Edwin Rich (died 1675)

Sir Edwin Rich (c. 1594 – 16 November 1675) was an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1640.

Rich was born at Thetford, Norfolk, the son of Sir Edwin Rich of Mulbarton, Norfolk and his wife Honora Worlick, daughter of Charles Worlick. He was brought up in Norwich and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and Lincoln's Inn.

In April 1640, having no local connections, Rich was elected Member of Parliament for Fowey in the Short Parliament. He did not stand again and was appointed Vice-Admiral of Norfolk in 1644, remaining until 1649. In 1647 he became Master in Chancery to hear and determine causes in Chancery. In 1651 he was appointed Commissioner for Assessment for the County of Middlesex

After the Restoration, Rich was knighted on 10 July 1666.

Rich died at the age of 81 and was buried at Swardeston. His memorial bears his own composition as he did not trust anyone else to write it.

And here resteth the Bones of Sir Edwin Rich, Knight, Son of Sir Edwin Rich, who died the 16 Day of November, 1675.

Our Lyef is like an Hower Glasse, and our Riches are like Sand in it, which runnes with us but the time of our Continuance here, and then must be turn'd up by an other.

Rich gave £200 for repairing the roads, between Wymondham and Attleborough in Norfolk and the justices of Norfolk, ordered a pillar to be erected by the road side in remembrance of this gift. He also gave £100 for building a bridge, and money to the poor of Thetford.

Rich married Jane Suckling, widow of Sir John Suckling and daughter of Reeve but had no children.

...
Wikipedia