William Blake, the testator, is the brother of Thomas Blake who left his will in 1776 which I blogged several days ago.
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/08/will-of-thomas-blake-gentleman-plymtree.html
William, the testator, is living at Green end and there is a write up on this particular property in British History online:
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50588
Clist William, formerly belonging to the Salters, is now the property of Sir John Kennaway, Bart. A large mansion to the south-west of the church, called Green End, was formerly the property and residence of the Pratts, ancestors of Earl Camden. It was given by one of that family to the uncle of Mr. Thomas Blake, who is the present proprietor and occupier.
Marriages at Plymtree
William Blake married Elizabeth Harward 21 Jun 1788
Betty Blake married John Ashford 22 Dec 1789
Richard Blake married Ann Augusta Harward 14 Jul 1791
Humphrey Blake married Joan Gould 10 Jun 1811
Robert Blake married Mary Stark 13 Mar 1816
Marriages at Bishops Hull
William Blake (of Crewkerne) married Hannah Downing at Bishops Hull 1 Sep 1768
John Buncombe (of Pitminster) married Deborah Downing 3 Mar 1774
Baptisms at Plymtree
Robert Blake son of Humphrey and Jane baptized 14 May 1815 (carpenter)
Sarah Blake daughter of Humphrey and Joan baptized 11 May 1817 (carpenter)
Is this William the testator buried 11 Jan 1811?
Burials at Plymtree
Louisa Blake (28 years) buried 15 Sep 1821
Thomas Blake (63 years) buried 18 Mar 1826 (from Green End)
Burials at Trull
Betty Blake buried at All Saints Trull 14 Jun 1785
Betty Blake buried at All Saints Trull 10 Jan 1798
Betty Ashford buried at All Saints Trull Apr 1805
William Blake buried at All Saints Trull 11 Jan 1811
William Blake (60 years) buried at All Saints Trull 12 Sep 1826
William Blake (2+ years) buried at All Saints Trull 13 Apr 1832
Betty Blake (70 years) buried at All Saints Trull 26 Nov 1840
An interesting document linking these Blake families at the Devon Record Office (3637 A/PFT 28, 29 1825):
Contents:
1. Thomas Blake of Green End, Plymtree, gent., and William Blake of Cutshay in Trull, Somerset, gent., (surviving trustees)
2. Charles Harward of Hayne House, Plymtree, clerk, Charles Harward, esq., his son, William Blake the younger of Cutshay in Trull, Somerset, William Brice, gent., John Harris, gent., Henry Shiles, gent., John Shiles the younger, his son, John Squire, gent., William Trump, gent., and James Dowell, yeoman, all of Plymtree
Premises: as in PFT 3
Mary Crosse's Charity
1861 Census at Trull living in Dipford House: William Blake, 64 y, head, farmer retired, Mary Blake wife 54 y, Farmer’s wife, Elizabeth Blake daughter 26 y.
1861 Census at Trull living in Cutsey Farm Thomas Blake head, 29 y, farmer 300 a, wife Eleanor Blake 26 y, Mary Hole 30 y sister in law, Mary Blake 23 y sister, Ann Hole 14y sister in law, Samuel Hole 17 y brother in law.
Continuing with putting this family together. We know from the will of Thomas Blake probated in 1776 that he left all of his property to his brother William of Trull. This Thomas was related to the Marks family of Pitminster, the Pratt family of Willand, the Buncombe family of Pitminster. Thomas and William are known to be the sons of Richard Blake from the archival records held by the National Archives of the UK. Thomas appears to have died without issue and perhaps unmarried. Thomas lived at Cutsey which had been purchased by Richard Blake of Angersleigh from Robert Blake of Pitminster. I can not make any assumption about a relationship between Richard and Robert yet.
