George Speke (politician, died 1584) facts for kids

Speke family's coat of arms. The eagle has two heads, and the porcupine is their special symbol.

Sir George Speke (born around 1530, died 1584) was an important person from Whitelackington in Somerset, England. He served as the Sheriff of Somerset from 1562 to 1563. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Somerset from 1572 to 1583. An MP is someone elected to represent an area in the country's government, similar to how a school council member represents their class.

Who Was Sir George Speke?

Sir George Speke was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Speke (1507-1551). His father was also an MP for Somerset in 1545. Sir Thomas was twice the Sheriff for Somerset and Dorset. He also worked closely with King Edward VI as a "Gentleman of the Privy Chamber." Sir George's mother was Alice Berkeley.

His Public Service

Sir George Speke took over his father's estates in 1551. He was made a knight in 1559, which was a great honor. From 1559, he worked as a Justice of the Peace for Somerset. This role meant he helped keep law and order in the area. He was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Somerset for 1562–63. Later, in 1572, he was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Somerset. This meant he helped make decisions for the country in the Parliament.

Family Life

Sir George Speke was married two times.

• His first wife was Elizabeth Luttrell. She was the daughter of Sir Andrew Luttrell from Dunster Castle in Somerset. With Elizabeth, Sir George had a son and two daughters:
  • Sir George Speke (died 1637) was his oldest son. He later took over the family home in Whitelackington. He married Phillippa Rosewell.
  • Barbara Speke married William Thornhill.
  • Anne Speke married Sir George Trenchard.
• His second wife was Dorothy Gilbert (died 1589). She was the daughter of Edward Gilbert from London. With Dorothy, Sir George also had a son and two daughters:
  • Hugh Speke (born 1567) married Elizabeth Beche.
  • Dorothy Speke married Sir Edward Gorges.
  • Elizabeth Speke married John Chudleigh. She later married Sir John Clifton and then Sir Hugh II Pollard.

His Legacy

Sir George Speke passed away in 1584. His oldest son, Sir George Speke, took over the family's properties and responsibilities in Whitelackington.