Brick Wall Number 4 - Wife of Thomas Rawlins

Brick Wall Number 4: Wife of Thomas Rawlins

Almost from the beginning of my research days I have been able to reach back to Thomas Rawlins (and further back but the name of his wife was a riddle. There was a marriage of a Thomas Rawlence
and Mary Dove 9 Dec 1807 at Woodford on the IGI but I see now that it is record by another researcher as Thomas Rawlins and Mary Dear same date. I have an image of the original record from the Woodford Parish Registers. The original record reads Thomas Rawlines and Mary Dove both of the parish, bachelor and spinster, with witnesses John Thornton and Dinah Moore.  There are no Rawlins family in the Woodford registers that I found in this time frame. There are Dove families in the register. Possibly Mary is the daughter of William Dove and Jane Morgan who married 1 Jan 1783 at Saint Thomas Salisbury Wiltshire. I only found one child in the register at Woodford Robert baptized 14 Apr 1793 and buried 6 Aug 1793 all at Woodford (he was baptized the same day as he was born). William is like the son of William and Mary Dove (Mary was buried 4 Jun 1787 at Woodford) and the mother of William also Mary Dove a widow was buried 30 Oct 1733 at Woodford.

The riddle in all of this is that the first child of Thomas and Mary Rawlins isn't born until circa 1813 and she has likely died by 1819 when another child is given the same name Harriet. Family lore in another family line says that Thomas was at the battle of Waterloo (like is later daughter in law's father George Lywood). I have not yet found that reference. The next child after Harriet is Isaac and likely born around 1818 as he died december quarter 1885 at Amesbury (aged 67 years).  The last child of this family born in 1825 is my 2x great grandfather William Rawlings.

I am somewhat on the side of thinking that Mary Dove is the wife of Thomas Rawlins. It would be nice to find a really solid proof. The marriage lines say that he is of the parish of Woodford but I know that he was born and raised at Enford but he could have gone there to work. Certainly his father Jeremiah Rawlings married at Tilshead but the priest identified him as of Enford. Handy information but this doesn't appear on the Woodford Parish Registers. 

The younger children in this family were born at Enford and I do not know yet where the older children were born.

Will of Elizabeth Blake of Up Hatherley, Gloucestershire - Diocese of Bristol Wills from Ancestry, probated 15 Mar 1724.

Another interesting administration and this time for Elizabeth Blake mother of Giles Blake of the City of Gloucester. Elizabeth lived at Up Hatherley which is just four miles from the City of Gloucester. There is a Gyles Blake son of Thomas Blake baptized at Prestbury which is just 5 miles from Up Hatherley 30 Nov 1687. Also baptized to Thomas at Prestbury 6 Jun 1686 a Thomas and 18 Dec 1689 John (deceased 19 Dec 1689). As well Thomas 8 Feb 1684, Martha 29 Apr 1683 and Frances 29 Jun 1684. Googling Thomas Blake at Prestbury did not reveal anything more about this family. There is a will for a Thomas Blake 1712 to come and a quick check shows it to be a probate only which mentioned a Johem Blake as executor. No particular place mentioned. 

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 27 June 2014
Source: Ancestry – Diocese of Bristol Wills
Testator:  Elizabeth Blake
Place: Up Hatherley, Gloucestershire, England
Type of Record: Probate
Date of document:15 Mar 1724, probated 15 Mar 1724
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy


