Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.

Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Wanted a “COBBY” Servant

Victorian Domestic

A letter directed to the Fareham Guardians of the Workhouse from a lady living in Ryde, stated she was open to taking a girl from the Workhouse as a domestic servant. “The girl must be honest, truthful, cleanly, and willing; not a tall girl, but a strong cobby one.” An orphan preferred, and a good training was promised the girl. The lady explained that as a rule “girls with large, strong hands are hard-working.” She added that she wanted a civil girl, and one who would strive to get on. The home was comfortable, and the age of the girl to be about 15 or 16.

A dictionary definition of ‘cobby’ states: Adjective
(of horses, dogs, and other animals) Shortish and thickset; stocky.

Source: Isle of Wight Observer 13 October 1894

Picture source: Wikipedia