Main Blackett Tree

No firm evidence has been found to prove that George was a son of Nicholas. However, given the approximate dates (this George married 3 years before Thomas, the son & heir of Nicholas), and the fact that he acquired land in West Shipley on his marriage in 1546, it is highly likely that he was a brother of Richard of Shipley and Hole House, who acquired in 1579 a pardon for entry without licence for a messuage and 10 acres in North Bedburn "called Shipley Common". In 1546, at West Shipley, Cuthbert Brackynbury, gent., and Anne his wife [half-sister of Alice Tempest], one the one part and William Clarke "our servant" on the other part, demised a tenement in Hamsterley Forest for 21 years, at a rent of 33s 4d, "on the occasion of Geo Blackett's wyf wedding".

1546 George Blackett was granted a lease for 21 years at 33s 4d of West Shipley "on the occasion of his wife's wedding" (HPH p.31). According to Dr. Peter Franklin two parties have made an indenture of lease with Cuthbert Brackenbury and Ann his wife leasing the land to William Clarke. William Clarke may be the father or close relative of the bride, and the land may have been granted to him to form part of a marriage settlement made when she was to marry George Blackett. William Clarke's will and inventory dated Oct/Nov 1582 shows him as of West Shipley in the parish of Hamsterley.