Robert Blake

     Robert was born circa 1523 in the parish of Over Stowey, Somersetshire, England. He was the son of Humphrey Blake and Agnes (?) Robert married Margaret Symonds. Robert & Margaret had children: Ansastatia [ca. 1550][m. 1572 Robert Bocking], William [m. Phebe] & Humphrey [5/16/1563-11/19/1624][m. Sarah Williams d/o John Williams].¹ He received from his father the Manor of Tuxwell in Somersetshire. It was there, he owned a fulling mill. He later removed to Bridgwater and there became a wealthy and influential merchant as a clothier.² On his death bed, he made a nuncupative will on 11 October 1592.

The brief noncupative will of Robert Blake of Bridgwater, merchant: The manor of “Truxwell in Radlett” was given to his son William. His son Humphrey, who was made executor, was given the manors of Puriton and Crandon.³

Robert departed this life in Bridgwater. He was buried there in the churchyard of St. Mary's on Thursday, 15 October 1592.⁴ His will was probated on 26 October 1592. At the inquisition post mortem it was proven that he owned the manors of Tuxwell, Puriton & Crandwell as well as other lands and properties in the Over Stowey area.