Background
He was a son of George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent and his first wife Anne Woodville. His father was secondly married to Catherine Herbert. His mother was previously married to William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier.
He was a son of George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent and his first wife Anne Woodville. His father was secondly married to Catherine Herbert. His mother was previously married to William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier.
His paternal half-brothers included Henry Grey, 4th Earl of Kent. His maternal half-siblings included Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex and Cecily Bourchier. Cecily was mother to Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford.
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.