Will of John Blake of Standish, Gloucestershire - Diocese of Bristol Will on Ancestry, probated 30 Apr 1592

Always nice when two wills fit together and this is the husband of Elizabeth Blake of Standish who left her will dated 27 Sep 1592. Elizabeth mentions her son Richard Harris, her daughter Anne Blake and her son Walter Blake. Elizabeth’s will was blogged earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/06/will-of-elizabeth-blake-of-standish.html

Standish is four miles from Stroud, 5 miles from Coaley, and 7 miles from Gloucester.

Source: Consistory Court of Gloucester, Will, 1592, Will Number 86,  GDR/Wills/1592 (86).
Ancestry.com. Gloucestershire, England, Wills and Inventories, 1541-1858 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
Original data: Gloucestershire Probate Records. Diocese of Gloucestershire, Finding Reference GDR, Wills and Inventories. Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester, UK.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 14 Jul 2014
Source: Ancestry – Diocese of Bristol Wills
Testator:  John Blake
Place: Standish, Gloucestershire, England
Type of Record: Probate
Date of document: 3 Aug 1592; probated 30 Apr 1592
Condition: 16th century English, legible copy

[Top]: T[estament] John Blake
[Top]: 86

1    In the name of god Amen the third day of Auguste in the
2    yeare
3    of our lord god 1592 I John Blake of Standishe in the diocese
4    of glouc being sick and weke in body by the visitacion of god
5    but of good p[er]fecte mem[orie] thankes be given unto god doe make
6    my Laste will and testament in manner and forme folowyng First
7    and principallye I yeld my soule into the handes of
8    almightie god my creater and onely savior and my body to be
9    buried in convenient _____
10    Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto Rich Strfford my sonne in lawe my beste
11    coate the biggest broche Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto John Stretford my
12    godson one yearelyng bullock Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto Richard Gibbins
13    my beste breeches Ite[m] I gyve unto the ij children of the sayd Richard Gibbins
14    eyther of them a sheepe Ite[m] I gybe unto Johane brovens my servant one
15    lambe Ite[m] I gyve and bequeath to ____ ____ry Blake one sheepe, Ite[m] I gyve
16    and bequeathe unto Richard Harryes my sonne in law my Fryes coate best dublett
17    and one sheepe Ite[m] I gyve unto my sonne Walter blake a warming panne
18    Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto my son in law William Harryes my blacke
19    Jyrkyn and breeches and a peare of stkings Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto
20    Elizabeth harryes one pewter platte All the Residue of my goods cattels and
21    chattels Iymoveable and unmoveable my dbtes being payd and my funeral and bequeathes
22    discharged I gyve and bequeathe unto Ane Blake my daughter whom I doe ordayne
23    and make my sole and wholl executrix to p[er]form and fulfill this my laste will and testa
24    ment condicionally that she shall p[er]mitt and asser her mother to have hold of
25    and occupie the sayd goods and lyving during her life (Excepte so muche
26    as shall suffice to paye my debtes) and that she diligently attend and succour
27    her mother during her life prov[i]ded allwayes that it shall not be lawfull
28    for her mother to sell or otherwise to dispose any parte of the goods or cattels
29    which in any parte belongeth unto my sayd daughter Anne by the executorshipe
30    of this my will and testament but that same may wholly remayne unto her
31    accordingly Ite[m] I gyve and bequeathe unto Thoms Blake one lambe to be deliv[er]ed to hym at
32    holy rode daye next Ite[m] I doe desire and appynte John Harrise and Richard Stretford
33    my sonne in law to be my overseers of this my will and I gyve unto John Harryes
34    for his paynes my cesten
35    debtes which I oughe as foloweth
36    First to my sonne in law Richard
37    Gibbins v li
38    of his marriage money
39    To John Harryes xvij s vj d
40    To John Myles xx s
41    To Richard Stretford xjs viij d
42    Witnesses to this my last
43    will and Testament
44    John Harryes
45    Richard Stretford
46    Jo: Johnson eler
47    Memorandum that the fift day of agust the yeare foresaid the will above written was red
48    and heard by us undersubscribees and allowed and continened by the testator
49    J: Winston
50    Fanc: Yate
51    [Mark made probably by John Blake but not a particular symbol]   ]
    [Page 2]
52    T: John Blake de Stanishe
53    Probat[um] etc _____ Mr Wm Blackleeth
54   
55    vic[ar] etc April _____ xxx th
56    ____ 1592
57    Commiss ecal ___ etc execut etc
58    debite iurat etc

