William Peryam

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William Peryam was born in Exeter in 1534, eldest son of John Peryam, twice mayor of Exeter, and his wife Elizabeth, a daughter and co-heir of Robert Hone of Ottery. Through his mother's sister, Joan Bodley nee Hone, Peryam was cousin to Sir Thomas Bodley.

Like the Bodleys, the Peryams were early adherents of Protestantism and were also threatened in the time of Marian persecution. Under Elizabeth however the family thrived, with William the eldest son eventually achieving eminence in law and his younger brother John entering parliament three times and becoming Mayor of Exeter.

William was first educated in Exeter and then at Exeter College, Oxford where on 25th April 1551 he was elected fellow. He resigned his fellowship some months later and went to London where he eventually studied law at the Middle Temple, being called to the bar in 1565. A slight wobble in his career occurred in 1568, when after being called to Ireland by Sir Peter Carew to help him prosecute an ultimately successful claim to an Irish barony, Peryam received an unexpected appointment as judge under the president of Munster, Sir John Pollard. By writing to Sir William Cecil and earnestly petitioning the Privy Council, mentioning his wife and children and delicate state of health, Peryam seems to have been able to avoid the transfer to Ireland altogether. Thereafter his rise through the legal ranks was steady, becoming serjeant-at-law in Michaelmas term 1575, and on 13 February 1581 a Judge of the Common Pleas. In January he was promoted to Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and knighted.

"..Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, as a signal testimony of her favour and his worth, was pleased to confer upon him the honour of knighthood: but not before he had been twelve years a judge; so cautious was that wise princess in conferring titles, lest they should become cheap and contemptible." (Prince, The Worthies of Devon)

Legal Offices
Preceded by: Sir Roger Manwood	Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer 1593–1604	Succeeded by: Sir Thomas Fleming