Page 23 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

1869). During the Blaker's 400-year association with the parish, the family have
taken prominent positions in public life.

The church of St. Nicholas was constructed, in around 1170, of rubble and flint
with Caen stone dressings. The nave, south aisle and the lower part of the tower
all date from this time. The font is particularly interesting. The shaft of the font
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dates from the 15 century and it is octagonal with foliated panels but the lead-
lined bowl has been renewed.

Font, St. Nicholas, Portslade Old Village, Sussex

The earliest mention of the dedication to St Nicolas occurred in 1489. Although
today we tend to associate St Nicholas exclusively with Christmas, in earlier
times he was best known as the patron saint of sailors and children. It is an
obvious dedication because of the proximity of the sea and the ever-present
dangers awaiting sailors and fishermen. The church was also a landmark to those
at sea, a cheerful sight on their way home.

There are many Blaker graves and memorials in the churchyard of St. Nicholas.
The most prominent of these are the vaults located to the exterior of the church,
to the east and west of the walls of the southern aisle.

Blaker Memorial Plaque above Vault, St. Nicholas – Note Coat of Arms

Although some ruins remain, most of the manor house was purposely demolished
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in the 19 century for reasons unknown. Today, the remaining structure is much
valued as a rare example of a Norman manor house. Conservation work has been
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carried out, including the restoration of a 12 century window, previously taken
down because it was in a dangerous state. The manor was built so close to the
church that one of its walls formed part of the churchyard boundary. It is thought
there was once a direct connection between the two, with a sheltered way and a
now vanished doorway leading straight into the chancel from the manor side.

Whilst there have been many notable Blaker family members descended from
the Blaker family of Portslade, the following illustrates the family wealth and
importance:
• Edward Blaker of Portslade was granted a Coat of Arms in
1616 – these depict the side-facing heads of three Blackamoors - negroes
with African hair. The significance of these images is not known.
• Nathaniel Blaker (1742-1815) was one of the wealthiest
men in Portslade. He married Elizabeth Rogers of Patcham, and they had a
large family of five daughters and seven sons. He was churchwarden at St.
Nicolas in 1764. When he died in 1815, he left £25,000 - a considerable
fortune for those days. He left his house to his two spinster daughters,
Catharine age 40 years and Cordelia aged 27 years. The last Blaker living
at ‘Kemps’ appears to be Anna Kemp Blaker (1784-1869). After