1    Noverint universi per p[re]sentes nos Aegidius Blake de Civit Gloucs
2    Fabram Ferrarius Anthonie Walker de eadem Fabram
3    Ferrarius et Johem deo
4    teneri et firmiter obligari rendo in depo pre et duo dno Josepho
5    permisene dea Glouc Epom Qungentij
6    libris bouce et legalis monetae Angliae solvendis eisdem Epo aut
7    sno certo Attornato Executori vel Administratori suis ad quam quidem solutionem bene
8    et fideliter faciendam Obligamus nos et quemlibet no[str]um per se pro toto et in solidum
9    Here[de]s Executores et Administratores nostros firmiter per presents
10    sigillis no[str]is sigillatas Dat quinto die mensis Martij
11    Annoque Regni duo Georgij
12    dei gracia Magma Britania Francia et Hibernie Regis
13    The Condic[i]on of this Obligacon is such that if the abovebound Giles Blake lawfull
14    and N[atu]rall Son and Administrator of all and singuler the goods ch[at]ells
15    and credits of Elizabeth Blake late of Up Hatherley widow deceased
16    doe make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods
17    chattels and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands pos[sess]ion
18    or knowledge of him the said Giles Blake or
19    into the hands and possession of any person or persons for him and the same so
20    made doe exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the aboves[ai]d Lord
21    Bishop at Glouc at or before the last day of April next
22    ensuing And the same goods chattels and credits and all other the goods chattels and credits
23    of the said deceased at the time of her death which at any time after shall come to the
24    hands or possession of the said Giles Blake or into the hands and
25    possession of any other person or persons for him doe well and truly administer
26    according to law And further doe make or cause to be made a true and inst accompt
27    of his s[ai]d Ad[ministra]con at or before the last day of February udet
28    and all the rest and residue of the said goods chattels and credits which shall be found
29    remaining upon the said Administrators accompt the same being first examined and
30    allowed of by the Judge or Judges for the time being of the said Court shall deliver
31    and pay unto such person or persons respectively as the said Judge or Judges by his
32    or their decree or sentence p[ur]suant to the true intent and meaning of a late Act of
33    Parliament made in the two and twentieth and three and twentieth yeares of the raigne
34    of o[u]r Late Soveraigne L[or]d King Charles the second (Intituled An Act for the better
35    settling of Intestates (Istates) shall limit and appoint And if it shall hereafter
36    appeare that any last will and Testament was made by the said deceased and the
37    Executor or Executors therein named doe exhibit the same into the said Court making
38    request to have it allowed and approved accordingly if the said Giles Blake
39    above bounden being thereunto required doe render and deliver the said Lines of Ad[ministrat]con
40    (approbacion of such Testament being first had and made) in the said County Then this
41    Obligacon to be void and of none effect or otherwise remaine in full force and virtue
42    Sealed and Delivered
43    in the presence of
44    Ro Moore N P
45    Giles Blacke
46    Anthony Walker

Will of Peggy Blake, Spinster, Maddington, Wiltshire - The National Archives PROB 11/1521/471, probated 17 Apr 1811

This will again links a number of the New Sarum wills. Peggy, the testatrix, is the daughter of John and Margaret Blake whose wills were blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/12/will-of-john-blake-gentleman-new-sarum.html

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/12/will-of-margaret-blake-widow-new-sarum.html

and her niece Ann whose will was also blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/11/will-of-ann-blake-spinster-new-sarum.html

and her sister in law Margaret and brother John whose wills were blogged:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/12/will-of-john-blake-esquire-of-new-sarum.html

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/12/will-of-margaret-blake-widow-new-sarum_20.html

Peggy mentions her nieces Ann Blake, spinster, Mary [Margaret] Kitson and Henrietta Shuckburgh and her nephew Robert Blake (these four are siblings and the children of John Blake and Margaret Cartwright. Mary Rothwell is the testatrix’s sister. Susanna Sterne is also her sister and her executrix.

I have not yet explored the Wancbrough family or the Lucas family as to how they relate to Peggy Blake.

People mentioned in the will:

Peggy Blake, spinster, testatrix, Maddington, Wiltshire
Ann Blake, niece
Mary [Margaret] Kitson, niece
Henrietta Shuckburgh, niece
Mary Rothwell, sister
Mary Jacob
Harriet Jacob, daughter of Mary Lucas
Mary Jacob, daughter of Mary Lucas
Carolline Jacob, daughter of Mary Lucas
Mary Lucas
Robert Lucas
Henry Smith, cousin
Mr Miller
Elizabeth Blake
Martha Wancbrough, cousin
Charles Wancbrough
Martha Wancbrough, wife to Charles
John Wancbrough
Suz Wancbrough, wife to John
Susanna Sterne, sister
William Roles
James Roles
Susanna Moore, witness, deponent
Mary Miller, witness
Robert Blake, nephew
Elizabeth Neighbour, deponent
Thomas Neighbour, husband of Elizabeth, cooper
Edward Moore, Commissioner

