John Cobb

Day 86- to Esher via Hersham. John Rhodes Cobb( 1899-1952) was a motor racing enthusiast who was three times holder of the land speed record in 1938, 1939 and 1947 set at Bonneville Speedway in Utah, USA. He was killed whilst piloting a jet powered speedboat attempting to break the World Water Speed Record on Loch Ness. He was born in Esher and frequented the Brooklands motor racing track as a boy and later raced there. After Eton and Trinity College Cambridge he joined his fathers fur trading firm. He lived at Grove House in Esher an 18th century mansion which was demolished in late 20th century. In 2017 a blue plaque was unveiled by Richard Noble at the newly re-built Cranmer Primary School which is on the site of the Grove Park Estate.