Ralph W. Lucas (1796-1874)

The de Cobham family occupied a house here in the Middle Ages but the modern history of Cobham Hall began with William Brooke, 10th Lord Cobham, an important figure at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Subsequent misfortune led to the estate being confiscated. In 1613, the manor at Cobham was presented by James I to Ludovic Stuart, 2nd Duke of Lennox. Lennox was created Duke of Richmond in 1623 and Cobham Hall became the principal residence of the Dukes of Richmond and Lennox.