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 22 Dec 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1521/471
Testator: Peggy Blake, Spinster
Place: Maddington, Wiltshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 11 Jun 1810, probated 17 Apr 1811
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Peggy
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 6

1    Maddington in the County of Wilts 11 June 1810
2    I give to Ann Blake and Mary Kitson and Henrietta Shuckburgh each two
3    hundred Stock out of the five per con[so]ls and I give Mary Rothwell
4    one Thousand Stock out of the three percent Stock reduced and to
5    Mary Jacob two hundred pounds out of the same stock red[uc]ed I do give
6    to Harriet and to Mary and to Carolline the three youngest daughters of Mary
7    Lucas one hundred out of the three per Cent reduced Stock to each
8    one hundred and to Robert Lucas one hundred out of the same
9    Stock I do give to my Cousin Henry Smith ten Guineas I do give to Mr
10    Miller ten Guineas for ring I do give to my Cousin Elizabeth Blake
11    Twenty Guineas I do give to my Cousin Martha Wancbrough Five
12    Guineas for ring I do give to Charles Wancbrough and Martha his Wife five
13    Guineas to each for rings I do give to John and to Suz Wancbrough to each five
14    Guineas for rings and I do give to Susanna Sterne one hundred out of
15    the four per Cent Stock and I do give Twenty pounds to Twenty poor
16    housekeepers in St Thomas and St Martens Parishes ten shillings
17    and house if I die at Maddington I give the same to Twenty poor
18    housekeepers ten shillings and house and where I die I give the same
19    I do give to the servants of the house five Guineas each and I do give
20    to my Sister Susanna Sterne all the rest for her sole and separate use
21    that I have not gave away and make her my Executrix before Witnesses
22    my hand to William and James Roles five Guineas each for rings
23    Peggy Blake  Witness Susannah Moore X the mark of Mary
24    Miller I give to the children of Robert Blake 100 pounds each stock
25    Consols
26    Appeared personally Susanna Moore of the Close of New
27    Sarum in the County of Wilts Spinster and Elizabeth Neighbour wife
28    of Thomas Neighbour of the City of New Sarum in the County of
29    Wilts Cooper and made Oath that they know and were well acquainted
30    with Peggy Blake formerly of Salisbury but late of Maddington
31    in the County of Wilts Spinster deceased and also with her manner
32    and character of hand writing and subscription having seen her
33    write and write and subscribe her names and having with care and attention
34    viewed and perused the paper writing hereunto annexed purporting
35    to be a contain the last Will and Testament of the said Peggy Blake
36    Spinster deceased with a Codicil thereunto annexed in writing and
37    particularly the words “for her the rest” interlined between the fourth
38    and fifth lines from the top on the second side of such Will and also the
39    words “make her my executrix” interlined between the sixth and seventh
40    lines from the top on the same second side of such will as also the
41    words “I give to the children of Robert Blake 100 pounds each stock consols”
42    written at the foot or bottom of such Will and being the codicil to such
43    will Truly those appearers do say and in their consciences believe the
44    said words so interlined in such Will and the said recited Codicil to
45    be all of the proper hand writing of the said Peggy Blake
46    Spinster deceased Susanna Moore Eliz Neighbour
47    on the seventeenth day of April 1811 the said Susanna Moore and
48    Elizabeth Neighbour were sworn to the truth of the above written affidavit
49    before me Edward Moore Commissioner
50    Proved at London 2nd May 1811 before the Judge by the
51    Oath of Susannah Sterne Widow sole executrix to whom Admon
52    was granted having been first sworn by Commission duly to adm[inister]

Will of Mary Blake, widow, Bridgwater, Somerset - The National Archives PROB 11/615/251, probated 15 May 1727

There are five Mary Blake wills in this set for Somerset. The current Mary Blake is listed as widow of Bridgwater. She was Mary Sellick married to William Blake (and the suggested date is 1694) and she kindly mentions her husband’s name in her will although he is deceased. Always a bonus when that happens.

