Mr. Thomas Earle

Mr. Thomas Earle

From Memorials of Liverpool....second edition, revised, with additions.

Proceeding along Smithdown Lane, without venturing for the present to intrude into the region of Txteth Park, at Tunnel Road we arrive at the boundary of the Spekelands Estate, which extends to the limit of the township and borough, which are here conterminous. Speke, and Speke-lands are, in all probability, derived from spic, bacon; spican, to fatten; as being covered with beech or other woods furnishing "mast" for feeding swine.
The estate was purchased, near the close of the last century, by Mr. Thomas Earle, who had previously lived in Hanover Street. At first he resided at the Brook farm-house, which still stands on the property. About 1804-5 he erected the present Spekelands House, a large square building of white stone, where he resided till his decease in 1822. It was occupied by his widow for some years, and subsequently let to various persons.

The estate is now ripe for the builder, and will doubtless before long be covered with a labyrinth of brick and mortar.

Should the above be of interest to you, you are advised to view the original article, as this is not necessarily an exact 'transcript'.