Beckford, Peter, ca. 1739-1811
- GB-2014-WSA-00278
- Person
- ca. 1739-1811
BECKFORD, PETER, only son of Julines Beckford (qv); b.; adm. (aged 8) Jan 1747/8 (Butler's); in school list 1752; New Coll. Oxford, matr. 12 Apr 1757; of Iwerne Stepleton, Dorset; travelling in Italy 1765-6; High Sheriff, Dorset 1780; MP Morpeth 1768-74; a man of many accomplishments, and a famous sportsman; hunted the country subsequently known as the South Dorset; went to live permanently in Italy 1783; author, Thoughts upon Hare and Fox Hunting, 1781, Essays on Hunting, 1781, and Familiar Letters from Italy to a Friend in England, 1805; m. 22 Mar 1773 Hon. Louisa Pitt, dau. of George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers; d. 18 Feb 1811. DNB.