The other four wills are for Mary Blake of Bath 1785, Mary Blake, Spinster of Bath 1807, Mary Blake, Spinster of  Walcot, 1831 and Mary Blake, widow of Taunton 1844. The wills, particularly of spinsters, can be very very helpful in sorting out families.

There is a will for Thomas Menheire, Merchant of Exeter, Devon which was probated 19 Jan 1694, PROB 11/418/178 which I may purchase in order to more fully understand the will below. It is just a two page will but could prove interesting. I suspect this is the first husband of Mary, testatrix, in the will below. Generally this has been transcribed as Thomas Minturne in various sources. The will might help to clarify that in my mind since I have transcribed it differently.

Mary Sellick was married to William Blake who was a son of Humphrey Blake and Sara Sealy. They married 10 Apr 1632 at Bridgwater. This Humphrey was the brother of Admiral Robert Blake. So William was a nephew of the Admiral.

The other question to mind is whether or not Mary Selleck is also a descendant of the Blake family of Overstowey given that Elizabeth/Isabel Blake daughter of John Blake the elder (son of Humphrey Blake of Over Stowey) married Robert Selleck 9 Oct 1571 in Over Stowey. They had five sons and Robert their middle son is the one for whom the best records exist as it is this line where one of the sons emigrated to the American colonies namely David Selleck who is said to have emigrated around 1637. West Monkton where Henry Selleck, executor of the will below, lived is seven miles from Bridgwater. The Selleck family lived initially at Tolland which is 11 miles from West Monkton. There is a will for Henry Selleck, Gentleman of West Monkton probated 20 Jul 1741 which I shall also consider purchasing in order to add to the information for this family. Wells Cathedral: its monumental inscriptions and heraldry. 127 on archive.org yields this interesting piece of information. A Licence was granted 12 Mar 1713 for Henry Sellick, gent., junior, of West Monkton to marry Mary Bere, spinster; John Bere, gent., being bondsman. There is more information on the Sellick family around this entry but nothing specific to link Henry to any specific line.

Mary and William had one daughter as far as I can tell – Sarah who married John Chapman and this family is also mentioned in the will below.

Mary remembers many members of the Sealy family. Was this perhaps something her husband had asked her to do in his will which was not probated at the PCC unfortunately. They would have been related to her mother in law I suspect as the sisters of William, namely Ann married the Reverend John Norman and Sarah married a Mr. Doble.

Names mentioned in the will:

Mary Blake, widow, testatrix (married to William Blake, merchant, Bridgwater)
Thomas Menheire, first husband of Mary Blake, deceased
William Chapman
John Chapman, father of William, mercer, Chard, deceased
John Sealy, Bridgwater, merchant
John Sealy, son of John Sealy
Frances Sealy, daughter of John Sealy
Mary Sealy, daughter of John Sealy
Thomas Chapman, apothecary, Ilminster
John Moore, clerk, Bridgwater
Henry Sellick, junior, West Monkton, gentleman
John Balch, witness
Richard Codrington, witness
John Armstrong, witness

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 19 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/615/251
Testator: Mary Blake, widow
Place: Bridgwater, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 20 Jan 1725, probated 15 May 1727
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

