Richard was born on 5 August 1626, the eldest son of Sir Francis Ottley of Pitchford and his wife Lucy, daughter of Thomas Edwards of Shrewsbury. During the Civil War, Richard joined his father, then Governor of Shrewsbury, fighting for the Royalist cause, and surrendered with him in February 1645. He later raised militia forces from Shropshire on the instructions of King Charles II, and went to meet his new king when he landed. He represented Shropshire in the new Parliament and took an active part serving on several committees. He died on 10 April 1670. In about January 1649 he married Lady Lettice Ridgway, daughter of Rober, 2nd Earl of Londonderry.

The date of 1589 in the later inscription must be incorrect.