Richard Peek

Richard Peek
as Sheriff in 1832-33
Born	3 October 1782 Hazelwood, Loddiswell
Died	7 March 1867 Kingsbridge, Devon
Residence	Hazelwood
Nationality	British
Occupation	Tea merchant
Known for	Philanthropy
Spouse(s)	none
Parent(s)	John and Susannah Peek

Richard Peek (3 October 1782 - 7 March 1867) was a tea merchant in London from modest beginnings in Loddiswell in Devon. He rose to be one of the Sheriffs of the City of London. He was a known abolitionist and philanthropist in his home area. Whilst sheriff he sent a missionary into Newgate Prison.

Peek was born 3 October 1782 at Halsenwood villa (later Hazelwood) to John and his wife Susannah (née Foxworthy). Peek left his birthplace in Loddiswell to go to Plymouth where he worked for a grocer. He reputedly walked to London and remet a Quaker who arranged for his new employment at a tea merchants called Sanderson and Barklay. Peek did so well that not only was he promoted but two of his brothers also travelled up from Devon to join the trade. The three brothers, Richard, William and James Peek eventually set up their own firm in 1823 (after William initially led the way with a family business in 1818).

The business prospered as the East India Company's monopoly on the importation of tea ended and Peek Bros and Co. set up offices in Liverpool. This firm was still in business in 1958 trading as Peek Bros. and Winch. Peek was elected to be on the Corporation of London and subsequently one of the Sheriffs of the City of London in 1832. During his tenure as Sheriff he funded a missionary to visit the prisoners in Newgate Prison. He was also noted for his hatred of capital punishment and it was said that he would meet the Secretary of State at odd hours in an attempt to intercede on behalf of the condemned. The Secretary of State at the time was Robert Peel.

Peek had built a home called Hazelwood in his home village and had moved his father into the house. This house was on the same site of a previous building where Richard was born.

The partnership between the Peek brothers in Liverpool was dissolved "by mutual consent" on 30 May 1834 when Richard retired from the business. The remaining business was in Cheapside in London. He retired from that as well on 21 December 1838.