Whilst living at Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, Robert BLAKE (b. 19 May 1805) and his brother Shadrach were swept up in the protests ("swing riots") against the new agricultural machinery. Robert was convicted for "stealing brass" and transported to VDL, where he was put into the service of Archibald McDowall of 'Logan' near Bothwell.

Robert Blake married Mary Bowden in 1835 and was freed about the same time. In the 1850s he and some others in the district went to the Victorian gold fields. They were somewhat successful there and after returning to Bothwell, Robert owned a number of houses in the town.

Robert and Mary had 12 children and were staunch supporters of the Weslyan Methodist church. Mary died 26 July 1861 and Robert 23 April 1873.