Edward Blake is the testator and no records were found particularly for him but his will mentions a number of people that help to place him in the family discussed below.
Penelope Blake married Thomas King 30 Apr 1717 at Holy Trinity, Coventry, Warwickshire. She is perhaps the Penelope Blake baptized 7 Sep 1684 at Easton on the Hill, Northamptonshire and the daughter of James Blake. The following information fits into the will as well in terms of siblings mentioned.
Other baptisms for the children of James Blake at Easton on the Hill, Northamptonshire:
James Blake baptized 6 Jun 1680
Francis Blake baptized 20 Jul 1680
Penelope Blake baptized 7 Sep 1684
Mary Blake baptized 26 Apr 1695
William Blake baptized 26 Apr 1695
James Blake baptized 3 Jan 1696
(daughter) Blake baptized 30 Jan 1699
There are large gaps between these children. A baptism for Edward Blake the testator has not yet been located. Nor has a baptism been located for his brother John Blake mentioned in the will.
There was a marriage for James Blake and Marionye Coulson 15 May 1673 at Easton on the Hill, Northamptonshire.
I transcribed a will earlier for John Blake at Easton by Stamford, Northamptonshire:
http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2014/01/will-of-john-blake-easton-by-stamford.html
He mentions a son James in his will which is rather interesting (will probated 1652 and he is young enough that another child is expected). There is a marriage for Jhon Blake and Elizabeth Rippon 24 Jun 1634 at Easton on the Hill, Northamptonshire. John identifying his wife as Elizabeth in the will.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Feb 2017
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/575
Name of testator: Edward Blake
Place: Benicarlo, Kingdome of Valencia
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 20 Mar 1717/1718, probated 31 Aug 1719/1720
[In margin] Tm Edwardi Blake
1 In the Name of God Amen
2 in the fifth year of the Reign as I judge of our Soveraigne Lord King
3 George of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of the Faith I
4 Edward Blake now in Benicarlo in the Kingdome of Valencia this
5 twentieth day of March new Style in the year of our Lord one thousand
6 Seven hundred and eighteen calling to mind the mortality of my body
7 altho in health and in sound memory I do ordain this my last Will and
8 Testament revoking and annulling any other made before by me and
9 as followeth Imprimis I recommend my Soul into the hands of God who
10 gave it me hoping for Salvation through the merits of our Saviour Jesus
11 Christ and desiring my body may be buried according to the Form of
12 the Church of England if the place wherein it Shall please God to call
13 me to himself will allow thereof I abhor all Masses for my Soul neither
14 would I have ought paid to any Roman Catholick Priest Fryer or any
15 one that assist the said Church on account of my future happiness Item
16 I bequeath to my brothers John and James Blake and to my Sister Mary
17 Blake if living each fifty pounds which makes the Summe of one hundred
18 and fifty pounds Sterling Item I bequeath to my Partner Samuel Tucker
19 thirty pounds Sterling my diamond Ring which cost
20 thirty five pounds and Sent me by Sister Penelope I leave and bequeath
21 to the Said Sister Penelope King of Coventry Item It’s my Will and I desire
22 that after paying my just debts that two third of the remaining part of
23 my Estate be given to my Sister Penelope King on condition that the same
24 shall not be at the disposal of her husband Thomas King nor to pay any
25 debts of the aforesaid husband but entirely to be wholly and solely at her
26 own discretion in all respects if in case of her mortality and succession the
27 same to be divided on the foregoing conditions to her heir or heirs each
28 Share and Share alike but in defect of Succession and her mortality then the
29 same to be divided betwixt my brothers John and James Blake and
30 Sister Mary Blake Share and Share alike Item It’s my will and desire
31 that the remaining third part of my Estate be for my brother Francis
32 Blake on Conditions but to be entirely at the Election of my Executors to
33 give him part or all or the interest only as they shall think fit as occasion
34 or occasions may Serve him best if not contented therewith I say consented
35 then the Same to be for Sister Penelope King but in case of her mortality
36 to her heir or heirs if no Succession to be divided betwixt brothers John
37 and James Blake and Sister Mary Blake but Should not my Executors
38 think proper to give my brother Francis Blake the principal of my third
39 part of Estate or part thereof if the said Francis Blake Marrys and
40 has Succession he may at his death dispose of the Same to his heir or
41 heirs but to no other Item I ordain and appoint my partner Samuel
42 Tucker or Mr Thomas Adams in defect of my partner whole and sole
43 Executyor of all my affairs and dependances in Spain or any other
44 part out of England not doubting but will See this my last Will and
45 Testament fulfilled in all respects desiring no judge Justice Alcaldo
46 V[ica]r may interfere in my affairs goods or Estate but as to my worldly
47 goods or Estate dependances Affairs or accounts or ought else in great
48 Britain I do appoint and ordain my brother John and Sister Penelope
49 King Executors to act jointly in all affairs whatsoever may happen this
50 I certifye to be my last Will and testament desiring it may be
51 complye and with in all respects according to the tenor thereof Signed
52 Sealed and delivered as my last Will and Testament in Benicarlo
53 the twentieth of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
54 hundred and eighteen (I Say) March ye 20th 1718 N[ew]: S[tyle]: and for
55 the truth thereof I now Sign my Name Edward Blake
56 Probatum fuit hujusmodi Testamentum apud
57 London coram venerabili et Egregio viro Johanne Bettesworth Legum
58 doctore Curiae prerogativae Cantuariensis Magistro Custodis Sive
59 Commissarij legitimo constituto tricesimo primo die Mensis Augusti
60 Anno domini Millesimo Septingentesimo vicesimo Juramento Penelopes
61 King (uxoris Thomas King) mius Executorum in dicto Testamento
62 nonim at Cui comissa fuit Administratio omnium et Singulorum
63 bonorum jurium et Creditorum dicto defuncti infra Reginun magna
64 Britannica tempore mortio Suve tantium existentum Sed non ultra nec
65 aliter de bene et fideliter administrando eadem bona jura et Credita
66 limitat a_ut prefectur sed non ultra ad sancta dei Evangelia vigore
67 Comissoni jurat Reservata potestato Simileni Commissionem limitat
68 faciendi Johannis Blake alteri Executorum in dicto Testamento
69 etiam nominat cum venerit eandem petitur
Showing posts with label Tucker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tucker. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Will of Thomas Blake, Gentleman, Plymtree, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1032/77 - probated 6 Jun 1777
Thomas Blake, the testator, lived at Plymtree, Devon. According to Genuki in 1850 William Blake Esquire was one of the larger landowners there. Indeed Thomas bequeaths all of his property to William (possibly an ancestor of the William Blake in 1850) Blake his brother.
John Marks was perhaps married to Elizabeth (Betty) Blake since he is brother in law to Thomas Blake. Thomas does not mention a wife. Robert Marks was baptized 4 Feb 1766 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks. John Marks was baptized 1 Jul 1761 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks.
I did find baptisms for Trull online (home of Mr. William Blake, brother to the deceased):
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/BapTru_B1.html
Blake Elizabeth 24 Jun 1689 d Robert
Blake Joan 14 Apr 1691 d Robert
Blake Edith 06 May 1695 d Robert
Blake Mary 06 Apr 1697 d Robert
Blake Elizabeth 10 Apr 1711 d Thomas/Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 13 Jan 1712 s Mr Thomas (deceased)/Mrs Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 28 Jun 1763 s Mr William, Cutsey
Blake William 11 Jun 1766 s Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 09 Aug 1769 d Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 03 Dec 1794 d William/Betty
Blake William 19 May 1797 s William/Betty, bn 31 Jan 1797
Blake Thomas 02 Feb 1802 s William/Betty, bn 22 Apr 1801
Blake William 29 Jan 1830 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Thomas 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent,bn 05 Jun 1831
Blake William 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Elizabeth 24 Sep 1834 d William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Mary 30 Dec 1835 d William/Mary, Cursey, gent
Blake Robert 29 Jun 1890 s Sarah Ann, domestic servant
Marriages for Blake family members at Trull:
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/MarTru_Bl.html
Blake Elizabeth Thomas Cogan 18 Sep 1705
Blake Joan James Osmond 03 Mar 1708
Blake Margaret John Baker 24 May 1709
Blake Charlotte Edward Long 12 Feb 1843
Blake Mary James Burston Corner 20 Oct 1864
Burials for Blake family members at Trull:
Blake Elizabeth 22 Nov 1698
Blake Margaret 17 Apr 1705
Blake Robert 16 Feb 1710 Mr, Pitminster
Blake Thomas 19 Aug 1712
Blake Elizabeth 01 Feb 1736 Mrs
Blake Mary 07 Oct 1743
Blake Richard 11 Jul 1748
Blake Betty 14 Jun 1785
Blake Betty 10 Jan 1798
Blake William 11 Jan 1811
Blake Thomas 16 Feb 1813 12 Cutsey
Blake William 12 Sep 1826 60 Cutsey
Blake William 13 Apr 1832 2 2yr 3mn, Cutsey
Blake Betty 26 Nov 1840 70
Blake William 14 Jan 1864 66
Blake Mary 19 Sep 1876 70
Blake Thomas 09 Nov 1880 49 Cutsey
Cutsey is a hamlet in the Parish of Trull. Cutsey House is listed as a Grade II Building. The Blake family can be found as early as 1710 in the records at Cutsey with the mention in the 1710 will of Robert Blake of Pitminster (he was married to Margaret Thomas). Looking this record up on the online catalogue of the Somerset Record Office lead me to DD|CH/120/4 which covers the sale of a piece of land to Robert Blake of Pitminster in 1709 and then the purchase of this land by Richard Blake of Angersleigh (the testator Thomas Blake of Plimtree was the eldest son of this Richard Blake and this was the house called Harpers and the meadow in 1760). I can not find anyone who has traced this family down online from Richard.
From the will, Thomas, the testator, has a brother William of Trull who lives at Cutsey from the records above.
I then was lucky to find a write up by a descendant of this William Blake’s son William.
http://wendys-questionable-public-musings.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2-december-2011-tracing-family-history.html
William I believe had two siblings – older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty. William was younger than the testator of this will, Thomas, and with the naming of children the same in each generation it is somewhat confusing. However from the records above for Trull this does seem to fit in well. William Blake (baptized 11 Jun 1766 (died 2 Sep 1826 and married to Betty Farrant) was listed as “of Cutsey, Trull and Plymtree, Devon.” This fits with the will as this William would have inherited both his father’s property and his uncle Thomas’ property (the testator). Older brother Thomas does seem to be missing and isn’t mentioned in the writeup.
I am now quoting from the webpage mentioned above: William Blake and Betty Farrant “had only one surviving son ……. William Blake, who was baptised in Trull on 30 January 1797 and died on 9 January 1864. He was married to Mary Thomas, who died on 18 September 1876, aged 70. It is their grave (I would imagine they are buried there) that forms one of the three graves in the group in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Trull. They had four children (…….. Thomas, (another) William Blake (who died at 2), Elizabeth, who lived at Dipford (built by her father years before when he retired there and left Cutsey in the hands of Thomas) and their final child, Mary Blake.
Thomas Blake of Cutsey, Trull (Grave 1 in All Saints Church Grave Yard) with his wife, Eleanor. Thomas Blake then inherited Cutsey from his father (William). Thomas died when he was 49, but his wife was to live to the ripe old age of 83. (Gravestone 1 at All Saints Church above.) As a result of them apparently having no children, Eleanor moved out of Cutsey to "Broadlands", where she lived until her death.” At this point Cutsey following the death of Thomas’ sisters would move from the Blake family to the Clatworthy which the article mentions.
