Roucliffe , Brian, Sir, d 1494 (judge and baron of the exchequer)
Dates
- Existence: d 1494
Biography
Sir Brian Roucliffe (d. 1994) was the grandson of Sir Robert de Roucliffe (d. 1381), and his father, Guy Roucliffe, was recorder of York. He adopted the legal profession, and in 1458 he was raised to the bench as third baron of the exchequer. He also undertook legal work for Sir William Plumpton. He officiated at the coronation of Richard III on 26 June 1483, which led to his promotion to second baron of the exchequer. He died on 24 March 1494. Through his mother he acquired the manor of Cowthorp, Yorkshire, which he made his seat. He was a very pious man and in 1458 he founded and built the parish church, where he lies buried. Roucliffe's will is printed in ‘Testamenta Eboracensia,’ iv. 102–7. Several of his letters are printed in the ‘Plumpton Correspondence.’ His son, Sir John Roucliffe (d. 1531), married Margaret, granddaughter and heir of Sir William Plumpton, and was thereby involved in the protracted litigation over the Plumpton estates