Joseph Marryat (1757–1824)

Joseph Marryat (1757–1824) was a British merchant, Member of Parliament, and author, primarily known for his involvement in West Indian affairs and his writings on maritime signal codes.

Born in London, Marryat made his fortune as a merchant and shipowner engaged in trade with the West Indies, particularly Grenada. He owned sugar plantations and was a vocal advocate for the interests of West Indian planters.

Marryat served as a Member of Parliament for Horsham from 1808 to 1812 and for Sandwich from 1812 to 1824. In Parliament, he frequently spoke on matters related to trade, shipping, and colonial affairs. He was a strong supporter of the West India interest and defended the system of slavery, arguing for its economic importance and the rights of property owners.

He is also remembered for his contributions to maritime communication. He devised a system of numbered flags for signaling between ships, aiming to improve efficiency and safety at sea. This system, published in his "Suggestions for the Better Regulation of the London Docks" and related pamphlets, contributed to the development of standardized maritime signal codes.

He was the father of novelist Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848), who gained fame for his sea stories.