VCH Lancs. 5.125: Instituted 19 Oct. 1527, presented by John Ireland and Thomas Stanley, and apparently presented a second time by Sir henry Halsall and Sir John Ireland. In 1523 it was stated that he had been presented by the Earl of Derby, and that the rectory was worth 40 marks.
In 1542 he was Official of Chester. He built a chapel on the north aisle of Bury church. Dead by 4 Feb. 1554/5 when his successsor at Bury was instituted.
Rector of Wigan paid first fruits 11 Feb. 1551.
It is very likely, rather than certain, that he was also Rector of Wigan. However, the Rector of Wigan was evidently non-resident; the successor at Wigan was also instituted in early 1555 (March 1554/5); and the Rector of Bury had had earlier property interests in Wigan, G.T.O. Bridgeman, The History of the Church & Manor of Wigan, 4 vols., Chetham Soc, new ser. 15 -18 (1888-90), 1.121-8.
Sandbach successor is appointed May 1554.
| Year | Type | Name as Recorded | Location | Office/Status | Full Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1548 | Libc | Smythe, Richardus | Burye / | Rector | View |
| 1548 | Appt(Institution) | Smyth, Richardus | Sonbache / | Vicar | View |
| 1554 | Libc | Smyth, Ricardus | Bure / | Rector | View |
| 1554 | Libc | Smyth, Ricardus | Wigan / | Rector | View |
| 1555 | Vac(Death) | Smyth, Richardus | Wygan / | (Other) | View |