Richard Grey, 3rd Earl of Kent
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Richard Grey (1481 - 3 May 1524) was the 3rd Earl of Kent from 1505 to his death.
He was a son of George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent and his first wife Anne Woodville. His maternal grandparents were Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxembourg.
His father was secondly married to Catherine Herbert. His paternal half-brothers included Henry Grey, 4th Earl of Kent. His mother was previously married to William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier. His maternal half-siblings included Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex and Cecily Bourchier. Cecily was mother to Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford.
Richard married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Hussey. She was a daughter of William Hussey and Elizabeth Berkeley. Her father had served as Attorney General for England and Wales from June 16, 1471 to May 7, 1481 and Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales from May 7, 1481 to his death on November 24, 1495. His second wife was Margaret Fynche, daughter of James Fynche. There were no known children from either marriage.
He was created a Knight of the Garter in 1505, alongside the latter Henry Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire.
Richard wound up heavily in debt, probably through gambling, and was forced to alienate most of his property. A good part ended up in the crown's hands; historians disagree regarding what this says about the relationship of Henry VII of England with the aristocracy.
Richard died childless and was succeeded as earl by his half-brother Henry. Henry tried, with little success, to reacquire the property Richard had sold, and had to live as a modest gentleman, never formally taking title as earl.
Peerage of England | ||
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Preceded by George Grey |
Earl of Kent 1505–1524 |
Succeeded by Henry Grey |