EMPSON, SIR RICHARD (d. 151o), English statesman, was born at Towcester. He was created a knight in 15o4, and was soon high steward of the University of Cambridge, and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster ; but his official career ended with Henry's death in April 1509. Thrown into prison by order of the new king, Henry VIII., he was charged, like Dudley, with the crime of constructive treason, and was convicted at Northamp ton in Oct. 1509. His attainder by the parliament followed, and he was beheaded on Aug. 17 or 18, 151o.
See Francis Bacon, History of Henry VII., ed. J. R. Lumby (Cam bridge, 1880 ; and J. S. Brewer, The Reign of Henry VIII., ed. J. Gairdner (1884).