#31, Thomas COBBOLD

Thomas' baptism is recorded in Rattlesden as 24th April 1680 so his birth date was almost certainly a few days earlier.  His family were farmers and Thomas became a Maltster in Bury St Edmunds who expanded when he founded the family brewery behind the Cups Hotel in King's Quay St, Harwich in 1723. His motivation in choosing Harwich is thought to be based on a growing population and the fact that as a garrison town on the coast there would be thirsty soldiers and sailors.  He and his son moved the brewery to the Cliff in Ipswich in 1746, so as to access the abundant supply of fine clear water at what was to become the family's Holywells Estate. Acknoledging his roots he was  buried in St James' Churchyard, Bury St Edmunds 2nd June 1752. There is a Monumental Inscription in the Churchyard.  His will was dated 4th April 1740 and proved 2nd (?) November 1752