He was born in March 1805, the son of Hugh Beavan of Llowes, Radnorshire and educated at Aldenham and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, graduating 22nd wrangler in 1829, B.A.
He was author of Reports of cases in Chancery argued and determined in the Rolls Court (1840–69), published in 36 volumes, the longest series of authorized reports ever published.
[1] On 21 June 1884, the Solicitors Journal said that Beavan 'might probably claim the distinction of being in legal circles and publications the "most mentioned" man of his day'.
[5] Beavan's report are often abbreviated as Beav when cases are cited in later rulings.
[6][7] The National Portrait Gallery has a photograph of Beavan taken in the 1860s by Leonida Caldesi.