Richard Richardson, botanist and physician, was born in North Bierley, West Yorkshire, on the 6th September 1663. He was educated at Bradford School before attending Unversity College, Oxford. He also spent three years at the University of Leiden, Holland, where he lodged with Paul Hermann, the professor of botany. Richardson soon became fascinated with plants and travelled throughout England, Wales and Scotland in search of rare specimens. In consequence, his garden at Bierley Hall became the focus of Richardson's interest and it was later filled with both native and foreign plants, as well as what is believed to be the first hothouse in England. Richardson also created a valuable library of botanical and historical works. He died at Bierley Hall on the 21st April 1741.