This clarifies the descent of the properties mentioned in the will to William Blake. Now to take the family back in time. William Blake and Thomas (the testator) Blake were brothers and sons of Richard Blake as mentioned in the document in the online catalogue at the Somerset Record Office website.
Records from the National Archives fonds for the Blake Family of Trull:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=168-ddct&cid=-1#-1
These papers were donated by the descendants of one of the sisters of Thomas Blake mentioned above who inherited Cutsey when Thomas had no descendants.
DD\CT/12 - 1667: Plot of ground at Socke (Pratt family). Thomas Blake living at Plymtree in 1760.
DD\CT/14 – 1709: Messuage at Ashcombe, Marke Family (documents relating to litigation)
DD\CT/18 – 1707-1883: Agreement previous to marriage of John Baker of Shepton Mallet, clothier, and Elizabeth Blake of Angersleigh, spinster, 1746; inventory of Robert Blake of Pitminster, 1711, and receipts for legacies, etc., under his will, 1711-29; appointment of guardians for Thomas Blake, 1749; releases, bonds, etc., 1707-87; account of the personal estate of Thomas Blake of Cutsey in Trull, etc., 1881-83.
DD\CT/30 – 1777-1794: Notebook with a few pages only used containing notes of timber measured, remedies (animals) and occasional memoranda, probably kept Wm. Blake of Plymtree; the notebook originally belonged to William Pratt in 1734.
DD\CT/50 – 1624-1737: Land called Lanes Meadows, 1624-1644 (Hancock and Thomas families of Trull), and 1731-1737 (Blake family); the 18th century deeds also relate to a messuage and 2a (not described). Settlement previous to marriage of Richard Blake and Mary Buncombe, both of Trull, 1732, also relates to buildings on the East side of the hall of the messuage called Lower Harpers (parents of the testator).
DD\CT/52 – 1709, 1717-1762: Documents relating to Blake Taunton Deane property in the tithing of Woodland in the hundred of Holway, including surrender previous to the marriage of Wm. Blake of Trull and Betty Long of Pitminster, 1762 (brother of the testator). Earliest document is bond relating to 15a in the tithing of Rumwell sold by Thomas Blake to Peter Risdon of Trull.
DD\CT/54 – 1696-1768: Higher and Lower Harpers/Harpus in Angersleigh and Trull respectively and leashold land held under the Gale Famnily; agreement and postnuptial settlement, Blake/Buncombe, 1732, relating to the fgirst named properties – abstract of title to Higher Harpers, reciting from 1611.
DD\CT/55 – 1583-1762: Parsons Field acquired by Richard Blake of Trull in 1747.
DD\CT/57 – 1671-1718: Release of dower by Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Halse to son Robert, 1671; mortgage by Robert Blake of Trull of messuage and 30 a., late parcel of manor, 1688; settlement previous to marriage of Robert Blake and Joan, daughter of Faithfull Cape, clerk, all of Halse, 1718, relating to moiety of house and 10a.
DD\CT/57A -1707: Articles of agreement previous to marriage of Robert Blake of Trull and Margaret Durstone of Pitminster relating to her Taunton Deane lands in various tithings in the hundred of Poundisford.
DD\CT/58 – 1789-1818: Settlement previous to marriage of John Ashford, jun., of Broad Clyst [Devon] and Betty, daughter of William Blake of Plymtree, 1789 relating to capital messuage and farm called Lymbury with associated papers.
DD\CT/60 – 1712-1827: Probate and other copies of wills and letters of admon (all Blake): Thos., 1713 (admon). Eliz. 1735, Mary, 1755 (admon), Wm. 1826, pr. 1827, all of Trull, Robt. of Pitminster, 1709, pr. 1712, Thos. of Angersleigh, 1763, pr. 1767, Thos. o Plymtree, 1777.
DD\CT/63 – 1698-1787: Miscellaneous personal papers, receipts for legacies, bonds, release to trustees, appointment of guardian, including inventories of Robert of Pitminster, 1711, and Thomas of Trull, 1712, and a schedule (by rooms) of furniture lent my mother (? By Thomas Blake), 1711. Are Robert Blake and Thomas Blake brothers with Robert father of Robert Blake of Halse and Thomas being the father of Richard of Trull (father of the present testator)?
DD\CT/70 – not dated, post 1703: Draft answers to bill of complaint of Edward Musgrave by Robert and Margaret Blake, Margaret Thomas, et al. arising out of will of Bottolph Thomas, father and husband respectively of the two last named (Margaret).
DD\CT/80 – early 20th century: Scraps of notes, in pencil, about the Blake family 18 – 19 century. (Since these documents were passed to the Somerset Archive and Record Service by the Clatworthy family (author of the webpage above on the descendants of William Blake of Trull) I would suspect they do not contain anything further back than what was used in the webpage but if I am ever in Taunton I shall check on that!)
Names mentioned in the will:
Thomas Skinner, Bridgewater
John Mathews, Lessee at Tyes
Mr. William Blake of Trull, brother to the testator
John Marks, Pitminster, tanner, brother in law
Robert Marks, son of John above, nephew
John Marks, son of John above, nephew
Mr. William Pratt, gentleman of Plimptree, cousin (deceased)
Mrs. Joan Pratt of Willand, Devon (widow of William above?)
Mr. John Pratt of Willand, Devon (son of Mrs. Joan Pratt), gentleman
Mrs. Dorothy Pratt of Willand, Devon (wife of Mr. John Pratt)
Betty Pratt of Willand, Devon (daughter of John and Dorothy)
Ann Hicks Pratt (daughter of John and Dorothy)
William Buncombe of Pitminster, gentleman, cousin
Alexander Meaddock, yeoman, of Angersleigh, tenant
Alice Wier, maidservant
Betty Lock, maidservant
John Stileham, manservant
John Walker, servant
Robert Richards, servant
John Eveleigh, apprentice
Thomas Always, apprentice
John Leaman, apprentice
Mary Hellier
(Old) John Richards
James Huish and his wife of Cullompton, gentleman
Mr. Wright, sellor
Bernard Wright, witness
John Critchett, witness
John Tucker, witness
This is perhaps the line of the son of John Blake the elder who was buried 10 Dec 1576 at Overstowey Somerset. He was the eldest son of Humphrey Blake who was buried 28 Dec 1558 at Overstowey. John’s brother Robert (married to Margaret Symonds) was a merchant at Bridgewater and grandfather of Lord High Admiral Robert Blake.
John Blake the elder and his wife Johan had seven children some of whom lived at Pitminster.
His son William was buried 13 Jun 1642 at Pitminster and William and his wife Anne had seven children namely Robert married to Sara Wicham 3 Mar 1616 at Pitminster, Grace buried 5 Jan 1622 at Pitminster, Eme buried 27 Jul 1593 at Pitminster (an infant), William married Agnes Band (the American Blake family at Boston claims this particular line), John, Anne married to Thomas Bidgood 24 Nov 1629, and Richard.
His daughter Alice married James Richard 2 Oct 1569 at Overstowey but both were buried at Pitminster (Alice 17 Aug 1585).
An interesting will that may help with linking families in the future.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1032/77
Testator: Thomas Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1777, probated 6 Jun 1777
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake
1 In the Name of God Amen
2 I Thomas Blake of the parish of Plymstree
3 In the County of Devon Gentleman make this
4 my last Will and Testament in manner following
5 whereas I have contracted and agreed to and
6 with Thomas Skinner of Bridgewater in the
7 County of Somerset Farrier for the purchase of the
8 Fee Simple and Inheritance of all those Closes or
9 parcels of Land called Sock Close and Pines Close
10 part of an Estate called Tyes The Field or Close
11 called the Hay Downs the Field called Langlands
12 the Long Beat Land, the South Down and Clarkes
13 Meadow part of an Estate called Clarkes and also
14 the Court Garden and West Plott thereunto
15 belonging which I now Rent of the aforesaid
16 Thomas Skinner also the dwelling house and Orchard
17 part of the said Estate called Tyes now in the
18 possession of one John Matthew all which said
19 premises are situate within the said parish of
20 Plimstree for the price of Sum of seven hundred
21 pounds, and have lent the said Thomas Skinner the
22 sum of three hundred pounds upon his Bond before
23 a Fine could be levied and a good Title made New I
24 do hereby order and direct that my Brother William
25 Blake of Trull in the County of Sommerset aforesaid
26 Gentleman as soon as a good Title can be made to the
[Page 2]
27 aforesaid premises do carry the said Contract into
28 execution and pay the Residue of the said seven
29 hundred pounds the purchase Money upon proper
30 conveyances being executed by him by the said
31 Thomas Skinner I give devise and bequeath unto
32 John Marks of the parish of Pitminster in the
33 County of Sommerset aforesaid Tanner my Brother
34 in Law All that my Messuage or Tenement called
35 Harpers situate lying and being in the parish of
36 Angersley in the said County of Sommerset To hold
37 to him and his assigns for and during the term of
38 his natural Life and after his decease I give and
39 devise the same unto his Son my Nephew Robert
40 Marks his heirs and assigns forever But in case my
41 said Cousin Robert Marks shall happen to dye in the
42 life time of his said Father then and in such case I
43 give devise and bequeath the said Estate called
44 Harpers after the death of my said Brother in
45 Law John Marks unto his Son my Nephew John
46 Marks his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and
47 bequeath unto my aforesaid Cousin John
48 Marks the Sum of Five hundred pounds over and
49 above the Sum of two hundred pounds given and
50 bequeathed unto him in and by the last Will and
51 Testament of my late cousin Mr William Pratt
52 of Plimptree aforesaid Gentleman deceased to be
53 paid him when he shall have attained his age of
54 twenty one years Also I give and bequeath unto
55 my aforesaid Nephew Robert Marks the Sum of
56 Seven hundred pounds to be paid him when he
57 shall have attained his age of twenty one years
58 also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Joan
59 Pratt of the Parish of William in the County of
60 Devon aforesaid Widow, and unto my Cousin John Pratt
61 of the same place Gentleman her Son and unto
62 Dorothy his Wife and unto my Cousin Betty Pratt and
63 Ann Hicks Pratt her daughters the Sum of ten pounds
64 each to be paid unto them respectively within six
65 months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto
66 my Cousin William Buncombe of the parish of
67 Pitminster aforesaid Gentleman and unto his Wife the
68 sum of ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
69 respectively within six Months after my decease also
70 I give and bequeath unto my Tenant Alexander
71 Meaddock of Angersley aforesaid yeoman and unto
72 his Wife ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
73 respectively within six Months after my decease as a
74 reward for their care industry and honest behavior
75 ever since they were my Tenants Also I give and
76 bequeath unto my servant Maid Alice Wier the
77 sum of ten pounds to be paid her within one
[Page 3]
78 month after my decease Also I give her a suit of
79 Mourning throughout Also I give unto my Servant
80 Maid Betty Lock the Sum of Five pounds to be paid
81 her within one Month after my decease Also I give
82 her a Suit of Mourning throughout Also I give and bequeath
83 unto my Man Servant John Hileham the Sum of Five
84 pounds and unto my Servants John Walker and Robert
85 Richards one Guinea each if living with me at the
86 time of my death and to my apprentices John Eveleigh
87 Thomas Always and John Seaman ten Shillings each
88 and to Mary Hellier if living with me at the time of
89 my death half a Guinea and to the Old John Richards I
90 give five Shillings to be paid unto them respectively
91 within one Month after my decease Also I give and bequeath
92 unto each and every of my day Labourers at husbandry
93 the Sum of Five shillings each to be paid unto them
94 respectively within one week after my decease Also I give
