Sir George Yeardley | |
|---|---|
.png) Engraving of the First Virginia Assembly, Governor Yeardley presiding (in center) | |
| Governor of Virginia | |
| In office November 1616 – November 1617 | |
| Appointed by | James I |
| Preceded by | Thomas Dale |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Argall |
| In office November 1618 – November 1621 | |
| Appointed by | James I |
| Preceded by | Samuel Argall |
| Succeeded by | Sir Francis Wyatt |
| In office March 4, 1626 – November 13, 1627 | |
| Appointed by | James I |
| Preceded by | Sir Francis Wyatt |
| Succeeded by | Francis West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1587 St. Saviour's Parish, Southwark, Surrey |
| Died | 1627 (aged 39–40) |
| Resting place | Jamestown Church |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Temperance Flowerdew |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Ancient planter |
| Awards | Knight Bachelor (1618) |
| Signature |  |
Sir George Yeardley (b. 1587 – d. 1627-11-13) was a planter and colonial governor of the colony of Virginia. He was also among the first slaveowners in Colonial America. A survivor of the Virginia Company of London's ill-fated 1609 Third Supply Mission, whose flagship, the Sea Venture, was shipwrecked on Bermuda for ten months, he is best remembered for presiding over the initial session of the first representative legislative body in Virginia in 1619. With representatives from throughout the settled portion of the colony, the group became known as the House of Burgesses. Burgesses have met continuously since, and is known in modern times as the Virginia General Assembly.