Richard Blake -school master Norwich

[JoolsAnn123]

Richard Blake was born in Norwich in 1772. He married Elizabeth Trigg in 1800. After her death he married Elizabeth Nighton in 1816.

Richard is described as a 'school master' on the baptism & marriages of several of his children. I was surprised to find that at least 3 of his children were unable to sign their names on their marriages.

Can anyone come up with a reason for this?

I think Richard died in 1846. I can't find him on the 1841 census to check his profession.

[mckha489]

Described as a school master at death of wife too

OCR text.
Wednesday last, aged -36, Mr-. Blake, wife of Mr. Richard Blake, school- master, Eaton, ing siv stnalj child to lament their loss.

18 November 1815 - Norfolk Chronicle - Norwich,

I notice both wives made their mark at marriage although he signed.
Were the three who marked at their marriage girls?


If both bride and groom marked, then you could consider the cleric said “make your mark here” so they did! Desleigh being able to write. But if only one marked then you might be more suspicious. 

[mckha489]

I think Richard died in 1846. I can't find him on the 1841 census to check his profession.

The only Richard Blake burial in Norfolk I can see in 1846 was age 2

[JoolsAnn123]

Thanks. Interesting thoughts.
Where did you find the Norfolk Chronicle?

Two sons and one daughter signed X on marriage

[mckha489]

Where did you find the Norfolk Chronicle?

FindMyPast.
 I was looking for his death notice. But nothing so far.

[mckha489]

There is another burial of a Richard Blake 26 Jan 1842, of Grimston.  Burial register says he was 68. But I cannot see that death in the GRO index.

Grimston to Eaton quite a long way.  Where were the children living when they married?

[JoolsAnn123]

Hmm.... I don't seem to have the right subscription to look at newspapers on FindMyPast

I think his 2nd wife was living in Norwich after his death, but cannot be absolutely sure it's her. But if so, likely he died in Norwich.

[mckha489]

If you go direct to

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/

You can register and have three free reads.
(You can search as much as you like)

[JoolsAnn123]

Emily Blake married David Wiseman in 1839 Norwich.
William Smith Blake married Esther Seaman 1834 Norwich
Mary Ann Blake married Robert Larkman 1823 Lakenham