BLAKE, Robert (1766-1823), of Essex Street, Strand, Westminster and Lyminster, Suss.

Blake’s father, who came from Salisbury, was a successful King’s bench attorney in partnership with John Norris in Essex Street in the Strand. His clients included Horace Walpole, the Marquess of Townshend and the Earl of Radnor. As soon as he was of age Blake entered the partnership, and after his father’s death his partners were Richard White and subsequently William Ainge. His son John Goble Blake in turn entered the partnership. He acquired Sussex property through his wife. In 1819 he contested a by-election at Arundel on the independent interest, forcing the 12th Duke of Norfolk’s candidate to retire and defeating another Whig substitute. No speech or vote is known in the ensuing session. Blake died 8 Feb. 1823.1PCC 125 Richards.