John of Beverley was an 8th-century bishop serving the Northumbrian kingdom. Born in Harpham, he rose to become the bishop of Hexham and later the bishop of York. He is credited with establishing the monastery at Beverley, which eventually grew into a town. Known for his scholarly preaching and care for the poor, he is remembered for miracles, including an account of teaching a deaf child to speak. He died in 721 and was later recognized as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.