Richard Sharpe was born in Leicester in 1948 growing up on the Anstey Lane. He went to the Gateway School. He studied Medieval and Modern History in Birmingham and then worked in a machine tool factory. He studied for the ministry at St. John's College, Nottingham and theology at Nottingham University. He was ordained in Leicester Cathedral in June 1975 and was a curate with Canon Geoffrey Willett at Holy Trinity, Hinckley. In 1978, he went to work at Holy Trinity, Hull and stayed for seven years, living in the down town area of Hessle Road. He met his wife Jill and together they ran (amongst other things) a Youth Club for lads off the estate, where Richard and Jill were married at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Hessle Road, in January 1986.

They moved to another estate, this time on Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, where Richard was Vicar and where their son Christopher was born in 1987. In 1988 they moved to Dosthill, in Staffordshire, where Richard was Vicar for nine years and where he, Jill and Christopher enjoyed a demanding but rewarding ministry. Largely due to Canon Geoffrey Willett (now Rector of Markfield), Richard applied for the vacant Rectory at Desford in 1997 and was invited to come, beginning in November 1997. Richard is also Rector of St. Mary Magdelene at Peckleton with Tooley (incorporating LFW & Botcheston)

He is a member of several Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Societies, which reflect his hobbies and interests. He, Jill and Christopher have their own house in North Yorkshire, near the North Yorks Moors National Park. They have four cats which are Cherry Blossom, Jasmine, Rhubarb and Clover.

Gillian (Jill) Sharpe (nee Cooke) was born in Wiltshire and then moved to Chester before settling in Driffield, East Yorkshire. She was educated at the Bridlington Girls School and qualified from Leeds University as a Teacher. Her main teaching career has been with special needs children, with both moderate and severe learning difficulties. She is currently teaching three days a week at a special school in Leicester.

Jill was active in the Girl Guide Movement for many years. Before and since marriage to Richard, they have worked as a husband and wife team. She likes cooking and gardening, in her spare time. (when is that?)

Christopher Peter James Sharpe was born in 1987. He is now a 2nd year undergraduate at King's College, London in the War Studies Department. He is also a bellringer, a member of the Desford Church Choir and plays his Violin. He loves "Blackadder" and military history.