Peter Beverley

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Peter Beverley (c. 1663–1728) was an English-born lawyer and planter who became a leading figure in early 18th-century Virginia politics. He served as the 27th Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses and was the colony’s treasurer from 1710 to 1723. Beverley also held various clerical and legal roles, and he helped manage Virginia’s public records after a major fire in 1698.

Born in Kingston upon Hull, England, Beverley was the eldest son of Major Robert Beverley, a prominent clerk and political ally in the Green Spring faction after Bacon’s Rebellion. Peter likely spent part of his early life in England before moving to Virginia with his father around 1666. He became a licensed lawyer around 1686 and built a large estate in Gloucester and surrounding counties.

Beverley represented Gloucester County in the House of Burgesses from 1700 to 1714. He was chosen speaker in 1700 and again in 1710, serving in that role until 1705 and then from 1710 to 1714. In 1715, he was elected to represent the College of William and Mary, but the House declared the seat improper and unseated him. He remained Virginia’s treasurer until 1723 and also held posts such as deputy surveyor general and auditor general of the royal revenue.

In 1720, Beverley was appointed to the royal Council and served there until his death. He passed away in Williamsburg in 1728, at about age 65. Beverley’s legacy continued through his descendants: his grandson Peyton Randolph became Speaker of the House and the first President of the Continental Congress, and his great-grandson Beverley Randolph became Governor of Virginia. His granddaughter Elizabeth Whiting married the botanist John Clayton.