95 and bequeath to the Churchwardens of Angersley
96 twenty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the parish
97 of Trull Forty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the
98 Parish of Plimptree the Sum of three pounds to be
99 paid unto them respectively within one Month after my
100 decease to be by them distributed unto and among the
101 poor of their several and respectively parishes in
102 such parts share and proportions as they shall respectively
103 think meet and proper Also I give and bequeath unto
104 James Huish of Cullompton Gentleman a Mourning
and a hatband and belt of the best Sattyn Also I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Huish his Wife a mourning ring of a Guinea Value
104 Ring of a pound value ^ and a Book and Script of the
106 best Lattin and I do hereby request the said Mr Huish
107 and his Wife to attend my Corps to the Grave Also I
108 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother Mr
109 William Blake his Executors Administrators and Assigns
110 all that my Leasehold Estate called Pi[r]swell in the
111 Parish of Kentisbear Also I give devise and bequeath
112 unto my said Brother William Blake his heirs and
113 assigns all those my several Messuages or Tenements
114 called Green End, Crosses, Tyes, Chases, Hawkinses, Mays
115 Mutters my part of Weaver Estate and the Regalcy
116 lately purchased of Mr Wright and all other my Lands
117 and hereditaments of what nature or kind soever situate
118 within the said Parish of Plimstree To hold to my
119 said Brother his Heirs and Assigns forever Also I
120 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother
121 William Blake all these my several Messuages or
122 Tenements situate in the aforesaid parish of Trull in
123 the County of Sommerset called Harpers Lows Meadow
124 Herrings House and Orchard Lower Harpers Lanes Meadows
125 and all other my Messuages Lands Tenements and
126 hereditaments in the aforesaid Parish of Trull such
127 parts thereof as I am seized in Fee I give devise and
128 bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother William Blake his
129 heirs and assigns for ever and such part thereof as it
[Page 4]
130 only Leaselives I give devise and bequeath unto him his
131 Executors administrators and assigns and all the Rest Residue
132 and Remainder of my Goods Chattells Estate and Effects of
133 what nature or kind soever after the Residue of the
134 purchase is paid to Thomas Skinner as aforesaid and my
135 debts Legacies and Funeral Expences are fully paid and
136 satisfied I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my
137 aforesaid Brother William Blake who I hereby make
138 constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor and residuary
139 legatee of this my Will and I do hereby subject and charge
140 all my said Estates as well in the parish of Plimptree
141 as in the parish of Trull with the payment of my just
142 debts and Legacies and I do hereby revoke and make void
143 all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In
144 Witness whereof I the said Thomas Blake have to this
145 my last Will and Testament written on three Sheets of
146 paper to the two first Sheets have set my hand and
147 to the last sheet my hand and seal this tenth day of
148 March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
149 hundred seventy and seven Tho Blake
150 Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator
151 Thomas Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in
152 the presence of us who at his request and in his presence
153 and also in the presence of each other have subscribed
154 our names as Witnesses hereunto after the interlineation
155 of the Words also “I give her a Suit of Mourning throughout
156 one Guinea each if living with me at the time of my
157 death” in the second sheet Bernd Wright John Critchett
158 John Tucker
159 This Will was proved at London the sixth day of
160 June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
161 and seventy seven before the Right Worshipfull Sir George
162 Hay Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
163 of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
164 by the Oath of William Blake the Brother of the deceased
165 and sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
166 administration of all and singular the Goods Chattells
167 and Credits of the said deceased was granted having been
168 first sworn by Commission duly to administer
John Marks was perhaps married to Elizabeth (Betty) Blake since he is brother in law to Thomas Blake. Thomas does not mention a wife. Robert Marks was baptized 4 Feb 1766 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks. John Marks was baptized 1 Jul 1761 at Pitminster son of John and Betty Marks.
I did find baptisms for Trull online (home of Mr. William Blake, brother to the deceased):
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/BapTru_B1.html
Blake Elizabeth 24 Jun 1689 d Robert
Blake Joan 14 Apr 1691 d Robert
Blake Edith 06 May 1695 d Robert
Blake Mary 06 Apr 1697 d Robert
Blake Elizabeth 10 Apr 1711 d Thomas/Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 13 Jan 1712 s Mr Thomas (deceased)/Mrs Elizabeth
Blake Thomas 28 Jun 1763 s Mr William, Cutsey
Blake William 11 Jun 1766 s Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 09 Aug 1769 d Mr & Mrs Blake of Cutsey
Blake Betty 03 Dec 1794 d William/Betty
Blake William 19 May 1797 s William/Betty, bn 31 Jan 1797
Blake Thomas 02 Feb 1802 s William/Betty, bn 22 Apr 1801
Blake William 29 Jan 1830 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Thomas 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent,bn 05 Jun 1831
Blake William 11 Jul 1831 s William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Elizabeth 24 Sep 1834 d William/Mary, Cutsey, gent
Blake Mary 30 Dec 1835 d William/Mary, Cursey, gent
Blake Robert 29 Jun 1890 s Sarah Ann, domestic servant
Marriages for Blake family members at Trull:
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Trull/MarTru_Bl.html
Blake Elizabeth Thomas Cogan 18 Sep 1705
Blake Joan James Osmond 03 Mar 1708
Blake Margaret John Baker 24 May 1709
Blake Charlotte Edward Long 12 Feb 1843
Blake Mary James Burston Corner 20 Oct 1864
Burials for Blake family members at Trull:
Blake Elizabeth 22 Nov 1698
Blake Margaret 17 Apr 1705
Blake Robert 16 Feb 1710 Mr, Pitminster
Blake Thomas 19 Aug 1712
Blake Elizabeth 01 Feb 1736 Mrs
Blake Mary 07 Oct 1743
Blake Richard 11 Jul 1748
Blake Betty 14 Jun 1785
Blake Betty 10 Jan 1798
Blake William 11 Jan 1811
Blake Thomas 16 Feb 1813 12 Cutsey
Blake William 12 Sep 1826 60 Cutsey
Blake William 13 Apr 1832 2 2yr 3mn, Cutsey
Blake Betty 26 Nov 1840 70
Blake William 14 Jan 1864 66
Blake Mary 19 Sep 1876 70
Blake Thomas 09 Nov 1880 49 Cutsey
Cutsey is a hamlet in the Parish of Trull. Cutsey House is listed as a Grade II Building. The Blake family can be found as early as 1710 in the records at Cutsey with the mention in the 1710 will of Robert Blake of Pitminster (he was married to Margaret Thomas). Looking this record up on the online catalogue of the Somerset Record Office lead me to DD|CH/120/4 which covers the sale of a piece of land to Robert Blake of Pitminster in 1709 and then the purchase of this land by Richard Blake of Angersleigh (the testator Thomas Blake of Plimtree was the eldest son of this Richard Blake and this was the house called Harpers and the meadow in 1760). I can not find anyone who has traced this family down online from Richard.
From the will, Thomas, the testator, has a brother William of Trull who lives at Cutsey from the records above.
I then was lucky to find a write up by a descendant of this William Blake’s son William.
http://wendys-questionable-public-musings.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2-december-2011-tracing-family-history.html
William I believe had two siblings – older brother Thomas and younger sister Betty. William was younger than the testator of this will, Thomas, and with the naming of children the same in each generation it is somewhat confusing. However from the records above for Trull this does seem to fit in well. William Blake (baptized 11 Jun 1766 (died 2 Sep 1826 and married to Betty Farrant) was listed as “of Cutsey, Trull and Plymtree, Devon.” This fits with the will as this William would have inherited both his father’s property and his uncle Thomas’ property (the testator). Older brother Thomas does seem to be missing and isn’t mentioned in the writeup.
I am now quoting from the webpage mentioned above: William Blake and Betty Farrant “had only one surviving son ……. William Blake, who was baptised in Trull on 30 January 1797 and died on 9 January 1864. He was married to Mary Thomas, who died on 18 September 1876, aged 70. It is their grave (I would imagine they are buried there) that forms one of the three graves in the group in the churchyard at All Saints Church, Trull. They had four children (…….. Thomas, (another) William Blake (who died at 2), Elizabeth, who lived at Dipford (built by her father years before when he retired there and left Cutsey in the hands of Thomas) and their final child, Mary Blake.
Thomas Blake of Cutsey, Trull (Grave 1 in All Saints Church Grave Yard) with his wife, Eleanor. Thomas Blake then inherited Cutsey from his father (William). Thomas died when he was 49, but his wife was to live to the ripe old age of 83. (Gravestone 1 at All Saints Church above.) As a result of them apparently having no children, Eleanor moved out of Cutsey to "Broadlands", where she lived until her death.” At this point Cutsey following the death of Thomas’ sisters would move from the Blake family to the Clatworthy which the article mentions.
This clarifies the descent of the properties mentioned in the will to William Blake. Now to take the family back in time. William Blake and Thomas (the testator) Blake were brothers and sons of Richard Blake as mentioned in the document in the online catalogue at the Somerset Record Office website.
Records from the National Archives fonds for the Blake Family of Trull:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=168-ddct&cid=-1#-1
These papers were donated by the descendants of one of the sisters of Thomas Blake mentioned above who inherited Cutsey when Thomas had no descendants.
DD\CT/12 - 1667: Plot of ground at Socke (Pratt family). Thomas Blake living at Plymtree in 1760.
DD\CT/14 – 1709: Messuage at Ashcombe, Marke Family (documents relating to litigation)
DD\CT/18 – 1707-1883: Agreement previous to marriage of John Baker of Shepton Mallet, clothier, and Elizabeth Blake of Angersleigh, spinster, 1746; inventory of Robert Blake of Pitminster, 1711, and receipts for legacies, etc., under his will, 1711-29; appointment of guardians for Thomas Blake, 1749; releases, bonds, etc., 1707-87; account of the personal estate of Thomas Blake of Cutsey in Trull, etc., 1881-83.
DD\CT/30 – 1777-1794: Notebook with a few pages only used containing notes of timber measured, remedies (animals) and occasional memoranda, probably kept Wm. Blake of Plymtree; the notebook originally belonged to William Pratt in 1734.
DD\CT/50 – 1624-1737: Land called Lanes Meadows, 1624-1644 (Hancock and Thomas families of Trull), and 1731-1737 (Blake family); the 18th century deeds also relate to a messuage and 2a (not described). Settlement previous to marriage of Richard Blake and Mary Buncombe, both of Trull, 1732, also relates to buildings on the East side of the hall of the messuage called Lower Harpers (parents of the testator).
DD\CT/52 – 1709, 1717-1762: Documents relating to Blake Taunton Deane property in the tithing of Woodland in the hundred of Holway, including surrender previous to the marriage of Wm. Blake of Trull and Betty Long of Pitminster, 1762 (brother of the testator). Earliest document is bond relating to 15a in the tithing of Rumwell sold by Thomas Blake to Peter Risdon of Trull.
