The Wills of the Blake Families of Somerset. Collated by Mary Mason.

 

 

Excerpts of Blake Wills

 

 (Archdeaconry of Taunton) 1559.

HUMPHREY BLAKE of  OVER STOWEY, Somerset, Gent. Will dated Nov. 19 1 Eliz. proved May 11th 1559.        

To be buried in the parish church of Over Stowey, with such orisons and prayers, to be said and done for me at my burial and in the days of my anniversary as shall be thought most mete by my Executors, etc. To the Parson of Aisholt to pray for me 10s-. To Anstice Blake, one of the daughters of Robert Blake, for her advancement in marriage, £6 . 6 . 8. To John Blake, the elder, my son, £100. To Robert Blake, my son, £100. The Manor of Tuxwell, Somerset, to my son Robert Blake and his heirs, etc., then to Thomas, my son, then to John Blake, the younger, my son. To John Blake the elder, my son, and his heirs, lands, etc., in Bishops Lydiard. Residue to Anne my wife, and my son, John Blake the younger, Exors.

(Great Grandfather of the Admiral)

 

(76 Harrington) 1592

ROBERT BLAKE

The will of Robert Blake of Bridgwater in the County of Somerset, merchant, made the 16th day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand, five hundred, ninety and two, being sick of Body but of perfect memory as followeth, viz.,

Being demanded of Richard Hedges in what manner he would dispose his lands and goods he answered in manner and form following, viz.,

William Blake, my son, shall have my land at Tuxwell in Radlett. Humphrey, my son, shall have my land at Puriton,and Crandon, and Humphrey, my son, is and shall be my Executor.

(Robert Blake was buried at St. Mary’s, Bridgwater, October 15th, 1592. He was the Grandfather of the Admiral)

 

(35 Hele) 1625

HUMPHREY BLAKE

In the Name of God, Amen. I Humphrey Blake of Bridgwater within the Diocese of Bath and Wells, being at the writing hereof in good health and perfect memory, I praise God for it, do make and ordain this my last will and testament written with mine own hand as followeth, revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. And first, I bequeath my soul unto Almighty God confidently believing that through His abundant mercy and the merits of Christ Jesus, my Redeemer and Saviour, all my sins to be freely pardoned and washed away in His most precious blood shedding and to be renewed with His most perfect robe of righteousness in the great day of His appearance, when and ever I trust, through His infinite mercy, to have my portion of full bliss with his elect ones in the celestial Jerusalem.

To Wells Cathedral 5s-. To Bridgwater Church 40s-. To Pawlett Church 20s-. To the poor of Bridgwater £5. To my son, Robert and his heirs, all that my manor and lordship of Puriton and Crandon with all the lands and tenements, messuages, arable meadow and pasture there- unto belonging with the appurtenances in the County of Somerset, also one double gilt silver salt, 2 silver beer bowls, 2 silver wine bowls and one dozen silver spoons with lions heads. To my son Humphrey, £l00 to be paid unto him within one year next after my decease. To my son William, one chattell lease of 24 acres or thereabouts of land meadow and pasture, with all I hold of the lands of Mr. Lottisham in Puriton afore- said, and Huntspill, together with all my estate term of years and interest I have therein, towards his education and defraying his charges in Oxford. The lease thereof forthwith to be delivered unto him and £40 within one year next after my decease.

To my son Nicholas, £100, to be bestowed on him for his better educa- tion within two years next after my decease. To my son Samuel, £20 to buy horse or cattle or sheep. To my son Benjamin, £100 to be employed for him within three years next after my decease and also the 21 years interest in 9 acres of meadow and pasture within the Manor of Hamp next Bridgwater.

To my daughter Bridgett, £200, one silver beaker, 6 silver spoons and one double gilt wine bowl. To my son Humphrey, my silver tankard double gilt and to my son William, one silver wine bowl and 4 silver spoons. I give and grant unto my sons Robert and Humphrey, and to their heirs for ever my dwelling house and the garden thereunto be- longing with the appurtenances, nevertheless my will is that Sara my wife shall have her dwelling and abode in part of the said house and also part of the said garden during only her widowhood and no longer. I give -and bequeath to my son Alexander, £100, to be employed for his best benefit within two years next after my decease. To Mr.George Wootton, clerk, 20s-. The residue of my goods and chattells not herein before given and bequeathed, my debts, funeral, and legacies discharged, I give and bequeathed unto Sara my wife and Humphrey my son whom I make my Executors of this my Last will and testament.

