Richard Sterne
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| Portrayed by Douglas Hodge | |
| Full Name | Richard Bartholomew Sterne |
|---|---|
| Title | Earl of Essex |
| Associated Noble House(s) | Earldom of Essex |
| Date of Birth | December 3rd, 1773 |
| Father | Henry Sterne (deceased) |
| Father's Rank | Earl of Essex |
| Mother | Margaret Sterne |
| Mother's Rank | Dowager Countess of Essex |
| Town Residence | {{{residence}}} |
| Income | £10,000 p.a. |
| School | some European school (in reality nowhere) |
| University | some European university (in reality nowhere) |
| Year Attained Title | 1793 |
NPC - played by Aida
Richard is the 8th Earl of Essex, nearing thirty nine, wealthy and single; however, he has a secret: he is mentally challenged. His condition has been kept a secret by his family, and it is assumed that he is terribly reclusive and spends most of his time travelling to exotic locations. Nevertheless, as no secret stays hidden forever, at least not entirely, there is rumour that he has or is going mad, for a variety of odd reasons which help rendering this rumour rather unbelievable. He has a valet who has been attending to him since he was a child and who accompanies him everywhere. Currently he spends most of his time at Essex Manor, although the person who truly runs the estate and the affairs of the Earl's lands is his sister, Lady Jane Middleton with the help of her husband. Richard also has a younger brother, Thomas, whom he is very fond of.
Family
Father: Henry Sterne, 7th Earl of Essex, (1744-1793).
Mother: Margaret Sterne née Bertram, Dowager Countess of Essex, (1754-).
Sister: Jane Middleton née Sterne, (1776-), married to Percival Middleton.
Brother: Thomas Sterne, (1784-).
Niece: Rebecca Middleton, (1797-).
Nephew: Sebastian Middleton, (1799-).
Aunt: Gertrude Bertram, (1755-).
Aunt: Matilda Wriothesley née Bertram, Viscountess Delamere, (1756-), married to James Wriothesley.
Cousin: Helena Wriothesley, (1793-).
Half-grand-uncle: Alfred Sterne, Colonel, (1744-).