Hugh Speke (1656-1724) has been described as "the second son of a well known west country family, and so far misread his own character as to mistake a taste for lying and trouble making for a genius for intrigue".
The family seat was Whitelackington Manor (which you can rent as holiday accommodation). His father, George Speke (Wikipedia here), was a prominent figure in Somerset society. A former Royalist, he had become a Whig. George's wife, Mary Speke, was described in a government document in 1683 as "the most dangerous woman in the west".
Two of their sons, John Speke and Hugh Speke – joined the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion against King James II. John Speke is said to have "escaped by some miraculous chance the legal slaughter which followed the defeat at Sedgemoor". However, Hugh, and his younger brother Charles, were both arrested for alleged involvement in the rebellion.
In a "Bloody Assizes" mass trial held at Wells Cathedral, Charles was one of around 500 alleged rebels imprisoned there. 400 were sentenced to be transported as slaves to Caribbean plantations; 94 were sentenced to death by Judge George Jeffreys. Charles hadn't taken part in any battles, his "crime" was that he had shaken hands with the Duke of Monmouth. Jeffreys was told that Charles might be innocent - but Jeffreys' reply was "the family owes a life". So Charles was among the doomed 94. (my pics below from earlier this year).
Charles was offered a pardon - his life would be spared if he would become the false accuser of a much bigger fish, Edmund Prideaux of Forde Abbey.
Charles Speke declared, before his execution, that he was offered his life if he would swear against this gentleman. The great point desired was, that some one should swear that when the Duke’s party went to Ford Abbey, Mr. Prideaux drank Monmouth’s health ... he was told that if he would swear to the sending of men and horses by Mr. Prideaux, the King would be kind to him. This noble fellow denied any knowledge of the sending of anything by Mr. Prideaux.
Refusing to lie, Charles Speke was one of the group of twelve who Jeffreys condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered in the market square of Ilminster, in late September 1685:
The execution of Mr. Charles Speke took place in the market-place, Ilminster, from a large tree. He prayed for nearly an hour, and sung a psalm. The most heartpiercing lamentations were uttered by the inhabitants.
Hugh Speke remained in prison, and he wasn't the man that his young brother was. It was an era of corruption and bribery.
Mr. Hugh Speke continued in prison; but was desirous of obtaining his liberty. He addressed the Marquis of Powis, to know from the King upon what conditions he might be released. The answer returned was, that nothing could be done till his father’s and his own fines were paid, amounting in all to £2327 6s. 8d., and till security was given by his father in the sum of £20,000, and himself in £10,000, for their good behaviour.
Mr. Hugh Speke was well able to pay the fines; but being determined to oppose the King, he would not expose his friends to the risk of being security for him, At last the King himself proposed to Mr. Hugh Speke that he should pay into the Exchequer £5000 as a pledge of his own and family’s good behaviour, with the Royal promise that in case they demeaned themselves to his satisfaction that sum should be returned at the expiration of that time, and a pardon granted to George Speke, Esq. the father, Mary Speke, his wife, to Hugh Speke, the son, and Mary Jennings, his sister, a widow, who (the latter) was obnoxious to the Court, but against whom there never had been a prosecution.
Mr. Hugh Speke acceded to these terms; and in 1686 retired from London, which he judged to be no proper place for his residence, to Exeter, where he was chosen city council.
More to follow...
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