He was the eldest son of Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, but he was illegitimate.
[1][2] He was the nephew of Richard de Douvres, his predecessor in the see of Bayeux.
[3] His father obtained the see of Bayeux by the support he gave to King Henry I.
[4] Richard donated the church and the dîme d'Isigny to the cathedral chapter in 1138.
The same year, he consecrated the Abbey of Ardenne, dedicated in honour of the Blessed Virgin.