(Father of the Admiral)

 

176 Alchin 1653

SUSSANA (Sara) wife of Humphrey Blake of Bridgwater. Weak of body but of sound memory did and by the consent of Humphrey, her husband, make her last will and testament 10th January 1652.

Bequeathed to her husband for his life the chattle lease of 24 acres of land in Puritan which he formerly gave her in marriage. Will proved 17 Sep 1653 at Westminster.

Sole executor Humphrey Blake.

(Sister in law of the Admiral. Sara was first married to William Sealy)

 

(79 King) 1679

HUMPHREY BLAKE

Know all men by these presents that I, Humphrey Blake of St. Giles without Cripplegate in the County of Middlesex, Gent, being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory (Praised be God) yet considering with myself the certainty of death ant the uncertainty of the hour of its approach do therefore (for the better composing of my mind and disposing of my estate) make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following:

To my son and daughter Robert Blake and Ann Blake, all and singular my leases, houses, messuages or tenements, with those appurtenances, goods and chattels whatsoever and wheresoever, equally between them share and share alike. They joint executors.

Witnesses, Law. Hackett, Henry Chandler, Ambrose Wade.

Codicil 10th Jun 1679.

To my son William Blake and my daughter Sarah, 10s a piece for rings.

(Buried at St. Giles without Cripplegate, 12th June 1679. Brother of the Admiral.)

 

146 Carr 1667

WILLIAM BLAKE

William Blake of Bridgwater in the County of Somerset, Doctor of Laws, being at the present sick in body but of sound and perfect memory do make my last will and testament in form and manner following:

To the poor of Bridgwater, £100. To my brother Humphrey £10. To my brother Nicholas £50. To my brother Benjamin, £50. To my brother Alexander £50. To George, Robert, Sara, Elizabeth and Bridgett Blake, children of my brother George Blake of Plymouth, deceased, £50 equally to be divided amongst them. To the two children of my nephew Gorges of Fowley in the County of Cornwell, deceased, £40. To my sister Bowditch of Charstock in the County of Dorset, £10. to my niece Sara, daughter of my brother Humphrey, £5. To my niece Bridgett Chappell, £10. To Fanny Dobbs of Bridgwater, 30s. To Farmer Pitts, servant to my brother Benjaman, 30s. I give my farm at Knoll in the Parish of Bowdrip, both lease and fee, to my brothers Nicholas Blake and Benjamin Blake for all the legacies given upon this my last will and testament and to their heirs for ever. I give all my plate to my niece Sara, daughter of my brother Benjamin. All the rest of my goods and chattels to my brothers Nicholas and Benjamin, whom I appoint Executors.

24th Oct 1667. (Brother of the Admiral)

ADMIRAL ROBERT BLAKE 1655

Proved 1657.

The last will and testament of me, Robert Blake, written with my own hand as followeth:

First, I bequeath my soul unto the hands of my most merciful Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, by Him to be presented to His heavenly Father, pure and spotless, through the washing of His blood which He shed for the remission of my sins, and, after a short separation from the body to be again united with the same by the power of his Eternal Spirit, and so to he for ever with the Lord.

Item, unto the town of Bridgwater I give £100 to he distributed amongst the poor thereof at the discretion of Humphrey Blake, my brother, and of the Mayor for the time being.

Item, unto the town of Taunton 1 give £100 to be distributed amongst the poor of both parishes at the discretion of Samuel Perry, once my Lieutenant-Colonel, and Mr George Newton, minister of the gospel there, and of the Mayor for the time being.

Item, I give unto Humphrey Blake, my brother, the manor of Crandon-eum-Puriton, with all the rights thereto appertaining, to him and his heirs for ever.

Item, I give unto my brother, Dr Wm Blake £300.

Item, unto my brother George Blake I give £300, also to my brother Nicholas I give £300.

Item, unto my brother Benjamin I give my dwelling-house, situate in St Mary’s Street, Bridgwater, with the garden and appurtenances, as also my other house, thereunto adjoining, purchased of the widow Coxe; likewise I give unto him all the claims I have in eleven acres of meadow or pasture (more or less) lying in the village of Hamp, in the Parish of Bridgwater, lately in the possession of the widow Vincombe, deceased.

