Explorer. Born Devon. The first European, while on an expedition with Richard Burton to East Africa in 1858, to discover Lake Victoria. On a subsequent journey with James Grant in 1862, he confirmed its northern outlet as the source of the Nile. Burton queried whether Speke really had found the source of the Nile and the two fell out. Murchison arranged a debate between them. Two days before this debate Speke left a lunch where Burton was present, to go on a partridge shoot. Climbing over a wall he shot himself. Suicide was suspected but never proved. Since his death there have been suggestions that he was a repressed homosexual, although he is known to have fathered a child in Buganda, and even that he and Burton had had an intimate relationship.
Other Subjects
Admiral Arthur Phillip
Founder and first governor of Australia. Born in the ward of Bread Street. Entered the Royal Navy 1753. In 1787 he led a fleet of 11 ships, with a complement of four companies of marines as well a...
1 memorial
Thomas Blanky
Role on the lost expedition: Officer on SS Terror. See John Franklin.
1 memorial
Sir Walter Raleigh
Courtier, explorer, author and puddle-coverer. Born Devon. Became a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and explored Virginia, America, for her, enabling its colonisation. Briefly imprisoned in the T...
Person, Exploring, Poetry, Politics & Administration, Seriously Famous, USA
3 memorials
Edward Couch
Role on the lost expedition: Officer on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.
1 memorial
William Heather
Role on the lost expedition: Royal marine on SS Terror. See John Franklin.
1 memorial
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