Jacob Richards (c. 1660–1701) was an Irish officer of the English Army, He is noted for his innovations and influence on the development of British Artillery.
In order to improve his knowledge of artillery he was sent in 1685 to Vienna to serve with the Imperial forces then taking part in the Great Turkish War.
During the Glorious Revolution of 1688 he was part of James II's Army that assembled on Salisbury Plain, but switched his support to William of Orange.
[4] In 1689 Richards accompanied General Percy Kirke's expedition to relieve Derry which was then being besieged by the Jacobite Irish Army of James II.
[5] In 1692 Allied troops were shifted from Ireland to Flanders to join the coalition forces fighting against Louis XIV.