Richard, commonly known by the name of Richard de Bury, was born in 1281, at St Edmund's Bury, in Suffolk, and educated at the University of Oxford; after which he entered into the order of Benedictine monks, and became tutor to the Prince of Wales. On the accession of his pupil to the throne as Edward III., he was promoted to various offices of dignity, and was finally made bishop of Durham, as well as lord high chancellor and treasurer of England. He corresponded with some of the greatest men of the age, particularly with the poet Petrarch. He was of a most humane and benevolent temper. Every week he caused eight quarters of wheat to be made into bread, and given to the poor; besides distributing large sums whenever he travelled. He founded a library at Oxford for the use of the students, which he furnished with the best collection of books then in England; and appointed five keepers, to whom he granted yearly salaries. He died at his manor of Auckland, 24th April 1345, and was buried in the cathedral church of Durham. He wrote,

1. Philobiblon, containing directions for the management of his library at Oxford, and a great deal in praise of learning, but in very bad Latin. 2. Epistle Familiaire; some of which are addressed to Petrarch. 3. Orationes ad Principes; mentioned by Bale and Pitts.