A Blackett Governor

William Blackett was Governor of Plymouth, Devon, which was, and still remains, one of the main bases of the Royal Navy. In his Will, proved in 1782, he stated:

“I desire that my body may be kept as long as it may not be offensive, and that one or more of my toes and fingers may be cut off to secure the certainty of my being dead. I also make the further request to my dear wife, that as she has been troubled with an old fool, she will not think of marrying a second.”