the Oath of Elizabeth Poole (wife of Thomas Poole
97    the Sister of the deceased and Sole Executrix named in
98    the said Will to whom Administration was granted All
99    and Singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said
100    deceased having been first Sworn by Commission duly
101    to Administer

Will of Thomas Blake, of Saint Breage, Cornwall, National Archives PROB 11/84, Image Reference 80/68, probated 15 Jun 1594

I have absolutely no ideas on the origin of the Blake family in Cornwall. Have they moved over from Devon? Did they come from Ireland to Cornwall? Did they spontaneously choose the name Blake?

There is a marriage of a Thomas Blake and Elizabeth (unknown) 30 Sep 1551 at Landulph Cornwall which is just inside the Cornwall border from Devon. Their children: Christopher, Reignolde, Elizabeth, Grace, Frauncis, Dorothye. Their grandchildren: Thomazine and two other Jenkins, William, Pascowe, Richard and Alson children of Frauncis, Grace's children not identified by name, Dorothy, Christopher and Reignolde do not appear to have any children. Wife of Reignolde is Anstice. The Thomas in this will is a grandfather so this could be his marriage in 1551. The will was written in 1594. It was just rather interesting to find a marriage on the Family Search website that is a possibility. The Cornwall Family History Society has a lot of material transcribed but this material is too early.

I need to read more of the Blake wills in Cornwall to see what I can learn about this branch of the family. It is interesting to see so many branches of the family in English Counties prior to 1600. When I decided to do the Blake one name study, I made my decision to do it without prejudice removing any thoughts from my mind about my own Blake family's origin and that of any other that has been published with a couple of exceptions. The Blake Pedigree Chart at the Swindon and Wiltshire Record Office outlining the descent of the Blake family at Calne is one of my cornerstones. The recording of Margaret and John both as children of William Blake married to Avis Ripley (William is listed as a son of Roger Blake and Mary Baynard) is incorrect. I hope one day to be able to determine if my thought that John is the son of William Blake (son of Nicholas at Knights Enham) and Margaret daughter of William Blake and Avis Ripley. The published history of the Blake family in Ireland is a second "cornerstone" that I use when looking at the Blake family there. There is a history of the Blake family of Suffolk that I am looking forward to receiving one of these days which has been thoroughly researched. As well the Visitations of Blake families in different Counties is another item on which I will place a good deal of confidence although realizing that errors can and do creep in. But the general flow is what I am looking for with regard to tracing lines of the various Blake families. The yDNA Blake study is the other cornerstone of my research.

This particular will is very interesting and will probably be helpful looking at the southwest of England. Thomas' sons have unusual forenames.


Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 2 May 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB11/84, Image Reference 80/68  (images by me)
Name of testator: Thomas Blake, of Saint Breage, Cornwall
Place: Saint Breage, Cornwall, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated:, 20 Apr 1594, probated 15 Jun 1594
Read: Electronic file
Condition: old writing, 16th century, fine copy
[In margin] T  Thome
[In margin] Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen The six and
2    twentith daye of Aprill Anno D[o]m[ini] A thousand five hundreth ninety foure And in the six and
3    thirtith yeare of the Reigne of our Soveraigne Ladye Elizabeth the Quenes Maiestye
4    that nowe is I Thomas Blake of Badellicke within the parishe of Saint Breage
5    nere Slade Bridge in the County of Cornewall being sicke in Bodye but in perfecte memorye
6    praised be god doe make and ordayne this my Last Will and testament in manner and forme
7    following that is to saye Imprimus I bequeathe my Soule to Almighty god My bodye to
8    christian Buriall. Item I give to the poore mens Boxe of the same parrishe three shillings and
    [Page 2]
9    foure pence. Item I give towards the Repara[t]ion of the foresaide parrishe churche three shillings
10    and foure pence Item I give to my sonne Christopfer Blake my best newe panne of white brasse
11    a payre of yron banded wheeles with a weyne and Buff to the same belonging (Lately the goods of Charles
12    Blake deceased) as also one horse harrowe with his appurten[an]cs Item I give to the saide Christofer
13    the somme of seaven poundes to be paide him his Executors or Assignes within seaven yeares next after
14    my deathe. Item I give and bequeathe to my sonne Reignolde Blake the somme of threescore pounds
15    to be paid him his Executors or assignes within seaven yeares next after my deathe / Item I
16    give to him and his assignes my Terme of yeares yet to come of and in twoe closes of Lande thane
17    named the Calves Parke in Pewtor holden of Frauncis Tredimocke Esquire the other in Bodmen
18    holden of one John Hicks for terme of yeares yet to come / Item I give and bequeathe to my saide
19    sonne Reginolde Blake and his assignes my terme of yeares yet to come of and in all suche messuags
20    Landes and Tenements as I holde in Bodellicke and Pengreane of Alson Best Widowe
21    deceased as by Lease thereof made dothe appeare To have holde occupye and enioye the same
22    from and ymmediatly after and not before the deathe of Elizabeth Blake my Wyfe / Item I
23    give to my daughter Elizabeth Jenkins my best silver girdle Item to my daughter Grace
24    my second best silver girdle / Item to Dorothye my daughter my best third silver girdle Item
25    I give and bequeathe to Thomazine the daughter of my sonne in Lawe Pathricke Jenkin
26    the somme of tenne pounds to be paide within twoe yeares next after my deathe / Item to Pathericke
27    Jenkin his twoe other children eche of them a sheepe / Item to every of my daughter Grace her
28    children a sheepe / Item to William Pascowe Richard and Alson the children of my daughter
29    Frauncis eche of them a sheepe / Item to Walter her sonne twoe keene to be delivered him at
    suche time as he shall accomplishe the age of one and twenty yeares / Item I give to my daughter
30    Frauncs the somme of forty shillings to be paide unto Pathericke Jenkins to her use after the
31    rate of tenne shillings by the yeare to begaine ymediatly after my deathe / Item I give to
32    every of my servants a sheepe / Item I give to William Bettye a cowe / Item to Anstice the
33    wyfe of my sonne Regnolde Blake the somme of twenty shillings / Item I give to my sonne in lawe
34    Pathericke Jenkins twenty shillings / Item my will is that three of the best bedsteds nowe remayneing
35    in my house shall Lykewise there contynue and remaine to the next inhabitannt there after the
36    deathe of my wyfe. The Residue of all my goodes and cattells moveable and unmoveable and
37    all utensills whatsoever not given nor before bequeathed my debts and Funerall charges paid
38    I give and bequeathe to Elizabeth Blake my wyfe. And her I make and ordayne my wholle and
39    sole Executrix  And I appointe my sonne in Lawe Pathericke Jenkins my overseer to see this
40    my Last Will and Testament performed. Those being Wittnesses Pathericke Jenkins Robert
41    Willton Johan Trevithan and many others