John Speede Paintings

John Speed (sometimes spelled Speede) was an English cartographer and historian, renowned for his atlas 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine', which was first published in 1611. Born in Cheshire, England, Speed's exact birth date is uncertain, but it is generally believed to be either 1551 or 1552. He was trained as a tailor by his father, but his interests were much broader, encompassing history and map-making.

Speed's historical and cartographic work began in earnest when he moved to London in the late 16th century. There, he became a member of the Society of Antiquaries, an organization dedicated to the study of the past. His passion for history and geography led him to compile maps and write history in his spare time. His talents did not go unnoticed, and he eventually came to the attention of Sir Fulke Greville, who provided Speed with the financial support necessary to focus on his cartographic work full-time.

The 'Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine' is Speed's crowning achievement. It is considered one of the most important and accurate atlases of its time and is notable for including the first set of individual county maps of England and Wales, along with maps of Scotland and Ireland. Each map was accompanied by a description of the area, its history, and notable events, as well as engravings of local landmarks, making the atlas also a work of historical significance.

Speed's atlas was not only a work of art and scholarship but also a commercial success. It was widely disseminated and went through numerous editions. His maps became the standard for English cartography and were the basis for many maps that followed. Besides 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine', Speed also published a history of Great Britain titled 'The History of Great Britaine Under the Conquests of the Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans' in 1611, which showcased his deep interest in the nation's past.

John Speed passed away in 1629, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most important and influential cartographers and historians. His work played a significant role in the way English history and geography were studied and perceived for centuries to come.