Item, unto my sister Bridget Bowdich, of Chard Stock, I give £100, and to her children, of the body of Henry Bowdich afore- said, I give the sum of £900, to be disposed of among them according to the discretion of Humphrey, William, George, Nicholas and Benjamin Blake, aforesaid, my brothers, or any three of them.

Item, unto my brother Smythes, goldsmith, in Cheapside, I give the sum of £100.

Item, unto my nephew, Robert Blake, son to Samuel Blake, my brother, deceased, I give the gold chain bestowed on me by the late Parliament of England, also all claims I have in an annuity of £20, payable out of the farm at Pawlett.

Item, unto my nephew, Samuel Blake, younger son to Samuel, my brother, deceased, I give £200.

Item, unto Sarah Quarrell, daughter of my late niece, Sarah Quarrell, by her husband Peter Quarrell, now dwelling in Taunton, I give the sum of £200 to he disposed of for the benefit of the said Sarah Quarrell, according to the discretion of Humphrey, Nicholas and Benjamin Blake, my brothers aforesaid.

Item, unto my cousin, John Blake, son unto my brother Nicholas, I give £100. ( cousin should be nephew).

Item, unto my cousin John Avery of Pawlett, once a soldier with me in Taunton Castle, I give £50.

Item, unto Thomas Blake, son of my cousin William Blake, once commander of the Tresco frigate, deceased, now aboard of the Centurion frigate in the service, I give £50.

Item, all my plate, linen, bedding, with all my provisions, aboard the ship Naseby,

I give unto my nephews, Robert and Samuel Blake, aforesaid, and unto my nephew John Blake, aforesaid, to be divided by them by even and equal parts.

Item, unto the Negro, called Domingo, my servant, I give £50, to be disposed of by my aforesaid nephew, Capt Robert Blake and Capt Thomas Adams, for his better education in the knowledge and fear of God.

Item, unto my servants James Knowles and Nicholas Bartlett, I give to each of them £10.

Item, unto the widow Owen, the relict of Mr. Owen, Minister, I give £10.

Item, unto Eleanor Potter, widow, I give £10.

All the rest of my goods and chattels I do give and bequeath unto George, Nicholas and Benjamin Blake, my brothers aforesaid, and also to Alexander Blake, my brother, to he equally divided amongst them, whom I do appoint and ordain to be the executors of this my last Will and Testament.

Signed and scaled aboard the Naseby, 13 March, 1655.

 

1577

Will of JOHN BLAKE the Elder of Over Stowey:

To be buried in the chancel of Overstowey.

Twelve pence to the St. Andrew, church of Wells.

Ten shillings to the poor of Over Stowey.

Ten shillings to the poor of Nether Stowey.

Ten shillings to the poor of Spaxton.

To eldest son Humphrey Blake all tenements in Plainsfield which are in the tenure and occupation of Otywell Artur. Also my land in the parish of Aisholt in the tenure of Humphrey Luker. Also all the premises in free Socage of the manor of Estgrenwiche.

To son William Blake all my land in the parish of Bishops Lydeard in Bishops Wood and Bishops Downe. Also one tenement in Plainsfield in the tenure and occupation of Robert Jenkins and all my land in Padnoller in the parish of Spaxton in the tenure and occupation of John Burnell.

To son Richard Blake all my land in Wurstin in the parish of Burnham  late in the tenure and occupation Nicolas Sheperd and now in the tenure of one Smithes and of the widow Everett‘s children.

To Johan my wife and son Richard all my interest in the Rectorie or personage of Over Stowey.

To son Humphrey, four oxen, home furnishings and six silver spoons.

To daughter Alice Richards, ten shillings.

To daughter Ann Saunders, ten shillings.

To Isabel Selleck, ten shillings and ten shillings to her son.

To all my godchildren, twelve pence.

Residue to wife Johan.

Executors: Wife Johan and sons William and Richard.

Overseers: Mr. Thomas Mallett, Esq. Robert Blake and Robert Selleck.

Witnesses: Samuel Mercer, Robert Blockinge, Ottywell Artur, Richard Blake, Robert Black, Thomas Blake, Humphrey Blake, William Blake and Richard Blacke.

