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The Australian marriage certificate of Robert Cocking to Isabella Murray on 18 April 1854 lists his birth place as Exeter with an age of 32.

He was therefore born c1821/2 and I know his father was Richard Percy Cocking.

Richard Percy Cocking was in business with his father Robert Cocking senior in London in 1826 as they were then declared bankrupt.

What I would like to try and find out - and am hoping someone could help me with - is firstly finding Robert's c1821/2 baptism in Exeter (and any other possible children).

I would secondly like to see if the Cocking family are in any trade directories in Exeter at the time in case the Cockings had a business there.

Any help would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

I am looking for information on Robert Cocking, the experimental parachutist who fell to his death at Lee, Kent, on 24 July 1837. A great deal has been written about his death, but little is known about his life.

Specifically, I would welcome any information regarding his birth and/or parentage.

JE Hodgson in his book, 'The History of Aeronautics in Great Britain' (OUP, 1924) wrote that he "was the son of an Irish clergyman" - but did not footnote this claim.

Thanks in anticipation.