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

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Mary Blake of Bridgewater in the County of Somersett widow doe
3    make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following
4    First I commend my Soule into the hands of Almighty God hopeing through
5    the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour to obteine Everlasting life and my Body
6    I committ to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
7    hereinafter named And my desire is that my Executor hereinafter named
8    do cause my body to be interred in the parish Church of Bridgewater
9    aforesaid in the Grave wherein the body of my late husband William Blake
10    of Bridgewater aforesaid Merchant deceased doth lye And as touching
11    my worldly Estate I give and dispose of the same as follows Imprimis I
12    give and devise all my lands in the Kingdome of Ireland which were given to
13    me by the Will of Thomas Menheire my first husband deceased unto
14    William Chapman son of John Chapman late of Chard Mercer deceased his
15    heires and assignes forever Item I give unto John Sealy of Bridgewater
16    aforesaid Merchant Thirty pounds Item I give unto John Sealy son of
17    the aforesaid John Sealy Tenn pounds Item I give unto Frances Sealy
18    daughter of the aforesaid John Sealy my Gold Watch and Gold Chaine
19    and Hooke belong there unto Item I give unto Mary Sealy daughter
20    of the aforesaid John Sealy my Gold Chaine for the Neck and my Gold
21    Ring with a Stone and diamond sparks Item I give unto Thomas
22    Chapman of Ilminster Apothecary the Tenn pounds which he oweth
23    me on his note and my will is that the said Note be forth delivered upp
24    to be cancelled Item I give unto John Moore of Bridgewater aforesaid
25    Clerke Five pounds Item I give unto Henry Selleck Junior of
26    Westmuncton Gentleman Twenty pounds Item all the rest and residue
27    of my goods and chattels remaining unbequeathed (my debts
28    Funerall Expences and legacies being first paid and discharged) I
29    give and bequeath unto the said Henry Selleck Junior whome I make
30    sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I
31    have hereunto sett my hand and seale this Twentyeth day of January
32    one thousand seaven hundred and Twenty Five Mary Blake signed
33    sealed and published by the above named Testatrix for and as her last
34    Will and Testament in presence of us who also subscribed our names
35    as witnesses in the presence of the said Testatrix and at her request
36    John Balch Rich[ar]d Codrington John Armstrong

Will of Susanna Blake heretofore Moore, Wife of John Blake, Gussage All Saints, Dorset - The National Archives PROB 11/870/ , probated 10 Nov 1761

Susanna Blake (formerly Moore) is the testatrix of the will below. She is married to John Blake and they live at Gusage All Saints, Dorset. According to the will below, Susanna Moore married John Blake after 21 Jan 1752 as a pre-nuptial agreement was signed on that date. They do not appear to have had any children; I did not find any Blake surnames searching on the Gussage All Saints OPC website where there are baptisms from 1701 to 1812. Nor are their burials listed on this website.

However I did find the burial of Susanna Blake on the Gussage St Michael OPC website. Susanna was 61 years of age and buried 2 Aug 1760. Her husband John Blake also aged 61 years was buried 31 Jan 1761 was also buried at Gussage St Michael. Obviously this couple was older when they married. They are the only Blake burials registered there between 1654 and 1812.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 4 Sep 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/870/183
Testator: Susanna Blake heretofore Moore, Wife
Place: Gussage All Saints, Dorset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 16 Jul 1760, probated 10 Nov 1761
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Susanna Blake
[Margin]: heretofore Moore