(Eldest child of Humphrey Blake of Over Stowey.)

 

71 Soame 1618

HUMPHRY BLAKE the Elder.

Will dated Sep. 21st 1628, proved June 27th 1620, by his son Humphrey Blake.

To be buried at Over Stowey. Advowson of Aisholt to my son Edmund, in default to Mary my daughter, then to my son Robert. Elizabeth, wife of Humphry my son. To Ann Blake my wife, 100 marks. My son Richard. My son John. Robert Perry, gent. Humphry Blake, of Bridgewater, gent. William Blake.  Richard Blake, of Stogumber, gent. Robert Blake.

Written on the floor of the aisle of Over Stowey Church is the following:

Here lyeth the body of Humphrey Blake, of Over Stowey, clothier, deceased :

who was buried March 20, 1619. Also Ann, his wife, Dec 11th 1645.

 

343 Brent 1652.

ARTHUR BLAKE, of Wiveliscombe, Somerset gent. Will dated Nov 3rd 1652, proved June 16th  1653, by the Overseers during the minority of Elizabeth Blake. Arthur Blake my nephew & godson. My two youngest brothers. Mary my youngest daughter. Jane my now wife. Elizabeth my eldest daughter. My uncle Edward Blake, my brother Humphry Blake, & John Michel, Overseers.

172 Mico 1654

RICHARD BLAKE, of Neather Weacombe, Stogumber, Somerset, gent. Will dated Sep. 17th 1654, proved Dec 15th 1666, by his relict Ann Blake. My wife Ann. My eldest son John. My 2nd son Richard, &c.

 

152 Hyde 1664.

HUMPHRY BLAKE, of Plainsfield, Over Stowey, Somerset, gent.  Will dated Jan 17th 1664, proved Dec 22nd 1665, by Elizabeth, the relict. My son John Blake. To my son Nathaniel Blake, the Advowson of Aisholt, & an annuity of £30. To my son Arthur, an annuity of £10. Tenement in Charlinch, late in the occupation of my brother Richard Blake, decd. To my son Roger, an annuity of £10 out of ‘the tenement in Lower Aisholt which I bought of Edward Huish of Donyford, decl. My daughter Elizabeth Blake,£300 at age of 21. Elizabeth, now wife of my son John Blake, & Dorothy, daughter of John Blake, 20/ each for rings. My daughter Mary Blake, a silver tankard, & £300, at age of 21. Residue to Elizabeth my now wife. £200 to son Arthur Blake.

Extrix. My friends Dr. John Sellick, of Nether Stowey, John Pratt of Thurloxton and George Upton of Fitzhead.

Elizabeth his wife was daughter of George Upton of Fitzhead

3 Darcy 1580

THOMAS BLAKE, of Wedmore, Somerset, yeoman. Will dated Dec 17th 1580, proved Jan 27th  1580, by Isabell the relict. My sons Thomas & John. My daughters Luce & Elizabeth. Residue to Isabell my wife.

Exix. William Baber, & my brother John Blake, overseers.

 

8 Wingfields 1609

THOMAS BLAKE died 23rd Nov 1609 proved by Frances Blake wid. Lands to my wife, then to my son Edmund and Elizabeth my daughter.

Admon. 22nd Dec 1623 to John Broughton and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of deceased, Frances Blake widow having died.

83 Twisse 1646

ROBERT BLAKE, of Porlock, Somerset, Clerk. Will dated Apr 17th 1646. Admon. June 23rd 1646, to.my brother George Blake. My daughter Mary Blake,Exix. My sister Ursula & her husband. My sister Mary & her husband. My father Mr Elias Blake, Parson of East Anstie

 

1532

JOHN BLAKE of Cutcombe. To my wife Jone. Witness Robert Blake.

7 Grey 1650

ANN BLAKE, widow of William Blake. Will dated Nov 1st 1650, proved Apr 6th 1651, by her daughter Ann Blake. Lands in Kensington & Brompton, Midd., & £800, to my daughter Ann Blake, at age of 23, but my son Xtopher Blake to have the lands on payment of £800 to her. My friend John Maynard of the Middle Temple. My daughter Mary Blake, £100. To my dear mother Mrs Lady Hawker, my sister Bisse, & my sister Chafin, 20s each for rings. Poor of St. Andrew, Holborn, £3. Residue to my daughter Ann Blake, Exix.

