The four men considered here, three Cobbolds and one Chevallier, were born into families which were already successful and whose businesses were well established and thriving. Through innovation, entrepreneurship and pure hard work, each built on this success and did very well, making a valuable contribution to the economy of Suffolk in the process. Yet these four were much more than mere businessmen with a narrow focus on profit, intent on securing the futures of their own families. They gave much back to the county of their birth through their engagement with local institutions, participation in civic and national politics and through philanthropy. Each is a giant not just of the family but also of the history of Suffolk.

If the Cobbold family tree is a mighty spreading oak, then ‘Big’ John Cobbold is its trunk. In his hands, the already successful family brewing business grew steadily and he increased its market share by buying up property from which to sell Cobbold beer. He also oversaw the expansion of the family's interests into coal, corn, shipping and international trade. John had no fewer than twenty-two children and this feat of fatherhood is largely responsible for the remarkable breadth of the family's talents and interests. Over succeeding generations, it also supplied a steady stream of extremely eligible young Cobbold men and women who forged connections through marriage with many other families rich in fascinating stories.