About the artist
John Speed was born in 1552. He was an English cartographer and historian. He is known as England's most famous Stuart period mapmaker. Speed was born at Farndon, Cheshire, and went into his father's tailoring business. While working in London, his knowledge of history led him into learned circles and he came to the attention of Sir Fulke Greville, who subsequently made him an allowance to enable... Read more
John Speed was born in 1552.
He was an English cartographer and historian. He is known as England's most famous Stuart period mapmaker.
Speed was born at Farndon, Cheshire, and went into his father's tailoring business.
While working in London, his knowledge of history led him into learned circles and he came to the attention of Sir Fulke Greville, who subsequently made him an allowance to enable him to devote his whole attention to research. As a reward for his earlier efforts, Queen Elizabeth granted Speed the use of a room in the Custom House.
He is buried with his wife in St Giles-without-Cripplegate church, Fore Street within the Barbican Estate in the City of London in 1629.