Thomas mentions his brother William and his brother in law John Marks and his nephews John and Robert Marks in terms of close kinship. At the time of the death of Thomas his brother William and his wife had had three children all baptized at Trull (parents lived at Cutsey) namely: Thomas 28 Jun 1763, William baptized 11 Jun 1766 and Betty baptized 9 Aug 1769 Betty Blake married John Ashford 22 Dec 1789). The testator William Blake is, I believe, the brother of Thomas whose will was probated in 1776 and father of Betty married to John Ashford. When this will is probated in probated in 1812 his sons Thomas and William are 49 years and 46 years respectively. He also names his grandsons William and Thomas sons of William. Betty (grand daughter of the testator but not mentioned in the will) Blake was baptized 3 Dec 1794, William was baptized 19 May 1797 and Thomas was baptized 2 Feb 1802. On the 1861 census at Trull living in Dipford House is William grandson of the testator and he is 64 years of age which fits with the baptism and date of birth (31 Jan 1797).
This William married Mary Thomas (marriage not yet found) and their children baptized at Trull were as follows:
Thomas Blake 11 Jul 1831
William Blake 11 Jul 1831
Elizabeth Blake 24 Sep 1834
Mary Blake 30 Dec 1835
Looking at the 1861 census once again living with William Blake at Dipford is Elizabeth Blake their daughter 26 years of age (and is likely Elizabeth listed above as the child of William and Mary). The Thomas listed at Cutsey Farm as head is named as 29 years of age which fits with Thomas’ date of baptism very well and he is living at Cutsey where his parents had lived with his family which I still need to work on to discover about the Hole family living there. Also living with Thomas is his sister Mary 23 which fits somewhat with Mary’s baptism.
Burials at Trull include
Thomas (of Cutsey) buried 16 Feb 1813 at the age of 12 years.
William Blake of Cutsey buried 12 Sep 1826 at the age of 60 years (son of the testator)
William Blake of Cutsey buried 13 Apr 1832 at the age of 2 years and 3 months
Thomas Blake baptized in 1831 thus became the only descendant still living at Cutsey he was buried 9 Nov 1880 at the age of 49 leaving no descendants hence his sisters Elizabeth and Mary inherited his property.
Names mentioned in the will of William Blake (the testator)
John Buncombe of Bishops Hull, trustee
Robert Buncombe of Trull, trustee
Eliza Ashford, grand daughter
William Ashford, grandson
Thomas Blake, son
William Blake, son
William Blake, grandson, son of William Blake
Thomas Blake, grandson, son of William Blake
Mary Ann Mark, relative
John Mark, relative
Betty Mark, relative
Robert Mark, father of Mark children above, relative
W Morse, witness
John Critchett, witness
Henry Brutton, witness
Melony Penham, witness
Harvey Brown, witness
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 20 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1534/250
Testator: William Blake, Esquire
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 8 Dec 1808, probated 16 Jun 1812
Condition: 19th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Blake
[Margin]: 52
1 This is the last Will and Testament of
2 me William Blake of Green end in the parish of Plymtree in the
3 County of devon Esquire which I make to the disposal of all my Estate
4 and Effects in manner and form following that is to say First I give devise
5 and bequeath unto John Buncombe of Bishops Hull in the County
6 of Somerset Esquire and Robert Buncombe of Trull in the same County
7 Esquire all those my messuages tenements lands and premises the one
8 called Stimers Clarks and and the other called Clarkes or by whatever
9 other name or names the same are known and distinguished situate
10 and lying in the parish of Plymtree aforesaid with their every of
11 their rights members heredits and appurts to hold unto the said John
12 Buncombe and Robert Buncombe upon such Trusts and to and for such
13 uses ends intents and purposes as are hereinafter mentioned of and
14 concerning the same that is to say upon trust that they the said
15 John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe or the survivor of them or
16 the heirs and assigns of such survivor do and shall as soon as
17 conveniently may be after my death by sale or mortgage of the
18 aforesaid premises or some part of parcel thereof raise and levy the sum
19 of two thousand pounds of Good and lawful money of the united
20 Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and pay and apply the sum of
21 one thousand pounds one half part thereof unto my Grand dau[ghte]r
22 Eliza Ashford at the attainment of her age of twenty one years or day
23 of marriage which shall first happen provided such marriage
24 shall be with the consent and approbation of my said Trustees and
25 the sum of one thousand pounds the other half part thereof
26 to my Grandson William Ashford at the attainment of his age
27 of Twenty one years and in the mean time and until my
28 said Grand daughter Eliza Ashford and Grandson William Ashford
