SIR RICHARD GROSVENOR (1585-1645)

Sir Richard graduated from the University of Oxford, sat as MP and was a JP before being knighted when the King visited Cheshire in 1617. He also bought a Baronetcy – as was thought fitting for a gentleman at this time - and to mark this a Red Hand  was added to the Grosvenor coat of arms.

Despite all his good work for the county, Sir Richard spent a number of years in prison. He wasn't a criminal but found himself consigned to a debtor's cell after guaranteeing loans which went unpaid by his spendthrift brother-in-law. Debtor's prison at this time was not remotely like a normal prison, however. Inmates frequently moved in with their families, could live in some comfort with their own supplies of food, furniture and servants, and were typically allowed out during the day. It has even been suggested that the game of squash has its origins in the debtor’s gaol, having been devised by bored gentlemen who, after falling on hard times, played a new game against the prison walls.