THE COBHAMS OF KENT AND ENGLAND
This latest article by Derek Barnard tells us something of the lives of the Lords of Cobham, their victories and their honours as well as their narrow escapes.
Walking across Rochester Bridge and admiring again
the intricate painting of the fruit, flowers, animals and coats of arms
which adorn that structure, I thought of John de Cobham whose arms form
part of the Bridgewarden's heraldry. I wondered why it was that some men
leave their mark on the history of the City and surrounding area whilst
others of equal standing are forgotten and only reported upon by the most
ardent researchers. I suppose luck plays a part but more importantly
perhaps is the impression they made on their peers.
However, to return to the Cobhams. Though of humble birth, Hemy de
Cobham was a Crusader who fought with Richard Lionheart at the seige of
Acre. His military prowess must have been exceptional for he was granted
the most important peace-time command in the royal service: the
Lieutenancy of Dover Castle. He purchased the Cobham estate in 1209; he
died seventeen years later.
The Cobhams had the ability to expand and consolidate their estates
through each succeeding generation and to fight on the right side in
national disputes or swear allegiance to the victors very quickly after
any error of judgement. The son and grandson of Crusader Henry made their
careers in law but were well trained in the art of warfare for both were
Constables of Rochester Castle, the younger being present with Simon de
Montfort at the 1264 seige. He also went with Edward I on his Scottish
campaign when he was almost seventy and fought in the resounding victory
at Falkirk. During this period they expanded their estates through Shorne
and Cooling onto the Hoo Peninsular.
The next Henry, who succeeded in 1300 was elevated to the peerage
as Baron Cobham. He was Constable of Rochester, Dover and Tonbridge
castles as well as being Warden of the Cinque Ports. The second Baron took
over these roles and is described on his funeral brass in Cobham church as
a 'courteous host'. On an early campaign in France with Edward I he earned
the proud distinction of being dubbed Knight Baronet, an honour only
conferred for distinguished service in the field.
By now the Cobhams ranked amongst the highest families in the land
and it was to this eminent position that John succeeded in 1355 and was to
run, his estates for 52 years. Like his father, he had been dubbed Knight
Baronet in battle and as one of the leading magnates of the land and
trusted King's officer, he undertook a number of diplomatic missions on
behalf of the King. He had a high regard for the church and was concerned
about his future salvation. To these ends, he founded the chantry college
at Cobham, enlarged Cobham church and rebuilt its tower, employing the
King's master mason Henry Yevele as his architect.
Our
picture shows the Bridge Chapel just after its restoration, at a cost of
£2500 in 1937. The first application to the Charity Commissioners to use
Bridge Trust money for its restoration was refused on the grounds that
‘there are already enough places of worship in Rochester’. A
subsequent request for its use as a board room for the Wardens was
acceptable for the Commissioners.