John Hanning Speke
John Hanning Speke
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Hanning Speke was a British explorer, naturalist, and officer in the British East Africa Company's expedition to explore the sources of the Nile River. His full name is often cited as John Hanning Speke.
Birth and Death Dates
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Speke was born on August 4, 1827, in Blackheath, London, England. He passed away on September 23, 1864, at the age of 37, in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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John Hanning Speke was a British national and worked as an officer in the British East Africa Company's expedition, explorer, naturalist, and military officer.
Early Life and Background
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Speke came from a family with a strong military background. His father, John Joseph Speke, was a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, and his uncle, Robert Hanning Speke, was an admiral in the Royal Navy. John Hanning Speke joined the British East Africa Company's expedition to explore the Nile River sources at the age of 25.
Major Accomplishments
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One of Speke's most significant accomplishments is leading a British expedition that successfully located the source of the Nile River, which he believed was Lake Victoria (then known as the "Victoria Nyanza"). His findings were announced in his book "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile" in 1863. He also discovered new species and collected scientific data during his expeditions.
Notable Works or Actions
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John Hanning Speke's notable works include:
Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile: Published in 1863, this book details Speke's expedition to locate the source of the Nile River.
What Led to the Discovery of the Source of the Nile: Written by John Petherick and published in 1866, this book is a personal account of Speke's life and expeditions.
Impact and Legacy
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John Hanning Speke's discovery of Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile River had significant impacts on geography, exploration, and science. He was also known for his bravery and determination during his expeditions. His legacy has endured through the years, with many considering him a pioneer in African exploration.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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John Hanning Speke is widely quoted and remembered due to his significant contributions to geography and exploration. He was also known for his bravery, determination, and scientific discoveries during his expeditions. His work has inspired many explorers, scientists, and adventurers who have followed in his footsteps.
Quotes by John Hanning Speke
I was afterwards sorry for this, though, if I ever travel again, I shall trust to none but natives, as the climate of Africa is too trying to foreigners.
The expedition had now performed its functions. I saw that old father Nile without any doubt rises in the Victoria Nyanza, and as I had foretold, that lake is the great source of the holy river which cradled the first expounder of our religious belief.
Twins are usually hailed with delight, because they swell the power of the family, though in some instances they are put to death.
So is the savage buffalo, especially delighting in dark places, where he can wallow in the mud and slake his thirst without much trouble; and here also we find the wild pig.
I profess accurately to describe native Africa - Africa in those places where it has not received the slightest impulse, whether for good or evil, from European civilisation.
In the following pages I have endeavoured to describe all that appeared to me most important and interesting among the events and the scenes that came under my notice during my sojourn in the interior of Africa.