Richard of Lostwithiel was the son of Richard Lanyon and Ann King, baptised at Gwinear in 1765.
Richard married Maria Dorothea Scammell on 30 Oct 1792 at Plymouth Charles the Martyr but he ended up living in Lostwithiel. He was a surgeon and also served as Mayor of Lostwithiel.
They had at least four children:
- Thomas – 1793 died in infancy
- Richard 1796-1850
- Edward – 1797 died in infancy
- Tobias Thomas Scammell 1800-1801 died in infancy
Only Richard survived to adulthood. Like his father he too was a surgeon at Lostwithiel. He never married and died age 53.
Without children or siblings Richard’s will benefits his elderly bachelor uncles, Hugh and John Lanyon and a later codicil leaves his estate to nephews Rodolphus Lanyon and William Reynolds Lanyon.
There is a memorial plaque in the church to father and son:
‘Sacred to the memory of Richard Lanyon, Esq., Surgeon, &C.
He was descended from the ancient families
of Lanyon in Madron and Gwinear, and having passed a long life
in the active discharge of the most philanthropic and Christian duties,
and filled the highest offices in the corporation of this town,
died on the 19th of April, 1848; æt. 82.
As he lived, so he died,–a Christian
Also of his son Richard Lanyon, M.D., F.A.S., &c.,
who for many years successfully practised his profession in his native town,
where he was well known for his antiquarian researches,
and his literary and scientific attainments ;
he also zealously and usefully filled the highest offices in the corporation,
and died humbly relying on the merits of his Redeemer,
Sept. 10th, 1852; æt.53.
This monument is erected by Radolphus Edward Lanyon,
as a tribute to their worth, and a mark of his gratitude.’
Another branch of the tree has died out.
The Lanyons 