Richard Leigh (c. 1531–1597) was an English officer of arms. He was created

Portcullis Pursuivant Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is a junior officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. The office is named after the ''Portcullis chained Or'' badge of the Beauforts, which was a favourite device of King Henry VII. King Henry's ...

in 1571 and in this role conducted visitations of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Shropshire on behalf of the

Clarenceux King of Arms Clarenceux King of Arms, historically often spelled Clarencieux (both pronounced ), is an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. Clarenceux is the senior of the two provincial kings of arms and his jurisdiction is that part of Englan ...

. He was promoted to Richmond Herald in 1592, in which role he conducted the visitation of Lincolnshire. Promoted to Clarenceux in 1594, he inherited his predecessor's dispute with

William Dethick Sir William Dethick (c. 1542–1612) was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. He was the son of Sir Gilbert Dethick and followed his father as Garter Principal King of Arms. Though he was adjudged a qualified armori ...

over their respective jurisdictions, during which in 1596 he had a copy made of a privy seal grant made by

Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is best known for his six marriages, and for his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disa ...

Thomas Benolt Thomas Benolt (died 8 May 1534) was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. As part of his service, he was also a diplomat. He appears to have been born at Rouen, though his family had stronger links with Calais. Benolt ...

. As Clarenceux he undertook visitations of Berkshire and Northamptonshire, but these were formally completed. He died in September 1597 and was buried at

St Alphage London Wall St Alphege or St Alphage London Wall was a church in Bassishaw Ward in the City of London, built directly upon London Wall. It was also known as St Alphege Cripplegate, from its proximity to Cripplegate. It is now operated as St&nb ...

References

English officers of arms 1531 births 1597 deaths {{UK-bio-stub