Life
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 joined the Society of Antiquaries where his interests 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 within the Barbican Estate in the City of London. A memorial to John Speed was also erected behind the altar of the church. According to the church's website, " one of the few memorials that survived the bombing" of London during The Blitz of 1940-1941.... The website also notes that "he cast for the niche in which the bust is placed was provided by the Merchant Taylors’ Company, of which John Speed was a member."
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