Richard Leveson (1598–1661)

In 1605 he inherited property in Trentham, Staffordshire and Lilleshall, Shropshire from his father's cousin Sir Richard Leveson, Vice-Admiral of England.

[2] His Staffordshire relatives included Colonel Thomas Leveson, who held Dudley Castle for Charles I from 1643 to 1646, and was one of 25 former Royalists listed by Parliament in 1651 as subject to "perpetual banishment and confiscation".

[2] He suffered the diversion of most of the proceeds of his coal and lime workings to Parliament who also imposed a heavy fine, later reduced to £3,846.

[1] After the restoration of Charles II, Leveson held command as a captain of volunteer horse in Staffordshire until his death at Lilleshall in 1661 aged 63.

The catalogue records that Sir Richard is shown "in a black dress, with a frill" and that the painting was bought "after a very active competition".