Four Centuries of House Speakers

Virginia's legislature traces its roots back more than 400 years. In that time, the House of Delegates and its precursor, the House of Burgesses, have had nearly 100 speakers. While leadership in the past was clustered near Jamestown and Williamsburg, the seats of early colonial government, later years have seen speakers come from across the Commonwealth. Legislators from more than 40 localities have served in the House's highest position.

Notes: Includes speakers of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Virginia's legislative body prior to the creation of the Virginia General Assembly in 1776. John Pory served as Speaker of the Assembly of 1619.

Sources: House History website and VPAP research.