174 Berkeley

1655.ELIZABETH BLAKE, of Overstowey, Somerset, widow. Will dated Dec 22nd 1655, proved May 16th 1656, by John Sellick. To poor of Halse & Overstowey. My son John, £80.  My daughter Grace, £80 at 21. My son Robert. My brother John Sellick, my brother in law William Hawkins, and my cousin George Corner, Over- seers.

 

15 Hene 1667.

GEORGE BLAKE, of Plymouth, Devon, gent.

Will dated Feb 3rd 1666-7, proved Feb 19th 1667/8. My sons George & Robert. My daughters Bridget & Jane. My son in law William Bickton.

 

1 Degg 1702.

RICHARD BLAKE of Exeter Merchant. Will dated Mar 31st 1690, proved Jan 22nd 1702/3 by Johanna Crosse. My cousin Elizabeth Kempe, daughter of Alexander Kempe, late of Wellington, Somerset, decd. Residue to my sister in law Johanna Crosse, daughter of my father in law John Crosse, of Trull, Somerset, gent, Exix.

 

107 Farrant 1727.

MARY BLAKE, relict of William Blake, merchant, of Bridgwater.

Will dated Jan 20th 1725, proved May 15th 1727, by Henry Sellick. Thomas Minturne, my first husband. To Henry Sellick, of West Monkton, £20.

Many ‘Sealeys’ also named in her will.

 

45 Hale 1676

JOHN BLAKE of Langport. (Ironmonger)

Feb 8th 1676

In the name of God Amen I John Blake of Langport Estover in the County of Somersett Iron- monger though sick of body yet of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be to Almighty God doe make my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following viz: first I give and bequeath my Soule to my maker in and through Christ my Saviour I trust in the Resurrection at the last day I desire my Body to he buryed in the Church yard of Langport aforesaid.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Edith Blake twenty hundred powndes to be paid or secured by my Execiitrix in three monethes after my decease .And my Will is that if my daughter Edith doth not lyve untill shee accomplish the age of eighteene yeares or not married then to remaine to my Executrix during her naturall life And after her death to be equally devided betwene my brothers and sisters child or children remaining.

Item I give unto my servant Ann Blisset ffyve Pounds To be paid in twelve months after my decease. Item I give Twenty shillings to the use of the Church and twenty shillings to the use of the Poore of Langport To be paid in twelve monthes after my decease. My will is that after all my debts and Legacies are paid and discharged I make my wife Elizabeth Blake my whole sole Executrix of all my goods chattelles and landes that I have my Will is that after my wife Elizabeth Blakes naturall life that what she dyes possest of may remaine to the use of my daughter Edith Blake or to her child or children.my Will is that Robert Blake of Ash Priers Gent and William Ball of Langport yeoman and Ambrose Budd of Langport mercer be assistants to my Executrix for the use of her and my daughter In Witnes whereof  I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the day and yeare abovesaid Jo. Blake.         

Sealed signed in the presence of us Ambrose Budd and Barbar Crossman.

Proved at London, 30th May, 1677, by Elizabeth Blake, relict and executrix, and on 16th October, 1699, administration de bonis non granted to Edith Phelipps, widow, daughter and only child of said John Blake.

Edward Phelipps of Montacute in co. Somerset, Knight, this 22nd  day of March, 1698.

I will that Mr. Robert Blake of Aishpriors, Mr. John Browne of Chilthorne Domer and

Mr. Thomas Smith of Ilminster, all in co. Somerset be my trustees, and I give to them £5 each.

Proved 25th Oct 1699

 

Edith Blake became the second wife of Edward Phelipps of Montacute, Somerset.

 

Halse Wills

 

Will of William Blake of Wembdon proved in 1594 in which he refers to his father Robert Blake of Halse and his son John, under age, he desired to be buried at Halse.

 

Will of John Blake of Halse, proved, 1620.

 

1639 Will of Robert Blake of Halse in which he refers to his wife and sons, Robert John, Richard and Edmund.

 

Will of Agnes Blake of Halse, widow, pro 1641.

 

Administration of Agnes Blake of Halse, spinster. Admon. Jan 23rd 1646-7 to my brother Robert Blake.

