John Peryam facts for kids
John Peryam (born 1541, died around 1618) was an important person from Exeter, England. He was chosen four times to be a Member of Parliament, which is like being a representative in the government. He represented towns like Barnstaple, Bossiney, and Exeter between 1584 and 1593.
He also served as the Mayor of Exeter, a very important job in his city. John Peryam was the younger brother of Sir William Peryam, who was a top judge called the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
Contents
Who Was John Peryam?
His Family Background
John Peryam was born in Exeter. He was the second son of John Peryam, who was also the Mayor of Exeter twice. His mother was Elizabeth Hone.
Through his mother's side, John Peryam was a cousin to Sir Thomas Bodley. Sir Thomas Bodley was famous for founding the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
Family and Religion
The Peryam family, like the Bodley family, were early followers of Protestantism. During the time of Queen Mary I, Protestants faced difficulties.
However, when Queen Elizabeth I came to power, the family became very successful.
John Peryam's Career in Exeter
John Peryam held many important positions in his hometown of Exeter. These roles helped him gain experience and influence.
City Roles
- In 1574, he served as the Bailiff of Exeter. This was an official who helped manage the city.
- From 1581 to 1582, he was an Alderman and Receiver of Exeter. An Alderman was a senior member of the city council.
- He became the Sheriff of Exeter from 1582 to 1583. The Sheriff was responsible for law and order in the city.
- His most important city role was Mayor of Exeter from 1587 to 1588.
Serving in Parliament
John Peryam was elected four times as a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant he represented different towns in the national government.
- He was an MP for Barnstaple in 1584.
- He represented Bossiney in 1586.
- He was an MP for his home city of Exeter in both 1589 and 1593.
His Land and Family
Important Landholdings
John Peryam bought an estate called Creedy Widger, near Crediton. This land had belonged to his older brother, Sir William Peryam.
John Peryam left this estate to his eldest daughter, Mary Peryam. Mary and her husband, Richard Reynell, made Creedy Widger their home.
His Marriages and Children
John Peryam was married twice.
First Marriage
His first wife was Elizabeth Prideaux. She was the daughter of Roger Prideaux, who was also an important figure and a Member of Parliament. John and Elizabeth had three daughters:
- Mary Peryam (died 1662): She married Richard Reynell. Mary inherited the Creedy Widger estate from her father. Richard Reynell also bought another estate called Little Fulford. This meant that both Creedy Widger and Little Fulford were owned by Mary and Richard. Their granddaughter, Elizabeth Reynell, inherited these estates. Elizabeth married Thomas Tuckfield, a wealthy cloth merchant. There is a large monument in Holy Cross Church, Crediton that shows Elizabeth Reynell.
- Jane Peryam: She married Walter Yonge. Walter Yonge was a lawyer, merchant, and famous for keeping a detailed diary about his life and times. This marriage connected the Peryam family with other important families in Devon, like the Pole family.
- Elizabeth Peryam: She married Edmund Speccot. They did not have any children.
Second Marriage
John Peryam's second wife was Margaret Peck. She was a widow from Buckarel.
Images for kids
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Monuments in Holy Cross Church, Crediton. The monument on the right is for Sir William Peryam, John Peryam's brother.
