The testator, Humphrey Blake, is of Over Stowey and one of the collateral lines related to Admiral Robert Blake. He was baptized possibly 24 Nov 1611 at Over Stowey (information from the Portbury Admiral Blake website (http://www.portbury-hundred.co.uk/admiralreport.htm) . The parish registers of Overstowey no longer exist in this earlier time period although there are some bishops transcripts and perhaps the dates are from there. Eventually I hope to have a look at them.
Humphrey, the testator, was the son of Humphrey Blake and Elizabeth Giles but again the parish registers do not give their marriage date at Over Stowey if they were married there. He was one of five children namely:
1. John died 1696 (by the above website) and married to Elizabeth
2. Humphrey baptized 24 Nov 1611 (by the above website), married to Elizabeth Upton and buried 14 Jun 1665 at Aisholt, Somerset (Elizabeth was buried 5 Apr 1683 at Aisholt)
3. Arthur baptized June 1619 at Over Stowey, married to Jane Tomms and his will was blogged: http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/09/will-of-arthur-blake-gentleman-of.html and he died before 16 Jun 1653 date of probate of his will. Arthur and Jane had two children Elizabeth and Mary both under 21 in 1653. Brother of the present testator.
4. Richard baptized 6 Dec 1629 at Over Stowey and died by 1658 (according to the website of portbury-hundred above) as his brother Humphrey mentions that he has died at the time of the writing of his will as further proof.
5. Elizabeth born circa 1621 at Over Stowey and buried 10 May 1621 at Over Stowey
Humphrey, the testator, was married to Elizabeth Upton but the earliest marriages begin in 1654 with Phillimore’s Marriage Registers. Their first child was likely born before 1640 so not available online. Elizabeth Blake does appear on the burial registers as a widow buried 5 Apr 1683 but no age given. Humphrey and Elizabeth had nine children but the baptismal registers do not begin until 1680.
1. Humphrey Blake buried 27 Sep 1664 at Aisholt
2. Catherine Blake baptized 1 Jun 1640 (portbury-admiralblake site), possibly dead by 1664 as not mentioned in will
3. John (mentioned in will below) baptized 17 Nov 1641 and dead by 1696 and married to Elizabeth Farthing (mentioned in will below) 1 Jan 1663 and they had four children: Dorothy (mentioned in will below), Dorothy Humphrey, John and Betty (portbury-admiralblake site)
4. (Reverend) Nathaniel (mentioned in will below) baptized Jun 1645 at Plainfield, Over Stowey (portbury-admiralblake site), married to Sarah Blanchflower 7 Feb 1672 at Fitzhead, Somerset and buried 17 Nov 1705 at Aisholt. They had three children Nathaniel died young, John died young and Katherine baptized 14 Mar 1688 at Aisholt.
5. Arthur (mentioned in will below) baptized 14 Jun 1650 (portbury admiral blake site) children are also listed on this site namely Arthur, Edmund, Nathaniel and Katherine.
6. Roger (mentioned in will below) circa born 1651 and married to Susannah Taylor circa 1672 and buried 24 Jul 1702 at Aisholt and he was the common ancestor of Hester Blake and Robert Blake mentioned in the will of Hester Blake blogged a few days ago. They had 11 children and the first entry in the extant parish registers at Aisholt have Sarah Blake daughter of Roger and Susanna baptized 12 Apr 1680 lending credence to the thought that the older children may have also been baptized at Aisholt.
7. Elizabeth (mentioned in will below) baptized 5 Jun 1653 (portbury admiralblake site); buried 28 Aug 1671 at Aisholt
8. Robert (mentioned in the will of his father)
9. Mary (mentioned in the will of his father)
Always nice to be able to locate family lines for the testators in these wills for the Blake family of Somerset. There are a huge number of collateral lines to Admiral Robert Blake.
As mentioned the testator Humphrey was the son of Humphrey Blake and Elizabeth Giles. This Humphrey was then the son of Humphrey Blake and Agnus/Ann James who married at Over Stowey 23 Oct 1578 and then this Humphrey son of John Blake the elder who was a brother to Robert Blake the grandfather of Admiral Robert Blake.
Admiral Robert Blake [101] is the 2nd cousin once removed of Humphry-77 the elder Blake [131]
Common Ancestor
* Humphrey-21 Blake [1]
(Cir 1499-1558)
* Agnis [2]
( -1585)
Married [1]
|
--------------------------------------------------------------
| |
| |
* John-27 (the elder) Blake [3] * Robert-28 Blake [4]
(Cir 1521-After 1576) (Cir 1523-Cir 1592)
Johan [12] Margaret Symonds [22]
( -1595) ( -1600)
Married Cir 1541 [4] Married [5]
| |
| |
* Humphrey-38 Blake [16] * Humphry-43 Blake [25]
(Cir 1556-Cir 1619) (Cir 1563-1625)
Agnus/Ann James [73] Sarah Swithers formerly Williams [100]
( -1645) ( -1638)
Married 23 Oct 1578 [19] Married 5 Oct 1597 [26]
| |
| |
* Humphry-54 Blake [74] * Admiral Robert Blake [101]
(Cir 1580- ) (1598-1657)
Elizabeth Giles [129]
Married [33]
|
|
* Humphry-77 the elder Blake [131]
(1611-1665)
Names mentioned in the will (all children under 21 except John the eldest):
Humphrey Blake, Plainfield, Over Stowey, Somerset, testator
John Blake, son
Nathaniel Blake, son
Arthur Blake, son
Roger Blake, son
Elizabeth Blake, daughter
Robert Slocombe, the elder, Plainfield, Over Stowey, Somerset
Elizabeth Blake, wife of John, son of Humphrey
Dorothy Blake, grand daughter, daughter of John and Elizabeth
Elizabeth Blake, wife of testator, executrix
John Sellock, Nether Stowey, Doctor of Divinity, overseer
John Pratt, Thurloxton, overseer
John Upton, Fitzhead, gentleman, overseer
Joseph Cooke, witness
Edward Slade, witness
Johane Vicarie, witness
J Pratt, witness
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 5 Oct 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/318/714
Testator: Humfrey Blake, Gentleman
Place: Over Stowey, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 17 Jan 1664, probated 22 Dec 1665
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Humfrus
[Margin]: Blake
1 In The Name of God Amen
2 the seaventeenth day of January in the yeare of our Lord God one Thousand
3 Six hundred Sixty and fower And in the Sixteenth yeare of the Raigne
4 of our Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of
5 England Scotland, France and Ireland King defender of the Faith etc I
6 Humfrey Blake of Plainesfeild in the parish of Over Stowey in the County
7 of Somersett gentleman being weake of body but of good and perfect mind and
8 remembrance revokeing all former will and Testaments heretofore by mee made
9 doe
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10 Doe make and ordaine this to bee my last will and Testament in manner
11 and forme following First I bequeath my soule into the hands of Almighty
12 God my maker assureing my selfe of eternall salvation through the death
13 and merits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer And for my body my will is
14 that it be decently buried with confidence that the same shall att the last
15 day rise againe unto eternall glory And as concerning my Temporall
16 Estate which God hath sent me I doe bequeath it in manner following
17 Imprimis I give unto the poore people of Over Stowey Twenty Shillings
18 and alsoe to the poore people of Aisholt Tenn shillings to be distributed
19 among them by my Executrix herein after named within one moneth
20 after my death Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne John Blake
21 my drinking Jugge which hath its mouth Tipt and coated with Silver
22 and is Footed with the same Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne
23 Nathaniell Blake the Advowson donation free disposition and Right of Patronage of the
24 Rectory and parish Church of Aisholt in the County of Somersett with all
25 the Rights profits members and appurten[an]cs whatsoever thereunto belong-
26 ing and apperteyning Together with all deeds writings and Evidences
27 concerning the Same To have and to hold the premises unto the said
28 Nathaniell Blake his heires and assignes for ever Item I give and bequeath
29 unto my said sonne Nathaniell Blake An Annuity of Thirty pounds per
30 Annum To be paid unto him by myne Executrix hereinafter named Quarterly
31 by even and equall por[t]ions in every yeare from and after my decease until
32 the end of one whole yeare next after the said Rectory of the said parish Church
33 of Aisholt shall First and next happen to be void And if the saide Rectory shall happen to bee voide before the said Nathaniell
34 shall accomplish his age of one and Twenty yeares Then I doe give full
35 power and authority unto my Overseers herein after named to dispose of the
36 said Rectory to the behoofe and best benefit of him the said Nathaniell Blake
37 Provided always That the said Nathaniell Blake when he hath accom-
38 plished his Age of one and Twenty yeares shall acquit and release myne
39 Executrix of all such Legacies as I have reserved for the use and behoofe of
40 him the said Nathaniell Blake Item I give and bequeath unto my
41 sonne Arthur Blake An Annuity of Tenn pounds per Annum to be paid
42 unto him by myne Executrix Quarterly by even and equall por[t]ions in
43 every yeare after hee hath accomplished his age of one and Twenty yeares
44 for and dureing his natural life Provided always That the said
45 Arthur Blake when hee hath accomplished his age of one and Twenty
y Yeares shall acquit and release myne Executrix of and from all such
47 legacies As I have reserved for the use and behoofe of him the said Arthur
48 Blake Provided After that the said Arthur Blake Shall at his said age
49 of one and Twenty yeares acquit release and discharge myne Executrix of
50 and from all accompts claymes and demands which hee the said
51 Arthur Blake may then clayme demand or require of myne Executrix
52 by reason or cause or by pretence or Colour of any reason or cause of the
53 issues and proffetts of a certaine Tenement lying in Charlinch late in the
54 tenure and occupation of my brother Richard Blake deceased which I have
55 receivd since the decease of the said Richard Blake Item I give and bequeath
56 unto my sonne Roger Blake an annuity of Tenn pounds per Annum to be
57 paid unto him by my Executrix out of the rents issues and profits of my Tenement
58 in Lower Aisholt which I bought of Edward Huish of Donyford Esquire
59 the said Annuity to be paid unto him the said Roger Blake quarterly be even
60 and equall por[t]ions in every yeare from and after my decease until the
61 said Roger Blake shall attaine unto his full age of one and Twenty yeares
62 and
[Page 2]
63 and further my will is that the said Roger Blake soe soone as hee shall
64 have accomplished his age of one and Twenty yeares shall receive possess and
65 enjoy All the issues and proffitts of the said Tenement for and dureing the whole
66 Terme I have therein which shall then be to come and unexpired Provided
67 always that the said Roger Blake when he hath accomplished his age of one
68 and Twenty yeares shall acquit and release my Executrix of all such Legacies
69 as I have recerved for the use and behoofe of him the said Roger Blake Item
70 I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth Blake Three hundred
71 pounds of lawfull money of England To be paid unto her by my Executrix in
72 manner following (viz[ a vi]) That is to say one hundred and Fifty pounds thereof to
73 be paid to her my said daughter Elizabeth Blake within Five yeares next
74 after the decease of Robert Slocombe the Elder of PlainFeild in the parish
