Richard Knight (1659-1745)

Richard Knight (1659-1745), of Downton Hall, in the parish of Downton on the Rock in Herefordshire, England (situated about 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Ludlow), was a wealthy ironmaster who operated the Bringewood Ironworks, on the Downton estate, and founded a large fortune and family dynasty.

He was born in 1659, the son of Richard Knight of Madeley, Shropshire.

He was engaged in the iron trade at the time of the Commonwealth and acquired great wealth by the ironworks of Shropshire.

He married Elizabeth Payne (1671-1754), a daughter of Andrew Payne of Shawbury in Shropshire, by whom he had progeny 4 sons as follows: