Last Updated : 31 Aug 2009

Speke lies south-east of the city centre on the bank of the River Mersey. On August 1st, 1928, the Speke Estate (approx 2216 acres) was acquired by Liverpool Corporation from the executors of the late Miss Adelaide Watt of Speke Hall. The corporation planned for housing, new industries and an airport.

Speke Hall was completed in 1598 and was the ancestral home of the Norris family. The site was used by the Norris' from the 14th century though it dates back to at least the Domesday Survey of 1086.

By 1929, work had already started in levelling part of Speke Estate for use as an airport. Speke Airport was formally opened on July 1st, 1933. The airport has since been renamed Liverpool John Lennon Airport after one of Liverpool's most famous sons.