DD\CT/54 – 1696-1768: Higher and Lower Harpers/Harpus in Angersleigh and Trull respectively and leashold land held under the Gale Famnily; agreement and postnuptial settlement, Blake/Buncombe, 1732, relating to the fgirst named properties – abstract of title to Higher Harpers, reciting from 1611.
DD\CT/55 – 1583-1762: Parsons Field acquired by Richard Blake of Trull in 1747.
DD\CT/57 – 1671-1718: Release of dower by Elizabeth Blake, widow, of Halse to son Robert, 1671; mortgage by Robert Blake of Trull of messuage and 30 a., late parcel of manor, 1688; settlement previous to marriage of Robert Blake and Joan, daughter of Faithfull Cape, clerk, all of Halse, 1718, relating to moiety of house and 10a.
DD\CT/57A -1707: Articles of agreement previous to marriage of Robert Blake of Trull and Margaret Durstone of Pitminster relating to her Taunton Deane lands in various tithings in the hundred of Poundisford.
DD\CT/58 – 1789-1818: Settlement previous to marriage of John Ashford, jun., of Broad Clyst [Devon] and Betty, daughter of William Blake of Plymtree, 1789 relating to capital messuage and farm called Lymbury with associated papers.
DD\CT/60 – 1712-1827: Probate and other copies of wills and letters of admon (all Blake): Thos., 1713 (admon). Eliz. 1735, Mary, 1755 (admon), Wm. 1826, pr. 1827, all of Trull, Robt. of Pitminster, 1709, pr. 1712, Thos. of Angersleigh, 1763, pr. 1767, Thos. o Plymtree, 1777.
DD\CT/63 – 1698-1787: Miscellaneous personal papers, receipts for legacies, bonds, release to trustees, appointment of guardian, including inventories of Robert of Pitminster, 1711, and Thomas of Trull, 1712, and a schedule (by rooms) of furniture lent my mother (? By Thomas Blake), 1711. Are Robert Blake and Thomas Blake brothers with Robert father of Robert Blake of Halse and Thomas being the father of Richard of Trull (father of the present testator)?
DD\CT/70 – not dated, post 1703: Draft answers to bill of complaint of Edward Musgrave by Robert and Margaret Blake, Margaret Thomas, et al. arising out of will of Bottolph Thomas, father and husband respectively of the two last named (Margaret).
DD\CT/80 – early 20th century: Scraps of notes, in pencil, about the Blake family 18 – 19 century. (Since these documents were passed to the Somerset Archive and Record Service by the Clatworthy family (author of the webpage above on the descendants of William Blake of Trull) I would suspect they do not contain anything further back than what was used in the webpage but if I am ever in Taunton I shall check on that!)
Names mentioned in the will:
Thomas Skinner, Bridgewater
John Mathews, Lessee at Tyes
Mr. William Blake of Trull, brother to the testator
John Marks, Pitminster, tanner, brother in law
Robert Marks, son of John above, nephew
John Marks, son of John above, nephew
Mr. William Pratt, gentleman of Plimptree, cousin (deceased)
Mrs. Joan Pratt of Willand, Devon (widow of William above?)
Mr. John Pratt of Willand, Devon (son of Mrs. Joan Pratt), gentleman
Mrs. Dorothy Pratt of Willand, Devon (wife of Mr. John Pratt)
Betty Pratt of Willand, Devon (daughter of John and Dorothy)
Ann Hicks Pratt (daughter of John and Dorothy)
William Buncombe of Pitminster, gentleman, cousin
Alexander Meaddock, yeoman, of Angersleigh, tenant
Alice Wier, maidservant
Betty Lock, maidservant
John Stileham, manservant
John Walker, servant
Robert Richards, servant
John Eveleigh, apprentice
Thomas Always, apprentice
John Leaman, apprentice
Mary Hellier
(Old) John Richards
James Huish and his wife of Cullompton, gentleman
Mr. Wright, sellor
Bernard Wright, witness
John Critchett, witness
John Tucker, witness
This is perhaps the line of the son of John Blake the elder who was buried 10 Dec 1576 at Overstowey Somerset. He was the eldest son of Humphrey Blake who was buried 28 Dec 1558 at Overstowey. John’s brother Robert (married to Margaret Symonds) was a merchant at Bridgewater and grandfather of Lord High Admiral Robert Blake.
John Blake the elder and his wife Johan had seven children some of whom lived at Pitminster.
His son William was buried 13 Jun 1642 at Pitminster and William and his wife Anne had seven children namely Robert married to Sara Wicham 3 Mar 1616 at Pitminster, Grace buried 5 Jan 1622 at Pitminster, Eme buried 27 Jul 1593 at Pitminster (an infant), William married Agnes Band (the American Blake family at Boston claims this particular line), John, Anne married to Thomas Bidgood 24 Nov 1629, and Richard.
His daughter Alice married James Richard 2 Oct 1569 at Overstowey but both were buried at Pitminster (Alice 17 Aug 1585).
An interesting will that may help with linking families in the future.
Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 17 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1032/77
Testator: Thomas Blake, Gentleman
Place: Plymtree, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 10 Mar 1777, probated 6 Jun 1777
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy
[Margin]: Thomas
[Margin]: Blake
1 In the Name of God Amen
2 I Thomas Blake of the parish of Plymstree
3 In the County of Devon Gentleman make this
4 my last Will and Testament in manner following
5 whereas I have contracted and agreed to and
6 with Thomas Skinner of Bridgewater in the
7 County of Somerset Farrier for the purchase of the
8 Fee Simple and Inheritance of all those Closes or
9 parcels of Land called Sock Close and Pines Close
10 part of an Estate called Tyes The Field or Close
11 called the Hay Downs the Field called Langlands
12 the Long Beat Land, the South Down and Clarkes
13 Meadow part of an Estate called Clarkes and also
14 the Court Garden and West Plott thereunto
15 belonging which I now Rent of the aforesaid
16 Thomas Skinner also the dwelling house and Orchard
17 part of the said Estate called Tyes now in the
18 possession of one John Matthew all which said
19 premises are situate within the said parish of
20 Plimstree for the price of Sum of seven hundred
21 pounds, and have lent the said Thomas Skinner the
22 sum of three hundred pounds upon his Bond before
23 a Fine could be levied and a good Title made New I
24 do hereby order and direct that my Brother William
25 Blake of Trull in the County of Sommerset aforesaid
26 Gentleman as soon as a good Title can be made to the
[Page 2]
27 aforesaid premises do carry the said Contract into
28 execution and pay the Residue of the said seven
29 hundred pounds the purchase Money upon proper
30 conveyances being executed by him by the said
31 Thomas Skinner I give devise and bequeath unto
32 John Marks of the parish of Pitminster in the
33 County of Sommerset aforesaid Tanner my Brother
34 in Law All that my Messuage or Tenement called
35 Harpers situate lying and being in the parish of
36 Angersley in the said County of Sommerset To hold
37 to him and his assigns for and during the term of
38 his natural Life and after his decease I give and
39 devise the same unto his Son my Nephew Robert
40 Marks his heirs and assigns forever But in case my
41 said Cousin Robert Marks shall happen to dye in the
42 life time of his said Father then and in such case I
43 give devise and bequeath the said Estate called
44 Harpers after the death of my said Brother in
45 Law John Marks unto his Son my Nephew John
46 Marks his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and
47 bequeath unto my aforesaid Cousin John
48 Marks the Sum of Five hundred pounds over and
49 above the Sum of two hundred pounds given and
50 bequeathed unto him in and by the last Will and
51 Testament of my late cousin Mr William Pratt
52 of Plimptree aforesaid Gentleman deceased to be
53 paid him when he shall have attained his age of
54 twenty one years Also I give and bequeath unto
55 my aforesaid Nephew Robert Marks the Sum of
56 Seven hundred pounds to be paid him when he
57 shall have attained his age of twenty one years
58 also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Joan
59 Pratt of the Parish of William in the County of
60 Devon aforesaid Widow, and unto my Cousin John Pratt
61 of the same place Gentleman her Son and unto
62 Dorothy his Wife and unto my Cousin Betty Pratt and
63 Ann Hicks Pratt her daughters the Sum of ten pounds
64 each to be paid unto them respectively within six
65 months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto
66 my Cousin William Buncombe of the parish of
67 Pitminster aforesaid Gentleman and unto his Wife the
68 sum of ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
69 respectively within six Months after my decease also
70 I give and bequeath unto my Tenant Alexander
71 Meaddock of Angersley aforesaid yeoman and unto
72 his Wife ten Guineas each to be paid unto them
73 respectively within six Months after my decease as a
74 reward for their care industry and honest behavior
75 ever since they were my Tenants Also I give and
76 bequeath unto my servant Maid Alice Wier the
77 sum of ten pounds to be paid her within one
[Page 3]
78 month after my decease Also I give her a suit of
79 Mourning throughout Also I give unto my Servant
80 Maid Betty Lock the Sum of Five pounds to be paid
81 her within one Month after my decease Also I give
82 her a Suit of Mourning throughout Also I give and bequeath
83 unto my Man Servant John Hileham the Sum of Five
84 pounds and unto my Servants John Walker and Robert
85 Richards one Guinea each if living with me at the
86 time of my death and to my apprentices John Eveleigh
87 Thomas Always and John Seaman ten Shillings each
88 and to Mary Hellier if living with me at the time of
89 my death half a Guinea and to the Old John Richards I
90 give five Shillings to be paid unto them respectively
91 within one Month after my decease Also I give and bequeath
92 unto each and every of my day Labourers at husbandry
93 the Sum of Five shillings each to be paid unto them
94 respectively within one week after my decease Also I give
95 and bequeath to the Churchwardens of Angersley
96 twenty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the parish
97 of Trull Forty Shillings To the Churchwardens of the
98 Parish of Plimptree the Sum of three pounds to be
99 paid unto them respectively within one Month after my
100 decease to be by them distributed unto and among the
101 poor of their several and respectively parishes in
102 such parts share and proportions as they shall respectively
103 think meet and proper Also I give and bequeath unto
104 James Huish of Cullompton Gentleman a Mourning
and a hatband and belt of the best Sattyn Also I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Huish his Wife a mourning ring of a Guinea Value
104 Ring of a pound value ^ and a Book and Script of the
106 best Lattin and I do hereby request the said Mr Huish
107 and his Wife to attend my Corps to the Grave Also I
108 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother Mr
109 William Blake his Executors Administrators and Assigns
110 all that my Leasehold Estate called Pi[r]swell in the
111 Parish of Kentisbear Also I give devise and bequeath
112 unto my said Brother William Blake his heirs and
113 assigns all those my several Messuages or Tenements
114 called Green End, Crosses, Tyes, Chases, Hawkinses, Mays
115 Mutters my part of Weaver Estate and the Regalcy
116 lately purchased of Mr Wright and all other my Lands
117 and hereditaments of what nature or kind soever situate
118 within the said Parish of Plimstree To hold to my
119 said Brother his Heirs and Assigns forever Also I
120 give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother
121 William Blake all these my several Messuages or
122 Tenements situate in the aforesaid parish of Trull in
123 the County of Sommerset called Harpers Lows Meadow
124 Herrings House and Orchard Lower Harpers Lanes Meadows
125 and all other my Messuages Lands Tenements and
126 hereditaments in the aforesaid Parish of Trull such
127 parts thereof as I am seized in Fee I give devise and
128 bequeath unto my aforesaid Brother William Blake his
129 heirs and assigns for ever and such part thereof as it
[Page 4]
130 only Leaselives I give devise and bequeath unto him his
131 Executors administrators and assigns and all the Rest Residue
132 and Remainder of my Goods Chattells Estate and Effects of
133 what nature or kind soever after the Residue of the
134 purchase is paid to Thomas Skinner as aforesaid and my
135 debts Legacies and Funeral Expences are fully paid and
136 satisfied I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my
137 aforesaid Brother William Blake who I hereby make
138 constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor and residuary
139 legatee of this my Will and I do hereby subject and charge
140 all my said Estates as well in the parish of Plimptree
141 as in the parish of Trull with the payment of my just
142 debts and Legacies and I do hereby revoke and make void
143 all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In
144 Witness whereof I the said Thomas Blake have to this
145 my last Will and Testament written on three Sheets of
146 paper to the two first Sheets have set my hand and
147 to the last sheet my hand and seal this tenth day of
148 March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
149 hundred seventy and seven Tho Blake
150 Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator
151 Thomas Blake as and for his last Will and Testament in
152 the presence of us who at his request and in his presence
153 and also in the presence of each other have subscribed
154 our names as Witnesses hereunto after the interlineation
155 of the Words also “I give her a Suit of Mourning throughout
156 one Guinea each if living with me at the time of my
157 death” in the second sheet Bernd Wright John Critchett
158 John Tucker
159 This Will was proved at London the sixth day of
160 June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
161 and seventy seven before the Right Worshipfull Sir George
162 Hay Knight doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
163 of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
164 by the Oath of William Blake the Brother of the deceased
165 and sole Executor named in the said Will to whom
166 administration of all and singular the Goods Chattells
167 and Credits of the said deceased was granted having been
168 first sworn by Commission duly to administer
Thursday, August 4, 2011
John Pincombe the elder, South Molton, will dated 25 Jul 1604 - PROB 11/105 - Image Reference 304/770
The five pages of the John Pincombe, Merchant, South Molton will have been a little slower than the others. One has to see this likely frail older man struggling with his problems and also both of his daughters have died as we see by this will he is looking after his four grandaughters and one grandson by Alice his daughter married to Roger Webber. The other daughter was Agnes with a daughter Jone Selye and Agnes too has died. In 1598 either he or his son John (or perhaps his grandson John) was appointed High Sheriff of South Molton by Queen Elizabeth I (from another researcher and I haven't found the reference to this yet actually). Although a coat of arms is often attributed to this man, the College of Arms did not create the coat of arms for John Pincombe until 1616. It might appear that this is for the grandson of the John Pincombe leaving his will dated 25 Jul 1604 and the son of the John Pincombe who left his will dated 20 Nov 1593.
