Thomas Sprent (1834 – 1910) lived in Paris with his French wife and had a Champagne “house” in Eperney. It is thought that the Sprents were originally Huguenots from France where, in the 17thC, many were persecuted for their beliefs and murdered, enslaved or driven out of the country. Thomas returned to Overton when he retired and called his house in Winchester Street Rivoli House. His wife was always known as Madame Sprent and spoke very little English. They had no children.
From Anne Stockill