A SPECIAL service to remember and celebrate the life of one of Bridgwater's famous sons, Robert Blake is being held in the town.

The service will take place at 11am on Sunday, August 11 at The Unitarian Chapel in Dampiet Street, Bridgwater.

Born in 1598 Robert Blake was the eldest son of the large family of a well-to-do Bridgwater shipping merchants.

His father and grandfather had been mayors of Bridgwater and two of his younger brothers were later to fill that office.

He was not destined to be a businessman, but found his vocation in life with the outbreak of the Civil War.

He joined the Parliamentary army and became a captain.

Blake was eventually appointed one of three Generals-at-Sea in 1649 and was to serve Cromwell.

His final battle took place against the Spanish in Cadiz and the entire Spanish squadron was destroyed.

Blake was injured and knowing that he was dying his last wish was to set foot once more on English soil and return to his beloved Somerset.

His wish was not fulfilled. In 1657 he died as his ship entered Plymouth Sound.

His body was embalmed and carried to Greenwich to lie in state. From here it was taken up the Thames to London for a grand state funeral and buried in King Henry V11's Chapel in Westminster Abbey amongst the great and the good of the Commonwealth, only to be disinterred by them after the Restoration.

He and his family were Presbyterians. Although he died before the present Unitarian Chapel was erected (in 1688) replacing a former building which been destroyed during the unrest, members of his family attended worship here.

The service will be co-ordinated by the Chapel's Honorary Lay Pastor, Eleanor Dixon who is a member of the Blake family.