George Speke (died 1584)


Sir George Speke of Whitelackington in Somerset was Sheriff of Somerset in 1562–63 and was Member of Parliament for Somerset 1572-83.

Origins

He was the eldest son and heir of Sir Thomas Speke of Whitelackington, MP for Somerset in 1545, twice Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset in 1540 and 1550, and a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King Edward VI. His mother was Alice Berkeley, daughter of Richard Berkeley and sister of Sir Maurice Berkeley.

Career

He succeeded his father in 1551 and was knighted in 1559. He was a Justice of the Peace for Somerset from 1559 and was appointed High Sheriff of Somerset for 1562–63. He was elected a Member of Parliament for Somerset in 1572.

Marriages and children

He married twice:
He was succeeded by his eldest son Sir George Speke, of Whitelackington, who married Phillippa Rosewell, daughter of William Rosewell, Solicitor General.