75 of Over Stowey aforesaid And the other hundred and Fifty pounds thereof to
76 be paid unto her when shee shall accomplish her age of one and Twenty yeares
77 and further my will is That my Executrix shall pay unto my said daughter
78 Elizabeth Blake ten pounds per Annum Quarterly by equall por[t]ions in every
79 yeare after my decease for and towards her maintenance until shee shall
80 accomplish her age of one and Twenty yeares or until the Expira[t]ion of Five
81 yeares after the decease of the said Robert Slocombe if it shall happen before
82 the accomplishment of her said Age Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter
83 Mary Blake my Silver Tankard Item I give and bequeath unto my said daughter
84 Mary Blake Three hundred pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid to her
85 by my Executrix in manner following (viz[ a vi]t) That is to say one hundred and Fifty
86 pounds thereof to be paid unto her my said daughter Mary Blake within Five yeares
87 next after the decease of the aforesaid Robert Slocombe And the other hundred
88 and Fifty pounds thereof to be paid unto her when she shall accomplish her
89 age of one and Twenty yeares And further my will is that my Executrix shall
90 pay onto my said daughter Mary Blake Tenn pounds per Annum Quarterly by
91 equall portions in every yeare after my decease for and towards her maintenance
92 until shee shall accomplish her age of one and Twenty yeares or until the expi-
93 ra[t]ion of Five yeares after the decease of the said Robert Slocombe if it shall
94 happen before the accomplishment of her said age And if it shall happen
95 that either of my said daughters Shall dye before any or either of the dayes
96 hereby lymtted and appointed for the payment of her portion of Three hundred
97 pounds Then my will is That the said por[t]ion as that part thereof which
98 shall not become due unto her att the tyme of her decease shall red___d unto
99 that my other daughter which shall survive the same for deceased Item I
100 give unto Elizabeth the now wife of my sonne John Blake one peece of Gold
101 of Twenty shillings Item I give unto Dorothy the daughter of my said Sonne
102 John Blake one Peece of Gold of Twenty shillings which said Two peeces of
103 Gold shalbe bestowed by the said Elizabeth to buy them a Ring a peece Item
104 I give and bequeath unto my Auntcient servant Richard Hurte one Suite of
105 my weareing apparel All the rest and residue of my goods Chattells and
106 Creditts not herein given nor bequeathed my debts being paid Legacies performed
107 and funeral expences defrayed I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Blake my
108 now wife whom I make sole Executrix of this my last will and testament And
109 I entreat my welbeloved Friends John Sellock of Nether Stowey Doctor of
110 Divinity John Pratt of Thurloxton and John Upton of Fitzhead gentleman
111 to be overseers of this my last Will and Testament reposeing trust and confi-
112 dence in them to see the same effectually performed according to the true intent and
113 meaneing of this my present last will and Testament In Witnes whereof I
114 have hereunto sett my hand and Seale the day and yeare First above written
115 Humfrie
[Page 3]
116 Humfrie Blake Signed sealed published and declared to be the last
117 will and Testament of the within named Humfrus Blake Those words (Thirty
118 for and dureing his natural life) being first interlined in the presence of us
119 Joseph Cooke The marke of Edward Slade The marke of Joane Vicarie
120 A Codicill annexed to this my last Will and Testament Whereas I have
121 given and bequeathed unto my sonne Arthur Blake one Annuity of Tenn pounds
122 per Annum for and dureing the terme of his natural life Now my will and
123 meaning is That the said Annuity shall continue payable unto him until such
124 tyme as hee shall attaine unto the age of Twenty and Five yeares and noe longer
125 and then my will is and meaning And I doe hereby farther give devise and
126 bequeath unto him the above named Arthur Blake the summe of Two hundred
127 pounds to be paid unto him by my said Executrix att such his age of Twenty
128 Five yeares For and in Lieu of Such Annuity Test: J Pratt
Showing posts with label Pratt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pratt. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Will of Thomas Blake, Gentleman, Plymtree, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1032/77 - probated 6 Jun 1777
Thomas Blake, the testator, lived at Plymtree, Devon. According to Genuki in 1850 William Blake Esquire was one of the larger landowners there. Indeed Thomas bequeaths all of his property to William (possibly an ancestor of the William Blake in 1850) Blake his brother.
John Marks was perhaps married to Elizabeth (Betty) Blake since he is brother in law to Thomas Blake. Thomas does not mention a wife. Robert Marks was baptized 4 Feb 1766 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks. John Marks was baptized 1 Jul 1761 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks.
I did find baptisms for Trull online (home of Mr. William Blake, brother to the deceased):
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/BapTru_B1.html
Blake Elizabeth 24 Jun 1689 d Robert
Blake Joan 14 Apr 1691 d Robert
Blake Edith 06 May 1695 d Robert
Blake Mary 06 Apr 1697 d Robert
Blake Elizabeth 10 Apr 1711 d Thomas/Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 13 Jan 1712 s Mr Thomas (deceased)/Mrs Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 28 Jun 1763 s Mr William, Cutsey
Blake William 11 Jun 1766 s Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 09 Aug 1769 d Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 03 Dec 1794 d William/Betty
Blake William 19 May 1797 s William/Betty, bn 31 Jan 1797
Blake Thomas 02 Feb 1802 s William/Betty, bn 22 Apr 1801
Blake William 29 Jan 1830 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Thomas 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent,bn 05 Jun 1831
Blake William 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Elizabeth 24 Sep 1834 d William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Mary 30 Dec 1835 d William/Mary, Cursey, gent
Blake Robert 29 Jun 1890 s Sarah Ann, domestic servant
Marriages for Blake family members at Trull:
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/MarTru_Bl.html
Blake Elizabeth Thomas Cogan 18 Sep 1705
Blake Joan James Osmond 03 Mar 1708
Blake Margaret John Baker 24 May 1709
Blake Charlotte Edward Long 12 Feb 1843
Blake Mary James Burston Corner 20 Oct 1864
Burials for Blake family members at Trull:
Blake Elizabeth 22 Nov 1698
Blake Margaret 17 Apr 1705
Blake Robert 16 Feb 1710 Mr, Pitminster
Blake Thomas 19 Aug 1712
Blake Elizabeth 01 Feb 1736 Mrs
Blake Mary 07 Oct 1743
Blake Richard 11 Jul 1748
Blake Betty 14 Jun 1785
Blake Betty 10 Jan 1798
Blake William 11 Jan 1811
Blake Thomas 16 Feb 1813 12 Cutsey
Blake William 12 Sep 1826 60 Cutsey
Blake William 13 Apr 1832 2 2yr 3mn, Cutsey
Blake Betty 26 Nov 1840 70
Blake William 14 Jan 1864 66
Blake Mary 19 Sep 1876 70
Blake Thomas 09 Nov 1880 49 Cutsey
Cutsey is a hamlet in the Parish of Trull. Cutsey House is listed as a Grade II Building. The Blake family can be found as early as 1710 in the records at Cutsey with the mention in the 1710 will of Robert Blake of Pitminster (he was married to Margaret Thomas). Looking this record up on the online catalogue of the Somerset Record Office lead me to DD|CH/120/4 which covers the sale of a piece of land to Robert Blake of Pitminster in 1709 and then the purchase of this land by Richard Blake of Angersleigh (the testator Thomas Blake of Plimtree was the eldest son of this Richard Blake and this was the house called Harpers and the meadow in 1760). I can not find anyone who has traced this family down online from Richard.
From the will, Thomas, the testator, has a brother William of Trull who lives at Cutsey from the records above.
I then was lucky to find a write up by a descendant of this William Blake’s son William.
http://wendys-questionable-public-musings.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2-december-2011-tracing-family-history.html
William I believe had two siblings – older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty. William was younger than the testator of this will, Thomas, and with the naming of children the same in each generation it is somewhat confusing. However from the records above for Trull this does seem to fit in well. William Blake (baptized 11 Jun 1766 (died 2 Sep 1826 and married to Betty Farrant) was listed as “of Cutsey, Trull and Plymtree, Devon.” This fits with the will as this William would have inherited both his father’s property and his uncle Thomas’ property (the testator). Older brother Thomas does seem to be missing and isn’t mentioned in the writeup.
I am now quoting from the webpage mentioned above: William Blake and Betty Farrant “had only one surviving son ……. William Blake, who was baptised in Trull on 30 January 1797 and died on 9 January 1864. He was married to Mary Thomas, who died on 18 September 1876, aged 70. It is their grave (I would imagine they are buried there) that forms one of the three graves in the group in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Trull. They had four children (…….. Thomas, (another) William Blake (who died at 2), Elizabeth, who lived at Dipford (built by her father years before when he retired there and left Cutsey in the hands of Thomas) and their final child, Mary Blake.
Thomas Blake of Cutsey, Trull (Grave 1 in All Saints Church Grave Yard) with his wife, Eleanor. Thomas Blake then inherited Cutsey from his father (William). Thomas died when he was 49, but his wife was to live to the ripe old age of 83. (Gravestone 1 at All Saints Church above.) As a result of them apparently having no children, Eleanor moved out of Cutsey to "Broadlands", where she lived until her death.” At this point Cutsey following the death of Thomas’ sisters would move from the Blake family to the Clatworthy which the article mentions.
This clarifies the descent of the properties mentioned in the will to William Blake. Now to take the family back in time. William Blake and Thomas (the testator) Blake were brothers and sons of Richard Blake as mentioned in the document in the online catalogue at the Somerset Record Office website.
Records from the National Archives fonds for the Blake Family of Trull:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=168-ddct&cid=-1#-1
These papers were donated by the descendants of one of the sisters of Thomas Blake mentioned above who inherited Cutsey when Thomas had no descendants.
DD\CT/12 - 1667: Plot of ground at Socke (Pratt family). Thomas Blake living at Plymtree in 1760.
DD\CT/14 – 1709: Messuage at Ashcombe, Marke Family (documents relating to litigation)
DD\CT/18 – 1707-1883: Agreement previous to marriage of John Baker of Shepton Mallet, clothier, and Elizabeth Blake of Angersleigh, spinster, 1746; inventory of Robert Blake of Pitminster, 1711, and receipts for legacies, etc., under his will, 1711-29; appointment of guardians for Thomas Blake, 1749; releases, bonds, etc., 1707-87; account of the personal estate of Thomas Blake of Cutsey in Trull, etc., 1881-83.
DD\CT/30 – 1777-1794: Notebook with a few pages only used containing notes of timber measured, remedies (animals) and occasional memoranda, probably kept Wm. Blake of Plymtree; the notebook originally belonged to William Pratt in 1734.
