Richard Richards (judge) facts for kids

Sir Richard Richards (born November 5, 1752 – died November 11, 1823) was an important Welsh politician and judge. He served as a Member of Parliament for Helston twice. Later, he became a very successful lawyer specializing in a type of law called chancery law. He eventually reached a high position as the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, which was a top judge in a special court.

His Early Life and Education

Richard Richards was born on November 5, 1752, in a place called Coed, near Dolgellau in Merionethshire, Wales. He was the oldest son of Thomas and Catherine Richards.

He went to Ruthin School, where his grandfather used to be the headmaster. After school, he went to Oxford University, first at Jesus College, Oxford in 1771. He then moved to Wadham College, Oxford and earned his first degree in 1774. He continued his studies at The Queen's College, Oxford, becoming a scholar and then a fellow (a kind of academic position) in 1774. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1777.

While studying, he also began his legal training. He joined the Inner Temple, one of the places where lawyers are trained, in 1775. He officially became a barrister (a type of lawyer who can argue cases in court) in 1780. In 1793, he was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group that recognizes people who have made important contributions to science.

His Time in Politics

In 1796, Richards was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Helston in Cornwall. An MP is someone who represents their local area in the country's government. He held this job until 1799, when he stepped down.

He was elected again in 1807 but resigned later that same year. During his time in Parliament, he supported the government led by William Pitt the Younger. He only made one speech that was recorded. In this speech, he spoke against a bill that aimed to help Quakers, saying it wasn't needed.

His Career as a Judge

Richards mainly worked as a lawyer in the Court of Chancery, which dealt with fairness and property disputes. He held several important legal roles. From 1788 to 1800, he was one of the registrars for the Prerogative Court, which handled wills and similar matters. In 1789, he became a lawyer for Queen Anne's Bounty, an organization that helped poor clergy.

He became the solicitor-general to Queen Charlotte (King George III's wife) in 1794. Later, in 1801, he became the Queen's attorney-general. He also became a Bencher at Inner Temple in 1799, which is a senior position among lawyers.

In 1812, there was a new high-ranking judge position created, and Richards was expected to get it. However, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Eldon, chose someone else due to political reasons. Richards was upset, but he was then appointed as the Chief Justice of Chester, a top judge in that area.

He left that job in 1814 when he was offered a position as a Baron of the Exchequer. He had turned down this job before, but this time he was told he would eventually become the Chief Baron. He was knighted by the Prince Regent in 1814, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

In 1817, Richards became the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, a very important judicial role. He also became a Privy Counsellor, which is a group of advisors to the King or Queen. He was known as a fair and capable judge. He helped clear up many old legal cases. He also oversaw some important trials, including those of Jeremiah Brandreth and some of the Cato Street conspirators. He even acted as the Lord Speaker when Lord Eldon was sick.

His Family Life

Richard Richards married Catherine Humphreys. Through her, he gained an estate in Caerynwch, Merionethshire. He later became a Deputy Lieutenant for Merionethshire. He and Catherine had eight sons and two daughters.

His oldest son, Richard Richards, also became a Member of Parliament for Merioneth. Two of his other sons, Robert and Griffith Richards, also became important lawyers, just like their father.

Sir Richard Richards passed away on November 11, 1823, and was buried in the Inner Temple vault in London. His wife was buried there too a few years later. A monument designed by Edward Hodges Baily was built in Dolgellau to honor him.

See also

• List of people with reduplicated names