By the Visitation of Devon in 1620 we do not have the name of John's wife but only that of his son's wife (Amy Dodderidge) and his grandson's wife (Mary Carew). This John is said to be the son of another John Pincombe. This last John Pincombe is said to be the son of the first Pincombe to come to North Molton with Lord Zouch in 1485 and hence a brother to Thomas Pincombe mentioned earlier. Looking at time frames again. The marriage of Amye Dodderidge and John Pincombe is know (17 Nov 1578) although the location seems to be either Barnstaple or South Molton. That gave us a possible birth for John in the 1540s or 1550s. His father then would be born in the 1510s or 1520s. But then the Visitation has the father of this John as coming to North Molton with Lord Zouch in 1485. It is unlikely that he would have fathered these children that late in life although not impossible.
It is interesting that in the will below John Pincombe refers to himself as John Pincombe the elder land indeed his son's will isn't probated until 9 months later.
The Pincombe family at South Molton has been one of the more difficult lines to understand. If you follow The Visitation of Devon 1620 (and 1686) the direct line (male to male) seems to be quite clear (as mentioned above). John Pincombe son of the unknown Pincombe who arrived with Lord Zouch at North Molton (and he is one of two John Pincombes on this chart) lived at Southmolton. He had a son John and this will which I will insert at the bottom of this blog is the will of this second John. I have no idea whom he married. According to his will he had a daughter Agnes who married unknown Selye and they had a daughter Jone and he had a daughter Alice who married Roger Webber and they had four daughters and one son (Rebecca married to Hugh Tucker, Agnes, Margaretta, John and Susanna (all surname Webber)). This information does not appear on the Visitation. He does not mention in the will below his son John who married Amy Dodderidge or his grandson John who married Mary Carew.
In this will John Pincombe is trying to provide for his grandchildren (his daughters are both deceased). The tone of the will is rather interesting and I am not sure to whom it is directed but I am somewhat suspicious it is directed at his son or grandson because the son John Pincombe (will was transcribed on the 31st of July 2011) owed his father money which was to be paid back to the father. Possibly I will learn more about this family in publications but thus far they are somewhat confusing.
The earlier Pincombe one name study missed the Visitation when they recorded the Pincombe family at South Molton. There are one too many Johns in their chart list and a son Richard (would have been a brother to the John Pincombe the elder (author of this will below)) that I haven't been able to find any details on. Certainly John in the will below does not refer to a brother Richard. Family lore for the South Molton Pincombe family says that they founded the Pincombe line at Barnstaple. Richard would certainly have been in the right age group to have done that.
John Pincombe (brother to Alice and Agnes and son of John Pincombe) left money to the poor in many congregations and that included Barnstaple. Does his will provide an eye into the past. Is he remembering his relatives that live around his area?
Which of these two men was the High Sheriff of South Molton or is this correct? Another interesting thought is emerging now that I have transcribed both wills. Is this indeed the father of John Pincombe or were there two lines of John Pincombe in this time frame at South Molton and both Merchants?
From the National Archives (UK) the following is quite interesting and I believe I shall order images of it shortly. It will link these two men likely. I have not yet transcribed and translated the Probates for these wills but looking at the probate for the will of John Pincombe (written in 1593 and then added to in 1597) and the probate would appear to have been awarded to Amy his wife 19 Feb 1605 (Old Style). The probate for the will of John Pincombe the elder 15 April 1605. At this time, I do not know the dates of death for either of these men but presumably John Pincombe married to Amy died prior to 19 Feb 1605 (Old Style) and John Pincombe the elder died prior to 15 April 1605. Which of the three John Pincombes are being referred to in this document?
Formerly Phillipps MS. 31843, being lot 303 in the 1911 sale RYCH/2890 April 3, 1605
Archival history:
[R. 77719]
Contents:
By the Visitation of Devon in 1620 we do not have the name of John's wife but only that of his son's wife (Amy Dodderidge) and his grandson's wife (Mary Carew). This John is said to be the son of another John Pincombe. This last John Pincombe is said to be the son of the first Pincombe to come to North Molton with Lord Zouch in 1485 and hence a brother to Thomas Pincombe mentioned earlier. Looking at time frames again. The marriage of Amye Dodderidge and John Pincombe is know (17 Nov 1578) although the location seems to be either Barnstaple or South Molton. That gave us a possible birth for John in the 1540s or 1550s. His father then would be born in the 1510s or 1520s. But then the Visitation has the father of this John as coming to North Molton with Lord Zouch in 1485. It is unlikely that he would have fathered these children that late in life although not impossible.
It is interesting that in the will below John Pincombe refers to himself as John Pincombe the elder land indeed his son's will isn't probated until 9 months later.
The Pincombe family at South Molton has been one of the more difficult lines to understand. If you follow The Visitation of Devon 1620 (and 1686) the direct line (male to male) seems to be quite clear (as mentioned above). John Pincombe son of the unknown Pincombe who arrived with Lord Zouch at North Molton (and he is one of two John Pincombes on this chart) lived at Southmolton. He had a son John and this will which I will insert at the bottom of this blog is the will of this second John. I have no idea whom he married. According to his will he had a daughter Agnes who married unknown Selye and they had a daughter Jone and he had a daughter Alice who married Roger Webber and they had four daughters and one son (Rebecca married to Hugh Tucker, Agnes, Margaretta, John and Susanna (all surname Webber)). This information does not appear on the Visitation. He does not mention in the will below his son John who married Amy Dodderidge or his grandson John who married Mary Carew.
In this will John Pincombe is trying to provide for his grandchildren (his daughters are both deceased). The tone of the will is rather interesting and I am not sure to whom it is directed but I am somewhat suspicious it is directed at his son or grandson because the son John Pincombe (will was transcribed on the 31st of July 2011) owed his father money which was to be paid back to the father. Possibly I will learn more about this family in publications but thus far they are somewhat confusing.
The earlier Pincombe one name study missed the Visitation when they recorded the Pincombe family at South Molton. There are one too many Johns in their chart list and a son Richard (would have been a brother to the John Pincombe the elder (author of this will below)) that I haven't been able to find any details on. Certainly John in the will below does not refer to a brother Richard. Family lore for the South Molton Pincombe family says that they founded the Pincombe line at Barnstaple. Richard would certainly have been in the right age group to have done that.
John Pincombe (brother to Alice and Agnes and son of John Pincombe) left money to the poor in many congregations and that included Barnstaple. Does his will provide an eye into the past. Is he remembering his relatives that live around his area?
Which of these two men was the High Sheriff of South Molton or is this correct? Another interesting thought is emerging now that I have transcribed both wills. Is this indeed the father of John Pincombe or were there two lines of John Pincombe in this time frame at South Molton and both Merchants?
From the National Archives (UK) the following is quite interesting and I believe I shall order images of it shortly. It will link these two men likely. I have not yet transcribed and translated the Probates for these wills but looking at the probate for the will of John Pincombe (written in 1593 and then added to in 1597) and the probate would appear to have been awarded to Amy his wife 19 Feb 1605 (Old Style). The probate for the will of John Pincombe the elder 15 April 1605. At this time, I do not know the dates of death for either of these men but presumably John Pincombe married to Amy died prior to 19 Feb 1605 (Old Style) and John Pincombe the elder died prior to 15 April 1605. Which of the three John Pincombes are being referred to in this document?
Formerly Phillipps MS. 31843, being lot 303 in the 1911 sale RYCH/2890 April 3, 1605
Archival history:
[R. 77719]
Contents:
Co. DEVON.
An extent of all the manors, etc. of the late John Pincombe, gentleman, inherited by his son and heir, John Pincombe the younger; taken at South Molton, co. Devon, Parchment roll. Seal missing.
An extent of all the manors, etc. of the late John Pincombe, gentleman, inherited by his son and heir, John Pincombe the younger; taken at South Molton, co. Devon, Parchment roll. Seal missing.
The probate for the will below was awarded to John Bonde (one of the executors) acting on behalf of everyone but there is also mention of Susanna Webber in the probate and I am still working on that translation. She was to have been the sole executrix at the age of twenty one. The year of the probate is 1605.