DD\CT/50 – 1624-1737: Land called Lanes Meadows, 1624-1644 (Hancock and Thomas families of Trull), and 1731-1737 (Blake family); the 18th century deeds also relate to a messuage and 2a (not described). Settlement previous to marriage of Richard Blake and Mary Buncombe, both of Trull, 1732, also relates to buildings on the East side of the hall of the messuage called Lower Harpers (parents of the testator).
DD\CT/52 – 1709, 1717-1762: Documents relating to Blake Taunton Deane property in the tithing of Woodland in the hundred of Holway, including surrender previous to the marriage of Wm. Blake of Trull and Betty Long of Pitminster, 1762 (brother of the testator). Earliest document is bond relating to 15a in the tithing of Rumwell sold by Thomas Blake to Peter Risdon of Trull.
DD\CT/54 – 1696-1768: Higher and Lower Harpers/Harpus in Angersleigh and Trull respectively and leashold land held under the Gale Famnily; agreement and postnuptial settlement, Blake/Buncombe, 1732, relating to the fgirst named properties – abstract of title to Higher Harpers, reciting from 1611.
DD\CT/55 – 1583-1762: Parsons Field acquired by Richard Blake of Trull in 1747.
DD\CT/57 – 1671-1718: Release of dower by Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Halse to son Robert, 1671; mortgage by Robert Blake of Trull of messuage and 30 a., late parcel of manor, 1688; settlement previous to marriage of Robert Blake and Joan, daughter of Faithfull Cape, clerk, all of Halse, 1718, relating to moiety of house and 10a.
DD\CT/57A -1707: Articles of agreement previous to marriage of Robert Blake of Trull and Margaret Durstone of Pitminster relating to her Taunton Deane lands in various tithings in the hundred of Poundisford.
DD\CT/58 – 1789-1818: Settlement previous to marriage of John Ashford, jun., of Broad Clyst [Devon] and Betty, daughter of William Blake of Plymtree, 1789 relating to capital messuage and farm called Lymbury with associated papers.
DD\CT/60 – 1712-1827: Probate and other copies of wills and letters of admon (all Blake): Thos., 1713 (admon). Eliz. 1735, Mary, 1755 (admon), Wm. 1826, pr. 1827, all of Trull, Robt. of Pitminster, 1709, pr. 1712, Thos. of Angersleigh, 1763, pr. 1767, Thos. o Plymtree, 1777.
DD\CT/63 – 1698-1787: Miscellaneous personal papers, receipts for legacies, bonds, release to trustees, appointment of guardian, including inventories of Robert of Pitminster, 1711, and Thomas of Trull, 1712, and a schedule (by rooms) of furniture lent my mother (? By Thomas Blake), 1711. Are Robert Blake and Thomas Blake brothers with Robert father of Robert Blake of Halse and Thomas being the father of Richard of Trull (father of the present testator)?
DD\CT/70 – not dated, post 1703: Draft answers to bill of complaint of Edward Musgrave by Robert and Margaret Blake, Margaret Thomas, et al. arising out of will of Bottolph Thomas, father and husband respectively of the two last named (Margaret).
DD\CT/80 – early 20th century: Scraps of notes, in pencil, about the Blake family 18 – 19 century. (Since these documents were passed to the Somerset Archive and Record Service by the Clatworthy family (author of the webpage above on the descendants of William Blake of Trull) I would suspect they do not contain anything further back than what was used in the webpage but if I am ever in Taunton I shall check on that!)
Names mentioned in the will:
Thomas Skinner, Bridgewater
John Mathews, Lessee at Tyes
Mr. William Blake of Trull, brother to the testator
John Marks, Pitminster, tanner, brother in law
Robert Marks, son of John above, nephew
John Marks, son of John above, nephew
Mr. William Pratt, gentleman of Plimptree, cousin (deceased)
Mrs. Joan Pratt of Willand, Devon (widow of William above?)
Mr. John Pratt of Willand, Devon (son of Mrs. Joan Pratt), gentleman
Mrs. Dorothy Pratt of Willand, Devon (wife of Mr. John Pratt)
Betty Pratt of Willand, Devon (daughter of John and Dorothy)
Ann Hicks Pratt (daughter of John and Dorothy)
William Buncombe of Pitminster, gentleman, cousin
Alexander Meaddock, yeoman, of Angersleigh, tenant
Alice Wier, maidservant
Betty Lock, maidservant
John Stileham, manservant
John Walker, servant
Robert Richards, servant
John Eveleigh, apprentice
Thomas Always, apprentice
John Leaman, apprentice
Mary Hellier
(Old) John Richards
James Huish and his wife of Cullompton, gentleman
Mr. Wright, sellor
Bernard Wright, witness
John Critchett, witness
John Tucker, witness
This is perhaps the line of the son of John Blake the elder who was buried 10 Dec 1576 at Overstowey Somerset. He was the eldest son of Humphrey Blake who was buried 28 Dec 1558 at Overstowey. John’s brother Robert (married to Margaret Symonds) was a merchant at Bridgewater and grandfather of Lord High Admiral Robert Blake.
John Blake the elder and his wife Johan had seven children some of whom lived at Pitminster.
His son William was buried 13 Jun 1642 at Pitminster and William and his wife Anne had seven children namely Robert married to Sara Wicham 3 Mar 1616 at Pitminster, Grace buried 5 Jan 1622 at Pitminster, Eme buried 27 Jul 1593 at Pitminster (an infant), William married Agnes Band (the American Blake family at Boston claims this particular line), John, Anne married to Thomas Bidgood 24 Nov 1629, and Richard.
His daughter Alice married James Richard 2 Oct 1569 at Overstowey but both were buried at Pitminster (Alice 17 Aug 1585).
An interesting will that may help with linking families in the future.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1032/77
Testator: Thomas Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1777, probated 6 Jun 1777
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake
1 In the Name of God Amen
2 I Thomas Blake of the parish of Plymstree
3 In the County of Devon Gentleman make this
4 my last Will and Testament in manner following
5 whereas I have contracted and agreed to and
6 with Thomas Skinner of Bridgewater in the
7 County of Somerset Farrier for the purchase of the
8 Fee Simple and Inheritance of all those Closes or
9 parcels of Land called Sock Close and Pines Close
10 part of an Estate called Tyes The Field or Close
11 called the Hay Downs the Field called Langlands
12 the Long Beat Land, the South Down and Clarkes
13 Meadow part of an Estate called Clarkes and also
14 the Court Garden and West Plott thereunto
15 belonging which I now Rent of the aforesaid
16 Thomas Skinner also the dwelling house and Orchard
17 part of the said Estate called Tyes now in the
18 possession of one John Matthew all which said
19 premises are situate within the said parish of
20 Plimstree for the price of Sum of seven hundred
21 pounds, and have lent the said Thomas Skinner the
22 sum of three hundred pounds upon his Bond before
23 a Fine could be levied and a good Title made New I
24 do hereby order and direct that my Brother William
25 Blake of Trull in the County of Sommerset aforesaid
26 Gentleman as soon as a good Title can be made to the
[Page 2]
27 aforesaid premises do carry the said Contract into
28 execution and pay the Residue of the said seven
29 hundred pounds the purchase Money upon proper
30 conveyances being executed by him by the said
31 Thomas Skinner I give devise and bequeath unto
32 John Marks of the parish of Pitminster in the
33 County of Sommerset aforesaid Tanner my Brother
34 in Law All that my Messuage or Tenement called
35 Harpers situate lying and being in the parish of
36 Angersley in the said County of Sommerset To hold
37 to him and his assigns for and during the term of
38 his natural Life and after his decease I give and
39 devise the same unto his Son my Nephew Robert
40 Marks his heirs and assigns forever But in case my
41 said Cousin Robert Marks shall happen to dye in the
42 life time of his said Father then and in such case I
43 give devise and bequeath the said Estate called
44 Harpers after the death of my said Brother in
45 Law John Marks unto his Son my Nephew John
46 Marks his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and
47 bequeath unto my aforesaid Cousin John
48 Marks the Sum of Five hundred pounds over and
49 above the Sum of two hundred pounds given and
50 bequeathed unto him in and by the last Will and
51 Testament of my late cousin Mr William Pratt
52 of Plimptree aforesaid Gentleman deceased to be
53 paid him when he shall have attained his age of
54 twenty one years Also I give and bequeath unto
55 my aforesaid Nephew Robert Marks the Sum of
56 Seven hundred pounds to be paid him when he
57 shall have attained his age of twenty one years
58 also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Joan
59 Pratt of the Parish of William in the County of
60 Devon aforesaid Widow, and unto my Cousin John Pratt
61 of the same place Gentleman her Son and unto
62 Dorothy his Wife and unto my Cousin Betty Pratt and
63 Ann Hicks Pratt her daughters the Sum of ten pounds
64 each to be paid unto them respectively within six
65 months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto
66 my Cousin William Buncombe of the parish of
67 Pitminster aforesaid Gentleman and unto his Wife the
68 sum of ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
69 respectively within six Months after my decease also
70 I give and bequeath unto my Tenant Alexander
71 Meaddock of Angersley aforesaid yeoman and unto
72 his Wife ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
73 respectively within six Months after my decease as a
74 reward for their care industry and honest behavior
75 ever since they were my Tenants Also I give and
76 bequeath unto my servant Maid Alice Wier the
77 sum of ten pounds to be paid her within one
[Page 3]
78 month after my decease Also I give her a suit of
79 Mourning throughout Also I give unto my Servant
80 Maid Betty Lock the Sum of Five pounds to be paid
81 her within one Month after my decease Also I give
82 her a Suit of Mourning throughout Also I give and bequeath
83 unto my Man Servant John Hileham the Sum of Five
84 pounds and unto my Servants John Walker and Robert
85 Richards one Guinea each if living with me at the
86 time of my death and to my apprentices John Eveleigh
87 Thomas Always and John Seaman ten Shillings each
88 and to Mary Hellier if living with me at the time of
89 my death half a Guinea and to the Old John Richards I
90 give five Shillings to be paid unto them respectively
91 within one Month after my decease Also I give and bequeath
92 unto each and every of my day Labourers at husbandry
93 the Sum of Five shillings each to be paid unto them
94 respectively within one week after my decease Also I give
95 and bequeath to the Churchwardens of Angersley
96 twenty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the parish
97 of Trull Forty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the
98 Parish of Plimptree the Sum of three pounds to be
99 paid unto them respectively within one Month after my
100 decease to be by them distributed unto and among the
101 poor of their several and respectively parishes in
102 such parts share and proportions as they shall respectively
103 think meet and proper Also I give and bequeath unto
104 James Huish of Cullompton Gentleman a Mourning
and a hatband and belt of the best Sattyn Also I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Huish his Wife a mourning ring of a Guinea Value
104 Ring of a pound value ^ and a Book and Script of the
106 best Lattin and I do hereby request the said Mr Huish
107 and his Wife to attend my Corps to the Grave Also I
108 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother Mr
109 William Blake his Executors Administrators and Assigns
110 all that my Leasehold Estate called Pi[r]swell in the
111 Parish of Kentisbear Also I give devise and bequeath
112 unto my said Brother William Blake his heirs and
113 assigns all those my several Messuages or Tenements
114 called Green End, Crosses, Tyes, Chases, Hawkinses, Mays
115 Mutters my part of Weaver Estate and the Regalcy
116 lately purchased of Mr Wright and all other my Lands
117 and hereditaments of what nature or kind soever situate
118 within the said Parish of Plimstree To hold to my
119 said Brother his Heirs and Assigns forever Also I
120 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother
121 William Blake all these my several Messuages or
122 Tenements situate in the aforesaid parish of Trull in
123 the County of Sommerset called Harpers Lows Meadow
124 Herrings House and Orchard Lower Harpers Lanes Meadows
125 and all other my Messuages Lands Tenements and
126 hereditaments in the aforesaid Parish of Trull such
127 parts thereof as I am seized in Fee I give devise and
128 bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother William Blake his
129 heirs and assigns for ever and such part thereof as it
[Page 4]
130 only Leaselives I give devise and bequeath unto him his
131 Executors administrators and assigns and all the Rest Residue
132 and Remainder of my Goods Chattells Estate and Effects of
133 what nature or kind soever after the Residue of the
134 purchase is paid to Thomas Skinner as aforesaid and my
135 debts Legacies and Funeral Expences are fully paid and
136 satisfied I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my
137 aforesaid Brother William Blake who I hereby make
138 constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor and residuary
139 legatee of this my Will and I do hereby subject and charge
140 all my said Estates as well in the parish of Plimptree
141 as in the parish of Trull with the payment of my just
142 debts and Legacies and I do hereby revoke and make void
143 all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In
144 Witness whereof I the said Thomas Blake have to this
145 my last Will and Testament written on three Sheets of
146 paper to the two first Sheets have set my hand and
147 to the last sheet my hand and seal this tenth day of
148 March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
149 hundred seventy and seven Tho Blake
150 Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator
151 Thomas Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in
152 the presence of us who at his request and in his presence
153 and also in the presence of each other have subscribed
154 our names as Witnesses hereunto after the interlineation
155 of the Words also “I give her a Suit of Mourning throughout
156 one Guinea each if living with me at the time of my
157 death” in the second sheet Bernd Wright John Critchett
158 John Tucker
159 This Will was proved at London the sixth day of
160 June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
161 and seventy seven before the Right Worshipfull Sir George
162 Hay Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
163 of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
164 by the Oath of William Blake the Brother of the deceased
165 and sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
166 administration of all and singular the Goods Chattells
167 and Credits of the said deceased was granted having been
168 first sworn by Commission duly to administer
John Marks was perhaps married to Elizabeth (Betty) Blake since he is brother in law to Thomas Blake. Thomas does not mention a wife. Robert Marks was baptized 4 Feb 1766 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks. John Marks was baptized 1 Jul 1761 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks.
