Peter Perchard
Peter Perchard (1729-1806) was a merchant and goldsmith. He was the second Guernseyman to become Lord Mayor of London
Biography
He was the son of Daniel Perchard although he was brought up by his uncle (a silversmith) in London.
Private Life
He married Marthe Le Mesurier (born 1743) the daughter of Henry. She was the cousin of Paul Le Mesurier the first Guernseyman to become Lord Mayor. They married in St Peter Port (some sources say London) in 1768. They had five children, one son and four daughters.
Career
Although a member of the Goldsmith's guild Perchard was also a merchant trading on commission with Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey He had connections with many on the islands; an an article in the The Gentleman's Magazine put it he did business with the Le Mesuriers, who were endless, the Morants, the Brocks, and the most flourishing families of those islands . He too made his fortune in privateering during the American Revolutionary war, fitting out vessels and acting as London agent for fellow owners.
He was elected Lord Mayor on 9th November 1804 receiving 1781 votes, 129 more than his nearest rival.
Death
He died on 21 Apr 1806, just 10 weeks after his Mayoralty ended. He was buried in St Mary Abchurch, London. A monument to him and his wife is in the Town Church.
Papers
The National Archives hold papers relating to his involvement in privateering. Hackney Archives Department also holds some documents relating to his property in the area.
References
- The Gentleman's Magazine: London, 1832A Recollection of Perchard by a former employee.: At Google Books.
- The Gentleman's Magazine: London, 1831: At Google Books
- The Annual Register: London, 1804 Details of his election as Lord Mayor: At Google Books.
- The National Archives
- Le Mesurier-Foster, Ray, Rough Index of the Le Mesurier Family, 4th edition (2010)