Richard was born in Trumpington and studied History at Cambridge University. After training as a solicitor Richard specialised in corporate work at law firms in London and Cambridge, where he was a partner.

 In 1996 he became legal director and company secretary of a publicly quoted company operating private hospitals and nursing homes and subsequently of an international group manufacturing and distributing healthcare equipment worldwide.

Since retiring, Richard has undertaken voluntary work for the Citizens Advice Bureau and served on the management committee of a local rugby club.

He is a keen angler and enthusiastic golfer and wherever possible indulges his interest in military history.