Richard Sutton, one of the founders of Brasenose College, was born at Sutton in Cheshire in c.1460. Not very much is known about his early life, but we do know that by 1490 he was a member of the Inner Temple. It is thought that Sutton was in service to the crown from very early on in his career; he was certainly a legal assessor to the privy council and is thought to have been a member of Henry VII's council.
Sutton was especially pious and in 1513 he was appointed Steward of Syon Abbey in Middlesex, which eventually became his permanent residence. He acquired several estates, which he bequeathed to the College and secured benefactions for the College from several wealthy individuals, including Elizabeth Morley.
A portrait of Sutton can be seen in the College Hall, alongside his likeness in the stained glass (both in the Hall and the College Chapel).