Richard Vyse, born in 1747, was the son of Archdeacon Vyse and grandson of Bishop Richard Smalbroke. He entered the army young and rose steadily through the cavalry ranks, becoming Colonel of the 1st Dragoon Guards in 1790 and a Major-General in 1794. He served with distinction under the Duke of York in the Flanders campaigns and later held senior commands in Scotland, eventually succeeding Sir Ralph Abercromby as Commander of the Forces. Highly respected for his character and military expertise, Vyse was known as an excellent cavalry officer who paid close attention to discipline and training. After further staff service, he commanded the Yorkshire district, represented Beverley in Parliament, and reached the rank of General. He married the daughter of General Sir George Howard, inheriting a large fortune, and left behind a son in the Life-Guards and a daughter who served as Maid of Honour to Queen Charlotte. He died at Lichfield in 1825 at the age of seventy-eight.
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