I did find baptisms for Trull online (home of Mr. William Blake, brother to the deceased):
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/BapTru_B1.html
Blake Elizabeth 24 Jun 1689 d Robert
Blake Joan 14 Apr 1691 d Robert
Blake Edith 06 May 1695 d Robert
Blake Mary 06 Apr 1697 d Robert
Blake Elizabeth 10 Apr 1711 d Thomas/Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 13 Jan 1712 s Mr Thomas (deceased)/Mrs Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 28 Jun 1763 s Mr William, Cutsey
Blake William 11 Jun 1766 s Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 09 Aug 1769 d Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 03 Dec 1794 d William/Betty
Blake William 19 May 1797 s William/Betty, bn 31 Jan 1797
Blake Thomas 02 Feb 1802 s William/Betty, bn 22 Apr 1801
Blake William 29 Jan 1830 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Thomas 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent,bn 05 Jun 1831
Blake William 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Elizabeth 24 Sep 1834 d William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Mary 30 Dec 1835 d William/Mary, Cursey, gent
Blake Robert 29 Jun 1890 s Sarah Ann, domestic servant
Marriages for Blake family members at Trull:
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/MarTru_Bl.html
Blake Elizabeth Thomas Cogan 18 Sep 1705
Blake Joan James Osmond 03 Mar 1708
Blake Margaret John Baker 24 May 1709
Blake Charlotte Edward Long 12 Feb 1843
Blake Mary James Burston Corner 20 Oct 1864
Burials for Blake family members at Trull:
Blake Elizabeth 22 Nov 1698
Blake Margaret 17 Apr 1705
Blake Robert 16 Feb 1710 Mr, Pitminster
Blake Thomas 19 Aug 1712
Blake Elizabeth 01 Feb 1736 Mrs
Blake Mary 07 Oct 1743
Blake Richard 11 Jul 1748
Blake Betty 14 Jun 1785
Blake Betty 10 Jan 1798
Blake William 11 Jan 1811
Blake Thomas 16 Feb 1813 12 Cutsey
Blake William 12 Sep 1826 60 Cutsey
Blake William 13 Apr 1832 2 2yr 3mn, Cutsey
Blake Betty 26 Nov 1840 70
Blake William 14 Jan 1864 66
Blake Mary 19 Sep 1876 70
Blake Thomas 09 Nov 1880 49 Cutsey
Cutsey is a hamlet in the Parish of Trull. Cutsey House is listed as a Grade II Building. The Blake family can be found as early as 1710 in the records at Cutsey with the mention in the 1710 will of Robert Blake of Pitminster (he was married to Margaret Thomas). Looking this record up on the online catalogue of the Somerset Record Office lead me to DD|CH/120/4 which covers the sale of a piece of land to Robert Blake of Pitminster in 1709 and then the purchase of this land by Richard Blake of Angersleigh (the testator Thomas Blake of Plimtree was the eldest son of this Richard Blake and this was the house called Harpers and the meadow in 1760). I can not find anyone who has traced this family down online from Richard.
From the will, Thomas, the testator, has a brother William of Trull who lives at Cutsey from the records above.
I then was lucky to find a write up by a descendant of this William Blake’s son William.
http://wendys-questionable-public-musings.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2-december-2011-tracing-family-history.html
William I believe had two siblings – older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty. William was younger than the testator of this will, Thomas, and with the naming of children the same in each generation it is somewhat confusing. However from the records above for Trull this does seem to fit in well. William Blake (baptized 11 Jun 1766 (died 2 Sep 1826 and married to Betty Farrant) was listed as “of Cutsey, Trull and Plymtree, Devon.” This fits with the will as this William would have inherited both his father’s property and his uncle Thomas’ property (the testator). Older brother Thomas does seem to be missing and isn’t mentioned in the writeup.
I am now quoting from the webpage mentioned above: William Blake and Betty Farrant “had only one surviving son ……. William Blake, who was baptised in Trull on 30 January 1797 and died on 9 January 1864. He was married to Mary Thomas, who died on 18 September 1876, aged 70. It is their grave (I would imagine they are buried there) that forms one of the three graves in the group in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Trull. They had four children (…….. Thomas, (another) William Blake (who died at 2), Elizabeth, who lived at Dipford (built by her father years before when he retired there and left Cutsey in the hands of Thomas) and their final child, Mary Blake.
Thomas Blake of Cutsey, Trull (Grave 1 in All Saints Church Grave Yard) with his wife, Eleanor. Thomas Blake then inherited Cutsey from his father (William). Thomas died when he was 49, but his wife was to live to the ripe old age of 83. (Gravestone 1 at All Saints Church above.) As a result of them apparently having no children, Eleanor moved out of Cutsey to "Broadlands", where she lived until her death.” At this point Cutsey following the death of Thomas’ sisters would move from the Blake family to the Clatworthy which the article mentions.
This clarifies the descent of the properties mentioned in the will to William Blake. Now to take the family back in time. William Blake and Thomas (the testator) Blake were brothers and sons of Richard Blake as mentioned in the document in the online catalogue at the Somerset Record Office website.
Records from the National Archives fonds for the Blake Family of Trull:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=168-ddct&cid=-1#-1
These papers were donated by the descendants of one of the sisters of Thomas Blake mentioned above who inherited Cutsey when Thomas had no descendants.
DD\CT/12 - 1667: Plot of ground at Socke (Pratt family). Thomas Blake living at Plymtree in 1760.
DD\CT/14 – 1709: Messuage at Ashcombe, Marke Family (documents relating to litigation)
DD\CT/18 – 1707-1883: Agreement previous to marriage of John Baker of Shepton Mallet, clothier, and Elizabeth Blake of Angersleigh, spinster, 1746; inventory of Robert Blake of Pitminster, 1711, and receipts for legacies, etc., under his will, 1711-29; appointment of guardians for Thomas Blake, 1749; releases, bonds, etc., 1707-87; account of the personal estate of Thomas Blake of Cutsey in Trull, etc., 1881-83.
DD\CT/30 – 1777-1794: Notebook with a few pages only used containing notes of timber measured, remedies (animals) and occasional memoranda, probably kept Wm. Blake of Plymtree; the notebook originally belonged to William Pratt in 1734.
DD\CT/50 – 1624-1737: Land called Lanes Meadows, 1624-1644 (Hancock and Thomas families of Trull), and 1731-1737 (Blake family); the 18th century deeds also relate to a messuage and 2a (not described). Settlement previous to marriage of Richard Blake and Mary Buncombe, both of Trull, 1732, also relates to buildings on the East side of the hall of the messuage called Lower Harpers (parents of the testator).
DD\CT/52 – 1709, 1717-1762: Documents relating to Blake Taunton Deane property in the tithing of Woodland in the hundred of Holway, including surrender previous to the marriage of Wm. Blake of Trull and Betty Long of Pitminster, 1762 (brother of the testator). Earliest document is bond relating to 15a in the tithing of Rumwell sold by Thomas Blake to Peter Risdon of Trull.
DD\CT/54 – 1696-1768: Higher and Lower Harpers/Harpus in Angersleigh and Trull respectively and leashold land held under the Gale Famnily; agreement and postnuptial settlement, Blake/Buncombe, 1732, relating to the fgirst named properties – abstract of title to Higher Harpers, reciting from 1611.
DD\CT/55 – 1583-1762: Parsons Field acquired by Richard Blake of Trull in 1747.
DD\CT/57 – 1671-1718: Release of dower by Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Halse to son Robert, 1671; mortgage by Robert Blake of Trull of messuage and 30 a., late parcel of manor, 1688; settlement previous to marriage of Robert Blake and Joan, daughter of Faithfull Cape, clerk, all of Halse, 1718, relating to moiety of house and 10a.
