[Illustration] This is a younger branch of an ancient family
descended from Richard le Espek, who lived in the reign of Henry II.
Wemworthy and Brampton, in the county of Devon, were the original
seats; but in the time of Henry VI. Sir John Speke, having married
an heiress of Beauchamp, became possessed of the manor of
Whitelackington in this county, which for eleven generations
continued the inheritance of his descendants in the male line, when
an heiress carried it to the Norths, Earls of Guildford. Jordans, a
hamlet in the manor of Ashill, also inherited from the Beauchamps,
appears to be the only remnant of the former possessions of this
venerable house.
See Leland's Itinerary, ii. ff. 51, 55; Topographer, i. 507; and
Collinson's History of Somersetshire, i. pp. 12, 66.
ARMS.--_Barry of eight argent and azure, an eagle with two heads
displayed gules_.
Present Representative, William Speke, Esq.
+Gentle.+