Archives and local studies

The Earls of Darnley employed numerous people to work in the hall and grounds, some of whom were from Cobham village or other villages in the locality but also many who originated outside Kent. The censuses from 1841 to 1901 include Cobham Hall and list butlers, housemaids, cooks, dairy maids, grooms, gardeners, gamekeepers etc.

Several records in the Darnley Archive will be of interest to family historians who had ancestors who worked on the estate. They include various wages records, sickness records and occasionally, references for individuals have also survived.

These images are from the Darnley Archive and Local Studies collections. To see the originals please contact Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre.

Select an image for a larger version

Left. Shooting party, probably including gamekeepers on the Cobham Estate. Early 20th century [U565_E647]. Right. Part of a letter addressed to "Bennett" from the 6th Earl of Darnley, about arrangements for a pension and light duties in the stables as a result of ill-health. 1899 [U565_E468].

Left. Letter from Charles Gould to John Bligh, 3rd Earl of Darnley, with character reference for John Onion, a footman. 1777 [U565_H029]. Right. Extract from the Cobham Estate accounts, showing wages paid to some of the servants. 1796 [U565_A15a].

Left. Part of a list of labourers invited to dinner. 1907 [U565_F426]. Right. The stables and coachhouse at Cobham Hall. 20th century [U565_E829].

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