DD\CT/57A -1707: Articles of agreement previous to marriage of Robert Blake of Trull and Margaret Durstone of Pitminster relating to her Taunton Deane lands in various tithings in the hundred of Poundisford.
DD\CT/58 – 1789-1818: Settlement previous to marriage of John Ashford, jun., of Broad Clyst [Devon] and Betty, daughter of William Blake of Plymtree, 1789 relating to capital messuage and farm called Lymbury with associated papers.
DD\CT/60 – 1712-1827: Probate and other copies of wills and letters of admon (all Blake): Thos., 1713 (admon). Eliz. 1735, Mary, 1755 (admon), Wm. 1826, pr. 1827, all of Trull, Robt. of Pitminster, 1709, pr. 1712, Thos. of Angersleigh, 1763, pr. 1767, Thos. o Plymtree, 1777.
DD\CT/63 – 1698-1787: Miscellaneous personal papers, receipts for legacies, bonds, release to trustees, appointment of guardian, including inventories of Robert of Pitminster, 1711, and Thomas of Trull, 1712, and a schedule (by rooms) of furniture lent my mother (? By Thomas Blake), 1711. Are Robert Blake and Thomas Blake brothers with Robert father of Robert Blake of Halse and Thomas being the father of Richard of Trull (father of the present testator)?
DD\CT/70 – not dated, post 1703: Draft answers to bill of complaint of Edward Musgrave by Robert and Margaret Blake, Margaret Thomas, et al. arising out of will of Bottolph Thomas, father and husband respectively of the two last named (Margaret).
DD\CT/80 – early 20th century: Scraps of notes, in pencil, about the Blake family 18 – 19 century. (Since these documents were passed to the Somerset Archive and Record Service by the Clatworthy family (author of the webpage above on the descendants of William Blake of Trull) I would suspect they do not contain anything further back than what was used in the webpage but if I am ever in Taunton I shall check on that!)
Names mentioned in the will:
Thomas Skinner, Bridgewater
John Mathews, Lessee at Tyes
Mr. William Blake of Trull, brother to the testator
John Marks, Pitminster, tanner, brother in law
Robert Marks, son of John above, nephew
John Marks, son of John above, nephew
Mr. William Pratt, gentleman of Plimptree, cousin (deceased)
Mrs. Joan Pratt of Willand, Devon (widow of William above?)
Mr. John Pratt of Willand, Devon (son of Mrs. Joan Pratt), gentleman
Mrs. Dorothy Pratt of Willand, Devon (wife of Mr. John Pratt)
Betty Pratt of Willand, Devon (daughter of John and Dorothy)
Ann Hicks Pratt (daughter of John and Dorothy)
William Buncombe of Pitminster, gentleman, cousin
Alexander Meaddock, yeoman, of Angersleigh, tenant
Alice Wier, maidservant
Betty Lock, maidservant
John Stileham, manservant
John Walker, servant
Robert Richards, servant
John Eveleigh, apprentice
Thomas Always, apprentice
John Leaman, apprentice
Mary Hellier
(Old) John Richards
James Huish and his wife of Cullompton, gentleman
Mr. Wright, sellor
Bernard Wright, witness
John Critchett, witness
John Tucker, witness
This is perhaps the line of the son of John Blake the elder who was buried 10 Dec 1576 at Overstowey Somerset. He was the eldest son of Humphrey Blake who was buried 28 Dec 1558 at Overstowey. John’s brother Robert (married to Margaret Symonds) was a merchant at Bridgewater and grandfather of Lord High Admiral Robert Blake.
John Blake the elder and his wife Johan had seven children some of whom lived at Pitminster.
His son William was buried 13 Jun 1642 at Pitminster and William and his wife Anne had seven children namely Robert married to Sara Wicham 3 Mar 1616 at Pitminster, Grace buried 5 Jan 1622 at Pitminster, Eme buried 27 Jul 1593 at Pitminster (an infant), William married Agnes Band (the American Blake family at Boston claims this particular line), John, Anne married to Thomas Bidgood 24 Nov 1629, and Richard.
His daughter Alice married James Richard 2 Oct 1569 at Overstowey but both were buried at Pitminster (Alice 17 Aug 1585).
An interesting will that may help with linking families in the future.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1032/77
Testator: Thomas Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1777, probated 6 Jun 1777
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake
1 In the Name of God Amen
2 I Thomas Blake of the parish of Plymstree
3 In the County of Devon Gentleman make this
4 my last Will and Testament in manner following
5 whereas I have contracted and agreed to and
6 with Thomas Skinner of Bridgewater in the
7 County of Somerset Farrier for the purchase of the
8 Fee Simple and Inheritance of all those Closes or
9 parcels of Land called Sock Close and Pines Close
10 part of an Estate called Tyes The Field or Close
11 called the Hay Downs the Field called Langlands
12 the Long Beat Land, the South Down and Clarkes
13 Meadow part of an Estate called Clarkes and also
14 the Court Garden and West Plott thereunto
15 belonging which I now Rent of the aforesaid
16 Thomas Skinner also the dwelling house and Orchard
17 part of the said Estate called Tyes now in the
18 possession of one John Matthew all which said
19 premises are situate within the said parish of
20 Plimstree for the price of Sum of seven hundred
21 pounds, and have lent the said Thomas Skinner the
22 sum of three hundred pounds upon his Bond before
23 a Fine could be levied and a good Title made New I
24 do hereby order and direct that my Brother William
25 Blake of Trull in the County of Sommerset aforesaid
26 Gentleman as soon as a good Title can be made to the
[Page 2]
27 aforesaid premises do carry the said Contract into
28 execution and pay the Residue of the said seven
29 hundred pounds the purchase Money upon proper
30 conveyances being executed by him by the said
31 Thomas Skinner I give devise and bequeath unto
32 John Marks of the parish of Pitminster in the
33 County of Sommerset aforesaid Tanner my Brother
34 in Law All that my Messuage or Tenement called
35 Harpers situate lying and being in the parish of
36 Angersley in the said County of Sommerset To hold
37 to him and his assigns for and during the term of
38 his natural Life and after his decease I give and
39 devise the same unto his Son my Nephew Robert
40 Marks his heirs and assigns forever But in case my
41 said Cousin Robert Marks shall happen to dye in the
42 life time of his said Father then and in such case I
43 give devise and bequeath the said Estate called
44 Harpers after the death of my said Brother in
45 Law John Marks unto his Son my Nephew John
46 Marks his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and
47 bequeath unto my aforesaid Cousin John
48 Marks the Sum of Five hundred pounds over and
49 above the Sum of two hundred pounds given and
50 bequeathed unto him in and by the last Will and
51 Testament of my late cousin Mr William Pratt
52 of Plimptree aforesaid Gentleman deceased to be
53 paid him when he shall have attained his age of
54 twenty one years Also I give and bequeath unto
55 my aforesaid Nephew Robert Marks the Sum of
56 Seven hundred pounds to be paid him when he
57 shall have attained his age of twenty one years
58 also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Joan
59 Pratt of the Parish of William in the County of
60 Devon aforesaid Widow, and unto my Cousin John Pratt
61 of the same place Gentleman her Son and unto
62 Dorothy his Wife and unto my Cousin Betty Pratt and
63 Ann Hicks Pratt her daughters the Sum of ten pounds
64 each to be paid unto them respectively within six
65 months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto
66 my Cousin William Buncombe of the parish of
67 Pitminster aforesaid Gentleman and unto his Wife the
68 sum of ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
69 respectively within six Months after my decease also
70 I give and bequeath unto my Tenant Alexander
71 Meaddock of Angersley aforesaid yeoman and unto
72 his Wife ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
73 respectively within six Months after my decease as a
74 reward for their care industry and honest behavior
75 ever since they were my Tenants Also I give and
76 bequeath unto my servant Maid Alice Wier the
77 sum of ten pounds to be paid her within one
[Page 3]
78 month after my decease Also I give her a suit of
79 Mourning throughout Also I give unto my Servant
80 Maid Betty Lock the Sum of Five pounds to be paid
81 her within one Month after my decease Also I give
82 her a Suit of Mourning throughout Also I give and bequeath
83 unto my Man Servant John Hileham the Sum of Five
84 pounds and unto my Servants John Walker and Robert
85 Richards one Guinea each if living with me at the
86 time of my death and to my apprentices John Eveleigh
87 Thomas Always and John Seaman ten Shillings each
88 and to Mary Hellier if living with me at the time of
89 my death half a Guinea and to the Old John Richards I
90 give five Shillings to be paid unto them respectively
91 within one Month after my decease Also I give and bequeath
92 unto each and every of my day Labourers at husbandry
93 the Sum of Five shillings each to be paid unto them
94 respectively within one week after my decease Also I give
95 and bequeath to the Churchwardens of Angersley
96 twenty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the parish
97 of Trull Forty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the
98 Parish of Plimptree the Sum of three pounds to be
99 paid unto them respectively within one Month after my
100 decease to be by them distributed unto and among the
101 poor of their several and respectively parishes in
102 such parts share and proportions as they shall respectively
103 think meet and proper Also I give and bequeath unto
104 James Huish of Cullompton Gentleman a Mourning
and a hatband and belt of the best Sattyn Also I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Huish his Wife a mourning ring of a Guinea Value
104 Ring of a pound value ^ and a Book and Script of the
106 best Lattin and I do hereby request the said Mr Huish
107 and his Wife to attend my Corps to the Grave Also I
108 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother Mr
109 William Blake his Executors Administrators and Assigns
110 all that my Leasehold Estate called Pi[r]swell in the
111 Parish of Kentisbear Also I give devise and bequeath
112 unto my said Brother William Blake his heirs and
113 assigns all those my several Messuages or Tenements
114 called Green End, Crosses, Tyes, Chases, Hawkinses, Mays
115 Mutters my part of Weaver Estate and the Regalcy
116 lately purchased of Mr Wright and all other my Lands
117 and hereditaments of what nature or kind soever situate
118 within the said Parish of Plimstree To hold to my
119 said Brother his Heirs and Assigns forever Also I
120 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother
121 William Blake all these my several Messuages or
122 Tenements situate in the aforesaid parish of Trull in
123 the County of Sommerset called Harpers Lows Meadow
124 Herrings House and Orchard Lower Harpers Lanes Meadows
125 and all other my Messuages Lands Tenements and
126 hereditaments in the aforesaid Parish of Trull such
127 parts thereof as I am seized in Fee I give devise and
128 bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother William Blake his
129 heirs and assigns for ever and such part thereof as it
[Page 4]
130 only Leaselives I give devise and bequeath unto him his
131 Executors administrators and assigns and all the Rest Residue
132 and Remainder of my Goods Chattells Estate and Effects of
133 what nature or kind soever after the Residue of the
134 purchase is paid to Thomas Skinner as aforesaid and my
135 debts Legacies and Funeral Expences are fully paid and
136 satisfied I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my
137 aforesaid Brother William Blake who I hereby make
138 constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor and residuary
139 legatee of this my Will and I do hereby subject and charge
140 all my said Estates as well in the parish of Plimptree
141 as in the parish of Trull with the payment of my just
142 debts and Legacies and I do hereby revoke and make void
143 all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In
144 Witness whereof I the said Thomas Blake have to this
145 my last Will and Testament written on three Sheets of
146 paper to the two first Sheets have set my hand and
147 to the last sheet my hand and seal this tenth day of
148 March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
149 hundred seventy and seven Tho Blake
150 Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator
151 Thomas Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in
152 the presence of us who at his request and in his presence
153 and also in the presence of each other have subscribed
154 our names as Witnesses hereunto after the interlineation
155 of the Words also “I give her a Suit of Mourning throughout
156 one Guinea each if living with me at the time of my
157 death” in the second sheet Bernd Wright John Critchett
158 John Tucker
159 This Will was proved at London the sixth day of
160 June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
161 and seventy seven before the Right Worshipfull Sir George
162 Hay Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
163 of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
164 by the Oath of William Blake the Brother of the deceased
165 and sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
166 administration of all and singular the Goods Chattells
167 and Credits of the said deceased was granted having been
168 first sworn by Commission duly to administer
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Will of The Reverend Richard Blake, Clerk, Farway, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1170/274, probated 24 Oct 1788
Richard Blake, the testator, has a memorial placed on Flicker:
“Near this place are deposited the Remains of the Reverend Richard Blake, A.M. Rector of this Parish, 31 Years, who Died much Lamented 22nd September 1788 Aged 66 Years. He was a liberal Benefactor to the poor. A sincere and Ready Friend. A vigilant and faithful Pastor. From his mind replete with Knowledge Flowed Instruction to all. And his Heart equally Benevolent Ever Expanded the Gate of his Hospitable Mansion. To whose memory this Monument is Erected By order of his affectionate Relative, Hannah Atkinson.”
