At a young age, St. Richard became an orphan. After he reached adulthood, his brother inherited his parents' estate, but Richard was forced to work on his brother's farm because the death tax was so high that it left them in poverty. Richard was supposed to be the next in line to inherit the land, but he chose to focus on his studies and his faith. He declined the suggested match when it was planned for him to wed a noblewoman, implying that his brother might wed her instead.

He led an austere life and was finally elected bishop.

Richard was the father of Sts. Willibald, Winnebald, and Walburga. He was struck and killed in Lucca, Italy, while traveling to Rome with his two sons from his hometown of Wessex, England. He became highly revered by the people of Lucca, who inflated stories of his life by referring to him as the "King of the English" and recounted miracles at his tomb.

Other Saints of the Day
St. Adaucus
St. Julian of Bologna
St. Luke the Younger
St. Theodore Stratelates
St. Lawrence of Siponto