Hello Kate, Thanks for yours. Am musing on the early Colbys as the sun sets on the English landscape, a somewhat rare occurence if you are familiar with the British weather! I have just now discovered The Irish branch of Colbys! Where will it end I wonder. The first Colby arrived in Ireland in 1399. He was a very learned priest ( unlikely then, by the very nature of his chosen profession, that he would have had any children, mais on ne sait jamais!) His name was THOMAS DE COLBY and due to his eloquence and mastery of many languages was noticed by King Richard II, who promoted him to the see of Lismore and Waterford in Ireland. He died in 1406 and as Archbishop was buried in his own cathedral. ( yet another place I will have to visit to see if his tomb is still there!) Hopefully one day I shall be able to fly to the States and give a lecture and slide show to the Colby family gathering! Wouldn't that be nice to to meet all the various Colbys. Am not sure what the collective noun for a mass of Colbys would be- Perhaps a Collation of Colbys! Best regards Tristan [email protected]