Thomas Tassell Grant facts for kids

Sir Thomas Tassell Grant (1795-15 October 1859) was a brilliant inventor from England who lived in the 1800s. He created many useful things that helped the British Navy and saved a lot of money. His inventions made life better for sailors and were very important for his country. He was recognized for his work and became a very important person in the government.

A Clever Inventor's Early Life

Thomas Grant was born in Portsea, Portsmouth. His parents were Thomas and Ann Grant. Ann's maiden name was Tassell, and she was from Soberton, Hampshire.

Amazing Inventions for the Navy

Thomas Grant was known for several important inventions that greatly improved life for sailors and helped the British government.

The Biscuit-Making Machine

• In 1829, Grant invented a special machine.
• This machine used steam power to make ship's biscuits.
• The biscuits were pressed into a hexagon shape.
• This design meant there was no waste when making them.
• The machine made biscuits much faster and cheaper.
• Other government groups copied his idea.
• This saved a lot of money for British taxpayers.
• For this invention, Parliament gave Grant £2,000.
• He also received a medal from the French king, Louis Philippe.
• The Society of Arts in London gave him a gold medal too.

Fresh Water at Sea

• In 1834, Grant invented a machine to make fresh water.
• This machine was called a desalination plant.
• It could turn salty seawater into fresh drinking water.
• The Times newspaper said in 1859 it was "the greatest benefit ever conferred on the sailor."
• They also said it greatly improved the health and morale of the navy.
• One of these plants was put on HMS Wye.
• During the Crimean War, it made 10,000 gallons of fresh water every day!

Other Clever Creations

• According to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Grant had more inventions.
• He created a special fuel for ships called "Grant's Patent Fuel."
• This fuel was made into small blocks, like briquettes.
• He also invented a steam kitchen for warships.
• The first tests for this kitchen were on HMS Illustrious.
• Grant also designed a new type of lifebuoy.
• He even made a special kind of paddle wheel for ships.

A Leader in the Royal Navy

• Thomas Grant became a very important member of the Royal Society.
• He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1840.
• In 1850, he got a big promotion.
• He became the comptroller of the Admiralty's victualling and transport service.
• This meant he was in charge of supplying food, drinks, and transport for the entire Royal Navy.

Helping During the Crimean War

• The Crimean War started in 1854.
• This war was a big challenge for Grant.
• However, his inventions were very helpful.
• They made up for many problems with how supplies were managed during the war.
• His work helped the soldiers and sailors a lot.

Recognition and Later Life

• For all his achievements, Thomas Grant was knighted.
• This meant he was given the title "Sir."
• Queen Victoria herself gave him a special gold and silver vase.
• Sir Thomas Tassell Grant died in London on 15 October 1859.
• He passed away from cancer.
• The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography noted that his inventions were very important.
• They said his inventions made people's lives much better.
• However, they were perhaps "too homely" to get enough mention in history books about technology.
• He died at his home in Regents Park, London.

Family

• Sir Thomas Grant was married to Emma.
• They had two sons together.
• Their sons were Vice-admiral William Burley Grant and Richard Tassell Grant.
• His granddaughter, Hilda Lucy Grant, married Sir Charles Seely, 2nd Baronet in 1891.

Other

• List of Fellows of the Royal Society G,H,I