
The Le Blond Family
My father, Robert (Bob) Le Blond (1916-1998) began our genealogy research, starting with a family bible.
There were many Roberts in our family, including the first to arrive in England, settling in Spitalfields with his son, also Robert. I am not sure where in France they were from, with some evidence pointing to Dieppe and other suggestions including La Tremblade in the South West. The second Robert married Elizabeth Mahjou (or Mahieu) in 1695 at St Botolph, Aldgate, but this was his second marriage as he is described as a widower on the marriage certificate. He became a denizen in 1699-1700. His will sheds more light, with indications of children with his first wife. His third child with his second wife, another Robert, is my six times great grandfather.
Robert, born 1702, was baptized at the Huguenot Chapel at the Artillery. He was indentured to watchmaker Peter Lormier in 1717 and married Madeleine Lormier (his master’s daughter). In 1748, he is described as a ‘watchmaker to Edward Welch, Blacksmiths’ Company’. Robert and Madeleine had four children, of which the first, another Robert, was my direct ancestor.
This next Robert was born in 1732 and was an apprentice in the Blacksmiths’ Company. He married Elizabeth Chausac (or Chansat) in 1754. The Huguenot Museum found an interesting document, which is a marriage bond in the sum of £200 to the Bishop of London should there be a legal reason why the marriage could not take place. This Robert is the first to have evidence of residence in Spitalfields, at Elder Street, in 1768. He was a Director of the French Hospital in 1785.