The will of John Pincombe the elder of South Molton and it is 171 lines over five pages (my longest will thus far is 15 pages of old English text!); it has the longest probate that I have seen thus far and I hope to eventually add it to this blog page in the future (at which time I will remove this part of the statement :) ):
Recorded: 1 August 2011
Source: Public Record Office, London, UK, PROB 11/105 - Image Reference 304/770
Place: South Molton, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 25 Jul 1604
Condition: photocopy, bold, old English writing
[In margin] T[estator] Johannis Pincombe
Anno Regni Jacobi Regis Anglie secundo et Scotie xxxvij
1 In the name of God, Amen. The fyve and
[page 2]
2 Fyve and Twentith daie of Julie Anno Domini millesimo sexcentesimo quarto. I John Pyncombe
3 the ellder of Southmoulton in the countie of Devon merchante beinge perfecte of mynde and memorye
4 (thancks be geven to Allmightie God) doe revoke annihilate and make voyde all former wills, testaments
5 legacies, bequeathes, and executors by me heretofore made, willed, devised and ordayned, and doe make this
6 my laste will and Testamente in maner and forme followinge. Firste I geve and bequeath my soule
7 unto Allmightie God my creator and Redeemer, and my bodye to the grave untill the ioyefull daye of
8 resurrection. Item I do geve and bequeath unto Rebecca the wife of Hughe Tucker beinge the daughter
9 of Alice Webber my daughter deceased Thirtye poundes of lawefull money of England. Item I do geve
10 And bequeathe unto Agnes Webber one other of the daughters of my said daughter Alice Webber deceased
11 Fiftie poundes of lawefull Englishe money. And further I doe geve & bequeathe unto her the said Agnes
12 Webber all and singuler those messuages landes and Tenements withe the appurtenances called or knowne
13 by the name or names of Sprottesette lienge and beinge in the parishe of Hatherleighe in the countie of
14 Devon nowe or late in the tenure or occupa[t]ion of George Hutchin his assignee or assignes. To have
15 to houlde the saide messuages, landes and Tenementes withe the appurtenances to her the saide Agnes Webber
16 her heires and assignes for ever. And if yt shall happen that the saide Agnes Webber dye without heires
17 of her bodye begotten Then my will is that the aforesaid messuages landes and Tenements withe the appur-
18 tenances shall remayne and be to Margarett Webber sister of the saide Agnes, and to the heires of the saide
19 Margarette for ever. Item I doe geve and bequeathe to the said Margarett Webber fiftie pounds of
21 lawefull Englishe money. Item I do geve and bequeathe unto John Webber sonne of my foresaide daughter
22 Alice Webber twentye pounds moreover I do geve devise and bequeathe unto the saide John Webber
23 all those messuages, landes, and Tenementes w[i]th all and singuler the appurtenances whatsoever scytiuate
24 lienge & beinge within the parishe of Ath[e]rington in the said countye of devon com[m]only called or knowne
25 by the name of Fursdowne, and nowe or late in the tenure or occupa[t]ion of John Matha. To have &
26 to houlde unto him the said John Webber and to his heires issue for evermore Item I do geve & bequeathe
27 unto Susanna Webber one other of the daughters of my foresaid daughter Alice Webber and unto the
28 foresaid Rebecca the wife of the foresaid Hughe Tucker, and unto the foresaid Agnes Webber and
29 Margarette Webber all suche debtes as after my deathe shal[l ]be due and owinge unto me by Bondes, obliga[t]ions
30 deeds obligatorye, billes, notes of scripte, and all other specyalties whatsoever, and as allso whatsoever debte
31 hereafter shal[l ]be due unto me after my deathe withoute specyalltie or specyalties, or else by my booke, or by
32 promise coven[an]te or otherwise whatsoever. All whiche debts my will and meanyinge is, and I do ordayne &
33 appoynte that they shal[l ]be niselie, indifferentlie and equally devided amongste them the said fouer sisters
34 Rebecca, Agnes, Margarett & Susan. Item I doe further geve unto Jone Selye daughter of my daughter
35 Agnes deceased fyve poundes of lawfefull Englishe money. Item I do geve and bequeathe unto the poore
36 people of Southmoulton Twentie shillinges And Lastlye I doe geve & bequeathe unto the forenamed
37 Susanna Webber all and singuler other my goods, plate & Chattelles not before geven nor bequeathed. Item
38 whereas the foresaid Margarette, Agnes and Suzanna Webber by vertue of the laste will & Testamente of
39 Alice Webber deceased have rights or maye pretende rights, tytle, terme or intereste for yeares not yet
40 expired determynable uppon lyves in and to that messuage, burgage or Tenemente withe the appurtenances
41 scytiuate lienge and beinge within the burrough of Southmoulton aforesaid betweene the landes of Tho[mas]
42 Hunte there nexte on the easte parte, the landes of the heires of Thomas Hache esquire deceased there nexte
43 on the weste parte, the Kings Streete there nexte on the southe parte and the land called Shaplande there
44 nexte on the northe parte, the moietie or haulse deale of whiche messuage was graunted unto Roger Webber
45 Father of the said Margarette, Agnes, & Susan by John Pyncombe for tearme of fourescore and of
46 nineteene yeares, if John Webber, Rebecca Webber, and Agnes Webber or either of them so longe shoold lyve
47 as appeerith by an Indenture thereof made by the said John Pincombe dated the fourtenthe daye of
48 Auguste in the foure and thirtithe yeare of the raigne of the late Queene Elizabeth, and the other moiety
49 thereof was by Indenture bearinge date the twelfie daye of Aprill in the Thirtithe yeare of the said late
50 Queene graunted to the said Roger Webber by John Webber alias Turner of Wyrckley in the countie aforesaid
51 yeoman for terme of fourescore and Tenne yeares if Roger Webber, John Webber, and Roberte or either
52 of them shoolde so longe lyve, my desier beinge that the said Rebecca wife of the said Hughe Tucker her executors
53 and assignes shoold have and onelie enioye bothe the moieties of the said Tenemente duringe the foresaid
54 severall tearmes, I doo therefore ordayne and my will is (notwithestandinge any thinge before said to the
55 [page 3]
56 to the contrarie) that if the said Margarett, Agnes and Susan Webber their executors, admynistrators or
57 assignes or any of them, or the husband or husbands whiche they or any of them shall happen to marrye
58 shall not after my deathe permytte and suffer the said Rebecca her executors and assignes payenge doinge
59 and performenge the yearlie rentes, coven[an]tes and promises contayned in the said Indentures quietlie
60 and peaceablie to have, houlde, occupie, possesse, and enioye bothe the moieties of the said tenemente to the
61 onelye use, benifytte, and beheese of the saide Rebecca her executors admynistrators or assignes. Then my will
62 is that every of the saide Margarette Agnes and Susanne Webber whiche shall contrarye to this my desier
63 not to suffer and permytte the said Rebecca her executors admynistrators, or assignes so to enioye the same
64 shal[l ]be debarred of the somme of Twentie pounds to be abated and defaulted oute of her or their former taken legacies
65 legacies by me bequeathed to her or them, whiche money so defaulted respectyvelie accordinge to her or their non
66 sufferance or permission as aforesaid shal[l ]be and remayne too the onelie benifytte and beheese of the said
67 Rebecca her executors and admynistrators And for the better performance of this my said desier my will
68 Is that the saide Margarett, Agnes, and Susan comenge to the age of one and Twentie yeares, or the
69 husbande and husbands of everye of them beinge marryed before her or their severall ages of one and
70 twentie yeares, shall for his or their partes respectyvely at the requeste of the said Rebecca her executors
71 admynistrators or assignes make in wrytinge a sufficiente, lawefull and absolute release of all her
72 his and their righte estate and clayme for ever, whiche shee, he, or they have or maye have to bothe the
73 moieties of the saide messuage unto the said Rebecca her executors admynistrators or assignes. Item my
74 will is and I doo ordaine that all the foresaid legacies geven and bequeathed to my foresaid daughter's chilldren
75 shal[l ]be paide unto them at their severall ages of one and Twentye yeares or at their severall dayes of
76 maryage w[hi]ch shall seeme good to my executors for the greater parte of them, and unto those that are
77 allreadie of age of twentie one yeares or maried, w[i]thin sixe monethes nexte after my decease. And if
78 it shall happen that any of the said Agnes, Margarett, and Susanna shall happen to dye before the
79 accomplishem[en]te of the age of Twentie years or before her or their maryage as aforesaid. Then I will and
80 ordayne that the before named portion of her or them so dyenge shall remayne and be equallye devided amongst
81 the reste of the foresaide chilldren of the saide Alice Webber my daughter deceased. And my will further is
82 that if anye of the said Agnes, Margarett, & Susanna Webber shall marry & take to husbande anye person
83 without the consente likinge and good wille of my Executors or the greater parte of them firste obtained
84 and hadd then every and either of them so marryenge contrarye to the true meanynge of this my Will
85 shall have but the haalf deale or moietie of all or any the legacies whiche I have by this my Will geven
86 unto her or them. And the other moietie of the saide legacies or legacie shall remaine and be equallie
87 devided amongste the reste of the chilldren of my said daughter Alice Webber deceased, yf it shall so seeme
88 good to the greater parte of my executors. And for the better performance and faithefull execution of this
89 my will I do ordayne and make my trustie and welbeloved frendes and kynsmen John Bonde & Roger
90 Prouse of Tawnton in the countie of Somersett gent, Will[ia]m Tooker mayor of Southmoulton, and
91 Stephen Domynecke mercer my whole and sole Executors thereof, onelie in truste and confidence so to
92 contynue and remayne my said executors untill the foresaid Susanna Webber shall or mighte accomplishe
93 the age of One and Twentie yeares. And that then and from thenceforthe the said John Bond, Roger
94 Prouse, Will[ia]m Tooker, and Stephen Domenecke, and every of then shall cease any longer to be my
95 executors, and the said Susanna Webber shall then and from thenceforthe be my whole and sole executor
96 of this my laste will. And touchinge the education, maynetenance and bringinge uppe of the saide
97 Susanna, Margarett, and Agnes, my will is that the charge thereof be defrayed oute of a reasonable and
98 competente por[t]ion growinge and arisinge of and from the use and benifytte of their severall legacies
99 and further that their saide legacies be employed to their beste use and beheese in suche sorte and maner as
100 shall to my saide Executors or the greater parte of them seeme moste behee[s]full and expedyente for the saide
101 Susanna, or Margarette and Agnes or any or either of them. And further my will is that is my said executors
102 and everie of them in their accompte and accomptes hereafter to be made to the saide Susanna Webber or
103 anie other shal[l ]be allowed, acquited and discharged of and for all, and any suche some and somes of money
104 as my said executors and every of them shall necessarilie and truelie paye disburse and laye oute in and
105 aboute the execution of this my will, and in and aboute the sute and recoverie of anie my debtes, and in
106 and aboute any matter or thinge whiche shall any waie comcerne the righte intereste or clayme of the
107 saide Susan, Margarett, and Agnes or any of them Or shall concerne the defence or protectyon of anye
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108 any cause, matter, or thinge growinge or arisinge by reason of this my will againste any person
109 or persons w[hi]ch shall conduce, prosecute or reckon in any sorte or action againste the saide executors or
110 any of them. In wytnes whereof I the said John Pincombe have hereunto sette my hande & seale
111 the daie and yeare above wrytten. By me John Pincombe the elder. Theis witnesses Anthonye
112 Amorye parson of Asheholte, by me Thomas Slader, and Laurence Bowe Teste me Johannis Bonde
113 Willyam Tooker, Teste me Stephan Domineck A Codicill added to the laste will and
114 Testamente of John Pincombe the elder made the laste daye of Februarye Anno Domini One Thousande
115 Six hundreth and foure. And further I the said John Pincombe the ellder beinge of perfecte & sounde