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Susanna Blake Wife of John Blake of Gussage All
3    Saints in the County of Dorsett Malster doe make my last Will
4    and Testament in manner and form following Whereas in and by
5    a certain Indenture Tripartite bearing date on or about the twenty
6    first day of January one thousand seven hundred and fifty two
7    made between myself by my then Name of Susanna Moore
8    of the first part Henry Edwards and Richard Dean of the second
9    part and the said John Blake my present husband of the third
10    part made previous to and in order to my Marriage with the said
11    John Blake two several Bonds or Obligations from Robert Bowles
12    Esquire and the Honourable and Reverend Thomas Howe for the
13    payment of one hundred pounds cash are thereby assigned to the
    [Page 2]
14    said Henry Edwards and Richard Dean their Executors administrators
15    and Assigns in manner therein expressed Upon Trust (amongst
16    other things) that in Case I should dye in the life time of the said
17    John Blake that they the said Henry Edwards and Richard Dean
18    should Transfer pay and dispose of the said one hundred pounds
19    and one hundred pounds and the interest and produce thereof to
20    such person or persons and in such sort manner and proportions
21    as I notwithstanding my Coverture should by any deed or deeds
22    in Writing or by my last Will and Testament in Writing or by
23    any Writing purporting to be my last Will and Testament under
24    my hand and Seal Executed in the presence of two or more creditable
25    Witnesses direct limit and appoint as in and By the said in part
26    recited Indenture relation being therein to had it doth and may
27    more fully and at large appear And Whereas the said one
28    hundred pounds due from the said Robert Bowles was in or about
29    the Month of April one thousand seven hundred and fifty six
30    paid into the said Henry Edwards and Richard Dean and on
31    the first day of May following was by them lent and placed out
32    at interest to my said husband upon his bond of that date by and
33    with my Consent and approbation upon the Trusts and to and for
34    the uses intents and purposes mentioned and contained in the said
35    Tridenture Tripartite and the other one hundred pounds still
36    remains due and owing from the said Thomas Howe Now in
37    testimony of the love and Affection which I have and bear towards
38    the said John Blake my husband and by Virtue of the power and
39    authority to me reserved and given in and by the said in part
40    recited Indenture and of all other powers and Authorities any wise
41    enabling me thereunto I the said Susanna Blake do by this my
42    last Will and Testament or Writing purporting my last Will
43    and Testament by me under my hand and Seal published and
44    declared in the presence of John Young and James Flipping whose
45    names are hereunder written as Witnesses hereto Give bequeath
46    direct limit and appoint the said two several Sums of one hundred
47    pounds and one hundred pounds and the interest thereof unto my
48    said husband for and during the term of his natural life and I hereby
49    direct the said Henry Edwards and Richard Dean to pay him the
50    interest of the said one hundred pounds due from the said Thomas
51    Howe accordingly or permit him to receive the same and from and
52    after the decease of my said husband I Give and bequeath the said
53    two several Sums of one hundred pounds and one hundred pounds
54    (or such part thereof as shall be left and in being at the time
55    of his death as hereinafter is mentioned) together with the Securities
56    for the same unto my Nephew Francis Russell of Magdalen
57    College Cambridge Son of my late Sister Rebecca Russell his
58    Executor and Administrators but it is my express Will desire and
59    meaning that if by sickness or other infirmities my said husband
60    shall in the opinion of the said Henry Edwards and Richard Dean
61    have need or occasion of all or any part of the said principal
62    sums of one hundred pounds and one hundred pounds then I do
63    hereby order and direct that the said Trustees shall and do
64    permit him to receive have and take the same (notwithstanding
65    the above bequest to the said Francis Russell) to and for his
    [Page 3]
66    own use and that they the said Trustees shall not be any ways
67    liable answerable or accountable to the said Francis Russell
68    or any one else for the same and I do hereby acquit and
69    discharge them thereof it being my intention that the said Francis
70    Russell under this my Will shall have or be entitled to have or
71    receive no more of the said Several Sums of one hundred pounds
72    and one hundred pounds than my said husband shall leave
73    at his death In Witness whereof I the said Susanna Blake
74    have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal
75    the sixteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
76    seven hundred and sixty Susanna Blake Signed Sealed and
77    published and declared by the said Susanna Blake the Testatrix
78    as and for her last Will and Testament and the words his Executors
79    and Administrators being first interlined in the presence of us who
80    at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other
81    have hereunto set and Subscribed our Names as Witnesses John
82    Young James Flipping
83    On the tenth day of November in the year of our Lord
84    one thousand seven hundred and sixty one Letters of Administration
85    (with the last Will and Testament annexed) of Susannah Blake
86    Heretofore Moore (Wife of John Blake) late of Gussage all
87    Saints in the County of Dorset deceased were granted to Francis
88    Russell the Nephew next of kin and Residuary Legatee substituted
89    in the said Will he having been first sworn duly to administer
90    for that there is no Executor named in the said Will and the
91    said John Blake the husband and Universal Legatee for life
92    named in the said Will Survived the Testatrix but died without
93    taking upon him Letters of Administration (with the said Will
94    annexed) of the Goods of the said deceased.

Will of Mary Blake of Portsea - National Archives PROB 11/1829/430, probated 12 Apr 1834

Another will by an unmarried sister (at least she appears to be) and Mary Blake does not really leave clues as to her age although her brothers are married with children.

