Thomas Spert

Sir Thomas Spert was the first and longest serving Master of Trinity House. Born in the late 15th century (date unknown), he died December 1541. He was in turn master of the "Mary Rose" (before it sank) and the "Henri Grâce à Dieu", both ships being flagship to Henry VIII of England. A commoner, he was knighted by Henry at the Palace of Whitehall in 1524. Spert Island off the coast of Antarctica is named for him.

References

* [http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ConFactFile.5/Sir-Thomas-Spert.html Sir Thomas Spert - People and places - Port Cities]