It is not known why this family had the alternative surnames Cooper (also spelt Coop and Cowper) and Stening. Richard was born around 1531 in Rudgwick in Sussex. He settled in the Parish of Lurgashall in his mid-20s, and by the time of his death in 1594 was a prosperous farmer, miller and landowner.
Richard identified seven children in his will. His eldest daughter Joane (qv) married William Yalden (qv) of Blackdown in the neighbouring parish of Lodsworth. His eldest son Thomas died at the age of 36, but left his wife and four children well provided for. His next son Richard jnr died shortly after Thomas, and also left his wife and children well provided for. Richard snr's next son Jeffrey is only known from his father's will, in which he was left property in the Parishes of Selham and Fernhurst. The youngest son Peter had nine children with his wife Gillian Shotter, all baptised in Lurgashall, but little more is known about them. Richard's two younger daughters were Agnes, who married Henry Ludgater but died soon after the birth of her only child; and Elizabeth. Richard's wife Elizabeth died five years after him, and was also buried in Lurgashall.
1 Probate, Richard Cooper als Stening PROB11/84 dated 12-9-1594.
2 Deposition, Deposition Book dated Nov 1586 - Jan 1586/7. West Sussex RO ref Ep/I/11/5 f104.
3 Church Register, Lurgashall, FHL(L) ref Mf 0918465.