We all know that Rev Richard Cobbold (1797-1877) #106 in the tree, was economical with the truth about Margaret Catchpole’s life in that he dramatized it when subsequent study has shown that none was necessary. A book entitled The Romance of the Lyrebird by Alec H. Chisholme, published in 1960, has been drawn to our attention by our good friends in Australia, Robyn and Penelope Sharpe and our library copy has just arrived from down under.
Chapter 7, The Catchpole-Cobbold Fantasy tells us that Richard also hugely, and again quite unnecessarily, embellished his description of this fine creature, two specimens of which Margaret sent home to Richard’s mother, Elizabeth. After her death these were presented to the Museum in Ipswich by Richard’s eldest brother, Robert Knipe Cobbold (1792-1859) #100.
Ironically, without his enhancements the story might never have achieved the notoriety which ensured its survival! An error of judgement or inadvertent good marketing?