The Parish Church at Farway is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels and the early Norman Church can still be seen (13th century).
This is a large wall plaque which can be found on Flickr (the sculptor was M. Eames and it is located in the parish church at Farway, Devon): http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepdog_rex/6153526529/
This is the third will mentioning John Stabback, Clerk. The other two were blogged earlier:
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/07/will-of-martha-blake-widow-exon-devon.html
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/06/will-of-elizabeth-blake-widow-saint.html
In both wills, John Stabback has been entrusted with trusteeship as is also the case in this will. In the will of Martha Blake she names her sister as Elizabeth Stabback. John Stabback who is named as a Clerk is nephew to Martha Blake. Neither of these women have living children at their deaths.
Richard names his aunt: Alice Williams and his cousins: Thomas Williams, Hannah Atkinson, Richard Blake, William Blake, and Thomas Dodge.
This Richard is possibly the son of Richard Blake baptized 22 Sep 1722 at Saint David, Exeter, Devon. His donations to Charities in Exeter tend to make me think that he was from Exeter. Later in 1795 his cousin Miss Hannah Atkinson endowed a charity school at Farway:
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50578
There are references on the National Archives to Land deals in which both Robert Tarrant, Clerk, rector of St. Petrock Exon and John Stabback, clerk, rector of St Edmund upon the Bridge, Exon are mentioned:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=027-332a&cid=-1#-1
At St Davids Church in Exter there is a brass tablet remembering an earlier parishioner:
In memory of Richard Blake died 9th August 1746 aged 54. Hannah Blake his widow died 15th Aug 1673 aged 68.
http://www.archive.org/stream/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft_djvu.txt
Searching for this marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah in the Marriage Allegations and will report back later if I find it.I believe it to be the marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah Matthews celebrated in Exeter Cathedral in 1721 from the Boyd's Marriage Index but am searching the allegations by Vivian at the moment for all Blake entries and will watch for that particular entry if they had a license. The baptism of Richard does fit in as it was likely in 1722 according to the memorial.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1170/274
Testator: The Reverend Richard Blake, Clerk
Place: Farway, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 11 Nov 1769, probated 24 Oct 1788
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: The Reverend
[Margin]: Richard
[Margin]: Blake
1 Be it remembered
2 That this is the last Will and Testament of me Richard
3 Blake of Farway in the County of Devon Clerk made this
4 eleventh day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty
5 nine First I give and bequeath unto Robert Tarrant of the City of
6 Exon Clerk and John Stabback of the same City Clerk their
7 Executors and administrators all my Capital Stock of Moneys in
8 any of the Publick Companys or Funds of this kingdom and all my
9 right and Interest therein respectively upon the trust herein
10 after mentioned concerning the same that is to say upon trust that they
11 my said Trustees their Executors and administrators do and shall
[Page 2]
12 by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and produce
13 thereof in the first place pay unto my Aunt Alice Williams
14 widow the annual or clear yearly Sum of twenty five
15 pounds for and during her natural life free of all Rates
16 Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and in the next place
17 do and shall by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and
18 produce of my said Stocks pay unto Mary Davy my Servant
19 who now lives with me the annual or clear Yearly Sum of
20 Fifteen pounds for and during her natural life free of all rates
21 Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and I do hereby
22 order and direct that both the said annuities shall be
23 paid and payable by two equal half yearly payments
24 and the First payment thereof respectively to begin and be
25 made at the End of six calendar Months next after my
26 decease and the residue of the clear and neat dividends
27 interest and produce of my said Stocks do and shall account
28 for and pay over unto my cousin Hannah Atkinson who
29 now lives with me to and for her own use and benefit and
30 upon this further trust that they my said trustees their
31 Executors and administrators do and shall by and out of my
32 said Capital Stock of Moneys in the Funds pay unto my
33 Cousin Thomas Williams Son of the said Alice Williams the
34 Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful British Money in six
35 months next after the death of his said Mother and also pay
36 unto my Cousin Richard Blake the Sum of two hundred
37 pounds of lawful British Money in six months next after the
38 deaths of both than the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
39 and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers
40 for the time being of a Society who now call themselves the
41 Governors of the Devon and Exeter hospital at Exeter the Sum
42 of thirty five pounds in six Calendar months next after the
43 deaths of both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
44 which said Sum of thirty five pounds I desire may be applied
45 towards the carrying on the Charitable designs of the said
46 Society and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or
47 Treasurers for the time being of a Society who now call
48 themselves the trustees for the Charity Schools within the said
49 City of Exeter which were begun and established in the time when
50 Doctor Blackhall was Bishop of Exeter the like Sum of thirty
51 five pounds of lawful British Money in six Calendar months
52 next after the deaths of both of them the said Alice Williams
53 and Mary Davy which said last mentioned Sum of thirty five
54 pounds I desire may be applied towards the carrying on the
55 charitable designs of the said Society and also do and shall
56 pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being of
57 a Society established for the support and maintenance of poor
58 Clergymens Widows and orphans within the archdeaconary
59 of Exeter the like Sum of thirty five pounds of lawful British
60 Money in six Calendar months next after the deaths of
61 both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy and my
62 express will and Meaning is that the said last mentioned
63 Sum of thirty five pounds shall be paid to and distributed
[Page 3]
64 amongst such poor Clergymen’s widows and orphans only
65 who are not possessed of or entitled to more than two hundred
66 pounds in real or personal Estate or in both real and
67 personal or have not an income of more than ten pounds
68 a year such being the objects for whose benefit the said
69 Charity was originally begun and established and the
70 residue of my said Stocks or Moneys in the Funds after the
71 several payments and applications aforesaid do and shall
72 account for and pay over or otherwise transfer the same
73 unto my said cousin Hannah Atkinson her Executors and
74 administrators to and for her and their own use and benefit
75 and upon no other need and for no other intent or
76 purpose whatsoever also I give and bequeath unto my said
77 Cousin Richard Blake the further Sum of one hundred pounds
78 of lawful British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix
79 hereinafter named within one year next after my death if
80 he shall then have attained his age of twenty one years
81 but if not then to be paid to him when and so soon as he
82 shall attain that age also I give and bequeath unto my
83 Cousin Thomas Dodge the Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful
84 British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix herein after
85 named within one year next after my decease if he shall
86 then have attained his age of twenty one years but if not then
87 to be paid to him when and so soon as he shall have
88 attained that age and my will is that if any or either of them
89 the said Thomas Williams Richard Blake and Thomas Dodge
90 shall happen to die before his or their Legacy or Legacys
91 or any part thereof respectively shall become payable that
92 then the Legacy or Legacies of him or them so dying or such
93 part thereof as shall not be payable in his or their life time
94 shall sink for the benefit of my Executrix and not be paid or
95 payable also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin William
96 Blake Brother of the said Richard Blake the Sum of one
97 hundred pounds of lawful British money to be paid to him by my
98 Executrix hereinafter named within one year next after my
99 death also I give and bequeath unto the said Robert Tarrant
100 and John Stabback the Sum of Fifty pounds each of lawful British
101 Money to be paid to them respectively by my Executrix herein
102 after named in six months next after my death provided always
103 nevertheless and my Will is that they my said trustees or
104 either of them shall not be answerable or accountable for the acts
104 Deeds Receipts of mismanagement of each other but each for
106 his own acts Deeds Receipts and mismanagements only nor for any
107 loss or losses that shall or may happen to the said trust Estate and
108 premises nor for any more money than shall come to their
109 hands respectively and my Will further is that it shall and
110 may be lawful to and for my said trustees respectively to
111 deduct retain and keep in his and their hands respectively out
112 of the said trust moneys and premises over and besides the
113 several Legacies herein before to them respectively Given all such
114 Costs charges damages and Expences as they or either of them shall
115 sustain be at or put into for or on account of the trusts hereby in
[Page 3]
116 them reposed or their or either of their acting or intermeddling
117 therein or anything relating thereto together with so much
118 Money as they shall severally reasonably deserve for their labour
119 and trouble in and about the same also I give and bequeath
120 unto such poor people of the parish of Farway as have no
121 pay or relief from the said parish the Sum of ten pounds
122 of lawful British Money to be paid and distributed unto and
123 amongst such of them as my Executrix shall think proper
124 at the following times to wit one half hereof in two months next
125 after my death and the residue thereof within twelve months
126 next after my decease also all the rest residue and remainder
127 of my Goods Chattels Lands Tenements and hereditaments
128 Real and personal Estate whatsoever of mine hereinbefore
129 given devised or bequeathed my Debts Legacies and Funeral
130 Expences being first paid and discharged I give devise and
131 bequeath unto my said Cousin Hannah Atkinson her heirs Exors
132 administrators and assigns and her the said Hannah Atkinson
133 I make whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and
134 Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me
135 heretofore made and ratifying and confirming this to be my
136 last In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and
137 Testament contained in two Sheets of paper to the first Sheet
138 thereof set my hand and to the last my hand and Seal the day
139 and year aforesaid Richd Blake Signed Sealed published
140 and declared by the said Richard Blake the Testator as and
141 for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
142 subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of
143 the said Testator and of each other Henry Venn Junr Jas
144 Townsend Jno Pratt
145 This Will was proved at London the twenty
146 fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
147 seven hundred and eighty eight before the Right Worshipful
148 Sir William Wynne Knight doctor of Laws Master keeper
149 or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
150 constituted by the Oath of Hannah Atkinson Spinster the Sole
151 Executrix named in the said Will to whom administration was
152 granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
153 the deceased having been first sworn duly to administer.