 

Will of Robert Blake of Halse proved 1652, in which he refers to his wife Elizabeth, his sons Robert, John and brother Edmund.

 

Will of Robert Blake of Ashpriors, Gent proved in 1753, refers to sons Robert, John and Brother Joseph.

 

Will of Joseph Blake of Ashpriors  Gent proved 1762, refers to Nephews Robert and John, sons of Brother Robert.

 

Will of Robert Blake of Ashpriors, Esq. Proved 1782 refers to wife Francis, brother John of Halse, Surgeon, his kinsman Robert Blake of London, Gent.

Appendix. This testator has no children.

 

Associated Family Wills.

 

1650

NATHANIEL UPTON of Fitzhead, Som, gent. Will dated 11th Oct 1650.

To my wife Catherine, the farm at Great Bickley for life or forty years if she and Robert Canson live so long, remainder to George, my son; to the four sons of my son in law Robert Blake, viz: Humphrey, Nathaniel, Arthur and Roger Blake, each £10 at 21. Proved

8th May 1651.

 

1665

CATHERINE UPTON of Fitzhead, Som. Widow. Proved 16th Feb 1665.

My daughter Elizabeth Blake, late wife of Humphrey Blake, gent dec. £40.and to John Blake son of the said Humphrey 20s. To Nathaniel, Arthur, Roger, Elizabeth and Mary Blake, my grandchildren, sons and daughters of the said Humphrey, £20 each at 21.

To be buried at Fitzhead Churchyard.

 

1646

WILLIAM SEALY of Bridgwater, Som, Merchant. Will proved 10th May 1646 by Susan Sealey widow. My brother in law Mr. Humphrey Blake.

THOMAS SAUNDERS 1609.

Will dated 26 May 1609 and buried in Lydeard St Lawrence churchyard.

To son Thomas, £40 and land in Woolavington called Preston Close.

To son Christopher, £40 and two meadows (7 acres) in Halse called Haleswood.

To son Robert, £40.

Wife Ann and son Thomas were to give his daughter Agnes, life tenure of a house called Northwalk in Cheddon Fitzpayne, if she paid out of the property, 40s a year to his son John. If this was done, Agnes was to give up her rights to a house in Chappeoey, in the parish of Lydeard St. Lawrence, which was to be given to his sons, Robert and Christopher.

To daughter, Joan Wrentmore, 10s and £3 to be divided between her sons, Thomas, John and Nicholas.

To daughter, Elizabeth Wolcott, 10s and 20s to her son John.

Residue to wife Anne, who was made Executrix.

(Thomas Saunders wife was Anne Blake daughter of John Blake the Elder.)

 

Archdeanory of Taunton 1586.

JOHN TUXWELL, of Spaxton, Somerset. Will dated June 16th 1586, proved 1586. To he buried in the Church before my seat. Lands, &c to my mother Alice Tuxwell for life, and at her death to George Dodington, Gent, my father in law, John Haines als Milton, my uncle, Humphrey Blake and others, for 21 years in trust for Mary, my daughter, under 21. My wife Johan & my daughter Mary, Extrices.

 

1611

WILLIAM HUISHE of Aller Som, Gent . Will dated 12th June 1611.

To my sister Elizabeth Blake, 20 nobles.

 

1617

JOHN PERRY of Halse, Gent died 7th May 1617 – Mentions son in law Robert Blake.

Witness Simon Sydenham.

 

1651

ROBERT JESSOP, Rector of Kilve, Som, Clerk. Will proved 23rd Jan 1651.

My Grandchildren, John and Richard Blake sons of Richard Blake of Stogumber and Ann his wife.

 

198 Marlboro 1722.

ANN LUTTRELI, relict of Edward Luttrell, the younger, Gent., decd. Will dated Mar 19th 1722, proved Oct 27th  1722, by Waiter Hungerford. To be buried in the Parish Church of Brimble (Bremhill), Wilts, near my Mother Dame Frances Hungerford, and £100 to be laid out in a monument to her and to myself, and £100 for my funeral and carriage of my corpse. To my cousin Diana Blake, daughter of James Blake, of Russell Street, Bloomsbury, my gold watch, chain, etc. My brother Walter Hungerford’s wife. Mourning rings of 10s each to my brother Ducy Hungerford and my cousin Jane Blake. To my nephew John Keat, £10 for mourning. Residue to my brother Walter Hungerford, Esq. in trust for the benefit of my only son until he is 21 or married, and if my son should die, then I give the said residue to my brother Walter, he to be Exor. To my brother Ducy Hungerford and my nephew John Keate, £100 each. To the poor of Brimble (if my son should die) £500, the interest to the poor.

