Sir Walter Besant (14 August 1836–9 June 1901)

British novelist and historian. Born in Portsmouth, England, he studied at Christ's College Cambridge graduating in 1859. He went on to become a mathematics teacher and professor at Rossall School, Lancashire, Leamington College and Royal College Mauritius. Published collaboratively with James Rice as well as independently after Rice's death. Besant was a prolific novelist and essayist. He wrote largely on the history and topography of London. He had a special interest in the hardship of the poorest classes in cities. In 1874 he married Mary Garrat Foster Barham with whom he had four children. They also cared for Besant's nephew Digby, son of Anne Besant and his brother Frank. Besant was a Freemason and treasurer of the Atlantic Union which sought to improve Anglo-American relations. He died in London.