Peter Stafford Carey
Sir Peter Stafford Carey (1803-1886) was Bailiff of Guernsey 1845-1883.
He was born in Guernsey on 1 April 1803, the only son of Peter Martin Carey and Frances Jane Stafford, at La Brasserie
During 1816-17, his parents took him on year-long tour of France, ostensibly to find a school for him to attend. They did not find a suitable school, but his mother published her journal of this period. He married Emily Aubrey Warren (1810-1881).
He was a Professor at University College, London, and was called to the Bar in 1830. For the next fifteen years he pursued a legal career in England: between 1836 and 1845, he was Recorder of Dartmouth; and Judge of the Borough Court of Wells, 1838-45
He was appointed Bailiff of Guernsey in 1845, succeeding John Guille, who had died after less than three years in office. He was chosen to introduce reforms in local judicial procedure. As a Guernseyman, he achieved this without compromising Guernsey's historic privileges
As Bailiff, he oversaw the significant growth in population and prosperity of the island during the mid-19th Century. He sponsored many public works, and amongst other things, laid the foundation stones for the new harbour in 1853, Les Hanois Lighthouse in 1862 and St Barnabas Church in 1872.
His residence as Bailiff was Candie House, which he leased from the Priaulx family.
He was knighted by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 23 Nov 1863. On his return to the Island with Lady Carey they were warmly cheered on landing and their arrival was greeted by a peal of welcome from the bells of the Town Church.
In May 1883, he resigned as Bailiff due to failing health, and died in 1886.
| Predecessor | Successor | |
| John Guille 1843-1844 |
Sir Peter Stafford Carey 1845-1883 |
John de Havilland Utermarck 1883-1884 |
