SPRAT (Dr Thomas), bishop of Rochester, was born in 1636. He had his education at Oxford, and after the Restoration entered into holy orders. He became fellow of the Royal Society, chaplain to George duke of Buckingham, and chaplain in ordinary to king Charles II. In 1667, he published the History of the Royal Society, and a Life of Mr Cowley; who, by his last will, left to his care his printed works and MSS. which were accordingly published by him. In 1668, he was installed prebendary of Westminster; in 1683, was appointed canon of Windsor, and dean of Westminster; and in 1684, consecrated to the bishopric of Rochester. He was clerk of the closet to king James II.; in 1685, was made dean of the chapel royal; and the year following, was appointed one of the commissioners for ecclesiastical affairs. In 1692, his lordship, with several other persons, was charged with treason by two men, who forged an association under their hands, of which the bishop published an account. He died of an apoplexy in 1713. His writings are greatly admired for elegance of style.