Richard Clough

Being of humble origin, Clough known by the Welsh as Rhisiart Clwch, was noticed for his fine singing voice in the choir of Chester Cathedral and despatched to court in London. This event opened the way to riches.

In London Clough became a factor for Thomas Gresham and joined the Mercers’ Company. In the following years his life was divided between north Wales, where he was one of the founders of the Stock Exchange in 1571, and Antwerp, the centre of North European commerce and banking. There married his wife, Catherine Muldart, whose portrait was part of collection of leading Nazi Hermann Goering.

Clough returned to Wales in 1565 and became a synonym of wealth in his home area, where he introduced Flemish building styles with the building of two houses, Bach-y-graig and Plas Clough. He was also credited with devising a scheme to dredge the River Clwyd and make it navigable.