 

Indentures.

 

1667

 

9th May, 1667, between Humphrey Blake of Twickenham, Middx. gent., of the one part, and Augustine Question of Carhampton, Somerset, gent., and Nicholas Blake of Dunster, Somerset, gent., of the other part, witnessing that the said Humphrey Blake, for £120 paid him by said N. Blake, and 5s said A. Question, hath sold to said A. Question and his heirs 691 acres of land in Puriton and Bawdripp, parcel of the Manor of Crandon-cum-Puriton, demised for 40 years by Robert Blake of Bridgewater, Esq., to said Nicholas Blake, 13th

April, 1649; and 33 acres in the same parishes and manor, demised by said Robet Blake for 40 years to Robert Bowdich, at the same date - to hold the premises to the said A. Question and his heirs for ever. in trust for the said Nicholas Blake and his heirs.

This deed was acknowledged in Chancery by the said Humphrey Blake, 7th Aug., 1667. (Close Roll, vg Chas. 11. i667, Pt. 3, No. 10.)

Index of Somerset Wills 1812-1837.

Somerset Record Office DD/ED.

 

Code

Name

Year

Place

Trade

Box/Folio

B743

Blake Ann

1831

Ashbrittle

Widow

07/897

B744

Blake Edward

1836

Walcot

Plumber

152/639

B745

Blake Hannah

1838

Compton Dundon

Widow

152/101

B746

Blake James

1845

Bedminster

Gent.

208/244

B747

Blake Joan

1828

Bicknoller

Widow

73/750

B748

Blake John

1833

Bath

Publican

113/190

B749

Blake John

1846

Nether Stowey

Innkeeper

216/339

B750

Blake John

1853

Nether Stowey

Yeoman

254/696

B751

Blake Richard

1842

Winsford

Yeoman

184/1046

B752

Blake Robert

1814

Minehead

Gent

9/500

B753

Blake Robert

1857

Combe St. Nicholas

Yeoman

271/1200

B754

Blake Susannah

1823

Wiveliscombe

Spinster

45/692

B755

Blake Thomas

1824

Compton Dundon

Lab.

48/314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somerset Wills Index by Sir Mervyn Medlycott.

References from the Somerset Record Office.

 

Name

Occ.

Date

Place

Reference

 

Blake Agnus

Wid

1639

Cutcombe

TWP p. 88

 

Blake Agnus

 

1646

Halse

BLK

 

Blake Agnus

 

1646

Halse

TWP p. 117

 

Blake Edmund

 

1692

Nether Stowey

WDC

 

Blake Edmund

 

1762

Nether Stowey

WDC

 

Blake Francis

 

1768

Glastonbury

WDC

 

Blake Hester

 

1790

Bath

WDC

 

Blake Humphrey

Gent

1559

Overy Stowey

WDC & BLA

 

Blake Humphrey

Clerk

1671

Overy Stowey

MON/3/C

 

Blake James

Carpenter

1646

Dunster

BART p. 141

 

Blake James

Carpenter

1856

Langport

WDC

 

Blake John

 

1532

Cutcombe

WWW p.69

 

Blake John

 

1578

Kilton

WDC

 

Blake John

 

1582

Cutcombe

WDC

 

Blake John

 

1588

Cutcombe

WDC

 

 

Blake John

 

1614

 

D/D/CT

 

Blacke John

 

1682

Pitminster

MGR & MON/3/B

 

Blake John

 

1699

 

WDC

 

Blake John

Vicar

1753

Curry Rivel

BART p 182

 

Blake John

 

1812

Yeovilton

WDC

 

Blake Joseph

 

1762

Ash Priors

BLK

 

Blake Nathaniel

Rector

1705

Aisholt

BART p. 165

 

Blake Nicholas

 

1646

Dunster

TWP p,67 & 116

 

Blake Richard

Gent

1736

Lower Waycombe

FBC 31/pt/V

 