An interesting legacy is the first one given to Lucy Scrivenor. The only Lucy Scrivener (no one with the spelling Scrivenor) I found was 74 years old on the 1851 census at Portsea. She appears to be independent and also living in the same house Henry W Lock who is unmarried and a joined and there is a nurse Elizabeth Thomas (55 years of age) visiting. All members of the household were born at Portsea. Lucy Scrivener died sep quarter 1854 at Portsea (Free BMD). This Lucy was probably the daughter of Thomas Scrivener and Elizabeth and she was baptized 29 Nov 1778 at Saint Marys Portsea. Her father Thomas likely died 8 Nov 1820 at Portsea at the age of 86 years (bc 1734 I04385-7 Family Search). The marriage of Thomas Scrivener and Elizabeth Wakeford was located 28 Oct 1760 at Saint Thomas Portsmouth M0625-3 Family Search.  They baptize six children between 1762 and 1783. No sign of a Blake connection but I did not search back prior to the marriage of Thomas and Elizabeth.

This family consists of John, Mary and Richard Blake all siblings. Richard has a daughter Sophia but could not locate her on Family Search. Once I have completed all of these wills I will go back and look at the Portsea Blake wills to see if there is a link between the Blake families there.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Oct 2012
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/1829/430
Name of testator: Mary Blake
Place: Portsea, Hampshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated:, 25 Dec 1833, probated 12 Apr 1834
Read: Electronic file images
Condition: modern English, 19th century, fairly clear copy
[In margin] Mary
[In margin] Blake
[In margin] 4 p

1    The last Will and Testament of me Mary
2    Blake of the Town of Portsea in the County of Southampton 1st I give and
3    bequeath to Lucy Scrivenor the sum of thirty pounds now standing on Ring
4    St Chapel Portsea 2. I give and bequeath to Sophia Blake my Brother
5    Richard's daughter the sum of fifty pounds now standing on Buckland
6    Chapel 3 I give and bequeath to my Brother John Blake or his heirs
    the sum of one hundred and Sixty pounds on mortgage on a piece of
7    Land and dwellinghouse West St Moscow Buildings near Hyde Park Corner
8    Portsea belonging to John William Moore Also one hundred and seventy
9    five pounds now standing in the Bank of England in my name Also all
10    my household Furniture Goods plate and Linen 4 I give and bequeath to my
11    Brother Johns daughter all my wearing apparel to be equally divided
12    5 I do hereby make and appoint my brother Johne Blake Executor of
13    this my last Will and Testament Given under my hand and seal this 25
14    day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Mary Blake [signed]
15    [seal] Witness Jas. Crafter [signed] Geo Crafter [signed]
16    Proved at London 12th April 1834 before the Judge by the Oath of
17    John Blake the Brother the sole Executor to whom Admon was granted having
18    been first sworn by Com[mis]ion duly to administer

Will of Robert Blake, Yeoman of Halse, National Archives PROB 11/180 Image Reference 543/493, probated 15 Jun 1639

Other places near Halse include 2 miles NE Bishops Lydeard and 2 miles WNW Fitzhead, Finding the parents of Robart Blake would be most interesting especially with his sons named Robert, Edmund, John and Richard. All four of these sons were born prior to 1640. Interesting to find everyone in the same place - Halse - Perry family and Blake family. Could there be two distinct Blake families in Halse?

As I continue transcribing the wills perhaps I will find a link. Robert mentions John Blake of Kingston as one of his Executors in Trust. The post of the Will of Thomas Blake of Wedmore, Somerset (http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/will-of-thomas-blake-of-wedmore.html) brings up the John Blake at Kingston as the eldest son of the testator of this will left land to his son Thomas at Kingston. He did have a son John but would he be the same John since this will was 1581 and now the time is the late 1630s. In this case following the land would be helpful. On the other hand I do not know how Thomas fits into the known Somerset Blake family but slowly linking people is helpful to that cause.

Robert identifies his mother as Edith Blake which I shall stow away in my memory (and this is my memory bank!) and that piece of information will no doubt be helpful in the future.

