John Speed (1551/52–1629) was an English cartographer, historian, and chronologer from Cheshire. Starting his career as a tailor, Speed developed a keen interest in history, geography, and cartography. With patronage from Sir Fulke Greville and others, he published The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine (1611), a groundbreaking atlas featuring detailed county maps of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Speed improved upon earlier maps by incorporating detailed town plans and hundred-boundaries, many surveyed by himself. His maps combined geographic detail with historical, heraldic, and genealogical information. His work played a significant role in defining early modern British national identity and influenced English cartography for centuries. Although not an engraver himself, he collaborated with engravers like Jodocus Hondius to ensure high-quality production.
