Woodway House - Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt

Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt

Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt was the eldest surviving son, of James Spratt, a Trafalgar hero. Thomas was born at Woodway House in 1811. He left home to join the Royal Navy in 1827 at the age of 16. His forty year career (1832–1863) was mainly spent with the surveying service in the Mediterranean. He married Sophia Price, daughter of Edward Price esq. in February 1844 and had a son, Edward J. H. Spratt, who is recorded as being an army major in 1888.

His Royal Navy role was as a surveyor and hydrographer, however his mentor, Captain Graves, encouraged him to study archaeology, history, geology, palaeontology, natural history and even numismatics. He had a considerable coin collection based on the Mediterranean countries. He was a friend of and corresponded with Edward Forbes, the noted naturalist (12 February 1815 - 18 November 1854), born at Douglas, in the Isle of Man.

He was involved with developing cable laying techniques and carried out extensive survey work for the French and British allied forces during the Crimean War. For his services he was promoted Captain in 1855 and awarded the C.B. and the distinction of officer, 4th. Class, Legion d'honneur by Napoleon III. He also received the Baltic, Crimean and Turkish medals and the Alma clasp. He carried out extensive survey work connected with improving the defenses of the Island of Malta. 1863 saw the end of his service afloat, due to his recurring malaria. He rose to Rear-Admiral by 1872 and Vice-Admiral in 1878. He died in 1888 at his home in Clare Lodge, Ephrain Road, Tunbridge Wells. His name continues in the form of several books dedicated to him and two extinct species named in his honor.