Captain Cox of Coventry

Captain Cox of Coventry was an English collector of ballads and romances. He was present at Kenilworth on Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1575 and took a leading part in one of the royal entertainments.

Works

Captain Cox, collector of ballads and romances, is described as "an od man, I promiz yoo: by profession a mason, and that right skilfull; very cunning in fens, and hardy as Gavin; … great oversight hath he in matters of storie". The contents of the captain's library, which are described by Laneham at considerable length, are of the most curious character. Among the entertainments provided for Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Kenilworth was a burlesque imitation of a battle, from an old romance, and Captain Cox took a leading part. He is introduced on his hobby-horse in Ben Jonson's Mask of Owls, at Kenelworth. Presented by the Ghost of Captain Cox, 1626.