Charles Henry Gatty

Charles Henry Gatty (6 March 1836 – 12 December 1903) was a British zoologist, meteorologist, landowner and philanthropist. He was the last Lord of the manor in Felbridge, East Grinstead. He funded the Gatty Marine Laboratory in St Andrews in Scotland, which is named in his memory.

Life He was born on 6 March 1836 in Marylebone in London the son of George Gatty (d. 1862) and his wife Frances Sayer (d. 1876). His father was a clerk in the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. The family originated in Bodmin in Cornwall and before that were the Gatti family of Insubria in Italy. In 1838 he moved with his family to Malling House in South Malling near Lewes. In 1846 they moved to 6 Marlborough Terrace in Kensington. At the same time they ran Crowhurst Park, 120 acres previously owned by the Pelham family. Charles was sent to Eton College then won a place at Cambridge University. He did not graduate until 1862.

In 1892, he gave £3000 for the foundation of the Gatty Marine Laboratory to continue his interests. This moved from a timber building to a permanent building in 1896. It is located near St Andrews in Fife. Its first Director was William Carmichael McIntosh. Gatty visited his creation at least once per year. As the facility was linked to St Andrews University they awarded him an honorary doctorate (LLD) in recognition of his generosity. He was also granted the Freedom of the City. Earlier philanthropic gifts included the rebuilding of the Cottage Hospital in East Grinstead in 1881. In 1894 he gifted a large section of river bank to the town. Gatty also supplied free housing to retired persons in Felbridge. In 1892 he paid the costs for a trip to America of an estate worker and his wife, hoping it would improve his health.