Richard Cobby, Smuggler..

[patrick]

I read an item recently about a medal which had been awarded to Richard Cobby for serving at the Battle of Navarino in 1827. he had been impressed into the Royal Navy because of his activities as a smuggler, After the battle he escaped and went to Hastings and continued his smuggling but was never caught either for going AWL or for his other pursuits. he died in Hastings in 1859 where he had been living in a cottage probably doing a bit of fishing as well. I wonder if any of his descendents are about ? It is an unusual name. Incidentally if you wish to buy the medal it is on offer for a bargain price of GBP6,000. Hurry up.

[gfdancy]

Hi
I do have a friend who had Cobby as her surname,she lives locally. I don't know whether it is her maiden name or the name of her First husband,she has remarried .Will try and find out for you.

[Gerry Glyde]

There are several Cobby families on the electoral register in Hastings St Leonards and Rye.

[dianaburwen]

I, my sister and our cousin think we are descendants. Unfortunately we missed the sale!! But I'd love to know of other descendants, and it would be fun to track the medal from Richard to the present. We think we're not related to the Cobby gentleman hung for the Hawkhurst murders, but.......