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake

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

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

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

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

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

The will of John Blake of Stratford Langthorn was published yesterday

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

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

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

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

[Margin]: Mary Blake

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

Will of Edward Blake, Stratford, Essex, England - The National Archives PROB 11/2001/203, probated 30 Jul 1844

Edward Blake is the testator and he is named as a widower. A niece Ann Wuts, spinster, is named as his administrator. Elizabeth Atherton was named by Edward as his legatee; she was his housekeeper. His death is likely recorded on Free BMD as Edward Blake in West Ham registration district, volume 12 and page 189, June quarter 1844.

I did find Edward Blake and Elizabeth Atherton on the 1841 census in Tower Hamlets (All Saints Poplar) with Edward listed as 78 years of age and independent and born in Middlesex and Elizabeth Atherton as 68 and born in Middlesex. They are living with Ann Anson 52 years and Jane Anson 10 years of age both born in Middlesex. They live on Regent Street South. There are a number of Shipwrights close by as well as Watermen. Also living there is Mary Page 45 years of age and also born in Middlesex.

I did find a death for Elizabeth Atherton in 1845 at Saffron Walden but can not determine if this is the same person.

I could not find any information on an Ann Wuts/Wats.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 March 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/2001/203
Testator: Edward Blake
Place: No 36 Angle Lane Stratford, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 24 Apr 1842, probated 30 Jul 1844
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Edward
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 5

1    This is to Certify that I Edward Blake of
2    No 36 Angle Lane Stratford in the County of Essex in sound mind and body
3    and good understanding and freely give unto my housekeeper Elizabeth
4    Atherton all my household furniture consisting of Chairs Tables Beds and
5    bedding linen china and glass and every thing that is on the said premises
6    without any molestation by any person whatever and I do also put in
7    the hands of my said housekeeper Elizabeth Atherton the sum of ten
8    pounds to pay my funeral expences in the event of me dying first and
9    after the funeral expences is paid the said Elizabeth Atherton is to have
10    the residue of what is left for her own use this performed the 24th of April in
11    the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two Edward
12    Blake X his Mark
13    In Witness there of William Wright
14    the 21st of April 1842 George Pennell
15    In the goods of Edward Blake deceased
16    Appeared Personally George Pennell of
17    Angel Lane Stratford in the County of Essex Bricklayer and made oath
18    that he is one of the subscribed Witnesses to the last Will and testament of
19    Edward Blake late of Stratford in the County of Essex deceased bearing date
20    the twenty fourth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty two
21    and now hereunto annexed and he further made Oath that on the twen-
22    ty fourth day of April aforesaid the said testator duly executed his said
23    Will by making his mark at the foot or end thereof in the presence of this
24    deponent and William Wright the other subscribed Witness thereto who
25    was present at the same time and this deponent and the said William
26    Wright thereupon attested and subscribed the said Will in the presence
27    of the said Testator George Pennell On the 24th day of July
28    1844 the said George Pennell was duly sworn to the truth of this Affidavit
29    before me J J Pratt Sur: William Neve Noty. Publ.
30    On the 30th July 1844 Administration with the Will annexed of the
31    Goods Chattels and Credits of Edward Blake late of Angel Lane Stratford in
32    the County of Essex Widower deceased was granted to Ann Wuts Spinster
33    the lawful niece and only next of kin of the said deceased having been
34    first sworn duly to administer no Executor or Residuary Legatee