116 memorye thoughe sicke in bodye, knowinge howe my undeserved foes are bente wrongfullie to impugne
117 and frustrate my honeste and lawefull intentes and purposes to my great greife and sorrowe, have
118 therefore called and desired my honeste frendes and neighboures whose names are underwrytten to testefie
119 that the will whereunto this codicill is annexed together with this said codicill is my true and laste
120 will and Testamente, And doe further add to my said will and ordayne touchinge suche debtes as shal[l ]be
121 due unto me at and before the tyme of my deathe that it shall and maye be lawefull to and for my said
122 executors mentioned in my saide will or the greater parte of them to compounde and agree withe all or
123 any person or persons that shal[l ]be indebted unto me at the tyme of my deathe for a lesser some, or somes of
124 money then he, shee, or they, or any of them shal[l ]be indebted then unto me, by bill, obliga[t]ion, specialtie,
125 covenante, promise, contracte or by anie other waye or meane, as my said executors, or the greater parte of
126 them in their discretion and consideration of the unhability or insufficiencie of the partie, or parties,
127 person or persons so indebted shall thincke, reasonable, meeke, behee[s]full or conscionable, and that for suche
128 Composi[t]ion and agreemente so made withe my saide debtor or deptors the said Rebecca Tooker, Margarette
129 Agnes, and Susanna Webber or anye of them or anie other person in the names of them or any of them
130 shall not make demande or bringe action againste my said executors or any of them for any greater some
131 or somes of money due from all or any such debter or debters other than for the some and somes of money so agreed
132 and compounded for, and my will is that my said executors and every of them shal[l ]be discharged & acquitted
133 againste the said Rebecca, Margaretta, Agnes and Suzanna and every of them for and concerneing
134 the serplus of anie suche debte, or debtes so agreed and compounded for. Any thinge contayned in my saide
135 will to the contrarye not w[i]thstandinge. In wytnes whereof I the said John Pyncombe have hereunto
136 sette my seale the daye and yeare above wrytten in the presence of me Willyam Hunte, John Allen, Thomas
137 Slader. Another Codicill added to the laste will and Testamente of John Pincombe
138 the ellder, made the firste daye of Marche Anno D[o]m[ini] millesimo sexcentesimo quarto. And further I the
139 saide John Pincombe the ellder beinge of perfect and sounde memorie thoughe sicke in bodye, knowinge howe
140 my undeserved foes are bente wrongefullie to ympingne and frustrate my honeste and lawefull intentes
141 and purposes to my greate greif and sorrow, have therefore called and desired my honeste frendes and
142 Neigheboures (whose names are underwrytten) to testifie that the willl whereunto this codicill is annexed toge
143 ther withe this and the other codicill is my true and laste will and Testamente. And doe further add to
144 my saide wille and ordaine touchinge suche debtes as shal[l ]be due unto me at and after the tyme of my
145 deathe that it shall and maie be laweful to and for my said executors mentioned in my said will or the
146 greater parte of them to compounde and agree with all or any person or persons that shal[l ]be indebted unto
147 me at the tyme of my deathe for a lesser some or somes of money then he, shee, or they or any of them shal[l ]be
148 indebted then unto me by bill, obliga[t]ion, specyalltie, covenante, promise, contracte or by any other waye or
149 meane as my said executors or the greateste parte of them in their discretion and consideration of the unhabi
150 litie or insufficiencie of the partie or parties person or persons so indebted shall thincke reasonable, meete
151 behee[s]full, or conscionable. And that for suche composi[t]ion and agreemente so made withe my saide debtor or
152 debtors, The said Rebecca Tucker, Margarette, Agnes and Susan Webber or any of them, or any other
153 person in the names of them or any of them shall not make demande or bringe action agaynste my saide
154 executors or any of them for any greater some or somes of money due from all or any suche debtor or debtors
155 other then for the some or somes of money so agreed and compounded for, but my Will is that my saide executors
156 and everye of them shal[l ]be discharged and acquitted againste the saide Rebecca, Margarett, Agnes, and
157 Susan Webber, and every of them for and concernenge the serplus of any suche debte or debtes so agreed
158 compounded for anythinge contayned in my said will to the contrarye, notw[i]thstandinge. And moreover
159 My will is that all and everye some and somes of money heretofore payde and payde oute and by me yet
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160 yet unpaide and w[hi]ch at any tyme or tymes hereafter shal[l ]be disursed, payde or laid out by my executors of anye of them
^ in or about any suche moles[tation] or accom[modation] in lawe brought or to bee brought againste m[e]and my executors of any of th[em] for
161 for^ or concernenge any matter or matters thinge or thinges specified or contayned in my said laste will
162 and testamente, or for, in, or aboute any sute, molesta[t]ion, or trouble whiche shall, or may arise, or
163 growe to my saide executors of anye of them by reason of my said laste will and Testamente, or by reason of any
164 matter or matters whiche concerneth the same, that the coste, expenses, and chardges thereof shal[l ]be defraied
165 allowed, and borne, oute of the debts due unto me at the tyme of my deathe, and afterwardes payable to my
166 said executors. And if my said debtes shall not suffice to beare the saide coste, and expences. Then my will
167 is that every Legatee men[t]ioned in my said will shall beare his, her, and their parte and por[t]ion of the saide
168 coste and expenses proportionablie oute of the severall legacies of money geven and bequeathed to them. Any
169 thinge in my said will contayned to the contrarye notwithstandinge. In wytnes whereof I the said John
170 Pincombe have hereunto sette my seale the daye and yeare above wrytten. In the presence of theis
171 wytnesses, George Classe, Thomas Slader, Thomas Heardinge.
The will of John Pincombe the elder of South Molton and it is 171 lines over five pages (my longest will thus far is 15 pages of old English text!); it has the longest probate that I have seen thus far and I hope to eventually add it to this blog page in the future (at which time I will remove this part of the statement :) ):
Recorded: 1 August 2011
Source: Public Record Office, London, UK, PROB 11/105 - Image Reference 304/770
Place: South Molton, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 25 Jul 1604
Condition: photocopy, bold, old English writing
[In margin] T[estator] Johannis Pincombe
Anno Regni Jacobi Regis Anglie secundo et Scotie xxxvij
1 In the name of God, Amen. The fyve and
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2 Fyve and Twentith daie of Julie Anno Domini millesimo sexcentesimo quarto. I John Pyncombe
3 the ellder of Southmoulton in the countie of Devon merchante beinge perfecte of mynde and memorye
4 (thancks be geven to Allmightie God) doe revoke annihilate and make voyde all former wills, testaments
5 legacies, bequeathes, and executors by me heretofore made, willed, devised and ordayned, and doe make this
6 my laste will and Testamente in maner and forme followinge. Firste I geve and bequeath my soule
7 unto Allmightie God my creator and Redeemer, and my bodye to the grave untill the ioyefull daye of
8 resurrection. Item I do geve and bequeath unto Rebecca the wife of Hughe Tucker beinge the daughter
9 of Alice Webber my daughter deceased Thirtye poundes of lawefull money of England. Item I do geve
10 And bequeathe unto Agnes Webber one other of the daughters of my said daughter Alice Webber deceased
11 Fiftie poundes of lawefull Englishe money. And further I doe geve & bequeathe unto her the said Agnes
12 Webber all and singuler those messuages landes and Tenements withe the appurtenances called or knowne
13 by the name or names of Sprottesette lienge and beinge in the parishe of Hatherleighe in the countie of
14 Devon nowe or late in the tenure or occupa[t]ion of George Hutchin his assignee or assignes. To have
15 to houlde the saide messuages, landes and Tenementes withe the appurtenances to her the saide Agnes Webber
16 her heires and assignes for ever. And if yt shall happen that the saide Agnes Webber dye without heires
17 of her bodye begotten Then my will is that the aforesaid messuages landes and Tenements withe the appur-
18 tenances shall remayne and be to Margarett Webber sister of the saide Agnes, and to the heires of the saide
19 Margarette for ever. Item I doe geve and bequeathe to the said Margarett Webber fiftie pounds of
21 lawefull Englishe money. Item I do geve and bequeathe unto John Webber sonne of my foresaide daughter
22 Alice Webber twentye pounds moreover I do geve devise and bequeathe unto the saide John Webber
23 all those messuages, landes, and Tenementes w[i]th all and singuler the appurtenances whatsoever scytiuate
24 lienge & beinge within the parishe of Ath[e]rington in the said countye of devon com[m]only called or knowne
25 by the name of Fursdowne, and nowe or late in the tenure or occupa[t]ion of John Matha. To have &
26 to houlde unto him the said John Webber and to his heires issue for evermore Item I do geve & bequeathe
27 unto Susanna Webber one other of the daughters of my foresaid daughter Alice Webber and unto the
28 foresaid Rebecca the wife of the foresaid Hughe Tucker, and unto the foresaid Agnes Webber and
29 Margarette Webber all suche debtes as after my deathe shal[l ]be due and owinge unto me by Bondes, obliga[t]ions
30 deeds obligatorye, billes, notes of scripte, and all other specyalties whatsoever, and as allso whatsoever debte
31 hereafter shal[l ]be due unto me after my deathe withoute specyalltie or specyalties, or else by my booke, or by
32 promise coven[an]te or otherwise whatsoever. All whiche debts my will and meanyinge is, and I do ordayne &
33 appoynte that they shal[l ]be niselie, indifferentlie and equally devided amongste them the said fouer sisters
34 Rebecca, Agnes, Margarett & Susan. Item I doe further geve unto Jone Selye daughter of my daughter
35 Agnes deceased fyve poundes of lawfefull Englishe money. Item I do geve and bequeathe unto the poore
36 people of Southmoulton Twentie shillinges And Lastlye I doe geve & bequeathe unto the forenamed
37 Susanna Webber all and singuler other my goods, plate & Chattelles not before geven nor bequeathed. Item
38 whereas the foresaid Margarette, Agnes and Suzanna Webber by vertue of the laste will & Testamente of
39 Alice Webber deceased have rights or maye pretende rights, tytle, terme or intereste for yeares not yet
40 expired determynable uppon lyves in and to that messuage, burgage or Tenemente withe the appurtenances
41 scytiuate lienge and beinge within the burrough of Southmoulton aforesaid betweene the landes of Tho[mas]
42 Hunte there nexte on the easte parte, the landes of the heires of Thomas Hache esquire deceased there nexte
43 on the weste parte, the Kings Streete there nexte on the southe parte and the land called Shaplande there
44 nexte on the northe parte, the moietie or haulse deale of whiche messuage was graunted unto Roger Webber
45 Father of the said Margarette, Agnes, & Susan by John Pyncombe for tearme of fourescore and of
46 nineteene yeares, if John Webber, Rebecca Webber, and Agnes Webber or either of them so longe shoold lyve
47 as appeerith by an Indenture thereof made by the said John Pincombe dated the fourtenthe daye of
48 Auguste in the foure and thirtithe yeare of the raigne of the late Queene Elizabeth, and the other moiety
49 thereof was by Indenture bearinge date the twelfie daye of Aprill in the Thirtithe yeare of the said late
50 Queene graunted to the said Roger Webber by John Webber alias Turner of Wyrckley in the countie aforesaid
51 yeoman for terme of fourescore and Tenne yeares if Roger Webber, John Webber, and Roberte or either
52 of them shoolde so longe lyve, my desier beinge that the said Rebecca wife of the said Hughe Tucker her executors
53 and assignes shoold have and onelie enioye bothe the moieties of the said Tenemente duringe the foresaid
54 severall tearmes, I doo therefore ordayne and my will is (notwithestandinge any thinge before said to the
55 [page 3]
56 to the contrarie) that if the said Margarett, Agnes and Susan Webber their executors, admynistrators or
