Martin Blake

Rev. Martin Blake (1593-1673) was vicar of Barnstaple in Devon, 1628–56; 1660–73, and suffered much for his adherence to the Royalist cause during the Civil War, as related in John Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy (1714). According to Chanter (1882) "The eventful history of the Rev. Martin Blake has been often written in public history and local annals". Origins This "learned and noted man" was born on 20 September 1593 in Plymouth, Devon, the second son of Nicholas Blake (1552-1645/6), merchant and Mayor of Plymouth in 1625, by his first wife Joan Goddard (d.1619) of Kingsbridge. Career He was educated at Plymouth Grammar School, founded in 1561 by, amongst others, a certain William Blake, probably his grandfather. He then went to Balliol College, Oxford, shortly after in 1611 transferring to Exeter College, Oxford, especially popular with Devonshire families, where he remained for eight years. He received his Batchelor's degree on 24 May 1614 and Masters on 25 February 1616. Shortly thereafter his elder brother William Blake died, and their father sought to recall Martin, now the eldest son and heir apparent, to the family business in Plymouth. Martin persuaded the Bishop of Oxford to ordain him Deacon, which put an end to his father's plans, and indeed won his approval. His father purchased for Martin the next presentations to the livings of the parishes of fremington and King's Nympton in North Devon. At about this time he met his future wife Elizabeth Delbridge, a younger daughter of John Delbridge of Barnstaple, merchant and a Member of Parliament for Barnstaple, whom he married in St Peter's Church, Barnstaple on 28 February 1619-20. At Oxford he was strongly influenced in his religious views by his brother-in-law Dr George Hakewill and by John Downe. Vicar of Barnstaple He was appointed Vicar of Barnstaple on 1 December 1628.