The achievement of arms of Richard Woodroffe

Argent, a chevron gules
between 3 crosses pattée
fitchée, overall a label vert

Richard Woodroffe, Esquire

Squire Richard was born in 1370, the second son of a wealthy Yorkshire merchant, also called Richard. The family home was Woolley Hall, North Yorkshire, named for the wool trade that earned their fortune. With the death of his elder brother Christopher at an early age, Richard became heir to his father's estates, having been spared from the life in the Church that was the usual fate of second sons.

Richard has travelled widely throughout Europe on his father's business, developing sophisticated and expensive tastes. His clothing is at the height of fashion, and he wears a harness of armour in the Milanese style.

The Woodroffes have close connections with the other influential Northern dynasties, such as the Percies and the Nevilles. Preferring to live a bachelor's lifestyle he remains unmarried, despite having been offered several heiresses.

Richard has so far managed to avoid knighthood (the costs make him break out in a sweat) although no lesser a personage than John of Gaunt has tried on several occasions to elevate this wealthy northern landowner. Though Richard was pleased that a young squire in his care, John Greystoke, was recently bestowed the rank of knight upon his coming of age and his inheritance of the Greystoke name and estate.

Note: Although we have the dates for the birth and death of Richard, the names of his relations, and the lands he held, no other record of him survives. Thus the biography above is largely fictional.