Looking at the Parish Records posted earlier perhaps this family continues at Halse with the records listed in the blog of the will of Agnis Blake (wife of this Robert): http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/will-of-agnis-blake-widow-of-halse_17.html




Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 18 Apr 2012
Source:  The National Archives PROB 11/180 Image Reference 543/493 (images by me)
Name of testator: Robert Blake, Yeoman
Place: Halse, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 11 Dec 1638, probated 15 Jun 1639
Read: Electronic file
Condition: smudges, 17th century, light copy

[In margin] Tm  Roberti Blake

1    In the name of God Amen The elveanethe
2    daie of december Anno D[omi]ni 1638 And in the fourteenth yere of the Raigne of o[u]r
3    Sovereigne Lord Charles by the grace of God king of England etc I Robert
4    Blake of Halse in the County of Somersett Yeoman being in good health and of
5    perfect memorie (thankes be to Almightie God) doe ordeyne and make this my last
6    will and Testament in manner and forme followinge That is to say, First I give and
7    bequeath my soule unto Almightie God And my body to Christian buryall in sure and
8    certaine hope of Resurrec[t]ion to eternall life at the last day And that by the onely
9    meritts of the death and passion of Jesus Christ myne onely Saviour and Redeemer
10    Item I give and bequeath towards the Reedifyeing and new buildinge of St Paules
11    Church in the Citty of London five shillings Item I give and bequeath to the poore
12    of Halse Tenn shillings And to the poore people that shall es[c]orte unto my funerall
13    fortie shillings Item I give and bequeath unto my Wife Agnes Blake my best fetherbed
14    performed and my best Mantl (When the herrietts are chasen and gonne) tenne kyne and
15    Twenty sheepe Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Agnis one hundred
16    poundes includinge therein her Grandmother Edith Blakes quifts or Legacie
17    Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Grace One hundred and fortie poundes includinge
18    therein her Grandmother Edith Blakes guift or Legacie Item I give and bequeath
19    unto my daughter Jane the Lease of my chattle lyeing and being in the parish of
20    Wemdon Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Edith one hundred and fortie
21    pounds to be payd her out of my freeland and val[e] entyre ground scituate and being in
22    the parish of Halse But if any of my foresaide daughters shall happen to dye before
23    Shee come to the age of one and Twenty yeares Then my Will is that her por[t]ion soe dyeing
24    Shalbe equally devided among the Survivors of them Item I give and Bequeath unto my
25    sonne Richard five poundes To my sonne John five pounds To my sonne Edmond
26    five pounds And to all my Godchildren Twoe shillings apeece And I doe make and
27    constitute my sonne Robert Blake the whole and sole Executor of this my last will and
28    Testament when he shall come to a fully have accomplished the age of one and twenty
in margin    Edmund shall be myne Executor when he comes to the full age of one and twenty yeares, if he chance to dye before that time then my sonne
29    yeares But if hee shall chance to dye before that tyme Then my sonne ^ John shall be
30    myne Executor when he come to the full age of one and twenty yeres yf hee doe chance
31    to dye before that tyme Then my sonne Richard shall be my sole Executor when hee
32    comes to the same full age of one and twentie yeares And I doe make Executors in trust
33    untill my children come all severally to the age of one and Twenty yeres Thomas Gredy of
34    Samford Arundell yeoman Henry Davy of Durley yeoman John Blake of Kingston
35    yeoman Anthony Cale of Halse yeoman And for their paynes I doe give them
36    Twentie shillings apeece. The m[a]rke of Robert Blake Witnesses unto this Testament
37    William Moore Clerke Robert Moore William Colles
38    A Codicill annexed unto the within written Testam[en]t
39    Moreover I the within named Testator doe hereby Will and ordeyn That my
40    within named wife Agnes Blake shall have the use and occupa[t]ion of all  my household
41    stuffe and utensills within doores soe long as shee keeps herself my widdowe And
    [Page 2]
42    contynue dwellinge in my now dwelling house at Halse Provided allwayes
43    that shee her Executors or Administrators shall make the said utensills and householde
44    stuffe soe good unto myne Executors I left them unto her Item I doe give and
45    bequeath unto my foresaid wife Agnes All my corne in and aboute my house and in
46    ground Provided that for and in considera[t]ion of the same shee shall give or allowe
47    unto my children Richard Edith and Jane Blake sufficient meate drinke and
48    Apparell Accordinge to their degree forth or tyme of fouer yeeres ymediately
49    after my decease The m[a]rke of Robert Blake Wittnesses hereunto W[illia]m Moore
50    Clerke Rob[ert] Moore Will[ia]m Colles