The zoetrope was invented by William George Horner who was based in Kingston-upon-Thames.
Outside the house is a blue sign honouring his discovery and invention. If you are interested in discovering more i recommend you visit Kingston museum where they have a whole section dedicated to the zoetrope and William Horner.
William was a British mathematician who was interested in looking at the movement of initially horses and then humans. From this he created the Zoetrope in 1833-1834.