29 shall have attained their respective ages of twenty one years or
30 marriage of my said Grand daughter as aforesaid I will and
31 direct my said Trustees to put and place out their respective legacies
32 at Interest on Government or some other Good security or
33 securities for their respective use and benefit also I give devise and
34 bequeath unto the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe
35 all and every my royalties and all other my messuages Farms Lands
36 Tenements and heredits whatever or whereof and wherein I am
37 seized or possessed of any Estate of Freehold or inheritance or therein possessed
38 reversion remainder or expectancy or for any term or terms of years
39 situate and lying in Plymtree aforesaid or elsewhere in the County
40 of Devon except the Lands and premises in Plymtree by me
41 before devised to them in trust for sale or mortgage as aforesaid
42 to hold the same premises with their every of their and
43 every of their and every of their rights members and heredits and appurts unto
44 and to the use of them the said John Buncombe and Robert
45 Buncombe their heirs and assigns to for and upon such uses and
46 ends intents and purposes and subject to the
47 provisos hereinafter limited expressed and declared of and concerning
48 the same that is to say to the use and behoof of my son Thomas
49 Blake for and during the term of his natural life subject and
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50 liable to empeachment of or for any manner of waste and
51 from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use
52 of the said John Burcombe and Robert Burcombe and their heirs
53 during the natural life of my said son Thomas Blake In trust to
54 preserve the contingent remainders hereinafter limited from
55 being defeated or destroyed and for that purpose to make entries or
56 bring actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit
57 suffer my said Son Thomas Blake and his assigns to have receive and
58 take during his natural life the rents and profits thereof and of every part
59 thereof to and for his and their own use and benefit and from and
60 immediately after the death of my said Son Thomas Blake to the use
61 and behoof of the first Son of the body of my said Son Thomas Blake
62 lawfully to be begotten and the heirs male of the body of such
63 first son lawfully issuing and for default of such issue then to the
64 use and behoof of the second third fourth and all and every other
65 son and sons of my said Son Thomas Blake severally successively
66 and in remainder one after another as they and every of them shall
67 be in seniority of age and priority of birth and of the heirs male
68 of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons lawfully
69 issuing the elder of such son and sons and the heirs male of his body
70 being always to be preferred and take Before the younger of such
71 son and sons and the heirs male of his and their body and bodies
72 respectively and in default of such then to the use of my Grand
73 son William William Blake the eldest son of my son William
74 Blake for and during the term of his natural life and from and
75 immediately after the determination of that Estate then to the
76 use and behoof of my said Trustees and their heirs during the life
77 of my said Grandson William Blake in trust to preserve and support
78 the contingent remainders hereinafter limited from being defeated or
79 destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring actions as the
80 case shall require But nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Grand
81 son William Blake and his assigns to receive and take the rents issues
82 and profits thereof and every part thereof during the term of his
83 natural life to and for his and their own use and benefit and from and
84 immediately after the determination of that Estate to the use and
85 behoof of the first son of the body of my said Grandson William
86 Blake and the heirs males of the body of such first son lawfully
87 issuing and for default of such Son then to the use and behoof of the
88 second third fourth and all every other son and sons of my said
89 Grandson William Blake severally successively and in remainder
90 one after another as they and every of them shall be in Seniority of
91 age and priority of Birth and of the heirs male of the body and bodies
92 of all and every such Son and Sons lawfully issuing the elder of such
93 sons and the heirs male of his body being always preferred and to
94 take before the younger of such Son and Sons and the heirs male
95 of his and their body and bodies respectively and in default of all
96 such issue then to the proper use and behoof of my own right
97 heirs forever also I give devise and bequeath unto the said John
98 Buncombe and Robert Buncombe all and every my messuages
99 Farms lands tenements and heredits whatsoever situate lying
100 and being in the said parish of Trull or elsewhere in the said
101 County of Somerset whereof or wherein I am seized or possessed
102 of any Estate of Freehold or lease of wherein and either in possession
