Congreve, << KON greev, >> Sir William (1772-1828), a British inventor, developed rockets that could carry explosives. His work, which included a book on rocketry, promoted the use of rockets as a major military weapon. The British used Congreve rockets in 1805 against French troops during the Napoleonic Wars. British forces also bombarded Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, with such rockets during the War of 1812. See Rocket (History).
Congreve was born on May 20, 1772, in Woolwich, England, and received a master’s degree from Cambridge University in 1795. He succeeded to his father’s baronet title in 1814. Congreve received 18 patents. He devised new methods of mounting naval guns and manufacturing gunpowder. He also invented a steam engine, a sprinkler system, and various other devices. He died on May 16, 1828.
