Richard Francis was born to mother, Sophia Sarah, and father, Leonard Lidbetter Esquire, in Droxford, Hampshire on the 26th April 1838 and appears to have been baptised the same day. Richard had 11 siblings six boys and five girls. At the time of birth and baptism, the family's address was noted on the baptism record as Swanmore in Droxford, Southampton. The address remains the same when Richard turned 3 on the 1841 census.
In 1851, Richard and his family had moved to Maudlin House in Bramber, near Steyning, West Sussex. Richard and his siblings are listed as students in the census and his father's occupation is Farmer of 800 acres, and his mother is simply listed as Wife.
Eight years later, we see a directory stating Richard Lidbetter, esq. is living at Magdalen House. Maudlin and Magdalen are used interchangeably throughout history in this area of Bramber, Sussex. The next 22 years are currently unknown due to lack of documentation available.
1881 reveals Richard living in a room at 16 St.George's Terrace, Brighton with his occupation listed as Fundholder at the age of 43. He had also sadly lost three brothers and a sister in this time as well as his parents. Two years later, in 1883, Richard loses another brother.
1891 sees Richard living at his sister-in-law's house, 5 Queens Road, Heene as a gentleman living on his [own] means' at age 53.
Sadly, only 7 years later sees the death of Richard aged 59 years. Probate gives the address at death as Salisbury Lodge, Queen's Road, Worthing. Heene records show Richard Francis was buried on the 24th March 1898. Effects amount to £6996 5s. 3d.
The Last Will and Testament for Richard Lidbetter was dated 2nd June 1896.