Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bereford, Richard de
BEREFORD, RICHARD de (fl. 1283–1317), judge, was contemporary with William de Bereford, the chief justice [q. v.], but their relationship, if any, is not known. He first appears early in 1283 as a collector of the thirtieth in Worcestershire. On 3 June 1300 he was appointed treasurer of the Irish exchequer (Fin. 28 Ed. I, m. 8), received letters of protection as 'Richard de Bereford clk.' 12 June, and reached Dublin on 7 July. He was at once joined with the justiciar and three others in a royal commission to treat with the Irish magnates for the Scottish war (Claus. Ed. I, No. 223, m. 12 dors.; Fin. 28 Ed. I, ro. 17; Pat. 29 Ed. I, m. 20, &c.). He still occurs in that capacity in 1305 (Plac. Trin. 33 Ed. I, ro. 53), but was named as a justice of assize for six English counties in 1310. In 1314 he was made chancellor of Ireland (Pat. 7 Ed. II, m. 16), and occurs as such at his last appearance, August 1317.
[Foss's Judges, iii. 234; Calendar of Documents relating to Ireland, 1293-1301.]