103 or reversion or according to the Custom of the manor of Taunton Dean
104 in the said County of Somerset whereof or wherein I am now
105 possessed or interested for any term or terms of years or any other
106 Estate tenure or interest to sell the same premises with their and
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107 and every of their rights members heredits and appurts unto and to the use
108 of them the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe and
109 their heirs Exors admors and assigns to for and upon such uses and
110 intents and purposes and under and subject to such provisoes as
111 are herein after limited expressed and declared of concerning the
112 same that is to say to the use and behoof of my son William
113 Blake for and during the term of his natural life Subject and
114 liable to impeachment of or for any manner of waste and
115 from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use of
116 the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe their heirs Exors
117 and admors during the natural life of my said Son William
118 Blake In trust to preserve the contingent remainders hereinafter
119 limited from being defeated or destroyed and for that purpose to make
120 entries or bring actions as the case shall require but nevertheless
121 to permit and suffer my said Son William Blake and his assignes
122 to have receive and take during his natural life the rents issues and
123 profits thereof and of every part thereof to and for his and their own use
124 and profit of it and from and immediately after the death of my said
125 son William Blake to the use and behoof of my Grandson
126 Thomas Blake the second son of my said son William Blake
127 and the heirs male of his body lawfully issuing and for default of
128 such issue then and not before to the use and behoof of William Blake
129 the eldest son of my said son William Blake and to the third fourth
130 and all and every other son and sons of my said son William
131 Blake severally and successively and in remainder one after
132 another as they and every of them shall be in seniority of age
133 priority of birth and of the heirs male of the body and bodies of
134 all and every such son and sons lawfully issuing the elder of such
135 son and sons and the heirs male of his body being always to be
136 preferred and take before the younger of such son and sons and the
137 heirs male of his and their body and bodies respectively and in
138 default of all such issue then to the proper use and behoof of my own
139 right heirs forever I do hereby give and bequeath all my Gold
140 rings and silver plate of every sort and description as well in my
141 mansion or dwelling house in Devon as in my mansion or dwelling
142 house in Somerset unto my said Two sons Thomas Blake and William
143 Blake upon trust that they or the survivor of them do and shall
144 as soon as conveniently may be after my death cause the same
145 to be weighed and valued by a silver smith or some other
146 proper person and then to distribute and divide the same to
147 and amongst my four Grand Children William Ashford Eliza
148 Ashford William Blake and Thomas Blake in equal parts
149 share and proportions regard being had and proper attention paid
150 to such valuation as near as it can possibly be done and as
151 for and concerning all and singular my Goods Chattels
152 Furniture except plate stock Cattle both quick and dead
153 every description and utensils and implements in husbandry which
154 shall or may be found in upon and belonging to any of my
155 messuages Farms Lands and premises and premises in Plymtree
156 aforesaid or elsewhere in the said County of Devon subject and
157 chargeable nevertheless to and with the payment of all my just
158 debts which shall or may be due and owing by me to any person
159 or persons in the said County of Devon either on mortgage bond simple
160 contract or otherwise I give and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas
161 Blake and as to for concerning all and singular my Goods Chattels
162 Furniture except plate stock cattle quick and dead of every
163 description and utensils and implements in husbandry which shall or
164 may be found on any of my Farms Lands and premises in Trull
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165 or elsewhere in the said County of Somerset I give and bequeath unto my
166 said Son William Blake subject and chargeable use or thereof to and with
167 the payment of all my just debts which shall or may be due and owing by me to any person or persons in the said County of Somerset either on Mortgage Bond simple contract or otherwise and also subject and chargeable by my Son William to and with the payment of the following legacies to my relations hereafter
168 mentioned that is to say to John Mark second son of Robert Mark of
169 the parish of Angersleigh in the said County of Somerset (the sum of one
170 hundred pounds to Mary Ann Mark the eldest daughter of the said