Blake Robert

 

1639

Halse

BLK

 

Blake Robert

 

1652

Halse

BLK

 

Blake Robert

Gent

1711

Pitminster

MGR

 

Blake Robert

Gent

1711

Pitminster

WDC

 

Blake Robert

Gent

1732

Halse

MON/3/B

 

Blake Robert

 

1753

Ashpriors

BLK

 

Blake Robert

 

1782

Ashpriors

BLK

 

Blake Thomas

Gent

1767

Angersleigh

MON/6/A

 

Blake William

 

1594

Wembdon

BLK

 

Blake William

Yeoman

1664

Spaxton

TWP p.131

 

Blake William

 

1667

Bridgwater

BLK

 

Blake William

Yeoman

1682

Pitminster

MON/3/B

 

Blake William

 

1762

Trull

WDC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WDC = Office Wills Collection

BLK = Blake Wills

MGR = Moger Collection

 

The Blake Wills and Documents of Wiltshire.

 

1476. Will in Prerogative Court of Canterbury.

John Blake Esq of Nether Wallop. Will dated 24 Feb 19. Henry VII.

Body to be buried in Church of St. Andrew in Nether Wallop near Sepulchre to my late wife Margery. To my mother Church of St. Swithin, Winchester 40d. and Church of Our Lady in New Sarun 40d. To curate and Church of our Lady Calne 12d. To Roger Blake 20/-. To Roger of Pynelles; To John Dauntesy, cousin of my wife 10/- To John Blake, my servant 20/-; To my late servant Robert Blake, yeoman 10/-. John Dauntesey shall have moiety of all manors and lands within countries of Southampton and Wilts or elsewhere except certain lands mentioned in Compton and Calne. (which he refers to in connection with his brother Robert Blake).

 

Thomas Blake of Pynells.

Son of Roger Blake of Pynells. Acquired property: 2. Elizabeth I.(1560)

Henry Chaver and Thomas Blake and Edith his wife acquired for £80 messuage and land in Stokewoode and Quemberford. and in 17. Elizabeth I (1575) John Michael and Thomas Blake and Edith his wife, four messuages, five gardens, five orchards, land and common pasture for all cattle with appurtenances in Burbage and in 18. Elizabeth I (1576). William Button Esq and Thomas Blaake, Esq and Edith his wife, six messuages, twenty gardens, twenty orchards and lands with appurtenances in Shawe, Overton, Alton, Barnes, Kynnet, Huysshe, Burbage, Durlee, Collyngborne, Eston, Wootton, Chesburie and Sevenocke, £140 and in 14/15 Elizabeth I (1572) in conjunction with his brother John of Hillcote, Leonard Ivie and John Blaake and Thomas Blaake (armigar) messuage and lands in Shaw and Overton 160 marks.

John Blake of Nether Wallop, son of Robert Blake of Quemberford.

1430-1504.

 

Will John Blake, Esquier of Nether Wallop is at the Diocesan Registry, Salisbury.

 

Post Mortem; He was sized in fee of 2 messuages, a watermill and 7 burzage tenements in Calne worth 100/- held of the King in burbage; 200 acres pasture in Stoke and Stokely, worth 40/- and a capital messuage in Compton Basset by Knight Service Estate to John Dauntesy and his step son Richard Dauntesy. Rest to Robert Blake, brother and Alexander Blake. (nephew)

 

Avice Blake died 1474.

 

1474 Inquest taken at Devices 29 Oct 14. Edward IV.

John Malewyn was seized in his desmesne as of fee, 8 messuages, 184 acres of land, 28 acres of meadow, 21 acres of pasture, and 6 acres of wood with appurtenances in Erchefount and Wedehampton, Co. Wilts. and  had issue Roger and Agnes and in such state died seized, after whose death same messuages, land, meadow, pasture and wood decended to Roger as son and heir of John, by which Roger enfeofted Avice Blake for the term of her life and afterwards Roger took to wife the same Avice and had issue Joan, daughter and heir of Roger on his death. And Avice took Robert Blake. And they say that said messuages are held of the Abbey of St. Mary, Winchester and are worth yearly in all £9. Avice died 29 Oct 13 Edward IV and John Blake is her son and nearer heir and is 40 years old or more.