Charles Cobbe (politician)

Charles Cobbe (1686 – 14 April 1765) was an Irish Anglican clergyman who served as Archbishop of Dublin.

Cobbe was born in Winchester, England, the son of Richard Cobbe and Elizabeth Conway. He was educated at Winchester College and Trinity College, Dublin. He was ordained in the Church of Ireland and held various positions including chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, and Dean of Chapel Royal.

Cobbe rose through the ranks of the Church of Ireland hierarchy, becoming Bishop of Kildare in 1720 and then Bishop of Meath in 1724. He was appointed Archbishop of Dublin in 1743, a position he held until his death.

As Archbishop of Dublin, Cobbe was a prominent figure in Irish society. He was known for his strong support of the Protestant Ascendancy and his involvement in political matters. He served as Lord Justice of Ireland on several occasions during the absence of the Lord Lieutenant. He was also a benefactor to various charitable causes.

Cobbe married Lady Elizabeth Beresford, daughter of Marcus Beresford, 1st Earl of Tyrone. They had no children. He is buried in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. Cobbe's legacy is complex, seen as both a powerful religious figure and a representative of the dominant Anglo-Irish elite of his time.