171 Robert Mark the sum of Fifty pounds and the like sum of Fifty pounds to Betty Mark the second daughter
172 of the said Robert Mark the same to be paid to them respectively at their several and
173 respective age or ages of twenty one years and whereas my said son Thomas Blake
174 stands indebted unto me by virtue of a lease by me granted to him of my
175 Estate at Green end and other Lands in Plymtree aforesaid in a Considerable Sum
176 of money for rent also some other debts and demands now 300 by the sum
177 will give devise and bequeath unto my said Grandson William Blake all
178 and every such Sum and Sums of money as shall be due and owing to me from
179 my said Son Thomas Blake at the time of my death for rent or any
181 other promise Contract security or Engagement whatsoever to be unto
182 my said Grandson William Blake his Exors or Admors for his and their own
183 proper use and benefit and whereas I have herein before given and bequeathed to my said
184 son William Blake all and every singular my Goods Chattels Furniture (except
185 plate) stock cattle of every description and utensils and implements in husbandry
186 which shall or may be found on any of my Farms Lands and premises
187 in Trull or elsewhere in the County of Somerset which I am satisfied
188 is more than sufficient to answer all the Charges payable thereout
189 being desirous of giving a Legacy to my said Grandson William Blake
190 of Five hundred pounds I do therefore hereby give and bequeath unto my said
191 Grandson William Blake the sum of Five hundred pounds to be
192 paid him at his attainment of his age of twenty one years by his
193 father my son the said William Blake out of the monies and profits
194 of the Goods and Chattels which I have given to him by this my
195 will as aforesaid provided always and I do hereby expressly declare
196 that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Buncombe and
197 Robert Buncombe or the survivor of them to fell cut down and sell
198 dispose of as much oak or other Timber Trees or an equal number of
199 each and no more which shall be standing or growing on any of
200 my Lands in Plymtree aforesaid or elsewhere in the said County of Devon
201 aforesaid for raising the sum of Five hundred pounds to and for the
202 use and benefit of my said Son Thomas Blake to whom I give the
203 same and also to fell cut down sell and dispose of as much Oak or elm Trees
204 Timber Trees or an equal number of each and no more which shall be
205 standing or growing on any of my Lands in Trull or elsewhere in the
206 county of Somerset aforesaid for raising the sum of two hundred pounds
207 to and for the use and benefit of my said Son William Blake to whom
208 I give the same whatever other Lands Tenements and heredits and
209 whatever monies securities for money and other goods Chattels and Effects
210 not hereinbefore given and devised I am possessed of or any wise intitled
211 unto I give devise and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas Blake and my
212 said Son William Blake their heirs Exors and Admors and so hereby
213 appoint them joint devisees residuary legatees and Exors of this my last
214 Will and Testament subject and chargeable to and with the payment
215 of my Funeral Expences and also to and with the payment of the
216 sum of three pounds to the poor of the said parish of Plymtree and
217 Five pounds to the poor of the said parish of Trull to be distributed
218 by the Churchwardens and overseers to such poor persons of each parish
219 as they in their prudent discretion shall think proper within one month
220 after my death and my will further is and I do hereby expressly declare
221 that the purchaser or purchasers of all or any part of these premises by them
222 devised in trust for sale as aforesaid paying his or their purchase
223 money to my said Trustees their heirs or assigns or to the survivor of
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224 them shall on payment thereof be absolutely acquitted and
225 discharged of and from such purchase money and shall not be obliged
226 to see or look to the application or be accountable for the misapplication
227 or nonapplication thereof or any part thereof and my will is further
228 is and I do hereby declare that my said Trustees their heirs Exors or
229 Admors shall not be charged or chargeable for more monies than they
230 shall actually receive and shall come to their respective hands by
231 virtue of this my will nor for any loss or losses which shall or may
232 happen to the trust monies so as such loss happen without their
233 wilful default nor the one for the other of them or for the acts deeds
234 receipts defaults or disbursements of the other of them and also that
235 it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Trustees and each of them
236 their and each of their Exors admors and assigns in the first place by and
237 out of the said trust monies to set out and reimburse themselves and
238 himself all such losses costs charges and Expences as they or either
239 of them shall sustain expend or be put unto for or by reason of
