Phineas Pett

Phineas Pett, 1570-1647: master-builder of the navy, and resident Commissioner at Chatham, 1630-1647. He left a Diary, extracts from which are published in vol. xii. of the Archacologia. He is said to have been “the first scientific naval architect.” It is, however, Peter Pett, his nephew, 1593-1652, who is credited with the invention of the frigate, reference to which is made on his monument in St. Nicholas Church.  (Austin Hobden, footnote).

• Wikipedia entry on Phineas Pett

• Portrait from Wikipedia