Steward, Richard (1595-03-25 - 1651-11-15)

Son of Nicholas Steward of Pattishall and his first wife, Anne Madox. Baptized 3 August 1595. Matriculated from Magdalen Hall, Oxford December 1609; BA, 1612; fellow of All Souls, 1613; MA, 1615; BCL,1617; proctor, 1622; DCL, 1624. Shared William Laud's mistrust of puritanism and enjoyed his patronage. Resigned his fellowship in 1626 to become rector of Harrietsham, Kent which he held until 1630 when he became vicar of Aldbourne, rector of Mildenhall and of Alton Barnes, all Wiltshire, in 1630. This last benefice also included the prebdendary of Alton Borealis, Salisbury Cathedral. Canon of Worcester, 1628-1638. Dean of Chichester Cathedral from 1634 to 1642 where he presided over the consistory court and enforced catechizing and the wearing of surplices. Chaplain-in-ordinary to the King in 1633, and clerk of the closet in 1636. Resigned Worcester canonry in 1638 to take up appointment by the King to prebendary at Westminster. Provost of Eton College in 1639. Deprived of his preferments in 1644, but served as one of six ecclesiastical commissioners who negotiated with parliament, January-February 1645. Spent the latter half of the 1640s in exile, serving Charles, prince of Wales. Preacher to English exiles at St Germain, 1647-1648. Tutor and chaplain to James, duke of York, 1646-1650. Married Jane Button, daughter of Sir William Button, first baronet of Alton and Tokenham, Wiltshire. They had one son, Charles. Died of chronic consumptive illness 15 November 1651.