Who was Richard Thornton?
Richard Thornton (1833-1876) previously known as Richard Lee, was an illegitimate son of Richard Thornton. Lee moved to Sidmouth, Devon, where he was appointed the Income Tax Commissioner for Devon. A keen and accomplished cricketer, he lived at Knowle Cottage in Sidmouth from 1867 until his death, and extended the house, tropical plant house, vineries and pineries, grottos, more tree planting, kitchen garden and conservatory. Stone walls replaced the crumbling hedges on the road side, and two lodge houses built.
He died at Sidmouth on 28 May 1876, having changed his name to Richard Napoleon Thornton in 1865 as a condition laid down in his father's will.