Richard Lygon, of Madresfield

Richard Lygon of Madresfield, oldest son & heir of William Lygon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire (d 1567) & Eleanor Dennis, served the office of high sheriff of Worcestershire, in the 16th and 26th of Queen Elizabeth.

He was twice married, and died in 1584, leaving issue by both his wives.

Family

His first wife was Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Russell of Strensham, Knight, by whom, who died December 1576, he had,

• First, Sir William, of whom hereafter.
• Second, Francis, born 1567, died 1600, S. P.
• Third, Margaret, born at Madresfield, 1505, married, January 1581, Ralph Hornyold, Esq.
• Fourth, Penelope, married Robert Walwyn of Newland, Esq. and lies buried near the Communion Table in the church at Malvern, with the following inscription: " Here lyethe the Body of Penelope the wife of Thomas Walweyn of Newlande gentelman the daughter of Richard Ligon of Madersfyelde Esquire the sonne of William Ligon Esq.rc sonne of Sir Richard Ligon Knight the sonne of Thomas Ligon Esquire by Anne his wife one of the daughters of Lord Beawchampe. Her Mother was Marye the daughter of Sir Thomas Russell of Strensham Knyghte. Obiit 13 January 1596," On the wall at her feet are these lines, " Hie Pia Penelope Walwini conditur uxor

 Jamdudum morbis languida, docta mori 

 Docta mori, vitaeque breves transcendere metas, 

 Nunc Anima caelum possedit, ante fide." 

• Fifth, Elizabeth, born 1568, married Miles Smith, bishop of Gloucester, and died without issue.
• Sixth, AnDC, born 1572, died unmarried, October 1603.
• Seventh, Eleanor, born 15/5, married August 31st, 1C06, John Washborne, Esq.

The arms of Lygon empaling Russell, Cookesey, Cassey, &c are still to be seen in the windows at Madresfield.

His second wife was Margaret, daughter of Sir John Talbot, of Salwerpe and Grafton, by whom (who after the death of her first husband married, secondly, Sir Arnold Lygon,) he had issue:

• First, John of Arle, in the county of Gloucester, born 1A81, died 21st September, i644, leaving issue a daughter Katharine, married to Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. s
• Second, Ralph, a twin with John.
• Third, Ferdinand, born 1583.

There were also other children, who died without issue.

This Lady Lygon died February 21th, 1632, and is buried in Bromsgrove church.

On a brass plate is the following inscription: " Here lyethe the body of Dame Mar-

   garete Lygon, daughter to the 

     aforesaid sir John Talbot, and 

        sister to this dame Bridget 

        Talbot that lieth here 

       and wife to Sir Arnould 

    Lygon of Beauchamp's Court, 

         died February 24-1632. 

Sources

1. Collins's Peerage of England; Genealogical, Biographical, and ..., Volume 9.  By Arthur Collins, Sir Egerton Brydges.  "Lygon corrections.". Page 510