Novelist and officer in Royal Navy where he was a bit of a hero, rescuing men from drowning, etc. Born Catherine Court, Tower Hill or Great George Street, Westminster, depending on source.
Entered the Royal Navy in 1806. Early pioneer of nautical fiction, e.g. semi-autobiographical novel 'Mr Midshipman Easy', 1836. In 1830 he left the navy to write full-time. His later works were for children, e.g. 'Children of the New Forest', 1847.
Remembered also for a widely used system of maritime flag signalling known as Marryat's Code. An acquaintance of Charles Dickens. Died at home in Norfolk.
