Rector - Albert le Blanc (1668-1729)
Albert Le Blanc PQ3S-267 was born c.1668. According to the Clergy of the Church of England Database, Albert was ordained as a deacon on 22nd April 1693 at the prestigious Bishop’s Palace, Fulham and eight months later his appointment as priest was conducted on 24th December 1693 this time at St. Botolphs, Aldersgate in London. He graduated from Cambridge University as a Master of Arts in 1714 and was appointed as the vicar of Aldenham church, Hertfordshire also in 1714.
Meanwhile, he had met Ann La Fage PQNY-71M and they were married on 9th February 1719. Both Albert and Anne were French Huguenots so their wedding was held at the Spring Garden Chapel in the French Chapel of the Savoy (now known as the King’s Chapel).
We learn from the attached documents that Reverend Albert also led ceremonies here as the minister because the marriage of William Stanhope and Anne Griffiths was taken by him in April 1719. William Stanhope was the first Earl of Harrington, a British statesman and diplomat. His wife Ann Griffith sadly died the same year they were married in December 1719 whilst giving birth to twin boys (who survived).
Ann’s parents were Colonel Edward Griffith and Elizabeth Lawrence. After the death of Colonel Griffith, Elizabeth Lawerence married the politician Charles Mohun, 4th Baron Mohun of Okehampton; she then became Lady Mohun (pronounced Moon). The Cambridge University Alumni List 1261-1900 informs us that Reverend Albert Le Blanc was Chaplain to Lady Mohun which perhaps explains why he was the minister who conducted her daughter’s wedding. If we look into the background of Lady Mohun’s second husband, Charles, we can understand why she would have valued the friendship and support of Reverend Le Blanc.
Charles Mohun was known for his obsession with participating in duels. In fact, he eventually met his death in the notorious Hamilton-Muhon duel in Hyde Park, London in 1712, leaving his second wife, Elizabeth a widow for a second time. He was 35 years old.
Perhaps because he was seeking a more peaceful life, Reverend Le Blanc was presented to the living of St. Cuthbert’s church, Halsall by Peter Walter of the parish of St. Margaret, Westminster who was the patron of Halsall church at that time. On 3rd April 1719, Reverend Le Blanc was appointed as rector of Halsall church.
A study carried out by John Malcolm Virgoe in July 2003, entitled ‘Rural South West Lancashire in the 18th Century: the land and the people’, praises the efficiency of the keeping of the parish registers under the rectorship of Albert Le Blanc – especially when noting the occupations of his parishioners. Or perhaps the church wardens at that time were particularly conscientious!
Sadly, Albert’s wife, Anne fell ill and died in 1728; she was buried on 20th November at St. James’ church, Sussex Gardens, Paddington, London.
Approximately six months later, Reverend Albert Le Blanc passed away; he was buried at St. Cuthbert’s church, Halsall on 1st June 1729.
In his will he left £20 to the Poor of the parish of Halsall. A wooden tablet in the old school (choir vestry of St. Cuthbert’s) is displayed stating as much. (£20 equates to £3,333.00 according to the Bank of England inflation calculator, August 2025).
