Memorial to John Cobb's family

Christ's Church, Esher, Surrey, UK.

Inscriptions on the memorial record the names of all four immediate members of the family. John's mother, Florence Cobb, suffered the personal tradgedy that her husband and both sons died before her.

• Rhodes Hawtyn Cobb 1930
• Rhodes Stanley Cobb 1934
• John Rhodes Cobb 1952
• Florence Harriet Cobb 1963

John Cobb held the World Land Speed Record for a piston-engined vehicle, driven through the wheels. This record, 394mph, was achieved in 1947. John Cobb died in 1952, while attempting a World Water Speed Record. Considering his position in British and World history, I was surprised to find his grave neglected. I cleared grass, weeds and cobwebs from it before taking these pictures. John Cobb holds the lap record for the Brooklands outer circuit. He drove a Napier-Railton special and lapped at an average speed of 143.45 mph, achieving 165 mph on the railway straight.

To find this memorial, walk a few yards north from the centre of Esher. Enter the churchyard via the first gate - that used by vehicles. The memorial is just to your right.