240 the performance of this my will the Trusts hereby in them reposed
241 or the management or execution thereof or any thing relating
242 thereunto In witness whereof I the said William Blake have
243 to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal the eighth
244 day of December one thousand eight hundred and eight William
245 Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the said William
246 Blake the Testor as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence
247 of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in the
248 presence of and at the request of the said Test[at]or and in the presence
249 of each other the interlineation of the words liable to inpeachment
250 of or for any manner of being first made W Morse John Critchett
251 Henry Brutton
252 I William Blake of Green end in the parish of Plymtree in
253 the County of Devon Esquire do make and publish this my writing to be
254 a Codicil to be annexed and took as part of my last will and
255 Testament whereas I have in and by my said will the Eighth
256 of December one thousand eight hundred and eight given devised and
257 bequeathed unto John Buncombe of Bishops Hull in the County
258 of Somerset Esquire and Robert Buncombe of Trull in the same
259 County Esquire all those my messuages Lands and premises the one
260 called Stimers Clarkes and the other called Clarkes or by whatever
261 other name or names the same are known and distinguished
262 situate and lying in the parish of Plymtree aforesaid and with their
263 and every of their rights members and appurts to hold unto the said
264 John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe and the survivor of
265 them his heirs and assigns upon trust by sale or mortgage of the
266 aforesaid premises or some part or parcel thereof raise and levy
267 the sum of Two thousand pounds of Good and lawful money
268 of the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Ireland and pay and apply
269 the sum of one thousand pounds part thereof unto my
270 Grand daughter Eliza Ashford at the attainment of her age of twenty
271 one years or day of marriage as is therein mentioned and the
272 sum of one thousand pounds the other half part thereof to my
273 Grandson William Ashford at the attainment of his age of twenty
274 one years as therein is also mentioned to which will I refer to the
275 particulars thereof as is therein expressed now I the said William
276 Blake do hereby revoke and make void that part of my said will
277 respectively the raising and levying the said Sum of two thousand
278 pounds in manner aforesaid and instead revised I hereby direct
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279 order that the said John Buncombe and Robert Buncombe or
280 the survivor of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor
281 shall only raise and levy by the ways and means expressed in my
282 said will the sum of one thousand pounds and to pay and apply the
283 sum of Five hundred pounds one half part thereof to my said
284 Grand daughter Eliza Ashford and the other half part thereof the
285 sum of Five hundred pounds to my said Grandson William
286 Ashford to be paid to them respectively at such times and in such
287 manner and form as I have ordered and directed by my said will
288 and in all other respects I do hereby ratify and confirm my said will
289 in witness whereof I the said William Blake have to this my
290 Codicil set my hand and seal the twenty seventh day of December
291 in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine Wm
292 Blake Signed sealed published and declared by the said William
293 Blake as a Codicil to be annexed to and taken as part of his last
294 will and Testament in the presence of us who have at the request
295 of the said Testor subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto in his
296 presence and in the presence of each other Melony Penham
297 Harvey Brown Henry Brutton
298 Proved at London with a Codicil 16th June 1812 before the
299 Judge by the oath of Thomas Blake and William Blake the
300 sons and Exors to whom admon was granted being sworn by Comm
301 to admor
Showing posts with label Trull. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trull. Show all posts
Sunday, August 25, 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
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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
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Will of Richard Blake, Merchant, Exeter, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/468/152, probated 22 Jan 1702/03
Richard Blake, the testator, mentions his cousin Elizabeth Kimpe (daughter of Alexander Kimpe of Wellington, Somerset) and his sister in law (his executrix) Johanna Crosse (daughter of John Crose of Trull, Somerset).
When I do the Somerset wills this may fit in with that grouping of wills. This is one of the set of Somerset wills found in “Abstracts of Somersetshire Wills” from the manuscript collection of the late Rev. Frederick Brown, M.A., F.S.A.
