The surname Blake was adopted in remark of Richard's dark complexion.
He was the eldest son of William Blake, a burgess of the town, and had at least two siblings, Andrew and Thomas.
Blake's tenure is notable for the agreement signed between him and the then Clanricarde, William Burke, which bound the latter to defend the rights of the church of St. Nicholas's, Galway.
In return, Blake guaranteed that daily prayers would be said in the church for de Burgo, and that a canonry would be established for his son, Richard Burke.
Blake married a daughter of Clanricarde, Annabel Burke, and had issue Geoffrey, Walter, Andrew, and Peter.