Richard was the son of Major Richard Du Cane and Eliza Ware. He married Charlotte Maria Guest on 09 August 1859 at Canford Parish Church, Canford, Poole, Dorset. They were the parents of ten children. He died of pneumonia after a short illness at his home Ballards in Goudhurst, Kent. Buried also in this cemetery plot are two of his daughters, Sylvia Ruth Du Cane and Mary "Daisy" Virginia Du Cane. The shared headstone was designed by the controversial artist, Eric Gill but it's unknown if he actually sculpted it.

Richard's sister-in-law Lady Enid Layard wrote of his death in her journal.
"While I was with Ola she was called up on the telephone by a message to say that her father was very ill at Ballards a new house near Goudhurst which he has taken to settle down in with those of the daughters who are still at home. Nela was staying with Ola & she settled to accompany me to town & go down to Ballards by an evening train so we came together, dropping Eda Alderson at Lincoln to return to Lutterworth. At the London station Alice Murray met us to say her father was no better & that the family were all going down- Ola went to next day-but poor Richard's age was against him-nearly 84-and the end came after a week's illness. He had only survived Maria one year. Since she died and the family had to leave Bournemouth they had never settled down again till at last this house at Goudhurst."

OBITUARY: Kent & Sussex Courier 05 February 1904, Pg. 7
Mr. Richard Du Cane, of Ballards, Goudhurst, late of Gray's Inn, and formerly of 25, Park Crescent, London, W., and Exeter House, Roehampton, the eldest son of the late Major Richard Du Cane, of the 20th Light Dragoons, died of pneumonia, on Friday, at his Goudhurst residence, after a short illness. He was in his 84th year. The funeral took place at Horsmonden Church, on Tuesday, to which, by his express wish, no invitations were issued.

OBITUARY: The Law Society's Gazette and Register, Volume I, 1903-1904
29TH Jan- 1904
Mr. Richard Du Cane, who died on the 29th ult., at his residence, "Ballards," Goudhurst, Kent, was the eldest son of the late Major Richard Du Cane, 20th Light Dragoons, of Witham, Essex.

He was born on the 16th January, 1821, and was educated at Dr. Churton's private school at Hackney, being afterwards articled with Messrs. Woodroffe & Lewin, of Lincoln's Inn.

He was admitted a solicitor in 1843, and, after passing through the chambers of Mr. Duval, the eminent conveyancer, became managing clerk to the late Mr. Gregory, of Bedford Row. In 1848 he joined the late Mr. Thomas Wing, at 1, Gray's Inn Square, where he continued to carry on business until 1902. Mr. Wing dying within two years, his son Mr. Thomas Twining Wing (who is still living), joined Mr. Du Cane; and upon Mr. T. T. Wing giving up the profession of the law in 1857, and afterwards becoming the Duke of Bedford's auditor, his brother, Mr. Henry Vincent Wing (who died only last year), became Mr. Du Cane's partner. In 1897, Mr. Du Cane and Mr. Wing dissolved partnership, and Mr. Du Cane was joined by his son, Mr. Louis Du Cane.

During the last half century, Mr. Du Cane acted as solicitor for some of the largest and most important private estates in England. He was a Director of the Law Life Assurance Society, and a member of the Lowtonian Society.

In former years, Mr. Du Cane resided at Exeter House, Roehampton, and afterwards at 25, Park Crescent, London, W.

UK GOV WILL:
DU CANE, Richard of "Ballards" Goudhurst Kent died 29 January 1904 Probate London 23 February to Louis Charles Du Cane solicitor.
Resworn Effects: £34,447

MEMORIAL STAINED GLASS WINDOWS IN ST MARGARET'S CHURCH
Within the church of St Margarets is a two light stained glass window in the south aisle dedicated to Richard and his wife Charlotte. The dedication reads "To the Glory of God and in memory of Richard Du Cane born 16 Jan. 1821 - died 29 Jan 1904 and of Charlotte Maria his wife dau. of Sir J John Guest Bart born 3 July 1834 died 5 June 1902." The glass depicts St Michael, with a sword and balance, and St George armed and standing before a dead dragon. The figures stand above the family arms.

Now in the south aisle, the most easterly window (excluding those in the vestry) is this one. The dedication reads "To the Glory of God and in memory of Richard Du Cane born 16 Jan. 1821 - died 29 Jan 1904 and of Charlotte Maria his wife daughter of Sir J John Guest Bart born 3 July 1834 died 5 June 1902." The glass depicts St Michael, with a sword and balance, and St George armed and standing before a dead dragon. The figures stand above the family arms. {http://www.roughwood.net/ChurchAlbum/Kent/Horsmonden/HorsmondenStMargaretWindows2005.htm - accessed 02/05/2012}