Description

This book is the result of 45 years of part time research into the Speake families in Shropshire.

From relative prosperity in the 16th century, they are followed through leaner years until they share in the new prosperity of the Victorian Industrial society. The later period also saw family members migrating away from Shropshire, to Australia, Canada Patagonia and New Zealand.

This book is a record of their often short, hard lives, and although documentary evidence is hard to find, their lives can reveal new surprises.

A comprehensive collection of Appendices comprise summaries of all known Probates, Marriage Licences, Hearth Taxes, Lay Subsidies and many other sources.

These make this book of interest to local historians and well as people related to the Speake families in Shropshire and beyond.