ILMINSTER: A Somersetshire Worthy: — By the death of Mr. William Speke, of Jordans, near Ilminster, the county of Somerset has lost its oldest Magistrate, and a gentleman who, until within a few years of his death, took the liveliest interest in county affairs. Mr. Speke had a very commanding appearance and was the very type of “Old English gentleman.” The Spekes have been connected with the county for centuries, and when Lord Chatham and William Pitt lived at Burton Pinsent friendly relations existed between the two families, and we believe there are in the possession of the Spekes some valuable letters from the celebrated Minister. The late Mr. Speke was justly proud of the honourable distinctions gained by his son, the late Captain Speke, the renowned African explorer.
[see similar Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser: Wednesday 30th November 1887]
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.