57 assignes or any of them, or the husband or husbands whiche they or any of them shall happen to marrye
58 shall not after my deathe permytte and suffer the said Rebecca her executors and assignes payenge doinge
59 and performenge the yearlie rentes, coven[an]tes and promises contayned in the said Indentures quietlie
60 and peaceablie to have, houlde, occupie, possesse, and enioye bothe the moieties of the said tenemente to the
61 onelye use, benifytte, and beheese of the saide Rebecca her executors admynistrators or assignes. Then my will
62 is that every of the saide Margarette Agnes and Susanne Webber whiche shall contrarye to this my desier
63 not to suffer and permytte the said Rebecca her executors admynistrators, or assignes so to enioye the same
64 shal[l ]be debarred of the somme of Twentie pounds to be abated and defaulted oute of her or their former taken legacies
65 legacies by me bequeathed to her or them, whiche money so defaulted respectyvelie accordinge to her or their non
66 sufferance or permission as aforesaid shal[l ]be and remayne too the onelie benifytte and beheese of the said
67 Rebecca her executors and admynistrators And for the better performance of this my said desier my will
68 Is that the saide Margarett, Agnes, and Susan comenge to the age of one and Twentie yeares, or the
69 husbande and husbands of everye of them beinge marryed before her or their severall ages of one and
70 twentie yeares, shall for his or their partes respectyvely at the requeste of the said Rebecca her executors
71 admynistrators or assignes make in wrytinge a sufficiente, lawefull and absolute release of all her
72 his and their righte estate and clayme for ever, whiche shee, he, or they have or maye have to bothe the
73 moieties of the saide messuage unto the said Rebecca her executors admynistrators or assignes. Item my
74 will is and I doo ordaine that all the foresaid legacies geven and bequeathed to my foresaid daughter's chilldren
75 shal[l ]be paide unto them at their severall ages of one and Twentye yeares or at their severall dayes of
76 maryage w[hi]ch shall seeme good to my executors for the greater parte of them, and unto those that are
77 allreadie of age of twentie one yeares or maried, w[i]thin sixe monethes nexte after my decease. And if
78 it shall happen that any of the said Agnes, Margarett, and Susanna shall happen to dye before the
79 accomplishem[en]te of the age of Twentie years or before her or their maryage as aforesaid. Then I will and
80 ordayne that the before named portion of her or them so dyenge shall remayne and be equallye devided amongst
81 the reste of the foresaide chilldren of the saide Alice Webber my daughter deceased. And my will further is
82 that if anye of the said Agnes, Margarett, & Susanna Webber shall marry & take to husbande anye person
83 without the consente likinge and good wille of my Executors or the greater parte of them firste obtained
84 and hadd then every and either of them so marryenge contrarye to the true meanynge of this my Will
85 shall have but the haalf deale or moietie of all or any the legacies whiche I have by this my Will geven
86 unto her or them. And the other moietie of the saide legacies or legacie shall remaine and be equallie
87 devided amongste the reste of the chilldren of my said daughter Alice Webber deceased, yf it shall so seeme
88 good to the greater parte of my executors. And for the better performance and faithefull execution of this
89 my will I do ordayne and make my trustie and welbeloved frendes and kynsmen John Bonde & Roger
90 Prouse of Tawnton in the countie of Somersett gent, Will[ia]m Tooker mayor of Southmoulton, and
91 Stephen Domynecke mercer my whole and sole Executors thereof, onelie in truste and confidence so to
92 contynue and remayne my said executors untill the foresaid Susanna Webber shall or mighte accomplishe
93 the age of One and Twentie yeares. And that then and from thenceforthe the said John Bond, Roger
94 Prouse, Will[ia]m Tooker, and Stephen Domenecke, and every of then shall cease any longer to be my
95 executors, and the said Susanna Webber shall then and from thenceforthe be my whole and sole executor
96 of this my laste will. And touchinge the education, maynetenance and bringinge uppe of the saide
97 Susanna, Margarett, and Agnes, my will is that the charge thereof be defrayed oute of a reasonable and
98 competente por[t]ion growinge and arisinge of and from the use and benifytte of their severall legacies
99 and further that their saide legacies be employed to their beste use and beheese in suche sorte and maner as
100 shall to my saide Executors or the greater parte of them seeme moste behee[s]full and expedyente for the saide
101 Susanna, or Margarette and Agnes or any or either of them. And further my will is that is my said executors
102 and everie of them in their accompte and accomptes hereafter to be made to the saide Susanna Webber or
103 anie other shal[l ]be allowed, acquited and discharged of and for all, and any suche some and somes of money
104 as my said executors and every of them shall necessarilie and truelie paye disburse and laye oute in and
105 aboute the execution of this my will, and in and aboute the sute and recoverie of anie my debtes, and in
106 and aboute any matter or thinge whiche shall any waie comcerne the righte intereste or clayme of the
107 saide Susan, Margarett, and Agnes or any of them Or shall concerne the defence or protectyon of anye
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108 any cause, matter, or thinge growinge or arisinge by reason of this my will againste any person
109 or persons w[hi]ch shall conduce, prosecute or reckon in any sorte or action againste the saide executors or
110 any of them. In wytnes whereof I the said John Pincombe have hereunto sette my hande & seale
111 the daie and yeare above wrytten. By me John Pincombe the elder. Theis witnesses Anthonye
112 Amorye parson of Asheholte, by me Thomas Slader, and Laurence Bowe Teste me Johannis Bonde
113 Willyam Tooker, Teste me Stephan Domineck A Codicill added to the laste will and
114 Testamente of John Pincombe the elder made the laste daye of Februarye Anno Domini One Thousande
115 Six hundreth and foure. And further I the said John Pincombe the ellder beinge of perfecte & sounde
116 memorye thoughe sicke in bodye, knowinge howe my undeserved foes are bente wrongfullie to impugne
117 and frustrate my honeste and lawefull intentes and purposes to my great greife and sorrowe, have
118 therefore called and desired my honeste frendes and neighboures whose names are underwrytten to testefie
119 that the will whereunto this codicill is annexed together with this said codicill is my true and laste
120 will and Testamente, And doe further add to my said will and ordayne touchinge suche debtes as shal[l ]be
121 due unto me at and before the tyme of my deathe that it shall and maye be lawefull to and for my said
122 executors mentioned in my saide will or the greater parte of them to compounde and agree withe all or
123 any person or persons that shal[l ]be indebted unto me at the tyme of my deathe for a lesser some, or somes of
124 money then he, shee, or they, or any of them shal[l ]be indebted then unto me, by bill, obliga[t]ion, specialtie,
125 covenante, promise, contracte or by anie other waye or meane, as my said executors, or the greater parte of
126 them in their discretion and consideration of the unhability or insufficiencie of the partie, or parties,
127 person or persons so indebted shall thincke, reasonable, meeke, behee[s]full or conscionable, and that for suche
128 Composi[t]ion and agreemente so made withe my saide debtor or deptors the said Rebecca Tooker, Margarette
129 Agnes, and Susanna Webber or anye of them or anie other person in the names of them or any of them
130 shall not make demande or bringe action againste my said executors or any of them for any greater some
131 or somes of money due from all or any such debter or debters other than for the some and somes of money so agreed
132 and compounded for, and my will is that my said executors and every of them shal[l ]be discharged & acquitted
133 againste the said Rebecca, Margaretta, Agnes and Suzanna and every of them for and concerneing
134 the serplus of anie suche debte, or debtes so agreed and compounded for. Any thinge contayned in my saide
135 will to the contrarye not w[i]thstandinge. In wytnes whereof I the said John Pyncombe have hereunto
136 sette my seale the daye and yeare above wrytten in the presence of me Willyam Hunte, John Allen, Thomas
137 Slader. Another Codicill added to the laste will and Testamente of John Pincombe
138 the ellder, made the firste daye of Marche Anno D[o]m[ini] millesimo sexcentesimo quarto. And further I the
139 saide John Pincombe the ellder beinge of perfect and sounde memorie thoughe sicke in bodye, knowinge howe
140 my undeserved foes are bente wrongefullie to ympingne and frustrate my honeste and lawefull intentes
141 and purposes to my greate greif and sorrow, have therefore called and desired my honeste frendes and
142 Neigheboures (whose names are underwrytten) to testifie that the willl whereunto this codicill is annexed toge
143 ther withe this and the other codicill is my true and laste will and Testamente. And doe further add to
144 my saide wille and ordaine touchinge suche debtes as shal[l ]be due unto me at and after the tyme of my
145 deathe that it shall and maie be laweful to and for my said executors mentioned in my said will or the
146 greater parte of them to compounde and agree with all or any person or persons that shal[l ]be indebted unto
147 me at the tyme of my deathe for a lesser some or somes of money then he, shee, or they or any of them shal[l ]be
148 indebted then unto me by bill, obliga[t]ion, specyalltie, covenante, promise, contracte or by any other waye or
149 meane as my said executors or the greateste parte of them in their discretion and consideration of the unhabi
150 litie or insufficiencie of the partie or parties person or persons so indebted shall thincke reasonable, meete
151 behee[s]full, or conscionable. And that for suche composi[t]ion and agreemente so made withe my saide debtor or
152 debtors, The said Rebecca Tucker, Margarette, Agnes and Susan Webber or any of them, or any other
153 person in the names of them or any of them shall not make demande or bringe action agaynste my saide
154 executors or any of them for any greater some or somes of money due from all or any suche debtor or debtors
155 other then for the some or somes of money so agreed and compounded for, but my Will is that my saide executors
156 and everye of them shal[l ]be discharged and acquitted againste the saide Rebecca, Margarett, Agnes, and
157 Susan Webber, and every of them for and concernenge the serplus of any suche debte or debtes so agreed
158 compounded for anythinge contayned in my said will to the contrarye, notw[i]thstandinge. And moreover
159 My will is that all and everye some and somes of money heretofore payde and payde oute and by me yet
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160 yet unpaide and w[hi]ch at any tyme or tymes hereafter shal[l ]be disursed, payde or laid out by my executors of anye of them
^ in or about any suche moles[tation] or accom[modation] in lawe brought or to bee brought againste m[e]and my executors of any of th[em] for
161 for^ or concernenge any matter or matters thinge or thinges specified or contayned in my said laste will
162 and testamente, or for, in, or aboute any sute, molesta[t]ion, or trouble whiche shall, or may arise, or
163 growe to my saide executors of anye of them by reason of my said laste will and Testamente, or by reason of any
164 matter or matters whiche concerneth the same, that the coste, expenses, and chardges thereof shal[l ]be defraied
165 allowed, and borne, oute of the debts due unto me at the tyme of my deathe, and afterwardes payable to my
166 said executors. And if my said debtes shall not suffice to beare the saide coste, and expences. Then my will
167 is that every Legatee men[t]ioned in my said will shall beare his, her, and their parte and por[t]ion of the saide
168 coste and expenses proportionablie oute of the severall legacies of money geven and bequeathed to them. Any
169 thinge in my said will contayned to the contrarye notwithstandinge. In wytnes whereof I the said John
170 Pincombe have hereunto sette my seale the daye and yeare above wrytten. In the presence of theis
171 wytnesses, George Classe, Thomas Slader, Thomas Heardinge.
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