Stafford was involved in the French campaigns of King Edward III of England during the Hundred Years' War. His actions during the war are at times unclear, for the contemporary historian Jean Froissart often confused Richard with his brother Ralph. In 1337, Stafford was sent with others on an embassy to the courts of William II, Count of Hainaut and Reginald II, Count of Guelders, as well as Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor. In November 1337, Richard participated in the victory at Cadzand and was in the king's army at present at the bloodless meeting of the English and French armies in October 1339 at Vironfosse. His brother held command of the English forces during the Gascon campaign of 1345, and Richard was among the prominent leaders of the campaign. During the campaign, Stafford participated in the siege of Bergerac, commanded the garrison at Libourne, and assisted in the relief of Auberoche, and the attack on La Réole. Stafford also participated in the Battle of Crécy in 1346; after the battle, Stafford and Reginald de Cobham, 1st Baron Cobham were tasked to count the slain. He was also at the Siege of Calais between 1346 and 1347. In 1355, Stafford followed the Edward the Black Prince to Gascony and participated in his expedition into France in 1355. He was sent to England with letters in December, but rejoined the prince's army afterwards and fought at the Battle of Poitiers on 19 September 1356. Stafford and his brother accompanied Edward III on his expedition to France in October 1359. He was appointed to the office of Seneschal of Gascony in 1361 and served until 8 June 1362. During 1366, Richard was appointed to go on an embassy, accompanied by his son Richard, to the papal court. Summoned to parliament, as Baron Stafford of Clifton, on 8 January 1371, and regularly summoned until 1379. He died on 13 August 1380 and was buried at the St Andrew's Church, Clifton Campville, Staffordshire. A memorial brass is located within St Peter's Church, Elford, Staffordshire.
Marriage and issue
Richard married firstly Isabel, heiress of Clifton-Camville, daughter of Richard de Vernon and Maud de Camville, they had the following known issue:
Richard Stafford, died without issue before his father.
Maud Stafford, married Thomas d'Arderne, had issue.
Katherine Stafford, married John Arden, had issue.
He married secondly Maud, daughter of John de Stafford and Elizabeth de Somerville, they had no children. Stafford also is known to have had the following illegitimate issue:
Nicholas Stafford of Throwley, married Elizabeth Meverel, died without issue.