“Near this place are deposited the Remains of the Reverend Richard Blake, A.M. Rector of this Parish, 31 Years, who Died much Lamented 22nd September 1788 Aged 66 Years. He was a liberal Benefactor to the poor. A sincere and Ready Friend. A vigilant and faithful Pastor. From his mind replete with Knowledge Flowed Instruction to all. And his Heart equally Benevolent Ever Expanded the Gate of his Hospitable Mansion. To whose memory this Monument is Erected By order of his affectionate Relative, Hannah Atkinson.”
The Parish Church at Farway is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels and the early Norman Church can still be seen (13th century).
This is a large wall plaque which can be found on Flickr (the sculptor was M. Eames and it is located in the parish church at Farway, Devon): http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepdog_rex/6153526529/
This is the third will mentioning John Stabback, Clerk. The other two were blogged earlier:
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/07/will-of-martha-blake-widow-exon-devon.html
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/06/will-of-elizabeth-blake-widow-saint.html
In both wills, John Stabback has been entrusted with trusteeship as is also the case in this will. In the will of Martha Blake she names her sister as Elizabeth Stabback. John Stabback who is named as a Clerk is nephew to Martha Blake. Neither of these women have living children at their deaths.
Richard names his aunt: Alice Williams and his cousins: Thomas Williams, Hannah Atkinson, Richard Blake, William Blake, and Thomas Dodge.
This Richard is possibly the son of Richard Blake baptized 22 Sep 1722 at Saint David, Exeter, Devon. His donations to Charities in Exeter tend to make me think that he was from Exeter. Later in 1795 his cousin Miss Hannah Atkinson endowed a charity school at Farway:
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50578
There are references on the National Archives to Land deals in which both Robert Tarrant, Clerk, rector of St. Petrock Exon and John Stabback, clerk, rector of St Edmund upon the Bridge, Exon are mentioned:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=027-332a&cid=-1#-1
At St Davids Church in Exter there is a brass tablet remembering an earlier parishioner:
In memory of Richard Blake died 9th August 1746 aged 54. Hannah Blake his widow died 15th Aug 1673 aged 68.
http://www.archive.org/stream/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft_djvu.txt
Searching for this marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah in the Marriage Allegations and will report back later if I find it.I believe it to be the marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah Matthews celebrated in Exeter Cathedral in 1721 from the Boyd's Marriage Index but am searching the allegations by Vivian at the moment for all Blake entries and will watch for that particular entry if they had a license. The baptism of Richard does fit in as it was likely in 1722 according to the memorial.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1170/274
Testator: The Reverend Richard Blake, Clerk
Place: Farway, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 11 Nov 1769, probated 24 Oct 1788
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: The Reverend
[Margin]: Richard
[Margin]: Blake
1 Be it remembered
2 That this is the last Will and Testament of me Richard
3 Blake of Farway in the County of Devon Clerk made this
4 eleventh day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty
5 nine First I give and bequeath unto Robert Tarrant of the City of
6 Exon Clerk and John Stabback of the same City Clerk their
7 Executors and administrators all my Capital Stock of Moneys in
8 any of the Publick Companys or Funds of this kingdom and all my
9 right and Interest therein respectively upon the trust herein
10 after mentioned concerning the same that is to say upon trust that they
11 my said Trustees their Executors and administrators do and shall
[Page 2]
12 by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and produce
13 thereof in the first place pay unto my Aunt Alice Williams
14 widow the annual or clear yearly Sum of twenty five
15 pounds for and during her natural life free of all Rates
16 Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and in the next place
17 do and shall by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and
18 produce of my said Stocks pay unto Mary Davy my Servant
19 who now lives with me the annual or clear Yearly Sum of
20 Fifteen pounds for and during her natural life free of all rates
21 Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and I do hereby
22 order and direct that both the said annuities shall be
23 paid and payable by two equal half yearly payments
24 and the First payment thereof respectively to begin and be
25 made at the End of six calendar Months next after my
26 decease and the residue of the clear and neat dividends
27 interest and produce of my said Stocks do and shall account
28 for and pay over unto my cousin Hannah Atkinson who
29 now lives with me to and for her own use and benefit and
30 upon this further trust that they my said trustees their
31 Executors and administrators do and shall by and out of my
32 said Capital Stock of Moneys in the Funds pay unto my
33 Cousin Thomas Williams Son of the said Alice Williams the
34 Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful British Money in six
35 months next after the death of his said Mother and also pay
36 unto my Cousin Richard Blake the Sum of two hundred
37 pounds of lawful British Money in six months next after the
38 deaths of both than the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
39 and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers
40 for the time being of a Society who now call themselves the
41 Governors of the Devon and Exeter hospital at Exeter the Sum
42 of thirty five pounds in six Calendar months next after the
43 deaths of both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
44 which said Sum of thirty five pounds I desire may be applied
45 towards the carrying on the Charitable designs of the said
46 Society and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or
47 Treasurers for the time being of a Society who now call
48 themselves the trustees for the Charity Schools within the said
49 City of Exeter which were begun and established in the time when
50 Doctor Blackhall was Bishop of Exeter the like Sum of thirty
51 five pounds of lawful British Money in six Calendar months
52 next after the deaths of both of them the said Alice Williams
53 and Mary Davy which said last mentioned Sum of thirty five
54 pounds I desire may be applied towards the carrying on the
55 charitable designs of the said Society and also do and shall
56 pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being of
57 a Society established for the support and maintenance of poor
58 Clergymens Widows and orphans within the archdeaconary
59 of Exeter the like Sum of thirty five pounds of lawful British
60 Money in six Calendar months next after the deaths of
61 both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy and my
62 express will and Meaning is that the said last mentioned
63 Sum of thirty five pounds shall be paid to and distributed
[Page 3]
64 amongst such poor Clergymen’s widows and orphans only
65 who are not possessed of or entitled to more than two hundred
66 pounds in real or personal Estate or in both real and
67 personal or have not an income of more than ten pounds
68 a year such being the objects for whose benefit the said
69 Charity was originally begun and established and the
70 residue of my said Stocks or Moneys in the Funds after the
71 several payments and applications aforesaid do and shall
72 account for and pay over or otherwise transfer the same
73 unto my said cousin Hannah Atkinson her Executors and
74 administrators to and for her and their own use and benefit
75 and upon no other need and for no other intent or
76 purpose whatsoever also I give and bequeath unto my said
77 Cousin Richard Blake the further Sum of one hundred pounds
78 of lawful British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix
79 hereinafter named within one year next after my death if
80 he shall then have attained his age of twenty one years
81 but if not then to be paid to him when and so soon as he
82 shall attain that age also I give and bequeath unto my
83 Cousin Thomas Dodge the Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful
84 British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix herein after
85 named within one year next after my decease if he shall
86 then have attained his age of twenty one years but if not then
87 to be paid to him when and so soon as he shall have
88 attained that age and my will is that if any or either of them
89 the said Thomas Williams Richard Blake and Thomas Dodge
90 shall happen to die before his or their Legacy or Legacys
91 or any part thereof respectively shall become payable that
92 then the Legacy or Legacies of him or them so dying or such
93 part thereof as shall not be payable in his or their life time
94 shall sink for the benefit of my Executrix and not be paid or
95 payable also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin William
96 Blake Brother of the said Richard Blake the Sum of one
97 hundred pounds of lawful British money to be paid to him by my
98 Executrix hereinafter named within one year next after my
99 death also I give and bequeath unto the said Robert Tarrant
100 and John Stabback the Sum of Fifty pounds each of lawful British
101 Money to be paid to them respectively by my Executrix herein
102 after named in six months next after my death provided always
103 nevertheless and my Will is that they my said trustees or
104 either of them shall not be answerable or accountable for the acts
104 Deeds Receipts of mismanagement of each other but each for
106 his own acts Deeds Receipts and mismanagements only nor for any
107 loss or losses that shall or may happen to the said trust Estate and
108 premises nor for any more money than shall come to their
109 hands respectively and my Will further is that it shall and
110 may be lawful to and for my said trustees respectively to
111 deduct retain and keep in his and their hands respectively out
112 of the said trust moneys and premises over and besides the
113 several Legacies herein before to them respectively Given all such
114 Costs charges damages and Expences as they or either of them shall
115 sustain be at or put into for or on account of the trusts hereby in
[Page 3]
116 them reposed or their or either of their acting or intermeddling
117 therein or anything relating thereto together with so much
118 Money as they shall severally reasonably deserve for their labour
119 and trouble in and about the same also I give and bequeath
120 unto such poor people of the parish of Farway as have no
121 pay or relief from the said parish the Sum of ten pounds
122 of lawful British Money to be paid and distributed unto and
123 amongst such of them as my Executrix shall think proper
124 at the following times to wit one half hereof in two months next
125 after my death and the residue thereof within twelve months
126 next after my decease also all the rest residue and remainder
127 of my Goods Chattels Lands Tenements and hereditaments
128 Real and personal Estate whatsoever of mine hereinbefore
129 given devised or bequeathed my Debts Legacies and Funeral
130 Expences being first paid and discharged I give devise and
131 bequeath unto my said Cousin Hannah Atkinson her heirs Exors
132 administrators and assigns and her the said Hannah Atkinson
133 I make whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and
134 Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me
135 heretofore made and ratifying and confirming this to be my
136 last In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and
137 Testament contained in two Sheets of paper to the first Sheet
138 thereof set my hand and to the last my hand and Seal the day
139 and year aforesaid Richd Blake Signed Sealed published
140 and declared by the said Richard Blake the Testator as and
141 for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
142 subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of
143 the said Testator and of each other Henry Venn Junr Jas
144 Townsend Jno Pratt
145 This Will was proved at London the twenty
146 fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
147 seven hundred and eighty eight before the Right Worshipful
148 Sir William Wynne Knight doctor of Laws Master keeper
149 or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
150 constituted by the Oath of Hannah Atkinson Spinster the Sole
151 Executrix named in the said Will to whom administration was
152 granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
153 the deceased having been first sworn duly to administer.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Will of Charles Buller of Richmond Surrey Esquire - The National Archives PROB 11/2079/35, probated 16 Aug 1848
Found this testator, Charles Buller, as the father of The Right Honourable Charles Buller (6 Aug 1806 - 29 Nov 1848) a British barrister, politician and reformer. This Wikipedia article goes on to say that Charles Buller (testator and father of the Charles Buller in the Wikipedia article) was descendant of the Cornish Buller Cornish and married to Barbara Isabella Kirkpatrick. Since the son Charles (person in the Wikipedia article) was born in Calcutta there is perhaps a story about Charles Buller and his wife Barbara Isabella Kirkpatrick not yet written. Charles Buller (testator) can be found on the visitation of Cornwall and Charles as the son of John Buller and Anne Lemon. Charles was the fourth son of John Buller and Anne Lemon. The children listed for Charles Buller (testator) on the Visitation are The Right Honourable Charles Buller MP for East Looe and Liskeard (mentioned in the Wikipedia article above) and Sir Arthur William Buller who was a Judge at Calcutta and he married Maria Templer.
