Peter Perchard facts for kids

Peter Perchard (born around 1729, died 1806) was a British goldsmith and a successful merchant. He became a very important person in London, serving as the Lord Mayor of London in 1804.

Peter Perchard started his career as a merchant on his home island of Guernsey and other nearby Channel Islands. He became quite rich through something called privateering. This happened when the British government allowed private ships to attack enemy ships. Peter and other privateers targeted ships from the French West Indies. He personally earned a lot of money, almost £10,000, from these activities.

Peter Perchard's Public Service in London

Peter Perchard became involved in the government of the City of London. In 1793, he was chosen as one of the Sheriffs of the City of London. Sheriffs helped keep law and order and managed elections.

Later, in 1798, he became an alderman for the City of London's Candlewick ward. Aldermen were important officials who helped govern the city. Peter was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. This was a special group for people who worked with gold.

Becoming Lord Mayor of London

On October 9, 1804, an election was held to choose the new Lord Mayor of London. Peter Perchard was one of three candidates. He won the election with 1781 votes, beating the other candidates.

When he accepted the important role, Peter Perchard said he was "late in life." But he also said that "we cease to live when we cease to be of any use to the public." This meant he believed in serving the community. During his time as Lord Mayor, a person named James Neild wrote to him about problems in a debtors' prison.

Peter Perchard's Family Life

Peter Perchard was married to Martha (whose maiden name was Le Mesurier) for 18 years. They had six children together. Sadly, three of their children, Mary, Mathew, and Mathew-Henry, died when they were very young. Another daughter, Martha, passed away at the age of 10.

Peter Perchard died just 10 weeks after his time as Lord Mayor ended. He was buried with his wife and four of their children at St Mary Abchurch. This church is located near Cannon Street in the City of London. There is also a special monument in St Peter's church in his home island of Guernsey that remembers Peter and his family.

Peter's wife, Martha, came from a well-known family in Guernsey. Her first cousin was a wealthy merchant named Paul Le Mesurier. Interestingly, Paul Le Mesurier had also served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1794.

Someone who knew Peter Perchard, a Mr. Urban, wrote about him in a magazine in 1832. He remembered Peter as having a "handsome" appearance and a "commanding" presence.