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/abstracts-of-blake-somersetshire-wills.html
There was an Alexander Kemp married to Elizabeth Brifford 19 Jun 1682 at West Buckland. This is perhaps the Alexander Kempe baptized 23 Aug 1653 at Combe Florey, Somerset and the son of Alexander Kempe. I could not find an Elizabeth Kimp/Kemp record in Family Search or Find My Past that would fit into this time frame.
None of the Blake Somerset wills that I transcribed earlier relate to this will.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/468/152
Testator: Richard Blake, Merchant
Place: Exeter, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 31 Mar 1690, probated 22 Jan 1702/03
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Richard Blake
1 In the name of God Amen I Richard
2 Blake of the citty of Exeter Merchant being in reasonable good health of
3 body and of sound and perfect mind and memory (praised bee God) doe make and
4 ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner following Imprimis and before
5 all things else I commend my soule into the hands of Almighty God my blessed
6 Saviour and Redeemer and my Body to the earth to be decently and Christianly
7 buried according to the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named and
8 concerning The things of this present life wherewith God hath blessed mee
9 I give and dispose thereof in manner following Imprimis I give and bequeath
10 unto my Couzen Elizabeth Kimpe the daughter of Alexander Kimpe late of
11 Wellington in the County of Somerset Gent deceased the full Summe of Fifty
12 pounds of lawfull English mony Item All the Rest of my goods and Chattells
13 not hereinbefore given or bequeathed my debts Legacy and funeral charges
14 first desrayed and paid I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Johanna
15 Crosse the daughter of my Father in law John Crose of Trull in the said county
16 of Somerset Gent whom |I make and ordain sole Executrix of this my last will and
17 Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this one and
18 Thirtieth day of March Anno D[om]ini 1690 And in the second yeare of the Reigne of
19 our Soveraigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the grace of God of
20 England Scotland France and Ireland King and Queene Defender of the Faith
21 etc Richard Blake Sealed Signed and published in the presence of us Edward
22 Martin John Carter Jun.
When I do the Somerset wills this may fit in with that grouping of wills. This is one of the set of Somerset wills found in “Abstracts of Somersetshire Wills” from the manuscript collection of the late Rev. Frederick Brown, M.A., F.S.A.
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/abstracts-of-blake-somersetshire-wills.html
There was an Alexander Kemp married to Elizabeth Brifford 19 Jun 1682 at West Buckland. This is perhaps the Alexander Kempe baptized 23 Aug 1653 at Combe Florey, Somerset and the son of Alexander Kempe. I could not find an Elizabeth Kimp/Kemp record in Family Search or Find My Past that would fit into this time frame.
None of the Blake Somerset wills that I transcribed earlier relate to this will.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/468/152
Testator: Richard Blake, Merchant
Place: Exeter, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 31 Mar 1690, probated 22 Jan 1702/03
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Richard Blake
1 In the name of God Amen I Richard
2 Blake of the citty of Exeter Merchant being in reasonable good health of
3 body and of sound and perfect mind and memory (praised bee God) doe make and
4 ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner following Imprimis and before
5 all things else I commend my soule into the hands of Almighty God my blessed
6 Saviour and Redeemer and my Body to the earth to be decently and Christianly
7 buried according to the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named and
8 concerning The things of this present life wherewith God hath blessed mee
9 I give and dispose thereof in manner following Imprimis I give and bequeath
10 unto my Couzen Elizabeth Kimpe the daughter of Alexander Kimpe late of
11 Wellington in the County of Somerset Gent deceased the full Summe of Fifty
12 pounds of lawfull English mony Item All the Rest of my goods and Chattells
13 not hereinbefore given or bequeathed my debts Legacy and funeral charges
14 first desrayed and paid I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Johanna
15 Crosse the daughter of my Father in law John Crose of Trull in the said county
16 of Somerset Gent whom |I make and ordain sole Executrix of this my last will and
17 Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this one and
18 Thirtieth day of March Anno D[om]ini 1690 And in the second yeare of the Reigne of
19 our Soveraigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the grace of God of
20 England Scotland France and Ireland King and Queene Defender of the Faith
21 etc Richard Blake Sealed Signed and published in the presence of us Edward
22 Martin John Carter Jun.
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