On the LDS website Charles Buller and Barbara Isabella Kirkpatrick were married 26 Aug 1805 at Calcutta Bengal India (Family Search M75002-2). Their son Reginald Buller was baptized 14 Sep 1813 at Morval, Cornwall. He is not mentioned on the visitation. Their son Arthur William Buller was baptized 21 Oct 1808 at Calcutta Bengal India and he was born 5 Sep 1808 (Family Search C75002-2). I couldn't find the baptism for Charles but the Wikipedia article gives him a date of birth of 6 Aug 1806 so presumably he was also born and baptized at Calcutta Bengal India.
The Carlyle Encopledia (edited by Mark Cumming) gives some insight into this family. Their son Reginald was clerk at Troston Rectory (Rector). Charles and Barbara Isabella Buller lived with their son Reginald through the 1840s at the Rectory and apparently early on (February 1840) Isabella had adopted a young girl named Theresa Revis. As well in the book on page 45 is mentioned that Arthur had gone to India in 1848 to pursue his legal career. Charles Buller (testator) died on 17 May 1848, Charles Buller junior died after an operation 29 Nov 1848 and Isabella died 14 Mar 1849 (of grief he says).
books.google.ca/books?isbn=0838637922
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 12 Mar 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2079/35
Testator: Charles Buller
Place: Richmond, Surrey
Date of document: undated but lawyer under oath stated 1 Jun 1841, probated 16 Aug 1848
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 19th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Charles
[Margin]: Buller
[Margin] Esquire
[Margin] 8
1 This is the last Will and Testament
2 of me Charles Buller of Troston Rectory in the County of Suffolk late of the
3 priory near Leatherhead in the County of Surry Esquire I give devise and be-
4 queath unto my dear wife Barbara Isabella Buller all and every my lands
5 tenements houses goods and chattels and real and Personal Estate whatsoever
6 whether in Great Britain or in the East Indies for and during the time of her
7 natural life and from and after the decease of my said wife I give and bequeath the
8 same unto my two Sons Charles Buller Esq[uie]r and Reginald John Buller Clerk
9 their heirs executors administrators and assigns upon the trusts following that is
10 to say upon and for such trusts ends intents and purposes and for such person or persons
11 as my said dear wife shall by any deed under her hand and seal to be executed
12 in the presence of two credible witnesses or by her last Will and Testament in
13 writing to be legally executed direct limit and appoint that in default of such
14 direction limitation or appointment upon Trust my said trustees
15 shall and do out of my said real and personal estate or out of a competent
16 part thereof pay unto Theresa Marianne Revis spinster who is now of the
17 age of nine years and residing in my family the yearly sum of one hundred
18 pounds of lawful money of Great Britain for and during the term of her
19 natural life the said annuity to be paid by two equal half yearly payments
20 the first payment thereof to be made at the expiration of six calendar
21 months next after the day of my decease And subject to the said annuity I do
22 direct my said trustees to stand possessed of my said real and personal estate in
23 trust for my said Son Charles Buller his heirs executors administrators and
24 assigns to and for his and their own absolute use and benefit I appoint my
25 said Sons Charles and Reginald John my Executors C Buller
26 Signed sealed published and declared b y the said Charles Buller as and for
27 his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time
28 who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have
30 hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses John Edw Buller S C Lin
31 Inn Fields Edw[ar]d F Sealy William Johns Clerk to Messrs
32 Smart and Buller
33 Prerogative
34 In the Goods of Charles Buller Esquire deceased
35 Appeared Personally John Edward Buller
36 of Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex Gentleman and made oath
[Page 2]
37 that as one of the residuary witnesses to the last Will and Testament of
38 Charles Buller formerly of Treston Rectory in the County of Suffolk afterwards
39 of the Priory near Leatherhead in the County of Surry and late of Richmond
40 in the aforesaid County Esquire deceased which Will without date is now testa-
41 mentary there with beginning thus "This is the last Will and Testa-
42 ment of me Charles Buller" ending thus "I appoint my Sons Charles and
43 Reginald John, my Executors" and thus subscribed C. Buller And he further
44 saith that from a Memorandum this deponent made at the time he hath
45 no doubt and verily and in his conscience believes that the said Will was
46 executed by the said deceased at the office of him the appearer on the first of
47 June one thousand eight hundred and forty one and having now carefully
48 viewed and appraised the said will and the appointment therein of the Sons
49 of the deceased Charles and Reginald John to be the Executors thereof he saith
50 that the appointment of Executors was written by the deceased himself
51 prior to the execution of the said Will by him John Edw Buller
52 on the 15th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty eight the
53 said John Edward Buller was duly sworn to the truth of this affidavit
54 before us F J Pratt _____ Jno J Glennie Not. Pub.
55 Proved at London 16th Aug[us]t 1848 before the worshipful James Parker
56 Deane Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of Charles Buller Esquire
57 and the Rev[eren]d Reginald John Buller Clerk the Jointe Executors to whom
58 Administration was granted having been first sworn to administer
On the LDS website Charles Buller and Barbara Isabella Kirkpatrick were married 26 Aug 1805 at Calcutta Bengal India (Family Search M75002-2). Their son Reginald Buller was baptized 14 Sep 1813 at Morval, Cornwall. He is not mentioned on the visitation. Their son Arthur William Buller was baptized 21 Oct 1808 at Calcutta Bengal India and he was born 5 Sep 1808 (Family Search C75002-2). I couldn't find the baptism for Charles but the Wikipedia article gives him a date of birth of 6 Aug 1806 so presumably he was also born and baptized at Calcutta Bengal India.
The Carlyle Encopledia (edited by Mark Cumming) gives some insight into this family. Their son Reginald was clerk at Troston Rectory (Rector). Charles and Barbara Isabella Buller lived with their son Reginald through the 1840s at the Rectory and apparently early on (February 1840) Isabella had adopted a young girl named Theresa Revis. As well in the book on page 45 is mentioned that Arthur had gone to India in 1848 to pursue his legal career. Charles Buller (testator) died on 17 May 1848, Charles Buller junior died after an operation 29 Nov 1848 and Isabella died 14 Mar 1849 (of grief he says).
books.google.ca/books?isbn=0838637922
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 12 Mar 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2079/35
Testator: Charles Buller
Place: Richmond, Surrey
Date of document: undated but lawyer under oath stated 1 Jun 1841, probated 16 Aug 1848
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 19th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Charles
[Margin]: Buller
[Margin] Esquire
[Margin] 8
1 This is the last Will and Testament
2 of me Charles Buller of Troston Rectory in the County of Suffolk late of the
3 priory near Leatherhead in the County of Surry Esquire I give devise and be-
4 queath unto my dear wife Barbara Isabella Buller all and every my lands
5 tenements houses goods and chattels and real and Personal Estate whatsoever
6 whether in Great Britain or in the East Indies for and during the time of her
7 natural life and from and after the decease of my said wife I give and bequeath the
8 same unto my two Sons Charles Buller Esq[uie]r and Reginald John Buller Clerk
9 their heirs executors administrators and assigns upon the trusts following that is
10 to say upon and for such trusts ends intents and purposes and for such person or persons
11 as my said dear wife shall by any deed under her hand and seal to be executed
12 in the presence of two credible witnesses or by her last Will and Testament in
13 writing to be legally executed direct limit and appoint that in default of such
14 direction limitation or appointment upon Trust my said trustees
15 shall and do out of my said real and personal estate or out of a competent
16 part thereof pay unto Theresa Marianne Revis spinster who is now of the
17 age of nine years and residing in my family the yearly sum of one hundred
18 pounds of lawful money of Great Britain for and during the term of her
19 natural life the said annuity to be paid by two equal half yearly payments
20 the first payment thereof to be made at the expiration of six calendar
21 months next after the day of my decease And subject to the said annuity I do
22 direct my said trustees to stand possessed of my said real and personal estate in
23 trust for my said Son Charles Buller his heirs executors administrators and
24 assigns to and for his and their own absolute use and benefit I appoint my
25 said Sons Charles and Reginald John my Executors C Buller
26 Signed sealed published and declared b y the said Charles Buller as and for
27 his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time
28 who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have
30 hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses John Edw Buller S C Lin
31 Inn Fields Edw[ar]d F Sealy William Johns Clerk to Messrs
32 Smart and Buller
33 Prerogative
34 In the Goods of Charles Buller Esquire deceased
35 Appeared Personally John Edward Buller
36 of Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex Gentleman and made oath
[Page 2]
37 that as one of the residuary witnesses to the last Will and Testament of
38 Charles Buller formerly of Treston Rectory in the County of Suffolk afterwards
39 of the Priory near Leatherhead in the County of Surry and late of Richmond
40 in the aforesaid County Esquire deceased which Will without date is now testa-
41 mentary there with beginning thus "This is the last Will and Testa-
42 ment of me Charles Buller" ending thus "I appoint my Sons Charles and
43 Reginald John, my Executors" and thus subscribed C. Buller And he further
44 saith that from a Memorandum this deponent made at the time he hath
45 no doubt and verily and in his conscience believes that the said Will was
46 executed by the said deceased at the office of him the appearer on the first of
47 June one thousand eight hundred and forty one and having now carefully
48 viewed and appraised the said will and the appointment therein of the Sons
49 of the deceased Charles and Reginald John to be the Executors thereof he saith
50 that the appointment of Executors was written by the deceased himself
51 prior to the execution of the said Will by him John Edw Buller
52 on the 15th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty eight the
53 said John Edward Buller was duly sworn to the truth of this affidavit
54 before us F J Pratt _____ Jno J Glennie Not. Pub.
55 Proved at London 16th Aug[us]t 1848 before the worshipful James Parker
56 Deane Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of Charles Buller Esquire
57 and the Rev[eren]d Reginald John Buller Clerk the Jointe Executors to whom
58 Administration was granted having been first sworn to administer
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