Elizabeth (Eliza) Knipe Cobbold (1764-1824) was a well-educated woman who published poetry from an early age. Her first publication was called Six Narrative Poems (1787). Other published poems were: The Mince Pye: A Heroic epistle (1791) and Ode to the Victory of Waterloo (1815).
At the age of 27 she married John Cobbold, of the well-known brewing family, and became mistress of the Manor House and step-mother of his 14 children. They had a further 7 children. Cliff House (now The Brewery Tap, Cliff Quay) and Holywells Mansion were also family homes. She was a champion of the arts, history and science. She founded and supported many local charities.
Her elaborately cut Valentine cards remain of local historical interest and can be viewed at the Suffolk Record Office. A fossil shell was named after her, Nucula Cobboldiae. The author Clara Reeve is said to have been a friend of Eliza.
Elizabeth supported Margaret Catchpole, her servant, through Margaret's trials, imprisonment and transportation.
A portrait of Elizabeth is in Christchurch Mansion.